Falling Down House

Death of a Black Thumb

2013-06-10T15:00:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have always been a big believer in "you have talent or you don't". I don't have a lot of talent. I'm kind of queen of mediocre. I can also kill any and all plants. When it comes to plants I'm a full fledged Serial Killer. Goo however, loves plants. We have a year pass to a local garden paradise and every time we go Goo and Gouda ask why our yard looks so crappy. I usually lie and blame it on soil conditions and make vague reference to the "Dust Bowl". My kids are going to be so confused when they find out that was in Oklahoma in the 1930's and not a specific condition in our backyard. The other day I stumbled onto Scott's Miracle-Gro page on Facebook, to my delight they have a plant project on their site The Gro Project.

The Toyarium project is so perfect. You will need a fish bowl, Miracle-Gro Moisture control potting soil, a few succulents, some plastic toys (dinosaurs since Goo is crazy about them), a spoon, and imagination.LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit

Add the soil to the fish bowl, use the spoon to dig spots for the succulents, add the dinosaurs, and water. Watch them grow and impress the children!

I can't wait until Friday when I can pick up these items. If you want to impress your kids Miracle-Gro has some fabulous ideas on their Pintrest page. I've started to follow them and you should too. They have great ideas for the Newbie as well as the experienced Green thumber. fun garden projects

Check out Pintrest and then rush over to their website to pick out the perfect supply you will need to create your own Gro-Project and make the world around you bloom. Miracle-Gro. Click this link to access Miracle-Gro's large assortment of articles and instructions to help.

Also, check out this wonderful video for more information on The Gro Project

Flood Wood Care Staining Guide and Sweepstakes

2013-05-13T23:00:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Flood® Wood Care for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When we moved out of our falling down house we were so excited to move into a house that was safe, structurally sound, and just in need of a little updating. Over the last year and a half the whole house has been touched in some way to spruce it up and change it over from builder grade 1990's to custom 2013.One of the ways we are doing this is by getting rid of the boring oak look for a richer, darker, more contemporary look with Flood Wood Stain.

Flood Wood Stain is a fabulous product that restores, protects, and transforms wood projects. It can be used on big projects like deck but is still perfect for the little projects like tables and chairs. I plan on using it again on a playset in the backyard. The Mohave Desert can do horrible things to wood. A friend of mine bought a glorious wood playset for her girls. After two years while one of her girls was playing on it she heard a big crack and the whole thing came apart. My friend negelected to treat the wood from the sun with Flood Wood Care. If she had just seen the Staining Made Simple Guide she would have known to protect it and the girls would be enjoying it to this day. Dont' make the same mistake! Press this link to take you to the Staining Guide you see below! Staining Made Simple

The Staining Guide will help you find the perfect color, the perfect finish, help you plan out exactly how much you need. The guide will even tell you where you can buy Flood Wood Care and how far it is from your home! They are amazing in customer service.Flood® Wood Care

Check out some of my ideas for the backyard playset and my next Flood Wood Care project.

OR we might choose this one instead...

One thing for sure is YOU have to enter the Flood Wood Care Sweepstakes.

Right now they are running a Better Backyard sweepstakes for a chance to win a $1,500 gift card or one of 12 $10 gift cards given away daily! All you need to do is like Flood® Wood Care on Facebook to enter, and share the sweepstakes for more entries! Also, follow Flood Wood Care on Twitter for helpful tips about staining and other ways to make the most of your outdoor living space.

Enter here!!!! Flood Better Backyard Sweepstakes

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States of America and (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 5/17/2013. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions visit www.facebook.com/flood. Void in Puerto Rico and where restricted or prohibited. This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsor and not to Facebook.

Happy Staining everyone!!!!

Weight Loss and Acid Reflux Update

2013-05-13T13:06:00.003-07:00

Hi all out there. I was amazed to see that even knowing that I haven't posted in a long time I am still getting 30+ hits a day. Some of you have even emailed me and asked for an update of my health post surgery. The surgery I had was called Gastric Sleevectomy. Basically the Doctor removed 85% of my stomach. It is now the size and shape of a banana.
I have always promised that I would not lie to my readers and I am not going to start now. I had the surgery because I couldn't take anymore acid reflux. I've been on medicine for it for 21 years and I was done. The ARD was making me a grumpy mom. I hurt all the time and I was running out of medicine to try. My gastro doc suggested the sleeve surgery because it fixes 95% of ARD cases and let's face it I was morbidly obese.

The morning of the surgery I was scared and I wanted to chicken out. In fact right as the team (yeah it took a whole team to lift my giant butt) off the gurney onto the operating table I told them I changed my mind and tried to give up. Unfortunate for me the anesthesiologist had already given me the knock out shot and it was too late.

IT HURT LIKE HELL! MOST days I regret my decision. Really there are times when I am crying on the floor in the front room telling C he was right and I hate my life. I am getting better.... It's a slow process and I would never wish it on my worst enemy! Hear that Clay I would never want you to live like this and one time I would have gladly hit you with a car. (That's a sign I am growing up)!

I try really hard to focus on the positive things.

I am off medication completely!
I can eat spicy food and it doesn't affect me!
I have lost 55 pounds since surgery!

There have been comments that there aren't any pictures of me on this blog. Well, DUH! I was fat as hell. However, knowing that I am down 55 pounds and will be down even further in the future I feel ok posting this picture. Please don't laugh....

My shirt was wet because I was doing dishes

No One Reads This So Why NOT!!!

2013-01-29T12:33:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot of thoughts running through my head the last few weeks. I have no real place to talk them out but I do have this blog no one reads. I will write down the craziness in my brain and send it off to the universe to solve.

I am worried about my surgery. I am worried I might die. I think this is from watching that stupid show My 600 LB Life. You know that show where ultra fat people like me go in and have baratric surgery and then a week after surgery and several hundred pounds lost they get cocky check out of rehab and then promptly go back to what got them ultra fat in the first place and then DIE!

Yes, I know that was a run on sentence but I don't care. I've been trying really hard to make sure that doesn't happen to me. I have meet with a nutritionist a few times and I need to get a trainer for a few sessions and then work work work. I don't think anything is gonna keep me from having droopy water bed belly though. I think I'm gonna need a tummy tuck when I am done. Yippee another chance of death.

What I haven't told my husband and may not have even mentioned it to my surgeon is during my last 2 knee surgeries my heart has stopped and I had to be revived. If I told C this he would have been totally unsupportive of the surgery. As it is he isn't happy about it but is being supportive as he can.

In case someone actually reads this, yes I will mention it to my Doctor as well an the hospital staff. I'm not dumb just fat.

I don't plan on dying but I have thought about what would happen to my family if I did.... Yes, I am nervous about that!

C would need help with the kids but I hope he stays here in our home and in the life we have made for ourselves. I do not want him to run home to Mommy. I want him to man up and raise the kids like we would have had nothing happened to me. I have talked to him about that and he has agreed.

I also think about how different my life will be after the surgery. I will need all new clothes, shoes, and even a new wedding band. I am worried about the staples coming undone. I am worried about my stomach leaking. I'm worried about the acid reflux not going away (the main reason for this surgery).

I'm not gonna lie I am going to miss Coke like crazy. I've decided to quite drinking it a week before surgery so that I can get over the caffeine withdrawal before someone takes out over 90% of my stomach. (I thought only 75% but nope over 90%).

I think this is enough ramblings for now. Maybe more later.

No nonsense A New Me Coming Soon

2013-01-14T18:00:00.001-08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

So what have I been up to lately? Well, on February 18th I am having Baratric Surgery. I'm embarassed to say this but at this momment I weigh almost 300 pounds. This surgery will make it so I can lose 150 pounds and it will take about 2 years. However, I should lose about 75 pounds the first 4 months. I have to admit I am scared out of my mind and I'm sure you wonder "What kind of person would do something this drastic?" Well I'll tell you a Wife, a Mother of 2, a Midwife, a Birth Doula. Someone with a lot to live for. I am going to lose the weight before something horrible happens. I have a sister that is overweight like me she developed diabetes and now is in a wheelchair. So I am taking control and I am working my butt literally off.

What keeps me going in the face of my fear is looking at the clothes I will be able to wear as the weight melts off. I have always loved the look of leggings! As you can imagine a 300 pound lady isn't very comfortable with the idea of leggings but that hasn't stopped me from looking and dreaming about them. The brand I love the most is No nonsense Tights and Leggings. They are so versitle and beautiful! Women just look so stylish and beautiful wearing them.

I will lose weight fast the first few months and I really don't want to go and spend a fortune on new clothes that won't fit in a month. That's one of the many things that make No nonsesne perfect for me. They are so affordable. You can find No Nonsense in most food and drug stores as well as most mass merchandise stores

What could be better? No nonsense has teamed up with fashion Guru Jill Martin. Jill Martin is an Emmy Award-winning television personality, fashion expert, and co-author of the New York Times bestselling style guide “I Have Nothing to Wear!” and “Fashion for Dummies.”Check out her style tips for this season here.

Right now my fashion style is "Hide the Fat Girl" but in just a few months it is going to be "Hip stylish, look at that skinny woman".

Check out my new Fashion self!

No Nonsense Self by fallingdownhouse featuring round scarves

To Find No nonsense Leggings and Tights near you click here. No nonsense tights and leggings

Be Sure to visit No nonsense on Facebook No nonsense on Facebook

and on Twitter @benononsense

I can't weight! (Yeah I spelled it that way on purpose)!

Craft Organization

2012-08-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

My crafts are out of control. They have taken over the kids playroom and I am determined to get it under control. How am I to do this though? I turned to Pintrest for help and I found it.

Source: twopeasinabucket.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

I found this little gem and desided this is perfect. I jumped on Craig's List and found an armoire that is perfect.

I snapped it up for a cool $20!

Now I have a few ideas on how to make it mine.

Such as the following...

Source: familyfun.go.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Source: shabbytochicdesigns.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Source: craftaholicsanonymous.net via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Source: sn120w.snt120.mail.live.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Check back in a week and see what I've done...

The Perfect Dinner Party Menu

2012-08-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

I've said over and over on this blog that I can't cook. It's as true today as when I first said it. However, I have always dreamed of having a dinner party and it being as wonderful as my family of Chefs makes theirs. Pintrest has made this dream even more powerful as I have now come up with the perfect menu to serve. Here it is...

Drinks....

Source: lorand.typepad.fr via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Appitizers....

Source: michaelgraydon.ca via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Source: mommyimhungry.blogspot.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Entree....

Source: via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Desserts

Source: lilyshop.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Source: soozind.blogspot.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

And the afterdinner mint of TUMS to help deal with that full belly...

It's Raining In the Mohave

2012-08-22T10:18:00.001-07:00

I woke up to rain and a grey sky. It's super dark in the house and it's going to be a perfect day. The only thing we are missing is S'Mores. How do you make S'Mores inside on a rainy day you ask?

Gather the following.

1 large shadow box
river rocks (sold in Dollar Stores)
a few cans of sterno (you can find these in home goods @ Walmart)

Do the following:

Source: momentsofmagic.net via Sherilyn on Pinterest

or you can do it this way...

Source: sidebysideblog.blogspot.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

If my van was working me and the kids would do this right now.

Fall is Coming

2012-08-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

I am super excited for Fall this year. As a mostly Stay at Home Mom I am hoping to do a lot more stuff this year. I found these gems on Pintrest for my to do list.

Take a look....

Source: overthebigmoon.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Source: vinylgirl.net via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Boring Bookcase? Not Anymore

2012-08-20T10:21:00.001-07:00

This is a boring bookcase. The back is just plain bland and it is decorated terribly.It just looks cluttered. So what is a girl to do right?

Gather supplies! I popped the backs off my Walmart $30 bookcases grabbed a can of spray adhesive and some wallpaper I was going to use in the Master Bedroom but changed my mind.

This is the back laying on the table.

Spray Adhesive I also got at Walmart for $5.00

Spray the back really well with the spray glue

Lay the wallpaper down on top of the back and smooth all the wrinkles out with your hand. (Ask for help with this part once down the paper tear easy)

Turn it over and trim the edges with scissors

Attach the back to the bookcase with tack nails (provided with the bookcase).

All finished Just decorate and enjoy. (Yes some of this will be rearranged a few more times while we are working on the new flooring).

Possible Matching Halloween Costumes for Gouda and Mommy

2012-08-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Source: etsy.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Source: epbot.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Holly Molly Chicken

2012-08-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Source: homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.com via Sherilyn on Pinterest

Source: href

I have been spending some time on Pintrest trying to get some easy recipes I can throw in a crock pot before I head out to a birth. This way my kids don't end up eating out at Burger King everytime I'm catching a baby. I saw this one and to my surprise I have all the ingredients in my pantry.

All it requires is the following:
Chicken breasts
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 package (8oz) of cream cheese
1 packet zesty Italian dressing seasoning
I added bacon pieces (I'll see if this turns out to be a mistake)

Serve over pasta.

I hope it works out.

Here is a picture of everything in the crockpot. I'll post a picture when it is done.

For the original recipe and pictures please see www.homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.com

Home Made Mozzarella Cheese

2012-08-06T12:19:00.002-07:00

There are a few quirky things about me. One I am training to be a midwife when I started out college as an Archaeology student but spent 12 years pretending to be an accountant (which I sucked at). Another is I am a cheese snob. I love Jarlsberg and who doesn't love Mozzarella right?

I have often wondered if it would be cheaper to make my own than buy it from the fancy cheese counters (or direct from the dairy).

I found thanks to Pintrest a way to make my own Mozz. I thought I would share it with anyone that might still be reading this blog.

Make your own mozz

See how wonderful it looks!

Audio Software Deal

2012-07-09T19:33:00.002-07:00

Wire Pantry Shelves ReDo

2012-07-05T08:38:00.001-07:00

I have those dreaded wire shelves all over my house. They are in the pantry and in all the closets. I hate putting anything on them because it just falls right through.

As you can see here

Then I saw this on Pintrest and it was as though the Heavens opened! Pull and stick vinyl tiles! I even had some of these babies left over from the Chateau!

I took 2 of the pull and stick tiles removed the backing and placed them down on the shelves. 2 of them fit perfect across.

Now all those packages that used to fall through the cracks stay nice and upright

Looking much better

So organized it makes me proud

Total price for this masterpiece = $0! (Not including groceries)

No Sew TUTU bedskirt

2012-06-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

The other day while sitting on my bottom not blogging I ran across this little gem at Free Stylin Beth. I know I have to make one for Gouda's room! She will adore it.

Aren't these spectacular? Go to her site right now and then go buy the stuff you need to make it...

Go! What are you waiting for??? GO! TUTU Bedskirt

Double Pnuemonia

2012-05-29T13:48:00.002-07:00

I am be absent for a bit. I have double pneumonia and I feel very bad.

Craft Classes at Craft Stores

2012-05-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

Did you know that most craft stores also offer classes in a lot of crafts? Classes like cake decorating, sewing, knitting, crochet, and even scrap booking. Most of these classes are pretty cheap as well. When I didn't have kids and had a lot of spare time I took Wilton Cake decorating at Michael's. As I remember each class was $30 PLUS you needed to buy the class kits as well as supplies. I took all 4 classes there and I think I ended up spending with all the supplies around $200. In the end I even got paid to make a few cakes and made my money back. On the other hand I gained 20 pounds and will NEVER like buttercream icing again!

2 weeks ago I took Basic Sewing 101 at Joann's ETC. I spent $17.50 and I got personalized attention on how to thread my machine and a few basic techniques. Joann's offers a bunch more sewing classes that I want to take if I can fit it in with my Midwife school, apprenticeship, and most importantly time with my family.

I really recommend people take advantage of these inexpensive classes and learn some of these dying arts!

Let me know how it goes...

Pre-View Work in Progress

2012-05-25T10:06:00.001-07:00

Gouda's Party dress is coming together. Stay tuned for the finished project.

Peanut Butter Rice Krispies

2012-05-24T09:33:00.001-07:00

I'm allergic to rice, which is sad because I've always held the belief that if I could eat it I'd be skinnier. Have you seen Suvivor? Those people get skinny really fast. Alas I prefer not to go into anaphylatic shock and die so I avoid it for the most part.

However, I saw this recipe over on the Idea Room and it looks so good maybe I'll risk it!

Go on over and check it out!

Peanut Butter Rice Krispies

Check out this deal!

2012-05-23T09:13:00.001-07:00

ABC's of Flash Cards

2012-05-21T08:58:00.001-07:00

I printed out the ABC cards for free on www.leapfrog.com

Then I colored them with a mixture of the worst crayons I've ever encountered and the worst colored pencils on earth.

I got these self laminating pouches at Wal-Mart for under $10 (make sure you get enough for 26 letters)

They have easy to read instructions printed on every single pouch. All you have to do is place the paper inside the sleeve and then slowly Peel away the adhesives protective paper.

Smooth out and you are all done!

Chili’s Style Margarita Grilled Chicken

2012-05-19T09:04:00.002-07:00

Serves: 4

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

 1 cup liquid margarita mix

 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions1. Pour margarita mix over chicken breasts, and marinate for 2 hours in refrigerator.

2. When ready to prepare, drain and dust chicken breasts with black pepper.

3. If you do not have a grill, use an iron skillet. Bring to medium high temperature and spray skillet with an oil coating. Braise the chicken breasts until done on each side.

4. Serve with a serving of your favorite Mexican rice, black beans, and pico de gallo.

My Cinnammon Banana Cake

2012-05-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Cinnamon Banana Cake
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 ripe bananas
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 dash salt
3 cups flour
1 pint sour cream (2 cups) or vanilla yogurt
Blend butter, sugar, bananas, eggs and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients. In another bowl make the filling.
Filling: 1/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tbs. cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional…but why wouldn’t you?)
Layer batter and filling twice in a 9X13 dish. Bake 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.
* Sometimes the middle of the cake needs to bake longer. If so, put foil over the cake after the 45 minutes and bake it for another 5 minutes. Test with a toothpick in the middle to see if the batter sticks to it, if it comes out clean…the cake is finished.

Gather all ingredients

Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla

The filling

Layer in pan

Final baked cake

Changes I made: I used Vanilla yogurt. I didn't have any brown sugar so I used regular sugar. FYI use brown. It turned out really good and yummy! Try it out for yourself!

Cinnamon Banana Cake

2012-05-17T11:32:00.001-07:00

I love looking at other people's blogs and getting new recipes to try out. Yesterday I stumbled across this recipe from The Idea Room and it looked divine.

Check it out here! cinnamon-banana-cake

Join me tomorrow as I try out this recipe.