No Coffee Needed

Remember This?

2011-01-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened since I started this bottle - I finished it tonight...yeah, I know. But to be honest, we had to pack and move and I went to Le Cordon Bleu and honestly, I lost my interest to be creative.

I'm not sure where I'm going to use it, I just love the color!! Maybe in the master bathroom -

I love mod podge!

Sneeze - Sneeze - Sneeze

2011-01-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

I've been dealing with cedar fever - and it's been fun, not! The levels were up as high as 16,000 and now they're as low as 400, much - much better! I feel almost human, again!

My poor eyes - remind me of mrs. potato head and her angry eyes - they hurt that bad.

I really dislike Austin - every year at this time!

Bathroom on a budget

2011-01-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

I put decorating this house on hold - I don't know why, it just happened. We moved in here a year ago last November...and the only thing we've done is paint the kitchen and family room - which I'm not liking anymore.

So, I decided last week that I needed to make this house feel like our home. I started digging through the boxes and crates and found enough odds and ends and pictures...

I give you the animal kingdom bathroom. The walls were already elephant grey. I feel like I decorated an elephant. LOL!

I'm not quite finished - there is a floor to ceiling window (I need a curtain rod for a valance I made years ago - coffee dyed material) I had a huge bay window in my Orlando house...that I made the valance for.

It has been a while

2011-01-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

I finished Le Cordon Bleu and I graduate on the 29th. I still have not decided what I will do with this degree...pastry or culinary. I did make the International Hospitality Honor Society! I also earned the 100% attendance cord - that I'll probably never see, due to the extern-ship issues I had! I was a little disappointed in...

I'm taking a break - need to have my thumb xray'd - not sure what I did to it. All I remember is something happened while we were in the restaurant of our program. So that's been over 12 weeks now. And it still hurts - there's a nice little knot - I think the tendon slipped out...OUCH, I know!

I do know one thing though - I have missed reading blogs and I've missed blogging - school wore me out! I hope to get my LCB blog all caught up with my thoughts and recipes and maybe some photos.

Here's my LCB blog

2010-09-19T18:04:00.001-07:00

Moving my Le Cordon Bleu posts to their new home - I hope you will continue to follow me over there.

New Blog for LCB - coming soon

2010-09-19T17:16:00.001-07:00

I've decided to not use this blog for my Le Cordon Bleu stuff- I've been working on that little project and hope to have that up and running soon! I'm hoping it'll be something my kids will show their kids -

So - all the LCB blog posts will be moving soon.

This is my favorite time of year - I've got a cute little halloween project coming up.

This year has been so busy for me - I've missed blogging, naps, etc...LOL!

quick photo shoot to check digi camera

2010-09-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

Shhhh don't tell Dylan that I'm sharing photos of him here and on my fb ;)

He's in a photography class at the high school - he wants to learn how to use my Nikon. So today I snapped a few photos of him...and I should have taken a ton more - next time.

Here's two - he's a senior - hope to get him out and around town for his Senior Photos!

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

We got started really late today. As in we were at the store buying the whole chicken at two o'clock!

I fabricated two chickens (and fried the livers up for the dogs to enjoy) and marinated them for the grill. That took a little longer than I expected - but they were yummy!

I had promised my vegan son that I'd have food ready for him before he headed off to work. Well, I started his polenta - butter to sautee the onions. Neither of us even noticed until I started to add parmesan. Ooops! So, I made that batch for the family. AND he found a frozen vegan meal in the freezer - I felt bad. I sent him off to work and remined him to swing by on his way home. As promised, I had his grilled portobello mushrooms and a fresh batch of vegan polenta ready to be picked up.

No, I did not soak beans over night and I did not baked the beans - they sell bbq beans in a can for a reason.

And I made rice pudding - by scratch, and I may have used every drop of milk in the house.

So, that was our Labor Day - I cooked myself silly with all my time issues - need to work on that!

food and live music

2010-09-05T20:39:00.001-07:00

I've lived here in Austin for 13 years - some years were a lot better than others. I'm still trying to decide what I want to be when I'm done with culinary school. A part of me wants to get the hell out of here and never look back and another part of me wants to move downtown and start a fresh new life.

The part of me that wants to stay in Austin - wants to get out and enojoy what the city has to offer - far too long, I've been a stay at home mom. My kids are old enough now to allow me to explore outside of our neighborhood! LOL

So, today we did just that... we met some of my friends from California at Freddie's Place. I really enjoyed the laid back backyard atmosphere (with large oak trees), the live music, the food, and the dogs! Yes, you can come eat and bring your dogs, too! We will go back!

today we bought a barbie

2010-09-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

And not that kinda of barbie - this one you grill on! I guess, you could grill barbie on the barbie but, I think that would be a sticky mess!! LOL

We were going to Lowe's for something unrelated to a grill...but when we pulled up - there was a beautiful yellow sign sitting on a bunch of Char-Broil grills. It read 20% off on certain Char-Broil grills. Char-Broil is from my hometown. My two requests were - that it be a Char-Broil and Infrared. I didn't ask for much! Yeah, I live in Texas, but I like to support my hometown when I can!

Our first run was steak and shrimp that we picked up at the Cedar Park Farms to Market this morning. We also wrapped up five ears of corn with butter, salt and pepper. And did five burgers! Great first run, everything was cooked evenly!

I was in a total food coma after dinner...

Update :)

2010-08-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

I am back in school - started Le Cordon Bleu in May and I'm loving it! I'll finish up this certificate in December. I'm not sure what I'll do after I'm done - I may continue in another certificate or start working. I'll share pictures, soon...need to get them uploaded.

We really haven't done much in the decor around here - I just haven't had much time. School has me busy - unfortunately the house decor took a huge hit! LOL

We did repaint the ceiling in the master bathroom - it was mauve (don't judge me! LOL)...it is white again. Still need to paint the master bedroom ceiling - it's the same lovely shade of mauve. I know...really, who paints the ceiling mauve?! Who paints ceilings?

We finally painted Raye's two walls Tiffany blue - she wants the other two walls to be green. We still need to pick that green out!

The puppy is still driving me crazy - he's chewed carpet, comforters (we have feathers ALL.OVER.THE.HOUSE!) He also stole an uncooked burger and steak off the counter the other night! He's now sleeping in the crate because he can't behave while we run errands.

My oldest is also going to Le Cordon Bleu - it is because of him, that I am there!

My middle child is in summer school working hard to get caught up so that he can be a senior! I can't believe I'll have only one child in school after this year! And she'll be in the eighth grade next year. I blinked and she went from preschool to 8th grade. I still remember dropping her off at preschool and picking her up. She loved her preschool!

I'm so sorry I haven't blogged in so long - trying to stay caught up with all the house stuff (laundry - oh yeah, I wear a cute uniform and cap...and lovely black shoes that my feet hate)...I'm going to try and make time to blog - I would like to have a journal of my time in school.

Happy Spring

2010-04-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

We have been busy

- My oldest son started Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin, he'll be done in 15 short months!

- My youngest decided she wanted to be a cheerleader in middle school (we've had meetings and a workshop AND started a cookie dough fundraiser)

- My middle child...doesn't have anything going on right now - his time is coming though...he'll be in summer school...

- and me? Well, I celebrated my 42 birthday about a week ago.

- the puppy is still driving me crazy!!

- he's now pulling food off the counters - chocolate doughnuts, shredded cheese and blueberry muffins...

- I'm still working on something - I may have finally decided what I want to be when I grow up...so fingers crossed that I'll be able to arrange my schedule to fit everything.

- with that decision, I've decided to give up job hunting in the field of office admin - YAY!!! I'm done with the admin field! And I'm pretty excited with that decision, since I wasn't getting anywhere fast...EVER - there is NO money in Admin...and really how happy would a creative mind be sitting in an office. So, after 20 some odd years of being in/out of that field...I'M DONE!

- I hate wood floors or maybe it is the combo of dogs and wood floors...

- we painted the family room and the kitchen (still waiting to pick curtains or fabric out before pics will be taken)

- got a new ceiling fan for the family room

- we bought some indoor plants and a few herbs (I found the cutest white pots at TJMaxx)

- we also bought three red tips for the backyard - the puppy ate one of them...ugh

Happy Spring Break

2010-03-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

- I'm still here :)

- I started painting the primer in Raye's room (I'll have before and after primer pics)

- Found a new bff in Java Monster (I know, they are probably bad for me...but they are so good...why are all bad things so yummy!! shhh) - my favorite is the Loca Moca and the Mean Bean :)

- BIG NEWS coming in a couple of months (fingers crossed)...I've made a huge decision :)

- My oldest son will start Le Cordon Bleu school in April - I'm so excited and so proud!

- Remember the puppy - I'm pretty sure he doesn't listen in English - I think I should brush up on my Spanish. He's still driving me crazy - cute, may not make the list much longer...

I'm Never Here

2010-02-16T21:13:00.000-08:00

I am never here...

I had the time to blog years ago -

I would think about what to blog all day long -

And then I'd blog about it -

I would start craft projects (like I have here) and blog about them -

I would blog about painting the house (I need to do that here) -

I can't explain why I haven't blogged this last month -

I've been here...reading every blog on my list over there -

I'm still around...reading and someday I hope to update this crazy blog...I want to!

Ten Days Ago

2010-01-14T21:04:00.000-08:00

Whoa look, I haven’t been here in a few days – but guess what? I’ve been busy, yep, I spent my time organizing the Christmas stuff and, I actually put the containers and boxes up in the attic – gasp – yeah, I know! I also put the Thanksgiving container in the attic! I’m on the ball ya’ll!! I need to find a container for my Halloween stuff and then that’ll be up there, too.

I’ve got a few ideas rolling around in my head – don’t know where I want to start…

- Clean the office/craft room (working on)

- Pick out paint colors

- Work on new craft ideas

- Find a job

- Finish unpacking the moving boxes (unpacked 2 boxes)

- Take a nap (done)

I'm Gonna Be A Rockstar!

2010-01-04T22:16:00.001-08:00

This is Rocky - he'll soon be about 75 lbs. Hopefully by then he will have mastered using the outside potty instead of my living room. Thankfully he's cute - he also loves to take naps in my lap.

Like Having A Toddler In The House - Again

2010-01-02T23:19:00.000-08:00

Oh my lord – we bought a puppy today

He had an accident

The smell crawled all the way up the stairs and grabbed me by my throat – and squeezed hard. The poor thing pooped in his crate – this is why I’m awake at 1 in the morning. It was horrible – I don’t do puppy poop, I don’t do toddler poop either – I gagged!

And while we’re at it – for the record, I don’t do throw up either

His name is Rocky – he’s a four month old pit bull

Photos to come soon – if he ever sits still

And if I ever find my sd card for my camera

I Can Cook - I Admit It

2009-12-29T21:06:00.000-08:00

I’m not a chef, however lately I’m finding out that I can actually cook! Now, don’t go getting all excited, just because I’m admitting that I can cook, it does not mean I love to cook. But, I wanted to share with you all some of the things that I’ve ~~forced on my family~~ tried out lately. I’m one, that hates trying something new and having it turn out like a piece of baked crayon!

For Christmas, I borrowed several recipes from a couple of blogs and foodtv.

I baked my very first ham, using Big Daddy's Spiral Ham recipe – ya’ll the ham was to die for, it was lip smacking, finger licking yummy! Did ya’ll hear me – I baked my VERY FIRST ham! I’m forty-one! This ham will have a special place in my recipe folder! Thank you, Aaron McCargo!

I shared the Whiskey-Glazed Carrots, I found on the Pioneer Woman’s blog. This was the second time I made them and they are delish – this coming from a person that does not like carrots – AT.ALL!

I also borrowed Ree’s Dinner Roll recipe again – I’ll be honest, the first time I made them, they did not turn out – it was Thanksgiving and it was sad! I decided to give them another try, this time I made the dough up the night before and took my time – ya’ll, the yeast rolls need a lot of time – don’t be rushing. They were SO yummy!!!

And lastly, I borrowed a very yummy Ultimate Creamed Corn recipe – ya’ll, there was nothing left – I should have doubled it! My vegetarian loved them – he loved the whiskey glazed carrots, too!

So, here ya go – I don’t have any pictures for proof – just trust me! I’ll be making everything again!

Planning for Next Christmas

2009-12-28T23:48:00.001-08:00

This year we bought a very tall real tree, because we have very tall ceilings in the living room. Just one issue with that, I didn’t have enough lights or ornaments or ribbon – one side of the tree was naked.

I decided after three days of decorating this one tree that next year we would not be buying anything that large again. Instead of having a calendar count down for Santa to come – I had a calendar count down for removing the tree from the house. I had had enough – sadly, I know, but I was tired of the tree this year. I only have iphone photos of the tree and just with my daughter, my boys never made it to the photo session! LOL

Christmas is mostly removed from the house; it will be all packed up and ready for the attic this week.

Tonight at Target, I found two 6 ft, non pre-lighted artificial trees for next year. I wanted trees without lights for a reason; we have several strands of LED lights – brand new. So, next year we’ll have two trees, one snowman and the other one, I haven’t made my decision yet – I’m thinking about ALL handmade ornaments. If I do all homemade, I’m gonna have to get busy! Oh, I just had a brilliant idea for a garland for the snowman tree – note to self – buy blue, white, and silver ribbon, and glue gun and sticks!

Also, since the artificial trees are short, I’ll need to plan for a table or chest - for the one in the living room to sit on, so that everyone outside can see it. It’ll look lost in that huge living room.

Sweet Gift

2009-12-25T20:54:00.000-08:00

I had quite a nice Christmas. I’m not going to sugar coat it, it was bumpy – but ended up being really nice. However, for some reason, Christmas is still not there for me. It’s a little empty lately and I can’t seem to put my finger on it – the reason for the season is still here – just something else is missing. I probably need therapy; well those that know me would say that I do need therapy! LOL!

So anyway – the whole reason for this post is to share my favorite gift. The very first time I saw this was on Oprah. But Oprah, had a different version on her show, she had the Kindle. I got the Sony Reader, the Touch Edition. I saw the Kindle on Oprah years ago, at least two years ago, I think. Since then I’ve gone back and forth, reading, researching, going to the Sony Style store, etc… And, I decided back then, that when I did get one, I wanted the Sony Reader. I’ve heard stories on the differences, and now Barnes and Noble have one, too, however, I’ve heard that their version will not be available until February. One big huge factor was that I could go to the Sony store and hold the Sony Reader, I could touch it and play with it – I could not do that with the Kindle.

Thank you, Matt for getting me the Sony Reader! Yes, you can borrow it!

Tomorrow I'll tell you about a very special gift that my daughter made just for me! I might even include a photo if I can find my sd card.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas - I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Frosty's Snow Tree

2009-12-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

Yep, that is Frosty's hat, I found it at Hobby Lobby -

I had to have it!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

I finally got the tree decorated, we've only had it since Thanksgiving weekend. We actually bought the very first tree off the lot.

It is huge! The ceiling in the living room is about 12 feet, I think. The rest of the house has the standard 8 ft ceilings, except for the master bedroom.

I need to charge my digi.

Yes, I know you're all sitting here thinking - Are you unpacked yet? And that answer would be, no. I'm working on it - my excuse - holidays and holidays! I did some actual work in the master bedroom tonight - I unpacked a ripped bag and 2 more boxes. I folded laundry, too. LOL

We have a room that I'll be using as an office/craft room - and right now it full of pictures and boxes and craft supplies...I need shelves.

So, yeah - I'm still here, I'm still reading your blog and I'm still making notes on things I want to do - decor and craft wise.

Sorry for not being here...

Gobble Gobble

2009-11-25T22:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope everyone has a wonderful day...

- Enjoy the food

- Take a nap

Where Have I Been?

2009-11-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

Moving - for the last few weeks I've been packing the rental and unpacking at the new house (new to us - the house is about 18 years old)...

Everything came about pretty fast - the ass of a landlord and house hunting (I'll save all the house hunting horror stories for another blog)...

I'll leave you with a couple of photos of the new kitchen - it is amazing, it really is!!

I'll be unpacking for the next nine years - no, not really - I will if I don't get up now, though! LOL

BOO

2009-10-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Still Here

2009-10-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

I'm still around - just busy packing and cleaning -

It is so much fun -

I'm so tired and my back would agree -

At this point - I don't even care if anything gets unpacked until next year -

The End...

Time To Move

2009-10-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't blogged much lately -

We're moving

Did I mention we also adopted a dog from the humane society?

We're moving

I've been tossing everything we're not using down the stairs

The family and dining room and the foyer are full of boxes and some furniture

I still need to finish two of the Halloween spirit bottles - I do have the supplies

Just need the time -

We're moving - in less than a month

But Halloween is one of my most favorite holidays to decorate for and not to have anything done and not really being able to decorate is driving me crazy

We're moving - October 30th

Another Halloween Project

2009-10-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek

I came across this idea on another blog that I just found and have really enjoyed!

Check out - Little Pink Dollhouse for the how to's and more photos of the finished project.

Halloween Spirits

2009-09-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

Something I came up with - refurburishing a wine bottle, scrapbook paper, and mod podge.

I actually got the idea from Martha Stewarts wine labels - I can't afford to buy them (no, they aren't that expensive, I'm just cheap
- way too talented to purchase hers
- so I came up with my own. I have two more Halloween Spirit bottles in the works - one orange and one black...check back to see them.

Searching Again -

2009-09-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

It wasn't meant to be -

It is ok - even though I had this foreclosure decorated

- in my mind.

It wasn't meant to be - there was something nagging at me about it.

Something about that house - JUST wasn't right.

Well, besides missing ALL of the appliances.

Project Update

2009-09-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I know, I said I’d snap a photo of all my projects that I’ve got going on – well, it rained and it was dark in the house – no, really – it rained.

I was lazy –

Remember, I said I can multi-task! I can’t help myself! I started another project. Today, we went to Michaels to replenish my sliver glitter so that I can finish my Halloween garland. I also picked up the Halloween ribbon to finish it off.

So, now I have another Halloween project on the burner that I am so excited about – I can tell you it is a takeoff from the Country Living – Halloween 101 Ideas – but my version.

I’m really excited to see the finished project – ok, PROJECTS!

I promise!

I Can Multi-Task

2009-09-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

At one point today, I started to get up and snap a few photos of the many projects going on in my house. And I do mean many – as a reminder that things need to get done. They will, I just want them done now – or yesterday. So, tomorrow I will snap a few photos of the many projects I need to finish up – pending funds. LOL!

Looking Good

2009-09-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

Remember this post - it wasn't that long ago! LOL

Well - pending the inspection - which should hopefully go well - it is ours!

To Do List

2009-09-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

1. Finish blue bottle

2. Finish Halloween glitter project

3. Buy 42 x 42 piece of wood (decide blue or red) (I've got my letters printed)

4. Measure for mirror (ohhh what a great idea I have)

5. Work on other Halloween projects (need to get moving on these)

6. Chalkboard – ideas

The Best Part of the Foreclosure

2009-09-06T22:16:00.001-07:00

Crossing fingers that they accept the bid -

Going On

2009-09-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought I quit blogging – again! And I know I keep blaming things on a busy life – I’m not that busy…as you might have guessed.

The kids just finished their second week of school and I was able to grab two sub days – half days. I have first day photos that I need to load so that I can share them with ya’ll. – Hopefully this coming week.

I also need to finish the Halloween project I’ve been working on – we have glitter EVERYWHERE! Again – Hopefully this coming week – or by next payday! LOL

And, I was hoping to move my blog or at least combine this blog with my very old blog – I haven’t forgotten! It just got moved to the back burner.

Picasa - Collage Banners

2009-09-04T20:17:00.001-07:00

Who knew it was that easy and fast using Picasa - to make a blog collage banner. Here is my 4 minute banner- the photos have nothing to do with each other ... just me using what I could find. It never used to be this easy - I struggled with codes and codes - did I mention codes? AND just when I learned how to do it - programs changed - I don't do change - LOL

So anyway - I'd like to thank Sarah over at Clover Lane - she took the time to explain how to - step by step for all of us - Thank you!

Green Monster Challenge - Continues

2009-08-28T21:23:00.001-07:00

I've had a green monster everyday but one. So, tomorrow we're going to try the pumpkin green monster - I'm looking forward to this one - I'll let ya know how it tastes after we give it a try.

I've also made a few other things from Angela's blog - Vegan Mac and Cheese was very tasty! And her Vegan Banana Peanut Butter Bomb Muffins - to die for! Now run along and make them - I promise you'll enjoy them...however - I do suggest you eat the mac and cheese the day you make it. That's what Justin says -

1st Week of School

2009-08-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

We just finished our first week of school - it went well. I have photos to share, but need to get them off the digi. I still can't believe MY baby is in 6th grade. It is kinda weird only having two in school this year - for SO.MANY.YEARS - I had three kids going to public schools - one graduated, two to go.

Green Monster Experience

2009-08-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

This was actually for yesterday...

I’ve since enjoyed several other green monster recipes with my favorite being the first one I made. I noticed energy right away. I love the energy it gave me – not a sugary high, but an all natural high – it feels great! I didn’t notice any type of withdrawals from the green monster at all – unlike the unhealthy sugary energy drinks on the market now.

Today was the first day of noticing – the lack of energy – the lack of not having a green monster is noticeable! It sucks! I needed a nap and I took a nap and I’m tired right now.

Ya’ll, I’m seriously tired, I’ve felt tired all day – I’m kicking myself because I didn’t make the time to make a green monster.

Visit Angela’s blog and check out her green monster recipes.

My First Green Monster

2009-08-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

I started this morning off with a Tassimo latte – probably not the healthiest, oh well. I sat here and relaxed and watched the Today Show.

Then – it was time to make it…

Make what?

It was time to make my first Green Monster – I’ve never been one to drink much less make health drinks.

I bought my supplies yesterday at the grocery store to include supplies for homemade hummus.

I made the hummus last night – I used canned beans ya’ll – I was in a hurry and wanted hummus NOW! It was delicious! I will make hummus from now on. I need to learn to make pita chips to go with it. Everyone here loved it – recipe was from Oh She Glows.

Now back to this morning – it is time for me to get off of Angela’s blog and steam the spinach and toss everything in the blender – now I ain’t gonna lie – I was a little worried ya’ll – it was GREEN…like Kermit GREEN! The one I tried had banana and peanut butter in it – and that is what it tasted like! I kid ya’ll not!

So, after I sucked that down – I actually felt great, like all of a sudden I had energy. I made another grocery list and ran back to the store – gonna try a few more of Angela’s recipes. I’m really excited – here I am, eating vegan dishes and actually enjoying them.

- I'm not vegan - yet. I realized the latte wasn't soy milk...don't point your finger at me! LOL

Yard Sale -

2009-08-16T21:22:00.001-07:00

I think I totally forgot to tell ya’ll about the yard sale I stopped at a few weeks ago. It wasn’t very big, so it was easy to notice things from the road. I saw a brass headboard leaning up against a very nasty mattress – can I get a eww! So, we stopped, I walked around with nothing else really jumping out at me. I made my way over to the nasty mattress – seriously – what the hell? Who doesn’t see how nasty it is and decides, I think we’ll put this in the yard sale – EWW

Anyway – I’m standing there reading the “sale sign” and I quote “mattress, box springs and brass headboard 75 dollars” – So, I think to myself, surely they can’t mean the headboard is the expense of the “set” or do they?

I find someone and ask – and oh my heck – the woman says “how about 50 dollars for the headboard?” I think the expression on my face was saying – what the hell did you just say, because she says to me – well it is only the first day.

I said good luck with that and mumbled something to myself on the way to the car – empty handed.

PS – the headboard was rusted – I really, seriously thought she would have said something in the less than 20 dollar range but 50…laughs! LOL

Recycled Halloween Project

2009-08-15T16:54:00.001-07:00

Step one of the recycled Halloween project is completed. I’m totally excited to see the finished project -

End Of Summer

2009-08-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

School will be starting soon – I’ll be subbing, I hope a couple of days a week. I’m really not looking forward to school starting, I have enjoyed this summer, busy as it was with Dylan in summer school, Justin graduating from high school and Raye graduating from 5^th grade. Dylan will be a junior, he worked hard and I hope he keeps it up. He can’t screw up anymore – he has to work hard this year, go to summer school and work hard his senior year – no time to rest. Raye’s starting middle school, while I’m excited that I no longer have to wake up at the butt crack of dawn (for the last 12 years that has been my mornings)…I’m weary of her schedule and the teachers she has – her brothers had the same social studies teacher and she didn’t treat the boys very well. So my guard is up.

Getting Caught Up

2009-08-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

I swear I feel like I’m never here –

I’ve been reading blogs – late at night so not many comments – I’m sorry but just know I’m reading and enjoying.

I was up late last night working on a little Halloween project – I got two letters cut out – a long way to go…I can see it in my head, just hope it turns out as cute as I see it. It is a recycle project – using cereal boxes.

LG Fridge Repair - Take One

2009-08-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here we are – the LG repairman just left, his name was Edgar and he works for the Geek Squad aka Best Buy.

About two years ago I picked out a new fridge with all the bells and whistles or so I thought. I mean, just how many bells and whistles can you get with a fridge? So, anyway – it was the newer type fridge on top with double doors and freezer drawer on the bottom. I soon learned that I truly hated the freezer drawer. The water and icemaker are on the outside of the door…that was a must have!

Fast forward several months, our brand new fridge started behaving like some sort of gremlin was living in the icemaker. If you wanted crushed, you got whole cubes, if you wanted whole cubes, you got crushed. AND there was a time that you couldn’t get either – why, you ask? Let me tell you – because it was FROZEN!! So thankfully we decided to purchase the extended warranty, it’s been well used. That fridge lives in another house – and has been repaired three times now – the fourth is coming next Tuesday. The whole door is being replaced - because ya know that'll work...

Now – the fridge that got repaired today is also a LG –don’t judge me…it’s a side by side, I didn’t think we’d have the same issues as the one above. BUT golly molly – the same gremlin lives in this one.

I originally chose the LG because their washer and dryer was top of the line (I actually own the Maytag Neptune) –well, I’ve learned a lesson.TWICE – OK…I hear you…

The end -

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS

2009-08-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

And also - I ended up with a pretty busy week and didn't get to bake what I wanted to bake for Matt's National Guard get together...but I did find something really yummy for them. I do hope they enjoy it - next time, I promise something extra special...just ran out of time. I suck - I'm sorry :(

Cupcakes or Cheesecake Pops

2009-08-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

So – a while back I saw a cheesecake pops recipe on Bakerella’s site and thought I’d make and send them in for Matt’s Texas National Guard Unit – well, friends, time got in the way. Life gets crazy sometimes. I didn’t forget, but it is all kinds of hard trying to mix a thick batter using just a cheap – o hand mixer. Cheap – o hand mixer that cost $6 using a grocery store coupon. A lot of my baking was stopped – like the parking lot on MOPAC at 5:18pm on Friday. After trying to use the hand mixer and having it lock up on me and smell of burnt plastic – I went shopping and was told to pick out a stand mixer. YAY! Let us fast forward to last week, and this is what was said. “My unit was assigned desserts!” (Honestly, I think they know about my baking and “they” assigned Matt’s unit desserts for a reason – or I’d like to believe that – don’t rain on my parade!) The Heavens opened up and I heard the angels sing – I LOVE TO BAKE!! So I’ve been told I need to bake something for an upcoming event – for his unit. I’ve decided against the original (maybe not...I can't make my mind up) plan but still opting for cupcakes – I have two different recipes in mind. The first being the Malted Milk Balls Cupcakes and the second is one a friend just made - Key Lime Pie Cupcakes with Coconut Meringue (found in the cake mix doctor cupcake cookbook).

Happy Birthday

2009-07-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

Today my dad turned 71 years old! Happy Birthday Daddy!

On the 27th, my middle child turned 16 years old! Happy 16th Birthday Dylan!

I'm happy

2009-07-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

- chai tea makes me happy

- my children make me happy

- baking makes me happy - even the fat calories

- finding old friends on facebook makes me happy

- time to myself - which hardly ever happens - makes me happy

What five things make you happy?

Daily 5 - 7

2009-07-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

- up at 6:47am - took Dylan to summer school

- made malted milk ball cupcakes for Dylan's birthday

- was disappointed in the lack of bacon found in the fridge for my BLT (who eats 39 slices of pre cooked bacon?) I'm not bitter

- upon delivery of said cupcakes - I noticed the frosting on one looked smeared - with the other part smeard on my boob!

- spent several hours sitting at the oasis enjoying the view of the almost nonexistent lake travis

2009-07-23T21:31:00.001-07:00

Excited about blogging from my phone!!

Daily 5 - 6

2009-07-21T23:01:00.002-07:00

- watched Tori and Dean - Home Sweet Hollywood

- woke up at 4:45am because someone left the alarm set when he went out of town - not bitter

- made chicken salad with grapes and almonds - it was yummy

- finally caught up watching - Army Wives

- working out again

Taste Tester

2009-07-21T20:12:00.001-07:00

Well, hey ya’ll, I’ve been kinda busy in the kitchen. I made Malted Milk Ball Cupcakes the other day for my middle boy. He’s birthday is next Monday and he’ll be 16! He loves malted milk balls. I wanted to do something special for him. I did a quick search, ok, so it wasn’t so quick – but, I did a search for malted milk balls on google… a couple of recipes popped up and I looked at both – seems that everyone has their favorite between the two. Well, one just jumped out at me and I knew this would be the one that Dylan would love. So, I made my list and ran to the store and did a test run.

I was really excited, however, being the first time they took me a little while. I’m going to tell ya straight up – I followed the recipe word for word – and let them sit over night before I pounced on one. Did you hear me? I let them SIT.OVER.NIGHT! You do not have to wait till the next day, eat one now! I totally waited till lunch to taste one – they melt in your mouth! I hope you all enjoy them as much as my family did – I’ll be making them again on Monday for Dylan and his friends.

Malted Milk Ball Cupcakes
Recipe courtesy of Cupcakes!

24 cupcake liners
1 package (18.25 oz) plain yellow cake mix
1 box (3.8 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Malted Milk Buttercream (see recipe below)
40 malted milk balls, coarsely crushed, for garnish

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350. Line 24 cupcake cups with paper liners. Set the pans aside.

Place cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, oil, water, sugar, eggs and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Blend with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds until the ingredients are well blended, then stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes more, scraping down the sides again if needed. The batter should look smooth and thickened. Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are well distributed throughout the batter. Spoon or scoop 1/3 cup batter into each lined cupcake cup, filling it three quarters of the way full. (You will get between 22-24 cupcakes; remove the empty liners, if any.) Place the pans in the oven.

Bake the cupcakes until they spring back when lightly pressed with your finger, 18-20 minutes. Remove the pans from the oven and place them on wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Run a dinner knife around the edges of the cupcake liners. Lift the cupcakes from the bottoms of the cups using the end of a knife, and pick them out of the cups carefully with your fingertips. (I left mine in their cups). Place them on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes before frosting.

Meanwhile, prepare the Malted Milk Buttercream. Place a heaping tablespoon of frosting on each cupcake and swirl to spread it out with a short metal spatula or a spoon, taking care to cover the tops completely. Garnish with crushed malted milk balls.

Malted Milk Buttercream
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
3-1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
5 tablespoons malted milk powder (I used Ovaltine)
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until fluffy, 30 seconds. Stop the machine and add the confectioner’s sugar, malted milk powder, milk and vanilla. Blend with the mixer on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, 1 minute more.

Daily 5 - 5

2009-07-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

- late breakfast early lunch at Kerby Lane Cafe
- bought another Tassimo today
- someone other than me cooked tonight
- someone other than me burnt popcorn
- i nearly died from the smell

Daily 5 - 4

2009-07-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

- is irritated beyond belief
- made pulled pork in the crock pot this week
- mopped the kitchen floor
- attended sub training
- forgot to soak the pinto beans for tomorrow - oh well

Daily 5 - 3

2009-07-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

- I’m in a total mood – I know why but there is nothing – not one thing I can do about it – but suffer – and bring you along for the ride! HA!
- We didn’t “chalk” paint the driveway yet – this week!
- I made peanut butter and jelly muffins today
- I also made pumpkin chicken enchiladas for dinner yesterday and Spanish rice
- Everyone enjoyed the dinner - yeah, they did!

Summer Fun

2009-07-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Today - we made chalk paint

Tomorrow - we will paint the driveway and scare the neighbors

PS - I've updated my iphone to the newER operating system - wonder how long before another newER one comes out.

Daily 5 - 2

2009-07-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

- I finally finished reading that blog –
- I’m still in a funk -
- My house is a pit and I don’t care –
- I’m watching the Michael Jackson Memorial –
- I’m tired of being _____ - (fill in the blank)

Daily 5 - 1

2009-07-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

- I made a gooey butter cake yesterday. I ate three tiny pieces.
- I also made mac and cheese - new recipe.
- I also think I found the issue to my allergic reaction - goodbye lotion from Bath and Body. I'm sorry - I will miss you - I <3 you!
- I also got a new phone cover. It's a bright orange cover with Julius (Paul Frank) wearing headphones.
- I made royal icing (Tiffany blue with white sprinkles) tonight for sugar cookies (that were not homemade) Yes - I cheat sometimes.

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July! Hope everyone had a safe and healthy holiday.

Garlic Butter for Bread

2009-07-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

While looking through my stats, I actually found a search for “garlic butter for bread”… To make garlic butter for bread – all I do is melt some butter (not completely) and add crushed garlic (as much as you like). Then I toast it in the oven…with a thick spread of garlic butter – nothing fancy about it…trust me – I’m no chef.

Reading Log - Do I get points for reading?

2009-07-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

Look – have you ever needed to reboot your laptop but just couldn’t because you found a new blog to read and you’re in the middle of it and its like years and years of reading and you just can’t – JUST CAN’T reboot just yet? I found that blog! I’m in the middle of 2008 and I need to reboot my laptop, but I can’t! I refuse to reboot until I am finished reading, soaking in every morsel of her blog. It is very entertaining and yes, I have added her to my daily read. I’m also heading to the grocery store because she posted a recipe for making chalk! Guess what I’m doing soon?

Yep - I know, I still owe a photo of the cupcakes. Yes, we did make them - but my family decided against the homemade chocolate frosting - the total horror! They are not my family!

Cupcakes Make The World Smile

2009-06-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

Heads up – we’re baking tomorrow or shall I say, we’re going to attempt to bake tomorrow. Raye loves to make strawberry cupcakes. I’m going to make chocolate icing for them this time. I’ll post photos as the day goes.

I've Got Nothing

2009-06-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

So – that’s where I’ve been – kinda in a funk again.

Eyes Wide Shut - Almost

2009-06-22T13:58:00.001-07:00

Raye has gymnastics tonight; I’m trying to figure out just how I’m going to keep my eyes open! I am exhausted. I’m sure it is just the weather. I sure could use a nap…but that won’t be happening. Onward and Upward!

Hi, I see you visited - again

2009-06-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

I’m feeling a little watched lately. I see certain cities (one in particular) pop up in my stats and have to wonder…if you come to read why not comment? I have not advertised my blog to people in that city; actually, I haven’t advertised THIS blog at all. I started it out new – fresh start. I’m not paranoid; if I was I’d just stop blogging here and move to another blog.

I hope to eventually get all of my blogs combined in one place. I’m slowly but surely working on that. Soon, I hope – SOON!

PS. Comment, I don’t bite!

edited - HI!

What Did I Just Say

2009-06-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Just in my last post – I mentioned that I had a favorite Vegetarian, yep, I sure did. I had my very own favorite Vegetarian. I had him for a couple of years, too! I no longer got it out of my mouth and posted here - that he’s now decided to go Vegan, again. Yes, his journey started out as Vegan, and then decided he wanted to be a Vegetarian and now he’s up and decided to be Vegan again. I have no issues with him wanting to be Vegan or Vegetarian. I try to cook for him when possible and he does have the optional frozen meal. He is a healthy eater. I asked if he was going straight Vegan or the occasional Vegan. Look now, straight Vegan can cost a lot of moola. By straight Vegan, I mean – no leather (belts, shoes, etc)… occasional Vegan – food only, please lord, let him be an occasional Vegan. I love my Vegan!

Garlic Butter Cheese Bread

2009-06-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

Dinner last night was cheese stuffed shells and garlic butter cheese bread. My favorite vegetarian ate six, cheese stuffed shells. I’m also pretty sure he had a piece of the bread. Who can pass up the garlic butter cheese bread? Honestly, where does he put the food? I was stuffed slap full after eating just three shells and one piece of bread.
My other favorite son made brownies last night. This one has a love hate affair with cheese, so he fought the shells and ate frozen chicken nuggets with Emeril sauce. Look, I don’t judge him, but he ain’t mine – can’t be mine. I love cheese! Cheese is a meal in my mind!
Now it’s another night and I have no idea what dinner will be. I wanted to cook, I found a chicken recipe, but it just didn’t do it for me. I hate when nothing sounds good. I’m just not in the mood for anything – sigh.
Raye is off spending time with her friend. I haven’t seen her in two nights. She asked that I pick her up before gymnastics. LOL!

Apartment - Lease House - Own House

2009-06-16T09:51:00.001-07:00

I’m gonna ask because I’m tired of all the searching and time wasting it has caused us. I haven’t lived in an apartment since I moved out of Florida. I only lived in an apartment for one year. I have lived in several leased homes, two here in Texas and several growing up in Georgia. Now, my question to you is, what do you prefer if you have no other choices? Of course our choice would be to own, but even with the crazy economy here, owning a home may not work out for us. The price range that is affordable is very tiny living space. I’m really ok with tiny, most of the apartments we looked at in our range were on the small side. Apartments have some advantages, no grass to mow, fitness center and pools to enjoy. They also have some disadvantages, being that you know everything your neighbors are up to and they know your business, too. I prefer not to hear them – AT ALL. Leasing a house has a few advantages, for one it is a house; you’re not connected to another. The disadvantages, you have a yard to maintain, and some sort of landlord/management company (apartments have management companies, too) to deal with. In our case, our landlord lives across the street. Yes, THE landlord. The person that OWNS this house! I kid you not! I was not thrilled to hear that, it was not discussed during the trips to see the house. He listed it with a management company, but they have NOTHING to do with the house! The only thing they did was the credit check and the application. The owner was asked not to pester us, unfortunately that fell on deaf ears. He claimed he would only walk through the yard every 30 days. I can’t remember the last time that he was NOT in the yard! I can’t open the windows for fear he has someone in the yard looking at the gutters, the roof, the fireplace, etc…for pete sakes, I’m losing my mind. It’s like living in an apartment!

We’re not leasing this house another year and we are not buying this house. It was on the market before the owner decided to lease it. That’s another whole issue. Remember the movie, The Money Pit? Yeah, that’s this house – lots and lots of issues. I doubt it would pass the inspection.

Our lease is up in November. We’ve looked at several apartments; we’ve looked at older homes (I’ve purchased two older homes here in Texas – still own one but that’s another story and not an option) on the market and new home builders (I built a home in Florida). With the new homes, their advantage is that they are new. With the older homes, the advantage is they might have some character the newer homes never have, plus we can afford to add a few updates. And, well you know my theory on apartments.

I’m just so tired of looking and time is closing in. Hmmm, I wonder if this stress is causing the itching.

If you read my blog and have any pros/cons please let me know what you think. I really know we should own if possible.

Itching - Must Relax

2009-06-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

Oh my heck – I’m broken, (not hives I went to the doctor last time, a few weeks ago and we learned then it’s not hives) out again! What the…it must be stressed related – I’ve not done much around here to make it anything else?! I’m itching in all the same areas as before – arms and legs – no other areas. I still haven’t changed laundry detergent or softener. I’m using the same lotions, I’ve used before. I’m wearing the same perfume as before. I’m still eating all the same foods as before. I just can’t for the life of me figure this one out…other than it must, has to be stress related. I need to unwind; I need to let things go…yeah, that’s easy to say. I guess my body doesn’t agree with the way I handle things lately. I need more crafting time! I need more ME time! I have several books I need to finish…I would love to sit outside in a comfy chair and read under the many trees we have. Lots of shade to relax and unwind under…lots of birds, too! LOL

Pssh - Don't Pass Out - I Blogged Twice - I Know

2009-06-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, one more quick post. I’m over my obsession of hunting for employment. I was totally stressing out and my body was not happy. So, for now, I’m giving that up and just focusing on summer. When I asked for prayers, you lifted me and I really did (and still do) appreciate the support. I think God has a different plan for me, after going on as many interviews as I did and not receiving one job offer…I have to believe there’s another plan for me. I know the economy stinks right now – and I know millions of people have been searching for employment for months, even years… I do have employment as a substitute, but there’s no guarantee I can sub every day. I was pounding the pavement for something that was fulltime that carried benefits. I’m not giving up – just taking a much needed break from the stress.

5th Grade Graduation

2009-06-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I’m still around here. :::blows dust off::: Last week was way too busy. I nearly forgot to let ya’ll know – my baby girl graduated 5th grade on Friday (that's last Friday ya'll - LOL). That was the start to a long weekend. I soon realized I no longer have a child in elementary school. I have a middle school child and one high school child…because one of them graduated. I’ll admit it, I cried at Raye’s graduation, every time I looked at a teacher or saw one of her friends – I cried. It seems like yesterday she was crossing the street to start kindergarten.

She has the cutest friends; they became friends in first grade and still hang out together. I hope they continue to remain close through middle and high school. Anyway – the 5th grade graduation started out with them walking the halls of the elementary school, and then they met in the lunchroom for the signing of the yearbooks, back to the classroom for the diploma hand outs and a surprised autograph from Colt McCoy (oh lord – he was born the year I graduated from high school)! HOOK’EM HORNS!! After all the tears and hugs, the girls all spent the night together. Graduation was so much fun!

Proud Mama

2009-06-03T21:32:00.001-07:00

Ya’ll I’ve been so busy this week. My oldest baby will be graduating high school this Sunday! I honestly can’t believe where time went, wasn’t he just in Kindergarten? Yes, he was, you can’t fool me! Seriously though ya’ll, he’s graduating high school, I have a child that is eighteen, where did time go? Yes, I’ve cried, I won’t lie to ya. I started crying about three weeks ago, it hit me and I cried. I cried like the first day I put him on the bus for kindergarten. This reminds me, I need to purchase waterproof mascara…making not to self. LOL So, I’ve been busy, labeling his announcements and stamping them – and searching for last minute addresses to let all of our friends know that Justin’s graduating! Well, we were limited to about 50 announcements. I have four left. I should have sent out evites! I also have a confession to make – We haven’t ordered his senior photos…I know, I suck.

I’m incredibly proud of Justin, he had his struggles, and he entertained summer school many times and was a regular in the credit recovery program the school offered but in the end he earned his diploma and that is all that matters. He did it his way, even though it was a wild and crazy path, he did it!

I am so very proud of you!

Longing To Return

2009-05-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have blogged on and off for a long time – years and years. I’m hoping to get my old blog up and running here soon. It’s kind of a mess at the moment – unloved, unappreciated, left out in the weather, lonely, longing to be used again. No, honestly the truth is, it is ugly at the moment. I started to redo it – and somewhere during that time my stomach was grumbling and needed a pick me up. So, I walked off to grab a snack and here it is years later – my tummy is happy, but my blog isn’t so much. I did keep my original domain. I’ve owned it for a long time and it still fits my “belongs at the beach” personality. So, hopefully I’ll “ahem” you’ll have access soon. It’s not that I don’t appreciate blogger, I do, however, I kind of feel like I’m missing something here. I’m missing years and years of blogging and photos of my kids, my decorating, the before and after transformations and tons of other stories. Soon grasshopper – Soon, the beachhouseview will continue…

Addiction or Obsession?

2009-05-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

My very new obsession, ok sure, I have many obsessions, like decorating, and of course emptying liquor bottles and "decorating" them using mod podge and scrapbook paper. Which reminds me, I really need to finish the two I’m working on? Look, my oldest child is graduating from high school, he’s a senior and had prom and last minute, very last minute unfinished home/class work to turn in. Don’t ask, I don’t judge! LOL So, I’ve been sorta, kinda, really busy. Anyway, back to my new, very new obsession – I’m collecting anything and everything from Paris, France. No, I’ve never been to Paris, France, or Texas. I have no idea where this crazy obsession came from, but I love it, I’ve decided to accept it and run with it. I have one plate from Paris, ok so it’s really from Hobby Lobby. Today at TJMaxx, I found several pieces I could add to my newly found, no idea where it came from Paris, France obsession. I’m making a list, checking it twice and voicing my newly found obsession to everyone that will listen to me. (hint hint)

One More Prayer

2009-05-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Since I blogged asking for prayers, I have received several interviews (Thank you Cathe). Before that day, I’d only received two interviews since last September. That’s right, just two interviews out of about 50 applications/resumes that I sent out. I’m going to put myself out there again and this time I’m going to be more specific in my asking. Please lift me up in your thoughts and your prayers for more than just interviews, I need a job. These last few weeks I’ve had at least two interviews a week. It’s awesome! But, I want someone to give me a chance; don’t worry about the low pay. If I didn’t agree with the pay I would not have applied. I know I’m probably over qualified for a lot of the positions that I have applied for. Again, I wouldn’t apply for the position if I didn’t need the income.

I received an email from a real estate company for a part time-work at home employee. That would be perfect for me. Well, actually, I applied for the position and then I received the email. The email asked for me to come by for a quick no right/wrong profile test. I hope the computer enjoyed my humor. If they like me, I'll be called in for an interview.

I, also, just applied for another HVAC company. I think I have applied for this position before. But, who knows, like I said, I’ve applied for over 50 jobs since September. I have the experience, please scroll down my resume. I know, it was a long time ago, but seriously, I do remember how to schedule appointments.

Thank you again :)

Stand Off - Kitty Style

2009-05-26T17:33:00.001-07:00

I guess I could blog about stuff other than gluing paper on bottles, but that’s boring – trust me, watch this.

Early this morning when Raye was getting ready for school, we noticed Whiskers, our rental neighbor’s kitty. He’s a sweet kitty; we really do enjoy having him hang out with us. We opted not to pay a pet deposit. So, it’s nice to have a pet without all the responsibilities, like changing the very smelly cat dropped a bomb litter. Now, I love my animals and I will have more, once we buy a house. But, anyway back to this morning – so Whiskers was just sitting on the sidewalk, so I called his name, but he didn’t come running like he usually does, he just sorta “well if I have to visit you, I will “ type of walk. But, he stopped half way…well ok; I guess he’s just not in the mood to really visit. Then I heard a growl and I walked further out of the garage and there he was the black cat. I’m not sure of his name; he looks like the cat on Sabrina. Oh, wait, wait – it was Salem. Yeah, so Salem was growling and Whiskers is just so laid back…not wanting to cause any issues, he stayed near the bottom of our driveway and allowed Salem to growl. We left for school and when I got back, Salem was standing on one of the rocks in our yard, while poor Whiskers sat in the driveway. I guess they handled their business, by the time I left and came back from dropping the boys, the cats were both gone. I wonder who won the stand off?

Absolutely - One More

2009-05-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

So, I liked the way the torn red paper turned out on the vodka bottle – so much that I did it again, but this time I used a very light blue material feeling paper. When I tore the paper it seemed to tear with a much worn edge. Lots of texture – again, it’s not completed so I’m here just to tease you all!

xoxo

PS. This one is for my bedroom.

The Finale

2009-05-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

The bottle turned out better than I expected.

Actually - I'm not finished with it...I know I'm a tease ;)

2nd Craft Idea - Sneak Peak

2009-05-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

I couldn’t wait to post a photo of my (not so) brilliant idea. LOL!! It’s not quite finished, but this gives you the idea. It didn’t start off the way I intended. I wanted it to be covered in red, white and blue scrapbook paper. I did that – but it didn’t have the look I wanted, but the texture of the red paper was really cool. In person it looks and feels like leather. I tore/cut all sizes of the red scrapbook paper – you can see the sewn in pattern. That pattern helps give the leather look and feel. I used the mod podge glue to glue the paper to the bottle and then each piece of paper (the top side of the paper - side you actually see). Once it was all dry – I had this really cool leather looking bottle. I’m not sure I’ll stuff a tapered candle in the top or not.

PS. Stay tuned for the finale ;)

New Bed Stuff

2009-05-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

See - I told you my bedding and bed was so pretty! I love it!

Rainy Day Fun

2009-05-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Just so ya’ll know things have not been boring or dual here at my house – we bought a bed over the weekend from IKEA. We also bought our bedding from there and I just love it. I love my new bed!! We rearranged the bedroom just a little bit and even though the oversized Ethan Allen chair doesn’t match, I still love it. I’m sitting in it right now. I’m looking for a white slipcover for it – if you know where to find one or make one – please let me know. I’ll snap a photo in the morning, after I crawl out of bed and have at least one cup of coffee – and of course I’ll need to make it up…it is so pretty! I’m just so excited my bedroom is finally coming around.

2nd Craft Idea

2009-05-15T12:26:00.001-07:00

Oh, I just had a brilliant idea using a very large Belvedere vodka bottle. I just need some supplies from the scrapbooking section at Michael’s. Other than the cost of the bottle of vodka “ahem” – the craft idea is rather cheap. And hey, the vodka ain’t (yep, I said ain’t – Mrs. McCutchen would die – Hey Ellen did you have her?) bad either – it’s so worth the cost of the fantastic dirty martini!! Look at what I go through for ya’ll? Look someone has to empty out the bottles, and I was the first to volunteer. I also have an empty Patron bottle – I love the shape of that bottle. My first instinct was to slap a tapered candle and let it dribble down the sides, but now I have a little extra work to do before I squish the candle in it. So, hang on and I promise a cool idea – hope it works.

PS. Yeah, I know - I still owe ya'll a photo from the last craft idea. It'll happen - keep your shorts on. :)

Senior Prom

2009-05-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Justin at Anna's door

Justin and Anna ready for Prom 2009

Need Your Prayers

2009-05-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

I don’t normally ask for prayers, actually I’ve never come out and asked for prayers specifically, however, I am asking you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers, yes I said prayers. Tonight, I applied for four more jobs, yes four MORE – yes, ya know, from the site I stalk so much every day. I don’t normally spill my personal stuff here – I originally wanted this blog to be about my decorating ideas and yours that I adopt for the rental that I now live in. I wanted it to be fun – not filled with crazy drama that seems to fulfill my life lately and the future. Yeah, I’m so excited for years of fun filled drama! Unfortunately, my life has taken another turn and it looks like I need an outlet, and I’m sorry, that you have to be it, for me. I’m not going to lie to you, as soon as I get a J O B I’ll be in a much better place in my heart and mind – especially my mind.

Happy Birthday!!

2009-05-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

Eleven years ago today, my baby girl was born. I never thought in a million years, I’d have another baby and never thought after having two boys, that I’d have a girl.

Happy 11th Birthday, Raye!

Love you forever, mommy

Still Stuck

2009-05-06T21:07:00.001-07:00

I’ve been job hunting since last September and most recently hunting every day. I search one site every day – all day. Go ahead, it’s ok to say it, I know you’re thinking it – I stalk this one site every day! I open every link and study what they are asking for before I jump and email them my resume (with all my personal information planted right on it), cover letter – pleading for them to hiring me. I’ve got a really business like cover letter and one that just says – look – I’m going to be honest with you, hire me, and teach this old dog. I kid you not! And you know what? I’ve got exactly 2 replies from that site and one was – thanks but no thanks. I started just applying for positions near me, but this last week I threw in my towel and started applying for positions near and far within reason. I still don’t want to be employed for $10 an hour and have to drive an hour to work. I think that kinda defeats my purpose. However, I am willing to accept that $10 plus full benefits as long as it is up north near me. Look, I’m separated and have a family to feed. I need something that works around my kids and their schools and their extracurricular activities. I do have to be somewhat picky, I’m sorry, but I do need weekends off.

I’m not completely unemployed, I am a substitute. I’ve subbed for the last five years for our district. Subbing is a job that has no guarantee. I’ve gone from subbing every day all day to hitting the search button all day every day just to find ONE half day job available.

So, that’s where I’ve sorta been this week. I’d much rather be immersed in my craft projects and decorating our rental – but to continue on that path, I need some sort of income. I do feel a bit of depression sneaking around my corner – like millions of other Americans. I’m trying to stay strong and positive. It is hard.

Trying to move on

2009-05-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

I'm having a hard week - lots of things going on and it never ends. It never ends because certain people don't want to move on and they think my intentions are misguided and against another person. I'm sorry I have to be so vague. I've had to block them from parts of my facebook, too. I really do not like the notifications option on facebook. It might as well be called stalker option. I’ve tried to not make this blog personal, but I have no where – to go and let it out. Not to mention - job hunting...going NO WHERE.

I owe you photos of my new craft idea...but I need to run to the store for dinner stuff.

Birthday Party

2009-05-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight we celebrated Raye's 11th Birthday with a party at Main Event - bowling party! They had a blast. She also wanted to have a spend the night party - Raye is upstairs in my bed and her friends - are downstairs. She loves her friends, but ~~needs~~ loves her sleep more. So she's up here with me. I'm not complaining. Ok - yeah I am - a few of her friends are L O U D...it's actually almost 1am here and they are still being goofy. I don't mind - really - as long as they sleep in a little in the morning.

PS - They go home tomorrow around 11am.

My First Craft Idea - 1

2009-04-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

What can you do with a piece of cardboard, scrapbook paper, embellishments, mod podge, wire and a sponge brush? I still need to buy the embellishments. Photos to come...

New Blog Friends

2009-04-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

I have found so many new and interesting blogs to read. But, ya’ll I have to admit, are cutting in on my sleep. I can’t – I don’t want to go to bed until I finish reading the entire blog. I can’t help it – it’s my OCD. Some of ya’ll have been blogging for years – do ya know what that does to me? I have to force myself to fold you up in my laptop and make myself fall into bed at like 3am. I kid you not – that’s the latest I’ve passed out. It’s a good thing I actually don’t have a job – yet. LOL I have really enjoyed getting to know a lot of ya’ll on my list over there – and don’t worry I’m still reading and adding and reading. It is my new found addiction.

Thank you ~ D

Part of the Family - 2

2009-04-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

So, this is just one side of my dining room here in the rental. God, I want to paint badly – but I also have a practical side of me saying don’t spend money for paint in a rental – save it for garage sales, Michaels, thrift stores, etc. See – practical! Anyway, the table belonged to my great grandparents; it sat in their home a few blocks from the Chattahoochee River. I have photos of my dad and his parents spending the day on the river. There was no air condition in my great grandparent’s home. They lived in Phenix City, AL. It was HOT! And we visited quite often when I was little. And it was HOT! The lamp came from Overstock.com (said it was a Tiffany lamp – honestly I have no clue), the stained glass windows are from a local antique store here in Austin – they were a birthday gift quite a few years back. Yes, those are Longaberger baskets – bought when I lived in FL and that was about 12 years ago. The ferns are there just to hide the plug and the cord for the lamp. I have issues with wires – see blog about – crap in the corner. LOL I have a huge collection of old antique bottles and thought the little ones brought out the color in the stained glass window. The huge white thing is just from Hobby Lobby and the little angels are from a friend or family member – I’ve had them for a while, too. Oh yeah, the crock – I almost forgot – that was my grandmothers, she actually made a lamp out of it. The lamp was ugly, but I saw the beauty in the crock.

Part of the Family - 1

2009-04-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

I was saving this photo to blog for a cold and rainy day. Yes, I know it is now spring, almost summer for us Texans. Then tonight I was blog surfing and came across Junkologie – AND there was the twin to my grandfather’s telephone table. I guess that is what it’s called; it always had a telephone sitting on the top shelf and the telephone book sitting underneath at my grandparent’s house. I never thought I would have it, I mean; it wasn’t on my list of antiques I wanted from their home when they died. However, I think I ended up with the best of everything. I have several pieces from their house, my dad probably thought my requests were strange but nonetheless, I wanted the cookie jar that my grandmother kept not only cookies but gum in it, the crock that I hit my head on and ended up with stitches and her melmac dishes. As I dig through my boxes, I’ll snap photos and share my family history.

Buh Bye Crap in the Corner

2009-04-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

This sweet pile of crap is going upstairs to a child’s room today! Good bye crap! I’m taking my family room back! And just because it will be placed upstairs in a child’s room, does not give them freedom. Silly of them to think that! I still control the video monitor that they will be allowed to play said games and watch said movies. I’m evil like that –

Heaven - I'm in Heaven

2009-04-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

No words are needed to describe the deliciousness of the peanut butter cookie.

More Fireplace

2009-04-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

I give up; I’m throwing in my towel. I cannot come up with something that looks natural and that will cover the TV wires. I told a lie a few posts back when I said I didn’t care if it balanced or not. Yep, I lied. I do care! It is driving me crazy and there’s nothing I can do. I do like the stack of books there. The thing is, I need something on the heavy side and on the non-breakable side, because the kids need access to the wires, why I will never know. I mean, I know why…I just choose not to pay attention! LOL So…this is what I came up with today. Now remember this is a rental and I don’t want to drill a hole in the wall and drop the wires. I actually don’t care for the TV above the fireplace, I wish it was on another wall. The TV is too small for the fireplace and I think that is what drives me nuts! Oh well.

Delicious Meatless Dinner

2009-04-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight’s dinner was brought to you by none other than The Pioneer Woman herself, no don’t be silly – she didn’t come to my house and cook and I haven’t been invited to the ranch yet. So until I get that special – very special invite, I have to make do on my own. I have tested several of her recipes, cinnamon rolls (heaven in my tummy), peach crisp with maple cream sauce (heaven on a plate), bbq meatballs, French breakfast puffs, beans and cornbread (I used Jiffy – shh), ginger steak salad, olive cheese bread, delicious chocolate pie, roasted beef, spicy shrimp, creamed spinach and potato wedges. All I can say – Mmmm. I made the cinnamon rolls for Christmas and gave them away – do you know how hard that was? I made the peach crisp for the fourth of July – do you know how hard that was to share? All I can say is - when you make something you double it, so you can have one at home. There’s no since sharing if you can’t have any! Trust me, it could turn ugly and your family will turn against you! THEY.WILL!

Tonight’s dinner was with my favorite vegetarian – actually he’s my only vegetarian. Justin loved the wedged potatoes and the creamed spinach and asked for it again. I think tonight’s dinner cost maybe $5. I don’t claim to be a cook by any means, but when my children ask me to make it again – that’s two thumbs up! Go Forth and Conquer!

Potato Wedges and Creamed Spinach

Thank You

2009-04-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

Finally some positive energy flowing my way, it’s not a job – which I still need. It’s not a new house – or a puppy or Matthew McConaughey. Uh huh, don’t sit there and sip your glass of vino and act like you wouldn’t enter to win him! If you’re a friend of mine – you’d enter and you would give him to me! So, back to what I won. “What’s for Dinner Gift Basket” - Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
I saw it at Julie’s Journal, she blogged that I could either print a $1 coupon or I could enter to win the whole “What’s For Dinner Gift Baskets”, hmm tough choice – NOT! I entered. I won! Thank you Julie and Romano’s Macaroni Grill!