Normally you see a "Too Cute Not to Toot" post on Tuesday but . . .this week life is busy! WHEW! My kids are gone to Papa and Nana's all week so Monday I spent shopping and I think I met my shopping quota for awhile. This past weekend and all this week we are trying to get all of the final touches done on the kitchen - I'm priming and painting every single day trying to get the steps and banister done (Holy Cow is that alot of work but it will look so awesome when it is done!). Added to that I'm getting things ready for a Bridal Shower on Saturday AND trying to get my normal cleaning/toy organization done that I always doe when the kids are gone. I'll need a week off after this week just to recuperate!
Anyway - my focus this week is on a few other things so I'm not sure how many blog posts will actually go up - it depends on how tired I am each night :-)
For now - just now that there are more posts coming with pictures and all that fun stuff!
PLUS, don't forget about my Thirty-One Party!! Just click the link and read all about it! You have until April 15th to place your order!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Yes, I'm hosting a Thirty-One Catalog Party
Currently, I own two purses and a wallet which I've had for 4 and 2 years respectively and they all look like brand new. The quality of the product is amazing. I also have three other products that I order from a friends show last week and I can't wait to get them!
If you love bags as much as I do, this is for you! You can check out my party (and the catalog) by clicking HERE. Then, select "my events" and then choose Jackie Koll's party.
The special this month is great - for every $31.00 you spend, you can choose any purse for 1/2 price. They even have skirt purses where you can get the purse at 1/2 price and pick up a couple "skirts" to make one purse for every day of the week! These bags also make great gifts - you can start your Christmas shopping early!
The best thing about this party is that anyone, anywhere can order - when you check out, make sure to choose to have your order shipped directly to you! The party will actually close April 15th - your items will ship after that date so you have a little while to look through the Catalog online, make a list of everything you love, and then pick out your top favorites to order.
Personally, I'm hoping to get two bags for the boys for "quiet bags" to use in the car and for when we go places where we need quiet activities. I also want to get a bag to use as a "diaper" bag. We've grown out of a baby diaper bag but I still need a bag to pack extra clothes (and yes, still a few diapers), juice cups and snacks. We don't always use a stroller anymore so I need something easy to carry. Plus, I have a bag I want for scrapbooking. Yes, I love their bags!
So, start making those wish lists and yes, I will make reference to this post a lot over the next two weeks!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Where did winter go?
The other morning, I was laying on the couch and it hit me - we missed winter this year. Now, let me back up. Before you think I just lay around on the couch all day, it was 8:30 AM and the boys wanted me to lay down so they could cover me up with their blankets. Trust me, I was not saying no to that . . .they went off and played and I fell asleep thought about this post. Back to my point. From my relaxing spot on my couch I had a great view out of our slider and could see over our garage roof to the neighbors roof and I thought about how pretty it would be to see snow falling. And then I thought "Where did winter go?"
Yes, I know some people (like my husband) would prefer snow on Christmas and never again but not me. I love snow on the ground and snow filled days. I love watching a snow storm pick up intensity outside my window and I love it even more when we are all home together. (eh um. . .I do NOT like driving in the dark in a blizzard . .. been there, done that, won't do it again for a long time). It seemed that this winter we had one great storm that hit during a day that we all were home. The others came during the night or fizzled out before they really got big. But it isn't just a good storm that I enjoy. I also just love a day when the snow is falling softly; the kind that when it is all said and done there is only an inch or three of snow on the ground but it is just so pretty!
I also missed my kids getting to play out in it more . . .. granted putting on all of that snow gear was a little much; trying to get a 2 and 3 year old to keep gloves on was near impossible; listening to a 2 year old cry in pain because his hands were so cold was just not fun. Despite those things, they loved being able to play in the snow and be pulled on the sleds in the yard. We even scoped out a sledding hill early in the year thinking we would get to take the boys but the snow that did come never lasted long enough for us to get there.
Now, don't get me wrong. The recent unseasonably warm temps that brought out the shorts and T-shirts were great. The normal spring days we are having now are wonderful (cold nights, chilly days - sweatshirts and jackets. Love it!) The buds are blooming, my Willow tree is turning green, flowers are popping up (and then freezing because it is way to early!) and the grass is green. It is beautiful. I'm just thinking about what we missed this year by not having a "real" winter.
(Should I mention that in looking back at some photos . . .. we had snow in the middle of April last year . .. a snow storm that gave us about 3 inches of snow. So one just never knows!)
Yes, I know some people (like my husband) would prefer snow on Christmas and never again but not me. I love snow on the ground and snow filled days. I love watching a snow storm pick up intensity outside my window and I love it even more when we are all home together. (eh um. . .I do NOT like driving in the dark in a blizzard . .. been there, done that, won't do it again for a long time). It seemed that this winter we had one great storm that hit during a day that we all were home. The others came during the night or fizzled out before they really got big. But it isn't just a good storm that I enjoy. I also just love a day when the snow is falling softly; the kind that when it is all said and done there is only an inch or three of snow on the ground but it is just so pretty!
I also missed my kids getting to play out in it more . . .. granted putting on all of that snow gear was a little much; trying to get a 2 and 3 year old to keep gloves on was near impossible; listening to a 2 year old cry in pain because his hands were so cold was just not fun. Despite those things, they loved being able to play in the snow and be pulled on the sleds in the yard. We even scoped out a sledding hill early in the year thinking we would get to take the boys but the snow that did come never lasted long enough for us to get there.
Now, don't get me wrong. The recent unseasonably warm temps that brought out the shorts and T-shirts were great. The normal spring days we are having now are wonderful (cold nights, chilly days - sweatshirts and jackets. Love it!) The buds are blooming, my Willow tree is turning green, flowers are popping up (and then freezing because it is way to early!) and the grass is green. It is beautiful. I'm just thinking about what we missed this year by not having a "real" winter.
(Should I mention that in looking back at some photos . . .. we had snow in the middle of April last year . .. a snow storm that gave us about 3 inches of snow. So one just never knows!)
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Weekly Menu - March 31st
So this week, I made sugar free no bake cookies. A friend of Darryl's is a diabetic and his favorite cookie is the wonderful no-bake so, I had coupons for something called "Real" which is in the same family as Splenda, and tried it out. The cookies turned out almost like the real thing - they are a little softer and not quite as chocolaty-sweet; almost like the sweetener doesn't make the unsweetened cocoa sweet enough to taste like chocolate. Other than that, they are great - no after taste - we'll see if Ernie likes them :-)
My kids are leaving today to go to Papa and Nana's for the week. Yep. The whole week! We try to have them go to their house for a long weekend at about every 6-8 weeks. It's good for the kids, the grandparents love it and it is GREAT for me - I love the break and I'm able to tackle some projects that are hard to do with extra hands :-) Usually they keep them Thursday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon but since we'll be traveling to their house for Easter weekend, we shifted it slightly and they get them for an extra day. I'm excited about a few days off and have a long list of things to get done!
With the kids gone, our menu is a little different this week:
Saturday: One of the reasons the kids are going to my parents this weekend is because Darryl and I have a wedding to attend. A good friend of mine is getting married and we get to attend and go to the reception which at "The Top of the Bob" - some place I've always wanted to go to but have never had the chance ! I'm so excited :-)
Sunday: Darryl and I are eating out. The plan is to go to the next town over and eat at a favorite restaurant but, if we are two tired, we'll just order in instead :-)
Monday: This is "my" day! I'm going shopping for some clothes as well as getting stuff for a bridal shower for my niece. Therefore Darryl and I are meeting for dinner somewhere - shoot we may just go to Checkers - there is nothing better then a good burger from there!!
Tuesday: As much as it was my goal to not cook all week - I gave in and I'm cooking tonight. I'm going to make Teryiaki Chicken Wings and Bacon dip. Two food Darryl and I love which makes it more fun to eat while they are hot ;-)
Wednesday: We'll either get a pizza or, if Darryl is going to practice, I'm going to meet him in town and go to practice with him - I seldom get to go anymore due to the kids and I really enjoy it. Before kids, I probably went at least twice a month. :-)
Thursday: The plan tonight is to grill steaks on the grill along with Sweet Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans. If the weather doesn't cooperate, I'll do something inside.
Friday: We are heading to my parents so we will grab McDonald's on the way out!
As far as baking this week - I'm not. Well, I plan on making a Snickers Pie on Sunday because we love it so much and it feels like a special treat. Otherwise, it is store bought cookies this week!
My kids are leaving today to go to Papa and Nana's for the week. Yep. The whole week! We try to have them go to their house for a long weekend at about every 6-8 weeks. It's good for the kids, the grandparents love it and it is GREAT for me - I love the break and I'm able to tackle some projects that are hard to do with extra hands :-) Usually they keep them Thursday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon but since we'll be traveling to their house for Easter weekend, we shifted it slightly and they get them for an extra day. I'm excited about a few days off and have a long list of things to get done!
With the kids gone, our menu is a little different this week:
Saturday: One of the reasons the kids are going to my parents this weekend is because Darryl and I have a wedding to attend. A good friend of mine is getting married and we get to attend and go to the reception which at "The Top of the Bob" - some place I've always wanted to go to but have never had the chance ! I'm so excited :-)
Sunday: Darryl and I are eating out. The plan is to go to the next town over and eat at a favorite restaurant but, if we are two tired, we'll just order in instead :-)
Monday: This is "my" day! I'm going shopping for some clothes as well as getting stuff for a bridal shower for my niece. Therefore Darryl and I are meeting for dinner somewhere - shoot we may just go to Checkers - there is nothing better then a good burger from there!!
Tuesday: As much as it was my goal to not cook all week - I gave in and I'm cooking tonight. I'm going to make Teryiaki Chicken Wings and Bacon dip. Two food Darryl and I love which makes it more fun to eat while they are hot ;-)
Wednesday: We'll either get a pizza or, if Darryl is going to practice, I'm going to meet him in town and go to practice with him - I seldom get to go anymore due to the kids and I really enjoy it. Before kids, I probably went at least twice a month. :-)
Thursday: The plan tonight is to grill steaks on the grill along with Sweet Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans. If the weather doesn't cooperate, I'll do something inside.
Friday: We are heading to my parents so we will grab McDonald's on the way out!
As far as baking this week - I'm not. Well, I plan on making a Snickers Pie on Sunday because we love it so much and it feels like a special treat. Otherwise, it is store bought cookies this week!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Food Friday - Sunday Roast, Potatoes, and Carrots
I think everyone has the "perfect" roast recipe that their mom made growing up. Well, I wanted to share mine because I truly think it is by far the best ever.
Sunday Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Adapted from My Mom
Ingredients
Roast
Carrots
Potatoes
Onion Soup Mix
Water
Directions
Place your roast, carrots, and potatoes in a roasting pan. Sprinkle a packet of Onion Soup Mix (Any brand is fine) over the top and then add enough water to come just under covering the roast. Cover and cook on 325 for approx. 3-4 hours. Use the liquid left in the pan to make gravy if you so desire!
Variation: Instead of potatoes, just add carrots to the roast. Once done, remove the roast and carrots to a separate platter and keep warm. Place the roaster on a burner and add enough water to be able to cook noodles. Bring to a boil and then add as many egg noodles as you feel you can eat :-) Once they are cooked, add cornstarch (mixed with a little water to avoid lumps) to thicken the broth, dump into a bowl and serve. They are SOOO yummy!!
We love this meal on a Sunday in the winter - walking in the door from church to this meal is just so yummy! Plus, my kids LOVE the veggies that come with the roast!
Sunday Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Adapted from My Mom
Ingredients
Roast
Carrots
Potatoes
Onion Soup Mix
Water
Directions
Place your roast, carrots, and potatoes in a roasting pan. Sprinkle a packet of Onion Soup Mix (Any brand is fine) over the top and then add enough water to come just under covering the roast. Cover and cook on 325 for approx. 3-4 hours. Use the liquid left in the pan to make gravy if you so desire!
Variation: Instead of potatoes, just add carrots to the roast. Once done, remove the roast and carrots to a separate platter and keep warm. Place the roaster on a burner and add enough water to be able to cook noodles. Bring to a boil and then add as many egg noodles as you feel you can eat :-) Once they are cooked, add cornstarch (mixed with a little water to avoid lumps) to thicken the broth, dump into a bowl and serve. They are SOOO yummy!!
We love this meal on a Sunday in the winter - walking in the door from church to this meal is just so yummy! Plus, my kids LOVE the veggies that come with the roast!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
What I'm Reading
I've been busy reading free books this week :-) It is the end of the month, I've spent my $10.00 max on books and also used up a couple of amazon gift cards thanks to Swag Bucks. I didn't want to turn in any more Swagbucks so I could save some for next month.
This is the book I just finished yesterday. I had picked it up for free quite awhile ago because it looked like it might be humorous and I wasn't disappointed. The story is based around a women who works for a Ladies Magazine as the craft writer. Her life has just fallen apart thanks to her dead husband and she is not a prime suspect in a murder. Yes, it is a mystery book but it is a funny mystery book. I chuckled quite a few times throughout the book. The one disappointment? The language - totally 100% unnecessary. It was kinda thrown in for shock effect I think (and it worked, geesh). This is the first book in a series - I've added the others to my wish list so I don't forget about them.
This was a great book. I picked this one fairly recently for free and found that I didn't want to put it down. The basis of the story is that a bride, who left her groom at the alter, returns to her hometown to talk to him and make things right before leaving town again. She quickly learns how much she needs the town and the town needs her. When I started reading this book, I did not realize that it is actually a reprint of the original version. The author stated that she added more "sensuality" to make it more relevant. Then it made sense because there were a few things that just didn't fit with the rest of the book. It is more just innuendo's and well-written phrases than anything but it really wasn't need to make it a good book.
One thing that is a little disappointing in the search for free books is the lack of Christian Books that are free. (or even reduced prices). I've been watching Inspired Reads almost daily to make sure I don't miss any. I should clarify that - specifically the lack of Christian FICTION books. I have gotten several devotionals and non-fiction books for free. I did pick up a couple this past week and that's what I'm reading now.
I have literally just started this book - read the first chapter so far. I'm hoping for a well-written book that has a Christian base to it. We'll see how it goes!
I have finished the entire Stephanie Plum series as far as the numbered books but I discovered that are books "between the numbers" - I think three of them. From what I've read on them, they have Stephanie Plum in them but also include another set of Characters who eventually get their own "spin off" series. Not sure yet if I'll read those - they don't really flow with the others so we'll see!
This was a great book. I picked this one fairly recently for free and found that I didn't want to put it down. The basis of the story is that a bride, who left her groom at the alter, returns to her hometown to talk to him and make things right before leaving town again. She quickly learns how much she needs the town and the town needs her. When I started reading this book, I did not realize that it is actually a reprint of the original version. The author stated that she added more "sensuality" to make it more relevant. Then it made sense because there were a few things that just didn't fit with the rest of the book. It is more just innuendo's and well-written phrases than anything but it really wasn't need to make it a good book.
One thing that is a little disappointing in the search for free books is the lack of Christian Books that are free. (or even reduced prices). I've been watching Inspired Reads almost daily to make sure I don't miss any. I should clarify that - specifically the lack of Christian FICTION books. I have gotten several devotionals and non-fiction books for free. I did pick up a couple this past week and that's what I'm reading now.
I have finished the entire Stephanie Plum series as far as the numbered books but I discovered that are books "between the numbers" - I think three of them. From what I've read on them, they have Stephanie Plum in them but also include another set of Characters who eventually get their own "spin off" series. Not sure yet if I'll read those - they don't really flow with the others so we'll see!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Pinterest Challenge
This past week we have been really focused on trying to wrap up all of the little projects in the kitchen that have been hanging over us since we started the small makeover. I have quite a few ideas posted in Pinterest in my kitchen folder but right now this is the one that made the cut! This idea is a cute frame that holds keys - you can find the post in my Pinterest board HERE but it is only a photo. The link takes you back to a photo site, not an instructional post. Here is a photo of the inspiration:
It is such a simple, but creative idea to hang keys. Prior to painting, I had hung up some command hooks in the place where this frame will hang to make sure that we liked hanging our keys. It was perfect. Such a great way to get them off the counter so we know where they are and they don't get buried!
Framed Key Holder:
Supplies:
1 frame - whatever size words for you just make sure it is big enough to hold your keys
Hanging hooks - again whatever size and color match your frame
Ribbon - optional
Instructions:
1. Hot glue ribbon along the top and bottom of your frame. (Depending on your frame, you may choose not to use ribbon - I purchased an inexpensive black frame that needed some help!)
2. Hot glue ribbon along the sides of your frame.
3. Add your hooks - I hot glued mine onto the back of the frame. If you use a solid wood frame, you may be able to actually screw them into the wood.
4. Add hangers to the back. I cut apart the piece of backing that came in the frame to remove the hangers from the original frame .
That's it! Easy Peasy :-) You'll have to check back to see it hung in the kitchen when I post the finished photos this coming weekend !!
Thanks for stopping by!
Linking up over at:
Framed Key Holder:
Supplies:
1 frame - whatever size words for you just make sure it is big enough to hold your keys
Hanging hooks - again whatever size and color match your frame
Ribbon - optional
1. Hot glue ribbon along the top and bottom of your frame. (Depending on your frame, you may choose not to use ribbon - I purchased an inexpensive black frame that needed some help!)
Thanks for stopping by!
Linking up over at:
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