orange 'n hot pink

My cinco

2010-06-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

It's that super fun time again to post 5 things that have made you feel..

Blessed

Delighted

Joyous

Cheerful
Jolly

Or maybe just plain old happy..

My cinco

1. I LOVE and appreciate Matt not only telling me he wants to be part of the wedding decisions, but he shows me. How? We'll browse the aisles at Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Target, Wal-Mart, etc., and he gives me his opinions. He'll tell me what he likes and dislikes. He's honest, and I love that! We sat side by side, each on our own laptops, looking up venues, invitations, and catering services :)

2. My birthday is coming up, and I'm going to Sea World!! Not sure what else is in store while we're in San Antonio... :)

3. Matt spoils me like none other. He says he ruins me for any other man. Last night, for example, he did the dishes, cooked dinner, washed THOSE dishes, cleaned the counters, and made s'mores. I offered and offered to help, but he said it was his last night of being able to spoil me since he had to go back to work today. He let me just sit and relax. How lovely.

4. I think we've set a date!! October 7th, 2011. With fall colors, red, orange, yellow and some brown. How exciting to have something to plan around!! Now we just need to decide on a venue and make sure they're available.

5. Drop Dead Diva and Army Wives available on mylifetime.com. Enough said. Oh, and Prince of Persia was awesome! :)

Head on over to MannLand5 to see what have been making other bloggers feel the same way! :)

Haev a great day!!!

Birthday present

2010-05-31T09:36:00.000-05:00

I'd like to share a few projects I made that were sent to a loved one for his birthday earlier this month!

Steggie was made with a pattern from One Yard Wonders - cute book! They have a bright photograph of each project listed. Plus, they supply patterns; however, this fella took me quite a while as I'd never made a doll/stuffed animal before, but luckily I had some help. I was told he slept with it the night he got it, which means... complete success.

Here's a closeup of Steggie.

I also included a hand made dinosaur birthday card, a sheet of dino stickers, and my first ever stencilled shirt.

The shirt is pretty simple, but hey, it was my first attempt, and I like it!

Here's the best part... photos of E, all the way from California, with the gifts!

And there ya have it. Even though this gift consisted of a couple crafts that *were* foreign to me, I am so glad I did them for this guy. Happy birthday, sobrino. Your Tia Sarah all the way from Texas loves you, even if she can't see you as often as she'd like!

Fredericksburg

2010-05-29T21:35:00.000-05:00

Ohh, woe is me. What a sickly Saturday it's been. The sad part is I don't even know what's wrong! A cold? Mega allergies? All in my head? (playing about the last part. the tissues can prove that false.)

I did, however, go ahead and resize pictures to show everyone what last weekend looked liked for me. Enjoy!

Here we are, below, at the Fredericksburg Brewing Co. Matt loved their beer, of course, and I, of course, had wine. Delicious. ~~Four glasses~~ A few glasses later I was ~~passed out~~ so relaxed once we got back to our room.

The next day, Saturday, we went to the Herb Farm for lunch. Delicious food! Here we are, posing, at the table.

After lunch we were able to walk around. They had a little organic store, a garden/herb area, etc. A random swing on a huge tree that was secured at the top with chains? I couldn't resist.

The next are a few shots from the Herb Farm and its beautiful randomness.

Then he proposed soonafter :)

Up next... Wildseed Farms! They had free wine tasting Fri, Sat, and Sun. The service was very friendly and refreshing. Two thumbs up! It was a bit cloudy, and it started to sprinkle towards the end of our time there.

I really like the picture below. The items hanging from the walls remind me of my mother because she liked very brightly colored things :)

This is where we walked around, simply enjoyed the setting, and basked in the beautiful weather. It was a nice break from the high 90's it's been lately.

There was a little girl who wanted to take a furry caterpillar home :) Too precious.

Leaving Wildseed Farms. Perfect timing for a picture, huh?

We also did a lot more in Fredericksurg this time around. We had a checklist! The reason for that is because on our previous trips to Fredericksburg, we just wing it, and later I'll find things we could have done. To prevent that, I did researching and discovered these fab finds!

Rather Sweet Bakery & Cafe

Old German Bakery & Restaurant

The Nest

Fredericksburg Winery

... and I can't remember the rest. I'll post them if I do.

And then there were the not so great finds, but we'll be nice and not list those.

Everyone enjoy the rest of their weekend!!

Call for help

2010-05-26T19:34:00.000-05:00

I'm asking all lovely ladies (and men, if they are up for it!) for help.

If anyone has any tips, tricks, opinions, advice, etc. about planning a wedding, I would MORE than love to hear your thoughts and what not!

Here are some basic things to know.
We plan on getting married in Fredericksburg, TX. Outside ceremony, inside reception. Not sure how many guests, probably between 100-150. Red and black colors. Probably in late September of 2011 since it gives us time to save and plan. Not sure about flowers, what's in season then? I'm having a cookie bar as I love to bake. Using the same flowers that go down the aisle as part of our centerpieces.I have a "pear-shaped" body so I need to look up dresses. A place in Dallas was recommended. We haven't set a budget... but we'd like to save as much $$ as possible!!

Thanks for reading! Have a great one.

Update

2010-05-25T12:12:00.000-05:00

Hola :)

Man, things have just been happening right and left! I love it!!

So as you all know, I graduated! Yipee!!

And an exact week later...

Matt proposed.

Yep, I'm engaged!

Unfortunately, I did not use waterproof mascara.

I had a feeling he was going to porpose on our trip to Fredericksburg due to several "clues" - his mom wanted my ring size, he asked if *I* wanted to go to Fredericksburg... and usually I'm the one to bring up taking trips, and he always told me he would propose after I graduated.

And I was right!! :) I'm so happy.

We went out for lunch Saturday to the Herb Farm (delicious food!) and we were walking around, and he held my hands, looked at me and reminded me that he loved me, and then got on one knee and showed me the ring and asked if I'd spend the rest of my life with him. After he brought out the ring, I cried... he put it on the wrong hand.. and we hugged for a long time.

Here are some pictures of the Herb Farm. Later I'll post more pictures from our entire trip!

graduation

2010-05-17T13:09:00.000-05:00

I. did. it.

I have graduated from Angelo State University! I had my friends and family there to watch me walk the stage, and now my friends who couldn't be there can see pictures.

and afterwards, we went out to eat at a restaurant I used to work at. My dad put coupons in my card!

And I wish I was actually this dark.

Thank you, spray tan!!

So I apologize for not having posted sooner.. I've just been preoccupied with graduation, preparing myself, finals, grades, etc. But now I DID IT! Now I am working on my observation hours for my teaching certification. Maybe there will be a Master's degree in the future, who knows right now. I just want to relax!!

Thursday Five Time!

2010-04-29T21:23:00.000-05:00

Five things that have made me...

Happy

Giddy

Grateful

Joyful

Gleeful

or all of the above..

????

Easy peasy lemon squeezy! (I actually said that today at work)

1. The pictures from last weekend's BBQ. In the picture below from L to R is Matt's dad/Cayden's grandpa (Lester), then Cayden who has temporary tats, and my love Matt. Cayden has this thing with sniffing, and it so funny! So that's what they're doing in the picture. Plus, it's just an overall funny photo what with them all matching. I keep going through my facebook photos as well as the ones saved on my computer.

2. School is almost over. Granted I am scared/nervous/much more, but I am also excited. I'm excited and proud of myself for successfully completing college. I'll graduate with honors. My momma would be proud!

3. I've been working on Mother's Day things for/with the kiddos at work. I have already taken photos, and it makes me happy that I am getting things done ahead of schedule.

Oh, I need help. I took a picture of them smiling as well as making funny/silly/ugly faces. I want to use the sentence "A face only a mother could love" with the funny face, but I need ideas? I don't really want to put it with the smiling picture because I'd like that to be with a painted hand print. Help!

4. Matt asked if I wanted to go to Fredericksburg the weekend after I graduate! Yipee!! My favorite little town in Texas. We went this winter and had a horse drawn carriage ride :) Plus I get to go shopping and consume large amounts of home made chocolate!!!

5. I was very productive today. Lots has now been checked off my "to do" - yay me! It's a great feeling to feel accomplished.

If you want to play or read what others had to say, head on over to MannLand5

Update

2010-04-28T18:46:00.001-05:00

Yikes..

it's been a while since I've posted!

I want y'all to know that I have not forgotten <333

I graduate May 15th (eep!) so I've been preparing for that. Professors decide to give enough busy work to keep me busy. Work is work.

Stress is stress.

I am happy to inform you all that I will be getting a teaching certification, hopefully by the end of this summer. Hopefully a Generalist grades 4-8.

As for now, I am staying in San Angelo until I find a job teaching elsewhere. No sense in moving, then finding a job some place else and having to move again. Makes sense, no?

On the positive side..
ya know, besides from graduating...

I got a beautiful pedicure!
I saw How to Train Your Dragon in 3D (super cute!)
Matt surprised me with beautiful flowers and even brought a raspberry sno-cone to me at work.
I saw my almost nephew (Cayden) who is such a happy 1 year old.

I passed my Psychology Exit Exam! You must pass to graduate.
My sister is ENGAGED!!
Bought Avatar. <3
I have my graduation dress.
I get to go jean shopping.
Had a pizza party today at work.
Finished my book, Good in Bed.
And I am ALMOST DONE with a very special package for a very special someone. I'll post pictures once they've received.

Hope everyone is having a great day and week so far. Always remember to appreciate the little things no matter what lemons life decides to throw at you.

getting to know you

2010-04-18T11:09:00.000-05:00

It's Sundayyyyy! I got most of my homework done yesterday, so that means I can chillax today. And of course, answer these questions from MannLand5! Check it out :)

1. Mens chests..hairy or hairless?
Hairy. Bahahah!
If a man has zero hair on his chest, it's like he hasn't gone through puberty! I also don't want a wooly mammoth. Matt's hair is juuuust right :)

2. How often do you run red lights?
I'm that person that you yell at because they stop when the light is still yellow, but in my defense, it's ABOUT to turn red. Hahah!
I'd A)rather NOT get in a wreck (You're welcome for saving your life!) and B)I get angry and yell at people who do run red lights that make me have to wait a little longer when the light already turned green for me. Make sense?

3. If you could raid any celebrity's closet..whose would you raid?
This doesn't say "one" anywhere, suh-weeeet!
Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlet Johansson.
I'll keep it to three ;)

4. Would you rather have more followers/friends on Facebook, Twitter, or your Blog?
I don't use Twitter. I think it'd be way cool if I had more followers on my blog than friends on Facebook!

5. What makes you feel sexy?
Teeeheehee...
Feeling skinny! Good hair day. Pretty makeup. Flattering clothes.

6. I get excited when...........?
Oh man, are you kidding me!?

I get excited..
when Matt comes home, when we plan a trip together, seeing my family, when I make good grades, when I find forgotten money in my pockets, when I'm organized, receiving snail mail, baking something that turns out great, clean house and laundry, trying new coffee creamers, not paying as much as I thought I would when I go shopping, finding bargains, a good song comes on, good hair days, I get to buy movies from Hastings, finishing a craft project...

The list goes on and on!

7. Are you the "outdoorsy" type or more "indoorsy"?
Indoorsy. No doubt about it.
I'd LIKE to be more outdoorsy, and sometimes I have to be for work, like summer camps, but if I have a choice... the AC wins. It can get HOTT here in Texas.
Now, with that said, I would like to go camping and what not just because I never have. I don't know how to swim, so that prevents me from being a "lake girl" and what not. But I plan on taking more picnics, maybe hiking, etc.

8. Would you rather have your dream home or a million dollars?
A million dollars. Well.. does this dream home include furniture? ;) Kidding. I'd still want the money. Because then I could use it on whatever I wanted, save it, buy a new home, pay bills, etc.

Thursday 5

2010-04-15T11:50:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday Five time with MannLand5! How do you play? Just post 5 things that have made you..

Happy
Giddy
Grateful
Joyful
Elated
Appreciative

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Here we go!!

1. Matt surprising me by coming home. He had to go to work early.. but he came home just for ONE NIGHT to be with me, then left this morning. That's about 9 hours round trip he made just for me. He works on a drilling rig and is 7 days on/7 off. So it was a nice surprise and will help me get through the rest of the week he's working!

2. Getting hugs from the kiddos at work always makes me feel amazing. One kid who I feel like I've worked quite a bit with has been coming to the after school program and comes straight to me and gives me a hug. It makes me feel like I'm on clouds.

3. That same kiddo and I have been working hard together on math and reading. He's doing such a great job, and I'm so stinkin' proud of him! Seeing him so motiviated to continue learning makes me feel appreciative because I know what I'm doing is impacting him in a positive way.

4. HEB's "organic" center (not sure if that's the right name) but you can go buy your own organic nuts, peanut butter, dried fruits, granola, etc., in bulk! So I made my own granola trail mix. Delicious and healthy!

5. Trying new coffee creamers. I know, it's silly, but I love trying new ones. I saw a "Limited Edition" Buttercream, and it's delicious! I have a new one in the fridge waiting for me because the Buttercream is almost all gone.

Have a great one! :)

Awesome photos

2010-04-15T11:35:00.000-05:00

I wanted to show y'all some beeeeee-utiful pictures :)

These are taken by my friend/pen-pal, Jaquelyn. We went to high school together (here in good ol' Texas), but she currently lives in Alaska to check off an item from her bucket list. I'd love to visit that place.

Doesn't she take beautiful photos? I love seeing what new photos she has on her facebook; however, it'd be nice if she updated her BLOG *cough* because she not only takes beautiful pictures, she draws beautiful pictures, and she has a beautiful way with words that lures you into her stories.

Much respect for that lady.

Also, here's another cool photo..

I saw it in the news, on msnbc.com. The capture read, "A farmer took this picture of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano shortly after its most recent eruption." The article can be read here.

Have a fantastic day!

Random ramble

2010-04-13T12:37:00.000-05:00

.. Yes, more random ramble.

My previous post may have revealed my slight stress/anxiety I am going through these days..

I've made a long checklist so I can physically see what needs to be done. Whether that's better or worse.. who knows, but I have a darn good time scratching things out! It basically just includes graduation invitations, the online teacher certification, a teacher job fair, letters of recommendation, etc...

I've noticed that sugar and wine helps. :)

What do y'all do when stressed? What are you stressed about??

Anywho...
This past weekend I went to the Poteet Strawberry Festival! Unfortunately, no pictures were taken because were too busy walking around, shopping, eating, and so on and so forth. I had a yummy strawberry margarita, wine cooler, cheesecake, turkey leg, and plenty of samples of jam! :) I came home with home made flavored pasta and raspberry jam. Mmm mmm! It tastes delicious on my home made bread. I think I also gained a few pounds, but it was well worth it.

Have a good one!

Easter

2010-04-09T11:20:00.000-05:00

I hope everybody had a fantastic Easter!!

Here are some photos of what mine looked like.

We hit a Spongebob pinata. Don't ask me why it's Spongebob and not something more Easter-y.. because I have no clue. I didn't ask questions though, I was just happy to let out some frustration! ;)

Confetti eggs.

This is my middle sister, Victoria, in the brown dress, being attacked by my father. Behind her is yours truly, being attacked as well.

And here's the "after." My dad blowin' out the confetti. What a nice father... and let me tell you how great my hair smelled. They should bottle that smell up and use it for shampoo.

And we can't forget the best part...

My home made marshmallows. This is my attempt at making them look like Peeps.

I used Alton Brown's Marshmallows. I didn't have a candy thermometer because A)I was at my dad's house and B)My last attempt ended in the toffee burning. They came out wonderful! For the bunnies, I used a little leftover flour and cornstarch so they wouldn't be sticky. For the eggs, I dabbed a damp paper towel on wherever I wanted the sugar to stick. Afterwards I piped chocolate eyes and egg decorations on 'em!

Tasty.

I left these for my family, and I stuck to eating the leftover marshmallows parts.

Fairly simple recipe. Be sure you have a standing mixer, not a handheld.

Have a good one!

songs that make me wonder..

2010-04-03T23:02:00.000-05:00

I know this isn't as Eastery as everyone elses posts...

but I drove to my home town today, which equals out to about 2 and a half hours of drive time. I listened to the satellite radio the whole way, and I heard some songs that either gave me goose bumps or made me tear up. Do any of you have songs like that? That you hear and you relate in some way, and you just think... wow.

Here are the songs I heard that gave me that emotional rush.

Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole 'IZ' 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'
(AKA Brother Iz.. incase you're like me and can't pronounce his real name)

Carrie Underwood's song Temporary Home

Matt Kennon's song The Call (this one made me tear up)

Brooks and Dunn's Cowgirls Don't Cry

Matisyahu feat. Akon singing One Day

I realize that you have to be in one of those moods to enjoy songs like this. They have good meanings behind them though.

Just thought I'd share.
Have a happy Easter, everyone!
♥

Easter cupcakes

2010-04-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

No school tomorrow = early Easter celebration!!! Yee haw! We not only had these fabulous "funfetti" cupcakes, but the children also had a chance to partake in an Easter egg hunt. Bundles o' fun.

I made these cutey patooty cupcakes, courtesy of Bakerella (read her post here).

They turned out great, and I am very happy with the result. Did the kiddos like them? I wouldn't know. They were too busy stuffing their faces to tell me. They looked at the cupcake for a nanosecond, said "ooh cool!" then devoured 'em. I think that's a good thing ;)

Here's the cupcake cluster. The bottom cakies (that's not a typo, I wanted to call them cakies) don't have the sour straw because they'd get smushed, as you can tell.

None of these guys got a photoshoot like my other baked goodies. Time was not on my side when I remembered I should take a picture or two of my latest creation.

Enjoy! I hope everyone has a happy Easter!

Cupcakes in jars?!

2010-04-01T20:16:00.000-05:00

cupcakes. in. a.... jar!

Adorable, huh? I didn't make only one jar...

But three. Count 'em. Uno, dos, tres.

Who were the lucky receivers??

My friend Emily (who also received my better than brownie cookies), and I sent two to my friend Jaquelyn.

These babies were made from scratch using this recipe for the cupcake, and that recipe for the vanilla buttercream frosting.

Mmmmm! Don't they look absolutely delectable?

I can't forget to thank Joy's Hope for the idea!! Too cute.

All I did was put one cupcake (bottom down), then piped the frosting, then another cupcake, then more frosting! Then I used scrapbook paper for the lid as well as inking the edges, and finished off with a pretty red bow.

Better wipe that drool..

or better yet. Better go to the store to buy the ingredients to make cupcakes!

What uhh..

Wh-what... happened there?

Oh yeah. The dog did it.

Have a great day! Hope y'all didn't get pranked *too* much today!

PS- I don't own a dog.

Wishful Wednesday - Easter memory

2010-03-31T19:25:00.000-05:00

'I wish' .... I could re-live one Easter memory from my childhood, and it would be the Easter that my mother hid a golden egg!

That Easter was celebrated out on the "ranch." My dad owns a ranch (no livestock or anything, just a lot of land) and I remember one year we went out there and she hid a "GOLDEN EGG." Ohhh how we all wanted that egg. She would run behind us and telling us, "Find the golden egg!" over and over. It had money in it! If I remember correctly, it was $20. My oldest sister ended up finding it because it was up in a tree, and I was mad because there was no way I would have found it because it was too high. I also remember that was when we'd all wear puffy dresses with big bows in our hair. Then we'd come back inside and eat all our candy :D

That's a good memory.

Head over to The Seattle Smith's to read what memories other bloggers would want to re-live!

Top 2 random facts about yourself

2010-03-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

Top 2 random facts about yourself

1. I. Love. Lucy.

Now.. let me elaborate.

I have a fairly extensive collection of I Love Lucy memorabilia.Mugs, books, calendars, Monopoly games (two, actually. One is still in plastic), lunch box, salt and pepper shakers, tins, puzzles, movies and DVDs out the wazoo (which includes The Lucy Show, the entire I Love Lucy series, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, and several of her movies), metal signs, Barbie dolls, post cards, a pillow, an alarm clocks, casette tapes of her entire My Favorite Husband series...

*whew*

As a child, I always got Lucy items for my birthday or Christmas. My dad would purchase and save them until a special occassion. I'll always hold a special place for Lucy in my heart. Watching her shows or being reminded of her is like a sweet flashback to my childhood.

2. Nobody believes I'm half Mexican until I speak Spanish.

I'm as white as could be, but my mother taught us, her daughters, Spanish and English. We're all fluent. It's funny showing someone that I CAN speak Spanish and helping them pick up their jaws.

Random ramble.

2010-03-28T09:14:00.000-05:00

Have you ever read the fine print that they show for like .7 of a second during a commercial? Like for mascara... they'll let you know lash inserts were added to add thickness/fullness and then they go on and talk about (in their commercial) how this certain mascara adds thickness? Um.. no. The inserts did. But thanks!

My favorite channel, Lifetime, is showing informercials. Is it too early or something for regular TV? It's .. oh.. NINE AM, not like 4 AM.

I feel like my homework or "things to do" will never ever.. EVER.. end. I'm only taking two classes this semester (that's all I needed to graduate May 15th!) and in those two classes alone, I almost want to pull my hair out.Not just a few strands... ALL of it. Online quizzes, discussion questions that include reading long chapters, essay questions, case studies.. *sigh* Then there's things like graduation invitiations, my departmental exit exam (yes, I have to take an exam to graduate), cap and gown, etc. THEN there's work.. which really isn't that stressful.. but I wonder about what to do for Easter, what crafts, what games, having an Easter egg hunt... Then there's what to do after I graduate. So far I know I'm getting my teaching certificate. Then what? Then I have two years to teach for a year to pay back my dues. Do I stay here? I don't want to. Do I move? Where? What do I do in the mean time? Look for jobs elsewhere? What pay would be high enough to get up and move? What am I willing to settle for job wise until I teach?

These are things I think about or do on a daily basis. Matt got me a lovely full day at the Spa for Valentine's Day that's good for a year. I should use that ASAP.

Thanks for reading. Hope I didn't stress you out just by reading ;)

Top 2 things I can't live WITHOUT

2010-03-22T22:10:00.004-05:00

Top 2 Tuesday -- things I can't live without!

Undomesticated Momma's Top 2's are so fun! Go on over and check out what others answered.

Here is what I pick:

My laptop. I cannot live without this thing. I keep all my pictures on my computer, my contact with friends and family via email/facebook, my beautiful BLOG, and not to mention my "Favorites" is just chalk full of things I want to make or do.

The other thing would be.. chocolate. Dark chocolate to be specific, but trust me, I won't complain if I have milk or white chocolate in my hot little hand. Ohh and I usually *crave* dark chocolate every..so..often, if you catch my drift. No particular brand/type though, but I do enjoy ferror rocher, lindt, ghirardelli, just to name a few. Not only do I devour chocolate by itself, but it's practically a staple in my baking! I cannot live without chocolate. No way. No how.

.... All this talk about chocolate makes me want some! Thank goodness for the lovely bar of German Milka sitting beside me.

A couple of things I would have posted would be my day planner, my cell phone, photographs, LOVE, but you know, I figured you'd rather hear about chocolate and get your mouth droolin'!

Hope y'all have a terrific Tuesday!

Getting to know YOU

2010-03-21T22:22:00.001-05:00

This is my first time to participate in "Getting to know YOU" from MannLand5! If you're interested in participating or just reading answers - check out the link.

1. What year did you graduate high school?
I graduated from Lampasas High School in 2006 :)

2. What part of your body do you neglect the most?
I'd say my arms. At work, I'm usually running around with the kiddos so my legs/stomach gets a decent workout. My mind is always working due to my classes.. so what's left are my arms. Poor arms. I'm sorry.

3. Beach house or Lake house?
Beach house. I like the idea of living in an inn/house like Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks. I'm sure both would be beautiful, but a beach house fascinates me. A nice, secluded, warm house with the beach as your backyard.. ahhh.

4. Mac or PC?
PC. I've never had a Mac. I've seen them like at Best Buy and what not.. but eh. They seem overrated.

5. Did you wear braces?
Negative.

6. If you could be one person for a day..living or deceased..who would you be?
Lucille Ball. She is my IDOL. I'd love to have accomplished so much just by being funny and beautiful :) I wouldn't smoke though so my voice wouldn't be raspy.

7. How many times have you moved in your life?
I moved when I was 9 from San Benito, TX to Lampasas, TX. Then I moved from Lampasas to San Angelo, TX for college. I've moved from the dorms to another dorm, to an apartment, to another apartment, to another apartment. Six times... 2 cities.

8. Would you rather cook or clean?
Clean, clean, clean. Matt is the cook of the house. He's my chef! I love that he tries new things and always does a great job; however, I'm lucky if something doesn't burn. Plus, cleaning isn't that bad.. the hard part is motivation.

Wishful Wednesday

2010-03-17T12:02:00.000-05:00

This is my first Wishful Wednesday from The Seattle Smiths! I had a flashback typing "Wednesday"... I thought of how hard it used to be for me to spell that particular day. I didn't understand why it wasn't Wensday.

Anywho....

This weeks topic:

'I wish' .... I could win the lottery REAL soon, and I would hope to ________.

**The real question is would you

1.) quit your job/career

2.) continue working

In order to answer that question, it depends on how much money I just won. If it was enough to NOT work again, then I wouldn't. If it wasn't enough to not work, I'd take a SUPER long vacation because my job really isn't *that* bad ;) Once the fun (traveling) was over and done with, I don't think I'd be very happy with myself if I just sat around all day doing absolutely nothing, so that's when I'd go back to work. part. time.

:) Now I could go on and ON about what I'd do with the money... but that wasn't the question!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! WEAR GREEN!... because I got pinched this morning.

Top 2 Tuesday -- Celeb Style

2010-03-16T14:07:00.000-05:00

Top 2 Tuesday -- Celeb Style

1. Jennifer Aniston. I LOVE Jennifer and will always love her. I love her in Friends to where I used to be able to say their script right along with the gang, and I love her in her movies. She can dress up or dress down, and she's always going to look ridiculously perfect.

2. Scarlett Johansson. She doesn't have to have short shorts or low cut shirts to be beautiful or attractive. She looks beautiful simply because she IS Scarlett Johansson. I love her oversized shades as well :) I love the overall simplicity of her outfits.

If you mosey on over to The Undomestic Momma to see who others chose as their Top 2 Celebs!

Weekend

2010-03-15T11:01:00.000-05:00

I had a fun-filled weekend. Matt's birthday was on the 9th (Tuesday) so some friends came to San Angelo to celebrate. Here are some pictures!

Here's the birthday boy on the left, and his BFF Polo. They were reeeeeally happy to see eachother.

Me posing with the birthday boy. Notice my decorations (birthday sign and balloons).

My BFF Lasca and me. Yes, we're posing in the bathroom. I got my necklace at the antique mall! :)gg

The boys. Oh wait, excuse me. MEN.

Out 'n about. Cheyenne, Polo and me.

my style background blog makeover giveaway

2010-03-08T20:20:00.001-06:00

I hope I win! How neat would that be? I'm already using one of her *freeeeeeeeeeee* backgrounds and header so it'd be awesome to have a custom header :D head on over to my style backgrounds and ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-check it out!

Wish me luck!

A surprise for a friend

2010-03-08T18:55:00.000-06:00

Here is the end result of home made toffee candy.

FAIL.

I let it get too hot... to where it burned. To where I'm surprised my smoke detector didn't go off, but I'm sure my opening a window and turning all my fans on helped. In my defense, I did buy a candy thermometer and did what the recipe said to do. Guess it just got too hot! Have no fear, for I have not given up. I am determined to make chocolate covered coffee toffee.

Then I went in a different direction and tried these, Better-than-Brownie chocolate cookies. They're super gooey and chocolatey. I would have taken picture of all of them together, but lets just say... these were the prettiest. The others didn't want to stick together and maintain its cookie shape. It's okay though! I don't mind eating a huge, ooey, gooey, sticky glob of brownie cookies.

But these four ginormous cookies were for a friend of mine as a thank you gift/gesture.

So I wrapped some up in plastic wrap.

Wrote a little thank you note, cut it out with my pretty sissors, inked the edges, pllaced them in a plastic baggie, stuffed some tissue paper inside and sealed it all with a lime green bow!

She was happy :)

... and my apartment still smells like burnt toffee.

Have a good one!
*Sarah

doodle origami

2010-03-07T11:23:00.002-06:00

I have this problem..

Really, like it's a BIG problem...

When it's the weekend, I just can't bring myself to do much of anything that's productive.

On that note, I did accomplish something this morning. I made doodle origami! I highly doubt I'm the first to do this, but I got a sheet of my origami paper and cut them in fourths, measuring approximately 3.5 inches each. I tried doodling on all four, but I guess I'm not a very good doodler, as I only liked the way two turned out.

Here's how they started out. The circles took a lot longer, but I actually really enjoyed it. It took my mind off everything, and it was quite relaxing. I like the overall effect of both of them. :) If you're bored, you're more than welcome to count the circles!!

These flapping birds are definitely ready for their close-up.

Top view

Oh... and I didn't use any particular website's instructions. I learned how to make these flapping birds years ago from a book that was given to me as a gift, but unfortunately, I can't seem to remember the title. They are basic and good for beginners, I've made these with the after school kiddos.

Feel free to think of names for these guys!

I've also been doing a bit of this...

Drinking my coffee and reading Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. I like to read the book before I see the movie (eep!), although I know the movie will be quirkier and darker than the book, but I just wanted to read it, as I haven't seen the Disney film in years. :)

*Sarah

my tuh-do.

2010-03-07T09:31:00.006-06:00

I suppose it would be smart to make a to-do list of what I want to make and create; get it all down in one place and then mark off as I go. Some will be projects I want to make, others are just thinks I need to do around the house. Some boring, some fun. The thing we call life ;)

1. ~~Homework -> study~~/~~paper(s)~~/~~online quizzes~~.

2. ~~Doodle origami (pictures up)~~

3. ~~Vacuum. Clean... in general.~~

4. ~~Bake Matt's cake (yummm!)~~

5. ~~Try to find bundt pans and candy thermometer (um.. would Wal-Mart have a candy thermometer?) for Chocolate Covered Coffee Toffee... not the bundt pan, of course, just the thermometer! :)~~

6. ~~Organize Avon paperwork and what not~~

7. ~~Clean craft room (AKA spare bedroom)~~

8. ~~Contact iTeach about my questions for teaching certificate~~

9. Toys for a special someone (it's a surprise!)

10. Reusable lunch bag set for a couple of people.

11. Reusable snack bags for meeeee.

12. Easter gifts? Look up what to make for a 9 year old. Suggestions are welcome.

13. Photoshop goodies for my blog.

14. ~~Wrap Matt's gift~~

15. Make almond milk... maybe?

16. ~~Bake something in the midst of all this. <33~~

17. ~~Smile and be happy.~~

There we go. I think that covers it. Hopefully I'll get all these things done soon. *whew* There's my attempt at organization.

previously baked goodness

2010-03-05T22:38:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to share some yummy goodies I've made in the past.

First up, florentine cookies from The Cookie Bible.

These cookies came out great if you like crunchy. I'm not particularly a huge fun of the crunch, but it was tasty with its semi-sweet chocolate inside! Next time I want to experiment with hazelnut spread, dark chocolate, caramel, and maybe some others. I'll let you guys know if I do!

Next are Matt's favorite. Raspberry. Marble. Cheesecake. Cupcakes. From Martha Stewart's Cupcakes. That book has some rad cupcakes!

These are awesome, they just take a while to make from scratch. I've also tried the same recipe with blueberries, and they came out just as scrum-diddily-umptious! No photo though. Boo.

These cheesecake pops from bakerella.com are also high up on the list. Totally to die for if you're a cheescake fan. chocolate fan. fun size fan. on a STICK fan.

These were dipped in milk chocolate, then drizzled with white chocolate, and I tried different "methods" of drizzling as well as various toppings. I used sprinkles and powdered sugar.

These were a bit more on the WhAcKy side. Dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with milk chocolate. Some have sprinkles, some aren't drizzled, one has chocolate shavings, one has marshmallows, and some have walnuts. Yummm!

"Creepy Crawlers" from Hello, Cupcake! for the kids at work. They liked them, and they're fun to look at. Not only that, they were fun to make! Also a bit time consuming because you have to pipe the chocolate and then strategically place your m&m's, but hey, it's good practice for piping.

Here they are all together. Caterpillars, spiders, ticks, and bees.

And a closeup. The book gives a template, so that made it way easy. I tried to make a dragon fly (didn't work) but I thought my bee came out cute! (bee not included in template). I think my favorite was the caterpillar. Too cute! These cupcakes totally make creepy crawly insects cute, yeah?

If anyone wants the recipe, let me know. I'll post it here.

Thanks for reading!

first post :)

2010-03-04T18:42:00.000-06:00

This is my first post - welcome! I'm not really going to introduce myself because either you know who I am already, or you just happend to stumble across my blog. If you just so happened to stumble, you could learn more about me from the Info section :D

I'm going to start off by showing some goodies I made not too long ago. I plan on making more of these babies!

Here is a sandwich wrap (tutorial =http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2008/03/homemade-sandwich-wrap.html sustainability.com/2008/03/homemade-sandwich-wrap.html ) all bundled up. Protecting my ham sandwich. Nice and cozy. Plus I feel very "go green" and that, my friends, is a good feeling. I unfortunately used to use many sandwich sized bags that would end up in the trash.

Here's my ham sandwich -naked!

So as you can see, it's essentially just two squares of fabric with food-grade plastic on the inside (which I used a big ol' ziploc bag) and then I sewed in four velcro squares and done! :D Easy peasy!

That's not all, folks...

Yep, a reusable matching sack! It kind of looks a bit sad in this picture, but it makes ME very happy!! (exclamation happy?) I got the tutorial from http://www.urbanthreads.com/pages?id=537 but I didn't use the grommet for closure, just a magnetic snap.

This isn't a great picture, but you get the idea. I used snap closures for the first time.. that was interesting. It can fit my sandwich, a small ziploc bag of grapes, my water, and some almonds! In this picture though, just an apple and my sammy. I plan on making reusable (smaller) bags with ziploc lining for my fruit and what not because I don't like wasting ziplocs.

Let me know what you think. I had fun making these guys.