Tuesday, March 30, 2010

From PDF to WORD!!

So, I always have a way of finding these great PDFs that I would love to use but I am not a fan of my own handwriting and/or I don't want to write the same thing 50 times. I am too cheap to buy anything and after much searching, I found this amazing site that will let you go from PDF to WORD!! Yippee! So, I couldn't help but share! Hope you enjoy this discovery as much as I do!

Check out The Project Girl for some great PDF downloads. She has meal planners, workout sheets, and chores charts!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Survey Fun!

I saw this over at Creating Little Pieces of Happiness and thought it was fun! 

1 - Why did you start blogging?

Well, I have family all over and I thought putting my crafts on here would be an easier way to let them see. But this blog started as a weight loss journal and I guess it still is...but usually just my way of letting of steam or sharing accomplishments.

2 - Who's the one blog friend that you would want to meet most in "real life"?
I would love to meet Becky from Infarrantly Creative! She does projects that I LOVE all the time!!

3 - Why are you always concerned with losing that "extra 10 pounds" when chances are your husband/boyfriend/friends tell you that you look just fine the way you are?
I have more than 10 lbs to loose, more like 50 so those 10 pounds are just a starting place. My hubby loves me right now and he will love me the same when I am 50 lbs lighter. But, it is more about being healthy than looking fine.

4 - What's the one thing you wish guys could understand about you?
My husband understands me more than I do some days so I have no complaints.

5 - Tattoos. How many do you have and how many are visible when you wear your "everyday" clothes?
Um, I am afraid of needles, so no tattoos. But, I have thought about getting one...

6 - What was the best year of your life and why?
Well, I would have to say that the last 5 years have been the best. I am so lucky to have a husband who is amazing! I would leave out 2008 though, that is the year I lost my dad. But I guess I grew a lot in my relationship with God over that time.

7 - Name three things you would do if you were a man for one day.
Um, I would say that I would probably spend the whole day rearranging the furniture! Other than their sheer brute, I love being a woman!

8 - What's your alcoholic drink of choice that usually raises a few eyebrows?

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Barbecue Chicken!! Yummmmmy

So, I thought I would share with you my first attempt at baking chicken. See, I can bake/cook any dessert you throw my way but when it comes to meat, I'm chicken (no pun intended). So, I decided to step it up and show you it can be done and taste ohhh soooo goood! *Sigh* Why didn't I do this sooner?!

I started out with my favorite chicken from Harps/Price Cutter. It is their Smart Chicken...no solution! Anywhoo, it makes for very juicy chicken! MMMM!
In order to save myself some clean up I covered my pan with aluminum foil and after reading somewhere to put the chicken on a cookie cooling rack (to make skin crispy/not sit in the juice) I thought it was a good idea.
Next, I pulled the skin down on the chicken and put some Seasoning Salt on them to add some flavor. You could add whatever you like. Then I pulled the skins back up. They create a nice little jacket to keep the moisture in.

I then baked them at 350F for 45 minutes. I turned them over a little over halfway through. Then when the 45 minutes was up, I pulled them out, pulled the skins off and basted with KC Masterpiece (MMM)! Then put back in the oven for about 5 minutes or so.

I meant to take a "pretty plated" picture but we were starving hungry. I also cooked a baked potato while I was cooking the chicken. It wasn't quite done so I nuked it for about 3 minutes and it was good to go. Oh, if you like my Pot Grabber Thingy, I have a link to make one here. I need to sew another one...I have the material cut out and all but hate sewing with bias tape :(
So, if you try this out let me know :) Don't be chicken anymore, I'm not!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Spring Break is OVER!



It is kinda sad, spring break is over and long gone. I have been busy and a little stressed so I haven't blogged until now.
I was able to finally get all of the pieces for the diaper bag cut out and interfaced. I will be sewing them tonight. The rest of my spring break was nice and productive! Our mini-vacay was really nice! We enjoyed the time together! I feel blessed that we were even able to take such a nice trip. God is so good!
This week is crazy! I feel like I haven't caught up from being gone and that drives me crazy. Monday night I did do about 20 minutes of Jillian Michael's No More Trouble Zones... I'm still sore today! I am still having to baby the ankle that I rolled several weeks ago! It makes me mad that the ankle bothers me enough that I can't get on the treadmill. But in time I'm sure it will be better.
This week I am out of school Friday so I have some big goals set! I have a bunch of projects I want/need to get done! Wish me luck!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Spring Break Day 5 & 6 (so far)

Tuesday: I was able to clean the house up again, or maintain it at least. I made arrangements to drop off my old sewing machine to be delivered to its new owner. I got all of the stuff together for donations. Load the car, and went to my sisters house to get more stuff to drop off at the Good Will. I was able to drop off the sewing machine and drop off the donations then I went to Home Depot to get ((((more)))) cement for my sidewalk. The hubs has done such a great job and the sidewalk...I know he will be so glad for it to be done though. When I told the cashier I needed 6 bags of 80lb concrete, you would have thought I told her I need one of everything in the store...geeze. Then the lady that loaded my concrete was like that is almost 500lbs! We have had like 10 bags in there before...so what? Everyone underestimates the abilities of the Jeep Liberty! But I know its powers...and it did just fine.
Next I went to get my oil changed since is was 3000 miles over due...yes 6000 miles since the last oil change...oops! As I am waiting the hubs calls to say he ran out of gas. So, I get done in town and go pick him up of the side of the road...lol. When I finally got home, I cooked dinner, and worked on my own little sewing project for myself. A new ironing board cover!
Wednesday: Finished the ironing board cover. And blogged....finished laundry. Now, I need to go to see my sister and my adorable niece and nephew.
I know he can't wait for me to get there so we can play chase around the house ;-)

Ironing Board Cover

I was sick of the gross green ironing board cover and since I was about to iron out a bunch of fabric to make the two diaper bags I need to make, I decided I would do something I wanted to do. You see, seldom do I actually make items for myself! So, I thought during my spring break I would actually make something for me...unique idea huh!

So, I brought home some bulletin board paper and traced the ironing board on the paper with a good ol' Crayola marker.
Then I took my trusty ruler and marked 2 1/2 inches from my initial line. Then I connected the lines to make my pattern. I cut out the pattern on the brown line and then traced the pattern to the back of my fabric and cut it out.
I turned the edges under and sewed them and then laced elastic through the opening and tied the ends after cinching them together to make it tight on the ironing board. Really easier than I thought it would be. And I did just put the new cover over the old cover since it had the "normal" ironing board cover parts to it like the heat protectant layer stuff. I'm great with technical words ;)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Spring Break: Day 4

Monday: I did all of my housework (except vacuuming, sweeping, and moping)! Oh and one load of laundry to fold this morning. Not bad though!
I went through my closet and dresser. I have two trash bags of clothes and a box full of shoes to give to Good Will. Then the hubs went through his closet and I got another bag full of his stuff. Wishing I had a project for old Tshirts because I have a bazillion of them. Oh well, Good Will here I come today.
I worked on my wreath yesterday. It is 3/4 of the way done... but I have to cut more fabric. :(
I did my grocery shopping and remained within budget! I was also able to save $6.10 with coupons!!
While I was cleaning out the closets, I was able to do some serious purging! I got rid of a few items that used to have sentimental value I never thought I would get rid of them. But I am glad that I am getting rid of stuff too.
Another BIG accomplishment was cleaning all the paperwork off of my desk! I know the after picture doesn't show you what I accomplished but it is clean now!!
Those are the new picture frames from my shopping trip Saturday!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Making Friends Monday

I stumbled upon this... Making Friends Monday! I am looking forward to meeting some great new friends!

I am.... Short Fun Sized :)

I think.... this is fun!

I should... be getting my patterns ready for the diaper bag I need to sew tomorrow.

I dream.... about having my own kids one day...

I want.... it to be Friday, so I can go on our weekend vacation!

I know... how to sew.

I don't like.... green peas.

I smell... how clean my house is! I *heart* Febreeze candles (that I bought with a coupon)

I hear.... Cool Running's...yes the old Jamaican Bobsled movie ;)

I fear.... falling

I usually... procrastinate

I search... for that one thing that I know was supposed to be where I thought it was.

I miss.... my dad, he passed away a year and half ago. It is crazy how you think of someone you miss at such random times.

I always... play my music LOUD!

I regret.... not doing better in high school, it would have made college so much easier!

I wonder.... what my kids will look like.

I crave.... uh anything that is sugar and/or carbs! (I'm dieting changing my lifestyle!)

I remember... how excited I was when I saw my husband when I started walking down the isle the day of our wedding!

I need..... to not spend so much time on the computer.

I forget.... um, I don't remember...lol

I feel.... grateful that I have a Savior who died for me that I may live.

I can.... change my habits.

I can't.... forget where I came from and how it has made me stronger.

I am happy.... sitting next to the love of my life.

I lose..... my keys and phone all the time.

I sing.... only when no one is around.

I listen... very carefully.

I shop..... clearance!

I eat.... :)

I love..... being in the moment.

Spring Break: Day 2 & 3

Saturday: I was able to get the kids back to their respective owners. Then I kidnapped two of them for shopping mules while I was out. They were my second and third opinions which is nice...I don't really care to shop by myself most times unless I am really in a hurry. I was able to get some new frames for my living room : ) Soo cute! (and cheap) Then I was able to get a set of memo pads for $3! There is a to do, to remember, to get and to buy memo pad! I heart these : ) and TJ Maxx.
I was able to get towels at Kohls for $6 each...they are big and red and match my bathroom! Oh and sooo soft!
I also purchased a wreath to make the fabric wreath. OH and I almost forgot... 2 new pilates dvds!! Here is one of them... and the other one is Pilates Core Challenge. They came as a set!
Sunday was a lazy Sunday but I did start on my wreath :) Pictures soon!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Spring Wreath

I am getting ready to finally start on my spring wreath. After searching, searching, searching....googling, blogging, and thinking, I finally decided. I will post pictures once it is done.

Cost: $4.44 for the wreath ( I already have everything else.)

Supplies: styrofoam wreath, Elmer's glue, pencil, about 3/4 yards of fabric cut into 2X2 inch squares, a little ribbon to hang wreath and a few straight pins

Source: I found the idea at Little Birdie Secrets but it is very similar to the heart wreath I did as well.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Spring Break: Day 1

Day One of spring break was definitely not dull... I did accomplish several things!
  • Bible Study
  • Dishes
  • Vacuum
  • Clutter
  • Rearranged plates, crosses, and clocks in the kitchen... There will be a post on the clock once I finish it! But apparently the weather needs to be warmer...before I can spray paint!
  • Oh and I climbed on chairs, counters and sinks to rearrange the top (display part) of my cabinets! Good times, thanking God I didn't fall. 
  • Made the wonderful Banana Bread in a Crock Pot from Smashed Peas and Carrots! It was good.
  • Cleaned my oven with the "Self Clean" button for the 1st time ever. (thanks Sarah...and it is all your fault that my house stunk...) 
  • Went to the bank like I needed to
  • Picked up Girls for our sleepover
  • Made homemade Chicken Alfredo using this website.
On a different note, my ankle that I twisted/rolled last Sunday is KILLING me tonight! I know, climbing everywhere may not have been the best idea...so trying to keep it up and rested. Can't have a bum ankle all week!
Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Spring Break Here We Come!!!

I cannot begin to explain how excited I am that in 3.5 hours I will be out of school for 10 days...yes read that again 10 days! (I am counting weekends-it sounds better saying 10 than 6)
This weekend I am having a sleepover for my girls I teach a bible study to. Six girls ranging from 6th grade to sophomores in high school. Yes I am crazy excited!! I can't wait though, it will be fun. We will play Quelf- my new favorite board game. (Thanks, Sarah) I am making home made chicken alfredo! Did I mention that Friday night it cheat night? Not gorge night, don't think about it night...
Well, as far as my journey goes, this week has been a little um crazy. I haven't made it to be before 10:00pm! I don't like that because then my morning routine suffers. And of course my exercise does as well. But I am going to be off this week so NO excuses!! I am so ready.
I am going to plan my days for next week. I don't want to regret having a week off and not accomplishing anything. I am praying for God's strength because a few of my strongholds are definitely procrastination, laziness, and being able to get distracted. But, with God's help and my determination...this isn't gonna happen this time!!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Adorable Blanket

This is the blanket I made for my niece, I mean my little sister. Momma will use it more ;)

The front is flannel and the back is Minkee Dot!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Check out my Makeover!


Makeover

Does it look a little different around here? Well, we had a little work done.
I have to thank Mrs. Muffins for her amazing PATIENCE! And design talents as well! She has been great with making over my blogs....Now they are linked together.So, enjoy! I know I am!
While you are here...grab a button...or both...whatever makes you happy!