made by the mama monster

menu monday

2011-07-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

pioneer woman

*fast, easy breakfast sandwiches, pineapple
* stuffed taco shells, fruit, corn
*quesadillas, fruit
*pollo asada, beans ,tortillas, fruit
*skillet summer vegetable lasagna, green salad

what are you having this week?

2011-07-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

not the best picture ever but it will do...

i am so lucky to have gone to glacier national park with my in laws. they are the best people i know and i am truly lucky to have them in my life. aren't they a cute bunch?

i am having major montana withdrawals. who knew how amazing and beautiful it was? surely not me... i told my husband that i fully intend on visiting every summer. maybe even living there some day.

have you ever been to glacier national park or montana? what did you think?

menu monday

2011-07-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

vacation/holiday detox style-

talking chow playin' house

+ britts fish tacos, watermelon, homemade salsa and chips
+ grilled steak and veggie kabobs, summer corn salad
+ homemade pizza, fruit, green salad
+ grilled chicken and berry salad ( ala wendys style!), grilled sourdough bread
+ grilled cheese, blt's or breakfast for dinner

and some recipes that are looking good for next week!
mediterranean spring bowls
pollo asada

what is on your menu for the week?
anyone feeling the post holiday bloat?

my review:: berry almond chicken salad( from wendy's)

2011-05-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

um yep this is a seriously good salad. i was on my way to the park for playgroup today and thought i would stop and grab and apple pecan chicken salad from wendys ( which by the way is amazing too)

when i pulled up i saw a pretty new looking salad on the menu... the berry almond chicken salad. i got the half size so i could eat it with a piece of white chocolate pecan bread from harmons ( bread from heaven i think!) it was more than enough salad and was so good!

i only used less than half of the pecans and dressing packet. everything was fresh and delish and it sure did not taste like a fast food salad. at only 270 calories and a pretty good protein to carb ration ( almost even) i can see this salad as a go to when i have to pick up something quick.

2011-05-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

for your viewing pleasure.

top- napoleon dynamite cartoon. my boys think it looks hilarious

middle- a new tv show with zoey! she is the cutest ever

bottom- apparently this reminds my husband of my dance moves. he says i even make the same faces. this may or may not be spot on.

can't wait!

2011-05-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

something weird is going on with my computer lately. it just shuts down for no reason. thus the lack of posting. i am trying to type this as fast as i can to get a post I'm before it happens. is it a virus?

started this today...

i have already done the workout before but i plan on actually doing the whole four week plan. i am headed to California in 4 weeks so i thought this would give me some extra motivation. it is a great dvd. the 3 minutes strength 2 minutes cardio 1 minute abs is my favorite jillian exercise plan.

hopefully i can keep my computer on long enough to post menu monday. it's a good one this week. i find that when i actually make a plan and post it online i am much better at sticking to it. wonder why that is...

random

2011-04-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

i love sriracha. i mean love. as in i plan my meals around what would be tasty with the red gold on top. i love it on mac and cheese, ( anything cheesy really), any asian-y type food, anything with eggs, anything meaty. yum.

found this on pinterest today. guess what my swagbucks gift cards to amazon are going to?! by the way pinterest is fun, i enjoy wasting time on there.

this looks mighty tasty. i am obsessed with eggs right now. i really really love capers too. i make egg salad sammies with capers, kalamata olives and red onion. try it sometime.

15 lbs lost on body for life! i am winding down the challenge ( 3 weeks left) i have really enjoyed it but an ready to try something else. i am signed up for 2 5k's and a 10 k this summer. i want to do a half marathon and am thinking of the top of utah. has anyone done it?

why the hell is there no trader joes in utah? i stocked up in vegas a few weeks ago and my supply is running low. thanks to my friend whit i was introduced to the most amazing thing ever. unsweetened, unsulfered dried mangoes. they are the perfect treat.so good that i may or may not be thinking of buying some from ebay... and thanks to krista i learned about dark chocolate covered pretzel thins.amazing! the sweet/salty combo is perfect. ginnie introduced me to the freeze dried snap peas a little to late. i tried them after we left the store and was wishing i bought a bag the whole car ride. good thing i am headed to cali in june to restock. my great grandma has 3 trader joes in her neighborhood!

speaking of vegas... it was so much fun. my mom and husband watched the kids while i headed out for three nights o fun with my girls. we all grew up together and have kept in contact throughout the years. we had tons of fun laying out, running, eating, chatting, swimming, dancing, stalking celebs ( well brandon flowers and the polygs from sister wives) shopping, sleeping on a giant unibed, people watching... i sure do love these friends. ( ps. aren't they cute?)

menu monday

2011-04-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

via

*cheese and roasted veggie enchiladas + strawberries
*sopitas de tortillas + green smoothies + trader joes peppered turkey bacon
*penne with roasted asparagus and balsamic vinegar + breadsticks + green salad
*kung pao ramen noodles + asian slaw salad salad
*chicken paella + green salad
*grandma batemans easter wienie roast! bringing a salad
*easter dinner

what are you having this week?

menu monday {errrr.... tuesday}

2011-03-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

* philly cheese fakes, strawberries. steamed veggies
* steak, oven french fries, broccoli, canned peaches
* taco bar with all the fixings, smoothies
* breakfast for dinner, roasted asparagus with egg, bacon, bagels
* cheesy noodle casserole ( aka noodley doodley), green salad, asparagus, garlic bread
* date night?
* leftovers or sandwiches

last week our church had a self reliance workshop. i went to 2 classes. one on finances and one on the importance of family dinners. my kids are young enough that we don't have much going on yet and are able to have family dinner most nights. i really enjoyed the class and it gave me some good ideas. i will share them with you tomorrow. i'm getting pretty tired. watching biggest loser will do that to you ;)

2011-03-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

so- i just got through eating the second best apple of my life. what apple is that you say? it's called a jazz apple. i found them at smiths the other day for $1 a lb.

my in-laws have the tasty apples on the planet but these are a close second. the apple was so crisp and juicy + shares a name with our basketball team ( what is up with kirelinkos hair?!).

you better believe that come free day i will be making the best apple dumplings ever. just thought i would spread the word on this tasty treat.

menu monday

2011-03-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

source

* black bean tacos, green salad, pineapple
* lemon ricotta pancakes with strawberries, bacon, smoothies
* shanghi chicken and noodles, green smoothie
* grilled taco chicken, ( made into tacos with corn tortillas) strawberries, leftover black beans
* steak, grilled potatoes and onions, roasted asparagus
* st pattys day dinner made by granny. you know the usual stuff...

do you guys eat leftovers alot? i'm not a huge fan. i will eat things the first day, then i don't care for them much after that. except for stew, pot roast, chili and fried rice. i need to be better about using them up. my husband takes them for lunch most the time but i still feel like some things get wasted.

what are you making this week?

do you eat leftovers?

ps. click on the link for the menu above for a printable menu from eighteen25

friday favs and weekend happenings

2011-03-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

*these tote bags are super cute. you can never have enough totes right? the deer applique is destined to become a pillow for my couch.

* i am completely obsessed/smitten with this bedroom. lacy painted floor, chicken wire wall and vintage linens, floral too? yes please! i love everything ashley does with her house. she is so creative!

* do you guys remember making butter in grade school? we used to shake cream in a mason jar and watch it turn to cream. this looks even faster/easier, although maybe not as fun for kids to do. i'm thinking homemade bread and butter + apricot and raspberry freezer jam is in order this weekend!

* i love love love these lightweight boy hoodies at i am momma hear me roar

* week one of the ripped in 30 almost done! i am loving it. under 30 minutes, weight+ cardio. i previewed week 2 yesterday and it there are alot of moves i have never seen before. i am excited to try it.

* look how pretty my friend krista's rosette cuffs are! i have a green one and love it but the pink is calling my name.

*finally good enough weather to go to the zoo! i've got the fever for sure.

*i made some homemade coconut butter this week. it is unbelievable on pancakes. it was fast, cheap and easy.

* a new sunflower market is opening up in salt lake. i'm hoping to make it to the grand opening and score some free things.

* the prettiest crocheted pillows i have ever seen.

* how pretty is this image? wish i could find some pretty old wood that looked like that!

* what a great idea for keeping organized in the car.

*where is a girls scout when you need one? i love samoas so much i might just try to make some if i don't see one soon.

* roasted maple cinnamon almond butter! i am all over it.
what caught your eye this week?

menu monday

2011-03-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

+ thai peanut noodle lettuce wraps, mango.( i didn't get around to making this last week and i am dying to try them!)
+ pioneer womans chili recipe ( from book), cornbread, green salad
+ walking tacos with leftover chili, fruit salad
+ roasted asparagus and lemon chicken pizza, salad, garlic bread
+ red beans and rice, asparagus, fruit
+ leftovers or breakfast for dinner
+ date night??

other things i'm making this week-
making this for fhe for sure!

source

my favorite ( and easy!) homemade wheat bread. it really does taste like expensive store bought bread. it is chewy and soft. i make 2 loaves a week

homemade buttermilk dressing for my ranch loving kids.

homemade hot pockets for lunches ( add some salad supreme and they are amazing!

this french bread recipe is looking good for the garlic bread i am making this week.

2011-03-06T14:49:00.001-08:00

i stayed home sick today from church with all three kids. i got bored and made some spring headers. do you like the one up top or one of these below better?

obviously i am into geometric and cool color palettes right now. used my trusty 10 minute blog header tutorial here.

friday favs-

2011-03-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

* the best ever jammies are at costco! and they are only $12 too. all three of my boys came home from the hospital wearing hannah anderson sleepers and pilot caps. they are the cuteset thing ever.

*this shirt refashion. this girl has major skills. one of my goals this year was to make myself more clothes.i haven't made any yet, but this blog is inspiring me to do so. and asap!
* i will be making this for sure this weekend. i have a vision in mind. hopefully they turn out how i want!

* my cabinets are done! i have to share my review of the product i used with you guys next week. let me just say- no priming,sanding,stripping and it looks fab! it saved me hours of prep time, and it is really easy.

*remember how i ordered some delish peanut butter from spread? we ate it in 2 days and were literally scraping every bit out of the jar. well i made a copycat jar up to celebrate national peanut butter lovers day last week. it is pretty near perfect but still needs some minor tweaking. can't wait to play around with it this weekend and give you the recipe! oh and looky here... the best peanut butter ever in cookie form! and check out the s'more cookies. i loooooooove s'mores and i am sure i would love this cookie too!

* i am loving all the cute furniture at urban outfitters

*looking forward to this new jillian dvd! and using my new body fat tester.

*taking my boys to the dollar theater to see tangled and maybe tron.

* i love tif and her granny chic style.i like to think of myself as a lover of granny chic, but this has to be the top of the top. she is so fabulous and creative i can't even stand it!

* i love boys too! i need to make some of the awesome things they have shared this year.

what are some of your favorites this week?

have a good weekend!

2011-03-03T15:34:00.000-08:00

i adore this table on talkin chow playing house.

source

who used this tutorial found here on stylizimo

source

who got the idea and inspiration from here

source

i love all three versions! i'm afraid i'm not handy enough to make one. maybe a handy uncle or grandpa will help me and my husband?!

which one is your favorite?

i like that the first one is white. the natural wook color is pretty in the second and i like the width of the third.

menu monday-

2011-02-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

source

+ the best homemade spaghetti sauce, roasted butternut squash, green salad, sourdough garlic bread

+ thai peanut lettuce wraps, mango

+ body for life breakfast casserole, fruit, turkey sausage

+ chopped pizza ( made with whole wheat pizza dough), roasted green beans, pineapple

+ fauxtissere chicken, roasted red potatoes, green beans, rolls

+ chipolte buy one get one free! date night!

+ shredded beef tacos with leftover frozen barbacoa beef, grilled mexican veggies, pineapple+mango

what are you making this week?

friday favs-

2011-02-25T20:36:00.000-08:00

*these cropped ankle skinny jeans are freaking cute. i tried them on last week and loved them but was holding out for a better deal. on sale this week for $19.50! wahoo!

* did a new treadmill workout today that kicked my butt. i am not a fast runner. even though i run often. i do alot of HITT routines so it was fun trying something new. my times were... m1 (8:44) m2 (8:48) m3 (8:22) i was a tiny bit bummed that mile 2, was 4 seconds longer than one.

* loving these shoes, or these, and these ones too. which ones should i get with my christmas giftcard to UO?

* going to chipotle. buy one get one free coupon here. my fav is the barbacoa burrito bowl with lots of veggies, black beans and all three salsas. what is your favorite?

* finally painting my kitchen cabinets this weekend! i'll let you know how it turned out.

* got a flat screen tv finally too! i just need to find a place to hang it or a table to put it on. i am loving this one from rc willey. and it is clearance, even better.

have a fun weekend!

my review:: suave dry shampoo

2011-02-08T21:08:00.000-08:00

i have bangs and exercise every day but only wash my hair every other day( is that gross? i have three kids and not a ton of time to do my hair, you do what you can right??) what does that mean for my hair? nasty, greasy bangs thats what. i have heard about dry shampoo for a few years but never really saw them at an affordable price.

last year i found some dry shampoo called batiste. it was on sale for around $6 so i decided to give it a try. you spray your roots, rub it in really well and then comb it through. i really like it. the only drawback is that it is sort of stinky. like grandma perfume stinky ( none of my grandma's wear stinky perfume but that is what it reminds me of) i get the pink one and i guess the one in the blue can is better.

i have also tried TRESemme. and i was not that impressed. it smelled good but left my hair a weird texture. a few weeks ago i saw on facebook that suave was coming out with a dry shampoo. i have been on the lookout ever since. and i finally found it at walmart yesterday!!

my review-

pros::

smells awesome. it has a light,citrus smell that smelled really fresh.

under $3!

left my hair feeling completely refreshed. added great volume and texture

easy to find

doesn't leave a white film in my dark hair like other dry shampoos do

cons::

i had to use a little bit more than my bastiste to get the same effect, but the smell was so much better it was worth it.

has anyone else tried it? what did you think?

2011-02-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

do you guys watch the food network show " the best thing i ever ate"? it is one of my favorite shows ever. i am a sucker for food and cooking. i have always loved watching cooking shows but the newer generation of shows is amazing. i love diners, drive inns and dives too. we have been to a few places they showed that were in utah. wouldn't it be fun to plan a foodie trip and base it around places shown on food network?

so tonight as i was watching the best thing i ever ate- nutty. i died when they showed tyler florence's pick. white chocolate pretzel peanut butter. are you kidding me? i did what any rational person ( on a diet nonetheless) would do and ordered me one asap. i didn't even flinch at the $10 price tag. actually i did but i told myself it would be my husbands valentines gift. i am super sweet that way. check out spread here. there are some other tasty looking peanut and almond butters too. can't wait for it to get here! maybe your valentine would like some too.

2011-02-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

i have got to have this hair color. i am obesessed.

ps- anybody know how to make my hair grow faster? i heard prentals were supposed to help. any other ideas hair dresser friends?

2011-02-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

we are god's children. and if we ever got that through our heads thoroughly and understood that completely we would never do a small thing. we would never say a cross word. we would not use bad language. we would not criticize anybody. we would love everyone the way the savior loves us.

sister hinkley

i needed to hear this today, yesterday, this whole month. having a bit of the winter blues and can't drag myself out of it. i'm hoping that making some pretty things for my house and thrifting will help.

2011-01-13T13:01:00.000-08:00

i never really get into valentines decorating besides a few paper hearts my kids cut out. i really, really love this garland though.

etsy

also remember how i love almond butter? well i tried making my own and it didn't quite work out right. well check this out. chocolate almond butter? yes please! i need to get over to winco for some extra dark chocolate chips and almonds asap!

2011-01-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

i love this idea seen here on erica's bloggity blog. i have a collage wallhanging above my couch. this awesome display is making me want to reorganize the whole thing around these wall letters from pottery barn teen. fun huh?!

(photo from ericas blog)

i'm trying to decide if i want mine to say family, love, home or something else... what do you think?

2011-01-06T22:05:00.000-08:00

i really am a terrible blogger. no mention of christmas at all, no photos of handmade gifts ( i made lots and i was to tired to take pictures...lame!) no year end review or new years resolutions, blah blah... but i do love sharing a good deal. here are some fab jamba juice coupons for you to print out. you are welcome. via here.

oh and when i am skinny again ( started body for life 2 days ago! more on that later) i will be purchasing these.

and these

one more thing. we got a wii for christmas from our inlaws. i am now addicted to dr mario and the micheal jackson game. i used to be super good at old school nes dr. mario. i need a bit of fine tuning, but don't you worry, it will come back to me.

be back later this weekend with a project i'm working on for project restyle.

my review:: jillian micheals 6 week 6 pack

2010-12-17T14:11:00.000-08:00

as you may or may not know i am a huge fan of the jillian work out dvds. they are awesome, fast paced and hard ( come on, look at her!) like really hard. if you are short on time you must try the 30 day shred. it is composed of three 25 minute levels that get progressively harder. level 3 is crazy!

i'm going to tell you a secret. i freaking hate ab work. i loathe crunches and pretty much any core exercise ( except for the plank hold. that i hate but love) but i also have a gross mom tummy. yep, three kids and not much ab work will do that to you!

when i saw that jillian was coming out with an ab video i hoped that it would force me to work my abs out but not get bored.

let me tell you this... it was not boring at all! in fact it was really fun. no , really. an ab video fun! it was pretty fast paced with no breaks. i was constantly moving from laying on my back, to stomach, to plank, then standing. the exercises were tough! there were some familiar moves and some i had never done before. what i liked about this and every other jillian video is the interval training. in this one we did one really long set and then repeated it for a second time. i am so sore today it hurts to laugh or cough. and oddly enough i am sore in other places like my booty and my always lovely love handles.

i hope jillian continues to pump out these awesome videos because for less than $10 and under 45 minutes you cannot find a better workout.

random

2010-12-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

this is know for sure. the flu, the real flu you know influenza? it sucks...bad. my baby got it friday night and i got it saturday. i don't recall ever being so miserable in my life. my poor little guy was so miserable and sad. it breaks your heart to see your kids sick we are on days 3 and 4 and still not better. oh and did i tell you that the day after thanksgiving my oldest son came down with strep throat and wait for it.... scarlet fever?! i didn't even know that was possible to still get! we keep getting sick and i don't know how to stop it. it seems to be since my oldest started kindergarten.

i am in love with this locket from varabel etsy. husband if you are reading this i really want a locket for christmas or my birthday.

this is by far one of the tastiest soup recipes i have ever made. and i love soup. i have been dreaming about making it again. but right now meat sounds icky. actually all food sounds icky. except for a fresh lime from artic circle.
ps. every single recipe on that blog is delicious. it is my favorite food blog by far. try her chicken tiki masala.oh and her cream cheese filled pumpkin muffins, zephyr pancakes

sadly i haven't but up my christmas decorations yet. i wasn't going to do it until we finished painting. we are so close to being done. just part of the ceiling and one wall in the kitchen. but i can't stand it anymore. if i feel a tiny bit better tonight it will be a family home evening activity.

i would love to make these, seen on luvinthemommyhood

theraflu is nasty, really nasty

i watched lost for 7 years. lost ended about 8 months ago. i am still super mad over the ending. the episode itself was good but i am angry that they never answered my questions and then had the nerve to say all the mysteries weren't important. really! pretty sure that's how you got people to watch the show, it was a major draw. so mad right now!

that's it! i have been talked into trying body for life again. how amazing is her transformation? love that blog by the way. she has some great exercise routines.

my favorite oatmeal.
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup water
pinch of salt
ripe mashed banana
either- nuts and maple syrup or even better justins maple nut almond butter

Combine milk, water and salt in a medium saucepan; heat until almost boiling. Add oats and cook, stirring, until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in mashed banana and toppings.
another recipe from my mom.

speaking of justins nut butter have your tried it? delicious! but expensive. i tried making my own almond butter in my food processor. i think i added the maple syrup to soon because it got all sticky. it is still really good just not creamy. i went to winco last week and grinded my own almond butter and added pure maple syrup and sea salt, much better!

speaking of winco, do you shop there? i looooooooooooooooooove it. i drive 13 minutes to drive there i love it so much. the bulk section is the best. i always spend way less money than anywhere else.

have you tried popchips? they are yummy.

look a rug that matches my wallpaper! Love!

2010-12-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

Help me pick my wallpaper!!

I have lived in my house for 3 years. and for 3 years i have been wanting to redo some things. well all of a sudden i have the go ahead. we have a little extra money now thanks to my awesome grandma and a sweet part time job cleaning her house. i want to paper a wall that covers my tiny dining room and into my back wall of the kitchen above my cabinets. can you help me decide which direction i want to go?

either-

A. keep the room light and cohesive with this creamy wallpaper. the ceiling and walls are cream and the floor is a light wood color. i love it because it keeps things light and warm.you have to click on the pictures to see a close up {nevermind i did it for you!} so very pretty right? almost like a doiley.

B. make a statement with this bold gray paper? i love it because i think it will anchor the room and make a statement! i am also loving gray right now. i am a bit worried that the dark will add to my lovely seasonal depression but since everything else is light i'm thinking it won't.

help me out! which one do you like best?

spring wreath to christmas wreath!

2010-12-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

so- the dollar store spring wreath ended up being a very nice, non traditionally colored, festive Christmas wreath!of course you could make it in the more traditional reds, greens, white and silver but this actually matched my Christmas decor!

and you can't beat $2 right?

no tutorial is really needed but here is the quick how-to.

flower tutorial here

2010-11-19T16:39:00.001-08:00

i'm hoping to make it to this tomorrow... anyone else going?

pumpkin oatmeal muffins

2010-11-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

via

my mom gave me this super easy and tasty pumpkin muffin recipe. it is a weight watcher recipe and i guess that each muffin is only 1 point. i added the oatmeal, flax, nuts and chocolate chips to make it even better!( but probably more than 1 point) my boys just downed 3 each! they wanted another one too,but i had to save some for later. try them, you will love them!

pumpkin oatmeal muffins-

1 box spice cake mix

1 cup water

1 egg

2 cups canned pumpkin

1/2 cup oatmeal

scoop ground flax seed

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1 cup mini chocolate chips

mix together.scoop into muffin tins with paper or sprayed with pam. makes 22 muffins. bake at 400 for 16 minutes.

10 minute blog header tutorial

2010-11-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

like my new header?? i really liked my old one but needed a change for fall. want to know how to make a super duper easy 10 minute blog header too?

here are the 9 easy steps to having your own cutomized blog header-
* join picnik if you don't already have an account

* upload pictures. for my banner i googled "retro wallpaper" and this is what came up. if you want a plain and simple header without graphics you can do that too.

* once you have your photos uploaded go to the collage tab, pick the 4 horizontal squares layout. you can keep it the same size or re size it to fit your blog. for my blog layout ( minima lefty stretch) the way it is already set up is the perfect size.

*drag the spacing all the way to the left ( if you want it to look like one long banner) if you want it to be a collage you can play around with the spacing until you like what you see.

* your pictures should be in the bottom left corner. drag them to your collage. you can fill them all with the same picture, different pictures or leave some blank.

* if you want a different color click on the small box next to the spacing tab. you will be able to pick any color you want.

*when you are happy with the way it looks click done ( upper right hand corner)

* from there you go to the create tab. add text, add stickers, you can even draw a picture!

* save and use as your new header. it should be the right size for a header too. easy peasy.

here are some other ones i have made... hope that helps someone out! if you have any questions i'll try to help. i'm not a tech person at all and i figured this out all on my own. if i can do it so can you!

linking: be different act normal, tatertots and jello, a little lovely, my repurposed life

2010-11-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

kristi approved progress...

day one:: goals

my vision:: i will be 4lbs lighter. i will have more energy. i will sleep better.

my mission:: kick the sugar habit ( it's a pretty big habit!). finally getting rid of those darn pesky 7 lbs ( after this last week, more like 10 lbs!) for good. i want to feel good about my body again.

my affirmation:: i will be in better control of my portions. i will go into the holiday season with a plan! i will rock my skinny jeans again. i will have more energy to run around with my boys.

i can't decide if i want to share my weight and measurements on here. let's just say it isn't pretty! but i do want to be held accountable for during the 7 day challenge, so i plan on posting something about it every day.

day one-
followed the eating/nutrition plan to a -T-. i was very pleasantly surprised by how good the food is. yum! and i didn't really feel hungry at all. surprisingly enough i didn't even crave chocolate come 4:00, which is highly unusual for me! i had alot of energy after the workout and really liked it. they have you do "supersets" on her upper body, and it was quick but effective. i also did the body for life style of cardio. it's only 20 minutes but man is it tough!

2010-10-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

starting the 7 day kristi approved challenge monday. i'm so excited. they have everything planned out for you... meals, grocery list, workout. i need a boost, maybe this is it.one thing is for sure, those ladies have some rockin mom bodies. dare you to join! let me know if you are, we can form a support group or something. thanks to meg for pointing me in the right direction.

My Review:: one n' only argan oil

2010-10-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

back from cali! it was a blast. my boys were sooooo good in the car. seriously amazing. we used the dvd player as a last resort, but made it most the trip without it. they made a huge mess that i had to ignore so i didn't freak out but other than that it went smoothly.

man i don't know about you but california humidity messes with me every single time i visit. usually i break out the instant i am there. and my naturally wavy hair ends up looking like a giant frizzy fro by the end of the day.

i have been wanting to try Moroccan hair oil for awhile now but have been reluctant to get it due to the price ($30+) for a tiny bottle. i ran into sally beauty supply to get some dry shampoo for the trip ( i'll review that later) and they had a promo going on for this argan oil. it was $9 for a 3.4 oz bottle. as luck would have it they were totally out. there went my chance to have frizz free disneyland hair! when i got back from california i checked back and they had it!

i have used it for a couple days now and i love it. it makes my hair soft but not greasy at all. it smells good, almost like suntan oil. my hair is super shiny and i have no idea how but it makes me have to wash my hair less often! i have never been able to go more than every other day washing because i look like a dirty hippie ( not that there's anything wrong with that...seinfield anyone) but i have gone without washing for 2 days a few times and my hair wasn't gross!

love!

for the price and the result i will for sure be using this all the time.

2010-09-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

why haven't i finished posting traveling tips???

a. i had 3 post all written and ready to go when "poof" they disappeared into internet limbo

b. i am finishing up about a billion last minute projects, doing buttloads of laundry, cleaning my bum off, oh yeah and taking care of 3 normally really good boys who have recently started to act like major whiny, fighting, major turds!
c. not sleeping well and after the disappearance of my 3 really really good post decided i don't feel like writing everything over.

bah! looks like it will all have to wait. i do have a vacation to pack for you know!

2010-09-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

best lunch ever! my mom made this amazing pizza for lunch today and no kidding it was the tastiest thing my mouth has ever partaken of. you should definitely try it!

i was in the midst of taking photos for a tutorial and it started raining. hopefully i can get some decent photos to show you what i have been up too.

2010-09-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

via

for as long as i can remember my family took a big road trip every year from utah to disneyland. my parents had five children so you can imagine how crowded the minivan was with 7 people and a whole lot of stuff!

well my little family has continued on with this fun family tradition. each year we save our pennies to go to california and go to disneyland and the beach.

i am extremely lucky to have pretty good travelers. my kids kind of zone out and do their own thing but there does come a time in the trip where they have had it with sitting in a car.

throughout the years i have learned some things that work at keeping my kids happy those last few hours. this year i will have a 5,3 and 2 year old (all active, wiggly boys!) i wanted to prepare as much as i could to make this a pleasant trip. each day this week i will give tips and ideas for different things like- keeping your kids entertained in the car, keeping kids comfy and fun food ideas, tutorials, disneyland specific tips and more! today i'm talking about...

tips for keeping your kids entertained in the car-

+ go to the library with your kids and get a few books. my kids also love listening to books on tape ( or cd) we also have a pretty good collection at home. my kids really like the magic tree house series, curious george, harry potter, and other short stories. storynory is a great website with free stories to download. we have an extra ipod that is just for kid stuff. there is nothing worse than a killer run being interrupted by the magic tree house! nothing!

+dvd player. we were lucky enough to get my sisters old dual dvd players. i love having them in the car for long trips. i try not to over-use it though. i really like my kids to use them as a last resort, when they are getting grumpy, bored and tired.we like to get at least one new show they haven't seen, we either buy it and stash it away, or borrow one from a friend.

+the dollar store! there are some pretty cool little things to be found at the dollar stores. dollar tree has some cute little toy story toys right now. also target has a pretty cool dollar section. i have some things i got there that i will show you later.

+ try something fun that you might not think of. why not let your kids play with pipe cleaners? they can create swords, guns, animals, whatever. we did this once for my primary ( church) class and they loved it! they created animals and bracelets and all sorts of things. i have even read to give your smaller kids a roll of tape. that would keep my two year old occupied for awhile! psot it notes would be fun too.

+my friend ginnie,( she's funny) had the fabulous suggestion of giving each kid a box of band aids. our dollar tree has marvel superhero ones right now.my boys would love to have free reign over a box of band aids.

+road trip games. my kids are kind of young to play most of these but i might try a few out.

+pack a ball, frisbee or jumprope for when you take a break for the road. have your kids run around as much as possible when out of the car.

+on that note we always make it a point to either find a park and eat lunch there or visit somewhere with a playplace. if you are headed to california from utah st. george has a nice, big mcdonalds.

+costco had some great sticker books. they are around $7 but my kids love them.

+ how about a cheap photo album? that would be fun

+ magazine and other crap you get in the mail. recently my kids have become obsessed with those damn costume magazines that come this time of year. i hid them all to pull out for our trip. they spend a long time looking at them and telling me they want to be darth vader, no jengo fett, no clone trooper not a storm trooper... oriental trading, and toy magazine are equally as thrilling.

+ conatiners of any types. my kids love altoid tins, cigar boxes, lunch boxes, anything that you can pack small toys or other gadgets into. one of their favorite toys of all time is a small white tin with a handle my mother in law gave them, inside are frogs and lizards and outside is bug magnets. they play with it all the time and don't get sick of it.

tip:: you don't have to spend much money making your trip more entertaining either. there are many resources online with projects that take only pennies to make and a little time.

family fun has a whole page dedicated to road trip activities, with games, printable and more. there is sure to be something that will work for you and your family! i recently purchase a laminator for a great deal and plan on laminating most things so that they last longer. but even if they only last in the car and keep my kids occupied, then it is all good to me!
here are some i plan on using from that site-
+create a creature
+superhero paper doll

another great site is disney family
here are some of my favorites.
+felt perry the platypus. my boys love phineas and ferb. i'm making them each one of these hilarious perry felt toys.
+toy story magnets
+toy story playset
+toy story fun book

+this felt oogie boogie man is rad. what kid wouldn't like stuffing him with bugs and frogs?!
pretty sure a mini version of this light saber would amuse my kids
here are some darling girl ideas, pretty sure my sweet little 3 year old would love some of the tinkerbell things too. ( he has a thing for "his girl" tinkerbell)

+magnet boards are one of my kids favorites. we get them a Michael's of another local craft store and use a coupon.

+toobs, again we get them at micheals with a coupon. they are alot of fun and the perfect size.

find other great ideas-
here

what are some of your favorite tips for keeping kids entertained on the road?

2010-09-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

via

the first week in october is going to be a fun one. we are taking a long car trip to disneyland.(yay!) traveling with kids is always interesting to say the least. i have pretty easy travelers but anything i can do to help my 3 young boys have an easier and more comfortable trip is always good. well i've decided that since i'm gathering ideas and making some fun things i might as well bring you along for the ride! come back next week for some tutorials, guest bloggers and other tips to make traveling with kids easier! if you have some tips leave a comment and i will compile a list of tips.

ps. if anyone wants to be a guest poster i would love it! let me know at jacquelynbateman@hotmail.com

2010-09-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

note to self...
when i am not being lame anymore and eating sugar again. i will make these peanut butter brownies. and i will eat more than one.

2010-09-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

i have seen the linky love feature on a few blogs and have enjoyed going through and finding new things. i thought i would show you guys some of the great things i've noticed in the past little while.

random linky love...

this portable bucket grill looks so great. it would have come in mighty handy on our trip to bear lake.

so many delicious looking recipes and healthy too! i'm making these for my boys today

this post by nienie

this new to me blog. i saw her on freshly picked. she is totally inspiring! simple, hip, handmade clothes.

awesome, creative, talented etsy stores

my friend sent me the link to this blog with tons of free educational ideas and printouts.

the most perfect looking granny chic bed ever. i adore everything that tif does. she has the most perfect house ever.

this pretty modern family tree

the best boy halloween tees

whew looks like i have alot on my mind!

recipe exchange

2010-09-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

kelly over at according to kelly had a great idea to do a dinner recipe exchange. the point being to post a whole weeks worth of recipes on your blog, then she will compile them all into one place. i thought that it was a super great idea and decided to join. here are some of my favorite go to recipes.
Spicy Chicken Peanut Noodles
Ingredients -
* 4 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1 lb. raw/peeled/cleaned shrimp
* 8 oz. dry spaghetti or linguine
* 1/4 cups dry roasted peanuts
* 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

For Marinade

* 1 T Soy sauce
* 1 T Brown sugar
* 1 T Peanut oil ( i used sesame)
* 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt

For Peanut Sauce ( i took the advice of rose and 2x it)
* 1/2 c. Chicken broth
* 1/4 c. Creamy peanut butter
* 2 T Brown sugar
* 2 T Rice Vinegar
* 2 T Fresh Lime Juice
* 1 T Soy Sauce
* 1 T Fresh Ginger, minced
* 1 T Chili Garlic sauce
* 1/2 c. Fresh cilantro
For Cucumber Sambal (again, I doubled it. So good!)
* 1 c. cucumber (seed and dice if you don't use english cucs)
* 1/2 c. Scallions
* 1/4 c. Red bell pepper, diced
* 3 T Rice Vinegar
* 1 T Sugar
* 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
* 1/2 T Kosher salt

Preparation Instructions Don't be scared by the long list of ingredients. This meal is really easy to throw together. First, preheat grill to medium-high. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.

Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Toss with chicken and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from grill pan, and tent with foil while preparing the other ingredients.

Prepare the cucumber sambal by tossing together the sambal ingredients. Set aside till serving.

Cook the pasta according to pkg.

directions; drain and return to the pot. Meanwhile, prepare the peanut sauce. Heat broth, peanut butter, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce, ginger, and chili garlic sauce in a saucepan over medium heat to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Off heat, stir cilantro and salt, then pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat.

Top each chicken breast with pasta and cucumber sambal.

Garnish with more fresh cilantro and peanuts.

+marv and joes- a Utah State University favorite... i seriously ate them almost every day for lunch. i think mine are better too.

ingredients-
+wheat bread ( you could use white or sourdough too.
+homemade garlic butter
+fresh sliced tomatoes
+olive oil and red wine vinegar ( i leave off the oil)
+grated parmesan cheese
+provolone cheese
+freshly ground pepper

toast bread in toaster or oven. spread on garlic butter. top with tomato, add vinegar and pepper. top with a slice of provolone cheese, then sprinkle with parmesan. broil until browned and bubbly. delicious!

one of my favorite dinners of all time...

+southwestern chili mac
get the recipe at just cook already. a great cooking blog that i have contributed to in the past.

+ breakfast for dinner-zephyr pancakes, homemade buttermilk syrup
+ cornflake chicken

ingredients-
-boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders ( if using breast i cut them in to long strips or pound them out thinner.
-3 cups of crushed cornflakes
-1 packet of dry Italian dressing
- freshly grated parmesan cheese
-melted butter

directions-
preheat oven to 350.
melt butter and but in a bowl deep enough to fit chicken. mix crushed cornflakes, dressing packet and cheese in a large ziploc baggie. dip chicken into butter, then throw in bag and shake. bake for 20-30 minutes until chicken is done. my boys looooove this one.

+fried rice. i already loved this recipe then i saw that kami for no biggie used rotissere chicken instead of cooking her own. sooo tasty! i also use brown rice and less butter.

2010-08-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

blue lily is giving away another session. check out all the details on the rie's dialogues blog. trust me, if you get the chance to get a blue lily photo shoot you should, cause wendy is rad. and who doesn't love rad photos?

2010-08-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

note to self::

i want this bad. that is all.

from cb2

2010-08-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

oh how i am loving this look. i only wish my hair was long enough to attempt this beauty of a hairstyle seen on love in the mommyhood. it's the perfect blend of messy and classy.

my review:: keebler fake samoas aka coconut dreams

2010-08-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

my friend kem introduced me to these lovely little things on the 4th of july. they are very, very similar to samoas. which is good... and bad.

i have a major weakness for samoas. these are almost but not quite as good. but alot easier to get and they happen to be cheap enough too.plus they give me coconut dreams.

i need to stop eating so much sugar. sugar detox take one begins on Monday.

i am limiting myself to one free day a week.

ready go...

2010-08-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

tonight i am having a yummy mexican dinner. here are the recipes i am using...

photo
{mock chili colorado}

ingredients-
2 lbs lean stew meat cubed
1 onion chopped finely
garlic
sazon goya ( i get in in the mexican section of walmart) this is my secret ingredient in a ton of recipes. it adds an amazing flavor to things. i especially love it in homemade spaghetti sauce! i plan on posting another recipe that uses it later this week.
2 tbl flour
1/4 cup New Mexico or California chili powder
dash of mexican hot sauce

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
salt to taste
fresh cilantro

brown meat in oil. season with garlic powder, salt and pepper, chili powder and flour, throw into crock pot. mix onions+ rest of ingredients and pour on top of everything. cook 5-8 hours in a crock pot. serve in tortillas with sour cream, cheese, onions and cilantro.

+homemade tortillas

+ watermelon

+ my very favorite homemade salsa

{roasted salsa}

Ingredients

12 roma (plum) tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 small onion, quartered
1 jalapeno chile pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
juice from 1-2 limes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Preheat the broiler to high. cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. chop onions in big chunks. cut stem off jalapeno.

place on cookie sheet. broil on high until vegetables are charred (5-15 minutes). throw everything into a food processor. throw in bowl and add cumin, salt, lime juice and cilantro.

+ quick and dirty brazilian lemonade

{brazilian lemonade}

2 bottles Simply Limeaid

1 can sweetened condensed milk

4 sliced limes for serving

1 bag crushed ice

In a large bowl (or pitcher if you have one big enough) pour about a cup of the Limeaid in then pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Pour in the rest of the Limeaid, mix well.

Fill desired glasses to the brim with ice, pour Brazilian lemonade over top with lime and serve immediately

recipe from nosh

can't wait! what are you having?

2010-07-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

i've never been a big fan of push ups. so why am i doing the one hundred push up challenge?

beats me! but i am.... want to join me?

2010-07-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

have you heard of ombre hair?

i hadn't until yesterday when i was blog hopping and was lead to the blog hairdresser on fire. which is a great hair blog... ombre is basically having multi shade hair color. apparently it was inspired by children's hair color after playing out in the sun all summer. all i can say is i looooove it. i especially love the second hair color and dare i say it... sarah jessica parkers (ughh never been a fan of hers) i spent a bit of time looking at different hair blogs. it seems to be a divided trend. some people love the look, others think it looks to grungy.

what do you think? do you like it? any hairdressers out there with some tips?

my review ::: spin pins

2010-07-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

i have thick wavy hair. which is nice. what isn't nice is trying to style my hair and having to use 230 bobby pins. i usually bend half of them and the other half fall out of my hair leaving a trail of bobby pins that lead to me. i heard about the goody spin pin a while back somewhere ( commercial, blog, friend... not sure) i found some at target and got stylin. these weird looking little curly q's take the place of 20 pins each. they are awesome and easy to use. i love the messy bun look and when i used this is took all of 2 minutes to do.

2010-06-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

{via}

here's the deal. almost three years ago we moved into a home with a perfect, beautifully manicured lawn. the lady that lived here before me was a horticulturist and spent alot of time in the yard. it has the wild perennial garden look but oh boy has it gotten out of control.

i am not a horticulturist... i was pregnant one summer, tired the next and to dang tired and busy to care this summer. but something has to be done. soooooo here is my quick tip:

every time i talk on the phone i scoot my bum outside and weed for 10 or 15 minutes.

sometimes after my kids go to bed i make another trip for 20 or so minutes until it gets dark. slowly but surely things are getting done.

2010-06-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

here is my little hedgie applique that i guest posted over at megity's handmade a while back...

supplies-
-some sort of fusible stuff. i love steam a seam. it is a bit more expensive but it is so worth it. you could also use fabric glue, wonder under, whatever.
-fabric and felt
-some embroidery floss
-template

ok, here we go. print off template. i like to do it on cardstock so it holds up well. fuse your fabric to your steam a seam using instructions provided. trace your hedgehog onto the paper side of the webbing. remember that he will be backwards so trace him the way you want him to face ( or use a disappearing marker and trace him directly onto the fabric.)

my review ::: carmel/salty combo

2010-06-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

have you tried the new pretzel m&m's?

meh, they are a good idea but not so tasty. i would rather waste my calories on something else. if you crave that salty/sweet goodness you should check out the Klondike Carmel pretzel bar. delicious! so full of Carmel salty goodness. i found them at target.

or you could go and make my favorite cupcake recipe ever. salted Carmel cupcakes from our best bite. i'm not a frosting girl, but their frosting makes me want to put myself into a self-induced sugar coma.over and over again.

ps. can you tell i'm dieting?

quick tip

2010-06-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

want the tastiest mashed potaters in town? add a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to the pot while mashing. so yummy. and i say more butter less milk please.

2010-06-12T20:34:00.001-07:00

starting up a wellness challenge. if you want to join in find more info here. spread the word. the more the merrier, and the greater the motivation. because of what happened last time i did something like this ( bad check that bounced, girls never sent a new one and winner was out $20) i'm thinking it is going to have to be a cash only entering fee.

dollar store wreath

2010-06-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

ps. head over to making the world cuter so i can tell you how i made my quick and cheap $2 wreath.

2010-06-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am super excited to have tiff from making the world cuter blogswapping with me today. i'm sure you have all been to her blog before, but if you haven't go now i'll wait... alright now isn't she the best? tiff has fabulous ideas and is super sweet. i'm excited to try her smore cupcakes!

Yay! Jackie is so much fun, I am excited to be here introducing myself today!

My name is Tiffany, since we are now friends, you can call me Tiff...I have 3 insanely cute kids that make my world cuter, and me and my adorable husband are expecting another little boy this fall. This picture cracks me up with my two boys being so darn serious! :)

I blog over here at Making the World Cuter. I am on a mission to make the world cuter, one kid, cupcake or crafty thing at a time! I hope you come over and say hi!I also love photography and have a little photography blog called Pumpernickel Buttons. I seem to getting lots of newborns lately, which is great for me to ease my baby hunger until my new little guy makes his appearance!

Here are a couple random things about me...

My favorite food is the sandwich-yummy deli style sandwiches are the best, but I love just about anything between two pieces of bread!
I'm a student right now, studying web design-but my true passion is photography and Photo Shop so I will probably get my bachelors in Photography when I'm done with this degree.
If I wasn't pregnant I would be eating a spoonful of cookie dough while typing this, it really is a wonder that I don't weigh 1000 pounds.
Now that Lost and Glee and all the other great shows are done, we went and bought the first couple of seasons of The Big Bang Theory, a show I didn't know existed until just recently -I can't get enough of that hysterical show. Too funny.

I love to do anything and everything creative, especially if I can do it with things I already have on hand. Here are a few of my favorite projects I have put together...

This wooden tiled mirror...

I like to do furniture makeovers, this glider is my favorite-it was so hideous before!

I generally do easy and cheap projects (and no I am not either of those things-just ask my hubby), like this burlap wreath with fabric scraps and salt dough buttons.

One of my favorite things to make are napkin rings, just because they are easy, and fast to put together and are so dang cute! These ones are made out of a tinfoil tube and burlap.

This is one of my favorite projects-easy towel ponchos, I made this one for my boy while it was still winter, thus the footie jammies and the bed head! :) These are great as bath towels, but even better for the pool or the beach, with a pocket to keep their sunscreen, goggles or seashell treasures in all while keeping their hands free. LOVE these! I love meeting new blog friends and I have a linky party on Mondays as well, I really hope you come by for a visit!

Thanks for having me Jackie, you are the cutest Mama Monster around!

-Tiff

2010-06-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

summer decorating to do list...

*dye some mason jars... as seen on IDIY

*dollie-fy some things.

*make a canvas chalkboard

*paint my kitchen cupboard cream and buy a different knob for each one.

*make a outdoor daybed ( i have been wanting an outdoor daybed forever. even at walmart and target they are at least $400. yay for anna and knock off wood!

*pallet bookshelves for my kids rooms, my room, hallway, and wherever else i can fit them. love them so much! this is cool too!

can i get an amen??

2010-06-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

“The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less” Anna Quindlen

2010-05-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

how cool are these LOST posters seen over at craftpad? maybe they will help get me out of my depression over lost being over.

i can't believe it... so sad. the other day the finale was being rebroadcast. i just caught the last couple minutes but when jack and vincent were laying there and jack closed his eyes...it was all i could do to keep from sobbing like a baby in front of my husband.

pretty pathetic huh? but i am truly having a hard time getting over it. i think re watching the entire show and getting these posters might cheer me up.

2010-05-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

have you ever checked out burda style? its a great resource for sewing patterns and tips. i am dying to make the darling high waisted kasia skirt, and it is even a free pattern. bonus!

here are some of my favorites-

all images from burda style

2010-05-31T19:28:00.000-07:00

tomorrow i will-

not eat any sugar(because lets face it i ate way to much this weekend)
finish an unfinished project
get a intense workout in
make something with my boys
hang something on the wall
finish a tutorial i have been working on forever ( but probably not post it yet)

what will you do?

2010-05-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

(pic from my kitchen cafe)

i went to dairy queen tonight with my boys. i remembered that a friend had told me about their frozen hot chocolate so i thought i would try it. oh my goodness was it good! I'm pretty sure I'm addicted. if you want to try it out at home this recipe from on of my favorite food blogs my kitchen cafe looks really good!

What foods are you addicted to?

have you noticed that when you have kids you become obsessed with making them happy? including collecting toys and things that they like? like when my oldest was a baby and burger king kids meals had the cutest ever star wars toys. we ate way to much burger king for weeks to collect them all, i don't even like burger king one bit. then it was the Disney "cars" toys. we got a bit crazy collecting them. the most recent obsession is anything toy story. have you seen the new toy story Lego's? cutest things ever! we have the train set and the buzz pizza planet truck. i love getting them out and setting them up even more than my boys.see more Lego's here.

any other fun toys i should be collecting?

i go through stages where i am obsessed with music. my husband got me an itouch for mothers day ( yay!) and i am in music mode again. right now I'm loving-

*afi crash love. all the songs are good, really the whole album
*matt and kim. so happy and fun to listen too, my favorite is daylight
*weezer raditude, can't stop the partying and put me back together are my favorites
*the darkness i love me some butt rock
*less than jake, they remind me of being in high school and going to shows every weekend with me friends

what music are you loving right now?

2010-05-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

I can't stop thinking about LOST. post may be few and far between as i read other peoples theories and try to wrap my head around everything. i wish i didn't care... but i do, way to much. and yet i feel like i might be sorely disappointed in three weeks.

2010-04-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

hello there! i'm guest posting over at my friend megan's blog megitys handmade. head over to find the template and how to for this cute hedgehog applique.

2010-04-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

first it was a robot dinosaur. sorry kid to hard. then it was a t-rex and spiderman fighting a robot. um- i don't even know what to say... in the end a "mom just make a regular person looking robot" you win goo, a regular robot i can do. i got the idea for washer eyes and wiggly arms and legs from i am momma hear me roar.

i am freaking out that i have a 5 year old. my boy seems so old now. he is also asking all sorts of questions and talking non stop all of a sudden. he's making me bust up with all his funnies lately. love you silly.

2010-04-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

are you kidding me? this is what i woke up to this morning. i am so depressed it isn't funny. i'm going to hang out at my sisters new home and get a haircut, maybe that will cheer me up. barf. i am sick of the snow.

spring hydrangea flower tutorial

2010-03-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

supplies-

*felt ( wool or eco your choice)

*some sort of marking device ( i used a water soluble pen)

*embroidery thread

*metal clip if using for a hair accessory

*template

here is one on a headband i made awhile back

print template out onto cardstock.cut your flowers out of felt. you can do all of the same colors, a few different colors, or a whole bunch of colors. i chose peach and teal. cut your leaves and the circle out of felt.

start by hand sewing a flower on the edge of the circle. you can add a bead here if you want. i usually sew up two or three times to make sure the flowers will stay put. keep sewing your flowers. i bunch the flowers up and keep squeezing them in. i like a full look though. i just keep overlapping the edges and tucking others in until i like what i see. keep going until your whole circle is filled in with your flowers. fluff up the ends, tucking in some and overlapping others. now would be a good time to get the edges wet where the marker still shows up.( i obviously didn't do that before i took the pictures) you can either hand sew or hot glue your leaves on. attach a metal clip and add it to a headband if you like. this particular bunch will be used for something else. come back next week to see what!

linking...

somewhat simple, craftaholics anonymous, tatertots and jello, blue cricket design ,my frugal family

things i love thursday

2010-03-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

*i love the new jillian micheals yoga dvd. i have most of her workout videos and they rock. this one is no exception.

*this amazing in progress transformation that my friend megan is doing to her bedroom. i cannot wait to see it! in fact i need to get my hinney over there to check it out in person. don't you love her fabric choice?

*these t-shirts from american eagle...

they were on sale for $10 last week. i love the fit, they are so comfy too. LOVE!

*have you seen napolean dynamite? of course you have. i loved it and nacho libre also. but i think the funniest movie that jared and jerusha hess have written is gentlemen broncos.

*hilarious! go check it out. and while i'm suggesting offbeat movies, have you seen king of kongs? it is soooooooo great.

*this chicken- really this is one of the best recipes i have ever made. i am dying to make it again.

* the richard-centric episode of lost. i think it was my favorite episode ever. i have always liked richard, now i love him. the acting, the questions answered, the kick butt jacob, creepy fake locke, the scene where richard was talking to dead isabella... i swear he could see and feel her, ah so good! i feel like maybe the writers will be able to pull off the things i want to know in the next 8 episodes. there are so many questions that are unanswered but i think i'm ok with that. some things just aren't all that important anymore, you know? i need to watch this whole season again, especially the last episode. i think richard has replaced desmond as the number 2 man of lost. sawyer is of course number one. jack? he's pretty low. ( ha kem!)

* chipolte - i love it. their chips are really good. i love their fajita burrito too. i think right now i am over cafe rio.

*and lastly girls night with my friends at the yummy mandarin restaurant in bountiful!

stayed tuned for a tutorial tomorrow...

spicy chicken peanut noodles

2010-03-19T11:48:00.001-07:00

you have got to try this recipe! i got it from my husbands cousin rose, she got it from tasty kitchen, a recipe collection from the pioneer woman that i hadn't heard of before but looks amazing. thanks rose, it is my new favorite. i love it so much i plan on making it for my church relief society class that i get to teach next month.
Spicy Chicken Peanut Noodles
Ingredients -
* 4 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1 lb. raw/peeled/cleaned shrimp
* 8 oz. dry spaghetti or linguine
* 1/4 cups dry roasted peanuts
* 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
For Marinade

* 1 T Soy sauce
* 1 T Brown sugar
* 1 T Peanut oil ( i used sesame)
* 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
For Peanut Sauce ( i took the advice of rose and 2x it)
* 1/2 c. Chicken broth
* 1/4 c. Creamy peanut butter
* 2 T Brown sugar
* 2 T Rice Vinegar
* 2 T Fresh Lime Juice
* 1 T Soy Sauce
* 1 T Fresh Ginger, minced
* 1 T Chili Garlic sauce
* 1/2 c. Fresh cilantro
For Cucumber Sambal (again, I doubled it. So good!)
* 1 c. cucumber (seed and dice if you don't use english cucs)
* 1/2 c. Scallions
* 1/4 c. Red bell pepper, diced
* 3 T Rice Vinegar
* 1 T Sugar
* 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
* 1/2 T Kosher salt

Prepare the cucumber sambal by tossing together the sambal ingredients. Set aside till serving.

Cook the pasta according to pkg.

Off heat, stir cilantro and salt, then pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat.

Top each chicken breast with pasta and cucumber sambal.

Garnish with more fresh cilantro and peanuts.

ruffle houndstooth baby blanket

2010-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

linking here

and here,

and blue cricket designs here

and at someday crafts here

and here

also-check out other ruffley stuff here at ruffles and stuff

one of my friends had a new baby girl. i

wanted to make little lady a girly blankie that wasn't pink or purple.

i've been into ruffles lately and i thought "why not ruffle a blanket?"

so, ruffle i did... one side is cotton houndstooth and the other is teal flannel.

semi-fast,cute and super easy.

2010-03-10T14:24:00.001-08:00

things i am loving as of late-

this darling poster from jenna at q.a. design etsy store these adorable and funky reconstructed hoodies from etsy seller mungo crafts ( seen on the dainty squid tumblr) i am loving this so much i can't stop thinking about it.
this amazingly cute tutorial for the little pink house seen on sew mama sew. i followed the link and explored the blog of checkout girl and everything that she does is amazing! i would love to have one made of our house.

these cookies! oh my goodness these were good. it's my free day today ( i'm doing body for life) and i wanted to make something that i could enjoy. seriously go try them. next time i make them i think i will chop some peanut butter cups up.
and of course LOST. seriously i can't even fall asleep after i watch it. i have been working out right after so i can think about what is going on for a bit. it helps my brain not feel so worthless. so what do you other losties think... is jacob good or bad? and what about the whole thing with ben? poor ben, i really actually felt sorry for him. and where the heck is sawyer? more sawyer less jack please.

2010-03-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

it's national peanut butter day today. i love peanut butter. love love love peanut butter. mostly with chocolate, but also straight out of the jar. in honor of pb day i offer you my most favorite ways to eat pb.

*spread on graham crackers then dipped in milk

*Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake brownies modified from this recipe ( from picky palate)

Peanut butter cheesecake brownies-

1 box brownie mix prepared according to directions

8 oz softened cream cheese

1 egg

1/3 Cup sugar

10 regular size Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, cut into little pieces

1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips

4 Tablespoons heavy cream (or milk works too)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees . make brownie mix according to directions. 2. Mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in egg until well combined then stir in peanut butter cups. Pour over cake layer and swirl with a knife and bake for 30 minutes or until cheesecake is cooked through Remove and let cool completely. 3. Carefully lift bars out of dish using ends of foil. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals until melted through. Stir in heavy cream and stir until glossy smooth. Spread chocolate over cheesecake layer, cut into squares and serve.

*and my most favorite??? school lunch peanut butter bars. remember those huge squares of heaven? lucky for you my great grandmother was a lunch lady and i have davis county schools peanut butter bar recipe- i made a printable copy for you to enjoy right here.

and for non treaty peanut butter stuff? thai peanut noodles. we had them last night in fact. i love these and these. long live peanut butter!!!

2010-02-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

i made up my mind about the wallpaper. i have been thinking about doing the whole fabric/starch thing since it is reusable but this post from danielle thompson made my mind up for me. so much more customizable. in the long run i think it will be a better option for me since i hope to not stay in this house of mine for to long.has anybody tried it? any tips out there? off to research fabrics...

via ruche blog

2010-02-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

i have been sick lately and not cooking dinner. feeling better now and ready to start being a good mom and wife. here is this weeks plan. i have been doing the body for life/ bill phillips transformation plan and all these meals work in nicely.

Grilled avocado quesadillas, fruit

uncle marks carne asada tacos, fruit

Orange salmon, fiery lemon orzo with capers, broccoli ( thanks krista!)

Garlicky parmesan spaghetti squash, green beans

Chicken gyros with pita bread and tzatziki sauce ( one of our favorites, so so good!)

for the orzo i just use this recipe but make these changes- i use orzo and not pasta i use capers not parsley depending on my mood i will use the paremsan like it says or feta cheese. i love me some feta cheese!

2010-02-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

traditional birthday shirt for my birthday boy. beebye wanted a dinosaur. i wanted it to be simple. he loved it, me too. happy being three! and here is baby boys from the summer.

big brother goo has the big 5 coming up in april. can 't wait to see what he wants his shirt to be.

2010-02-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

i got a new blog header thanks to this awesome lady. she got it right on the first try, and her prices are dirt cheap! plus she fixed the darn header problem i have been having for as long as my blog has been around. thanks jenna!

2010-02-28T07:16:00.001-08:00

i can't wait until spring so i can do this... seen here really what could be lovelier than sitting outside on these chairs, sipping homemade lemonade with my boys? nothing i think.

2010-02-24T16:12:00.001-08:00

i'm feeling the crochet itch bad... wanting to make all of these free patterns from crochet today. alas i cannot because i told myself i would not start any new projects until i finish the ones i'm working on now.

don't they just make you happy to look at though? or am i the only old lady out there?

2010-02-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

meet my newest nephew henry. isn't he yummy?check out his cute monster shirt made by moi, and his cutie pie pilot hat and stripey pants ( not made be me but cute nonetheless!) my sister has the best dressed kids on the planet i tell ya. i love him. and he almost makes me want to have another baby some day. almost.

2010-02-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

via dottie angel

i really really want this orla kiely blossom wallpaper but alas i do not have the $95 a roll that it cost. i think that any of these will be a happy alternative. what do you think? all of these rolls are much cheaper than the orla wallpaper.

2010-02-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

when i found this awesome skirt tutorial at freshly picked i new i had to make one asap. i ran to joanns and picked out some of the cutest looking fabric i have ever seen gracing the shelves of joanns. honeycomb and bees am i really at joanns?

the skirt literally took me under and hour to make from start to finish. and i got to use my new serger! ( thanks hubby and family for the best gift ever!!)

i love love love the skirt but it is pretty full and makes be feel like a fatty fat soooo i ended up taking it in and giving it to my skinny 14 year old sister who has yet to bear children and therefore has no hips. no worries... i went today and bought more fabric to make myself another one that is less full. love.

2010-02-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

anybody out there that watch studio 5? its a local tv show here in utah. i saw this segment the other day on a new blog called the DIY Dish. It's a free website that will have videos and tutorials with tons of different crafts. it looks fun. i love these pillows they made when they were on studio 5...

ohh and they are giving away 2 sewing machines,rad! and i'm not sure but are do they look like osmonds to you? they do to me.

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

making this for valentines boxes

and making these for the valentines. funny huh? love them! via family fun

2010-02-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

my oldest son really wants me to make him an octopus. he asks me about a hundred times a day. my granny was telling me about yarn octopus that she made when she was little. check it out here. its pretty silly but i am positive that my boys will love them.

2010-02-02T12:31:00.001-08:00

pretty sure today is going to be awesome.

2010-02-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

my cutie pie friend megan is doing a giveaway oh her blog megitys handmade. check out these super cool pillows she is offering. i really really want one. go enter, now.

2010-02-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

any one computer savy? i have never been able to get my header to show up on this blog. i have another blog ( family) and i have had no troubles putting one of there. i also hate the way that this blog formats my blog post. nothing ever looks the way i want it to( again not a problem with my other blog). i have tried changing the format,what the heck am i doing wrong?

2010-01-27T13:28:00.000-08:00

isn't this idea from pottery barn cool? making some for my kids using this tutorial.

2010-01-23T19:23:00.001-08:00

i have been felling blah lately. the weather here in utah is crappy, my boys are going crazy in our little house. i haven't had the energy or desire or time to do anything crafty.

sooooo a few nights ago, to cheer myself up i made myself a bag following the tutorial from calico ( a new favorite blog and a sweetie too) at 10:00 pm . and guess what? i love it and it totally cheered me up. take that seasonal depression. up yours winter.

2010-01-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

off to california to help my big old pregnant sister pack. started a tumblr to keep track of all the pretty images, things i want to make and blogs i like. check it out here. my husband was taking a look at my favorites yesterday and was laughing at how many things i had saved. he said " how are you going to organize or even remember what things are?" maybe this will help, maybe not?

2010-01-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

grrr this news has me fuming mad.

i get mad when people even call or come to my house during lost. sorry mr. president i really don't care what you have to say... you had better not delay my lost season premiere i have been waiting all year for, or else. ( shaking fist in the air like an old man)

2010-01-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

flight of the conchords... my new favorite show, besides lost and glee ( good thing i got both seasons on dvd for my honey!). i love they keyboard belt.

2009-12-27T21:04:00.001-08:00

inspired by katie at matusake and her freaking cute hedgehog plushie.

2009-12-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

hope everyone had a nice christmas! i didn't do as many handmade gifts as i originally planned. alas,to have three little kids and be a master procrastinator do not combine for the handmade chirstmas extravaganza i had in mind. one thing i did however finish was this modern light bright from martha stewart. i will admit the whole time i made it i was pretty nervous that it was going to turn out like crapola but in the end it turned out to be so stinking cute. i have big plans to make a bunch for my house. i hope my sister in law loved it. amy if you don't can i please have it back???

martha stewarts version

2009-12-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

i love jimmy fallon do you? i never watch him because his show is on way past my bed time. i happened to be up last night and i about died watching jimmy fallon being robert pattinson. it was even funnier because jacob ( talor whatever his name is) was on. i guess there are a whole bunch of the videos . there are even some twilight vs. harry potter ones. so funny i had to pass it on.

*check out the video here

and don't forget to enter my giveaway below...

2009-12-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

my friend megan over at megitys handmade gave me an award the other day and i'm just getting around to posting about it. thanks megan! i guess i need to tell you 7 random facts about me.

1. i have a terrible potty mouth, which is highly embarrassing to my mother, but highly amusing to my grandma and husband

2. i secretly don't like people who don't like chocolate and peanut butter or don't like seinfield ( both are included in my every day life) i pity the fool who doesn't enjoy a chocolate pb donut from madbrooks or a hot fudge pb shake from iceberg, or who doesn't appreciate the phrase "man hands"

3. i love to cook, and eat, and pretty much think about food alot

4. i have 3 little boys and am honestly terrified to have a girl, but i think i want one eventually

5. my nickname used to be del taco. for some reason when my parents teased me about it i didn't think it was all that funny. now i do. my mom also used to tell my sister and i that she was sheera princess of power in cognito.

6. i love lost...alot. i am a nerd and read all the message boards and theories and stuff. one word- sawyer

7. i love love love to read but rarely have the time anymore ( a few of my favorite books are papa married a mormon, enders game and enchanted)

passing on the award to...

refugee crafter

amy of vintage fern

katie at matusake

heater at arizona lewis

krista at krista met ryan

ginnie at a beautiful mess

and

megan at the polished pickle

and check out my giveaway below

raw edge headband tutorial

2009-11-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

Giveaway below!!! Ends sunday nov 29th!!

raw edge headband tutorial- you will need- fabric for main headband contrast fabric for leaves and flower trim pdf headband file ( see below)

print out headband shape. tape the two smaller ends together place wide end of the strip on the folded edge of the fabric. trace with disappearing ink. sew a top stitch 1/4 inch away from raw edge all the way around the headband. trace leaves onto contrasting fabric. iron the leaves where you want them ( if you want you can fuse wonder under to the leaf fabric before you cut them out, or if you are lazy like me just ironing them into place will do.) sew around edge of leaves. now make some rolled roses like so. if you want to add trim you can. or how about making a couple of flowers in a cluster? done and done. now you have a cute headband that took you about 10 minutes to make. headband pattern here want to win this headband + another one? tell me what you favorite song by the cure is...mine are love cats, close to me and disintegration . just kidding you just leave me a comment and i will pick a winner sunday.

frayed rosette corsage shirt

2009-11-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

frayed rosette corsage shirt tutorial-

you will need

pre-washed strips of fabric prepared in the same way as these ones vary the length and width for added texture and interest

a new or old tank, t- shirt, or whatever, i think it would even be cute on a cardi.

start by tying a very loose knot on one end of your fabric

pick a starting point for your first flower.

keep twisting. i like to vary between twisting the fabric loosey goosey and tight.

repeat, making some rosettes bigger and some smaller. i try to overlap a bit too.

keep going until you like what you see. i find that i have to try on the shirt to see where things need to go and if it needs more rosettes. i'm working on one other tutorial for today while the boys nap. we will see how that goes...

ps. i used black thread on these so that you could see what i was doing in the pictures better. i probably wouldn't use it for your shirt unless it went better with your fabric.

2009-11-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

i love this cool idea seen on design sponge

i am in the process of making a yarn wreath like this one from bluebird vintage

but mixed with one like this one seen on sew mama sew

i'm finishing up a tutorial for tomorrow. it's a cute gift idea. there might be a giveaway to go along with it too.

and i just realized that it is only 5 weeks until Christmas! oh brother, i have a lot of catching up to do if i plan on getting things done this century. and glee is on tonight! holy cow it's 8:30 and my baby is still asleep, that never happens. my boys never sleep in past 7:30 no matter what i do. it's alright though since they go to bed pretty early.