Happy Delays to My Meal Plan and Recipe Review

Yesterday's events caused all kinds of delays to my usual routine, but I didn't mind at all. It was a day of celebrations for sure.

First, I got the honor of being one of the first friends/family to welcome baby Karoline into the world.

Unfortunately, this picture was taken through the blinds and criss-cross glass of the nursery window, but it was still a great view!

Then, I watched the sun go down as Julia and the Fairhope Class of 2014 set off as members of the 'real' world.

It was a beautiful sight and poetic in some respect.

So who cares if today is a day of playing catch up. It was definitely worth it!

Here's the menu I would have posted yesterday.

Breakfasts: Smoothies, Cinnamon bread, Cereal, Omelets, Blueberry pancakes

Lunches: Leftovers, Simple sesame noodles, Bean burritoes, Tuna Noodles, PB&J, Cheese quesidillas, Soup and grilled cheese

Dinner: 

Bowtie Lasagna w/salad

Baked sesame tofu sticks w/steamed broccoli & quinoa mix

Vegetarian taco soup

Homemade pizza w/salad

Grilled chicken and veggie skewers

There are more menus for Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie. 

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Recipe Review

Mushroom and Onion Shells and Cheese: This was basically a version of one of the Pioneer Woman's recipes that I've made in the past. I guess I didn't realize that. Let me go ahead and say that I didn't use some of the more expensive cheese but instead used chaddar, parm, goat, and a little mozz to make this mac and cheese dish. It was delicious and I could have kept on eating it, but I made myself stop. I will make this again (either this version or the one from PW.)

Sticky Orange Tofu Bowl: This was very yummy and a great new way (for us) to eat tofu. The cashews and syrup caramelized a little, making it toffee-like hard to eat, but it was yummy. We really enjoyed it. I'll be making this again.

Pasta with Mushrooms: I've made this several times and love it every time I make it. I cannot get enough. Yum!

Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup: This was really simple and pretty tasty. I was actually just looking for a way to use up some orzo I had on hand. I'm not sure if I'll make it again as it wasn't very filling, though it might be perfect for later in summer. We'll see.

Roasted Chickpeas: I added these to a spinach salad and we liked them okay. I like that they are pretty customizable to your tastes. I'll probably try making these again sometime.

Chicken, Potato, and Carrot Pie: I've made this previously, and we really liked it. So, I went for it again. As before, it  was well-received. All the leftovers were even eaten. The biggest issue I had with it was getting the pie crust out of the pan it came in without it crumbling to pieces. Otherwise, it was fabulous and will be made again.

Now, does anyone have a good recipe for roasted zucchini and squash that doesn't make it turn to water/mush? Please share!

Oh! And Congratulations to my friends who had so much to celebrate yesterday!

You'll Like This

Way back when I started blogging (ages ago), I shared bunches of links to just some of the cool stuff I found on the internet. In fact, I shared so many links that I had daily themes as to what I shared. (Seriously, check out April 2008. It's full of linky goodness.) Somehow, I let those posts fall to the wayside. I want to bring my link-sharing back. . . kinda. Now, I promise I won't be doing this daily like I used to. And, I can't promise that I'll even post links weekly. I just want to make sure you get to see some of the awesome, inspiring, and helpful things I find. {{If you're going to Pin or Tumble or share these yourself in some way, PLEASE make sure you go to the original source and do so!!}}

This collection of slightly creepy, but stunning photos is simply called Bothers Grimm's Homeland. Here's just one of them.

Brothers Grimm's Homeland by Killian Schoenberger

For something a little lighter, here's 10 Light & Fresh Spring Dips from TheKitchn

10 Light & Fresh Dips for Spring Snacking from TheKitchn

Isn't this colorful boho bracelet from Three Trees just dreamy?

Colorful Boho Bracelet, Tribal Jewelry by ThreeTrees

How fun is this light up paper mache garland? Too cute, right? And, looks easy enough.

Paper Mache Lit Garland from Oh Happy Day

I'm swooning over these Rustic Polymer Clay Beads/Headpins. I might just have to break down and get them for myself.

Rustic Polymer Clay Beads/Headpins from BeadsByEarthTones

For my geeky girl side, this image that includes each of the first and last lines of each Harry Potter book is just too awesome.

First and Last Lines: Harry Potter from Slow Robot

I suppose that's plenty enough Internet awesome for one Friday. I'll keep my eyes open for lots more! Have a happy day.

Rectifying the Situation

Remember Wednesday?
I was a little embarrassed posting that picture of my messy craft desk for Bead Table Wednesday. Because. . . well. . .you only got to see the one desk. You didn't get a peek at the other surfaces in the craft room. And, you know what? You couldn't have seen any of the other surfaces anyway. They were COVERED with. . .stuff.

I had intended to clean house yesterday. However, my hopes to get the laundry done, kitchen cleaned, and living room picked up were thwarted by the mortification of you seeing those pictures I hastily shared. Well, I'm ashamed no more. I spent the bulk of yesterday cleaning the craft room.

The craft room is clean! Now, I'll just stay in there and hide from the mess in the rest of the house.

Seriously, I paid for my cleaning spree and had a day-long allergy attack as I did so. The sneezing, wiping, and blowing wore on me. As such, I failed to get anything else done. So, I apologize for my blog absence yesterday. I knew I shouldn't have promised something exciting for you. Promises like that always get me into trouble.

Well, I will make ONE more promise. Check back tomorrow for the Bead Soup Blog Party! It's going to be a BLAST!!

Since it is Friday, here's a little "Feel Good Friday" for you:

• Rainbow jelly shooters. I like all things rainbow and I do like me some 'jelly shots.' These are just so pretty and so very coo. Oh, and here's a few more neat jello shots for fun - rock candy jello shots. 
• This video seriously made me howl with laughter - Nonsense

Happy Friday Y'all. I'll see ya tomorrow!

Bead Soup Bead Reveal and more

After a quick trip to the craft stores yesterday, I returned home happy with my purchases and with a project in mind. However, that plan QUICKLY changed course when I checked my mail.

It had come (early at that). . .the package from Patty for the Bead Soup Blog Party

I had to remind myself to stay calm and not tear into the package like a wild gorilla.Instead, I grabbed my camera and went about things in as orderly fashion as possible.

First I oohed and aah-ed over the TAPE she had on the outside of the box. . .fancy!

Carefully, I opened the box to find a rather large, but beautifully stamped, envelope blocking my view

Flipped over, I got an eyeful of the envelope's gorgeous stamped front and the other treasures awaiting below.

Since I had decided to behave, I opened the envelope first to find this simply amazing card.

Look at the details; the soldered pendant, they key, the beads, and the button. It's many of the things that make me happiest in life. I was salivating! Patty, how did you know? I could have stopped right there happy as a clam. But, I delved further into the box . . .

to find this lovely array of coordinating packaging and eye candy.

A decision had to be made. Starting with the blue-green box, I slipped off the delicate ribbon and lifted the lid to find...a bunch of little packages! TWO layers of them!

I opened each of the SIX mini treasures like they were the most delicate items ever. I examined each item, rolling them around in my hands, savoring the gift.

Once they were all opened, I got an eyeful of them all together.

A ceramic focal and matching hearts, a copper toggle clasp, copper rings and dragonflies, agate beads, wood beads, and nut beads. . . oh my!!

Yet, there was still MORE in the big box. How could that be?

I next went to a long, cylindrical package

As I opened it, an ooooohhhh escaped my lips.

Before my eyes was some of the coolest copper chain I've ever seen, tied up with another ribbon.

And, there was still MORE to be opened.
I reached back into the box, and lifted this heavy-ish block with Patty's card tied on

Peeking at me from under the ribbon was another tiny, lovely key (starting to feel a little spoiled here)

Inside was a bar of fancy soap. Not sure what she's implying, but I will admit that I do like fancy soaps!

Again, I peeked in the box to find yet another package tied up with string (one of my favorite things ;) )

Inside was some beautiful jasper with a matte finish.

Let me admit (I've already told Patty) that I had bought these SAME beads on the shopping trip from which I had just returned. As such, the sight of these beads in the package seriously made my give out my loudest chuckle.

Finally, I had come to the last package in the box. (I was starting to wonder if this was Mary Poppins' no-bottom bag.) 

Upon opening this piece, I let out an audible GASP. You would too if you were given this beauty.

And so ended the production that was my opening the box from my first ever Bead Soup Blog Party partner.
For reference (and for my picture on the Bead Soup Blog Party Flickr page), here's most everything together (minus the soap and the card).

And a few closer looks!

As I've already stated, I can't believe how much Patty spoiled me.
There was SO MUCH in this package to love down to the string, ribbon, and book pages she used to wrap each and every item! Of course, you can bet that the scavenger that I am is saving all these beautiful bits to work into other pieces!

Patty even sent me TWO focals. Of course, that means I have to make a decision about which one to use for the party. However, YOU'll just have to wait for the reveal day (Feb 26) to see what I decide to do with these goodies. 

I'll share this ONE picture with you of what I sent Patty.

Weirdly similar huh?
Lori, our Party host at Pretty Things, tried to pair each of us up with someone distinctly different from us. Patty and I have laughed at how similar our packages are. We were both attempting to send each other a more "natural and earthy palette" from what we thought the others' typical style was. Well, great minds think alike!

Patty is sharing even more pictures of the bead soup I sent her on her blog, My Life Under the Bus. 

As recommended before, you should totally check out Patty's blog and shop,The Junquerie. She makes some of the most beautiful things.

Before I hurry into to the craft room to play with the goodies Patty sent, let me share the new earrings in MY shop.

Music to My Earrings

Lastly, since it is Feel Good Friday and I'm already giddy about my prezzies I'll share some fun with you.

• This printable free compliments page is very cute and could make your or someone else's day.
• Cute video alert!!                                         

Here's hoping you have a fabulous weekend ahead!

Getting Things Done (and Feel Good Friday)

This week has SPED by. How does that happen? I guess that it's true that time flies when you're having fun.
I've gotten to craft almost every day this week!!
Seee. . . .

That's my craft desk and the side table. They're so messy because they've gotten a lot of use of course!!

While I have been busy craftilating, I did get a new PayPal account and link it to Etsy as well as develop a banner for my shop. I know there's still no items in the shop, but that's coming soon. Baby steps, people!! I think I may have figure out the sales tax dilemma as well. Next comes actually writing up the information for the shop (profile/bio, policies, etc.)

I know it's been a little while since I've shared some links and it's Feel Good Friday and all, so here goes:

• Make some frozen yogurt pops to beat the heat. Sounds YUMMY!!
• Here are all the best tips for getting in shape from Zen Habits.
• Beautiful rays of light photographs 
• Take a few minutes and watch this tv theme medley. I personally LOVE tv theme songs and this video made me happy!

And for one final feel good. . .it's Margarita  Friday!!!
Y'all have a great weekend and a wonderful Independence Day!!

P.S. Please let me know what you think of my banner!!

Organizing the Craft Room- Closet Completion (FGF)

I just wanted to share this view from my window this morning. (it's my big, old, oak tree in the fog if you can't tell) I LOVE the wispy, fuzzy, quiet feeling that fog brings. Though, it's not the best way to start the day, as it seems to slow things down (especially traffic.) As such, I wasn't as active as I have been in the mornings lately. So, I took my time to take my shower and get dressed (then rushed outside to snap some pictures) before heading to work. As the fog begins to clear, my head does as well.

On the craft room front, I was able to accomplish QUITE a bit last night. I got the closet done!! (with the exception of the top shelf.) If you didn't see the craft room closet pictures yesterday you should do so now. . .I'll wait. . . Because, here are the pictures of how it looks now.

While many of you may not think it's a big difference or even that it's not really THAT tidy. I disagree. It's a HUGE IMPROVEMENT. It no longer scares me. That's a good thing!!

What's left is just some miscellaneous stuff scattered on the floor that needs to find a home. It really shouldn't take too long, hopefully. I would love to have the room done by the end of the weekend, but with Easter being Sunday and that being a day of visiting family- I've been skeptical that it would be possible [since Pat and I tend to take at least one day each weekend to spend TOGETHER (me cleaning the craft room does not fall into this category.)] Yet, this morning I realized that we'll be waiting around the house tomorrow for our iPad delivery. . .so I might actually be able to knock it out!! Wouldn't that be WONDERFUL?! A clean, organized, functional CRAFT ROOM!? I can't wait!!

That's my feel-good thought for today (other than the iPad)
Here's some "Feel Good Friday" loveliness for you:

• National Wildlife Federation's Nature find to help you find outdoor/ nature locations to visit. How fun!!
• Fitness and weight loss sites (list
• This may night make others feel as good as it makes me feel - but check it out - a world of BEADS!!!
• I'm Possible (via wordboner.com)
  
  
  
  

So that's all for today. Have a fantastic weekend!!

Some "Me Time" Shopping (FGF)

This week has gone by relatively quickly. I'm not complaining AT ALL!! It is, after all, Margarita Friday at long last.  :)

Hubs had a private party jazz gig last night, so I was able to fit in a little "me" time. What did I do?
I started with some thrift store shopping for craft supplies and found a few small items. THEN, I headed out for some 'real' shopping. I went to a clothing store and BOUGHT NEW CLOTHES. Granted, I buy clothes now and again, but this particular store only carries new clothes, doesn't sell blenders or music CDs, and has employees who will swap out clothes for you at the dressing room. I hardly ever go to places like that anymore. It felt so nice to do something like that for myself. Of course, my shopping trip wasn't complete without a trip to the craft store before heading home.

Once home, I pulled out my newly purchased craft supplies and began to play (the new clothes are still in the bag . . .what's that say about me?)
As I mentioned in my previous post, I've been craving some polymer clay time. So, that's what I did. I molded, shaped, kneaded, blended, poked, and played.
While they've yet to be baked and distressed a bit, here's what I was able to create while watching the Olympics last night.

I'm pretty happy with them.

After such a fun Thursday, I'm ready for "Feel Good Friday." Are you?

• Can you believe that the iconic Woodstock couple are still together? Isn't that great?
• This is more for kids, but I like it anyway - 150 things to do if you're bored.
• Oooohh,  an interactive kaledascope - I think I've shared this before. For starters, on the 1st page, pick your resolution size then wait for the next page to load. Move your mouse around and enjoy the cool, trippy experience.
• A magical wedding proposal (a little corny, but sweet nonetheless)  

That's for now guys and gals. Go out and and enjoy your Friday and your weekend. I hope it's full of fun!!

I've Been Crafty Once Again (FGF)

Guess what!!
Crafty Hope (me) was actually CRAFTY this week!!
Now, I don't have any pictures to share. . .yet!
But, on Sunday I finished up some jewelry for a silent auction that's tomorrow. Three distinctly different 'sets'. One is a set of soldered earrings and a pendant necklace; one is a beaded set of earrings, bracelet, and necklace; and the last is a multi-strand chain and seed bead necklace. I'm pretty proud of all three.

In addition (YES - there's MORE!), the function at which these are being auctioned is a dance, with a theme. The theme is Bandstand (ranging from the 50's to the 80's; but we're leaning toward the 50's.) Since we take snacks for the dance, I decided to make some album bowls by melting them. I used both large and small albums for chip/cracker and dip containers. And, they turned out GREAT!

Yesterday was another crafty day for me. I made a brooch for my cardigan (that goes with the poodle skirt my mom made me) out of felt and buttons. It was so simple and is so fun! THEN after dinner with friends, I broke out the glue gun! I had decided that I needed some way to display my jewelry for the auction. So I found some netting, frames, and fabric samples at the thrift store. I glued in the netting, placed the fabric behind it, and slid the frame back into place. The earrings hang fine, I just need to find some small hooks now to get the necklaces and bracelet to hang. They're not the 'prettiest' things in the world - but I think they'll work!!

It's strange how much more like me I feel when I actually get to fit in some time to be creative!! Now to get through this dance and onto Sunday when I can RELAX!! Whew!

Read all the way to the bottom to find out more about this picture***

How about some "Feel Good Friday"

• What love means to a kid. Some of these are REALLY moving. I can't imagine what my answer would have been at some of their ages.
• Check out this papercraft castle. Seriously, it's a castle, made of PAPER!!
• What happens when a 71 year old ex-boxer defends his life, his wife, and his home. See for yourself. I love these stories of the unexpected victor - the David and Goliath-esqe tales.
• This is from May 2008, but how come it's the first time I've heard of this? In any case it's good news, a way to decompose plastic bags.

So that's it. Now go on, enjoy your Friday and the rest of the weekend. I'm sure as heck gonna try. I might even sneak in some more crafting if I'm lucky!!

***That picture up there was taken a few weeks ago at the beach. Those are just the bottoms of someone's shoes. LOML and I call this picture "The Beach of Lost Soles" :)
We think it's funny!!

I Survived Another Year (FGF)

Well, tomorrow is another birthday for me (I'm not looking for well wishes and congrats or anything, stay in your seats.) As I gain another year, I think about how birthdays affect me. . .

As a kid, I was constantly counting down to my birthday, checking out party planning books from the library, making lists of what I wanted, and on and on. I drove my mom and other relatives CRAZY with reminders. I did everything but send out Save the Date cards for it. Even when LOML and I started dating and into the first few years of our marriage, I made sure he knew exactly how many months until my birthday and reminded him of some of the presents I would want. Now? Now, it's. . . well. . .different. I feel like I'm less juvenile about the date of my birth. Yes, I still want to celebrate it, and I still look forward to it. But, it's just not what it was.

Now, a birthday is AGE, MORE AGE. I feel like it's New Year's Eve and I need to set some resolutions or something. I probably should. . . I feel like there's so much I should have accomplished by this point (age). At the same time, I'm thankful for another year - another year with my my wonderful husband, another year with my family and friends. I guess that's the attitude I should take instead of the "poor me without kids", "poor me without a definite career path", "poor me who's overweight" . . . GAH! My birthday should make me happy and make me want to celebrate, not wallow - RIGHT?

I spend so much time focused on my lists and plans and whatnot, I'm tired of planning and doing. I've asked LOML to plan the day for me. I have planned NO MEALS and have left it up to him. I only ask that we watch the football game at 2:30 and have some fun the rest of the time. Let's see what he comes up with. . . I hope I haven't dug myself a hole with this. He knows what I like, he should be able to do this. Right?

Alright, enough introspective B.S. - It's "Feel Good Friday" How about we find something to feel good about:

• This is such a cool shot of bubble popping
• Delve into the wonderful world of Tim Burton (I'm not sure if it's Tim Burton's style or his use of Johnny Depp that I like more!)
  
• How bout this lady who has been collecting cans for her community swimming pool. It took 30 years, but she got it done
  
• This bowl full of ferrets just makes me HAPPY!
  
• How about a "Post-it love video" to round out the week and make you feel good?
  

So that's it. . .I guess I'm off to celebrate my age. Or something.
Let me know - how do birthdays make you feel?
Maybe tomorrow I'll wake up feeling like a kid again - maybe that'll be my birthday wish!

Thrift Mania (FGF)

I know this should have been posted yesterday as part of a Thrifty Thursday post, but I really did run out of time. I worked and ran errands and grocery shopped and made chicken stock and crafted and cooked dinner and did as much as I could without blogging. I did edit the photos for this post though!

Anyway, I've done quite a bit of thrifting lately and wanted to share all my fabulous finds with you!! Here they are in chronological order.

This first one was a weekend thrifting excursion several weeks ago. I found a ton of little baggies of embroidery floss. The ones pictured are only about 1/8 of what I actually bought. Some was already on cards and others were still new like the above. However, I've already put the rest on cards and into my floss box (until I filled it and can't fit these leftovers.) The stuff on the left is just some miscellaneous items from a 'grab bag' type collection.

1. Thrifty Craft Items, 2. Miscelleanious Thrifted Jewelry Pieces
This one was also several weeks ago. On the bottom is a set of matching vintage pillowcases. On top, a vintage daisy brooch, embossing supplies, cross-stitch pieces still in their small embroidery hoops, and a little bag of jewelry pieces. You can see the jewelry pieces better in the picture on the left.

Below are my favorite AND most expensive finds as they were in an antique store. However, I have to say I feel like they were worth it!!
1. Four Pounds of Ephemera, 2. Vintage Button Cards
On the left is four pounds of paper from an estate sale that they had all bundled together. On the right is a collection of button cards and loose buttons that were in a gallon zip bag.

1. Vintage Sewing Box, 2. Inside Old Sewing Box, 3. Wood Spools Found in Old Sweing Box, 4. Vintage Bufferin Bottle
Here's the best part - a old sewing box with all the notions still in it. My favorites were the wooden spools of thread and the glass bufferin bottle with grommets in it.

1. Sep 23 Thrift Store Finds, 2. Inside Vintage Cookbook/Magazine
The above were my goodies from this week: a collection of vintage McCall's cookbooks/magazines, a small glass jar, and a few jewelry pieces. On the right, you can see a sample of the pictures inside the cookbooks. Too cool!

I do have to tell you my "Tale of Thrifting Woe"
During lunch on Wednesday, I ran to the thrift stores and ended up not buying anything at all. I did spot a few things I considered snagging, but decided that I didn't want to bother with checking out right then. Instead, I would think about it until I got off and if those items were still on my mind, I would come back and get them. On the list were two apothecary jars (one large and one small) and a necklace. Sure enough, when I got off, I wanted to get those item. Most specifically, I longed for the large apothecary jar. Wouldn't you know it - IT WAS GONE!! Someone had purchased MY JAR in the 3 1/2 hours I had been at work. The nerve of that person!! I was distressed, but bought the other items instead (you can see those in that last picture.) A lesson was learned!

As you can tell, most of my thrift store purchases are crafty related. I hope to work some of them into my projects at some point. We'll see how that works out.

Now to distract me from the sadness, here's some "Feel Good Friday"

• Advice from a 90 year old
  
• Kaleidoscope - I just love them and have a few collected. I could just stare and stare at this. Fun stuff.
  
• Kitties can sleep anywhere
  
• If you didn't hear, 8/28/09 was the last day of reading rainbow on PBS (according to what I heard on NPR, they don't have the funding and this is not the best way to get kids to read. It's apparently believed that they should be teaching kids the basics of reading, not reviewing books.) It sucks!! That was one of my favorite shows as a kid. It def spurred my interest in books which continues to this day. But, most of all I LOVE the theme song. Watching this video and hearing this song gives me goosebumps and makes me a little weepy to know the ride is over. Enjoy!
  
• Share a little comfort with Kraft Mac & Cheese- Click the button and Kraft will donate a box of the orange goodness MMMMmmmm, makes ya feel good to give!!

What have you been thrifting lately? If you haven't - go on out there and discover all the wonders that exist in your local thrift store, just don't take the stuff I want!!

Have a fab weekend!!