Sometimes, you see something as a crafter, and say to yourself, "I MUST make that!" I had that feeling yesterday. You see, it's that "Time of Year" again. You know, when everyone I know, is having a baby. I'm not lying! From family to friends...co-workers to our favorite waitresses.
I'm feeling completely "Behind the Ball." I NEED to make a bunch of gifts. But I'm getting a little tired of the same patterns. So yesterday, I did a little searching. And found a lot of fun and new patterns. But none, grabbed my attention like this one.
I don't know what it is. Love is in the air. Babies are on the way. Sweet baby girls, ALWAYS steal my heart away!!! But this blanket, it's screaming for me to make it. No lie.
I'm not completely convinced with this color combination. I'm thinking something that says more "Baby Girl," rather than "Happy Valentine's Day." Don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE to make one for myself. To add to the "Love" decorations we got going on. But for my first take on this blanket, I'm thinking pink, white, and lavender.
And if you're just not "feeling" this lovely blanket, how about some potholders? The pattern says you can make dishcloths, but I'm thinking about potholders. Make 2 squares, and single crochet them together. That would be fun!!! ♥
If you
know anything about me, know this. I LOVE to decorate for the holidays. LOVE IT!!! I'm pretty sure, I have my Auntie Chuchie to thank for that. I remember decorating, when I was little. We'd start in September, to decorate for Halloween. Days after Halloween, those decorations came down. And immediately, the Christmas decorations went up.
When I moved into my own home, well I became a "Decorating Diva." As my neighbors would call me. :) I immediately started a "Wreath Collection." And well, everyone knew what time of year it was, just by looking at my home.
These days, I still decorate. But I try to make it a little more "Homemade with Love." I take more care, with what I buy. And put up. I like to go with "color palettes." And I try to put up "Fall Decorations," in September. And then sprinkle in Halloween things in October. Then "edit" just a bit, and add in Thanksgiving items, in November.
With that being said, I'm always looking for a new idea. Something interesting. And a little sweet. I've already put up some orange lights. Not pumpkins, but orange twinkle lights. There might even be some purple ones in our kitchen. :) But I wanted to try a few new things. So like any blogger, I headed to Pinterest for some inspiration.
I found this adorable wreath. Something that I probably should have found a month ago! I like the use of burlap. And those flowers. Oh, those flowers!!! I think this would be one of those pieces, that can take you from September, to the end of November.
This wreath looks fairly easy to make. I'd start with making lots of orange flowers. Maybe in September have more red and orange. Then change the red to black, in October. And as we get into November, change the black to mustard. The simple sign inside, is another piece that can easily be exchanged. I've seen similar pieces at Hobby Lobby. :)
Now this wreath screams "Halloween" to me! I adore this wreath. The entire look of it. Traditional, in terms of a wreath. A bit trendy, with the zebra print bow. And just fun, with the folds. This my friends, is going to be my project for the week. :)
Now this, is a mantel! This is what I'm talking about, when I say, I work with a "color palette." Last year, we went with a black and white "themed" mantel. In our den. Honestly, it was my favorite.
I went out, and bought a bunch of decorations at a thrift store. You know, the old, ceramic type. And I painted them black and white. Some were just owls. Others were traditional pumpkins. It was definitely fun!
Decorating can be so easy, and fun. Even holiday decorating, can be elegant. And can reflect, on the decor of your home. It's October 1st. And I've already got pumpkins, on our dining room table. And a few "spooky decorations" on our entry table. This is just the beginning. Especially after searching through Pinterest for 2 hours! ♥
A little exhausted here. But a HUGE Congrats to Dawn and Alejandro!!! My Guy and I, are on our way to "Wine Country." To spend a little time together. Oh ya, My Mr. has to work first. This afternoon. Then we'll spend the night, enjoying the beauty of the area. Before we head back to the Southwest. To hangout with Miss Lilah. And prepare for one more wedding.
In the meantime, I'm trying to stay awake. Because I feel guilty sleeping. You know, since My Guy is working from the airplane. And has an entire work day ahead. Even though we ONLY got 2 hours of sleep. A sign of a good wedding! :) So to keep myself occupied, I thought I'd put together some 4th of July ideas. Since we're throwing a big 'ol BBQ for our friends and family. I can't wait to get to the sandy beaches of Florida!!!
First up, is decor. I'm a sucker for holiday decorations! I generally start at the Dollar Tree. Then build from there. In the last 11 years, you'd be so surprised by the collection I've grown. Of nice holiday things, after the holiday. All on clearance. Not just Dollar Tree finds. I'm talking upscale stuff, for a few dollars!!!
And I like handmade. Fun paper decorations and labels. Things that scream "Holiday Fun!" Like these!
Or this...totally a Dollar Tree spread. But so fun! This is something I used to do all the time. And little by little, I've added other staples. Like nice tablecloths. Quality flags and bows. Fun colored glass and platters. But this is a nice place to start. :)
How about some food? You can't forget the food! It's the most IMPORTANT part of the deal! Look for seasonal food. American classics. And anything in red, white, or blue!!!
These fun and easy cookies, are a MUST! As in, I MUST bake these!!! Yum, just looking at this picture, makes me hungry. And smile!
Maybe even some Cake Balls! You can't go wrong with Cake Balls. They are super fun! And even easier to make!!! The possibilities are endless. :)
I'm so excited about the 4th of July!!! I can't wait to get cooking, and baking. I really can't wait to decorate. And of course, celebrate with our loved ones! Do you have any Patriotic Ideas? I'd LOVE to hear about them! I've been on Pinterest for a while. Collecting all these ideas. But I could always use more!!! ♥
Happy St. Patty's Day! Are you wearing green? Cause you know, I'm looking for you. :) Just playing! But on some "green news," I baked a few batches of these. Yesterday! For this guy and his co-workers. I hope they enjoy them today. Because honestly, they are yummy!
Me? I'm headed to the Southwest. For my friend's Baby Shower. Today! Baby girl, is due any time now!!! And I'm so excited!!! I'm so honored, to be her Godmother. Honestly, there is little, that is more exciting than that!
Her nursery is almost done. I sewed all the bedding, curtains, and such. Because we couldn't find anything with peaches. I luckily came across some fabric, at a tiny Sewing Shop. In the middle of nowhere! I hope to finish the nursery today. There are just a few things, left to do. But first, it's time for the "Peach Themed Baby Shower." And in case you are wondering, my friend is from Georgia. Get it...Georgia Peaches! Well, I better get going. I'm flying right now. Soon it will be time for a little celebrating! ♥
Doll Face, that time has come again. The year is pickin' up. Work is in high gear. Lady it gonna get crazy! Then I think of ya. How calm you are. How ya never waiver. I know that I'm not the easiest guy, to deal with. At times, I can be Oscar the Grouch.
Know that I don't take you for granted. That I know, things are not always good. I'm Mr. Grouch. Probably annoying as hell. But you make life better. Bearable. Worth livin.' I appreciate it all!
It's Valentine's Day. Like usual, my mind is on work. We're out here. For my career. Don't think, that I overlook that. I don't. I know the sacrifices ya make. That you go over and beyond, for me.
I don't think, ya realize just what your smile means to me. How in a single instant, ya erase all the crap in the world. Ya make me feel,, like a good man. Even when I know, I've fallen short.
Lady, you are my world. My entire world. The things ya do for me. For my family. Don't go unnoticed. Not once. I see those things. I value those things. Taking care of me, my family, my friends, my co-workers. It means a heck of a lot!
When life isn't going well, all I need is you. A gentle touch. Soft words. A simple smile. Good laughs. Just the two of us.
I'm the typical man. Don't know how to tell ya, what I want to tell ya. I don't know how to plan the best Valentine's Day. But I know this. I love ya. With everything I got. I know that. I couldn't have gotten through so much crap, if I hadn't had you. Right here. At my side. Love ya! Baby Girl, you're my better half. I wouldn't want it any other way. Happy Valentine's Day! Your Guy
Did you know, that Valentine's Day, is less than 3 weeks away?!?!?! Yes, I know! So I've been looking for some fun projects to work on. You know me! I'm all about decorating for the holidays. And for the first time, in a few years, My Guy has the day off. On Valentine's Day!!!
We did decide to head down to Florida, a little early though. To go before My Guy has to work. And just enjoy the holiday. Celebrate. That means, my projects need to be small and portable. To fold up, and pack in my suitcase. That makes this cute project, an absolute "Must" for me!
What do you think? I'm thinking of painting My Guy and I's names. Along with our fur babies' names. I think it will be really cute! I don't like to eat Conversation Hearts. But I sure enjoy making crafts, that are inspired by them. :) I better get painting. Before I know it, Valentine's Day will be here! ♥
Today is El Dia de Los Reyes. Three Kings' Day. What a magical day it has been! I was lucky enough, to celebrate with my friends. The day that the 3 Kings, came to bring Jesus gifts. In our culture, it is also a day to celebrate. To bring gifts for one another. And to enjoy a little bit of Rosca de Reyes.
Today, we celebrated. Went to church. Celebrated Jesus, and the 3 Kings. We later celebrated at Memo's house. With a nice feast. Where my Compadre Juan found Baby Jesus in the Rosca de Reyes! The kiddos showed me all their new gifts. And we opened some presents. I can't wait until February 2nd! When Juan is throwing the next party. It was such a magical day! ♥
This year, my Mom and I, have really tried, to pull our family together. Since my Dad's medical emergency last year, we've tried to make things special for him. Bring our family together. And I think, we succeeded in that!
Although, My Guy and I had already decided to spend the holiday alone, I knew I had to be with family. My Mom and I talked about it. And we decided on Christmas Eve. For a lot of reasons. One being the weather. And my Dad not really being able to go out. It's been snowing. And so cold! We didn't want to risk, him getting hurt.
I started calling up family. And my Mom and I, got to cooking. I baked for days. Tamales, rellenos, and empanaditas were made. I wrapped presents every single night, for 2 weeks! All that hard work, really paid off. And I've never been happier!
The holidays are such a special time. A time for all of us, to enjoy family and friends. To teach family traditions. And make new memories. Just like Thanksgiving, my parents' house was so full of people. And love! Not everyone made it. That's unfortunate. But a reality in our family.
My older brother came for about 5 minutes, as everyone was leaving. Late in the evening. My second youngest brother, and his family didn't make it. They didn't tell us, until that night, that they didn't have a ride. He lives about 30 minutes out of town. None of my sisters came. And well, we never expected my youngest brother. One of my nieces also had plans. And my younger nieces and their mom, don't celebrate until January. I don't know...
But we had tons of people over. I spent lots of time with the kiddos. Watching a silly Christmas movie, opening presents, and playing games. Of course, we sat and talked. And you know what, those little ones are so special. Carry so much in their little hearts. And make their auntie's heart just break!
There was lots of chatting. And laughing. Making new memories. Remembering our past. And Thanking God for our Daddy. Prayers were said. The real Christmas story was told. We placed baby Jesus in his bed. And Thanked God for our loved ones.
It's been years, since my parents hosted the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas...in the same year. We did it a lot, when I was really young. But the family grew apart. This year, was just a glimpse, of those special days. Of a time, when life felt so special.
I have to say this, it was a lot of hard work. To prepare everything. But, it was so well worth it! At the end of the night, both of my parents thanked me. And I was taken aback. Me? Why? All I did, was help them.
The last year, endless health issues, and tough times...really have made me think. Life is worth so much more! Time to set aside our issues. Time to love with everything we have. Time to get back, to what is important. I wouldn't trade these memories, for anything in the world. It was such an amazing holiday! ♥
I just wanted to take a few minutes, to wish you all a Merry Christmas! What a magical day this is. I've always been a HUGE fan of Christmas. Not because of the presents. But because of the time, that I get to spend with my family and friends. I'm wishing you all an amazing, and blessed day! May you spend it with everyone that you love. Merry Christmas! ♥
His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited his people, he has set them free, and he has established for us a saving power in the House of his servant David, just as he proclaimed, by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times, that he would save us from our enemies and from the hands of all those who hate us, and show faithful love to our ancestors, and so keep in mind his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, that he would grant us, free from fear, to be delivered from the hands of our enemies, to serve him in holiness and uprightness in his presence, all our days. And you, little child, you shall be called Prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare a way for him, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the faithful love of our God in which the rising Sun has come from on high to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow dark as death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. ~Luke 1:67-79
May you all be blessed, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! I hope that you are all able to enjoy your family and friends. On these very special days. Sing from the mountaintops. Love with everything you have. And make the most beautiful memories, to last a lifetime. ♥
Happy 4th of July everyone! I just love this holiday. Being patriotic. Celebrating our country, the men and women who defend us, and just enjoying the fact that I'm an American. Such a great holiday!
We've got some fun plans for the day. Including lots of time on the beach, and in the water, tons of food, lots of friends, and tons of family. There is going to be a big fireworks show later tonight. Over the ocean. What more can one ask for? I'm super excited!
I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday. I hope your day is filled with lots of yummy treats, good conversations, and a ton of fun! Now I'm off to recreate this amazing dessert. Doesn't it look yummy? ♥
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Funny how we are out here, in the middle of paradise, and we're planning a "traditional" St. Patrick's Day dinner. I've never had a "traditional" dinner. I'm usually fasting for Lent. But this year is different. And what a fun way to spend our last night in paradise.
This was definitely the trip that we both needed. In more ways than one. It's been absolutely insane in our lives. And well, we won't have another break until mid July. So we definitely enjoyed our time out here!
And one last note, today is my friend Patricia's birthday. We haven't seen each other in forever. But I never forget. It's funny how that works. Some people just leave a lasting imprint on our lives. I hope she has a great birthday! And I hope everyone enjoys their St. Patty's Day! Now I'm off to have some yummy green crepes. :) ♥
I love how Gooseberry Patch is getting in the holiday spirit. :) They're free recipe this week is just perfect for St. Patty's Day! It's making me so hungry just reading it. Everything just sounds yummy!
Jackie's Apple Corned Beef
8 new redskin potatoes 4 to 5 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks 1 onion, cut into 8 wedges 3-lb. corned beef brisket 4 c. apple juice 1 c. brown sugar, packed 1 T. Dijon or honey mustard
Arrange potatoes, carrots and onion wedges in a slow cooker; top with corned beef. Stir together apple juice, brown sugar and mustard; pour over top. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Slice meat thinly across the grain. Serve with cooked vegetables, Sautéed Cabbage and some of the cooking liquid. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Sautéed Cabbage: 1/2 head cabbage, shredded 1/2 c. onion, chopped 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 to 2 T. butter salt and pepper to taste. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté cabbage, onion and garlic in butter until soft. Add salt and pepper to taste; serve warm.
Although we're not going to be home for St. Patty's Day this year, I want to make this. Maybe we'll do a post-St. Patty's Day dinner. I just think it will be so fun! And honestly, this recipe is making me so hungry! Let me know if you try it out. Or leave me some of your favorite St. Patty's Day recipes. Happy Wednesday! ♥
In case you don't know it, I love My Guy! Full heartily love this man! Yes, the one that is fast asleep right here. Face palm, hair sticking up, curled up in the blankets. I LOVE HIM! And just getting to see him, that just made my entire week! Have I mentioned just how much I've missed him?
Lately, things have been nuts! Honest to goodness...life has just been crazy. My Dad being this sick, has really thrown us all for a loop. Who would have thought he would spend days in the ICU. Especially for Christmas? Christmas was celebrated sometime between Christmas and New Year's Day. Yes, it took us days to get through our few gifts, that we bought and wrapped. You know, since we spent all our prime shopping days in the hospital. We were all that wiped out...
But then, you have me and My Guy. Our plans were just murdered. Seriously. He snuck around the hospital. You know, so I could cry on his shoulder. And he could hold me, and tell me that everything was going to be OK. You know, between praying for my Dad, talking to friends and family, and making sure my Mom was OK. Did I mention? I don't think I've slept more than 4 hours at a time, in well over a month. So to say, that we've totally skipped out on life and the holidays...well that is a HUGE understatement.
But then, My Guy is pretty incredible. And super understanding. He totally gets that I need to be with my family right now. And that our pile of gifts could wait until...well I don't know when. My Guy also understood, that this was not the time, to meet my entire family. Nor my Dad.
Fast forward a bit. This weekend. It had been circled on the calendar for a while. No. Not because, it is officially the first day he had off, since going back to work. Nope. His sister is getting married. As in later today!!! :)
I worked out some minor details with my Mom. Told my Dad that I had a "work thing" that I couldn't miss. And I caught a flight out east. Yesterday, I felt like a 5 year old on Christmas morning. Just waiting, to see the man I love. Yes. I was that lady! :)
And he didn't disappoint. No way Jose! We managed some quiet time. You know, between all the wedding stuff, and family stuff. And we just hung out. Caught up on life. To be honest, I just wanted to cuddle. To be safe in this man's arms once again. It was definitely the way to spend our night.
This song, it just reminds me of My Guy. This amazing man that I love. And that loves me with all his heart. I know this. Not just because he tells me all the time. But because he shows me all the time. I'm truly blessed. Even if, we just have this weekend to spend together...
It's been a tough month for my family. For me. And for our relationship. But there is always so much love, between My Guy and I. It doesn't matter if there are a billion miles between us. We know we have each other.
I feel like nothing, could ever, go really wrong. As long as My Guy is standing right beside me. He makes life amazing. And so fun! If I haven't already said this a million times, I'm a very lucky woman. Just to know that there is a human being, that loves me this much. So much, that I see it in his eyes, every time that he looks at me. I feel it in his arms, every single time he holds me. And it's in his voice, every single, solitary time that we talk. I just know that he loves me. And that folks, is what helps me through all the tough days. The Big C, Dad's health emergency, life...he's just got this way about life, that let's me know, just how much he loves me. At the end of the day, I can't ask for anything more. ♥
Because I'm honestly exhausted, and I can't really put my thoughts to a blog post today, I'm just posting a random gift that I bought. This cute little Monkey Bank. Not really so random if you knew who I bought it for. :) It's for a very special little girl. For Christmas. Because she just adores monkeys! In case you are wondering, I picked it up at Wal-Mart, when I got my nail polish.
I promise that I'll blog about my week tomorrow. After I've gotten some sleep. I'll tell you all about our shows, the medical conference, and getting to see the Nutcracker last night. All I can say is, it was amazing! But right now, I'm ready to head home. It's literally been weeks since I've slept in my own bed. Happy Saturday! ♥
So you might be asking yourself, what in the world is this picture? It's a picture that My Guy sent me yesterday. He was working. I was in my medical conference. And this was all that he put in the e-mail. This picture. Random.
What is it you ask? Those are Christmas trees. Spray painted pink and orange. I don't know where My Guy found this picture. But when we finally talked last night, he told me that this picture just reminded him of us. Why? Because he likes orange, and I like pink.
Would we ever do this to our Christmas tree? I doubt it. But it is pretty. I'm just wondering who would paint their Christmas trees? The craziest I've ever gotten, was a vintage aluminum Christmas tree. I don't know what happened to it after I broke up with my then boyfriend. But I liked that Christmas tree. And it was the most "out of the box" tree I've ever had. But this picture, well it has the wheels turning for next Christmas. ♥
This is just one more reason for me to learn how to knit. Aren't these the cutest little Christmas ornaments? I would love a white Christmas tree, with lots of lights, and a ton of these ornaments. Yup, a ton of these all over my Christmas tree.
I guess if I start learning how to knit now, maybe by Christmas time next year, I might have enough knitted ornaments for my tree. What do you think? That snowman just melts my heart. ♥
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite Christmas songs. It might be because I like Owl City. Or that I'm really in the holiday spirit at the moment. But this is such a great song.
I feel like I NEED to go home immediately. We haven't decorated for Christmas. We haven't really done much shopping. I still need to bake. And time is just flying by. Maybe that's why I'm enjoying the Christmas music so much this year. It's the only real holiday thing I can control.
So how are your holiday plans coming along? Are you ready for the big day? You know, it's 13 days away! I'm really starting to stress out a bit...♥
Isn't this tree adorable? My Guy came across this picture. I'm not sure what he was searching on Google. Being that he likes Mountain Dew a lot...I'm thinking he was probably searching for some Mountain Dew Christmas decorations. :)
But this tree is entirely made of soda cans. I wish there was a better picture. But I think it's adorable! And you can't forget the red Christmas balls!
I know that this is a little out of the box. Well, as far as Christmas decorations go. But I think that it could be a fun project to work on. What do you think? Would you like something a little more non traditional hanging around your house this holiday season? ♥
It's that time of year. Christmas is just around the corner. 15 days away to be honest. And everyone wants to know..."Lola, what do you want for Christmas?"
I'm honestly a very easy person to shop for. Buy me a candle, scarf, or cookbook...and I'm so excited, I just can't contain it. Give some craft supplies...I just might have a heart attack!
But when Enzo asked me what I wanted, I told him yarn. I love me some yarn! Or maybe some fabric. Oh no, my best friend wasn't have that. He wants to buy me something fun and girly. You know something that's not so practical. Instead fun and girly.
So I got to searching. And I kept coming up empty handed. I know Enzo. He wants to get me something that I want, but would never buy myself. But what could that be?
Then I was catching up on my blog reading. Reading through Armelle. And I found these beautiful necklaces...
OK, Enzo I know you're reading this. You are like my most loyal reader. This is what I want. You pick! Any one of these necklaces or pairs of earrings would be perfect! I know, I was supposed to find something more expensive. So you can decide what you want to do. Maybe just maybe, you can get me more than one...
See you can say that to your best friend. The best friend that you met hours after your birth. And the same friend, that you agreed to spend a certain amount of money on each other. Even though we always ended up spending more. But there you go. I really like Armelle's jewelry. And I'd be so happy to get a piece for Christmas.
Oh and a very special birthday wish goes out to my good friend and boss, Billy Bob! Happy Birthday! You know what, we're going to have to go find you a yummy cake in the casino. :) ♥
I am a college student. I study pre-med and human nutrition. I work an average of 100 hours a week as an intern. And to pay for all of this, I am a performer. I play and sing in a band. And I perform with a group of ladies. I work hard, so that I can play harder! :)
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