A productive 3 day weekend

Having one extra day off can make all the difference in the world. I loved my three day weekend for MLK day, got to spend time with both of my boys one on one and just overall had a great time!  I also made a good dent in my 2017 goals - so win!

Friday M and I went on a date night - nothing special, just out to dinner and then went to Target, lol.  Love to do some shopping with helping hands.

Saturday we went to the LAX Children's Museum and got a membership for the year - I think it's going to be lots of fun watching little E explore.  He loved it so much and it was fun to have so much for him to get into and everything was at a good size for him :)

 Sunday I made good one one of my goals and finished a project I wanted to do last year, but never got around to it.  I made E a snowman shirt, using my Silhouette and fabric paint.  Minus the orange paint exploding and possibly ruining my sweatshirt, shirt, AND tank top (how it went through 3 layers of clothing is beyond me!) I'm really pleased with the results.

Monday, since it was icy and I wasn't leaving the house, we tried a new dish, baked ravioli.  I'm out of the blogging habit, so no pictures.  It was good, something different, and something I think we will make again, with a few tweaks to the recipe (less sauce, smaller pan, and more cheese!)

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2017 goals

Hello again. Long time no see!

Life has been even crazier than in the past and I don't have time to blog (or create or cook/bake) like I'd like to. Most of all I miss the feeling of pride after being crafty, the satisfaction of having a tangible finished project, one that I made with my own hands.

So it's a new year, and once again I set goal, not resolutions. I tried to keep them SMART, lol.

My 2017 goals

- 12 (or 17) crafts completed

- 12 new meals for my family to try, we are really in a rut right now and need some new dinner ideas

- 5 date nights. Life gets busy and having an almost 17 month old takes almost all our time and attention, but sometimes we need to be just us two, hopefully this will be an easy goal to meet!

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Mr. and Mrs. WordArt

Wedding season is just around the corner, and as part of this month's Silhouette Challenge of WordArt/Typography I wanted to share with you this fun floating frame I designed as a gift for my brother and sister-in-law. (Check out more awesome posts typography and word art posts at the bottom of this post!)
I'm sure you've seen lots of similar signs on Pinterest - there were so many to choose from and I had a hard time narrowing down just what I wanted.  After lots of debate, and lots of searching for the perfect frame, this is what I came up with.

I did all of my designing in Silhouette Studio.  First I made my page size the same size as the glass.  It helped to be able to use the color dropper to fill in the shapes and words to get a better idea of what the final product would look like.  Overall, this is a pretty simple project, but there were so many fonts to choose from!  That was the hardest part, choosing a font (or pairs of fonts).  I knew I wanted something that was solid and bold and would cut easily.  I also wanted to make the letters fairly thick, so the silver would show up (even though it's tough to see in some of the pictures!)  I knew I wanted to keep the colors as silver and blue, since that was their wedding colors.

The frame is a floating frame from Hobby Lobby (score half off frames!).  I didn't like the double layer of glass, so I actually took one layer of glass out and then used hot glue to hold the second layer of glass in place so it wouldn't rattle.

Once all the design work was done, I cut out the blue first.  Since the project was not overly large, I did use the mat to cut my vinyl (I think it helps keep things from slipping!).  Using transfer tape helped me to keep the spacing correct.  Since the silver words were smaller, I chose to place them by hand - I was trying to be conservative with my vinyl.  It would have been easier to use one of the tutorials from Silhouette school to easily keep the spacing with the multiple colors, but since the silver bits were fairly small, and so spaced out, I didn't want to waste that much vinyl.  So I used my trusty transfer tape and measured (and double checked!) and placed the date, mr, mrs, and heart on my own. 

This was my first big project with vinyl and first using multiple colors.  I learned some new tricks and things I would do differently next time, but I'm super happy with how it turned out.
Can't wait to see what I can make next with my Cameo!

Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?

My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration!



1. My Paper Craze // 2. The Stamp Doc // 3. Peanut Life Adventures // 4. Creative Ramblings // 5. Pitter and Glink // 6. The Thinking Closet // 7. Single Yet Married Mom // 8. unOriginalMom // 9. Sisters, What! // 10. Where The Smiles Have Been // 11. From Whine to Whine // 12. Adventures in All Things Food // 13. Practically Functional // 14. Patina Paradise // 15. Please Excuse My Craftermath... // 16. Weekend Craft // 17. Two Purple Couches // 18. Ribbons & Glue // 19. TitiCrafty // 20. Simply Kelly Designs // 21. Confessions of an Overworked Mom // 22. Get Silvered

Linking up at some of these great parties!

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Feb Updated on Goals

Yes, I missed the January update - consider that my house was under construction - we're renovating our only bathroom - so life was very crazy at the end of the month.  We had several mix-ups and delays, but hopefully by the end of this week everything will FINALLY be done in our gorgeous new bathroom!  :)
Without further ado, here's my update on my goal progess. 

They're baaaaack!  In 2013 I made goals (I don't like the word resolution) and updated you every month.
I missed doing that in 2014.  2015 is going to be a busy year, I am sure, but I missed the written down goals and looking at my progress throughout the year.  So I'm writing down a few goals for this year to give myself some guidance.

1. Run 215 miles (yes, this mileage is shorter than my goals in previous years, but I've been so sore lately, I've barely been able to run, so I need to slowly build a solid base again)
I think I've run maybe two miles this entire year - not off to a good start!
2. Knit 5 Chemo Caps
I have 1/2 of one done!
3. Finish my next prayer shawl
No progress on this yet.
4. Make 52 Cards for Operation Write Home
Haven't started these - I've been making some personal cards instead.
5. Personal goal - not exactly sure on this one yet - stay tuned :)
6. Date night with my husband - at least once a month!
Mission accomplished in Feb - we had a lovely Valentines weekend away including a Cross Country Ski race called book across the bay
7. Open an Etsy shop and sell at least one item (to someone who is not my mom, lol)
I started doing some prep work with some items, getting them ready to go and writing descriptions, but it's not open yet
8. I also want to do Project Pinterest again - this year I want to actually DO 15 things I pin on Pinterest :)

1. In Jan I make crockpot apple oatmeal

These are the things I would like to do this year.  What are your goals for the new year?

Linking up at some of these great parties!

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Organize that Tupperware!

Happy New Year Everyone!  I am so excited to be back to blogging :)  How are your new year's resolutions going?  Is one of them to be more organized?
With the turn of the year, many people use this time to a fresh start and try to get more organized in their life.  Last year I shared with you a binder I made to organize my homemade birthday cards.  This year, I am sharing with you how I organized my baking cabinet.  It also happens to be part of the Silhouette Challenge and I am so excited to take part in my first challenge.  (Can I just say I love my Silhouette Cameo?!  I really do - it's been awesome to learn to use is the last several months and there are so many amazing projects out there.  I can't wait to share more of the cute things I have made, but those are posts for another day :)
So clearly I love to bake - if you know me or have been reading long, you will find many yummy treats on here.  Every good baker needs to have her supplies easily accessible.  One of the things I loved about my husband's house when we first got married was the space for my baking supplies - It was a serious treat after having things stuffed in odd places in my tiny galley kitchen in my apartment.

While I love my baking cabinet, it definitely needed a bit of a face-lift and some organization.  This project fit the bill and was a super simple one to tackle.
The first thing I did was measure the face of each of the different sizes of Tupperware I wanted to label.

Next I picked a font I liked (I used KC Lemonade - so fun!)  (second side note - KC Lemonade came from dafont.com) and typed out my labels in the Studio program.  The KC font was pretty good, but to be on the safe side, I did offset the text by .02, just to make it a tiny bit thicker and easier to cut out.

I double check my measurements, to make sure that everything would fit, then it was time to cut!  I used Oracle 651 vinyl and used the default cut settings in Studio for vinyl.  I also used my mat when I was cutting.  

Once everything was cut out, it was time to weed it out (get rid of all the parts of vinyl you don't want, leaving just your letters)

I didn't have any transfer tape at the time, so I used a lint roller sheet instead.  Place your transfer tape over your design, and use your scraper tool to get it to stick to your letters.  Then slowly peel the backing away.  Now place your letters on your Tupperware and use the scraper tool again to get the vinyl to adhere to your Tupperware.  

Repeat as needed for each label you made. 

Ta Da!  All neatly labeled.  Now I not forever confusing my flour and sugar at first glace.  

I love how my cabinet looks now too - all pretty and organized.

Thanks for stopping by!

Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?

My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration!


1. Please Excuse My Craftermath... // 2. Simply Kelly Designs // 3. Daily Dwelling // 4. Ginger Snap Crafts // 5. Our Southern Home // 6. Sowdering About // 7. The Moberg Family // 8. Decor Adventures // 9. Pineapples and Pinecones // 10. Patina Paradise // 11. The Thinking Closet // 12. It Happens in a Blink // 13. Adventures in All Things Food // 14. From Wine to Whine // 15. Practically Functional // 16. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 17. unOriginal Mom // 18. One Dog Woof // 19. Creative Ramblings // 20. My Favorite Finds // 21. Create it. Go! // 22. A Prudent Life // 23. Where The Smiles Have Been // 24. Barb's Life // 25. Everyday Paper // 26. Pitter and Glink // 27. Peanut Life Adventures // 28. Feto Soap Blog // 29. Our Rosey Life // 30. Two Purple Couches // 31. My Paper Craze // 32. TitiCrafty // 33. Lil Mrs Tori

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Goals in 2015

They're baaaaack!  In 2013 I made goals (I don't like the word resolution) and updated you every month.
I missed doing that in 2014.  2015 is going to be a busy year, I am sure, but I missed the written down goals and looking at my progress throughout the year.  So I'm writing down a few goals for this year to give myself some guidance.

1. Run 215 miles (yes, this mileage is shorter than my goals in previous years, but I've been so sore lately, I've barely been able to run, so I need to slowly build a solid base again)
2. Knit 5 Chemo Caps
3. Finish my next prayer shawl
4. Make 52 Cards for Operation Write Home
5. Personal goal - not exactly sure on this one yet - stay tuned :)
6. Date night with my husband - at least once a month!
7. Open an Etsy shop and sell at least one item (to someone who is not my mom, lol)
8. I also want to do Project Pinterest again - this year I want to actually DO 15 things I pin on Pinterest :)


These are the things I would like to do this year.  What are your goals for the new year?

Linking up at some of these great parties!

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Happy 2015!

Happy New Year!  I can't believe that 2014 is already over.  It seems like the year sure flew by.  While 2014 was less eventful for my family that 2013 had been, it was a very busy year none the less.

Early 2014 saw us in the grips of bitter cold - M and I made the best of things by going skiing nearly every weekend.

As spring arrived, I lost my grandfather and celebrated the wedding of my best friend - all in the same week.

During summer I participated in 100 Happy Days and found lots of small things to celebrate every day.  As usual, the summer went by way to quickly, but the highlight of our summer were three camping trips, one with my parents, one with friends, and one with M's parents.

Summer came to the end with the wedding of my brother and I became a godmother to my cousin's son!

Fall saw me return to work as an adviser at my online school, working with 8th graders again.  They sure keep me busy.
The biggest change in our year happened in November when my husband decided he had had enough of the crazy schedule working for the sound and production company and returned to work as an electrician in a neighboring town.  It's been an adjustment for us both, but we are enjoying having our weekends together again!
We closed out 2014 listening to our favorite band.  M worked for his old company for the night and we rang in the New Year with Brat Pack Radio.

I know I've been absent on here for quite awhile (blame my computer needing to get sent back for repairs the week of Thanksgiving and then scrambling to finish up last minute Christmas gifts), but I have lots of fun things to share with you for the new year.  I've been busy while I've been on break from work preparing posts.  I'm going to start small, and plan to post at least once a week, if I get enough ideas stocked up, then I'll go for more :)  I can't wait to share with you some of my recent craft projects and kitchen successes!
I hope you all have a wonderful new year!

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Manly Happy Birthday

I know I have been absent from the craft posts for quite awhile.  I've been working on lots of little things, but keep forgetting to take pictures!
November is a busy month for birthdays in my family.  My dad, brother in law, father in law, husband and godson are all born in November - it's a busy month!  Today, I wanted to share some cute cards I made for my dad and father-in-law for their birthdays.  These cards would also make great Father's day cards!
The idea is based off of a cardmaking class I took once, but I adjusted it based on what I had on hand.

First you will need to cut your "suit" fabric.  One piece should be 3 1/4 inches by 5 1/2 inches.  The other side should be 1 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches.
Inked edges of both pieces of paper.
Now you need to create the fold for the lapel.  To do this, on the top of the larger piece of paper, make a mark 2 inches from the top left corner, and a mark 3 inches on the left side from the bottom.  Score along this line to connect the two marks and fold back.
If you are using double sided designer paper - you are all set.  I was using designer paper, and didn't like the coordinating side, so I cut a piece of the teal paper to cover up the folded back piece.
On the smaller piece of paper, make a mark on the left edge, five inches from the bottom.  On the right side, make a mark 3 inches from the bottom.  Score between the two marks and fold back.
Using a tape gun or your adhesive of choice, adhere the narrow piece of paper.  Then apply the larger piece of paper, overlapping the smaller piece of paper slightly.
Trim off the overhang from your lapel on the smaller piece of paper.
Stamp on your Sentiment.
Adhere buttons using glue dots.
For the bow tie, use a punch or trace a bow tie shape and adhere using foam squares. I traced mine as I don't have a bow tie punch!

Buttons are from Jo-Anne's
Sentiment is Paper Smooches

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Loaded Cookie Bars

I hope you all had a great weekend (and fun celebrating Halloween if you do so).  Post Halloween there is usually lots of candy and treats lying around, so it's a great time to make these cookies.  The base dough stays the same, but you can basically chose your mix-ins, depending on what you have on hand, leftover, or whatever sounds good!  Oreos or graham crackers add a perfect crunch, and M&Ms, chocolate chips, or a variety of bit sized candy bars add some sweetness.  These cookies really leave it up to you!

These make up in no time at all and are great treat to share, or enjoy on your own with a tall glass of milk.  I took them to work with me and they lasted just minutes!

Loaded Cookie Bars

Recipe Adapted from Averi Cooks

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 egg

1 cup brown sugar

1 TBSP vanilla

1 cup flour

2 cups/12 chopped Oreos (or grahman crackers, or pretzels, or other cookies)

1/2 cup M&Ms (or other candy/chocolate chips)

Directions:

To begin, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Then prep an 8x8 pan with foil and spay with cooking spray.

Begin making the cookies by melting the butter.  Let cool slightly, then add egg.  Mix in brown sugar and vanilla and mix until smoother.  Next, add the flour and stir until just combined, being careful to not overmix.  Then it is time to fold in your add ons.  I used Oreos and M&Ms but you can use whatever you want!  I mixed in half of my M&Ms and held back the other half.

Place batter into pan and smooth or pat out as best you can (dough will be very very sticky).  Then sprinkle remaining M&Ms or candy on top of the batter. 

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes.  Top should not look doughy and the edges should be just barely browning.  If you can, use a toothpick to test the center.

Make sure to let the bars cool in the pan for at least a half hour before slicing.  Store in an airtight container. 

Enjoy!

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One Dish Chicken Dinner (Winner Winner!)

I can't believe is's already the middle of October.  Wow - this fall is sure flying by!  With the school year in full swing, evenings are busy with sports practices, homework, and many other things.  It can be hard to get in a routine of having a home-cooked meal as a family.  This One Dish chicken dinner is amazing!  One dish (fewer dishes to do!) and simply throw and put in the oven and an hour later you have a wonderful hot (healthy!) dinner for your family!

One Dish Wonder - Chicken Dinner

Recipe adapted form: Mama Say What

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast - cut into bite sized chunks
• 2 1/2 cups fresh cut green beans (can also use frozen or canned)
• 4 potatoes cubed
• 2 TBSP melted butter
• 1 packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix

Directions:

First, begin preheating oven to 350 degrees.  Next, spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.  Place your green beans along one of the long sides of the pan, place your chicken chunks in the middle, and place your potatoes along the other long side of the pan.  Sprinkle the Italian Dressing packet over the entire pan and do the same with the melted butter.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for one hour at 350 degree. 

Enjoy this simple (one dish!) dinner!

 

<--- click the magic button for nutrition info and a printer friendly version!

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