A Creative Spirit

What's Cooking?

2012-02-01T06:41:00.001-05:00

As I said on Monday, I am working hard on my healthy eating resolution. In order to stick to that, I must do a majority of my cooking on Sunday. That is the only day I have the energy to put together anything inspiring. Something I wanna eat a least a couple of days in the week.

So this past Sunday saw me boiling some eggs - love them just with Frank's Red Hot - that may make it into a Weight Watcher friendly egg salad.

I also made a batch of steel cut oats that ends up being 4 breakfasts for me. I just add a little honey and cinnamon and call it a day. Add a glass of cold fat free milk and I am a happy gal.

Then on to dinner which ended up lasting me 3 days (hey I am single and so I eat a LOT of leftovers).

What did I make? I am glad you asked!

I was inspired by The Pioneer Woman to make a Pantry Pasta. I saw her do it on her HGTV show and thought "I can do that"! I didn't follow her recipe, per se, but I used the basic concept.

I took the pic with my iphone so it isn't the BEST quality, so please forgive.

I dug through the pantry, and found some whole wheat Rotini. Not sure when I got THAT as Penne is my usual go-to pasta. I found some marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and a can of petite diced tomatoes. I sauteed some chopped onions and garlic and then combined all those pantry items together.

I needed to add some type of fish or chicken or something, so I dug in the freezer and found some tail off, peeled and deveined shrimp. Defrosted those little pups and sauteed them. I shoulda added the onions and garlic to them instead of the pantry items as the shrimp needed a lil more flavor.

All in all it was pretty yummy but def coulda used some fresh herbs. Maybe a little torn basil or chopped oregano. HMMMM, I have to keep that in mind this summer when my little herb garden is in it's green glory.

So what have you been cooking? Do you have a favorite go to meal?

I would love to hear.

Until next time.....

Keep on creating!

What's up with those resolutions?

2012-01-30T06:18:00.001-05:00

Well, here we are at the end of January (ok tomorrow is TECHNICALLY the end) and time to check in on my 2012 resolutions. I really, really, really wanna stick to them this year. At least some of them. That would be a major accomplishment as most years I just give up on them right about NOW.

I have actually started working on the eating healthy resolution. As a matter of fact today is day 6 back on Weight Watchers. I haven't added in the movement yet but I do plan on getting back on the exercise wagon in the very near future.

And I DID buy myself a beautiful bunch of flowers at Trader Joe's a couple weeks ago.

Aren't they pretty..... and for 10 bucks, they got me about a weeks worth of joy.... not bad for about a buck and a half a day huh?

There you have it. Two resolutions underway and now on to the rest of them!!!!

Until next time.....

Keep on Creating!

A pet peeve.....

2012-01-25T06:31:00.000-05:00

I may have mentioned some of my pet peeves before. I mean I have quite a few..... unfortunately.

But I am very tolerant and realize that just because it is MY problem or my pet peeve, it doesn't make it wrong for those who step over the edge of my peeve meter.

I mean there are those sounds that are like NAILS ON A CHALKBOARD to me.... the scratch scratch scratch sounds of someone scrolling their computer mouse....ICK.... or how about someone constantly tapping their pencil or their fingers during a meeting....GRRR... or maybe the constant drip of a leaky faucet (and thanks to GOD I don't have one of those).

But I digress... my thought on this peeve came about while writing my Word for 2012 post on Monday. It has to do with one of the ways I plan to work on MY word - BELIEVE!

It was the tip and my plan to accept compliments graciously. I sometimes have trouble with that. OH WHO AM I FOOLING? I always have trouble graciously accepting compliments. My normal answer of "oh it was no big deal" needs to change to "Thank You". NUF SAID.

But what about those people that NEED the compliments? People that you have to constantly stroke to give them encouragement. Those that are so unsure of themselves that they crave compliments to make them feel better and to get through the day. It totally exhausts me. And when they fish for compliments constantly? Did I mention how it just wears me out?

Do you know or work with someone like that? How do you deal with it?

I would love to know your thoughts as I am facing this problem everyday and I need some thoughts on how to accept it, or deal with it or tune it out. :o)

Thanks for any advice you all can give me.

Until next time....

2012 - What is your WORD this year?

2012-01-23T05:56:00.001-05:00

Over at The Lettered Cottage, leave it to Layla to kick off an inspiring linky party. The Word of the Year Link Party was an invitation to her readers to choose a word that would be just for them. One each individual could focus on in 2012.

What a GREAT idea! The concept is simple, pick a word to live by in 2012. A word to inspire you, to motivate you and to live by.

Layla's word is UP and you should check out her post as to why she chose that word.
Now on to MY word for 2012.
Hmmmmm, UH.....

Well, lets see!

I could choose Fun - as I have not really allowed myself some real fun since my mother died in early summer.

I could choose Decide - you know..... to think ahead and make some choices on vacations, purchases, business decisions..... all those things I am not having an easy time doing right now.

How about Blessing? To not only count my blessings and thank God for them every day, but also to be a blessing.

Then, there are words like Do, Inspire, Trust, Step, Learn, Accomplish, Love, Joy or Connect. These are all words that others chose during the Link Party.

But what about me?

Well, I have done a lot of thinking and I narrowed it down to 2 words.
BELIEVE and DREAM

Now it took MORE thinking to decide on just one (see Decision would have been a good word for me).

I settled on Believe!

The dictionary lists the following as the definitions of believe:

1. to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.
2. to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to.

3. to have confidence in the assertions of (a person).

4. to have a conviction that (a person or thing) is, has been, or will be engaged in a given action or involved in a given situation: The fugitive is believed to be headed for the Mexican border.

5.to suppose or assume; understand (usually followed by a noun clause): I believe that he has left town.

It is time for me to Believe again..... in myself, in my abilities, in my strength.

I talk a good game believe me..... I say I am strong, and capable but I don't always believe it in my heart! So it looks like I have some heart work to do this year.

So how do I do it? Well, some of the ideas below are mine and some are ones I found in some internet research.

First by spending more time with God. That is MY strongest belief so that part of my life deserves more time. More time in the Word, more time in prayer, more time sharing my beliefs.
Also, by meditating on the positives, on the blessings I have in my life and stop focusing on the losses.
Doing what I believe to be right, even if others mock or criticize me for it.
Being willing to take risks and go the extra mile to achieve better things.
Accepting compliments graciously. “Thanks, I really worked hard on that prospectus. I’m pleased you recognize my efforts.”

So that is the start of my heart work on my word for 2012 - BELIEVE!!!

What would your word be? How would you live out that word this year?

I would love to hear from you.

Until next time.....

Keep on Creating.

Awards Season in Hollywood

2012-01-16T07:54:00.000-05:00

How do you feel about the hoopla surrounding awards season in Hollywood? Are you a fan, a foe, or maybe could care less. OR are you spending HOURS on the pre-shows, post-shows, and just plain riveted with the coverage of all the fashions and actual awards?

I usually catch the highlights on the entertainment shows the next night but this year the Golden Globes really intrigued me.... And yes, I DID watch both the pre-show and post-show as well as MOST of the actual show. That means I spent 6 hours last night totally mesmerized. 6 hours I will never get back.

And now guess what? All the morning shows have more post-award show coverage. :o) And there are STILL the entertainment shows AND The Fashion Police tonight. :o)

The sad part is that I think I have only seen ONE of the movies (The Help) that was nominated. Hmmmm maybe I need to do make some quick trips to the movies. Of course I think the ticket prices are budget busting so I rarely go.

So what are your thoughts on award season?

Have you seen any of the movies that are expected to win big awards? If so, which ones?

I can't wait to hear what you all think.

Until next time......

Perfection....

2012-01-11T12:13:00.001-05:00

Is it expected? Sometimes.

Is it achievable? Not sure.

So why do so many of us strive for it?

I ran across one of my many emails that had to do with resolutions that involve our health. And the idea of perfection or the all or nothing thinking.

This email is from Michele May, MD, author of "Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat" She is a proponent of mindful eating. Paying attention to the cues our body gives us to STOP eating so this information fits right in with the mindful eating frame of mind.

Think of eating and physical activity as a pendulum with two extremes: All and Nothing. What happens if you draw a pendulum in one direction and let it go? Of course, it swings to the opposite extreme. Too often, this is how people approach their eating and exercise choices: all or nothing.

No individual snack, meal, or drink—or day on the couch—will ruin your picture of health, but a pattern of overconsumption or disregard for your health will affect the end result. Since perfection is not possible (or even necessary), find the balance in-between. When your eating and exercise plan take into account your schedule, preferences, goals, health concerns, and other issues specific to you, you’re able to establish a healthy lifestyle that is flexible enough to withstand the realities of your daily life.

Dr. May suggests finding the middle ground and also suggests we stop beating ourselves up when we don't reach the level of perfection that is either forced upon us or that we expect of ourselves.

What about you? Do you expect perfection for yourself? In your eating, your exercise, your sewing, your crafting? I know I do and take the all or nothing attitude at times so that I don't disappoint myself or those around me. Maybe I should start being 'mindful' of the outcome and not force myself to either strive for perfection or not even try.

Until next time....

Keep on Creating!!!

Water Water Everywhere......

2012-01-09T07:03:00.001-05:00

Except of course in my daily plan. I KNOW I should drink more water. I start each day with the intention of drinking more. I even make sure I have loads of bottled water under my desk at work so that I am well prepared. (don't worry I recycle all my water bottles so that not only do I get the water benefit but I make sure I don't add to junk going to landfilles)

So I decided to do some research - very unscientific research that is - on why I need to stick to a habit of drinking more water.

About.com Nutrition has this to say about water.....

Your body is estimated to be about 60 to 70 percent water. Blood is mostly water, and your muscles, lungs, and brain all contain a lot of water. You need water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to your organs and tissues. Water also transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste, and protects your joints and organs.

HMMMM sounds like a good reason to add water huh???

The article on About.com goes on to explain a great way to figure out how much we need to drink each day.... Take your weight and divide in half and that is the number of ounces you should drink a day. That is interesting as that puts me just over the normally recommended 8 cups of water a day, so I KNOW I am way under that. GRRRR.

How about some more info from over at chemcraft.net.....

Water is without a doubt one of the very best diet aids and fat reducers: look at what it does . . . Suppresses your appetite. Reduces sodium buildup and helps maintain muscle tone. It helps the body eliminate waste and toxins. Relieves fluid retention. If you don’t give your body water, it holds onto water tenaciously so it wont run out. Reduces fat deposits in the body by helping the body metabolize the fat that is stored in the body, however when your kidneys don’t get enough water, this causes the liver to become overloaded. Since the liver is the organ that metabolizes the fat, it can’t do that if it’s doing the kidneys job.

HMMMM, geesh another reason to drink it to help me on my journey to lose the weight that I have put on since my mom died in June.

Now these are not new facts or new information to me. I KNOW why I should drink water but I needed a little reminder of why those unopened bottles of water under my desk are not doing any good until the cap comes off.

How do you add more water into your day? Do you use those little flavor packets? Do you like your water with ice? Or ice cold from the fridge? Or at room temp?

I would love to hear any tips you have to make me get at least my recommended amount in every day.

Until next time.....

Keep on Creating......

Another year, another stack of resolutions!

2012-01-02T06:59:00.000-05:00

I am not sure about all of you, but I am very happy to leave 2011 behind. It was a tough year for me in many ways, so I look forward to less stress in 2012.

So do I even think about making some resolutions? Is it an exercise in futility?
HMMMMM!!!! Maybe these resolutions will be a distant memory by March, but here goes with my thoughts for 2012.

I plan to:

Slow Down!!! Eat slower, walk slower (except when exercising), talk slower and write slower.
Move More!!! Add exercise of some sort back into my life.
Eat Healthy and Lose Weight!!! (I can't even count the number of times I have made that one)
LOSE my lack of confidence and spend time getting my business off the ground.
Buy fresh flowers once in a while. :o) Something colorful and with a little life. (OK, technically they are no longer living if they are cut, but I am not sure I have enough light or space for permanent plants.

So I think I will stop at that so as not to overwhelm myself too much, making it more likely that all resolutions will be abandoned by Spring.
I would love to hear your resolutions? And hey, maybe we can keep each other accountable at keeping them.
Until next time...Keep On Creating!!!

Blue Christmas

2011-12-14T08:35:00.001-05:00

Hello all my Bloggy Pals.

I have done pretty well at avoiding the blues this year even tho it is the first Christmas without Mom. Last Christmas was the first without Dad, but still having Mom to celebrate with helped to calm the grief of missing him. We still wanted Mom to have a good Christmas so we focused on the joy of the holiday - the presents and decorations and a wonderful Christmas Eve church service.

Mom also had a December birthday so there is some additional sadness this month. To help celebrate and remember Mom, I took my daughter and granddaughter to the Nutcracker on her birthday. Mom would have LOVED it and I am sure she was right there with us - watching and enjoying watching her great granddaughter at her first ballet.

I am trying to keep the Christmas Spirit and to stay busy so as not to become too sad. But is it so bad to be sad at this time of year? I am not talking about wallowing in self pity here, but just being sad when remembering the good times from past Christmases?

My church has a Blue Christmas service during Christmas week for those that have lost loved ones during the year. I am sure it is a celebration and a remembrance service and can't we all use a little bit of that at this time of year to remember those we have lost?

But I also think it is a great idea for the service to put the focus on the REASON for the season and to remember the JOY of the season as well as the grief of the first Christmas without mom. There are still a lot of firsts to come up during the next few months and I want to find a way to channel joy and good memories instead of sadness and grief.

Until next time....

Keep on Creating!!!!

Some more fun Pinning.....

2011-12-11T08:34:00.000-05:00

I have said it before but I am saying it again!!!!

I just LOVE Pinterest!

I have been having such fun researching and finding lovely Christmas ideas and will be adding more as the season goes on.

Wanna check out my Christmas finds?

Check my boards out and especially my "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like..." for Christmas ideas.

Do you Pin????

If so, PLEASE send me your link as I would love to follow you and see your wonderful finds.

Until next time....

Keep On Creating!

Thankful......

2011-11-28T06:54:00.001-05:00

So here it is the final day of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and it got me thinking about the same things I ponder every year at this time.

Did you spend time remembering loved ones that were a big part of Thanksgivings past? I know I did as this is another of the 'firsts' without my mom with us.

Did you eat way too much and are still stuffing yourself with leftovers? UMMMM HELLO!!! Of course I did, but the good thing about going somewhere else is that I didn't have leftovers and I didn't bring ANY home.

Did you get your Christmas decorating done? Or at least started? Mine has a good start. I had the kids, the grandkids and the son in law and daughter in law over to help me with the tree. We did much more talking, laughing and eating than decorating but it was fun to have them all here to decorate for the first time in YEARS. Of course they all have their own homes to decorate so it was nice for them to indulge dear old mom in working on my home.

Are you done with your Christmas shopping? Have you even started? I am THRILLED as I am way ahead of where I usually am at this stage of the game. I am seriously almost done. Even have the stocking stuffers in hand. Just a few more things for the adult boys in the family and maybe a little more indulgences for the grandkids and I will call it a season. Hopefully it will leave me more time to actually ENJOY the season and the real reason for the season since I won't be fighting the crowds for last minute deals.

Well, I think that is it for today....

SOOOO Until next time...
Keep on creating!

Questions I am asking now!

2011-11-18T07:34:00.000-05:00

Life is full of choices.

Where to go for dinner? Or should I just eat at home?
What do I want to be when I grow up?
What is the perfect Christmas gift for your grown children?
When to put up the Christmas decorations?

Wow, these are all big questions right?

OK, so not really.

But they are the pressing questions in my life right now.

So let me address them!

I know I SHOULD be cooking at home more but since mom passed away, I have kinda stepped WAY back from that.
Ok, so I pretty much have decided what I want to do when I grow up. I have had several different careers over my 30+ years of adulthood, but I have NEVER been happier in a job than I am now. But I may be even happier when I can actually become a Virtual Party Planner instead of just planning to be.
Christmas gifts? Why am I worried about that right now? Well, because I would LOVE to be 90% done by Thanksgiving. Great goal huh? So any ideas for adult kids are greatly appreciated.
Christmas decorations? This is the first year in AGES that I am excited about decorating for Christmas. That's right, I have spent quite a few years being a little bit of a Scrooge. I KNOW I KNOW hard to believe right? But no more!!! I am having fun looking for new decorations (not many since I am pinching the pennies), and looking for inexpensive decorating ideas. Do you have any favorite holiday DIY ideas you can share?

So there you have it.... The questions that are rumbling around in my brain.

What questions are YOU wrestling with right now?

I would love to hear from you.

Until next time...

Keep on creating!

What I'm Lovin' Wednesday - more kids parties.

2011-11-16T07:11:00.001-05:00

Party Frosting is one of is one of my favorite party inspiration blogs.

And who doesn't love a great Princess Party?

This adorable Ballerina Inspired Party was featured on Party Frosting

but it came from Sweet Life of Britton and Maury.

How about a Cowgirl Princess Party??? Love the centerpiece around the 'cowgirl boot' Wellies. Check out the rest of the party at Teagan's Travels.

One of my BIGGEST weaknesses is Candy Corn, and I don't know about you, but I am GLAD it only comes around once a year.

But this Candy Corn Birthday would thrill me ALL YEAR LONG! As an October birthday gal, I think I am going to throw this one for myself next year. Check out the whole event at Catch My Party.

OK, I am the first to admit that I am NOT a real camping kinda gal. But let me tell you that I can see myself at this great Creative Camping Birthday Party. Check out the entire party on The Tomkat Studio.

I have been thinking about having a Winter Luau party. HMMM you know when everyone is complaining about the cold and the snow and WAH WAH WAH??? Why not something to warm up the winter?

Well check out this Luau Birthday Party for some inspiration for your own Winter Luau. Kara also has some great favor ideas so take a look at all her ideas here.

Loving on this lovely little Vintage Zoo party over at Aesthtic Nest. Go say hi and check out the rest of the party pics.

So what do you think????
There are some talented folks out there and I love getting inspiration for each and everyone.
Do you have a party you would like to share with me?
If so, please send it to me and I will feature it on a future party inspiration post.

Until next time. . .
Keep on creating!

Did you think I forgot?

2011-11-14T13:18:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone.... WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

I have been very LAX in my blogging this past month and a half.

Funny that life seems to get in the way of fun huh?

I promised a monthly giveaway for a $50 gift card to one lucky commenter and I sort of let it slip my mind. UNTIL TODAY.

So what does the winner get?

Glad you asked.

The winner will gets to choose the $50 gift card from any home decorating or craft store as long as I can buy the card online.

So with the help of Random.org, I picked this month's winner.

LANA at Walking the Off-Beaten Path.

WOOT WOOT!!!

I LOVE Lana's blog and have followed her since I started blogging in May of 2010. Stop on over to tell Lana congrats and check out her blog while you are at it.

Lana send me an email with your choice of where you want your gift card from at perdewk@gmail.com to claim your prize!!!!

Some changes on the way...

2011-11-02T06:52:00.001-04:00

I have hinted at a business venture for a while now and it is getting closer and closer.

WOO HOO!

The first thing I worked on was to update a very small blog I started way back in early 2011 (and then sort of abandoned).

It has now been resurrected as

Creative Concept Events!!!

And this little beauty is part of my new logo.

What do you think of her?

Isn't she cute?

She is a little (OK A LOT) thinner than me, but otherwise I think she looks like me. . . .

OK, OK, so you have to kinda use your imagination since I am hiding behind all those presents.

So what is it that I am going to be doing when I grow up?

WELL . . .

the idea behind my new venture is

virtual party planning.

I have researched the net and only found one other person with this

BRILLIANT idea.

hehe

So what IS a VPP (virtual party planner) you ask?

In a nutshell, as one of my clients you tell me your party ideas and I do all the research and maybe even the shopping for you.

So no matter WHERE you are located,

I can do the majority of the legwork for you.

I would LOVE for you to go check out the new site and PLEASE click on the About Me link (on the left hand side) to read a little more on the business I have been working on.

Keep in mind the blog and site are in the infancy stage (as is the biz), so the site is still under construction, but I would LOVE for you to go take a look here. . .

Creative Concept Events

to tell me what you think.

Soon, I will be adding my event pictures as well as event

packages and pricing.

But for now I would LOVE for you to follow me over on that blog too.

Just think. . .

If you do follow, you will be the first to be in on all the

action as it happens.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

let me know your thoughts if you DO visit the new digs.

I would LOVE to hear from you and would love any constructive criticism you have to share with me.

Until next time. . .

Keep on creating!

Retail Therapy

2011-10-31T07:00:00.001-04:00

I am not a shopper.......

OK let me qualify that.

I really don't like to shop.

I do NOT like trying on clothes or shoes. . .

Wandering aimlessly through stores is not

my idea of a fun and relaxing day.

I may have mentioned that on here before, but

it bears repeating.

Of course if you look at what I have bought

and what I have spent this past year. . .

you would think I was a shopping machine.

Those of you that have been hanging here for awhile know

that my aging parents moved in with me when my father's cancer

made it hard for him to be by himself.

Since he was my mother's

caretaker, the task for taking care of both of them became my blessing.

Over the next 8 months, both of my parents had passed away and I continued the

"retail therapy" I had started when dad was first diagnosed.

I mean I have just about every electronic gadget and entertaining helper a gal could want.

OR NEED!

Now, believe me, I have been working on putting my time and efforts elsewhere lately

which isn't easy for a recovering shopaholic.

Of course someone trying to spend money on my debit card and having it frozen,

has helped curve the spending too.

So what I have I been putting my shopping energy towards?

Painting (which requires $$)

Crafting (which requires $$$)

Photography (which requires $$$$)

THEN, just like that, this weeks sermon at church slapped me right up the side of the head.

The pastor mentioned this shopping addiction, this problem of overspending, this poor way of dealing with grief and stress.

Was she talking about ME?

She said that at different times in her life "it has been my personal challenge to boost the economy".

WOW, that describes me to a tee this past year.

I sure have done what the politicians want.

Spend spend spend!

Stimulate stimulate stimulate!

She then went on to say that the #1 hobby in America is shopping -

a hobby that in the past I had no interest in.

She said that there are 17 million compulsive spenders in the US today.

Can you say GUILTY.

I went searching for more info and below are some statistics I found on my own:

2 in 5 families spend more money than they make.

As of May 2011: The total consumer debt in the US is $2.43 trillion dollars.

That equals about $7800 in debt for each and every person that lives in the US.

The average credit card debt per household (that carries debt that is) is $15,800.

I don't know about you but these are some SCARY statistics.

I would love to say I am a recovering shopaholic but unfortunately that isn't really a 'real' illness from what I read.

One of those things that makes you go HMMMMM

So I will take this addiction in hand and take baby steps toward spending less and saving more.

But of course I have to have something to do to keep myself away from spending

(unless it is business related-cuz that is necessary spending).

HMMM maybe CLEANING would be a good choice.

Not sure THAT will happen but we shall see.

I will be looking for new ideas to peak my interest and occupy my time and

I will keep you posted how my journey back to my "old non-shopping self" goes.

Until next time...

Keep on creating!

As promised - MORE Halloween and Fall inspiration...

2011-10-19T06:53:00.001-04:00

I can't believe how quickly it seems fall is passing me by.

I really had grand plans to decorate some for fall this year, but time has gotten the best of me.

But I have been doing more inspiration window shopping on some of my fave blogs and wanted to share some fun stuff I came across.

OH MY how I love these creative pumpkins. I adopted a couple of them myself. . . Then when my daughter threatend to steal them, I ordered some more for her and my daughter in law.

Check them out over at Nanticoke Creek Art and Design.

Check out this lovely simple fall get together at Hostess with the Mostess!

I couldn't post fall ideas without including these adorable Candy Corn Cookies from Kathie Cooks!

So cute and they look oh so easy to make.

What could be better than to serve your apple cider (mmmmm I love it warm) in little apple cups. Check out the tutorial over at gimme some oven.

Creepy Crawly Cupcakes I found over on How Does She?

And how about this idea for cupcakes in a jar from Glorious Treats. I have made little cupcake shooters before, but these give you lots more cake and definitely lots more icing (my fave)!

That's it for now, but before I sign off I wanted to share just one more pic.

I love this grown up fall party idea from Kara's Party Ideas.

Family getaways

2011-10-17T07:51:00.000-04:00

I have been a little MIA on here the last couple weeks. Sometimes it seems life, and work and,

and did I mention life, gets in the way.

I have even been missing some much needed family time.

SOOOOO, since it seems like it has been WAY too long since I got away with my kids, I decided to do something about it!

Gone are the days of yearly family vacations with 2 little ones.....

who turned into 2 trying preteens.....

who, right before my eyes grew up and now have families of their own.

BUT this ole' mom decided it was time to plan a weekend away!

More than a weekend is tough with jobs and school (both for the little ones, and my daughter in law in nursing school) so I worked hard to come up with just the right weekend.

It helped that it was my birthday weekend and who wants to say no to mom on her birthday?

I will def be posting some pics of the family enjoying the wonderful fall weekend we had here in Ohio.....

So why don't I just post them now???

Well my dear son has a much nicer camera than me, and he forgot his SD card when we went away.

So I let him borrow mine. And NOW I am just waiting to get it back.

So stay tuned!

Until next time,

Keep on creating!

And we have a winner.....

2011-10-10T15:57:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has taken me a little while to get this month's winner posted!!!!

I have been off traveling for fun and time with family, but better late than never.

The winner of this month's $50 gift card is. . . . .

Tara @ LIVE*LAUGH*LOVE!

So stop on over and tell her CONGRATS!!!

Tara will get to pick any home decorating or craft store for her gift card as long as I can

buy it online. :o)

and while you are there be sure to take a look around her blog!!!

Until next time. . .

Keep on creating!

A Few Baking Tips....

2011-09-30T06:32:00.000-04:00

AKA

What I've Learned Along the Way!

When baking cakes or cupcakes:

ALWAYS, ALWAYS. ALWAYS, check the cake for doneness BEFORE the lowest time listed on the box or recipe. Overdone cakes will not have the light and moist texture you are looking for. Keep in mind too that any cake left in the hot pan when you take it out of the oven will continue cooking so allow a little time for that too.
If you are using a spray to prep your pans instead of the old fashioned shortening and flour prep, always use the BAKING spray with flour, not the same old spray you use when spraying pans to cook in on the stove (like PAM). You will get much better results with the Baking Spray.
Don't use buttermilk with a cake mix. I heard how great it was, but all I got were heavy cakes. I tried several different amounts for substituting the oil and water but never got it right. I do plan on trying some homemade cake recipes that include buttermilk in the ingredients and see if I can get better results.
Always use a handy dandy ice cream scoop to measure out your batter when making cupcakes. You have probably seen this done on Cupcake Wars, DC Cupcakes, and by other extra ordinary cupcake bakers on TV. I HIGHLY recommend this as it makes your cupcakes a uniform size and REALLY cuts down on the mess.
Move your oven rack up to the middle level of the oven. I seriously spent YEARS just leaving the lower rack on the lowest level and the uppper rack one row up. This was how my mother always did it after all. Take it from me though, you will get MUCH better results and more even baking if you keep that rack in the middle.
ALWAYS use butter in buttercream. Once I started using half butter and half shortening the wonderful compliments from clients just got more better and better. I have not gone to ALL butter yet, but that is the next step as I hear that is even MORE amazing. MMMMMMM I can just eat it with a spoon.
I learned a GREAT and WONDERFUL easy way to fill a pastry bag with icing for decorative icing techniques, but I will be darned if I can find the video now on YouTube. DARN. ANYHOO. . . here is my very lame way of explaining the how to ---- take a long strip of plastic wrap and lay it on the counter. Plop some icing in the center (how much you plop will depend on how big your icing bag is) and fold the wrap over and around the icing. Then roll the icing and wrap into a short fat log. Then twist and twist and twist the ends so you have two skinny strings on either side of the icing. Next you will cut one of the long skinny strings off near where the icing log is and then carefully place the cut end down into the pastry bag. Then just squeeze and decorate. I LOVED it. . . . VERY little mess and I just repeated as many times as I needed by using the same pastry bag. Let me tell you that clean up was SUPER easy.
Last but not least, clean up AS YOU GO!!!. I used to just throw everything in the sink or push it aside and then at the end would have a BIG mess. Not fun.

OK, so that is some of the stuff I have learned this year while working on starting a party business. I used to do a lot more of the baking than I do now or that I plan to do in the future (I will be hiring that out), but when I DO bake, I always use these tips.

Do you have some great baking tips?

I would love it if you share them with me.

Until next time. . .

Keep on baking!

BATS, GHOSTS, GOBLINS, OH MY.....

2011-09-28T18:41:00.001-04:00

My daughter is a BIG fan of Halloween, and so is her hubby, so guess what.....

Those grandkids of mine are Halloween FREAKS....

I have been cruising the net for some inspiration

for a little party for the grandkids and a couple pals

and look what I found. . .

Warning-not all of the stuff is party related but I couldn't resist sharing some fun stuff too.

I LOVE everything that The Tomkat Studio does, but check out this adorable purple, black and orange Halloween get together. View the REST of the party here.

OK, so this next one is NOT a party but I couldn't resist this fun DIY Halloween Subway Art. Check out the super easy tutorial over at Brandy's Crafts.

SPOOKY Halloween Party over at Hostess with the Mostess.

LOVE this simple display over at Red Rose Alley.

Also at Red Rose Alley, how about these pumpkins all gussied up and out on the town.

And MORE from The TomKat Studio... check the full post out here!

Even the non-party fun above would make GREAT party decor!!!

HMMMMM I may even have to do some fun Halloween and Fall decor in my house.

OK, there you have it. . .

At least for NOW.... Halloween is a month away and I have LOADS of time to keep looking.

Until next time. . .
Keep on creating.

Giveaway coming to an end.........

2011-09-26T06:59:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone....

Just wanted to remind you that EVERY comment

left on

A CREATIVE SPIRIT

is an entry in the monthly giveaway for a

$50 gift card.

YEP, that's right.

$50 to spend at whatever craft, or home DIY store you choose!

(as long as I can buy the gift card on line)

The giveaway this month ends on September 30th!

And the winner will be announced on

Wednesday, October 5th. . .

So keep on showing some

comment love

for your chance to win

50 BUCKS!

Until next time. . .

Keep on Creating!

I was featured....

2011-09-22T07:00:00.003-04:00

I feel so blessed and so excited to be featured over on Renee's Joy Journey on her Meet A Star feature.

Renee contacted me and asked if she could ask a few question to help other bloggers get to know me better.

Please stop by here to see the interview and be SURE to tell Renee I sent you over.... She would love for you to say hi. . . .

Until next time. . .

Keep on creating.

What I'm Lovin' Wednesday - DIY

2011-09-21T09:11:00.001-04:00

It sometimes AMAZES me how many folks have such talent and creative ability.

Sometimes it just takes some paint,

sometimes a little muscle,

always some time allotment,

but after you take a look at the LOVELY

DIY projects included below,

you may be inspired to try some DIY of your own.

Please go take a look at the sites and the full project posts to see the full effects and be sure to tell the DIY-er that you saw them here on A Creative Spirit.

I am LOVING all the DIY chalkboards out there. With a little time and maybe a trip to the Thrift Store, you could create one for your very own. Check this one out.

I LOVE mirrors... LOVE THEM!

Do I have any in my own home? Well, do the bathroom mirrors count?

I was thrilled to find this innovative mirror that is also a DIY project.

I NEED a project table desperately... NO REALLY!

And this Pottery Barn workstation would be perfect except for the price, so follow this link to see a DIY version that will fit ANY budget.

I love this DIY toy tutorial. What little girl wouln't LOVE this fake makeup?

A great pillow for fall! Click here for the DIY tutorial.

What a cool way to re-purpose an old door! Check the entire post out here.

I absolutely LOVE this pink table for Anneliese's daughter's 'big' room. Go check out ALL the pics over at Asthetic Nest.

I have a special connnection with this piece since I too re-purposed an old table in a lighter version of the same color. Check mine out here and here. Dang it, I should have taken some pictures of it in progress. . .

So there you have it for this weeks obsession.

As always I would love to see your DIY projects.

You may see them featured in a future post.

Until next time. . .

Keep on creating.

Time for a break...

2011-09-19T08:19:00.001-04:00

From spending WAY too much time on

MINDLESS SURFING!

Are you guilty of that too?

Of just getting on Facebook and following every dang link you see?

Of wandering aimlessly from site to site. . .

Google-ing every random thought that pops into your head?

PLEASE tell me you answered YES!

If not. . . you are my idol. . .

NO SERIOUSLY!

I will get on the computer and then 3 hours later realize

I have accomplished

NOTHING. . .

ZIP. . .

NADA. . .

I have got to stop!

As I aluded to in this post

I am working on starting a business.

A virtual party planning business.

A great way to use my interior design background

in a more fun and creative way.

BUT I will NEVER find the time if I spend

3 hours a night just surfing and never

stopping on dry land to work on a business plan.

So starting NOW, I am limiting my Facebook and random surfing to

45 minutes a day.

I thought about 30 minutes but I didn't want to go into shock. . . . so I think 45 minutes is more reasonable.

So you see it isn't a cold turkey kinda break. . .

Just a reduction in the time spent really doing NOTHING!

If I spent just 1 hour a day on the biz stuff (time usually spent wasting away), the business would be up and running in no time.

So wish me luck on my semi-break from the wild and wonderful

World Wide Web.

Don't worry, I will still be visiting my favorite blogs and still meeting new bloggy friends.

It is this wonderful creative outlet that has led me to FINALLY working on taking

my DREAM

into REALITY!

Until next time. . .

Keep on creating!