Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year~

 
This past year was a bit crazy and I was feeling transparently stretched thin!
 
I DID NOT want to repeat that process for the
 second year in a row!!
 
So, in order to get ready for a brand New Year, I made some changes!
 
I've organized, planned and have done some "reprogramming" of the brain!
This will be an ongoing process, but I've finally put several of those "Pins" into action!
{As much as I "Pin" I should be a size 0 and in great shape,
One heck of a gourmet cook,
my house picture perfect n' spotless and  be crazy organized!!}
Yep, I'm Sooo not any of those!! But...
 
Baby steps!!...I've pulled out many of the cleaning and organizational pins, smooshed them together to make what works for me and we'll see...
It's in the beginning phase, but I'll let you know how it goes!
It's more of little tasks done each day, to add up to a lot at the end of the week, therefore when the weekend comes you don't spend it bogged down with chores!
 
The reprogramming part was not doctors and big needles {smile}, but a way of thinking.
 
#1. My house doesn't need to always be clean! I can sit and enjoy family time without vacuuming or doing another load of laundry!
 
#2. We can eat leftovers!!! I don't need to make a new meal every single night!!
 
I did need to simplify my process though to save time, so back onto Pinterest I went!
In "Cooking ahead" I pulled together what I felt was a good menu for my family and went shopping!
Tomorrow will be another day of cooking, bagging and freezing!
I used to do this in the past and it was amazing the time and money it saved!!
{It will save even more for those that are couponers and shop around a bit! I've never been that disciplined...
maybe next year! {ha!} 
If all goes as planned, I'll have a month of meals with only a couple trips to the grocery for fresh produce and little items!
Again, I'll share when all goes well!
 
 #3. It's OK to have down time to craft, read, blog or 
get coffee with friends.
Have a little "personal down time!" I always feel so guilty because my hubby is workin' his hiney off at a "real job"! But ya know what???...I don't work a solid 9 to 5 job, but I do work and I work hard at everything I'm doing! It's so nice that he has already tried to tell me that {many times!}, but I simply couldn't digest it! Until now...I think this will be my hardest one to overcome!
 
#4. I've had to let go a bit and trust in someone else!
This refers to our Quzino's!
I've got a manager now!
{Actually our old manager from years ago!}
By the end of January, my goal is to be a pretty absent owner.
Spend more time working on it than in it!!
 
SO, I'm excited for the New Year!!
I'm excited for changes in our lives...
I'm excited for building more memories with my family...
I'm excited for new friendships...
I'm excited for New Ventures...
I'm excited for whatever is to come...
 
BRING ON 2013!!
 
Best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous year!!!
 

Friday, December 14, 2012

Fall Burlap Wreath n' Giveaway~


 
 

I know, I know, this is a bit late, but still worth sharing!
 
This project takes almost a full yard of burlap (in one color),
1/2 yard in another color and  
1 1/2 yards of ribbon {for a pop of color}!
 I used two types of ribbon, one was sheer and the other with texture to blend a bit with the burlap!
 


When I first started I didn't think it was going to be as full as I wanted it, but with each strip you tie gets fuller and fuller! I cut each strip anywhere from 2 to 3 inches wide and the lengths varied, but the majority was 10 inches.


I think you could add some kind of embellishment too, but I kept it super simple! The next one  has a bit more pop with 3 colors and jingle bells! {hint~hint}

I grabbed a simple wire wreath at Ben Franklin ($4), fabric at JoAnn's ($2.40/yd with 40% off coupon) and I had the orange ribbon (under $2), so for just over $10 you have a super cute wreath for your house or like me, the front door!


Thanks for visiting!!
Here's a little something I'm giving away over at One Artsy Mama!!
(Along with a gift card!!)
 
 
Go join the fun!! Good luck!!
Kristy


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Caramel Ghosts~

 
O.K, these little guys were fun to make and so good! Did I say SOOOO GOOD??!
These would be good for any holiday, party or get together since the little melty chocolates come in such a variety of colors these days!
 
I think the ghosts turned out super cute! Love the little candy eyes!
 
 
Not only are the melts different colors, but there's a world of sprinkles out there!
We had our little Halloween/Fall theme going on, but I'm going to whip up some of these for Christmas for the neighbors {and us of course!} dipped in green with red, green and white sprinkles! Hopefully, it will give the effect of a Christmas tree! We'll see!
 
I'd never made my own caramel before, but Peggy {the sweet friend I referred to yesterday} has a gazillion times, so this was my time to learn!
It might take a few times to get when it's boiled for too short of time, just right or too stinkin' long!
Use your candy thermometer once you've mixed everything and brought it to a boil: bring to "thread". Or if you don't have a candy thermometer you can take a drip of caramel and drop it into cold water. You should be able to form it into a soft ball if it's ready!  
 
When it's to "thread", pour it out onto lightly sprayed sheets and let it cool. When it's boiled "just right" it doesn't harden up and you can cut it into any size strip ya need!
 
 
You can see the little size strip that we cut. Then you take the pretzel stick and wrap it around
like so...
 
Melt whatever color you choose and get to dippin'!
They even have mint flavored melts!!
 
Lay on wax paper, let set a few and EAT UP!
They're like a potato chip~ you can't eat just one!!
 
Time to make your own!
 
What you'll need:
1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 bag big long stick pretzels
 
In a saucepan combine butter, sugar and corn syrup. Stir well and bring to boiling over medium heat. Stir in condensed milk; simmer, stirring constantly, till mixture comes to thread on candy thermometer. Stir in vanilla. Pour onto lightly sprayed sheets to cool.
 
This is great for Caramel popcorn too!!
Only let the caramel boil for a skosh...you want it runny!!
Then drop in Christmas M&M's!!
 
This is belly rubbin' good!! {Remember, that's the highest rating!}
{Wink!~Wink!}

Monday, November 19, 2012

MONSTER Cookies~

Good morning!
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! 
A couple weekends ago I had a super sweet friend come in town for a "sweet" weekend! Seriously, it was all about sweets!
On the list: Caramel Pretzel sticks {whipped up our own caramel}, Monster Cookies and No Bake Cookies!!
I think I ate enough for all followers here, plus supplied plate fulls to the neighbors! {If my thighs are growing, so are theirs! Ha!}
 
Let's start with this Mighty Monster Cookie~ So TASTY!
 
I love how M&M's have different colors for the seasons!! This mixture was brown, yellow and burgundy for Fall!!
 
 
 What you'll need:
1 cup margarine
2 cups peanut butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
6 eggs
4 tsp. baking soda
9 cups oatmeal
1 cups M&M's
1 cup chocolate chips
 
What you'll do:
Cream together margarine, peanut butter and sugars. Add vanilla and eggs. Beat in baking soda, oatmeal, M&M's and chocolate chips. Mix well.
Bake at 350 for 10 min. on a greased or lined cookie sheet. {you know your oven, so the time may vary!}
Cool on pan
*****************
This recipe makes so much that I was able to put some in a gallon Ziploc and pop in the freezer for baking later!
 
Mmmmm...warm cookie fresh out of the oven
with a cold glass of milk....
 
Enjoy!!
Kristy
{*Tomorrow~ Make your own caramel!}
 
 

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Surprise Money Box~



My nephew turned 17 in October and I was completely stumped on what to get him! At seventeen, what does a teenage boy want? What does he need?...Easy answer: Money!!

Now, how to send it without it simply being bills stuck in a card??
{Can you believe 2 years ago the envelope was opened, money taken out and card still sent on it's way!?? Who does that?!?!?  Guess I'm the dummy for sending it that way!}.
Anyway...

I was going to black out jars and have him guess what was in them to get what was inside, but that became too complicated, so I came up with this instead which I think turned out pretty cute and is fun!
I used a truvia box, painted just the corners black and used modge podge to put scrap book paper on it.


{I love the new little birthday stamps I got from IMPRESS}
 
To try and trick him, I sent a little card with $10 bucks in it. I wrote, "Just a little something since I had no idea what you needed." Not that he would care if I only sent $10.00, but it might be a bit of a let down since he knows I always send more!
 
I took 40 ones and taped them together long ways...
I took a straw and cut it a tad bit widder than the box, so that it would slip in place, but not bulge out the box and tapped the first one to it and wrapped all the ones around it...
Made a cute little pull tag and tapped it to the top of the ones to "start the pull"...
 
 
{I smiled the entire time making it, thinking how funny
and clever I was being!}
Hee hee!!
 
 
Here it is all done!!!
 

 
I'll be using this idea again with 6 other nieces and nephews!
I chose orange and black for an October birthday, but a fun pink n' red would be great for February!!
Ahhh...the endless options....
 
Thanks for visiting!
Kristy
 

 


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Fall Photos~Orange at i heart faces

 
Welcome to our Fall Photo session!
We entered this picture into the i heart faces photo challenge for November!
Keep your fingers crossed!
 
Photo Challenge Submission
 
Every year we head out back to take our Fall photos...
Usually I have to bribe Jo a bit, but this time she was ready to roll! We've been waiting for a dry day to play in the leaves and it finally arrived! Fall Season in the Pacific NW means rain, grey, rain and more rain, but the Fall colors are still just as stunning and beautiful! Fall is one of my favorite times to head outside with my camera!
 
 
It's always fun because she's just a little goof ball!
{I think she comes by it honestly}

It's never a serious "photo shoot"...If we get that "one" picture, Fantastic!
If not, there's ton of fun ones!!

 
Here's what the entire day was really all about!!

 
This is one of my favorites! To me it screams PURE JOY!!
 

Thanks so much for visiting!
Kristy




Friday, November 2, 2012

Under Construction~

 
 
Like so many of you, I'm a crafter! We make things, we change them, we change them back, we make new things, we change old into new...there's an endless amount of craft mania!!
My blog is no different than my craft counter! I like to change it! Rather it's scrap booking my own header, using PicMonkey or something {anything} else, I like to do it! Now some may say that's the wrong thing to do {yes, I've heard that!}. They say that this is your "brand"... well, I'm still fairly new to blogging {9 months, but that's not full time} and I'm not sure I've come to find my "brand". Everyone who stops by here pretty much knows what they'll find and the name will never change, but the look...I have to say, will. Until I find that, Ahhh... I love it everyday when I pull it up, I'm going to have to tinker! Yes, I'll take the "constructive criticism" that comes along with it, but isn't that what our blogs are all about??..Us and what we like, don't like, LOVE, the good, the bad, the great things and the flops?? So....in the next couple weeks you'll see changes. Hopefully, all going in the right direction, but if you look at it and think, "Is she nuts??", feel free to let me know!
 
I love the personal scrap booking side...
 
But also the clean, crisp, simplicity of this....
 
Just like those linky parties we have fun with. You check out every one's crafts n' recipes they love to share and you can make {or try!} I'm looking and tinkering...I'm finding my "place".
The look, feel, navigation...
 
Please be patient and I hope you continue to visit!
 
Have a great day!!
Kristy
 
 

Time for glasses~



I had always heard that once I turned 40 I'd need cheaters. Well, I turned the big 4-0 last year and didn't need them {"nanny nanny boo boo!"}~ then I turned 41...CLICK~ just like a switch was turned on it happened~ I did need eyeglasses!!

Weird thing was, I didn't notice because the words looked blurry or I was getting a headache, it  was my neck! Like many, {I KNOW I'm not alone here!} I'm on my iphone a little {ha! A LOT!} and as my neck started to ache I became more and more aware of it...I was tilting my head back to make the screen a bit farther away to read it. Holy smokes, I did need cheaters!!

 Introducing  my "Joey Blues" from GlassesUSA.com!
It took me and my daughter awhile to pick out the perfect pair!
Seriously, there's a large selection!

Several of my friends weren't all that thrilled about turning 40 or having to get glasses. Me on the other hand, I welcomed 40 and watched for the UPS man like I was waiting for Santa!!
 The best thing was the Virtual Mirror...look for yourself!!

You can upload a picture of yourself {or use your web cam} and "try" glasses on!

I'll be honest, I uploaded my husbands picture as well and let Kiley Jo go to town! I think he ended with a little purple number! That feature was awesome help in choosing a pair!! {Rather their cheaters or perscription glasses}!

They came in this nice little sturdy case that stays shut! That helps when I toss it in the bottomless black hole..my purse!!


It also came with this to wipe those smudges away!!
 
 
Ahhhhh...I can see, I can see!!!
And...
My daughter says, "Mom, you look Super Smart!"
If that's the case, I need several pairs!!! Plus, I can see!!!
{You could look "super smart"
 
 
Besides their high quality frames and lenses, they offer a 110% lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee along with a generous refer-a-friend program. You can stay up-to-date on all GlassesUSA.com happenings through their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/glassesusa) and Twitter feed (@GlassesUSA).
 
 
STOREWIDE OFFER - Take 15% off your entire order amount + FREE shipping (orders over $50). Code: FS15
Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10
 
Enjoy!! Kristy
 
*I received product or compensation for this post, but it's 100% my opinion!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Halloween Hutch~


Good Morning!!
With Halloween right around the corner I figured I better get it together and share my "mantel" !!
OK, it's not a mantel...boo...I don't have one!
What I do have is a hutch that has become my mantel...yeah!!...
When we built our house forever ago, people used to ask, "Is there anything you'd change?" I couldn't ever think of anything, but once I had more time to craft, there is something...yep, that mantel! Don't get me wrong, I love our fireplace, but it could be tweaked a bit! It's hard because our TV is mounted to it! Oh well, it makes me find other little areas to decorate right?!
Now to the hutch!...It's a mixture of several "little projects"...

It started out as simple pumpkin painting. Then I realized we didn't use acrylic paint and it would come off being outdoors, so we needed somewhere indoors to put them! We added a few rub-on's as well! {We popped Jo's flowers from Girl Scouts over here too!}

 
I had some old fabric and since it was only a long triangle {still loving those square sewing projects!} I whipped out a runner!
Don't forger my little sparkly Wreath Crawlers, they had to added their creepy sparkle!

We all know I love Ben Franklin, these fun little glass containers are one more project from there! The ideas for these are endless!

These are little glass candle stick holders with "jars" glued to the top! {change the inside and ribbon by the season!} I can't wait for Thanksgiving for burlap, candy corn and acorns!!

This became....
This...

This really is cuter in person! I used tulle and ribbon to make my fluffy pumpkin! 


These little blocks are something my daughter started! She saw something on line and wanted a "business" where she could make and sell them! {We'll see where that goes...her business changes monthly, but we made several Christmas & Thanksgiving one's for a craft bazaar and are doing well, so far!}
See the fun little spider stamp below??....Not sure what my thing is with spiders lately! I truly hate them and they give me the eebie geebies!!
 
The last addition was this picture created in PicMonkey! I'm learning so much about that site and love it a little more each day!!
I started with a regular picture {throw any one on there}, overlayed it with a triangle shape (merged the picture), changed the color and added text from there. Super easy!!
 
 
 




It's a quick and easy one for my first Halloween Hutch, but I'm excited for Fall.....

Monday, October 22, 2012

Breakfast Bake~

My daughter's favorite "breakfast on the go" is Burger Kings Sausage, Egg and Cheese croissant. {Minus the cheese!} The other morning she gave me a bite {more like a small nibble} and it reminded me of a recipe my sister makes. This is another quick and simple one, which by now you should know, I love those kind!

What ya need:

Sausage~1 package {I use good 'ol Jimmy Deans}
crescent rolls~1 canister
6 eggs
1 box cream cheese
shredded cheddar cheese {This varies on how cheesy you prefer it}

What to do:
Cook the sausage completely, drain, put the cream cheese in and mix
















Beat the eggs, add a splash of milk and scramble












Pop the crescent rolls open, roll them out out and press all the "dotted lines" together. Take a knife and cut lines on both sides about 1 inch thick.
















 Place the Sausage mixture down the center, top with shredded cheddar cheese and place the egg on top of that. Fold the sides over the top and pinch it together.


 
Pop in the preheated oven {350} and bake for 12-15minutes {until golden brown}
 
 
Grab a glass of Orange Juice and you're good to go!
My daughter would have this every morning if I'd let her {and I'd make it}!
 
 I made an extra one, cut it into pieces and put it in the freezer. When we're on the go, I'll pop a slice in the microwave right in the zip lock baggie it's in! Hand it to my daughter and that's her "Burger King"! The crescent isn't as flaky, but still good!
 
Try something new this weekend!!