Something Beautiful.

Mama Laughlin: Pay it Forward - Stories 4-5

2012-12-05T13:44:00.001-08:00

It makes my heart heavy and sad for all of these people in need, but it also is overwhelming how others are coming together to make people's world a bit brighter, especially during this holiday season. I urge you to go read Mama Laughlin's Blog, follow the stories she is going to be posting over the days of December and get involved, even if you feel as though your donation is not enough, remember that every little bit counts.

Mama Laughlin: Pay it Forward - Stories 4-5: Father Walked Out Nominated by: Anonymous Location: Augusta, GA "I went back and forth on whether to write this or not. My intent...

Nicole

Come December.

2012-12-03T08:58:00.003-08:00

I would be lying if I didn't say that the month of December scares the crap out of me. This is a big month for my family and I. We have about 5 birthday's and Christmas, plus all the holiday events in between. But I will put on my big girl panties suck it up and throw back some spark to give me the energy I will need to survive.

I started the elf on a shelf tradition with my kids last year, but I was terrible at it, stupid lazy elf didn't do anything fun for the kids, get into mischief or anything. But this year he has been kicking it up a notch.

So far he has left the boys their first Christmas present of the season! (Their Christmas PJ's), he has taken up reading...and a lot of it, he drew glasses and mustache on the glass of Rylan's new school picture and he has been soaking it up in a nice marshmallow bath.

When Rylan (my oldest, he is 5) saw what the elf did to his picture, he was furious, it really made me rethink this whole elf thing, he said he wanted to punch the elf in the face for doing that to his picture. Let me give you a bit of background information on my 5 year old. He is the sweetest little boy you will ever meet. He is so kind to others, always includes everyone, he is smart, he is sensitive and he is an old soul. So to hear him say that was a huge shock.

Needless to say, I don't think our elf will be pulling very many more antics.......if he wants to survive this holiday season in the Hoyt house.

What are your idea's for elf on a shelf? Below I have made a list of my 10 personal favorite elf on a shelf ideas.

1. Hang your kids unmentionables from the stocking holders.
2. Marshmallow fight with your kids other toys.
3. Sitting up reading kid books or playing a game with other toys.
4. Drinking your syrup through a straw.
5. Use crepe paper and tape it in a zig zag shape back and forth across your kids bedroom door.
6. Create a zip line and have your elf going down the line.
7. Leave candy covered sunflower seeds and have your kids "plant" them in a bowl to grow a special treat.(Candy Canes, Christmas cookie pops, etc).
8. Have your elf leave the ingredients and directions to make some yummy Christmas trees. (sugar cones, frosting, and candies to decorate.)
9. Have him watching elf eating popcorn on the couch.
10. Have the elf use a paintbrush with red paint to dab on your kids nose while they sleep, and leave the elf with the paintbrush in hand and a note to tell your children to look in the mirror.

So far this year I have done pretty good at having our elf moved every night, but there are times when I forget. But hey, I am doing better then last year!

I love having fun family traditions, even if it means extra work on my part!

Ciao,

Nicole

Mama Laughlin: Holiday Pay it Forward - The Movement

2012-12-03T08:36:00.001-08:00

I thought I would keep the updates coming on the Mama Laughlin Pay it forward. Her and her two friends have posted stories up on their blogs, be sure to check back with them over the next twelve days if you yourself would like to pay it forward or help out in any way.

Mama Laughlin: Holiday Pay it Forward - The Movement: I've spent the past week reading through over 160 emails of people in need this holiday season. I've cried more tears than I thought possib...

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas,

Nicole

Mama Laughlin: Mama Laughlin's Holiday Pay It Forward

2012-11-28T09:17:00.001-08:00

I love this blog. The lady is hilarious! She is going to be doing a Holiday Pay It Forward, be sure to check out the link below, and you are welcome in advance for directing you to a hilariously inspiring blog!

Let's pay it forward this holiday season shall we?

Mama Laughlin: Mama Laughlin's Holiday Pay It Forward:

Ciao,

Nicole

Time with the littles.

2012-11-26T22:57:00.001-08:00

Yesterday afternoon my MIL (Mother In Law) dropped by our place and wanted to know if I was interested in going on a walk with her. My immediate answer in my head was ummmmmm no! But I said yes, since she was already here and all....and she wanted the boys to go as well.

It turned out to be a nice walk. We got to spend some time together and I found out that she use to blame me for E V E R Y T H I N G, how nice right?!?! But over the past 4 years of being married to her son she has realized that it was all him, not me....and that I am a blessing. Wow sweet pep talk MIL. Also found out that my brother in law feels closer to me then my husband. It was a refreshing walk in more ways then one.

I did however get some sweet pics of my babies.

The kid in the middle is my brother in law.

Thank you MIL for the wonderful outing.

Do you have any great mother in law stories? Do please share! I would LOVE to hear them..haha.

Ciao,

Nicole

Baby it's cold outside.

2012-11-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

I am writing this post today for a friend who makes all my boys beanies, I refuse to buy them from anyone else because her work is AH-mazing! I love the crochet look, and I can never find one that I quite liked until I saw hers. She makes all different kinds. Go check out her etsy page and tell me what you think. My personal fav is the newsboy hats she makes. Tell her I sent you!

A little info on her, she is a single mother of two beautiful girls, and has done such an amazing job of raising them being both Daddy and Mommy (It's hard just being a mom, I can't imagine being both to my kids.) She is hardworking, kind, and loving to all those around her. She is currently going to school for Health Informatics and loves to crochet. Below are pictures of her girls, aren't they just the cutest?!?!

Bella Bear, she is 2 years old.

Gyselle "Elle", she is 4 years old.

So go check out her Etsy page, and even better place an order! You will not be disappointed!!

If you want to request a special order, just send her a message, and she will try her best to accommodate you!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetBerryBabies?ref=pr_shop_more

Happy Monday!!

Nicole

It's that time of year.

2012-11-24T21:00:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving and Black Friday are over and now everywhere I go there is a crap ton of Christmas decorations, gift ideas, lights, etc.

Did you go black Friday shopping? I couldn't believe that some stores opened up at 8 & 9 on Thanksgiving night. I have a love/hate relationship with this one day a year. I told my cousin that had never been its like doing drugs, you get a high from being bumped, pushed and running into a store to find that amazing deal. If you go with friends and family, it makes the experience even better.

So here is my miracle find on Black Friday. My mom decided to go with us for the one purpose of buying my hubby an xbox controller that was $10 off. So we get to target and by the time she figures out the system and grabbed all the door-buster deals we wanted they were all out of controllers (she was really bummed.) We finally made it to the end of the line and got the chance to wait FOREVER before we ever saw another register or worker again.

While we waited and took baby steps towards the ultimate destination (the registers), previous shoppers in line before us had set on the shelves items they decided they didn't need that bad. There were tons of movies, pj's, slippers, games, etc. I looked over and grabbed this item to see what it was and low and behold I was staring at an xbox controller...I looked over to my mom and said can you see what I just picked up. She was so excited. The worker she talked to earlier said they had sold out within 10-20 mins of opening the store, and about 1 1/2 hours later we found one. YAY!! We waited in line for 2-2 1/2 hours and finally checked out and left the store. Then we all called it quits and found our way home to our beds. Did you do any shopping, or score an awesome deal? I would love to hear about it!!

So cheers to the holiday season and a great way to kick off the craziness!!

Ciao,

Nicole

Princess Syndrome

2012-11-21T16:38:00.002-08:00

For those of you who do not know what princess syndrome is, I will enlighten you.

Via Urban Dictionary:

1. Princess Syndrome:

A mental state that a female exhibits out of reverse sexism. Because she is unaware of her sexism, she will claim to deserve supreme aristocratic rights from a partner due to her looks or her child-bearing "pain." Any brainwashed man will give her tangible things and emotional sublimity to stop her, and she will only demand more.

2. Princess Syndrome:

When a girl is deluded in thinking that she is a 'princess' & everyone else--such as her friends, family, & peers, are of secondary or little importance.

I by no means think that my princess syndrome is this bad. But being the only female in my family I think I deserve a little extra special treatment. ( Have I mentioned my biggest fear is getting pregnant and having it be a girl?). I am not a terrible person, nor do I treat others with disrespect because of this. But I do get a laugh out of my friends or husband pointing out my princess syndrome.

I have to reel it in sometimes, and that is not easy. So yes, I admit, I am working on not being such a "terrible" person, while still getting my way.

Take care and have a Happy Thanksgiving, may all your wants come true and may everything go your way!

Ciao,

Nicole

Staycation.

2012-11-20T22:33:00.001-08:00

Last week I took off work. It was going to be amazing, and I had planned out in my head what my man, my boys and I were going to do.

But seriously...NOTHING ever happens as plans.

My husband, whom I love more then a fat kid loves cake, offered to help my father, not knowing if he was getting paid or not (yep that's my man!) on his week's vacation. (My dad did pay him, because my dad is awesome like that). So it was just me and the littles.....WHAT?!?!

Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, they are amazing, and cute and everything every mom could dream of.....but let's just say, I was very happy to be back at work yesterday. They exhaust me.

We decided we would kick off our holiday cheer early this year and decorate for Christmas. Then we busted out our one tub of holiday cheer. My kids and my husband were a little more then disappointed. We set out to go find more decor on my husband's day off, only to find that my husband taste in Christmas decor is disgusting.

We stood in one store for 30 mins arguing over Christmas garlands.

We didn't buy anything except a snowman soap dish.

My oldest did a Thanksgiving Day skit with his entire class of 6. I loved every second of it. Here are a few pics from the event.

He was so excited about the skit, as was his best friend. (He is in the orange shirt.) They were shooting Indians, they didn't quite grasp the idea of the skit. But they are in kindergarten.

I am however grateful that plans don't always pan out how you want them to. That is where some of life's greatest adventures begin.

Ciao,

Nicole

Healthy Shrimp Spring Rolls.

2012-08-20T09:11:00.001-07:00

Over the past few months, I have tried to find recipes that are not only enjoyable and taste-worthy, but also are low cal. Here are is one that I have found and absolutely LOVE. (Along with my two boys and husband).

Here is one for Healthy Shrimp Spring Rolls. (photo's and recipe compliments of Undressed Skeleton.)

Ingredients:

1 Bag Shredded Carrots

1 Bag Shredded Cabbage

1 Back Broccoli Slaw

1 Cup Chopped Green Onion

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Cup Medium Cooked Shrimp

2 Tbsp Lite Asian Ginger Salad Dressing

Large All Natural Won Ton Wrappers

Salt and Pepper

Directions In a mixing bowl combine carrots, cabbage, broccoli slaw, green onion, olive oil and shrimp. Cook on medium heat until sauteed. Add in Asian Ginger Dressing, salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 350 Dip Wonton wrapper into water and add 1/4 cup filling and roll Bake 10-13 Minutes.
Calories 85, Fat 2g, Protein 5g, Carbs 14g Per Roll

The Perfect Mascara!!

2012-05-04T11:17:00.001-07:00

So yesterday was a rough day for me. LITERALLY. I went to breakfast with my grandparents, which was nice, my husband had the day off so he was able to go with us, which was extra awesome!

Then after breakfast the trouble began. My aunt took my boys so we could hurry and get this name change done without any extra distractions. The name change is for my oldest, Rylan. He still has my maiden name and we wanted to switch it to our last name before he starts kindergarten this year. We get to the courthouse and have the paperwork and cash in hand. When we get to the counter the lady is so incredibly rude and short with me and acted like I had no clue what was going on. I was so frustrated, all I wanted to know was if I had filled out the paperwork correctly.

She said "this isn't notarized, you HAVE to get this notarized if the child's father will not be present during the hearing." Okay no problem right? WRONG. I asked her if they had a notary in the building or close by. She said no, feel free to check with your bank. So we drive all over downtown Vancouver trying to find a bank that we know is there on a corner somewhere. We finally find it and they notary person is out to lunch. So I get on my phone and find a UPS store way out the way that has a notary. So we drive over there, get it done and are relieved and excited to finish this.

As my husband is pulling out of the parking lot he guns it and I spill water all over my crotch. I wasn't mad at him, but I said I am not getting out of the car, I look like I peed my pants. We get to the courthouse and my grandma puts some change in the meter and her and my husband go into the courthouse to hand in the paperwork and pay for the name change. I turn the car on in the meantime and nonchalantly as possible air out my pants. Two seconds later my phone rings and its my husband saying that I have to come in and sign paperwork in front of the lady in order to pay. At this point I am just annoyed and want to go home. So I pull my shirt down as far as I can without looking stupid and go inside sign the paperwork pay the lady and come out to getting written a parking ticket. My grandma had put change in the wrong meter. The parking ticket lady apologized profusely saying if we were just 2 seconds earlier she wouldn't have printed one, but once she prints it she cant do anything about it.

We finally get home and have the boys and I am exhausted. So to make myself feel better I went shopping and bought some new makeup. Like my blog says, I found the perfect mascara, and it made all the events of the day magically better.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3460265

You can get this mascara at Ulta. Best $22.00 I have ever spent! I know, long story to get the the real reason behind this post. I apologize, but it was most definitely worth it!

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!!

Ciao,

Nicole

Spring Breakthrough 2012.

2012-04-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a BUSY weekend. I went to this event called Spring Breakthrough. It was amazing to see so many people there for one purpose in mind, to help others around us get healthy and meet their wellness needs.

I am a HUGE fan of Advocare products and what the company stands for.I started drinking spark two months ago, and I have more energy to play and run around with my kiddos and get done the extra stuff that makes it hard to do working full time. If you have never tried spark, I would strongly suggest you do.
It is Advocare's #1 selling product!

The results of my 24 day challenge have been amazing. I have had such good response from it as well from others around me that can see the difference, not only in my body, but in my attitude and presence. I am currently on day 9 and have lost 12lbs. Almost done with the cleanse phase of the challenge. Although I just started the 24 day challenge, since January I have lost a total of 35lbs.

So I challenge you today, what are you doing to better yourself and making yourself healthy? Get out and go for a walk, push yourself, eat healthier and be happier!

Ciao,

Nicole

Days 2-4 of my challenge.

2012-04-25T12:00:00.003-07:00

Wow, I cannot believe I am on day 4 already. I have so much energy and feel amazing, and I am not just saying that. I literally woke up 20 minutes before my alarm went off and was ready to go! I tackled cleaning up some stuff from our move (we moved a little over a month ago).

Aside from just feeling great with lots of energy, I can tell the difference the supplements, eating healthier, and water have made in my skin appearance, looks so much healthier. Since I have started I have lost 7lbs, and I have 20 more days to go. I am so excited to hit the second phase of the cleanse.

Here is to eating healthy in combination with supplements, drinking lots of water and getting fit!!

Ciao,

Nicole

Picture compliments of http://allwomenstalk.com/7-fastest-ways-to-lose-weight/

Day 1 of the 24 day challenge.

2012-04-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

Day one, proved to be semi challenging. I was never hungry, and all I ate was fruit veggies and some chicken. Of course I kept busy and was working on my kitchen table. The fiber drink I have to take in the morning is hard, but if you chug it and use sugar free juice instead of water it goes down MUCH easier.

My husband challenged me as well. We have a bet going on who can have the most rockin' body first. So here goes nothing. I am banking on his lack of self control..lol. The man is addicted to fast food, soda, chips, and anything greasy or terribly bad for you.

So the challenge is on. I will win in this contest against my husband. There is no doubt about that!

Are you looking for more? I am! I am always in search of driven individuals who believe in helping others create healthier lives through affordable, convenient fitness and nutrition solutions. Our nation-wide team shares The AdvoCare Lifestyle daily, allowing us to reach thousands more than we could alone! Better your family's financial future by helping us better society's wellness!

Ciao,

Nicole

Dark to BARBIE BLONDE

2012-04-19T14:46:00.001-07:00

I've been told by a few people that I can go any hair color I wanted too. I braved it out a couple years ago and went all dark after my hair stylist couldn't get me in until after the new year. It looked pretty hot! But occasionally I will miss my blonde. So once again I cannot get into see her (she is THAT awesome!) So I text her saying well you better keep your phone handy, you may get a call if there is any epic fail.

After work last night I went to the beauty supply store, picked up the stuff and came home. I was so nervous because I haven't done my own hair since before my first kiddo was born. He is 5 now. But it looks FABULOUS! I couldn't be more pleased!!

Here is my updated pic! Do you like the dark or blonde better?? I can't decide!

Before:

After:

Busy Bee.

2012-04-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

How was your weekend? Mine felt like it was packed full of stuff that needed to be done, a party, and fun! This is semi embarrassing, and hard for me to admit because I am a closet player, but lol...friday night was a relaxing evening, boys were at their nana's and so I played a bit of wow. THERE! I said it, I play wow. Whew!

It was also my niece's birthday party Saturday and I was sooooo excited for her to open my present. I bought her a strawberry shortcake doll and a matching dress for dress up fun! (they had a sale buy one get one free!). She loved it!

Then my cousin was going by her new house to do a few things before they moved in, so me and my boys stopped by for a bit to look around and see if we could help with anything. Then Sunday, I went grocery shopping with my two boys. Which was a total nightmare! But I got just about everything I needed for my freezer meals for 2 weeks. YAY me! Later that evening went back over to my parents to work on some projects for my etsy shop and spent some time with my sister and mom.

If I didn't have spark I don't know what I would have done, spark to me is what coffee is to coffee drinkers. It gives me that energy boost I need without the crash or jitters.

Did you stay busy this weekend? I'd love to know what you had planned!

Ciao for now!

Nicole

BL (Sloowwww Roated) T

2012-04-12T12:10:00.002-07:00

I am a food fan. I love it. I love all variations of foods. I love how you can mix and put things together and the outcome is fabulous. I recently came across this recipe for a BL (slow roasted) T. I will definitely be making this and soon!

Pictures and recipe compliments of http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/06/12/b-l-slow-roasted-t/comment-page-1/#comment-7770

Slice 8 barely ripe tomatoes and place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper.Line the tray with a few sprigs of thyme. Lightly drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and salt lightly. Bake at 250 degrees for 4 hours.

Basil Mayo

½ cup mayonnaise

3 Tablespoons basil, chopped

Stir together mayonnaise and basil

Apply basil mayo, generously to two slices of lightly toasted bread. Add crispy bacon, lettuce and cooled, roasted tomatoes.

Doesn't that make your mouth water? This post made me hungery, so I am going to go eat now! = )

Ciao,

Nicole

New Journeys

2012-04-10T09:24:00.001-07:00

So I decided after many people telling me I should sell some of the stuff I make on Etsy, to finally take the jump and do it. There are so many things that go into working out of your home, and selling your stuff. What will you call your shop? What things will you make to sell in your shop? When will you ever find time to produce stuff to sell? Will you even sell anything? Is this all for nothing? After all the negative thinking, I decided why not? What do I have to lose? I love working with my hands and creating things, it is such a stress reliever for me.

I was up until midnight last night posting things on my new shop and figured out a name and banner for my business. I am quite pleased with the outcome. So instead of sitting on my couch watching TV programs on my days off, I shall be busy with creating some pretty little things.

Come check out my shop, any suggestions? Things you would like to see?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NHoytCreations

Finally feeling like a soccer mom.

2012-04-09T23:38:00.003-07:00

So motherhood literally slapped me in the face this year. Not that for the past 5 years I haven't been a mother, but I just didn't have to run my kids to practice, games, to their friends houses etc. This year however has proven to be different in so many ways.

My 5 year old started T-Ball this year. The first practice I went to was hard to watch...all the kids were terrible. I honestly don't know what was going through my head when I pictured ten or so 5-6 year old boys standing still and playing ball like they've been playing all their life. But I was so very wrong.

Tonight was Rylan's first game. They don't keep score and no one wins or loses and there are no outs. Everyone gets to bat at least 3 times, and they all move around in the field to get some experience in every position. I loved when the ball was hit to the outfield and there was this swarm of little boys running from every position on the field to where the ball stopped, when a player would hit the ball and get so excited that they hit it, they would either run to the pitcher with their bat, stood there watching or ran to first base with the bat in hand. Half of them didn't tag bases and the other half plowed over by the excited runner coming at them.

Needless to say, I think I love T-Ball more then I thought I would. Cannot wait until the next game!! Enjoy the pictures we took of the first game of the season below!

Ciao,

Nicole

Longing for Summer.

2012-04-09T13:56:00.002-07:00

I live in the beautiful Pacific NW, where it rains about 364 days of the year. Don't get me wrong, it is absolutely gorgeous, but I am starting to long for summer to get here. I found this recipe for a strawberry pineapple cooler (non alcoholic), it looks so refreshing, and if summer doesn't show up soon, I might just go ahead and make it beforehand.

Pictures and recipe found on:

http://www.mommag.com/local/tri-cities/2010/6/16/summer-pineapple-strawberry-cooler

Ingredients

1 12-ounce can frozen pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
1 6-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
4 cups cold water * 1 liter club soda, chilled
Ice cubes
Fresh strawberries (optional)
Short (6-inch) wooden skewers
Assorted fruits such as halved orange slices, halved lime slices, orange sections, raspberries, strawberries, sliced kiwifruit, and mint sprigs

Directions

In a large pitcher combine pineapple juice concentrate, limeade, and water. Chill for at least 30 minutes. To serve, transfer fruit juice mixture to pitchers; add club soda, ice cubes, and fresh strawberries.
Serve with Fruit Swizzle Sticks, if desired.
Makes 14 (6-ounce) servings.
Fruit Swizzle Sticks: On short (6-inch) wooden skewers, thread assorted fruits and mint sprigs. Make-Ahead Tip: Up to 24 hours ahead, prepare the juice mixture and chill well. Proceed as directed.
Sit back, soak up the sunshine sipping a sweet drink and enjoy summer.

Late night crafting.

2012-04-09T08:50:00.003-07:00

I have been getting more and more into creating things, such as a wreath made out of book pages, antiquing old furniture to give it a newer look, etc. Last night I decided to make felt flowers and put them on headbands. They turned out so cute!

I just wished I had a little girl to put them on, I don't think my husband appreciates me putting them on our 2 year old son to see how they look on...haha. Have you been doing anything crafty lately??

Ciao,

Nicole

If you are interested in my headbands, please feel free to check out my Etsy shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NHoytCreations

Easter Come and Gone.

2012-04-08T20:58:00.002-07:00

So it's Easter night, and I am proud to say I have officially survived another Easter. Despite the staying up until 2 am in the morning the night before preparing things, the allergy attack, and a few unnecessary comments from the peanut gallery, it was a success!!

Woke up early and got the boys around for church, service was only an hour long, then rush home to put the finishing touches on my dishes that I was to bring to my grandma's for lunch. Cleaned the house and relaxed while the boys searched for where the Easter Bunny stashed their baskets. Loved hearing the sounds of my children squeal with delight once they found them and when my 5 year old found his basket saying "FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!" (thanks grandma for teaching him that...lol.)

Loved the sound of children playing, searching for Easter eggs, and visiting with cousins and family that we don't get to see as much as we would like. These are the things that make all the hustle and bustle of holidays worth while. Below are a few photo's of our day! How was your Easter???

Ciao,

Nicole

Peep S'mores!

2012-04-05T22:53:00.001-07:00

Found this super cool s'more recipe (if you can call it that) on Pinterest. So naturally, I had to try it out. They were as tasty as they were awesome! Even if you are not a fan of peeps, you have to admit they add a lot of fun coloring to the old take on s'mores!

Ingredients you will need:

Peeps (bunnies or chicks)

Hershey's chocolate squares

Graham crackers

Directions:

1. Place peep on fork or skewer and roast over stove top until desired. (you can also put all ingredients together: graham, choc square, peep, and zap in microwave).

2.Place between chocolate square and graham, top with another graham.

Hope your Easter is as fun as ours will be!!!

Ciao,

Nicole

If the shoe fits...

2012-04-05T00:11:00.003-07:00

Went shopping with my mom and sister tonight. My mom saw some shoes her employee was wearing and apparently they are FABULOUS! So naturally we set out to find these shoes...lol. We came up empty handed, but we will stay strong and head out tomorrow to go in search again. I love shoes, I am a shoe-a-holic.

'Hello, my name is Nicole, and I am addicted to shoes. I own 113 pairs.'

I know, I know. It is ridiculous to have THAT many pairs. Putting on the perfect pair of shoes can be magic. They can change your mood. I love wearing heels. They instantly make me feel sexy.

I mostly own heels, naturally, since they make me feel sexy..lol. But I do have a pair of grey converse to throw into the mix as well as some of the ugly ugg looking boots. (You know the boots that are so ugly they're cute?)

How many shoes do you own? Which ones are you favorite??

Below are my favorites.

Happy Shopping!

Ciao,

Nicole

Baking for the littles.

2012-04-03T22:54:00.002-07:00

I am the only girl in my family of four. So therefore I get the privilege to bake for the men of my life.

My most favorite thing to make for these handsome boys is muffins (they think they're cupcakes).

I found an amazing recipe for Low-fat Cranberry Oatmeal Bars, which are healthy and only 137 calories, not to mention very filling. So what are you waiting for? Get to baking!!

Low-fat Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

1/2 cup splenda
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
8 ounces chobani plain greek yogurt
2 egg whites
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp milk (I use 1%)
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups quick oats
1/4 cup dried cranberries (or more if desired)
White chocolate Chips

Directions

Add sugars, yogurt, milk, vanilla, oil, and egg whites together in a large bowl. Mix well
In a separate bowl add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix Well. Add to yogurt mixture.
Then add the oats and cranberries
After pouring mix into pan add a 6 white chocolate chips on the top of batter.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.
Let cool, and enjoy!!

Recipe found on: http://undressedskeleton.tumblr.com/betterbreakfast

Ciao,

Nicole