Watch Out, Martha!

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (5/20)

2013-05-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another week of wonderful links!

I love these Chocolate Rose Biscuits from Cath's Cookery Creations. Just a few more minutes of effort to pipe rosettes can really transform a simple cookie into something spectacular!

Glued to my Crafts shared this awesome Portable Compost Bin!

And the most popular link from last week's party is...

These yummy looking Cinnamon Biscotti Dunkers from Lemon Tree Dwelling!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but... Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

The “Rules”
• Link directly to your specific post, not your blog in general.
• Please only submit recipes and/or crafts that are your own.
• No giveaways, no shops, and no ‘inspiration’/‘general’ posts, please.
• Be a follower of Watch Out, Martha!
• Link back to WOM (either by grabbing my button or by a simple link to the party) in the body of the post would be appreciated! *Disclaimer: If you do not link back in the body of the post, you will not be eligible to be featured next week.
• Leave some love! Comment on other linkers – everyone loves getting comments on their posts!

Annnnd it's that time of the week again.

2013-05-19T19:18:00.001-07:00

The time of the week when I'm trying to get stuff done, and my Internet decides not to work any longer.

I'm on my phone, so I can't do the whole linky tools code for the party... I'll post it in the morning before I leave for class.

One of these days I'll have that crap fixed!!

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (5/13)

2013-05-12T20:09:00.001-07:00

Has anyone else been having issues with Blogger tonight?

I realized that I had forgotten to post the features last week, so I went through and got that all written up and finished. But when I went to put the most recent features in the post, I couldn't get the pictures to load! I tried everything I could think of, and nothing is working. I've been sitting for over an hour trying to get the dang things to load, but no luck.

Why is it that the internet (or Blogger) always hassles me Sunday nights when I'm trying to get the linky party up and going? I feel like the universe is out to get me!

At any rate, here are the features from two weeks ago. I will try to get the features from last week put in tomorrow sometime.

I'm going insane over here.

Oh! And a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I'm loving this Limoncello Cocktail Cake from Cooking with Curls... I'm also loving that pan!

Paper Daisy Designs showed us how to make this absolutely awesome Rustic Sofa Table!

And the most popular link from two weeks ago goes to...

These Ti ssue Paper F lower Favors from Crafty Journal!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but... Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

The “Rules”
• Link directly to your specific post, not your blog in general.
• Please only submit recipes and/or crafts that are your own.
• No giveaways, no shops, and no ‘inspiration’/‘general’ posts, please.
• Be a follower of Watch Out, Martha!
• Link back to WOM (either by grabbing my button or by a simple link to the party) in the body of the post would be appreciated! *Disclaimer: If you do not link back in the body of the post, you will not be eligible to be featured next week.
• Leave some love! Comment on other linkers – everyone loves getting comments on their posts!

Martha Mondays Link Up Party (5/6)

2013-05-06T04:57:00.002-07:00

Welcome to another week of Martha Mondays!

I finally got the code from Linky Tools (only took how long??), and I'll have the features up later today. Thanks for your patience!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but... Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

Martha Mondays Delayed

2013-05-05T19:03:00.001-07:00

I'm having some issues with Linky Tools/maybe my internet this weekend, due to a ridiculous storm we had. I've been trying to get things to load all evening, but to no avail. Blogger however, is working right now (albeit quite slowly), so at the very least I can post this message!

I'll try in the morning to get the linky party and features up before I leave for class.

I guess my internet just doesn't like Sundays, because this happens to me all the time! :(

Thrifty Thursdays: Let's Take a Look Back at April

2013-05-02T09:39:00.001-07:00

I'm about to get real with you. I've been pretty terrible about tracking my personal finances since my divorce.

I still pay all my bills and my credit score has actually gone up a few points (yay) AND I've socked away quite a bit of money for the future... So, it's not like I'm spending my way into massive amounts of debt or anything like that, but I've definitely been a spontaneous/indulgent spender.

This morning, on a whim, I decided to download my April checking account transactions and categorize them in an Excel spreadsheet to see what I was spending the most money on. Whelp...

$346.70 on eating out.

For one person. This does, however, include all girl's night festivities (which includes drinks and such) and trips to the grocery store (which technically isn't eating out, but since I don't have to pay for food at home right now, I count it). That's outrageous, and has to stop. Water and complimentary bread basket on girls nights from now on! I guess I'll just volunteer to be the DD, unless a cute guy offers to buy me a drink :)

$579.93 on shopping.

Yikes! This does include my Target card bill (yay for saving that whole 5%), and that's where I buy all my shampoo, vitamins, coffee/coffee creamer, razor blades, body wash, and other things that are necessities of life. Those items don't really count as shopping, but since it would be too time consuming to pour over my Target statements and determine what's necessary and what's not, it's all getting grouped the same for right now. And let's face it, I buy more unnecessary stuff at Target than necessary stuff anyways. I also went on a little almost-summer shopping spree...

$296.53 on gas.

This is somewhat unavoidable right now, as I drive 90 miles round trip to school, 3 days a week - that alone uses 3/4 of a tank. I've gotten pretty good about stretching that last 1/4 of a tank for the remainder of the week, but I could do better. Today, I was going to head off to the gym and then later head over for an agility class at my CrossFit place. I decided to wait it out and go to the gym after the agility class, saving myself a trip. I kind of feel trapped in the house right now!

$19.07 on RedBox rentals.

Yes, it's way cheaper than going to the movies (which I had also thought of going to today, guess not) but I also pay $29.00/month for HBO and a DVR. I'll be recording movies during the day to watch at night from now on!

$50.00 at Starbucks.

I love my coffee, we know this. I listed it under necessities above, it's that serious. But, I do have an awesome French press and some (Target purchased) ground Starbucks coffee and yummy creamer here at the house. And I have some super cute to-go cups as well. Sorry Starbucks, but I'm breaking up with you. You will be greatly missed!

$143.19 on "pampering".

This includes the $20+ I spend on my normal gym membership, because I could cancel it or drop down to the basic membership at $10/month, but I like the perks. It also includes a one-time Groupon purchase and a very irregular pedicure (I normally do them myself). So, this number is normally just the $20 for Planet Fitness on a normal month. Doesn't make that number any easier to swallow though.

$622.01 on normal/reoccurring bills.

This includes items such as Cassie's food, my HBO/DVR, my Massage Envy membership (which I'm canceling), CrossFit (NOT canceling that, it's worth it), storage unit fees, and the like. Normally this number is only about $350, but last month I finished paying off my Visa card (which is where they are all charged to), hence the extra couple of hundred. This number doesn't include my cell phone, car insurance, or Cassie's Banfield Wellness program fee, which the ex-husband has been paying for since the divorce. Come May 13 - I'll be paying for those items again. Guh. That's gonna suck.

Well, I'm sure you all enjoyed that foray into my personal finances and spending habits. I told the girls about it, and warned them to not let me buy clothing, Starbucks, crazy expensive meals, and things like that anymore. I'm hoping that by getting it out in the open, I'll be better at sticking to a safer budget!

Also, when it comes to Thrifty Thursdays, I'm thinking of re-vamping how I do it. Normally I just share what I found out and about at the thrift stores, but since I need to curb my spending - that's going out the window, too. I have a few posts ready to be published, so this won't be the last one of that variety, which will give me a chance to think about how to go about doing this.

Any suggestions?

Bow Print Top - $4.00

It's a little bit big for me, but I'm hoping I can tailor it a little bit to make it work.

Yellow Tank Top (BCBG) - $3.50

Perfect for summer!

Purple Tank Top - $3.50

I really don't have a lot of purple, so I figured this was a must-have since it would be great for summer and is SO cute!

Seersucker Shorts (J. Crew) - $4.00

Like most of the Bermuda shorts I've thrifted, these are getting turned into regular shorts. I'm just not a Bermuda type girl!

Thanks for bearing with me on this super wordy post, I hope you keep checking back to see how I'm doing on my new financial goals! :)

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (4/29)

2013-04-28T19:37:00.001-07:00

Good grief time is flying!

Can you believe it's almost May already??

Speaking of time flying, last night was my 10 year high school reunion. What the what?! When did that happen? I didn't end up going, but it's really made me start thinking about how time goes faster the older you get.

I remember when summers used to last forever and Christmas was always impossibly far in the future. Hardly seems that way anymore, huh? I'm not-so-slowly approaching 30, and I still have SO many items to cross of my 30 Before 30 List!

So, this summer I'm going to get back to it. One of those items is posting more regularly on here, which I was doing well at for awhile but then I totally fell off the wagon.

What sort of goals do you have for the summer?

With A Blast showed us to make this super awesome DIY Portable Fire Feature!

Champagne Floats? Yes, please! While Wearing Heels shows us how!

And the most popular post of the week goes to...

This Butterscotch Apple Fluff from Simplee Sue!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but... Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (4/22)

2013-04-21T17:12:00.002-07:00

Welcome to another installment of Martha Mondays!

Last week we had 111 amazing links in the party, only one shy of the previous record of 112! I'm so thankful that so many of you keep coming back to my little blog every week to link up your projects and recipes. It really means a lot to me! :)

Doesn't this Lemon Meringue Martini from Lemon Tree Dwelling look so amazing!

I think this Duck Cloth Spring Wreath from Made In A Day is seriously awesome! Hobby Lobby has a really fun selection of duck cloth, so I think a trip might be in order!

And the most popular post of the week goes to...

This Famous Cowboy Casserole from Sourdough Living in the Midwest!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but... Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (4/15)

2013-04-14T19:34:00.002-07:00

Happy Tax Day!

Yeah, not really. But I do hope that you all have finished and submitted your taxes!

I'll see what I can do to make this terrible Monday a little bit better for ya :)

This DIY Tulle Skirt from Rummage Living is to die for. I can totally come up with an event to wear this to, right??

I've made some no bake protein balls before, but these this Cookies'N Creme version from Posh Pink Giraffe look even better than the ones I made!

And the most popular post of the week goes to...

This delish Sweet Baby Ray's Barbeque Sauce from Half Baked Harvest!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but... Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

Martha Mondays Features (4/8)

2013-04-08T18:47:00.003-07:00

Thanks so much for all of your patience regarding last week's features! Without further ado, here they are!!

How awesome does this Potato Bake from Cath's Cookery Creations look??

This DIY Moss Bunny and Roses Centerpiece from Life on Lakeshore Drive is just adorable!

And the most popular post of the week goes to...

This Orange Julius recipe from Mommy On Demand! (PS - is it weird that I've never had an Orange Julius before?)

Make sure to swing by this week's party to share your new posts!

Martha Mondays Link Up Party (4/8)

2013-04-07T19:29:00.003-07:00

I hope you all had a great weekend!

I've been having some internet connection issues, so I haven't been able to get to the features from last week's party yet. They will be up sometime on Monday. Thanks in advance for your patience!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but... Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

Spinach Artichoke Dip - AKA Crack on a Cracker

2013-04-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

One of my absolute favorite (super high calorie) snacks is spinach artichoke dip. A friend of mine's mother always made the most amazing version, but kept the recipe safely guarded.

Since I was never getting my hands on that recipe, I experimented with my own and finally came up with this one. I think a dash or two of Cholula (or your favorite hot sauce), if you're into that stuff, would be a great addition as well! Personally, I can never get enough of the stuff and buy it in bulk!

Just be forewarned, this stuff is addicting. Seriously. It's hard to stop yourself once you get started!

Spinach Artichoke Dip

8 oz. Cream Cheese, room temp
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Small package frozen spinach
2 cans artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Chili powder, salt, and pepper, to taste
1 cup, plus 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and then transfer to an oven safe baking dish, and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella. Bake at 350* until the cheese is browned and dip is warmed through, 15-20 minutes. If necessary, you can use your oven's broiler to get the cheese nicely browned.

I Was Featured:

Linking Up Here:

Craft-O-Maniac Monday @ Craft-O-Maniac ; Made by You Monday @ Skip To My Lou ; Keeping It Simple ; Made With Love Link Up @ Sew Chatty ; Monday Funday @ Creating Really Awesome Free Things ; Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage ; More the Merrier Monday @ diy home sweet home ; Motivated Monday @ be colorful ; Create & Inspire @ Handmade Cuddles ; Pink Hippo Party @ Pinkapotamus ; The Weekly Creative @ Sewing Barefoot ; Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings ; Take a Look Tuesday @ Sugar Bee Crafts ;

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (4/1)

2013-03-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Time to go back to school already??

I was so busy over spring break, that I didn't get around to composing a post about a fun collection of April Fool's Day jokes. Bummer.

However, I did finish almost everything on my list! The big one, finishing going through my storage unit, got completed only a few hours ago. It was a pretty big job! I'm so happy it's finally finished though, and in two weeks I'll be having a massive yard sale to sell all of the items I no longer want/need. It feels to great to purge so many unneeded items! :)

Now, on to today's party!

I was SUPER good this year and didn't buy any Easter at all, not even a Cadbury egg, which are my favorite. Of course, now that Kim at Makin' It Mo Betta has shown us all how to make our very own Homemade Peanut Butter Eggs, I might end up making some for myself!

I love two-tone dressers, especially when they incorporate wood grains. So, this Baby Changing Table over at The Life of CK and Nate is right up my alley! Except for the baby part that is... ;)

And the most popular post of last week's party goes to....

This Better Than Caramel Popcorn from Butter With a Side of Bread!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but... Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (3/25)

2013-03-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo - it's SPRING BREAK!

Of course, if you follow me on Instagram (@sugar1857), then you know my spring break isn't going to be full of going to the beach, sleeping in, and shopping like I used to when I was younger. Instead it will be spent going through the rest of my storage unit, working on projects, organizing, cleaning, and preparing for the upcoming quarter at school.

Getting older sucks sometimes.

But what doesn't suck, is this week's features! ;)

I just bought a huge tub of coconut oil the other day for a specific recipe, and now I need other things to make with it! These awesome looking Coconut Oil Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies from Persnickety Plates will do just the trick - and then some!

Beth over at The First Year Blog shared the second part in the Rustic Wedding Series. I'm seriously loving the suitcase card box!

And the most popular post of the week goes to...

These sweet looking Calamansi Crinkle Cookies from Latitude Adjustment!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but...

Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

Chewy Cat Treats, From Scratch

2013-03-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

I seriously just now realized I never posted the cat treat recipe that I told you all about back in November! I got to both of the dog treat recipes (Peanu t Butter and Pumpkin) but totally missed the cat treat one!

My bad y'all. I might be more of a dog person, but I don't have anything against our feline friends - promise!

Chewy Treats for Cats

1 large egg

1 4-oz jar chicken and brown rice baby food

1/4 cup parsley, minced

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 tablespoons water

1 cup brown rice flour

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 325* F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, baby food, parsley, olive oil, and water. Add brown rice flour and cooked rice. Stir to incorporate. The mixture will be thick but spreadable.

Roll mixture to 1/3 inch thickness (use AP flour if necessary) and slice into uniform pieces, depending on how large you want them for your cat. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and flip each piece over. Return pieces to the oven to bake for another 8 minutes, or until hard. Remove from the oven. Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

I hope your furry friends enjoy this recipe!

Featured:

Linking Up To:
Fancy This Fridays @ Truly Lovely ; Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest ; Free For All @ Young and Crafty ; Friday Favs Party @ Nap Time Crafters ; Tickled Pink @ 504 Main ; A Pinteresting Party @ Tutus and Tea Parties ; Weekend Bloggy Linky Party @ Serenity Now ; Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots & Jello ; Show & Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal ; Dare to Share @ Pam's Party & Practical Tips ;

Martha Mondays Features (3/18)

2013-03-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your patience on the features from last week's party!

Without further ado, here they are!

I'm a pretty big fan of enchiladas, and chicken, so this Chicken Enchilada Soup from The Salty Kitchen sounds awesome!

So, I'm generally not a fan of carnations (has anyone else seen that episode of Sex and the City?), but I'm willing to make an exception for this DIY Spring Carnation Home Decor from Real Southern Living!

And the most popular post of the week goes to...

These super cute Monkey Cupcakes from Persnickety Plates!

Don't forget to swing by this week's linky party to share your recipes, DIYs, projects, and crafts!

Martha Mondays Link Up Party (3/18)

2013-03-17T19:48:00.005-07:00

I hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day weekend!

The features from last week's party will be up when I get home from school on Monday, things got a little busy here over the weekend and I didn't get a chance to get them finished!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but...

Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

The party will be open from 12:01am on Monday(s) to 11:59pm on Wednesday(s). Come back every Monday and link up your best creative posts from the week!

The “Rules”
• Link directly to your specific post, not your blog in general.
• Please only submit recipes and/or crafts that are your own.
• No giveaways, no shops, and no ‘inspiration’/‘general’ posts, please.
• Be a follower of Watch Out, Martha!
• Link back to WOM (either by grabbing my button or by a simple link to the party) in the body of the post would be appreciated! *Disclaimer: If you do not link back in the body of the post, you will not be eligible to be featured next week.
• Leave some love! Comment on other linkers – everyone loves getting comments on their posts!

Martha Mondays LInk Up Party & Features (3/11)

2013-03-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

There were SO many great links last week, it was almost impossible for to me pick the features!

One deciding factor: bloggers who didn't link back. I cannot tell you how upsetting it is to go visit a link from the party to see that the author linked back to numerous other link parties, but not to yours.

As such, some great projects and recipes haven't been featured here over the (almost) year that Martha Mondays has been going on.

So, please please please - link back when you participate in MM - or any other link party for that matter!!!

At any rate, we have some amazing features this week!

I just love these Easter Egg Votive Holders from Posh Pink Giraffe, don't you? Also, Becky - I LOVE your blog name!!

Milky Ways are one of the few candy bars I really enjoy (I'm so picky), especially if they're frozen! These Milky Way Cookies from Annie's Noms look like they would be just divine!

And the most popular link of last week's party goes to:

This scrumptious looking Slow Cooker Chicken Vegetable Soup from The Wilderness Wife!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but...

Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

Thrifty Thursdays: Random Bits & Pieces

2013-03-07T16:18:00.003-08:00

Wow - it's seriously been a loooong time since I posted a Thrifty Thursday! The funny thing is, I have a whole bunch of them in my drafts, just waiting to be finished and published. Whoops!

Today's TT showcases one of my most favorite clothing finds (from a consignment store, not a thrift shop) and two super fun (and a little outside of my normal comfort zone) items that I scored for pretty much nothing at a local thrift shop.

Faux Leather Jacket - $15.98 + 5% discount for using cash = $15.18

I LOVE this jacket. I mean really, really love. I've worn it more times this winter than any other piece of thrifted clothing I own.

Mustard Yellow Wallet - $1.00

I do love my mustard yellows, and a girl can never have too many wallets, right?

Black & White Geo Print Dress - $1.00

This dress is definitely a departure from my usual 'style', in both print and style, but I was drawn to it - and for only a buck, I couldn't help myself!

Have you scored any awesome thrift/consignment deals lately?

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (3/4)

2013-03-03T19:43:00.001-08:00

I hope you all had a great weekend! I seriously cannot believe it's already March... 2013 is flying by. Growing up time always seemed to move so slowly, and adults would always tell me that as you got older - it went faster.

Well, I think I've gotten to that point in my life now. I feel like time is speeding by!

Anyways, this whole 'time is speeding by' thing just means that it's time for another Martha Monday, and some more features!

Don't these Black Bean Quesadillas from First Year Blog look delish?

I think these Handmade Hair Barrettes from The Frugal Freshman Homemaker are just too cute, and they look pretty easy to put together!

And the most popular link from last week's party is...

These super yum Coffee Cake Muffins from The Unsophisticated Kitchen.

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but...

Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

2013-03-02T15:34:00.000-08:00

March 2, apparently, is Dr.Seuss's birthday! I loved, loved, loved his books growing up. The Lorax was always my favorite, and I even got to play the 'kid' my 6th grade school play :)

My best friend's brother and sister-in-law are pretty big Lorax fans as well (he even has a tattoo) so when they found out that they were expecting, they knew the baby's room would have to be Lorax/Seuss themed.

My friend threw one of the showers, which obviously was themed to match! Take a look! :)

**I take absolutely no credit for any of the projects, crafts, or food in this post! All the credit goes towards my friend, her brother, and her sister-in-law!**

A super sweet sign so that they guests all knew they were in the right place!

The cupcakes were my favorite part! The truffla trees are made out of pipe cleaners and feather boa materials (disposable thermometer covers were used to stick the pipe cleaners into the cupcakes without leaving behind any fuzzies), and the Lorax cupcakes were made using mustache molds from Micheal's and yellow melting chocolates.

The googly eyes can be purchased in pretty much any baking section.

The super delish spread included orange deviled eggs, fruit 'salsa' with homemade cinnamon sugar pita chips, chips and dip, hummus with veggies, and tuna/chicken sandwiches. Yum!

The winners of the baby games all got fun candles in these adorable handmade bags!

They didn't know if they were having a boy or girl, so my friend crafted these amazing truffla trees as part of the decor.

Hello, cutest little flower pot ever!

I mentioned that the baby's nursery was Lorax/Seuss themed as well....

They used an old projector and copies of pages from their favorite books to trace these wonderful murals on each of the baby's room walls. A little bit of time (ok, a lot of time), patience, and some paint was all they needed!

Linking Up To:
Fancy This Fridays @ Truly Lovely ; Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest ; Free For All @ Young and Crafty ; Friday Favs Party @ Nap Time Crafters ; Tickled Pink @ 504 Main ; A Pinteresting Party @ Tutus and Tea Parties ; Weekend Bloggy Linky Party @ Serenity Now ; Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots & Jello ; Show & Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal ; Dare to Share @ Pam's Party & Practical Tips ;

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (2/25)

2013-02-24T19:48:00.001-08:00

I've been super busy this weekend getting all sorts of posts ready to share with you... I'm talking a lot of posts - like 17! I've been sitting on all sorts of recipes and crafts, just trying to find the time to get the posts finished. I'm hoping to have a few of them posted this week for you all!

Now, on to this week's party!

Granola is just one of those things that I can't buy, I have to make it myself. And this Homemade Chocolate Granola from Housewife How-To's sounds perfect!

I love that people are getting so into doing fun murals on walls now (more about that in a later post!) so this Wall Mural from The Life of CK and Nate is right up my alley!

And the most popular post of the week goes to...

This super cute Shamrock Angel from Crafty Journal!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but...

Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (2/18)

2013-02-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

Martha Mondays hit an all time record last week - 107 amazing links!

It was super hard to pick the features this week, there were just so many wonderful choices, but I did finally manage to narrow it down. Enjoy!

Um, yeah. This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust from Makin' it Mo' Betta looks to DIE for!

We all know I'm not a big baby person, but I think Bean In Love's Nursery is one of the most adorable nursery's I've seen yet. I love the simple, sophisticated feel!

And the most popular link from the party goes to...

This super sweet Heart Shaped Headband Tutorial from While Wearing Heels!

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but...

Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.

Nutella Blossoms with Dove Chocolate Hearts

2013-02-11T18:56:00.001-08:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day - Nuttella Blossoms with Dove Chocolate Hearts!

I probably could have just stopped after "Nutella", huh?

These super delish cookies are a take on your usual Peanut Butter Blossoms, but the switch of Nutella for the peanut butter really makes them a million times better. For reals.

That, and I don't like Hershey Kisses. Or any Hershey product, for that matter. Maybe I'm a bit of a chocolate snob, but their chocolate is always kind of grainy/chalky to me. I generally don't do Dove either, but I thought that the hearts would make it a seasonally appropriate cookie, with Valentine's Day being around the corner and all!

Nutella Blossoms with Dove Chocolate Hearts

1/2 granulated sugar, plus additional for rolling

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 cup Nutella

1 cup salted butter, room temp

2 large eggs, room temp

3 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

2 bags Dove chocolates* (or any bite size chocolate)

Preheat oven to 375*F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, Nutella, butter, and both eggs. Mix on medium until thoroughly combined.

Add flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until just combined. Over-mixing will make the cookies tough.

Using a small ice cream scoop with a self-release, make 1-inch balls. Roll balls in additional sugar to coat and place on a parchment lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten balls until they are thick disks.

Bake 9-10 minutes or until the edges begin to harden, but the center is still soft. Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate into the center of the cookie. Remove from baking sheet when no longer (super) soft and let cool on a wire rack.

Makes 42 cookies.

*If you only buy one bag, you'll be left with 6 cookies that don't get a chocolate heart. If you're ok with this and/or don't want excess chocolate floating around your house, one bag will work!

Enjoy!

Linking Up To:
Fancy This Fridays @ Truly Lovely ; Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest ; Free For All @ Young and Crafty ; Friday Favs Party @ Nap Time Crafters ;Tickled Pink @ 504 Main ; A Pinteresting Party @ Tutus and Tea Parties ; Weekend Bloggy Linky Party @ Serenity Now ; Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots & Jello ; Show & Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal ; Dare to Share @ Pam's Party & Practical Tips ;

Martha Mondays Link Up Party & Features (2/11)

2013-02-10T16:16:00.002-08:00

Thanks everyone, for being so understanding of why there was no Martha Mondays last week! If I wasn't such a last minute Sally, I would have had the forethought to get the post written and published before the weekend's birthday activities began! :)

At any rate, let's get right to the party, shall we?

I might not have a craft room right now, but I know my old one (and my hopefully future one) would have greatly benefited from this DIY Craft Room Desk from 24 Cottonwood Lane!

I don't know about you all, but to me, cardamom is a truly under-utilized spice and I'd love to see it in more things. Take, for example, this amazing looking Pear & Cardamom Crepe Cake from Stephanie over at Sweet Boutique. Doesn't it just sound divine?

And the most popular post of the week belongs to....

This absolutely amazing Media Center Makeover, also from 24 Cottonwood Lane! (Congrats on the double feature, Jenna!)

Feel free to submit as many links as you wish – but...

Please respect the “Inner - Martha” vibe and stick to recipes, DIY projects, crafts, and other creative (made by you) things.

I've been getting lots of links that do not fall into these categories, and whereas I do appreciate those kinds of posts - this is not the venue to link them up!

Any link that does not fall into these categories WILL be deleted!

My favorite submissions, as well as the most popular submission, will be featured on the next week’s party.