As Hue Wish

Finally Feeling Better

2012-01-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to be moving on to a new week. Last week just plain sucked. The week before wasn't much better. I just couldn't get well. I tried to sleep but I was too busy being a mom and trying to work. Finally, last Friday, worn down and completely drained, sick & tired, I picked up the girls from school and told them I needed a nap. Three & a half hours later I got up, hubby was home so we went for tacos, came back, tried to settle in and watch a movie and passed out until 8 the next morning where I FINALLY, finally felt a little better. Normally, I would have gone to the doctor but the hubs just started a job in December so we do have insurance but it is pretty bare bones so nothing is covered until the deductible is met. Nothing, meaning we have to pay full price for a doctor visit so unless it is something major I was just having to heal on my own. I'm sure a nice round of antibiotics would have knocked out whatever I had but I made it through and even though I woke up last night with a bout of coughing that left me awake for an hour or more, I am doing better. I just hate getting sick. It doesn't happen often but it really throws my world into a tailspin. Things just will not get done if I don't do them. Anyway, so back to normal today. The one benefit to being sick was I just wanted to lay around most of the time so I was at least working on the baby blanket. A few more days and I will be done. Good thing because the mom is on bed rest and keeps having pains and I'm pretty sure that this baby is coming early even though it is not technically due for another few weeks. I'm excited to meet this little guy.

Another crazy thing that has occupied way too many thoughts in my head lately is a local man that is sneaking into unlocked doors. Seriously, this is really scary. Less than a mile away in the last few weeks & other instances around my town (a small suburb of Dallas) a man has been going into homes where he is able to gain access easily and he has been found in girl's bedrooms and in one instance even touched a girl's ear. It is very disturbing and it has me more than a little freaked out. Apparently, back in August this was happening and a few streets over the guy was found by the man of the house in his backyard where he was shot at! Now, they think it is the same guy. With my husband going back to school to get his degree he is gone until late at night a few days of the week. Last semester he had similar classes keeping him out late, but I would just go to sleep and he would let me know when he was home, but now I just cannot sleep without him here so I stay up. This kind of ruins my resolution to getting to sleep at a good time every night but I really don't care. Until this guy is caught for sure then I don't feel safe without Corey here. Have any of you had someone like this in your town? It's very unsettling to know that there is a guy walking around & possibly watching you or your children, waiting for a time to come into your home. I am glad that we have a relatively big dog that hopefully would be a deterrent when coming close to our house. I know he would defend us but until this guy is in jail I won't feel safe.

So, now it's back to my regularly scheduled program. I really need to get my workout program back on track because soccer starts in 2 or 3 weeks (still confirming), so I'm off to the gym. Have a good week everyone!

Crochet-A-Long & Other Projects

2012-01-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Just decided I'll be joining a crochet-a-long after I recently received an e-mail from Waverly for Bernat explaining they will be starting one very soon. I've seen these in the past and I thought it would be a great idea but, of course, never got around to doing it. This particular one starts February 15th & goes for a few months with new updates every Wednesday. All the details can be found at Bernat's website but basically you get the e-mail for a block of a blanket to make each week and then you join it together. The best part is you have no idea what it will look like starting out. I love the sound of that. I always love the thought of making a blanket but it is hard to accomplish because you start out with this great idea, but then it starts to take so long that you put it down intending to pick it back up later and then 2 years later you find it buried in the back of your closet. (So hoping that's not just me) Anyway, this way sounds like much more fun to me. I'll be encouraged to finish because I will just have to know how it will turn out. Anyway, it sounds like fun & a good way to learn some new skills along the way. In the past, each block was a different pattern like the one shown on THIS page.

I figure I will post here each week so it will keep me going & maybe some of you can join too? Any takers? I've picked my color palette and I'll be going to the craft store next week & I'll show you the colors of the yarns together once I do my shop. I've got several weeks before it starts but the way time has been moving, I better get it while I have the chance.

Here's a little bit of what I've been doing for the baby blanket I started for a friend. The colors are Silver Blue, White, and Taupe. I'm just loving this color combination!

And, here is a peak of the new crocheted camera covers I'm putting in the shop. Come check out a better view at As Hue Wish:

Doing My Part

2012-01-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the news? No, it's not earth-shattering news, but it will make it very hard to stock up on Twinkies if the Zombie Apocalypse does happen: Hostess filed for bankruptcy. You know, the guys who make the aforementioned Twinkies, and also Ho-Hos, Ding Dongs, among others, and well, let's face it, nothing good for us. Yesterday, as I was strolling through Target looking for snacks for Audrey's soccer game today I saw the little yellow 'price cut' sign calling my name and gave in. Don't worry, I'm not giving those little pumped up 7-year-old future soccer stars THAT much sugar after a game. I had thoughts of powdered sugar and coffee for breakfast today. I just feel I have to help them out. I even said out loud "I just feel like I need to buy at least one thing" and as I heard someone answer with "me too" and realize it was actually someone behind me with the same look I probably had, I just knew I had to grab a bag of Donettes for breakfast. Well, because I might not be able to in the future.

So, that is my long, drawn out excuse for today's bad-for-me breakfast. Is this justification enough? I only ate 3. Okay 4. Geez.

How about when you learn that I followed it immediately with a very healthy banana? I'm pretty sure that offsets it.

Awww, see I knew you would see my side of things. Happy Saturday everyone.

Chinese Steamed Dumplings

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love me some appetizers. So much so, I could make a meal out of them regularly. And that's just we did last night. I'm a big fan of copycat recipes. You know, your favorite foods from restaurants, but cooked at home. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Let me tell you, last night it worked and I'm so excited to have been able to have found this recipe on the first attempt. They were fun and easy to make. Even Audrey, my 7-year-old, enjoyed helping me out.

I often browse this website called Foodgawker. It's a page full of pictures of food and if you click on a picture it will go to the source of that picture, a blog where it almost always give the recipe. So, anyway, cruising Foodgawker and saw a recipe for dumplings, as in Chinese Dumplings and decided I was going to attempt this. I did a search option and brought up all of the recipes for this dish, choosing the most 'hearted'. I figure if everyone else seems to like it then it should be good. I was directed to the food blog First Look, Then Cook. I'm SO saving this website because these turned out amazing, tasted just like my local Chinese food restaurant's dumplings. Yum!

Below are a few pics of our process & the full recipe is at the bottom.

First gather up your ingredients. BTW, I could not find the wrappers at first and found that many grocery stores keep them in the organic section in the produce aisle. That is exactly where I found them at our local Kroger.

Next, grab a partner and start filling those suckers. Our won-tons were square-shaped so you add about 1/2 tablespoon of the meat mixture to the center of the dumpling. Have a small bowl with water at your ready. Dip your finger in the water & slide along the edge before folding the square into a triangle. We pinched ours out to look more like a dumpling:

We took a large cookie sheet, added parchment paper so they would not stick, and laid them out as we made these cute little bundles:

Next, steam them. There are a few ways you can do this. Corey decided that since there were so many of them we needed a bigger surface then our normal collapsible steamer basket like this, but this will work:

Instead, he took our griddle, added lots of water, a small cookie sheet with a cookie rack resting on the edges and viola, we had ourselves a super steamer. We were able to do them in 2 batches at 12 minutes a piece:

Corey whipped up some fried rice with lots of veggies and here ya go. This was our dinner:

Like I said, they dumplings turned out amazing, and the kids could not get enough!

Chinese Dumplings

ingredients:

dumplings:

1 garlic clove
1 lb of ground pork
1/2 can water sliced chestnuts
1 tablespoon ginger
1 egg white
2 tablespoons rice wine
1 tablespoon corn starch
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons minced scallions
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2-4 tablespoons cilantro
1 package dumpling wrappers (we used won-ton wrappers)

sauce:

soy sauce
rice wine
scallions
ginger

Start food processor and add garlic while running. Add the rest of the ingredients and run processor until well-blended. Place 1/2 tablespoon into the dumpling wrapper. Dip finger in water and trace over half of wrapper. Fold wrapper together and make sure it is sealed. At this point, the dumplings may be frozen or cooked immediately. When ready to cook, layer steamer with cabbage leaves or parchment paper and place dumplings in a single layer onto paper/leaves and cook 20 minutes if frozen, or 12 minutes for fresh.

For sauce add equal parts soy sauce and rice wine. Then add minced scallions and grated ginger to your liking.

Bummer Day

2012-01-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

Most days I wake up and everything is great, or at least good. Today is not one of those days. I have been reflecting all day about my life. I have a job where I sit and type all day and so my mind tends to wander. Sometimes, I try not to do that because I start obsessing or feeling bad about something but I guess it's because I'm sick and just feeling like crap that everything really just seems to suck today. I don't really have any reason to think my life sucks but right now, at this very moment it does. I feel like dog poop and all I want to do is lie down and take a nap. But I can't. I have work to do. I can't call in sick. I work at home. If I had a job outside of the house I probably would call in sick but I don't and so I'll sit in my jeans and sweatshirt and type away, and daydream about laying in bed and sleeping my sick away.

I think what bums me out lately is just that I look at everyone and feel like they have everything together. I mean, I have lots of lists and schedules and things I should be doing but I see everyone else and they are lovely and talented and can speak without second guessing everything they say like I do. and I hate it. I can't seem to get anything accomplished without struggling. I don't know why I'm different and can't ever get anything done. I'm constantly busy but I look back at the end of the day sometimes and wonder what I really did. I don't watch TV all day, sometimes not more than 30 minutes all day. I procrastinate here and there but not significant amounts of time. Then I start wondering what I would do if I weren't sitting and typing all day? You know that question where someone asks if money were no object what would you do and that is supposed to be the profession you should go into? Well, I always blank out with that one. I don't want to commit to one thing, which means I haven't committed to anything. I like lots of things and do a little bit of everything, but it changes quickly and I worry to pick something and then hate it. Then I worry that I've wasted this much of my life just not committing to one thing. Today, I want to sleep that's all. I also want to crochet my friend's baby blanket. I just started it and the colors are awesome. So, I guess there is something I would do today if I weren't typing my life away, but tomorrow it will likely change. *sigh*

Better Late Than Never

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I'm a little behind on the resolution thing but it doesn't mean I don't have goals set in place yet. I have them in mind but it's always good to get them down. I think writing things down and letting other people know what your goals are keeps you more accountable. At least it does for me. I just can't stand telling people I'm going to do something and I don't do it! So here we go:

1. This is THE most important one for me: Get to bed at a reasonable time! I tend to stay up late because my girls aren't in bed until 8:30 & 9. After that is mine and Corey's time and I tend to extend it out because it's when I finally am finished with things for the day and get to stop moving and relax a little. However, I am so exhausted by the end of the week I can't even stay up to enjoy the weekends without a nap or just being out of it, so I think I can get more accomplished and just feel better all around by getting to bed earlier. I even set the alarm on my phone to go off at 10:30 so I know that is when I need to start heading to the bedroom. So far so good!

Source: handsomedogs.tumblr.com via Aria on Pinterest

2. I want to make a goal. Ha. My goal is to make a goal. No, I'm not going bonkers, I'm talking soccer, baby! I joined up for another season. I have played a total of 1 season my whole life and that was last summer. That is the first time I have ever played and I loved it but I knew the fall would be super hectic so I decided not to sign up. Well, I was asked to join up again and I accepted. So now, going to the gym has a another purpose besides just working out. I aim to get at least one this season! Part of that is getting out of the holiday 'eating too much' routine and back to healthier options. I'll be doing another post soon with how I stay fit with what works for me, food & exercise wise so stay tuned on that. (& you're welcome for the eye candy below)

3. I have started a cleaning routine I hope sticks because it seems to be working. This is one area of my life I have never been able to get under control. I can clean, but then life gets in the way and everything else comes before it and I am totally overwhelmed again. I've realized though, a messy house gives me anxiety and then no one in the house is happy when Mom is stressed out! So, I have been doing a routine I found in Pinterest, which is from another blog, My 3 Monsters. She advises you to write down what fits your house but what she has down, for the most part, fits what needs cleaning in my house too, so I'm just following it and I have seen a nice change already.

Source: google.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Katie on Pinterest

ource: amygregson.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

4. Floss. Well, that one is self-explanatory but I'll confess I went a long time without going to the dentist. Last Spring I finally went after (mumble, mumble) years and I also got my wisdom teeth pulled last summer. I am very happy to report that my teeth are in MUCH better shape then they were when I first went in last year but I really have to force myself to floss every night. I don't know why I have such a hard time with it. But, hey, I have it down on here so now everyone knows so I have to, right?

Source: google.com via Nikki on Pinterest

5. CRAFTS & BLOG: Last year I realized I needed to do something creative. I feel like it is just IN me and so I got some things done, created my Etsy shop, and started this blog. Even though it gets pushed back sometimes with everything going on in this girl's crazy life, I still constantly strive to do more and learn more. It's hard to set specific creative goals because sometimes ideas just come to you. But, I can set aside time to make more items that I have already created patterns for so I will continue with those. A friend of mine asked if I would like to do a craft show this summer with her and I said YES! So, besides getting back to adding more items into my Etsy, I am going to be working on some new things that would sell better in the summer and get those started soon so I can have a good stock by the summer. As for the blog, well, I am going to continue to post, starting to add more recipes because I have realized I haven't really been doing that as well as more of what I've done in the past.

So, the blogging continues. I won't plan out every minute but it is nice to have some goals don't you think? I look forward to being more creative and doing more with my family and friends. Trying to remember I can do anything I want to do, but I can't do everything at the same time.

Making My Way Back

2011-12-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

I'm back y'all, i'm back y'all! Soooo, I know I've been MIA for a while but I had to get back to all my lovely peeps today! You see, Christmas nearly put me out! Don't get me wrong, I love everything about it but something just had to give. I haven't been to the gym in 3 weeks (yikes) and no matter how hard I tried I could not find any time to write up a post without sacrificing something else. So, I just put it aside for a while keeping in mind that I would come back this week, after all the craziness of the holidays.

I let my girls sleep in today after a crazy night of playing Wii games WAY too late. Okay, I was playing too. Just Dance 3 baby! I can't not join in. I mentioned here once that I love to dance, and you can find me bustin a move just about anywhere so as soon as that game is in I'm up and dancing along. Can't hurt to burn off a few of those (millions) of holiday treats that I have consumed too, right?

Here are a few pics of how we spent the last week. The Wednesday before Christmas I started my baking. I baked and baked and baked.... well, you get the picture. Instead of exchanging gifts with all of our neighbors we started exchanging treats several years ago. I like to try & come up with new things so here are a few of this year's goodies:

I baked mini-loaves of fresh bread to go with the apple butter I made. First time canning and nailed it!

Most all of the neighbors have dogs so I didn't want them to be left out. I gave some to my own dogs, Ace & Romeo too & they went insane! I think I'll keep this recipe around and start making it regularly.

Oreo balls are so easy & amazing. I made these last year and everyone went gaga over them!

I love biscotti. I always make it. This year it was chocolate chip. Can't go wrong with chocolate chip anything!

And, all bagged up and ready to go:

We had my family over on Christmas Eve & Corey's family on Christmas day. The time flew by so fast I can't believe it's over!

Here is Audrey handing out the gifts:

One of my favorite gifts, boot slippers. I wore them nearly all day on Christmas Day. They are so comfy:

Ella with one of her cute new sweaters:

Shhh, don't tell him I put this picture up, but I couldn't help myself. It's Corey wearing Ella's new scarf. LOL He was showing her how to tie it like a regular tie:

And one more of Audrey wearing one of her favorite gifts. Seriously, she wore this thing for 2 straight days! Santa has good taste, eh.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. We are having a nice relaxing week. Hanging out with friends and planning a small get together for New Year's Eve! So I'm off to Pinterest to go search for dip recipes......

Claiming Me at Bloglovin

2011-12-10T07:36:00.001-08:00

Hey guys, I'm just posting to 'claim' my blog over at Bloglovin. Since GFC is going away shortly everyone seems to be scrambling to figure out a different way to follow and be followed so now you can

Follow my blog with Bloglovin.

So, how are y'alls Saturdays so far? Whatsa happenin hot stuff? I'm sippin on some mocha peppermint flavored coffee:

Source: coffee-mate.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Then I'm going to start the kids out on starting those ornaments I mentioned a few days ago here. Then, a baby shower, soccer game, and back home to start some homemade apple butter that I plan to can (for the 1st time evah!) :

Source: food.com via Pamela on Pinterest

and more crocheting, maybe watching Super 8 finally! See ya on the flipside. Whatever that means.

Doin The Happy Dance

2011-12-09T06:12:00.001-08:00

It's one thing to decide to sell on Etsy and it's another to actually make a sale. Well, on Sunday I got my 1st sale this week from someone I do not know. I have made 2 other sales before this one but they were from friends. By NO means whatsoever am I discounting those sales. Believe me, friends can be your biggest supporters and I very much appreciate those more than anything. It got me started and gave me confidence in my work. But, for a complete stranger to want what you are selling is a different feeling. It means someone was clicking through, saw it and said, I would like to have THAT, even though they know nothing about you (unless of course you read my blog, then "Hey gurl, thanks") And last night I got two more orders, well, 1 order for 2 more items. It feels amazing to open your e-mail and see that little confirmation that someone thinks your work is as good as you do. Good enough to buy it from you. That, that little idea that sparked into your head, that you just had to get down and make INTO something will be in someone's hands to enjoy. I know it's only a few sales. But it's a start in the right direction. Now, off to package up the order & on to the craft store to go get more supplies while I do the happy dance.

Source: plus.google.com via Pamela on Pinterest

Goings On Around Our Hood

2011-12-08T09:53:00.001-08:00

As we get ready for Christmas I have been enjoying life inside as it has been really cold here lately. Well, cold for me. I've lived in Texas all my life so anything below 50 is cold to me. So you can imagine how I feel when it's in the thirties, like it's been all week.

So, anyway, as I sit here in my 42 layers of clothing, I thought I'd share some of the goings on around here and show you what we have been enjoying.

First, off we have been wearing jackets and decorating our tree. No silly, that's not our tree. It's something I slipped in there. Did I fool you? I'll post up pics of the (real) tree later:

We've been eating yummy food like chicken piccata with fettuccine. Yes, I know what the bowl says but it's not ravioli. I promise:

I've been crocheting like crazy. This one is mine. I know, I know, it sounds selfish but I really almost never keep anything I make and this is my favorite color and I'll be around a LOT of people in the next few weeks with opportunities to take pictures so I thought it would be a good chance to show off the wares. Then, when they are like "who made that fabulous crocheted camera strap cover, I'll be like BAM, I did. and I'll make you one too, sir or madam".

And I'm working on making a crocheted Nook cover a friend asked me to make in anticipation of getting one for Christmas. Since I've never made one and I could not find the perfect pattern, of course I had to come up with my own. I think I'll be adding a strap & brown button to this one too. Now, I just need to find someone that already owns one to make sure it fits okay as I only went by the specs I found on the interwebs:

I would also LOVE to try my hand at these:

Source: purlbee.com via Pamela on Pinterest

I found the pattern over at The Purl Bee and they look relatively simple to make. I don't know if you can tell but the letters are cross-stitched on and other than that it's really just simple sewing. I figured Ella could do her own. I used to cross-stitch way back in the day and it is pretty easy, especially just a letter like this. I may even have Audrey give it a go. I was thinking they could give them to their teacher's for a teacher gift before they are out on break and if they turn out well we may just make more for friends when we hand out our annual cookie/goodie bags.

Sigh. So many ideas, so little time. Being as craft-minded as I am I would just love to sit down and make everything for everyone on my list but I know I don't have that much extra time so a few will have to do for now.

Do you guys make any of your own gifts? What have you done or plan to do?

I'm joining in on the Facebook Hop today. Hi to any newbs that clicked on over from there. Welcome!

Finding Time to Unwind

2011-12-03T13:02:00.001-08:00

Have you uttered these words lately: 'I'm SO busy'. I keep having to stop myself from saying it because I hate sounding like I'm complaining about my life. In fact, I love my life right now, but there is really just no other way to put it. My life is hectic. Yours probably is too, right? So, I have to find joy in the little things because vacation and summertime is just too far in the future.

So, what do you all do to unwind? Here's a few of my favorites off the top of my head:

1. Flavored coffees. I love the holiday flavored coffees so I have been experimenting with different flavored creamers & coffees from the store. I just bought mocha peppermint today. Sounds Yum!

2. A hot bath. Calgon, take me away. When I was a kid I didn't really get that commercial. A bath was just something you had to do. I so totally get it now. It's gotten cold here the last few weeks and especially today. I just get that chill in my bones and the only thing I can do to get it out is a nice hot bath.

3. Crochet & knit with a movie or catching up on DVR'd programs. Being that my shop features many crocheted items I have to find time to crochet so I may as well enjoy some movies or TV with it, right? Ella has been learning to crochet too (she's my mini-me) so she's usually snuggled up next to me which makes it even better.

4. Playing cards or Wii games with the neighbors. I'm so blessed to know many of my neighbors.We have a nice group that usually involves anywhere from 4 to 12 of us getting together at one of our houses on the weekends. We just hang out and usually play Wii Sports or card games. It doesn't really matter what game, it's just the background to hanging out and enjoying each other's company.

5. Volunteering. I get a lot out of volunteering at the school. My daughters go to a school that has a jump-rope team, a runner's club, a dance club, and a basketball club. Yes, our school's PE teacher is an amazing guy putting together all of these clubs. You can find me there at least a few times a week helping out and I just love interacting with the kids and getting my mind off of the list of things waiting for me at home.

This is a pic of Ella & I nearly a year ago at jump-rope camp.

Your turn....what do you like to do this time of year to relax?

Randomness & Tagging Along

2011-12-01T05:29:00.001-08:00

I'm blog hopping today. You should too.

Does that mean I'm one of the cool kids now? I hope so, cuz I love reading all of these lady's blogs.

And now for something completely different, random pictures from the past few days:

The last fruit from my garden (and only tomatoes of the year). oooh, ahhh.

My daughter and her 'toeless socks'. Don't worry, after I realized this was what was left of her favorite pair of Strawberry Shortcake socks I made her throw them out, much to her dismay. Could that really be comfortable? Ah, what we do for fashion.

I don't know if you will find this as amusing as I did when I found it lying on the coffee table but I'll post it up anyway. Translation: How to love macaroni and cheese. First you get born. Next you try it. Then you LIKE IT! Just in case anyone needed a step by step on loving mac & cheese.

And, just because he could use a few well wishes, the rare appearance of my hubby, Corey. He is starting his first day on a new job today, all decked out in a new suit and everything. He is SO happy to be starting this new job and we are all very much looking forward to this new beginning for him!

Happy pre-Friday everyone!

I am ____

2011-11-29T10:50:00.001-08:00

I am _____ right now:

I'm loving all the Tuesday Ten link ups over at :

Here's mine:

I am - a busy busy bee and I love it!I wonder - how long it will take before I can get the Christmas tree up. It's down from the attic. That's a start, right?I see - that times are stressful right now so I'm trying to be light in my responses today.I want - for my kids to know that they can do anything but it takes hard work. I pretend(ed) - that I didn't want the leftovers of shrimp and pasta and gave it to my husband, but I totally did. I worry - that people think that because I'm quiet I'm not smart. No really, I get that impression sometimes.I cry - at the drop of the hat. I was at Zumba yesterday and a lady was telling me how she was going to teach Zumba to people confined to a wheelchair so they could get some activity, and I had to turn away because I was tearing up. Dangit, I'm doing it again. It's just so DANG sweet!I hope - that I can get my Christmas presents wrapped as I get them instead of waiting until the last minute like I usually do.I dream - that my children take chances and become who they were meant to be. I may push them a little (or slightly nudge), but I didn't get that and I still have no idea what I want to do.I feel - all verklempt now, so much for being a light post.

Back On Track

2011-11-27T10:45:00.001-08:00

OK OK, I think I've finally had enough turkey already! I'm ready to get back to our somewhat normal schedule and ready to move on to Christmas. Yay! (and the gym, for like a full day to work off half of what I ate.)

How was your holiday week? I was able to hang with my girls, my hubby, and the in-laws, as well as our neighbors, and my family. That was the best part. I believe it's good for your soul to just take time out and visit with people you love to be around.

I was also able to finish a custom order I have been working on for a friend. I just love her photography style and can't wait to book our own family's session with her at Vintage Bloom Photography.

It's my second camera strap cover & I have more going so I'm looking forward to getting several more up over on Etsy. I had been working on a coral, grey, & white one before her request so I'll be finishing that one this week!

My sister-in-law also gave me an idea for a new accessory. Being a work-at-home mom doesn't always put me in the middle of fashion central so when my beautiful, stylish sis-in-law mentions something is cool, I listen! I'll have to work out the pattern but hoping to start this new item within the week too!

Don't forget the giveaway going on over at Pink Stitches! Win a chance for $25 in credit to my shop! If you don't see something in the shop that you would like, send me your idea and I'll see what I can do.

Have a great week, stay warm, and don't forget to take some time to be around some people you love too!

Well Hello There.

2011-11-23T08:32:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!

I'm so thankful for Bonnie over at Pink Stitches for featuring my Etsy Shop on her site. So, if you are new and just joined from her referral over there then I'm sure you know how awesome she is already. I have more camera strap covers, necklaces, and other projects on the way so check back for those.

I have been crocheting off and on since I was in 5th grade. My teacher at the time had us do a project and one of the choices was to crochet something small. Well, mine wound up being a blanket! I just couldn't stop and I have loved it ever since. Throughout the years I have gone through times where I would pick it up and put it down. Then, a few years ago a friend of mine had an idea to get together and she would teach people to crochet and/or knit. She knew I already knew how to crochet so asked me to come along to have a familiar face. We met at our local Target's Starbucks and gossiped and crocheted with some other lovely ladies and I've been back into it since then. I have always been amazed that I can take something as simple as yarn and actually create something from it. It's probably the same reason I love to cook.

Anyway, that's my start. I'll make this short and sweet because I have lots of food to get started for the big day tomorrow. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and if you are traveling please be safe!

Audrey says hi.

twenty-five

2011-11-21T09:49:00.001-08:00

Linking up with Living In Yellow. Erin has a great list and inspired me to do my very own 25 things you may (or may not) want to know about me:

1. I use spreadsheets for everything. My 'grocery' section alone has 7 sections.

2. I just started getting into photography less than a year ago but I love my Canon Rebel and try to take at least a few pics a day:

3. Sometimes I don't do things just because I don't like to do what everyone else is doing. Like watching or reading anything Twilight. Sorry :)

4. I left a decent job 5 years ago and took an at-home job because I couldn't bear the thought of leaving my kids in daycare any longer.

5. I'm slightly obsessed with the show Dexter. I can't get enough of it! I really want this bobble-head.

6. I was painfully shy growing up and I still have bouts of it but I'm much better now! One of my fears was that one my 2 girls would follow that path and it would hold them back but neither one is. (whew).

7. I met my husband in the back of a music store where his punk band was playing a show.

8. I adore clothes and fashion but I hate shelling out the money so I almost always buy clearance and starting to get back into thrifting (used to do it a lot in college).

9. When I first met my husband I could barely cook Hamburger Helper but now the thought of cooking a full- course Thanksgiving meal gets me all giddy.

10. I work out because I love to eat. I generally eat pretty healthy but I do believe you need a good burger and chocolate milkshake every once in a while.

11. I've carried the same purse for 3 years. I know I need a new one but I splurged on a good leather one and cannot find anything I like better.

12. I know all of my neighbors and we regularly hang out all the time. It's awesome!

13. I bake my own bread.

14. I love living in Texas and everything about it. I want land in the Hill Country when I retire.

15. My oldest daughter, Ella, is my fashion consultant. She is 10 and has better taste then just about anyone I have ever met.

16. I think people's choices in movies tells a lot about them.

17. My least favorite chore is mopping and I go way too long in between doing it at my house.

18. I played soccer for the first time on a team at 35.

19. I could skip most meals and just eat appetizers. I love bite-sized everything!

20. I'm a late adapter to most electronics. Once I'm there I usually like it, but it takes me a while.

21. I'm a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. My favorite player is Demarcus Ware:

22. My BFF & I made up a phrase for people on the internet that ask you questions you KNOW could easily be found on google: GTS (it stands for Google that Sh--). As in, what was the name of the twenty-second president of the United States? Seriously, just GTS. We hope it catches on.

23. I'm a big ole crybaby. I'm going to be a mess when Ella graduates 5th grade and I don't even want to talk about high school.

24. I will bust out dancing at random times. I especially like the Humpty Dance and the Roger Rabbit but I'm also a fan of climbing the ladder and the sprinkler.

25. I'm pretty sure my youngest daughter, Audrey, is going to be famous at something when she gets older. She is 7 and great at everything, especially lighting up the room:

Prepping For The Big Day

2011-11-20T08:29:00.001-08:00

What's going in your house? Yesterday was a killer day here. I got the chance for extra work so jumped on that (yay extra Christmas money) and in between typing (I'm a transcriptionist) I worked on baking bread, roasting a chicken, and making cupcakes. Makes for a long day!

I haven't made bread in a while but this is my start to Thanksgiving dinner. I use white bread in my cornbread stuffing but it needs to be a little stale so this is my official start to Thanksgiving:

Next, I roasted a chicken to make homemade broth. Doesn't it look like it's saying "I surrender"?

Today was my FIL's birthday and I have been wanting to make these cupcakes for a while.

Irish Car Bomb cupcakes.

Here are a few of the special ingredients.

Mine aren't as pretty but the taste was amazing!

Now, I have the broth bubbling on the stove and tomorrow is the last grocery shopping excursion for the week. I plan to get in there early and not go back for at least a week. I hate crowds so I'm gettin my turkey and gettin outta there quick!

Have you started prepping anything yet?

Turkey Day Part II

2011-11-16T06:34:00.001-08:00

Did I mention I LOVE Thanksgiving? Pretty sure I did. But this week I'm going to share what dishes we will be serving. Most are not the exact recipe I use but is the closest you can get.

We'll start with appetizers. We only have our family of 4 plus my husband's mom, stepdad, step-brother, and his sister so nothing too fancy.

1. Who could go wrong with deviled eggs. Last year I made a dozen (which is 24 appetizers if you're counting) and they were gone way too quick so I made need to bump that up by another half dozen.

Source: mommyskitchen.net via Julie on Pinterest

2. Ok, sorry I posted this last week but we decided for sure that we (we being the kids) are making this too. It's just too cute not to:

Source: brandyscrafts.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

3. The in-laws will be bringing a couple of dishes and this is the first. I don't really eat green beans but it looks great:

Source: frenchs.com via Pamela on Pinterest

4. Another must have: mashed potatoes and TURKEY GRAVY. I could live without the potatoes but I have to use my turkey drippings for the gravy. My perfect bite of turkey is like this: turkey-dressing-gravy for every bite. I'm kinda OCD on it. It makes my mouth happy :) :

Source: listverse.com via Pamela on Pinterest

5. Seriously, if you are going to make mac and cheese you have to make it like this. I follow this recipe (which can be found by clicking on the pin) and you just HAVE to add those buttered breadcrumbs to put it over the top:

Source: food.com via Pamela on Pinterest

6. And if that weren't enough, time to put you into carb overload with the dressing. I have always used the recipe my mom gave me. I don't think it is even written down but I was looking through Thanksgiving recipes a few years back and as it turns out Paula Deen's cornbread dressing is nearly exactly like hers. And she says it was passed down through her family so hey, maybe we're related? You never know:

Source: foodnetwork.com via Pamela on Pinterest

7. To be honest, I 'm really not sure what bread we are having. It is kind of an afterthought but since I need to finish buying everything by this Friday (2 days from now) I better decide. These are at the top of my list right now, Rosemary Garlic Butter Rolls:

Source: kayotic.nl via Pamela on Pinterest

8. Is that it? Wait, the most important, of course, the Turkey! This recipe, from Alton Brown, is pretty close to what we do but I do not add the exact same herbs. Those can be changed to your liking. The big thing that we always follow, though, is brining. I will NEVER cook another turkey without brining it first. Makes all the difference:

Source: seriouseats.com via Pamela on Pinterest

9. And on to the dessert. We usually have so much food that we can't possibly eat dessert right away. We usually wait until AT LEAST halftime (go Cowboys). I usually do a cheesecake and this year I think I will add one extra ingredient, a swirl of chocolate. My mouth is already watering:

Source: recipefinder.msn.co.nz via Pamela on Pinterest

10. Last but not least, apple pie, my husband's absolute most favorite dessert in the world. This year, he is requesting individual mini apple pies with crumble crust so I'm searching for the perfect recipe. This one looks great:

Source: overtimecook.com via Pamela on Pinterest

So, what's going on your table this year? Last year I finally got everything right and the key, in my opinion, is to keep it simple and use fresh ingredients. Can't wait!

Our Perfect Saturday

2011-11-14T08:10:00.001-08:00

What a great weekend we had. Fall soccer was finally over. We have a few weeks until Winter starts and on Saturday decided to go to our local Veteran's Day Celebration: The American Heroes Carnival. It was awesome. Besides being a little windy the weather was beautiful. We got to ride tons of rides, eat carnival food, listen to live music including Bowling For Soup (your kids will know them as the guys who sing the theme song to Phineas and Ferb), and a gorgeous fireworks display.

Here's Audrey and I riding the 'Tornado'.

A nice Ferris wheel and sky shot:.

Ella giving me that look:

Audrey waiting for the band to play:

We stayed for around 5 hours. It was exhausting, but so much fun. They rode into the night:

And ended the day with gorgeous fireworks:

I just love it when you have one of those days that you just know your kids will remember forever. They got to hang out with tons of their friends and families, and still got to be giggly girls. I worry that they are influenced by so many things in the world today that want them to grow up too fast, but today was NOT one of those days. It was perfect!

Feel-Good Friday

2011-11-11T10:44:00.001-08:00

I'm feeling good today for no particular reason. Maybe a mix of the beautiful mild sunny weather, a great weekend up ahead, and lots of fun projects in the works. I'm feeling a little fab, a little sunny, a little feisty...so here's THAT amalgamation in my Friday outfit:

Friday Fabulousness by pamela-s1 featuring a leopard coat

TIBI wool dress
$495 - net-a-porter.com

Ichi leopard coat
£70 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Mid heel boots
$190 - topshop.com

Michael Kors shoulder handbag
$995 - neimanmarcus.com

Miss Selfridge gold jewelry
£14 - missselfridge.com

Kate Spade gold jewelry
$178 - katespade.com

I hope you are feeling as good as I am today.

Don't forget to give thanks today for all those Veteran's around the nation!

And, in honor of this fabulous day of 11-11-11, enjoy:

Scary Night and What I Learned

2011-11-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Wow, so I feel like an idiot. Last night, I had just finished making dinner for me and the girls. Corey was at a class for school and so it was just us 3. We were in the living room getting caught up on some DVR'd shows and eating the chicken tortilla soup I had just made. I kept smelling a slight burning smell but thought that it was just the leftover scent from me frying up the tortilla strips for the soup. I glanced behind me and realized the kitchen was filled with smoke!

Of course I jumped up and ushered the girls outside immediately. I realized that flames were coming out of a sauce pan that I had used to fry up the tortillas. I had had the bigger pan of soup on low on the back burner and when I finished with the tortillas I put the soup on the counter and put the sauce pan on the back burner, not realizing I had left it ON! By the time I got into the kitchen, the flames were a few feet up in the air and my first thought was cut the oxygen. I checked the pan lids and the one that fits the pan that was on fire was glass. That would shatter, right? I wasn't sure but there was no time. So, I grabbed a bigger one and put it down over it the best I could. It was too big so it helped but not completely. I took a big metal slotted spoon and pushed the pot off of the burner and the flames slowly came down. After it was almost out I started to see that it was going to be okay. I called my neighbor and she said "baking soda". Duh. I knew that. So the baking soda was in the cabinet above the stove. Since the flames were very low now I could get to the cabinet where I kept the baking soda and used it. After throwing some over what was left of the fire it immediately went out. Whew.

Source: allyou.com via Hailey on Pinterest

Well, today the kitchen still smells like smoke and the paint around the oven on the cabinets is slightly blackened as well as the vent above it. I had inhaled some of the smoke and had a sore throat for a few hours but it went away. The girls had gone outside immediately so they didn't get much smoke. I learned a few lessons in the whole ordeal. First, we need new smoke alarms and we need to add an extra one in the kitchen. We have one in the living room and hallway. Both of which are 10-15 feet away. Both beep when you push the little button on them but neither went off! Next, don't keep your baking soda above the stove. Had I been thinking clearly, I could have used baking soda right away if it had been accessible. Third, thank goodness for my friend, my neighbor, who helped talk me through it and keep me calm afterwards. Another plus to getting to know your neighbors.

Source: katrinesfoto.blogspot.com via Kikki on Pinterest

Do you have a plan for putting out a grease fire. We all have a plan for getting out of the house quickly (at least I hope you do) but if it is a small fire like we had what would you do? Our situation could have turned bad quickly. We were lucky. Walk to your kitchen and go through the motions. Do you have something you could grab quickly?

First off never use water on a grease fire! Do you have something to cut the oxygen? Keep a lid nearby when cooking. How about a fire extinguisher? Even though it will be a mess this is certainly an option. Baking soda? If not, put it in a place where you could get to it quickly without having to think about it too much because you don't know how you are going to react. If you have thought it out beforehand there is a much better chance you can find a solution quicker. Hopefully, none of you will have to go through this but if you do, having a plan could save your kitchen and your home!

I am by no means an expert so this is just MY experience. But I want you to know how to be prepared if it were to occur. There is only a very short time between being able to put out the fire and time to call 911. Don't wait to call if you are unsure. If you do choose to put it out, make sure that you can get out of the house fast if you can't get the fire under control within a very short time.

The National Fire Protection Association has a lot of great information to read through if you want more tips.

Turkey Day Part I

2011-11-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

In honor of my favorite holiday coming up (psst, it's Thanksgiving) I have been searching around for some cute decorations this past week for this happy day. I refuse to listen to Christmas music until we celebrate this wonderful day and I just love these great ideas:

1. This is the first in several table decorations. It's just so simple but will definitely brighten anyone's Thanksgiving table:

Source: google.ca via Pamela on Pinterest

2. How about some garland. You could use it on your Thanksgiving table, the mantle, or anywhere your guests will be:

Source: Uploaded by user via Pamela on Pinterest

3. My girls are 10 & 7 so this would be perfect for them to make:

Source: blog.paper-source.com via Pamela on Pinterest

4. I really want to do this one. They are always so shy when it comes time for their turn around the table letting everyone know what they are thankful for, so here is another way they can express their thanks. If you are like me you have a ton of yarn and even if you are not, yarn is cheap and you could use it for other things later:

Source: parents.com via Pamela on Pinterest

5. I wish I could think of a way to use these. They are adorable but with all of the pies & cakes we normally have I'm not sure I could find a good excuse to make them, but I'll keep thinking about it:

Source: ourbestbites.com via Pamela on Pinterest

6. This, however, is another thing the girls can help prepare while I tackle the harder stuff. You have to have an appetizer while you put all the finishing touches on your meal. You may as well have this:

Source: brandyscrafts.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

7. Did I mention I love wreaths? Well I do. And looky here. This one already has our last name's initial on it. Perfect:

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

8. Another table decoration that is super simple. You may even be able to gather the acorns from your yard:

Source: divinedistractions.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

9. One last table decoration. For a slightly different look you can get white pumpkins, candle holder, pine cones, and branches. And there you have it:

Source: shanty-2-chic.com via Pamela on Pinterest

10. And, last but not least. I just LOVE this idea. You take a piece of paper and write down (or type) what you are thankful for, roll it up into a dinner roll, and bake it up. Then, you try and guess who wrote each one. Awesome:

Source: beautyandbedlam.com via Pamela on Pinterest

Next week, I'll be showing you a list of what will be on my table. What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

Welcome Fall With Homemade Applesauce

2011-11-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of making my own food versus the processed version if possible and really, it is nearly always possible if you are willing to try. I found today's recipe while baking a pear cake a few years ago. Part of the recipe required actually making pear sauce, as an ingredient, which was also included in the recipe. It was so easy I thought 'Why haven't I made this before?'.

Now, I use a similar version to make my own apple sauce. You can do either with this recipe. It is easy and you can also change the sweetness level to your liking.

First, you start with 8 apples. I am using Gala today but you can use many different kinds. On researching I found some sites stating you never use Red Delicious and others stating you should only use sweeter apples like Red Delicious so I do think it just comes down to taste and if you use a sweeter apple just cut the sugar down. I prefer Gala, or HoneyCrisp when I can get them.

You'll want to peel your apples and then cut into chunks. I peel mine by hand, then use an apple corer to cut into 8 sections. Then, I slice into cubes around 1 inch each. Turn on some music and start cutting. It will get you through the process much quicker, trust me. This is by far the hardest part. And, it's not really hard, just a bit time consuming.

I would recommend buying an apple corer/slicer if you don't already have one. Our whole family eats apples regularly and this makes quick work of slicing:

Add the pieces to a pot along with water up about an inch in the pot, around 3/4 cup. You can also use apple juice or cider here. I got a great deal on apple cider so I used that. As a side note, check the labels on your apple juice or cider. I was shocked to find a lot of apple juices are NOT made in America. I don't want to get too preachy but do we really need to import apple juice of all things? Okay, enough of that! I'm stepping down off of the soap box now.

Next, add 1/4 cup lemon juice. Then, add in the rest of the ingredients: 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick:

Mix together and cook for 15-20 minutes on medium low:

Let cool slightly.At this point the apples will be very soft. Use a potato masher to smash it up to the consistency you like. It will thicken a bit when cooled off and viola! You have made yourself some wonderful apple sauce:

HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

8 regular sized apples
1/4 lemon juice
3/4 cup apple cider (or apple juice or water)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick

Peel and cube apples.
Add apples to pot.
Add the rest of the ingredients, lemon juice, apple cider, sugars, and cinnamon.
Cook for 15-20 minutes.
Cool slightly.
Use potato masher to desired consistency.

See how simple it is!

This homemade applesauce will last up to 3 weeks in the fridge and you can also freeze it. If you don't need this much just cut the recipe in half.

See! Very easy and versatile!

Play with the recipe a little, add more or less sugar. If you make it with pears use water instead of apple juice and try adding a 1/2 tsp of cardamom.

Posh in Peacock Blue & Heather Grey

2011-11-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! Things are looking up in my house. We have a lot going on for the better. I think 2011 will be ending on a much better note than how it started out.

Anyhoo, sometimes, I just get flashes of colors or ideas about outfits that I would like to put together and Polyvore is the perfect site for getting that idea in my head down into an actual visible outfit. I think I got the idea across on this week's outfit. I really wanted to do a soft, heather grey jacket with a rose accessory and a teal color in the rest of the outfit. I just can't get enough of this peacock blue color. Definitely my favorite (right now at least).

Posh in Peacock Blue by pamela-s1 featuring a weekend bag

Smythe tailored jacket
£655 - brownsfashion.com

Clemens en August zip pants
£189 - theoutnet.com

Rupert Sanderson round toe pumps
$659 - mytheresa.com

Hermes weekend bag
atelier-mayer.com

Club Manhattan silver jewelry
€20 - welikefashion.com

Tasha hair accessory
$38 - nordstrom.com

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday season. Next up is Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of all! I'm thinking of doing an upcoming Top 10 Pins along these lines so stay tuned.

Be Happy, Be Thankful!

2011-11-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

1. I found this space over on Apartment Therapy. I love this site. Almost too much eye candy for a home design lover like me. I don't know how many great ideas I have found there but it is a great source for anything decorating-wise:

Source: community.apartmenttherapy.com via Pamela on Pinterest

2. Since I've worked at home the past 4 years, my days of heels and skirts are pretty much gone but I still love the look of heels with jeans. So, this is a nice amalgamation of my present and past tastes in fashion:

Source: polyvore.com via Pamela on Pinterest

3. If you are like us you still have about 10 pounds of Halloween candy left but still, these Homemade Twix look yummy. Maybe by December we will be out of the packaged kind and will need to make more:

Source: larecetadelafelicidad.com via Pamela on Pinterest

4. We have a weird shaped room for living room/dining. It's all 1 room but it definitely has a weird shape which makes it hard to figure out the best place for furniture. Although our room has much taller ceilings, these curtains on either side of the wall may work to show the distinct difference in the room:

Source: bhg.com via Pamela on Pinterest

5. I just HAVE to slip this in. I started my Etsy shop: As Hue Wish, a few days ago and this seems to have gotten the most interest. I'll be adding more items in the next few days so stay tuned:

Source: etsy.com via Pamela on Pinterest

6. I saw the greatest hairstyle last week and wondered how it was done. Then, while 'thumbing' through Pinterest I found tons of great hair tutorials. So, just discovered another great use for Pinterest. Here is one of my favorites. Check out her blog for lots more styles on video:

Source: thesmallthingsblog.com via Pamela on Pinterest

7. While I'm not exactly full-on in the Christmas spirit yet, I'm always on the lookout for ideas and I've come across some too cute gift-wrapping ideas. The first is white paper, with unique bows & trinkets on each gift:

Source: goodhousekeeping.com via Pamela on Pinterest

8. And one more gift idea. I love the idea of making it EASY to wrap but still look fantastic, like this. The pin I saw this on was originally for wedding, but I think it would be appropriate for Christmas too, maybe add a little more sparkle or some homemade snowflakes:

Source: stylemepretty.com via Pamela on Pinterest

9. I really wish I could make my living room look this GREAT! It is so simple yet so beautiful. I love the color and the table especially:

Source: bhg.com via Pamela on Pinterest

10. So true. I had a friend post on her FB something similar. The older I get, the more I learn this:

Source: kerryskronicles.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

Have a great week!