everything yellow

crock pot oatmeal

2009-11-08T08:36:34-06:00

In recent years, I've become a huge fan of oatmeal. I'm not a big breakfast person during the rushed weekday mornings, but on weekends, I'm allll about it. So I may have found the perfect compromise in this yummy (and healthy!) dish you can prepare on the weekend and have on-hand all week long. I found a couple versions of this recipe online, and then tweaked it to our liking. Throw all of the below ingredients in a crockpot on a Fri or Sat night and you'll have a delicious breakfast (that can feed an army!) the next morning. Enjoy!

2 to 2.5 cups steel cut oats

3 cups skim milk

3 cups water

1 cup fat free half-and-half

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

4-5 Tbsp butter (melted)

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

2 large apples (peeled, cored, diced) - I used Honeycrisp

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup craisins (dried cranberries - we were out of raisins, so I used all craisins - still delicious!)

Grease the inside of the slow cooker and add all ingredients. Mix well and set on low heat for 8 hours/overnight.

This (really) is It.

2009-11-07T11:10:04-06:00

I can't believe I just now got to the theater to see THIS IS IT. It was even better than what I had heard and expected. I could barely stay seated during what played out as a full live MJ concert. There was a little interjected commentary from a handful of interviews, but overall, I loved that the movie just lets viewers watch him. He really is in his own part of the world when he's working and creating. He hears things you just can't hear, picks apart things you can't even see. Truly genius.

ALL of the favorite songs are there, and even though the movie is a bunch of taped rehearsals looped together, he is still all-out in everything he does, audience or no audience. He looks very thin, but is in his energetic groove as always. I found myself completely lost in his magic, forgetting for minutes at a time that this really IS it. To echo everyone else's thoughts, what a loss. But more importantly, what a LEGEND.

If you haven't yet, go see this! You will NOT be disappointed.

another Page Smith Design creation!

2009-11-04T21:27:59-06:00

The latest masterpiece from the hubs' web business is now live! Check out this health insurance & benefits provider at prismastrategies.com! I love that with only their logo to work off of, Page had the eye to foresee this whole design and make it a reality. Way to go, babe!

Stay tuned for the next PSD unveiling...the Liz Ink & Paper website!!!! More on that soon...we are working away to be done by next Thursday!!! :)

November.

2009-11-01T20:00:39-06:00

November...it's still sinking in that September has rolled by already, let alone October. Where did fall go?

I know we've been busy, but somehow I've forgotten to stop and take it in. I'm so glad I felt the nudge last weekend to walk around for a few mere minutes and capture what's going on outside. It was an abbreviated amount of time to take in such awesome changes, but at least it was something. It is now only a matter of weeks before the snow flies and I'll be hibernating until April.

I am always a little bummed the day after Halloween. I adore the dressed-up, candy-infused holiday and seeing what everyone comes up with for costume ideas. Then the next day comes and it suddenly feels like there's this weight to get started on holiday preparation RIGHT NOW. It's as if the only remaining hold-up was Halloween, and once that's out of the way, it's ready, set, GO and I just don't feel quite ready yet. Don't get me wrong; I adore the holidays and am all over the decorating, blaring the Christmas carols, cooking for big meals, wrapping gifts, and all of that good stuff. I'm just not quite ready yet.

So, November, take your time and stay a while. I missed out on a lot with your friends, September and October, and I'm ready to slow down for a bit before the holiday speed-up begins.

xmas in october!

2009-10-28T21:02:36-05:00

It's crazy to think Halloween is not even here yet, but I'm working away on some brand new designs for Liz Ink & Paper's HOLIDAY 2009 collection! I can't WAIT to unveil all of the new products when the site launches in two weeks. For now here's a peek at my screen and a tiny piece of one of the new designs!

Let the re-design begin!

2009-10-24T14:07:17-05:00

The Liz Ink & Paper website re-design is officially underway!!!

For weeks, I've been working on sketches and artwork and making lists and lists of how to organize all of the pages and products. The REAL work starts now with Page and his stellar web design skills! Check out the holding page and mark your calendars...we go live with the brand new site (and awesome new holiday products!!!) on Thursday, November 12th!

In the meantime, if you have an item in mind you would like to order, please email me at orders@lizinkandpaper.com.

another Liz Ink & Paper logo is up and running!

2009-10-24T12:08:35-05:00

These guys have an awesome up-and-coming business! Check them out here!

Owl City! (two weeks late)

2009-10-22T17:00:00-05:00

Between a trip to Minneapolis and an almost two-week fight with some bronchitis, I have been doing the bare minimum when it comes to blogging. To get caught up, I am back-tracking a bit and posting about some things I really wanted to get to in the past couple of weeks.

I am so glad I have a hubby who stays in the loop and was able to score us some Owl City tix, not only before they sold out, but while they were still cheap (before a venue change and price hike!)

Page, Adam and I headed downtown two weeks ago to hear them in concert. Great night - awesome energy, played all my faves, and it was fun to finally go to a concert with my baby bro! If Owl City is new to you, I recommend downloading "On the Wing" (my fave!) and "Fireflies" and "Hello Seattle"! (Ya know what? Just download everything - there isn't a song I don't like!)

It was at this concert that Page surprised me by telling me I didn't have to work the next day and that we were leaving earlier than expected for our weekend anniversary! The concert was a perfect way to lead into our weekend!

Tomorrow! 4-8pm!

2009-10-21T09:25:24-05:00

Come to Kliks Photography in Cedar Rapids tomorrow (Thurs) from 4-8 pm! The Traveling Door (including my oh-so-talented mama) will be there with their MANY fabulous creations!

New from Liz Ink & Paper!

2009-10-18T09:21:45-05:00

"Hip Mama" Calling Cards!

Exactly what the busy mom needs!

Set up play dates, network with other classroom parents, and keep in touch with teachers with your very own calling card!

At a glance, recipients can keep track of your childrens’ names and ages, as well as your personal contact info. No more rummaging for pen and paper...these hip little cards are the ultimate in convenience for on-the-go parents!

$22/set of 20 cards (includes shipping)

Interested in ordering? Click here to download the order form, fill it out, and email to lizinkdesign@gmail.com! Want to see samples of these cards in person? They will make their debut at The Traveling Door event this Thursday, October 22nd from 4-8pm at Kliks Photography in Cedar Rapids.

Download Hip Mama Order Form