The Little Details...

Strutting the Bump

2011-11-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

I have to admit. I love being pregnant. I watch and am amazed at the growing belly bump. I don't mind the heart burn, backache, weight gain and disappearing belly button. Because in the end the reward priceless.

2011-11-09T08:38:00.001-08:00

I've got a lot of catching up to do! Let's start here. My precious belly bump growing and growing.

Doesn't hurt to try.

2011-11-09T08:16:00.001-08:00

I've never won anything online. I've attempted a few times, but have never been lucky enough to win anything. I'm going to try again today...I want to win this. I'm feeling a little lucky! We'll see... If I win I'll be sewing cloth diapers for my little man.
If you are feeling lucky and want to try visit Chana's blog... Adventures in Fluff.

Whooo wants to craft?

2011-09-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

H & I getting our craft on...inspired by this.

2011-09-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

My sewing machine has been super busy lately.
Up-cycled T-shirt winged prefold. Tutorial here.Wetbag for the dirty diapers. Tutorial here. Flannel one sided and two sided baby wipes. Tutorial here.

Don't call me crunchy...

2011-08-11T19:04:00.001-07:00

I ran to the store last week to pick up my favorite granola. I looked at the price and was shocked to see it had doubled since the last time I picked it up. $5.79 is highway robbery for some healthy topping for my Greek yogurt. What to do to avoid the steep price? Make my own. So instead of one box of over priced granola I went home with $3.29 worth of ingredients. It's not as difficult as I thought. Infact it's quite simple and I was able to fill 3 jars. Now I'll always make it home made. Ohhh and all the different varieties to make. This first batch was apricot, almond, pumpkin seed. Next time I think I'll try cranberry, almond or apple, cinnamon.

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2011-07-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Went in for the 20 week ultrasound last Tuesday. All is well and the little one is growing nicely. Many of you know the McCoy house is split, 3 members of this family want to know the baby's gender. I am the odd "mom" out and can totally wait the next 20 or so weeks till the baby's birth to be surprised.

I allowed the technician to place a picture of the baby's "special parts" in a sealed envelope. Hubby really wants to know! So only he will know...he's really good about keeping secrets. So..that was the origianl plan! But that was not acceptable to our kids. They were so upset! They were tortured with the fact that dad will know...but no one else will. They've pleaded with me to give in and find out....

So... I have given in. After all we are Ohana...and no one get's left behind. We do things together.

After dinner tonight we cut into the cake.

It's a boy!

2011-07-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! 19 weeks have come and gone... Wow!! Time flies. This is a shout out to all of our baby bump fans.

2011-06-10T05:26:00.000-07:00

It's officially summer vacation for the kids. Here's our "Summer Do" list. Let's see how quickly this McCoy Family can check these items off the list.

1. Spend a day at Disneyland.2. Pick blueberries at the local farm.

3. Make home made ice cream.

4. Make home made Popsicles.

5. Swap the kids rooms and decorate a nursery.
6. Go to the waterpark.

7. Go camping.

8. Make a backyard bonfire and make some s'mores.

9. Go to the lake.

10. Make rainbow snow cones.

2011-06-06T14:06:00.001-07:00

The baby bump is growing and the first trimester is officially behind me. Yay...project baby underway!
Early on....a friend asked me...Are you going to use cloth diapers? Right away, not a second to spare, my answer was NO. I had used disposable diapers with the first two children. I didn't know the difference...why change a process that worked before? In my job, I'm pretty much tasked to research on a regular basis. I thought...wow, that really was not a fair answer with out the proper research.
Oh boy... interesting research it was. I viewed over 50 videos on YouTube (amazing what you find) on every subject related to cloth diapers and read all the Q&A sections of cloth diaper manufacturers websites.
When cloth diapers come to mind I think safety pins and plastic diapers covers. Boy was I wrong! It doesn't look complicated at all. No pins or plastic pants, only microfiber & other modern fabrics, absorbant padding, velco tabs or snaps. As diapers go, cloth diapers are cute. My washing machine runs everyday and I know baby laundry is inevitable. Yah, we can do this.
So we're going to try it...cloth diapers! I was remiss in answering the question the first time around. Yes...I will be using cloth diapers. So here's my first stash, BumGenius AIO, in universal colors since we don't have any idea what sex baby is. I'm keeping my eye out for deals and resales.

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2011-05-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

The pictures of H's lunches have stopped. The reason?! I got TOLD. She's one independent gal. Yes, I'm sure she gained that trait from me. So...I have stepped aside and she's in charge of making her own lunch now. Another piece of my apron strap has been snipped.

2011-05-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

I'm so blessed to be the mother of a son and daughter. It really isn't necessary to take advantage of modern technology and confirm the sex of baby number 3? Really? I am strong and patient. I can just imagine the surprise on his or her birthday to have the final reveal... the doctor announcing, "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!" All I really really wish for is healthy and happy newborn child, it doesn't matter if he or she is a he or she. Right? There are so many of you out there who are telling me I need to find out.... I need to be prepared... I need to know what to expect, so I can be organized for this new bundle. There are also so many of you I'd love to hear from...I'm looking for your opinion. Wait or NOT to wait? What is your answer?Is it really so awful to decorate and shop for neutral colors only? Do I really need to follow the trend of "pink means girl and blue means boy"?

2011-05-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

Last month, one of my posts was really a complaint about my developing muffin top despite all my sweaty time at the gym. I couldn't figure it out and joked it was due to my love of cupcakes. Surprise! Cupcakes are not to blame! Turns out muffin top isn't quite right either... but a "bun" in the oven.

This is the bun's first ultrasound picture taken at 7 weeks. Expected debut December 12, 2011.

2011-05-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry to you all. It's been 4 weeks since my last post. Shame on me...especially after my promise to post 1/365. I admit that was one huge promise! In the beginning it was fun I had saved up enough photos and ideas to post and it was quite easy to hold the promise. I am always up for a challenge. Right?! Wrong! After four months it became (I hate to admit) a chore. So, going forward, I'll need to approach this blog differently. This is a fun and creative release that I surely enjoy. Hopefully you do too. So, I plan to continue but not with the huge pressure I originally placed on myself. I'll post when the passion hits me. I'll post when the blog juice is flowing. I'll post when the time is right for me... because I want to, not because I have to. Do what makes you happy...right?! Right!

2011-04-16T10:41:00.001-07:00

..What is it, about this sleeping face that melts my heart?

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2011-04-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

I've been working really hard with the gym schedule...making time daily to get in shape. But my love affair with cupcakes is not helping my efforts to eliminate my muffin top!! Grrrah! It

is true what you hear....the older you get the harder it is to loose the weight. Oh well...I'll keep working at it... getting in toned shape. In the mean time maybe no calorie cupcakes are the answer? Look at these fingernails. There's even a tutorial...

2011-04-13T17:33:00.001-07:00

H dished up the yummy peanut butter brownie.

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2011-04-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Look at these cool things....

So many creative tools to play, use and have fun with.

2011-04-11T15:24:00.001-07:00

D suggested we light up the grill for dinner! Ka-bobs! H & I baked up some peanut butter brownies with a pretzel garish...for a salty sweet thing. Family dinners are moments to cherish. Yummy!

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2011-04-10T11:39:00.001-07:00

2011-04-09T19:53:00.001-07:00

Trying to control the balloons on the way to the cosmic bowling birthday party.

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2011-04-08T13:25:00.001-07:00

Look what's sprouting up. It is so exciting.

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2011-04-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

The McCoy boys at bat...

2011-04-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

Do you have a "project" folder saved under your favorites tab? I do... This is one page I saved in my "project" folder. This is the final product... Altered a bit because I used a different mold. In the end the project served the same purpose...some fun time with H and some treats for the tweets.

2011-04-05T16:39:00.001-07:00

2011-04-04T12:49:00.001-07:00

These photos are from last month...the girls hanging out together and sharing some yumminess.

2011-04-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

Being a girl of the 80's I am a huge hello kitty fan. I was crazy for anything with her cute kitty face. As it turns out with the help of Google...I still am crazy for her cute face and in food format....come on! So luvin' her!

2011-04-02T21:40:00.001-07:00

Box update...Always pack yummy left overs...like Lola's lasagna.

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2011-04-01T07:12:00.001-07:00

April Fools Day lunch box...faux sushi, peas and carrots. Get more fun food tricks here.

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2011-03-31T12:07:00.001-07:00

"Lunch with your love one", the book fair and the after school snack.

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2011-03-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

So with all this digging in the dirt from gardening H found a bunch and I mean a bunch... of Red Wiggly Worms. She doesn't mind touching them as they squirm in her fingers. I was surprised she wasn't squealing from disgust. Then I realized she always goes fishing with D and they use worms as bait. Oh, yah... No wonder she wasn't grossing out like I was. I tell her..."Wow, you can collect a whole bunch of worms from the garden and go fishing." Then I remember I've always wanted to compost but thought it was just too much work, not to mention a little gross. So I thought small scale and figured H could make a worm farm. Since she didn't mind handling the worms, she could construct the whole farm herself. And... she has been asking for a new pet. Lolo provided the plastic container, yah recycl! He also helped H assemble the worm farm. They layered paper shreds, worms with kitchen and yard scraps. A whole lotta fun for a whole lot of FREE! I guess a little dirt doesn't hurt.

2011-03-29T09:31:00.001-07:00

Meet..Roseggla...she likes her red lipstick.

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2011-03-28T14:47:00.001-07:00

H & D always have a summer garden. This year is no different and they spent most of their Sunday morning picking out herbs and vegetables at the garden center. Then the rest of the day was spent planting. The larger veggies were placed in the raised garden, on the side of the house. Most of the herbs went into pots. You'll notice that H also set up a little resting spot in one of the pots, the "fairy garden", she calls it. Some herb seedlings are getting started in a recycled egg carton too. Hope they take root. Can't wait for all the yummy food to cook & bake!

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2011-03-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

I found these images on Google...so cute! Yummy inspiration! Let's make them...

2011-03-26T16:53:00.001-07:00

Last week I helped one of my besties wrap wontons for her family. She's a good mommy and she prepares homemade food for the weekend swim competition events. With 4 girls, 3 of which compete there is no time to rest between the different events and times, let alone make sure the whole family is feed. Especially since most events occur in other cities. So...she chooses to slave in the kitchen the day prior. I shouldn't choose the word slave because really...it's chaotic crazy fun in the kitchen. She was running behind schedule so I volunteered to help with the wontons. I'm not bragging but I'm a speed wonton wrapper. With all the wonton wrapping... H was craving wontons too. So we got busy and made wontons for our family. Cool thing is that same afternoon, Lolo brought over some homemade fried rice and chicken adobo that Lola had cooked up. It was a pretty awesome dinner!

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2011-03-25T12:20:00.001-07:00

Box update...got so cute with the hard boiled egg friend...her name is Chickee..

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2011-03-24T06:47:00.001-07:00

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2011-03-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

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2011-03-22T16:50:00.001-07:00

Here's a super mom secret...make a huge batch of french toast waffles in your waffle maker. Use your favorite french toast recipe... we like to add vanilla & cinnamon. Use up the bread your family enjoys...I had a loaf of whole wheat in the pantry. Which reminds me...I saw some blueberry strudel bread at Wal-Mart. I should have bought that loaf. Oopps...back to the waffles...Cool the waffles and freeze on a cookie sheet. Once they are frozen the waffles can be stored in bags and kept frozen until you're ready to eat. On those crazy mornings...you'll know the family can have a home made breakfast in the time it takes to warm the waffles. Don't forget to add your favorite toppings.

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2011-03-21T19:18:00.001-07:00

Mantle change up...Hang some big plastic eggs with some ribbon. Get a jar and fill it with grass and smaller plastic eggs. I was bad and didn't jot down where I found the Easter subway art. Sorry...I tried to retrace my steps but...no luck. Luckily there are so many fun and free print ables. Go here for another print. Go here for the banner. I found the colored glass vases at yard sale.

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2011-03-20T12:52:00.001-07:00

After...

Here is the recipe I followed to make the fruit roll ups. Imagine all the fruit flavors that are coming into season...peach, blueberry, plum...yum-O

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2011-03-19T13:07:00.001-07:00

Before...

Yummy strawberries...what to do...what to make?!

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2011-03-18T09:38:00.001-07:00

Working on a new blanket for a baby girl... lovely colors! Lunch boxes to finish out the week.

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2011-03-17T12:18:00.001-07:00

Happy packing for St. Patrick's Day.

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2011-03-16T11:42:00.001-07:00

I stumbled across this... while searching for something fun the little baker and I could whip up.

Totally fun...totally easy...with ingredients already in the pantry.

The lucky four leaf clover.

We even had some yogurt covered pretzels in the pantry.

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2011-03-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Tackle box switch-a-roo...

2011-03-14T16:49:00.001-07:00

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2011-03-13T15:35:00.001-07:00

She's stylin'... wearing a hand crocheted shrug.

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2011-03-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

It was a week of happy packing...cheers for a happy weekend!

2011-03-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend...H and I competed in our own cupcake wars. She challenged me to a duel of flavors after watching a DVR'ed recording of DC cupcakes. An episode where the sisters did a cupcake bake-off. As we sat on the couch and the credits were rolling on the screen, H turned to me and said, "I can make a better cupcake than you." My eyes widened and I replied, "Hah !" So the baking began in the McCoy kitchen.

H chose a chocolate caramel flavor with a marshmallow cream topping. She was sly and melted some caramel, cored the center of the cupcake and poured the gooey liquid into the cups.

I decided to go with a chocolate mint cupcake with milk chocolate frosting because I had just picked up 3 boxes of Girl Scout mint chip cookies from my bestie.The judges of our bake off were our neighbors. They live down the street and are a family 5. It was a battle and the little baker won! Congratulations to H and her chocolate caramel cupcake. She was beyond ecstatic to hear the results. Turns out the caramel center was the kicker!

Such great fun and joy to play with H and get the neighborhood involved.

2011-03-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

As promised a peek at the finished blanket. The coloring is off because of poor lighting and using the Driod vs. the Nikon. I think I snapped this pix at 11:30 p.m. the minute it was finished (first I did a happy dance, to celebrate it's completion, then I pulled the Droid out).

Before Blaiden Orion...

After Blaiden Orion...The coloring is true in this pix and the bug gave me a grin.

2011-03-09T07:07:00.001-08:00

If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough. ~Oprah

Lunch box update and the menu board.

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2011-03-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad McCoy DIY'ed their kitchen. In the process they got rid of a few do-dads. H has always had her eye on this menu chalkboard. Since the little "Chubby Chef" isn't quite our style. I made some slight alterations.
Ta'dah...I sanded the edges and inserted white card stock into the frames. It's proudly hung in our kitchen with some tulle and ribbon.

2011-03-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Monday morning quote & challenge:

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.~Grandma Moses

2011-03-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

I am not a certified expert on flavors...but I do know what I like and I was quite taken by Casey's lavender cupcake. Overall at first glance the cupcake was beautiful and elegant. Just how Casey described it...inspired by Grace Kelly. As I held the cupcake in my hand it's floral lavender scent was soft and relaxing. In fact as I inhaled I could actually feel the muscles in my shoulders fall. The balance of butter cream frosting was perfect. Gracefully sitting on top of the frosting were two rice paper feathers, with purple piping for veining. The feathers provided the over the top, LA DI DAH, flair beside the lavender bud, huge edible pearl and glitter dust.

2011-03-05T20:21:00.001-08:00

Can purple do desserts? Yes, it can with purple yam. In the Philippines it's called ube. H likes the cake roll made with ube, I prefer the ice cream atop the halo halo.

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2011-03-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

Whoo hoo! Baseball season has arrived...Let the fun begin! ...Pride in Preparation!

2011-03-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

2011-03-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

Today is the 107 th birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel...Dr. Seuss to most of us. It has been a tradition in our house to celebrate with a special breakfast of "Green Eggs and Ham". H has been talking about it for weeks and was in charge of the grocery list to ensure I didn't forget any supplies. Despite a very, very, early conference call and staying up late to catch up on some DVR'ed shows. I woke up on time and organized myself to prepare the famous combination... (photo credit to Google)C has outgrown this tradition. He does not like green eggs and ham. He does not like it, Sam I am. It makes me a little sad, the dude is growing up. I don't think he noticed me watching but I did see a little smile from him as I scrambled the eggs for his sister.

2011-03-01T07:08:00.001-08:00

H really enjoyed last weeks hard boiled egg face. I thought it was appropriate to create another.

Monday: Shelly H Egg , salami , fruit & rainbow goldfish.
Tuesday: peanut butter banana sandwich & fruit.
Yes, H named her Shelly. Hehehe...

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Menu Mix Up

2011-02-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

As a busy family we have our weekly "go to" recipes on the menu for dinners. Mainly because the pantry is always stocked with staples of certain ingredients. For the last week H has been asking me to make spaghetti tacos for dinner and thought she was trying to combine two menu regulars, spaghetti and tacos.

Then I remembered the Nickelodeon episode of iCarly where Spencer cooked up a batch of spaghetti tacos. (photo credit to iCarly Wiki)

She put her spin on it by opting for a tortilla, making it a spaghetti soft taco.

Read this article from the NY Times.

2011-02-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Heather for helping inspire me to pay omage to the Irish side of this McCoy family. She posted photos of her fabulous mantle on her FB page and I had to follow the leader. Best part? Total cost for mantle redeco was $0.00 because I found all the supplies around the house.
A jar full of buttons! Luv it. Heather's mantle had a jar filled with green colored candies. Very sweet and yummy! I didn't have the candy so I used what I had on hand. BUTTONS! Go here for the printable in the frame.
This garland was made in a flash! I used kitchen twine and clothes pins to hold it together. I found the printable here and the two Cricut paper dolls leprechans were constructed and save from a project last year.

Subway art is pretty hot right now! Words strategically placed in a simple monochromatic collage. Batta bing batta boom...Go here and print this one.

2011-02-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Casey's Cupcakes was the winner of this weeks episode of Cupcake Wars on Food Network. Congratulations to the Riverside, CA cupcakery. H and I took a field trip to pick up some yummy cake treats! By the time we arrived at the shop they had already sold out of two winning flavors. For a limited time, this weekend you can go to the shop and purchase the 4 winning flavors. As long as they're still in stock. We were a little sad...but not at all disappointed with what we brought home. We ended up adding an additional 1/2 dozen cupcakes to our order to try and make up the difference. (photo credits to Food Network and Facebook)

2011-02-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Last two boxes of this week... Thursday, chicken salad & avocado wrap...Friday, left over pepperoni pizza... happy packin'

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2011-02-24T13:52:00.000-08:00

Try the newest trend...feathers in your hair. There are so many pretty colors available. These extensions are placed at the top of the hairline with silicone beads. Cool thing is that they can be treated as normal... washed, conditioned, and blow dried. If you're really careful they'll stay put for months. Click here and FB friend Feather Tree Designs. Get your custom order, email feathertreedesigns@gmail.com

2011-02-23T08:21:00.001-08:00

Yes...dry cereal, Captain Crunch to be exact & pickles to go with the bagel sandwich & fruit.

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2011-02-22T14:44:00.001-08:00

Box update: It's been a week & more of furlough days for our school district, hence the absence of lunch box pix. To start things of...let's do the Tuesday try...create some company for your little people with a hard boiled egg, this is...Eggbert.

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2011-02-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Window web shopping here I found these... The braided cord is what really caught my eye...although the color is a bit too much honey.

My personal shopper is amazing...she knows exactly my style and she lives for the bargain find! These are Nine West Vintage Americana. No braided cord here but the faux hand stitches make up for that. The leather is comfy and lends itself to absorb the treatment...meaning with age they will only get better.

2011-02-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

Do you know what a shrug is? If you say it's, the movement of lifting your shoulders as to say, "I don't know". You are right! But I'm talking about the shrug as in a short sweater that ends at the waistline. I think it's a pretty icky word for a cute wardrobe piece. The adorable shrug pictured to the left can be crocheted following this FREE pattern, it's called the V-Stitch Cocoon Shrug . Click here. It didn't take too long to complete because the crochet hook recommended for this patten is huge and the weave is open. I highly recommend it to anyone who is ready to move up to a more substantial project. I've already finished one and am working on another.

2011-02-19T20:05:00.001-08:00

Girls & their dolls...H & A crafted cute ribbon head bands today. I get a kick because she'll ask for some supplies from the scrap room but won't tell me what for. I just have to be patient and wait to see what she creates. She's mini me!

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2011-02-18T15:13:00.001-08:00

TGIF! xoxo...sweetie

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2011-02-17T07:30:00.001-08:00

Look at what you can make with some felt and buttons.

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2011-02-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I looked at the school calendar and thought... furlough days+ annual passports=trip to Disneyland

Then I saw the weather report and thought... rain (furlough days + annual passport) = short lines/trip to Disneyland.

This is starting to look like an algebra equation? Long lines, short lines, rain, sun it doesn't matter...when you see these smiles.

The smile Emma gives me for candy...I'm a sucker. Happy tulips and pansies at the happiest place on earth.The classic...

2011-02-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

So many are wondering where I get the supplies for H's lunch boxes. I'm a collector... so I pick things up where ever I can. If you're in a serious time crunch, impatient and need supplies now...or maybe you're like some of my other friends who hate the challenge of the hunt! Here are some suggestions for you...Laptop Lunchboxes are basic and easy. Click here. Bento supplies are plentiful on Etsy. Click here. Ebay has bento related items too. Click here. These are just some suggestions...If you can share your favorite place to find supplies please leave a comment.

2011-02-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day makes me crave cupcakes. Who am I kidding? Really...you all know that I always crave cupcakes. Ha!
But this really inspired me to bake some sweet cups. Isn't it so cool that the heart is baked right in the cupcake! So H and I followed the instructions!Ta'da ...here is our decorated super cute cupcake! Pink frosting, heart shaped sprinkles... Right? The frosting is aMaze-Zing...totally to die for! The base ingredient is what takes it over the edge.Here is the inside of our cupcake, well...not so perfect.. And although our hearts didn't quite sink to the bottom and bake in the center of the cupcakes...They were delish and we ♥ them! H and I had a blast in the kitchen together! That's the most important thing. Spend quality time with the kiddos. (I already know where I went wrong and I'll make adjustments next time). Why not...there are so many recipes to try. Whoo hoo! Look at this...she was inspired too.

PHOTObyERIXN: aPEEKbyERIXN

2011-02-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

My little brother is amazing. Look at what he can do! His talents are super de-duper! Check out his photography blog!
PHOTObyERIXN: aPEEKbyERIXN: "MODEL: WILLIAM (DNA)STYLING: ABRAHAM LOPEZ SPECIAL THX: PHILIP O'SULLIVAN"

2011-02-12T11:53:00.001-08:00

Saturday mornings.....ahhhh. Isn't it looking super cozy right here? My idea for a happy Saturday is too many pillows on the bed!

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2011-02-11T14:47:00.001-08:00

Birthday pretty reveal....thank you! I luv, luv, luv it.

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2011-02-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

If we all just took the time to slow down and look closely.

What we would find...is that ♥ is everywhere.

Pix credits go to many a close friends of mine, Dena, Vanessa & Christina. Thank you for showing us the ♥.

2011-02-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

grrr! It's been one of those days...
I've been trying to publish this post and for one reason or another it has taken all day to do so.
Necklaces have been making me happy lately...

These two are from my fav most wonderful place.
So I thought, like I usually do... DIY...creating and playing with materials...fast forward... This do-dad is twisted denim knotted between some beads and tulle.Last summer I created some bracelets from vintage goodies...linked together...tah'da! pretty necklace from vintage goodies.

2011-02-08T21:09:00.001-08:00

Special request, again...the pizza bagel.

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2011-02-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

Bon journo! That's Hello in European... Where's this coming from, you wonder? It's because H thinks I look like her! I should say it's a compliment being that she's in high school and I'm 25 years her senior. Look like her, really?! Thank goodness it's only looks I share with London Tipton! I'll sign off as London... Yay me! It's my birthday...

2011-02-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

What more could a girl as for... two loving grandparents who spent the weekend caring and entertaining the grand kids.

So mommy could get some pampering at the spa...
A fancy dinner with daddy and some great friends...A glass of this and that, with a cherry on top... A chance to see some rad casino carpet...

and the rainbow wall of Crocs...

2011-02-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday! Make it the best...

2011-02-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

TGIF...Thank goodness it's Friday! Spent a little time window shopping the web...http://www.freepeople.com/whats-new/
Liking these layers...over and under.
Luv these...
Sah weet! Spring thing....Really, really Luv these.

2011-02-03T21:09:00.001-08:00

These are vintage American made glass insulators. They were used on top of telephone poles and electronic power lines. I even read somewhere that there is a group of collectors dedicated to them. Pretty interesting... I like how a group of like items makes a small statement by just sitting on our porch atop a worn side table. Goes to prove...someone's trash is another one's treasure.

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2011-02-02T15:36:00.001-08:00

Vietnamese spring roll with peanut dipping sauce.

Chicken cut into cubes...note the cute little chicken pick.

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2011-02-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

De-stress yourself...

Give yourself some time during the day to relax and recharge your battery. Positive people enhance your life...spend time with them. (avoid the Debbie Downers)
Do something everyday that you enjoy!

Be like Alice in Wonderland... Celebrate a Very Merry Un-birthday! Just because... because you can!

2011-01-31T19:28:00.001-08:00

Today I reminded myself, to take one second in my crazy day to remember...time can never be replaced because time does not know how to stop. Show your love & kindness! Tell your family and friends you love them! Give one more hug and kiss. For those who really matter to you make sure they know! Don't take anything for granted...be in the present...treasure every moment and lastly, everyday matters! Really...that only took one second!

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2011-01-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

As promised here is the "after"...i-pod Valentine treats to pass out to the classmates. H searched the internet for a project and finally decided on this one.

2011-01-29T15:42:00.001-08:00

Here is the "before"...you have to stay tuned in to see the "after".

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2011-01-28T15:32:00.001-08:00

Pizza Bagel hit a home run! Itsy bitsy pepperoni...too cute. The peanut butter banana triangle sandwich is so BLAH! I'm allowed a BLAH sandwich once a month...Happy Packing!

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score...

2011-01-27T17:28:00.001-08:00

I have this one friend who is thrifty like me. Meaning we like estate sales and thrift stores. We never really know what we'll find as we drive around the usual neighborhoods. It keeps us busy for a couple of hours and provides some therapy of sorts... Bottom line...We have fun and are entertained by all the characters we encounter. Look at what I scored....

One red ethic table cloth (pretty kitschy)...
Three old suitcases...And one more tea diffuser to add to my collection...

It's almost February...

2011-01-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

Funny...we have lived in our home for 9 years and our fireplace has never been used. Really? Really... there isn't too much of a need in Southern California for a roaring fire. But I will admit a crackling fire sure looks and sounds pretty.

Now, the fireplace mantle on the other hand... It sure gets all the attention. It is my inspiration for seasonal decorations. H made me a candy striped "LOVE" sign with left over pipe cleaners from C's science project...he had to create a 3D "D.N.A" structure.
While I was blog hopping I found this vintage Valentine wreath. So easy to make, you can do it too...check it out here.

One of these days I'll make the time to install gas logs. So then the fireplace won't be so jealous of it's mantle.

what's in the box...

2011-01-25T07:50:00.001-08:00

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some vintage goodness

2011-01-24T16:51:00.000-08:00

I pulled these Dallas Ware cafeteria trays from the kitchen cabinet. Some of you out there might call them a thrift "score" find. I was lucky enough to get them from Big Nana. She was quite the collector of daffodil yellow kitchenware. Very thrifty chic...dontcha think? I'll share more of her vintage goodness as time goes on... stay tuned.

free time + cake mix =

2011-01-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

We had a bit of extra time today... H has a serious sweet tooth and loves to be in the kitchen. We found the recipe here... so we pulled out with the Kitchen Aid... and baked some pretty tasty Cupcake Poppers!This was fun...using Neon food coloring really brought in the Easter Egg coloring mood. H was so excited to mix the colors until they turned the right shade of rainbow.

Our itty bitty cupcake tins...so cute. Tad ah...Cupcake Poppers.

We will tell you that this did take quite a bit of time. An hour and a half to be exact. Since we only have one itty bitty cupcake tin and 5 different colors of batter...there was a lot of transfers from the oven to the cooling rack. If you have a free afternoon and a sweet tooth to satisfy...this is a super fun way to spend your time with your wee peep!

just a reminder...

2011-01-22T20:25:00.001-08:00

Always take the time to share your love...(wink)!

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cutting it loose...

2011-01-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

... to get inspired.
I'm really going to admit this...here and now. I've realized I'm much more productive and creative when my plate is full...if I have a million things to do and I'm running around like a tornado trying to get it all done. When there is a game on one side of town and a practice on the other side. If I have all my lists written and my calendar filled, when I make commitments here and appointments there. When I vow to make it from scratch instead of taking the short cut. When I read all the instructions instead of just looking at the picture. When I volunteer for a new project or take on a special interest. When I insist on homemade even if it takes twice as long. I'm really much more productive and creative when my plate full. Yes...it's a crazy life but I really don't want it any other way. Honestly, I don't think I could stand it any other way...Well, thank you for listening and thank you for letting me share.
Over and Out...

lunch box update...

2011-01-20T14:15:00.001-08:00

Sunny day...here's the box update. Some stars for my super star! Oh yes...mug-shot too.

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