Fun with Chalkboard paint

I have been wanting to fill this "dead space" that is sort of like an entryway to the laundry room for a while now. When Allison was little, we hung her manner chart there. I liked the fact that something useful hung there, and wanted to replace it with something useful. It finally occured to me to paint a chalkboard where we can write Allison's Bible memory verse each week after Sunday School.

For a few weeks I contemplated what color the chalkboard should be. I wanted to incorporate a robin's egg blue into our kitchen, but thought a blackboard would look better. Hmmm... I was all set with painter's tape and a level, when I had an idea... I decided to incorporate both colors, as well as our "dog room" that it was leading into!

I had wanted to make my own chalkboard paint since Martha's recipe was very simple, but I could only find a large pack of unsanded grout that made it more expensive than simply buying it from Home Depot. So, that's what I did! And, after 2 hours, it was done!

Spring Day

Look what we found on our apricot tree, today! Can you believe it's that time of year, already? We were so excited, we spent the entire morning blowing bubbles, squirting squirt bottles, and working on the garden! (Of course, I came in and played with the photos on Picnik!) I absolutely love this time of year... the weather, the smells, the occasional cozy rainy days! And, of course, watching more blossoms pop up and soon transform into my favorite summer fruit; tree-ripened apricots! The only part I'm not so fond of is all the weeds popping up. But, I must say that weeding while my girls help me dig and squirt water into mud puddles isn't half so bad!

Fun with Pictures!

As I've mentioned before, we recently switched from a pc to a Mac. This was mostly because of the fun stuff you are able to do with pictures and videos. Of course, I haven't played with the "fun stuff" too much, yet, because I am still figuring everything else out. My husband, on the other hand, played with video editing this past weekend, and discovered some cool tools! I'll have to show you what he can do!

I did, however, discover a super fun website where you can do fun effects with your pictures for free! I've literally only played with this for about 10 minutes, but above is just a small sample of what you can do! Isn't it cool? I can't wait to play some more. The website is called picnik. I know you'll want to check this one out! So, go check it out, then come back and show me the fun stuff you did!

Spring Flowers

Aren't these sweet? And SO easy! Next Tuesday is "Circle Day" for our little home preschool. I'll have to incorporate these!

The rain is gone!

Ok, so my picture doesn't do it justice. But, in the last few days of rain we've had 2 identical rainbows! This is the one from the first day! It was awesome! (Like my attempt at getting the whole arc?) Unfortunately, Natalie was also sick, and now Allison hs joined her. So, other than videos we played video games! (Let's just say it was SO nice to get out to the park again, today!) Anyway, here is a fun website for your preschooler to check out for video games!

Spring Birdies!

Well, Valentine's is officially over... but we haven't put it away, yet! I think I'll give it another week before pulling out my spring/ Easter bins. But, look at these adorable birds from Family Fun! They are super easy, too! Allison and I just may have to make these on the next rainy day. Click here for instructions!

Lovely Necklaces!

I have SUCH talented friends! I got not one, but 2 handmade necklaces! The first was a gift from my Mom... (Thanks SO much, Mom!) But, it was made by my friend, Kim. Isn't she talented? Daniel was in on it, as well.... he sent the pictures to my friend. The fun part is, it's reversible! The one side has me and my hubby, while the other has my sweet girls! If you want one, too, let me know and I'll give you her contact information... I've had her make them for a few friends now, and she is really good!

Here is the second necklace, made by my friend Glory. I love the colors and style! Isn't it beautiful?

Birthday Fun

What a wonderful Disneyland birthday I had! Despite the earlier rain forecast, we had beautiful blue skies!!! My dear friends and family, thank you for all the phone calls, e-mails, cards, and gifts! I felt truly blessed!! I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

Where does she get that goofy smile?

Oh...

And, here is my gorgeous, yummy Asian birthday cake. Thank you, Love!

Flowers and Chocolate

See that box of chocolates? They're not just any chocolates... they are Joseph Schmidt truffles; my favorite! And, they came in the mail yesterday. My sweet husband, who is working until tomorrow, said I was allowed to open them early. (Like I could wait!) So, what makes them extra special? Two things:

1. We served Joseph Schmidt chocolates at our wedding, so they have great sentimental value.
2. You know how my husband feels about traditions... I thought my special box last year was awesome, but I didn't expect to see another one for a long time, if EVER! Now I have a "collection!" (I had to save last year's box, because they are handmade, and beautiful!)

So, thank you, honey!!! Tomorrow we are off to Disneyland to take advantage of my free birthday ticket. Happy Valentine's Day!!

Blogoversary

Ok, my friends... you already know that Inspiring Ideas is my most favorite blog, ever! Pretty much everybody should read her blog because it is just as it says... inspiring! I have blogged about her before, and her awesome prints adorn my home! To celebrate her one year anniversary, Jeanne is hosting a giveaway that is HUGE! You could win all sorts of fun stuff from her amazing collection. I hope I win, but since there are many prizes and many winners, I hope you win, too! Check her out here! (Or click on one of her buttons on my sidebar!)

Sisterly Love

The LOVE holiday is coming up, so I thought I'd share a few recent pictures of sisterly love. Side note: I have a cute picture of the girls framed in a Valentine's frame, and whenever Natalie sees it, she points to it and says, "Allison best friend!" Melts my heart!

Decorating Fun

What's my style? Well, obviously Ikea... if that is a style? Almost every major piece of furniture we own is from there! But, specifically what is my "Ikea style?" I found this cute little test from Ikea to determine my style. I thought it was fun. Apparently I am Modern Zen. What are you? Check it out and let me know!!

Thanks, Karen!

Oh, how I love good deals! My friend Karen called on Sunday with "exciting news." (No, she wasn't pregnant, though that was my first thought!) She told me about a one weekend only Croc warehouse sale. She said she bought 11 pairs, and I thought that was crazy. A few hours later I came home with 7... almost everything was only $5!!! I bought my husband the cool plaid flip flops, only to find out he wants Crocs, too! Bummer... perhaps next time! My favorite are the orange ones. What a deal!

Only in So Cal!

Today was another preschool field trip day, which was suppose to be to the tidepools. (Apparently January and February are the best months to go!) However, we woke up to this...

...gorgeous blue skies and white mountains. So, what did we do? We decided to head up to the mountains, instead! What an awesome decision that was! First, we met at Starbucks for some hot chocolate. Forty minutes later, we were climbing our mini hill, sledding down, and pouncing through the snow.

I think Triscuit had the best time! He ran so hard, and chased us up and down, as well as chasing several thrown snowballs. Lucky dog!

Here is our fun little spot! Much to my dismay, my camera battery died right after this shot was taken, so you don't get to see our snow turtle sculpture, snow angels, and rides down the hill as well as other adorable snow kid shots... maybe next time!

And, look what my sweet friend brought for dessert... some birthday brownies! (They are YUMMY!)

baking banana bread...

What should one do one a cold rainy day? Why, bake banana bread, of course! (Oh, and throw in some chocolate chips, as well!) I happen to have a very yummy recipe that is very different from the traditional recipe. Before I had the internet, I had just one cookbook with a recipe for banana bread. It was from a "healthy" cookbook, and I was missing some ingredients, so I just substituted a few things, and loved how it turned out. Let me share it with you!

Cara's Banana Bread:

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup oatmeal

1/3 cup nuts (optional!!)

about 2 medium bananas mashed

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup oil (I use EV Olive oil!)
2 eggs

1 Tbsp lemon juice

Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, and wet ingredients in the other. Combine, then add mini chocolate chips. Bake in a greased loaf pan for 50 minutes at 350.

It is finished!

Aaahhh... it is finished! And, it was awesome! God has blessed me with some incredible women through MOPS! I couldn't have done it without the help of my awesome husband. I am SO blessed! I'll spare the commentary... here are just a few pictures of our fun night!

Getting There...

Did I mention I'm having close to 30 women over for fondue on Friday?  It's our annual MOPS leaders' dinner, which didn't happen in December, so we made it a Valentine theme!  I am so excited, and busy getting ready.  I found these awesome heart favors, (from Martha Stewart of course), and had to give them a try.  They are super easy!  (Just time-consuming to make 30!)  Click here for the tutorial!

I'm also excited to use this fun tree my mom got me from Crate and Barrel after Christmas at their sale.  At first I thought I'd have to wait until next Christmas to display it, but now I'm having visions of hanging eggs, stars and stripes, fall leaves, and bats and goblins!  It could be my "Every holiday tree."  Thanks, Mom!

Drumroll please....

Look, look, look!  My wonderful, sweet, awesome husband blessed me with an early birthday present; pendant lights!  Beautiful red glass ones!  I feel like the luckiest girl ever!  I have wanted these for about a year now, and we finally found a great deal online.  I'm sitting in the kitchen right now with them just dimly lit.  The picture doesn't so them justice.... Come over for a cup of coffee and some cookies and we can enjoy them together!

Yummy easy recipe

Happy Superbowl Day!    GO (Ummm... who's playing, again?)  No, it hasn't been our year for football.  But, we will certainly enjoy today with our friends!  By now I'm sure your menu is set, but in case it isn't... here is something to try!  I made this up trying to remember what my friend R did when we visited her in Wisconsin.  I'm sure it isn't quite the same as her recipe, but it turned out great and we sure enjoyed it.  What should I call it?

Cara's tortelloni crockpot!  

Dump the following into a crockpot:

1 pkg frozen tortelloni

2 cups frozen corn

1 1/2 jars spaghetti sauce  (I had 1/2 jar already open in the fridge, which is why I did 1 1/2) 

about 20 meatballs (I used the frozen Aidell's from Costco, but you can make your own, too!)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can chicken broth  (again, I had  almost a full can in my fridge from the night before, so  I thought I'd throw it in!)

I cooked this all on low for about 4 hours.  Then I added about 5 oz monterey jack cheese, and some parmesan cheese at the end. I stirred it and let it cook another 5 minutes, then served it with some french bread.  If you actually plan out your meals, you could probably throw in some zucchini so your kids get a veggie.... we were just using up what we had!  Let me know what you think!

A and G

Allison and her grandma have a very special relationship.  Even 400 miles apart, Grandma can "babysit" by talking to Allison on the phone for up to an hour!  Anyway, Grandma is coming on Thursday, so Allison is pretty excited.  Here they are decorating heart pizzas last Valentine's Day.  Since I definitely decided to do something new for Valentine's breakfast, I think I'll have to stick with heart pizzas for a traditional Valentine's dinner.  We can't wait to see you, Grandma!