Vintage Marigold

Groundhog Day Subway Art(Free Printable!)

2012-01-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

I know it is a month away but I decided that heck, we kinda forget about good ole' Groundhog Phil! I mean stores have conversation hearts and roses and pink,pink,pink..but where is the aisle for good ole' Phil. That is right..there isn't one..

So Phil, this one is for you! An 8 x 10 FREE subway art print so homes across the nation can give you some props! Maybe even a fist bump or two..(yeah, I went there!)

Click here for the printable

Sharing at:

Northern Cottage

Chef N Training Tuesday Talent Show!

All Thingz Related

Funky Polka Dot Giraffe

Today's Creative Blog

Not so Functional Housewife

Pajama Party at My Crowded Kitchen

Tatertots and Jello

Strut Your Stuff Saturday

Menu Plan Monday after the Plague!

2012-01-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Yay! I am sorta on time this week! In the spirit of the New Year and new budget resolutions(stick, baby, stick!), I had my weekly menu plan all made out and was going to go to the store on Friday morning until my whole family except the baby got THE PLAGUE! I do not wish this stomach virus on anyone and I feel truly blessed it seems to have skipped our little DD!

So after a few days of plain baked potatoes, sprite and soda crackers we have returned to real food and I made the trip to the grocery store..here is what is on the agenda!

Quick Baked Potato Soup from Kraft( I have made this with fat free milk and regular broth and it still turns out fine!)

Sweet and Sour Slow Cooker Chicken from Eat at Home Cooks with Steamed Rice

"Refried" Beans from 100 Days of Real Food and Homemade Spanish Rice from Hillbilly Housewife

Spaghetti with Meatballs and Garlic Bread, Veggies and Dip

Breakfast for Dinner (Maybe from all the delicious recipes I pinned on Pinterest!)

Date Night with the Hubby!

The goal is to stay between 160.00 and 200.00 for food this month. I have 2 kids, but only one eats real food thus far;)

T-Shirt Scarf..Last Minute Gift Idea

2011-12-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

I can thank Pinterest for my lovely new wardrobe addition. It is so cheap too, depending on the shirt you use. For the one in my picture I used one of hubby's old gray shirts. I could be real and sow a full body photo, and believe me I took a few, but working full time and being up nights with a 4.5 month old and chasing a 4 year old, well the bags under my eyes aren't pretty, heck they kind of match the color of this scarf now that I think of it..heh..

For the one in this tutorial, I bought the shirt with a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby so it cost me about $2.00 and .59 cents for the felt I used to cover the knot. I love the fabric, it has a fake filigreeing, leather like pattern.. The larger your shirt, the larger and chunkier your scarf will be. I bought an XL.

These are the supplies:

This is where I got my instructions

Super easy and super cute. I am thinking about dressing up some of my scarves with the felt flowers I have been making! Look for that on the blog soon!

This is the scarf laid out long:

This is the scarf doubled up, like I prefer to wear it.

Happy cutting! You can have a cute, inexpensive gift on the cheap in under an hour!

Sharing at:

The Thrifty Home
Thrifty 101
Somewhat Simple
My Girlish Whims
3 Four and Under
Thrifty Home
Thrifty 101
Somewhat Simple
Thirty Handmade Days
Not so Functional Housewife
Tatertots and Jello

Menu Plan Monday!

2011-12-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

orgjunkie.com

..it is Tuesday isn't it? DOH!!!

So I could pretend that my house is spotless, I am dressed with hair done, painted toes and nicely done make up with a sleeping baby and a 4 year old nicely playing in his room or I could be real! Reality is I am in a sweater with yoga pants, my feet are bare and my hair and make up..well..lets consider you fortunate I brushed my teeth today..while I type this post one handed while DD fusses in my lap...but I can dream!

Now for the food..I am SO not cooking Christmas dinner..that is the perk of mom and dad living 2 exits away!

Monday: Steak, Carrots and Homemade Mac n' Cheese...(I'll post the recipe tomorrow!)
Tuesday: Leftover Mac ' n; cheese and Salad..
Wednesday: Crockpot Potato Soup
Thursday: Early Holiday at Mom's
Friday: Slow Cooker sweet n' sour chicken..rice
Saturday: Food Fest of appetizers, pizza
Sunday:Christmas at Moms..

Here, There and Everywhere!

2011-12-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

So..I haven't been posting for a while and I apologize! Going back to work after maternity leave has well, sucked me in....I have been crafting up a storm with hubbys help...in the next few weeks I will show you how we did the following crafts that I found on my new love..Pinterest

DIY Photo Canvas

Mini Nativity

Frosted Vases

(This was the preschool teachers Christmas Gift!)

Look for posts on all these pretties soon! I hope you all are well and having a wonderful Holiday season!

Menu Plan Monday

2011-09-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

So I am approaching my last weeks of maternity leave and I am trying to soak up all the time I can with my little ones! This weeks menu is pretty quick and easy, just like I like it!

This week,

Mom's Casserole with Homemade Cornbread and peas
Chicken Pot Pie
Italian Sausage Sauce and Angel Hair Pasta
Breakfast for Dinner
Chicken Fajitas and Mexican Rice
Steak and Stuffing
Steak Stirfry(using the leftover steak)

This weekend I am also making someone from Church Dinner, I think I am going to get a Roasted Chicken from Sam's and make good sides. I am also looking forward to making these Chicken Pillows, maybe next week.

It may be fall, even though its still 98 degrees! Soon I will breakout the pumpkin and cider, soon!

Halloween Subway Art

2011-09-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

I did it again! A free printable..I like this time of year with Candy Corn and Cider and Haunted Houses!

Please enjoy it for personal use! I would love to see a photo of what you do with it! This is an 8 x 10 size print!

Download Halloween Art

If you like this subway art, you,might also like my Fall Subway Art

Getting my groove on with these fab blogs:

Finding Fabulous
Fingerprints on the Fridge
WhipperBerry
Six Sisters Stuff
Chef in Training Tuesday Talent Show

Important Dates Art

2011-09-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

I love to hang up printables and pictures around my home that have significance to my little family. I have been seeing these important dates art all over Pinterest so I wanted to make my own.

This is the one from Andrea Steed on Pinterest:

This is mine:

Usually the center is just the marriage date, but I wanted to highlight they day we were sealed in the temple for time and eternity as well since I was not LDS when we were married.

Hope this inspires you to make your own! It was quick and easy and it is significant to my family as well!

Sharing at:
Creative Juices at Momnivore's Dilemma
Chef In Training
Nothing but Country
Tip Junkie Tip Me Tuesday
Little Luna
Blue Cricket Design
A Little Tipsy
Six Sister's Stuff

Fall Subway Art!

2011-09-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, it doesn't feel like fall around here yet, but heck its September and Candy Corn is already in stores, so I am decorating with pumpkins, leaves, and soon enough goblins and witches! In with my decorations I am adding a subway art printable I made to celebrate the season!

You can do load it here.

Enjoy and if you use it, I would love to see some pictures! Happy Fall!

Linking to WhipperBerry,
Clean and Scentsible
Six Sisters Stuff
Creative Juices at Momnivores Dilemma

Knockoff Nothin Bundt Chocolate Chip Cake

2011-08-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

So..this cake is awesome! I didn't make the frosting this time because I did not have the powdered sugar or the time as I had a 4 yr old trying to help with the batter and a newborn asleep on the couch!

I have had the real thing and they are wonderful, in fact I just brought one to my OB/GYN for delivering my precious little girl Megan Lynn into the world on August 5th! But alas for an everyday treat they are too expensive hence I used this recipe I got from a woman at church!

Enjoy!

Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 box instant choclate pudding
1 cup sour cream
3 eggs
1/2 cup oil (I used Vegetable)
1/2 cup water
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Pour into Bundt pan and bake for approx. 40 mins. If you would like cupcakes, fill liners only half full and bake for 23 minutes.

Icing:

8 oz pk cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 CUPS powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients. Put a dallop on each cupcake or drizzle over bundt.

So delicious! Probably best stored in the fridge! This picture is taken on china I have had since I got married..(and never used, doh!) 6 yrs!)

Partying at
Tip Junkie Tuesdays
All Thingz Related
Funky Polka Dot Giraffe
Blue Cricket Designs
My Girlish Whims
3 Four and UndeR
Thrifty 101
Savory Sunday at The Sweet Details

serenitynowblog.com

Menu Plan Monday

2011-08-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Have to get back on some sort of routine as I am home from the hospital with my sweet baby girl! She was born August 5th and weighed 7lb 12 oz. We are grateful for the addition of the sweet spirit to our home! Enjoying my maternity leave that always goes to fast.

So easy menus this week...

Salsa Chicken with Rice and Beans in the Slow Cooker
BBQ Chicken Pizza with carrots and dip
French Dip Sandwiches(still need a roast) w/ fries
Egg Salad Sandwich BLTS and chips, apple slices
Southwest Eggs w/ Tri Pepper Blend and Cinnamon Toast
Quesadillas with the leftover chicken from Salsa Chicken and Veggies/Dip

Linking to Org Junkie Menu Plan Monday!

Menu Plan Monday

2011-08-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

This will be a short menu as after Friday I will have a new member of the family and will be subsisting on hospital food for part of this week and once I am home, probably on String Cheese Sticks from the fridge or whatever is possible to grab with one hand! I did actually pre cook 6lbs of ground beef so hopefully it isn't quite this bad..but no promises!

I went shopping for groceries today and I got then when are you due question more than once. It was so fun to say 4 days! Haha! They looked scared after that and even opened a new check-stand, probably to ensure I didn't go into labor in their store...

French Dip in the Slow Cooker, Mac n' Cheese, Carrots w/ Ranch Dip

Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry, Cheddar Cheese Slices, Apple Slices

Steak or Chicken Fajitas, Spanish Rice and Veggies and Dip

Last Meal as a Family of 3, I have no idea! But I think I'll make a little cake or something!

Hospital Food x 3 :)

Thanks for joining me for menu plan Monday! I expect I will be back cooking, even if its mostly my slow cooker in a few weeks!

To Do:This and That..

2011-07-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

(from hostessblog.com)

I have been a little MIA, big life changes are a coming, I am adjusting to being home on leave and waiting my little girl's arrival next week...

I am also SO tired of roasting in this heat and humidity that I have started to think of Fall! Fall when Candy Corn is in stores and Caramel Apple Cider reappears at Starbucks, walks after dinner are possible without melting and boots and scarves make their delicious come back...

I have been having so much fun at Pinterest making a Fall Collage, Check it out!

My Fall To Do List defintly includes "Booing" some neighbors, making pumpkin bread, starting a fun Back To School tradition for my son, getting some new fall colored tees and maybe some family pictures with some changing leaves!

What is on your Fall To Do List?

Happy Weekend!

Promptings and a Printable

2011-06-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I was having a really rough time, having had a miscarriage at about 11 weeks.I felt like I had a little gray rain cloud following me for a few months after.(You know the cartoons where the character runs, but never fast enough!) When I was offered a chance to go to a conference for work in Salt Lake City I jumped at the opportunity!

One afternoon we had free time so I found myself walking to temple square, it was November and while it was cold there was no snow, just a frigid breeze among a sunny sky.

I sat on the edge of the pond by the SLC temple and just kind of got lost in my thoughts. I think sometimes I expect the skies to rain down or some other grand event to be an answer to my ponderings..

Instead I kept thinking Even when it rains, there is still Sunshine. It took me a while but I realize it was an answer, that even among bad times there can be good things, events, people, etc.

I decided to make myself a reminder and thought it would be nice to share.

Enjoy.

Get the 8 x 10 printable here

Get the 5 x 7 printable here

Linking to:

Not Just a Housewife
A Bowl Full of Lemons

Menu Plan Monday!

2011-06-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

This week is a hodgepodge week..it is supposed to be 110 almost every day! I am excited to see the sales for the 4th as I am hoping to stock up for my little boy's Jake and the Neverland Pirates Birthday BBQ on July 9th!

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Carrots, Goldfish
Chicken Fajitas and Mexican Rice
(from a Mormonchic recipe book I found buried in my 36,000 yahoo emails!)
Cheese Ravioli with Garlic, Basil and Tomatoes Sauce, Steamed Broccoli and Garlic Toast
Mexican Beans and Rice from Eat at Home Cooks! Apples, Carrots, Cheddar Cheese
Teriyaki Chicken Noodles w/ Veggies from Eat at Home Cooks!

For Dessert this week the little one and I made these Peanut Butter Bars from SouthernPlate. They are gluten free and tasty but I am having trouble getting them out of the pan in nice shapes:)

Cheater Chicken Pot Pie

2011-06-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

Love this! Found Here

I mentioned in my Menu Plan Monday post that I am a fan of Quick and Easy, Semi Homemade, food as I work full time, have a (almost ) 4 year old and am 33 weeks pregnant and its like 107 outside so no slaving over the stove for me!

This recipe is super simple and delicious!

Cheater Chicken Pot Pie

Most of the Ingredients!

1 box Pillsbury Pie Crusts (I have found these are easier than pre made crusts)
1 cup cooked chicken(My favorite is to use leftovers from a Rotisserie Chicken it adds such good flavor)
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 soup can of milk
1 bag frozen mixed veggies

Set the Pie Crusts out to get to room temperature
In a medium size bowl pour the bag of frozen veggies, the can of Cream of Chicken Soup, the can of milk and the chicken.
Stir together until all moistened.
Add pepper if you would like.
Gently pat one of the pie crusts in the bottom of a nine inch pie plate.
Pour mixture into the crust and gently unroll top crust and pat down, tucking in the sides.
Pierce crust with a fork a few times to vent.
Bake at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes, checking for a golden brown crust.

In our oven it takes about 15 minutes but our oven runs hot and sometimes I have to cover the sides with foil while the center finishes.

Enjoy! I like to serve with cut up apples and cheddar cheese slices.

*If the thought of canned cream of chicken soup turns you off, Mel's Kitchen Cafe has a great Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe. I want to try it sometime, but not at 6pm when I am trying to get dinner on the table!

Sharing the Yumminess at:

Tatertots and Jello
Inspiring Creations
WhipperBerry
Sunday Showcase Party
I heart Naptime

Menu Plan Monday!

2011-06-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

A very hot week indeed and somehow I ended up with like three oven meals. I blame pregnancy cravings and the fact that well they are all pretty easy!

Salsa Chicken in the Slow Cooker with Black Beans and Corn
Mom's Casserole with Cornbread Muffins
Cheater Chicken Pot Pie(I'll post a recipe..totally a Semi Homemade Tiff Style!)
Homemade Pizza(to use leftover spaghetti sauce), baby carrots
Pancakes and Eggs, Bacon, OJ
S loopy Tacos!(Way easy!) and Oven Fries
Leftovers or Maybe use our Tony Roma's Groupon..

Wishing Well Planter

2011-06-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

So my hubby likes to keep busy and he found plans for a wishing well online and set to work. I cannot take much credit for this project, though I did pick out the paint colors!

This is the well completed but not painted:

We got the plans from the website Build Eazy

This is a picture of it after we painted it Yellow and White.

It houses different plants through out the year. I need to get a little bucket and rope to tie to the spindle. Yes, it really turns.

A fun project and probably about $30.00 to $50.00 dollars. The Metal Strapping for the well costs around 20 but we only used a 1/4 of it.

So that means we have more strapping for the treasure chest I want to build!(hint, hint DH!)

Sharing the Fun Here:

Menu Plan Monday

2011-06-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Another Week! Time seems to be flying and it is getting hot, so I will not be planning so many oven meals, more like BBQ and Crockpot!

Cheese Ravioli with Italian Sausage Sauce, French Bread or Garlic Toast, Veggies
Tortilla Pie, Veggies and Dip
Breakfast Burritos with 3 Pepper Mix and Bacon, Hashbrowns, OJ
Steak with Homemade Macaroni and Cheese(Never made it last week)
Chicken and Stuffing, Apple Slices
Date Night..I have a Tony Roma's Groupon!

Dessert of the Week: Brownie Crap!

Linking up to OrgJunkie!

Mini Chocolate Cream Pies

2011-06-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

I made these for my anniversary last week. There fun and there is no messy cutting or serving, just dig in with a trusty fork.

Ingredients:

Six Pack of Mini Graham Cracker Pie Crusts(I finally found them at SuperWalmart.)
1 3.9 oz Pkg. Chocolate Pudding Mix
1 Tub Cool Whip(Thawed)
1 cup milk
Chocolate Sprinkles(not pictured)

Instructions:

1. Pour pudding mix and one cup milk in a bowl and whisk throughly. (The pkg. will say 2 cups, but ONLY one.) It will be thick.

2. Fill each pie crust about 1/4 full of the pudding mix. You will have pudding left.

3. Add about half the cool whip to the remaining pudding.Whisk till the pudding turns mousse like.
4. Layer the mousse filling on top of the pudding in the pie crusts and spread to cover.

5. Take remaining cool whip and top each pie crust until the mousse layer is covered.
6. Sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles and chill till ready to serve.

Makes six mini pies. This can be made as a large pie or with a chocolate or Oreo crust, all are delicious.

This would be so good with mini Oreo crusts, I am on the lookout for those but not sure they exist.

Enjoy!

Sharing the Yumminess here:

Nothing But Country
Handy Man Crafty Woman
Fingerprints on the Fridge
Whipperberry
At the Picket Fence
A Little Tipsy
Lamb Around
Ginger Snap Crafts

Menu Plan Monday

2011-06-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

OK, I have been slacking off. So this week I need to get back on track! Linking this up with Orgjunkie's Menu Plan Monday for motivation and inspiration.

Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Coleslaw, Chips
Fajitas and Mexican Rice, Carrots and Ranch Dip
Spaghetti with Homemade Sausage Sauce, Green Beans, Garlic Toast
Breakfast for Dinner: Bagel Sandwiches and Hashbrowns
Hot and Ready, Carrots and Ranch Dip(I have to orientate 20 College freshman at work, I will need a break)
Chicken and Veggie Stir-fry, Cheddar Cheese Slices
Steaks or Chicken on the grill, Homemade Macaroni and Cheese from Smashed Peas and Carrots

For dessert: Mini Chocolate Cream Pies. Stop by my blog on Wednesday for the recipe!

Virtual Picnic Spotlight

2011-06-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here officially! The desert likes to start early, with 90's every day but we have yet to see 100 degrees so I can not complain too much..This nice weather makes me want to go on a picnic and these bloggers are making such delicious food I don't know what to bring!

Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad from For the Love of Cooking

BBQ Chicken Wraps from Sweet Little Smoothie

Reese's Brownies from Six Sister's Stuff

A yummy Slush from Chef in Training:

Yum. I need to go make something delicious for lunch now!

Summer Subway Art

2011-05-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

I know that the official start of Summer is still three weeks away, but as with all holidays why not get started decorating early?

I made this Summer Subway Art printable to share! It is sized 8 x 10. I love the bigger ones I see on so many blogs, but truth be told I have a hard time going and getting then printed. Dragging a 3 year old to Costco along with my third trimester big ol' belly isn't easy.

You can print this at home on card stock or send to your local pharmacy for printing. I had mine printed at Walgreens and the yellow background did come out a bit more mustard colored, just to let you know!

Get the printable here!

Enjoy! If you use it I would love to see pictures!

Linking up with some Lovely People:
Moms By Heart
All Thingz Related
Shabby Chic Cottage
Show and Tell Fridays
Finding Fabulous
Just a Girl
Delicate Construction
Simply Sweet Home
I heart Naptime
Under the Table and Dreaming

Story time Sunday

2011-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love Books. As a kid I would devour Nancy Drew and The Baby Sitter's Club and Pee Wee Scouts. As a mom, I try to sneak in a few pages of a book whenever I can. My little one tends to like the same books over and over and then he switches to a new favorite over and over!

Please share your favorites in the comments!

Here is what is on our bookshelf lately:

For the Little:

Llama Llama Misses Mama(A great book for a soon to be Preschooler!) Its also on sale at Kohls for $5.00!

Leonardo The Terrible Monster

Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree:

For Mom:

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (an easy read to pick up and put down)

Sisters of the Quilt Series

I picked up Book 3 first by accident at the Library, but I devoured it! My husband was like wow I haven't seen you that into a book in a long time!

Scrap Wood to Stylish Shelves

2011-05-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hubby had lots of scrap wood and I have seen the Gallery Shelves all around Blog land. I have been trying to be super good about not buying new things for crafting as I really do have plenty around the house and who am I kidding, many bins stashed in the garage!

Step 1: Find Wood:

Step 2: Cut Wood. I got the design plans from Ana White, who has amazing projects.

So, these shelves didn’t cost me anything as the wood was purchased for other things like my son’s loft bed. I will post that as soon as I can get his room clean long enough for a picture!

Step 3: Install Brackets if using particle board to connect the pieces of your shelf. But if you are using MDF or real wood, then a bracket is not necessary.

Step 4: Prime your shelves. We used Zinsser primer in white.

Step 5: Paint: The shelves are painted Valspar's Bird’s Egg Blue, which is the same color I used for my desk in this post.

Step 6: Decorate and Rearrange and Rearrange again!

The frames are from my favorite store Ikea. We do not have one in Vegas so I drag my family every time I visit California or Utah.

The Printables are from One Pretty Thing and eventually I plan to print this to add to the shelves from the lovely Eighteen 25 ladies!

Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!

Linking to:
Polka Dots on Parade
DIY Show Off
Motivate Me Mondays
Making the World Cuter
Between Naps on the Porch
All Thingz Related
Today's Creative Blog
The Gypsy's Corner
Not Just a Housewife
The Thrifty Home
Creations By Kara
Beyond the Picket Fence
Its a Hodgepodge Life
Tidy Mom
Tatertots and Jello
Whipperberry
Kims Kandy Kreations
Chic on a shoestring decorating