Vintage Romance

design style trends for 2012 part 1

2012-02-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

Today is officially the last day of my nanny job...whew I survived! I haven't been away from home 50+ hours a week since 2006. My babies miss me and I will be glad to be back home with them and decorating as I please. This whole month I've barely touched anything DIY (hence the missing DIY posts) sad face. I'm itching to paint! I did however manage to start painting the laundry room. YAY! BUT I still have to edge it in and all that fancy stuff....that will be another post entirely....While at the grocery store to get the kids root beer float stuff as my farewell gift, I picked up an inexpensive decor magazine...swoon and now my creative juices are flowing and i'm motivated! So here are 2 of their top design trends for 2012!

1. ROMANTIC

All things casual, elegant and feminine. Lush fabrics, floral patterns, lace, richly carved woodwork, pastel color palette and painted furniture.
-A mix of textures-lace, leather and velvet
-Carefully placed lighting will add to the mood of the room and antique mirrors help brighten up the space
-Place fringed and button seating or loosley filled sofas in your bedroom to create a sitting area
-Distressed white woodwork enchances the romance
*Tips from http://www.seraoflondon.com/
MY TIP- fresh pastel colored flowers such as baby pink or white roses and candles add to this romantic feel.

RETRO FEMININE

Less than other girly styles of recent years, the retro feminine design mystique is defined by it's mix of old and new furniture, curvy lines and flowy fabrics
-The bed is central in any bedroom...choose one you absolutely love!
-Set up special areas of the room. Add unexpected pieces such as a pair of upholstered armchairs, a charming small table or perhaps an antique settee
-mix it up. Blending antiques with more modern pieces, elegant with casual, encourages design that doesnt take itself too seriously.
-add fresh color. keep your color palette soft but creat effortless elegance by adding a vivid color for a fresh pop.
-create a beautiful bed. A linen divet with just a hint of tiny ruffles is the perfect base then arrange floral pillows, soft colored throws and antique embroidered throws
-add some gilt. Gold add instant elegance but just a touch will do
-Bring a splash of style to your bedroom with sensational lighting. Try hanging 2 chandeliers on each side of your bed for instant glamour.
-Personalize with accessories. Your bedroom is the perfect place to display those one of a kind quirky things you love.
-Don't forget flowers. Nothing adds as much style as a simple bouquet of flowers.
* tips from http://www.frenchgardenhouse.com/

Be sure to check back for more 2012 trends!

my little secret part un

2012-01-31T07:08:00.000-08:00

Want salon colored hair but don't want to pay the price?

Well if you are like me and have kids then you don't have time to spend a few hours getting pampered just to color your hair!

That's where I come in!

To the RESCUE!!

I personally sometimes use Paul Mitchell color for these reasons but you dont HAVE to plus I get them at a professional beauty supply store.... In my opinion you can geat an amazing hair color from Sallys too! Use Loreal!

It is less chemically harsh on my hair.

My hair feels so much softer and shinier when I'm done coloring

There is more moisture in my hair

And well it's pretty good!

The only problem for YOU is that you don't have access to a pro beauty supply to purchase PM color and for that I'm truly sorry!

So without further a do...I give you...

HOW TO MIX YOUR OWN COLOR without a kit!

For you I suggest going to your local beauty store like Sally's beauty supply

You will need(for a full head one color and If your like me and have mucho thick hair I use 2 tubes)

1.
Color tube of your choice of brand and color.

2.
20 volume creme developer

3.
Mixing bowl with measurements inside

4.
Whisk for mixing color evenly.

5.
Color applicator brush

6.
color tube key is always nice to have to get all the color out of the tube to the last drop!

Now that you have everything together mix equal parts of color and creme developer in your mixing bowl

depending on how much color you normally use for how much hair you have...

2oz of color to 2oz creme developer or 3oz of color to 3oz creme developer.

now whisk together smoothly.

apply to hair with brush applicator and you can put a shower cap over your head or nothing!

wait as long as you would like!

Personally I leave my PM color on for 45 mins to an hour but it depends on how dark you want your color to get! Then rinse with cool water and wash and condition!Now you look Fab!

NOTE: This tutorial is for going DARKER not lighter...post on going lighter later! P.S I am NOT a professional stylist BUT while working for Paul Mitchell I did pick up quite a bit of info and tricks!

enjoy the little things

2012-01-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

As a stay at home mom I cherish and am thankful for all the time that I get to spend with my two young kids. I have never had to work thanks to my wonderful hard working husband. A couple weeks ago I took on a temporary nanny job for a friend. 8am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. It is a full time job lasting til February. Let me just say that I now have a new appreciation for hard working moms that work full time and do their mommy duties when they get home. It amazes me that a lot of women do this, do it well and don’t go crazy. I truly get a different perspective being on the other side. The working, daily grind, being away from home side. This is something I don’t think I could ever get used to. Being away from the kids and being exhausted is not fun.

Research shows that children that get one on one quality time do better in life. It makes kids happier and healthier knowing that they are loved. They are more confident with themselves and are proud of who they are just because their parents spend time with them. That really makes me think of how much quality time, not quantity time but QUALITY time I spend with my kids. How much time do I spend playing with them, encouraging them, doing art with them, reading to them and making each one of them feel special. As a now temporary working mom, I see how other women can struggle with the fact that they need to do ALL the house duties, cooking, cleaning and laundry on top of all the mommy duties plus running important errands, teacher conference meetings, appointments AND spend one on one time with kids and go out and do fun things with them. Whew, modern day superwomen! That is a whole lot of things that need to get done at the end of the day and weekends. I guess the official working mother’s saying is really so much to do, so little time.

With not getting a lot of time at home, as moms, we need to make all the little things count. Give the kids special time with you after dinner. Talk with them. Ask them how their day was. I think that it is so important to have quality conversations with our children. They will know that they can tell us anything and maybe it can eliminate all these crazy teenagers who won’t open up to their parents. Ok, we can wish upon a star right? I’m definitely not at the teenager stage yet but one day, so no experience and advice here!

Family time does not have to be elaborate or expensive. There are plenty of little things to do and you will be creating long lasting memories. So I encourage all working moms to take a step back and contemplate the actual time you spend with your kids. Remember it’s the little things that count. So, kiss more, talk more and hug more. Make the most of the time you have. You are doing a great job and I can honestly say you deserve some “me” time too!

There are so many little things to do together! Don’t feel guilty for the time that you don’t have but make the most of what you do have. Also, if you are a stay at home mom make sure you appreciate how hard your husband works so you are able to have special time with the kids all the time. You are blessed! As, for me I know I do appreciate my husband more after working this temporary job and I can’t wait til my life as a stay at home mommy goes back to normal.

inspiration to D.I.Y for

2012-01-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.decorpad.com/

Hole-ee french toast batman! I'm obsessed with this. I came acrossed this amaz-ZING pic via Pintrest. I had to stop drooling. This is perfection for me. It's simples BUT the whole reason why I am in love is because it is mixing modern with rustic shabbyness. D.I.E for reals people. I found that exact rug here...http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20659470&color=040&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=A_FURN_RUGS
not to mention it is a super reasonable price considering how much rugs are! 74 bucks! Score. This is on my birthday list.

Personally, not too sure about the huge amount of the streamlined look. I would add a lot more shabbyness. I'm loving the black & white with pale hues. IN LOVE not to put my own twist on it.

I've been in a semi decorating rut. Not sure where to go from where I am. I want to add color but not sure what.

I have a stenciled wall behind the couch. I need a new couch so bad!

I want to use pale tones but also with little pops of color here and there. Seriously why can't Nate Berkus show up at my door and give my house a makeover. Dreeeeaming!

So for now I'll start with the rug and figure out my colors!

i got my booty whipped

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

This past sunday morning...I got to be a part of an amazing women's workout. I got up at 6:15 AM to workout in the FREEZING cold. Like as in the track was icy! So many energetic girls showed up to get their butts whipped into shape by Miss Fit! I thought I was kinda crazy to be doing this but hey I'm working towards my goal and was pumped.

This was so awesome because it was ALL women...no guys allowed that way women could feel comfortable and have fun! Meets new friends too!

The workout started at 7:00 AM and lasted for about 45 minutes. This wasn't a lolly gag kinda work out. It was a lil intense and man am I feeling it even today. My thighs are still HURTING like a motha!

Don't let this "standing around" pic fool you. We were dyin!

There I am in the blue sweatshirt waiting for my partner to get back from running.

We started out with a partner. One partner would do 50 continuous squats "booty to heels" and then immediately go run a lap around the track. Then when you get back your partner does the same until both of you have done 200 squats and ran 1 mile!

I didn't take my camera but next time I will! These pics were taken from Miss Fit's FB...

Every Sunday this month @ 7AM!

Yay for getting fit!

Real life messes

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

So while I was cleaning...the kids were "quietly" playing...I went to check on them and this is what I found...

I just organzied the entire room! Cleaned it all out. Got rid of toys...everything had a place and labeled...NOT COOL.

WHERE O WHERE DID ALL THE TOYS GO?

HERE!!

Baby girl's room is a horrible!

I still need to get rid of toys and clothes that dont fit but they did a number on it.

Emptied out the toy box and had a blast.

This is what your kids could be doing when they are playing quietly!

Organizing accessories

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

How are your New Year's resolutions working out for you? Mine are going good! This is only week 2 so, so far so good! Let's talk about that at the end of the month mmm k and see what I say then. =) My 2 were losing weight...bringing sexy back as my hubby and I call it and organizing. Remember how I said I wanted to prove my hubby wrong? Yes, I'm working hard at that!

Ok, back on track here! I am up to my elbows in getting things done. Like, no sleep, staying up til all hours but THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL! PTL!

Anyways, this lil workin out mama... Yes I'm feeling tired but good has already cleaned out the kitchen,cleaned out the master closet, and my sons room so here are some organizational ways to make your spaces cute and clutter free.

Organizing could and should be fun right? I think so. I also think that a lot of people think organizing is expensive. That you have to buy all these different baskets, bins, shelves and so on to get organized. Well, all those things are optional BUT man alive!!!!!!!! THEY MAKE IT SO MUCH BETTER. Like the cherry on stinkin top better. It feels so good to have those baskets and the so called "right" things. But hey, DONT buy it all at once because the stored will cut your arm off for payment. Take it one day and step at a time. When you can and see something on sale grab it! Also, my secret it to hit up marshalls, tjmaxx and ross along with homegoods for all the cute organizing stuff! For reals!

Here are couple of mine! I'll be adding more as I go along.

Bronze Shower caddy. These are so awesome because there is NOTHING on the shower floor and you don't have to bend over to get it so it's a win win.

Here is a close of up the caddy. way cute. Ross $9.99

Hanging closet organizer for pants or sweaters. shirts ect...I folded some of my fave jeans so they are easy to reach, cuz I'm short! (I haven't organizied my clothes yet, just got rid of a lot of them!) Target $9.99

I was on a mission to find one of these! I searched high and low. I thought of using a dish rack but this is better! It's an OFFICIAL lid rack! Ross $4.99

clear over the door hanging shoe rack...just not starting to put my shoes up and yes I have more than 3 pairs! I got this at target a few years ago...not sure how much it is. Under $10.

Starting to put hubby's shoes up...Shoe rack from target...
I can't wait to decorate my closet and make it girly...I'm sure my hubby will appreciate the glamour...NOT!

These were all cheap ways to help me organize but made a huge difference!

after workout snacks

2012-01-07T00:08:00.000-08:00

Pre-workout and post workout snacks are important. I'm not an expert and I'm learning so I can across this article...hope it helps!

Replenish your energy after your workout with these smart protein and carb snack combos.

By Lisa Kovalovich Whitmore

Whether you work up a sweat in the morning or evening, chances are you grab a little bite before you hit the gym. A snack before you work out helps give you energy and stamina to go the distance. But did you know that eating a snack after you work out is even more important? "You want to make sure you feed your body to help repair muscle tissues and replenish glycogen stores [which are depleted after a strenuous workout]," says Kristin Reisinger, MS, RD, a sports nutritionist and competitive figure athlete based in New Jersey. Here, six top snacks to fuel your body post workout (Reisinger recommends chasing each of these snacks with 8-12 ounces of water).

Protein Shake with Banana

"After a workout, you want ample protein combined with a carbohydrate," says Reisinger. A protein shake made from whey protein, water, and half a banana is a great choice, since your body quickly turns it into energy.
Recommended Serving Size: 2 scoops of whey protein powder combined with water and 1/2 banana, 250 calories

Peanut Butter & Banana on Rice Cakes

If you're craving something more substantial after a workout, a healthy peanut butter and banana sandwich will fit the bill. Instead of bread, smooth your peanut butter onto two brown rice cakes for extra fiber (without empty carbs). And while you may usually avoid bananas because they're too full of sugar, eating one after a workout is just fine. "This is one of the only times I recommend a high-glycemic carbohydrate source such as banana, because the uptake will be rapid," says Reisinger. Translation: It'll replenish your energy quickly.
Recommended Serving Size: 1/2 banana, 1 tbsp. peanut butter, and 2 brown rice cakes, 215 calories

Hummus and Pita

Another great carb/protein combo: Hummus and whole wheat pita. Hummus, a dip made from pureed chickpeas, gives you both carbs and protein. Coupled with the slow-release energy from the whole wheat pita, it makes for a snack that'll keep you fueled for hours.
Recommended Serving Size: 1/4 cup hummus with 1 whole wheat pita, 275 calories

Yogurt and Fresh Berries

Protein makes sense after a workout, since it contains amino acids that help build muscle. "Your muscles are depleted of amino acids after a workout, so you need an adequate supply of protein to help build them up," says Reisinger. Low-fat yogurt can pack nearly 15 grams of protein; add some berries for carbohydrate-driven energy.
Recommended Serving Size: 1 8-ounce container of plain, low-fat yogurt with 1/2 cup berries, 180 calories

Tuna on Whole Wheat

What could be more filling after a workout than half a sandwich? And when you choose its filling wisely, you'll be building muscle while you eat, too! "Research shows that carbs and protein together have a better response to post-workout recovery," says Reisinger. Tuna drizzled with a little lemon juice and olive oil spread over a slice of whole wheat bread is an ideal protein/carb mini-meal.
Recommended Serving Size: 4 ounces water-packed tuna and 1 slice whole wheat bread, 220 calories

Turkey and Cheese with Apple Slices

If you're not in the mood for a sandwich, skip the bread and eat the fillings on their own! Spread a soft-cheese wedge over two or three slices of lean deli turkey, then roll up for a quick, high-protein, eat-on-the-go snack. Add a sliced apple for some energy-boosting (and glycogen-replenishing) carbs.
Recommended Serving Size: 4 ounces deli turkey, 1 soft cheese wedge, and 1 apple, 240 calories

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/snacks/low-calorie/after-workout-snacks/

become a better you!

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Since this is the New year...it is time for change! It's a new beginning, new opportunities, a fresh outlook and we all have a little more positivity. We have a whole year to accomplish all of our goals for 2012. We set resolutions and most the time don't follow through with our promises for the New Year. When is the last time you set your mind to becoming a better you? It feels SO good to feel good about yourself. No more excuses, just do it! Take the time to better yourself. In the long run when you give yourself some "me" time, you will be happier and the people around you will be happier. Your kids will thank you! Every New Year since I had my first baby, I've said that I was gonna get HOT again and tone up...time goes by and the daily grind gets the best of me. Feeding kids, changing diapers, running errands, picking up all the toys...there is hardly any time for myself. I took a look on Pintrest for "before and after" pictures of success stories of weight loss and toning up. I thought to myself...man, that could be me! I could have a mini transformation and feel so good about myself. Then I thought...just get up and do it! We are always going to say oh I'll do it tomorrow, another day, I'm too busy. It's so easy to type all this but actually doing it is another thing. Let's see if I can do this!

Here's the plan and hopefully I can inspire YOU!

1.Keep a journal...vent to it. Record what you eat and when you work out. Also weigh in once a week and write it down in it. My hubby gave me an awesome journal and pen for christmas with a sweet note in it.

2. Make smarter food choices. Swap out junk for nuts, fruits and veggies. This is hard for me because I can live off of chocolate.

3. Get up and get moving. Try to hit the gym or if you can't purchase workout videos. I do both but rarely actually make it to the gym.

MY DVD PICKS...

The shred is awesome and I've seen so many great before and after pics. This works!

if you want a great backside and firm thighs!

I'll keep you updated if I can stick to this! Can't go wrong with Jillian! Time to get HOT!

making progress woop woop

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I have been working around the clock...yes staying up to all hours of the night, even til almost 4am some nights organizing! Today I worked on my sons room. I will reveal his room hopefully soon. Just a few small projects left to do and then I can!

While in the midst of organzing the whole ENTIRE HOUSE, I am the middle of the kids/guest bathroom makeover. Hopefully this week I have finish the walls and hang up the new mirror. Fingers crossed. Then just accessorize and new lighting and I'm done!

Here are some of my bathroom inspirations for this project!

Board and batten!

(im sorry I don't know where this is from!)

light gray walls! (not sure where this is from)

Shabby Beachy touches!!

Well back to work! I'll be glad when all the organizing is over so I can finish a lot of projects!

happy new year and birthday to Taylee!

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

First off let me start off by saying....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2012 will be a year of new things and blessings. This is our year! I'm on a mission to get my house totally cleaned out (yes I'm spring cleaning right now) and organized. My hubby still doesnt belive that I can do it let alone keep it that way. I will try my very best to prove him wrong. I have a bad habit of keeping everything that means something to me. Even clothes but I have been wearing my big girl panties and tossing things with only keeping memories of how they made me feel. I had clothes from the 7th grade. Yes I still fit in them but they arent my style anymore and I have been holding onto them because of how I felt back then when I wore them. I have saved every letter, movie stub, ticket for anything my hubby and I went to together. I thinks this year I will try and finish scrapbooks I've started. Once my house is in order then I can spend more times with my kids and finish projects that have been neglected. That is my goal and I am motivated! LIVE ON PURPOSE!

Do you ever feel like you keep stuff around because you "might need it one day" or you are emotionally attached to it. Keep was is really important to you in an organized and CUTE way and sometimes you just have to let go. DO NOT STORE YOUR TREASURES ON EARTH FOR THEY WILL PASS AWAY. STORE YOUR TREASURE IN HEAVEN BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE IT TRULY IS AND FOREVER WILL BE. When your life is said and done...what will people say about you and what will God say to you when your look back at your life together and he shows you what His plan really was?

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!

Yesterday, Jan 2, 2012 was Taylee's birthday. This picture is from only 4 months ago. Wow she has changed so much in looks and personality. Shes a total ham and my best friend. Let me just say that she loves to go JUNKING with me. Best friends for life! She is so precious, silly and has a beautiful loving heart just at the age of 3. She loves animals, anything pink and princess, nail polish, lip gloss, cooking, jewelry and playing dress up. Her brother is her best friend and they look out for one another. I am blessed to have her as my daughter and even though it is bittersweet to see her grow up, I am looking forward to see the mighty woman of God she will become. God has an amazing plan for her life and her life is a testimony to all that hear. She was diagnosed with Down Syndrome in the womb with multiple complications and wasn't going to be a normal full of life baby girl. My God is greater and completely healed her! She was born perfect! Praise God!

a little christmas photoshoot

2011-12-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

The other day I got the kids dressed, took them outside and took a few pics in the hopes of getting atleast one good shot for christmas cards. Yes I know...last minute but hey, atleast they are done and ready to be mailed now. I just wanted to share some of the shots I got. They love eachother dearly and are best friends...

P.s I don't know how people make careers out of photographing children without going nuts. IT IS HARD WORK!!

Merry Christmas

 from the Yanceys

DIY Wood signs

2011-12-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

10 days til Christmas!

Here is what I've been working on for some friends...

now to finish all my other orders....wew. so much to do so little time!

Organized Home- Kitchen

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Organzing your home

This is my journey to an organized home...learn with me!

----PURGING THE KITCHEN---

Christmas is fast approaching, yes I keep reminding you, and then the NEW YEAR will be here. As for me, I don't want to have to wait til January 1st to start my new year's resolution. I'm horrible at keeping them just like everyone else. BUT I'm hoping to keep this one. Tonight I started purging the kitchen. One room at a time I will chuck, throw, toss anything that I don't need or use anymore. This is hard for me because I am ALWAYS saying Oh what if I need it later?? NOT ANYMORE!

I have pulled everything out cabinet by cabinet...

wiped down the cabinet then sprayed with lysol.

make a pile for the things you haven't used in a while and things you dont want.

(here is my dont want pile as of right now)

Put everything back in in a organized way that you will need or want.

Less is more.

If you havent touched it in months...toss it!

Get rid of miss matched lost pieces.

bulky appliances that you dont use. toss!

You can donate or have a yard sale for everything that you get rid of.

Organize using labels and baskets.

Place cork on the bottom of your drawers so your utensils don't slide around.

Wipe down drawers.

You don't need to fill up EVERY space in your cabinet. it's ok to have empty ones.

Keep things that are used daily in easy to reach and get places.

Have a place for seasonal things.

Place a notepad and pen on the side of the fridge or somehwere in your kitchen to easily jot down things you need to buy or run out of.

I am FAR from organized but tonight is my first step towards it!

P.S I havent even started any kind of decor for the kitchen. The cabinets needs a makeover and knobs and handles!

make holiday cookies healthier

2011-12-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

(http://www.delish.com/)

At my house, whenever I bake cookies they never last more than a day. My kids and hubby LOVE cookies...ok me too I must admit.

Cookies are loaded with sugar, butter and white flour and artificial colors and flavors.

Not good for our bodies, but there is no way to keep the cookies in the cookie jar at my house.

Here are some of my tips to make any cookie and holiday cookies healthier!

1. Use whole wheat flour instead of white. not only is it healthier but it has more fiber.

2.Try decorating without food coloring in frosting. Food coloring is an artificial ingredient. Instead try decorating with white frosting or royal icing,melted chocolate, jams and use nuts for decorating.

3.Try adding a little bit of flax seed oil or oats. Even if you blend up with oats they are still in there!

4.. Don't make HUGE cookies. Tiny ones let you enjoy the cookie without the huge calorie amount. Smaller ones are good for kids too. Just the right amount.

5. Also watch how much butter you use! It is loaded with saturated fats! Cut back on it and maybe substitute half of it with Canola oil.

Picking our tree

2011-12-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

For the past few years we all pack up in the car...go and get the "danger truck" (which is my husband's old truck that stays at his grandmas house) and then head to get our christmas tree. This year the kids were so excited. They are getting older and really understand what Christmas is now so it's even more fun suprising them and being the "elf". We found the tallest tree we could that would fit in our house and packed it up in the danger truck.

we brought it home put it up and the kids were so excited that they were being silly! We hadnt put the tree skirt around or decorated it but here she is smelling good!

It is a tradition every year to go get a fresh one!

crockpot pepsi pulled pork recipe

2011-12-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Crockpot Pepsi pulled pork

What you need:

Picnic Pork roast ( i usually cook both pieces in the package for leftovers)

a bottle of BBQ sauce ( I used Bulls Eye in original)

1 can pepsi ( i used a little bit of a 2 liter)

Garlic salt

pepper

1. Turn your crock pot on high

2. Place your pork booty in the crock pot

3. Pour the whole pepsi can over the pork

4. coat with garlic salt & pepper (cover generously with seasoning)

5. Then pour half of the bottle of BBQ sauce on top of the pork.

6. put the lid on and let it cook for about 5-6 hours

Throughout the 5-6 hours check on it every once in a while and add more BBQ sauce if needed.

When it is done shred the pork...add more BBQ sauce stir it up and serve on some fresh buns or rolls!

(if there is still a lot of pepsi in your crock pot then take the pork out, add bbq then shred in a bowl.)

NOTE: You can also use diet pepsi or dr. pepper!

gingerbread wreath

2011-12-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have been hard at work staying up til all hours of the night while the kids are all warm in bed finishing my Christmas decorations. For the past few years I have had the same wreath on my front door for Christmas. I was so sick of it and wanted a fun change. I used what I had on hand so it didn't cost me anything. Last year I decorated my tree with gingerbread girls and boys and candy. This year is more traditional I guess you'd call it. Tree is still in progress. For the wreath I hot glue gunned everything on. It's so fun and I love seeing it on my front door. I FOUND ALL OF THIS STUFF AT THE DOLLAR TREE last year!

So that is checked off the list...now if only I can get everyone else's stuff done and then my tree! I'm up to my elbows in christmas orders! Curtains, reclaimed wood signs, and jewelry!

Pickle ornament tradition

2011-12-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

So the tree is underway...a lot to do today, but I wanted to share this fun new tradition that I am doing for my kids. It's the PICKLE ornament tradition.

I had been browsing through pintrest for fun things to do with the kids and I came across the Pickle Tradition! If you know me, then you know I LOVE pickles. So this was perfect for me and fun for the kids!
I told my brother about it and his sister (don't ask about how were all connected lol, lot's of marrying and remarrying) does it every year for her kids. So I was on the hunt for one....

Last night at Target I found the pickle ornament for $3.00!!

Here is what the PICKLE TRADITION is all about....

The night before Christmas it's hung on the tree Santa does it secretly. And on Christmas morning when you arise, the first to find it gets a sweet surprise. A family tradition for all to share, you'll look for the pickle year after year!

Happy pickle hanging...=)

christmas tree o christmas tree

2011-12-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

free printable found @ http://adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com/search/label/Printable

'Tis the season to be jolly...fa la la la la la la la!

Today is the day we get our Christmas tree!

This year we are going for a more traditional christmas.

burlap, cinnamon pine cones and red pointsettas along with some of the things the kids have made.

We will be stringing popcorn so I'll be praying that the dogs done eat it!!

Can't wait to show you have much fun we will be having decorating the tree!

Only 23 days til Christmas!!

rose care tips by h&e nursery

2011-12-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Every girl loves roses...especially this girl! Here are a few tips from Whitney @ H&E Nursery located in fresno and clovis, CA!

Spring Rose Care
1. Prune roses in early spring once the rose starts to show signs of new growth, usually in the form of tiny red buds swelling. These buds will become new branches.

2. Cut out any obviously dead or damaged branches first. Then cut out all but four or five healthy stems, each ideally about as thick as a pencil.

3. Cut the rose bush back by 1/3 to 1/2, depending on how tall you want it to be. Make these cuts right above an outward facing bud - that is, a red bud that's on the outside of the rose bush. This directs the bud to grow up and out, leaving the center of the rose bush open for a prettier shape and better air circulation.

4 .Fertilize roses regularly during the growing season. Roses are hungry plants, demanding lots of nutrients for best growth and flowering. Each rose grower has his or her own favorite method. One of our favorite is the Dr. earth organic Rose food located at the Clovis Location.

5 Water. Roses need a steady source of water during the growing season! During the winter you don’t have to worry about them too much! Summer Rose Care
1 Mulch. Roses need less weeding and watering and have fewer diseases if you mulch. Lay down 1 to 2 inches of organic mulch. We recommend Black forest humus (Clovis Location)or Gold rush(Fresno location)

2 Deadhead. This simply means trimming dead roses off the shrub to encourage it to produce more.

3 Spray. If your rose becomes diseased or has an insect infestation, you may want to deal with it by spraying. (However, first try simply trimming off the diseased portion of the plant and giving the plant a good strong blast from a hose or soapy water ) If you choose to spray, first identify the problem by trimming off the diseased part and taking it to the nursery, where our staff can prescribe the correct pesticide or herbicide.Fall and Winter Rose Care
1 .Stop fertilizing roses in early autumn, at least one month before our first frost. Fertilizing too long into autumn encourages roses to produce tender new growth that will get nipped by cold.( ITS TOO COLD NOW ) :)

2 .We are fortunate and don’t get cold enough to have to worry about covering our roses, but if you are in a colder climate then here in Fresno CA you just might have to protect them from the cold!
　
　
　　You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses” In this case you can rejoice that we will have a 95% thorn free rose this spring called SMOOTH LADY! This year we only were able to get them in a 36" tree's but we are happy we get to try it on out! Roses can brighten a day, Put a smile on a face and help in time of grieving. Roses are beautiful at any age and come in all shapes and sizes. H&E nursery does not discriminate as we will have over 100 different varieties. We normally have our Roses out by January 15th and both locations have a great selection! Here are some easy steps to take care of your roses in the different seasons! Just remember to take time and smell the roses!
"

Thank you H&E Nursery for sharing your awesome rose tips! Don't forget to check them out if you live in this area! They have beautiful plants!

hand print dough ornaments

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is a fun DIY ornament that the kids can get involved with!

----Dough Ornaments----

4 cups of flour
1 cup salt
Large Mixing Bowl
water

rolling pin

drinking straw

cookie sheet
ribbon
craft paint

elmers glue

glitter

wax paper

Heat the oven to 200 degrees.

In a mixing bowl blend flour and salt together. Then slowly add in water to form a dough. You do not want it soupy. Just enough water to make a good solid dough.

Pull out a sheet of wax paper and roll your dough out onto it. Create the shape that you want. Kids can help!

*you can also spray a baking sheet with pam and roll it out on there.

Once you have the thick shape that you want. the take a straw and poke through it leaving a hole big enough for your ribbon to go through.

**Make sure your shape is thick enough to leave a good handprint in it.

Place your childs hand on the dough and press down on each finger and palm on the wax paper.

Lift up the wax paper and transfer directly to the oven on a cookie sheet.

* The kids also used cookie cutters with the dough.

Bake until dry...mine took a few hours.

Take out of the oven and make sure it cools off

paint with the craft paint of your choice. I used white

Place elmers glue where the hand is and use your paint brush to brush the hand completely with glue.

Sprinkle glitter over the handprint and then shake off.

add the ribbon of your choice so you can hang it.

This is what you get!

Remember to write your child's name, age and date on the back so you can treasure this forever!

Hang on your tree and enjoy every year.

girly holiday centerpiece & tips!

2011-11-29T14:30:00.000-08:00

Thank you to California Grown for encouraging me to connect with California growers and encouraging California consumers to "Choose California Grown" when they can.

The holidays are here! Thanksgiving has passed and now it's time to get ready for Christmas!

This past Thanksgiving I had 18 people over to my house to eat and needed a centerpiece ASAP. I ALWAYS love decorating with fresh cut flowers when I'm hosting anything because they are gorgeous and an easy way to add elegance to any event. I usually go out to my rose bushes, snip off a lot of them and place them in a milk glass vase. Love milk glass but this Holiday season I wanted something special so here is what I did.
Metallic spray painted pumpkin flower centerpiece

...Things you will need...

fresh pumpkin

gold metallic spray paint (I used Vaslpar)

a knife & spoon

scissors

fresh flowers

1.Start out by wiping down your pumpkin then drying it off with a towel

2. On some newspaper outside spray paint your pumpkin and let it dry completely

3. carve your pumpkin by cutting a medium hole around the stem, then take the top off and throw away

4.clean out the inside of the pumpkin with the spoon

5. put some water and flower food in your pumpkin

6. trim your roses diagonally and the length you want

7. arrange them in your pumpkin and enjoy!

---TIPS FOR FLOWERS---

Buy California grown flowers. When you buy California grown flowers, they were probably in the field 24-48 hours ago. This helps ensure maximum freshness and longer enjoyment.
Remove leaves. Discard leaves that will be submerged in water. This will decrease bacteria buildup and lead to a longer-lasting bouquet.
Fill vase with cold water. Cold water slows down blossoming. You can even add ice cubes to your vase water for extra coolness.
Cut your fresh flower stems to desired length. It’s best to cut them at a 45 degree angle to allow more water to be soaked up.
Use flower food and change vase water often. Flower food is a must in keeping your flowers fresh, as is changing the vase water every 2-4 days.
Design your arrangement. Large and dark flowers should be close to the base of the design, and small and light-colored flowers look best on the outer edge.

I love browsing my local farmers market for fresh fruit, veggies and flowers. The flowers are beautiful and so colorful and fresh. The town that I live in has a farmers market every friday night in Old Town Clovis during certain seasons. Many local businesses come together and sell their home grown/home made goodies. It is so wonderful to support these business that are all growing and selling here is California. I think as a Californian it is important to buy CA GROWN! Not only for the yumminess and perfection but because it helps support the California economy and our local communities!! I choose CA GROWN and look for CA GROWN when grocery shopping and YOU can too! If you can't find it when shopping you can always ask your grocers which products are grown in California. Help support those hard working farmers and growers who put a lot of love and work into what you enjoy!

You can check out where my flowers came from here and let me tell you they were beautiful, came beautifully packaged and smelled gorgeous!..

http://www.californiagrown.org/farmers/recipe.php?grower=flowers

Grown in Salinas, Ca.

You can watch the grower's profile video here...so COOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udg0I1P920c&feature=player_embedded

Thank you again to California Grown for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about all of California Grown growers. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own. #CleverCAGrown #spon

introducing the social love movement

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies! I am super excited to share with you something that God has put in my heart.

THE SOCIAL LOVE MOVEMENT is all about spreading and showing God's goodness and love through our blogs and social media while compiling a list of ever growing names of people that we are believing for them to accept Jesus in their heart and proclaim Him as their Savior. Together we can reap a harvest for a kingdom of God through prayer. NEVER ceasing and giving up on the people we care about. Sometimes all we can do is pray and God is faithful and He hears us! No matter how long it takes don't give up and keep praying!

                              Here's how it works and things you can do to make an impact:....

1. Write a blog post about something you've learned about God and his unfailing love or share a testimony.It can be big or small. Spread his Goodness and love and make sure to add at the top of your post the Social Love Movement logo to get this thing spreading! Remember this is about making Jesus FAMOUS and letting others feel the love of God! Give them hope!

2. E-mail TheSocialLoveMovement@live.com with the names of people that you are believing that will one day make a decision for Jesus. You can choose to include last name or just simply use their last initial for example Sally Love or Sally L. These names will then be added to the list that I will post and update often. The whole purpose of this master list is to be PRAYER WARRIORS and pray over the names and stand with other people in faith that they will give their life to God. We want the list to grow and grow even if we are starting out small! You will be able to come online, look at the names and pray for them! Prayer is powerful!

3. Tell someone something special about them or how much you care about them through social media with the hashtag of #thesociallovemovement. Along with spreading the love of God we want to make other feels special and loved. Sometimes a quick comment to someone can make their day. God uses us everyday to let other people feel his love. Let him use you!

4.Tweet or Facebook about the Social Love Movement. Lets see how big this can get!

I know we are starting out small but God is bigger! Let's get his LOVE out there and stand firm in belief for others!

                                                      Don't forget to grab a button!!

Love and thank you all!
Remember you are beautiful!`1

seek...pray...learn.

2011-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

(via pintrest)

Oh my goodness ladies. I am fired up and excited about Jesus! I want to get a little personal today and share with you some things that I am stirred up about and feel like God is leading me to share.

I know that my blog is about all the superficial things of life like decor, makeup,fashion,recipes and so forth but let's get real...none of that should be #1 in our lives.

Every so often God gives me a huge revelation about the most simplest things. I am here to stir your faith up and encourage you because God is GOOD!

I was driving in my car on my way to church to serve this past Sunday morning. I was asking God why others seem to appear more close to Him. What's so special about them that they are basking in the glory, mountains are moving, they experience the prophetic and are hearing God unlike anyone else?? When I thought of this Jesse Duplantis came to mind. God immediately spoke to me and said, "You can be as close to me as you want to be"

It clicked! REVELATION!! It's not about God CHOOSING "special" people who only get to experience Him in those ways, it's about YOU! It's your decision not His!! It's about how willing you are to SEEK HIS FACE, communicate with Him all the time and have a relationship with Him. DRAW NEAR TO HIM AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU!. Uh Duuuhh! God is a genius. Just sayin.

How can it be that simple yet nobody gets it? Alot of people don't want to do the work. Yes, it takes work and discipline to be basking in the Glory. Thats the Lord's treasure and if you want some of it, you follow the map and find it. The map is the bible. Read it, study it and learn from it. It is a life manual created by the creator Himself. It contains the secret to getting close to God.

During my drive, I also thought of Moses. . That man obeyed his every command and sought his face. Ask and you shall recieve was definitely shown with his story. He asked God to see His Glory and that's what he got! If you draw near to Him and fully give your heart then God can show you himself in a real way.

Don't get confused with the supernatural and glory. People often are looking for the supernatural and miss God. God isn't smoke and lights. He's LOVE. His glory is his goodness! Don't seek the manifestations, seek His face just for the sake of knowing Him.

I love how God can take a simple question and explain everything in one sentence with the help of the Holy Spirit. Deep revelation for simple things.

Who knew "you can be as close to me as you want to be" meant so much.

So I encourage you to seek, pray and learn. When you are in the presence you learn new things about Him every time. Show yourself faithful and you will be rewarded because God is faithful and a rewarder who diligently seek him.

God thinks your beautiful! Pass it on!

(P.S. I will be sharing something soon that I am going to need your help with!)

Love you all and if you need prayer or encouragement for anything please feel free to e-mail me @ Terynashleyjewelry@live.com

reclaimed fence wood sign tutorial

2011-11-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

This is a simple project that is super cute!

Things you will need

-4 big fence slats from the side of the road

-hammer

-nails

-craft paint in the color of your choice

- 2 d-rings for hanging (got mine at lowes)

-small paint brush

-projector

-something like a 2x4 but smaller cut to the length of your boards

-saw

First start out by patrolling the trash pick up to find old fence boards. Usually someone rips out their fence to replace it and leaves the old boards in front of their house. Pick the ones you like best. All the same length and color of wood. Also grab something like a 2x4 in the pile too. I used 4 slats for my sign.

This is how a roll. It's amazing how much stuff I can cram into my little mustang.

Lay your slats on the ground and measure how long you need your 1x3 board. Then use your circular saw and cut it in half.

This is the saw that I used, but use what you have to cut it. (this pic is just fro the saw and I was in the middle of another project)

Then lay your 1x3 or 2x4 on the ground first about the width you want it on the back of your fence slats.

This is the width of how far apart I laid them underneath the boards. Lay them down first then the 4 slats on top so you are looking at the front of your sign.

Then I used a dark nail and nailed it onto the 1x3 every place there is a black X. So in the middle of each board onto the 2 back wood pieces. You can put however many nails going down to secure the boards so they arent wobbly.

Then place both of your D-Rings onto the top of each 1x3 and drill the screws in.

Like this....

Then the assembly of your sign is complete.

I then got on my computer and in Word Processor I typed out the scripture that I wanted exactly how I wanted it on the board and in the front I wanted. The font I used was Edwardian Script. Then print it out.

I placed my sign on the wall where it would go and projected the words onto it in the dark.

I did NOT trace the letters onto it. I painted them lightly with white craft paint giving them an old letter look by lightly touching the wood as I went over the projected words on the board.

This is what you end up with!

I found inspiration for this sign at http://www.dreambookdesign.com/

You can see their tutorial for this on their blog. They used new wood and burnt the letters.

Have a glam day!

homemade beer rocks

2011-11-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

Last night for dinner I made homemade chicken pot pie (recipe to come soon) and homemade beer rocks. Let me just say that I LOVE beer rocks. These aren't super tradional because I don't yous sauerkraut but they still are delish! They were super easy to make and fun to have your kids help with.

Note: I didn't take step by step pics and for the top pic I used my phone and it was dark! Sorry!

Also, I didn't measure ANYTHING! I just put in how much I needed.

BEER ROCKS Vintage Romance style!

What you need:
-head of green cabbage
-1lb ground Turkey (because it's way better for you!!)
-1 white onion chopped
-Garlic salt
-Pepper
-1 pack frozen Ready Dough loaves (in freezer section at the grocery store)

1. Preheat your oven 425 degrees

2. Thaw out your bread dough in the microwave. I put 1 loaf in the microwave for 1 minute and it was good to go. I also was impatient and didn't let the dough rise and it still worked out good.

3. In one one large pan cook your turkey meat with garlic salt and pepper til almost done. While it is cooking chop your onion and cabbage (however much you think you will need. I didnt measure anything)(it also depends on how many you are making) and then throw it in when the turkey is almost done. Place the lid on and let everything cook until done and cabbage and onion are soft. Season everything to taste with garlic salt and pepper.

4. Spray your cookie sheet with pam and grab a small ball of dough in your hand. Flatten out and place your cabbage mix on top. Then grab another ball and flatten out and lay on top of that. Pinch sides together with fork.

5. Place in the oven and check on them every so often. Keep them in until they are golden brown. I didnt time them I just watched until they were brown.

6. Then take them out, let them cook slightly and enjoy!

My hubby eats them with mustard! Even the kids loved them! You can even try whole wheat dough to make them even healthier!

Have a happy healthy day!

My holiday comforts.

2011-11-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

This post is sponsored by Tempur-Pedic, the brand millions of owners trust to deliver their best night’s sleep every night. Enjoy our Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer now and give the gift of custom comfort to someone you love.

The Holidays are fast approaching and I can't believe that this year is almost over. The leaves are turning colors and falling. Time has changed and is flying by whether we like it or not. Thanksgiving will be here soon followed by Christmas and then the New year.

It seems like as soon as Halloween is over everyone starts feeling the Holiday spirit. Stores put out their Christmas decor and the women start finding their Thanksgiving recipes. There is a sense of warmth and comfort in everyone's hearts as they anticipate Christmas morning.

This time of year I search for the best recipes to bake and cook because we all know that food comes along with the season. I put away all the summer smelling candles and replace then with the aromas of baked goodies , cinnamon and gingerbread. There is just something about all the candles lit and the twinkling lights and a fire going while baking cookies for my kids with hot cocoa for them to enjoy that makes my heart melt.

In my home the kids make homemade ornaments to add to the Christmas tree each year. I date each one with the name of each child. It's fun to look back at each one and remember how small they were when they made it. Those things are to be treasured forever.

The holidays are all about spending time with family and family traditions. This year I plan on starting a new tradition with my kids. The elf on the shelf.

I hope they enjoy and it will be something we do every year until they are grown. I wish they could stay little forever because the holidays are so much more fun with little faces lit up with excitement when they see the lights lit up, cookies on the counter or christmas trees with lights in their rooms.

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas. Time to take out the hot cocoa, light your candles and spend time with your precious family because that's what it's all about! Let our hearts me comforted by the holidays!

Comfort is the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday gift list, so be sure to take advantage of Tempur-Pedic's Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.

No staple chicken wire photo frame TUTORIAL

2011-11-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

I had been seeing a lot of chicken wire used lately and was definitely inspired by it. It is super cute and also a cute way to bring a little shabbyness to your space. I had the frame laying around and got some chicken wire from my dad. I couldn't find my staple gun for the life of me so I had to improvise for real. I was too impatient to wait for it to show up. I'm the kind of girl that when crafting, if I am inspired I want the project done fast! Here is the tutorial for the NO STAPLE chicken wire photo frame.

...HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED...

Chicken wire a little bigger than the back of your frame

Wire cutters

glue gun

painting tape or duct tape

small clothes pins(I found my at michaels)

A frame.

Take off the back of your frame and take out with pliers the little staples that hole the back on if they are there.

Cut your wire a little bigger than the back of your frame with wire cutters

and lay it on the back with the frame face down.

When your chicken wire is positioned right with a little hanging over each side start glue gunning it down where the wire touches the frame.

With the glue still HOT lay your tape over it and push it down so it holds it in place.

Once one side is down you can stretch the chicken wire so it lays flat and glue as you stretch, put your tape down and hold it til it stays put.

Continue all the way around.

Once you are done, take your wire cutters and cut off all the extra wire up by the tape.

Then you are done! SUPER EASY!

(this photo was taken as I was finishing up gluing the last side.)

Here it is with sides clipped and hung up!

I then hung up some old family photos that all had to do with our lives in Oct with small clothes pins!

NOTE: I did not use the super tiny clothes pins. it is almost a medium size.

Have a good day and happy crafting!

Fright Fest & Halloween

2011-11-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

This past week has been super busy. I find that I get less and less time to blog which is no bueno. Blogs are very time consuming! Just sayin!

The day before Halloween, my hubby, sister, brother, dad and I took a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain in CA. If you have never been there, you totally should check it out. AMAZING! Well, that is if you love being whipped, tossed,spun and thrown around along with high speed! Since we went the day before Halloween, they turned the park into "Fright Fest." Which I TOTALLY HATE scary stuff. At 7 pm monsters,demons,witches,dead people,gargoyles and just plain ugly things come out into the dark and scare you on purpose! They walk through the lines, come up right behind you and punk you or scream. They get right in your face. Not cool!

I am the BIGGEST chicken when it comes to that stuff. I wanted to cry. I know, I know big baby but true. After a while I became brave and wasnt as scared as when it started. I actually walked through dark places with them jumping out and I came out alive! Here is proof of me being brave...

The guy screamed during the pic hoping to get a reaction out of my sister and I. That would have been hilarious if I fell for it.

We came home just in time for trick or treating the next day...here is a lil peak at what my Halloween consisted of...

My son was Luigi and my daughter was Rapunzel and the middle guy is my husband... We trick or treated til our hearts content and then called it a night. Hope you had a fun, safe halloween!

Being healthy can be fun! Smart Thinking Lifestyle Tips for children.

2011-10-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Tervis for sponsoring my writing. Visit their website www.tervis.com to learn more about the world’s first smart cup.

As a young mother of two, I take full responsibility of what my children eat and do. We as moms, are the biggest influence and set the standard for what is healthy in our homes. The typical American mom is hard working and is sometimes forced to depend on fast food in some cases to feed their children on the go. They also, have little down time to be physically active with their children. The good thing is that everyday we have the opportunity to change the way we eat and how much physical activity we get!

All it takes is little changes everyday to be on our way to living a healthy lifestyle! Get motivated, make smart changes in your diet, get some physical activity and be an example for your children! Let your kids be excited about healthy foods and exercise!

One way to get your kids excited about being healthy is make healthy food fun! Create animals or shapes out of food like the photo above using apples grapes and dried fruit. Choose to switch out sugar packed snacks with healthy sweet fruit, nuts and veggies. Easier said than done right? We all know that kids can be picky eaters! Try taking your child's favorite meal and finding healthier ways to prepare it. Instead of fried chicken nuggets try baked chicken pieces. Opt for apple slices instead of fries or if at home green beans! My kids love fresh green beans with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Let them help prepare the healthy food and come up with new ways to serve it. Put baby carrots in the shape of a heart or smiley face on their plate. The internet is an amazing place to search for different ideas for children for healthier options. It might take a while for your children to get used to the change but if you let them be involved they will love it!

Get them moving! Ride your bike with them, take them on walks or to the park. Let them help walk the dog, race them to the fence and back and let them win. I cannot stress to you how important it is to motivate them to get moving and most importantly have fun doing it!

Instead of turning to fast food, try pre-packed healthy snacks that you make at home and have them handy in the car or your purse. You can make healthy meals in advance and freeze them so you can get them out and pop in the oven. Do simple switches like ground beef to ground turkey, veggie oil to olive oil, white pasta and bread to whole wheat everything!

So to all the moms out there...FITNESS CAN BE FUN! By changing your lifestyle, you will be bettering your children's and setting them up for a healthy life! So don't forget to pack your healthy snacks, get them moving, make healthy food fun and get them involved!

Since Halloween is right around the corner here is a fun healthy snack for the kids!

Instructions

1.Just quarter and core an apple, cut a wedge from the skin side of each quarter, then press slivered almonds in place for teeth.

Tips:If you're not going to serve them right away, baste the apples with orange juice to keep them from browning.

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. To learn more about Tervis, visit their website http://www.tervis.com

Making Healthy food fun!

2011-10-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

As a mom of 2 young children, ages 2 and 5, I am always trying to introduce them to new healthy foods quite often. If you are a parent then you know some children are more picky than others and that there are “picky” days and “willing to try new things” days. As a mother, it is our responsibility to put food on the table and we are responsible for what our children eat. I realized this as I was grocery shopping last week. I was choosing what my kids would eat for the week and I thought to myself, “Man, it is truly up to me if I cook healthy or unhealthy choices for my family.” I quickly looked over what I had chosen in my cart, put some stuff back and was motivated to find new things for the kids to try and fun ways to eat it! I personally think that if mom’s make healthy food fun then kids will get excited about eating healthy!

So, as the holidays are approaching I came across a fun Halloween lunch for the kids. I had purchased a kids food cookbook at my local grocery store a while back and finally used one of the recipes. These Ham ‘N’ Cheese spiders were a hit with my kids! You could even stuff the spider with ground turkey or anything else!

5 ServingsPrep: 30 min. Bake: 15 min.

Ingredients

1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated flaky buttermilk biscuits, separated into 10 biscuits

1 tube (11 ounces) refrigerated breadsticks, separated into 12 breadsticks

1 cup chopped fully cooked ham

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1-1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard

5 slices process American cheese

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon water

2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives

1 tablespoon diced pimientos

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions

On two greased baking sheets, pat five biscuits into 3-1/2-in. circles. Cut one breadstick in half lengthwise, then in half widthwise, creating four strips. Repeat nine times (save remaining breadsticks for another use). Position eight strips of dough around each biscuit to resemble spider legs; twist and press lightly onto baking sheet. Tuck a 1/2-in. foil ball under each dough strip so it stands up in the center.

Combine the ham, onion, butter and mustard; spoon 3 tablespoons onto each biscuit circle. Fold cheese slices into quarters and place over ham mixture. Pat remaining biscuits into 4-in. circles; place over filling. Pinch edges to seal.

In a small bowl, beat egg yolk and water. Brush over tops of biscuits and breadsticks. On each spider, position two olive slices for eyes; place pimientos in center of olives. Sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until browned. Yield: 5 sandwiches.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 511 calories, 18 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 83 mg cholesterol, 1,751 mg sodium, 66 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 20 g protein.

Happy birthday baby boy!

2011-10-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

5 years ago today my baby boy was born at 10:51am. He has brought so much laughter, joy and happiness to my life. One of God's greatest gifts given to me. I am so blessed to be his mommy. He is so funny and smart and has a big heart after God. He loves Jesus and I am so proud of him!

Current Likes-
-Mario and playing video games
-Spongebob
-Chicken and veggies
-baseball
-his little sister
-going to church

Caramel apple salad with Snickers

2011-09-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

*photo from bakeat350

15 min / 15 min prep

Serves 12

6 (2 1/4 ounce) Snickers candy bars, chill and chop

6 apples, cored and chopped into bite size pieces (Granny Smith and/or Red Delicious)

1 (12 ounce) container of Cool Whip

1 (5 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding or butterscotch pudding mix (dry mix - do not prepare!)

Garnish for extra flair:

1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping or caramel apple dip (optional)

1/2 chopped peanuts, can also sprinkle on top (optional)

1. Mix cool whip and dry pudding mix together.

2. Chop apples and chilled Snickers

3. Mix together.

4. Heat caramel sauce a bit in the microwave - just enough to drizzle, not enough to heat up salad.

5. Drizzle caramel sauce over salad and sprinkle peanuts on top.

6. Chill for at least an hour -- Viola!

Going to try this tonight!

Child's Silhouette tutorial

2011-09-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

...THINGS YOU WILL NEED...

1.photoshop

2.cardstock any color

3.digital camera

4.spray paint (if you dont have the color paper you want)

5. fabric or paper for background

6.frame

7.glue

HERES HOW...

* Using a digital camera, photograph your subject from their profile side. I suggest shooting against a a plain wall or a white paper to make it easier to remove the background in photoshop.

* Open the picture in Photoshop. Use the Quick selection tool to select the background and then it will outlined. Go to 'edit' and click 'cut.' The background will disappear and turn black.

*Next select the background again witht he quick selection tool and choose the background eraser on the left side. Erase the background so now it looks checkered. Continue to erase until only the colored head remains.

*Now deselect the background and select (with QUICK SELCECTION)the head. Choose the paint brush and paint all of the head black. NOW YOU WILL END UP WITH THIS BELOW...

*You can erase hairs that are out of place or anything that doesnt look right.

* Next, save your image for the web and choose the file .PNG

SAVE TO YOUR DOCUMENTS NOT PICTURES!

*Now open your silhouette software and open you image in your documents.

It will bring up the image but you wont be able to send it to the machine just yet.

* Go to the top right corner and open the "OPEN TRACE WINDOW"

it will look like a blue shape outlined in yellow. select it.

*select the the area of the your silhouette by dragging your side to make a square over your silhouette.

Then choose TRACE OUTER EDGE.

* It will then be selected. Then drag your silhouette to the side and delete it.

You will be left with the outline of your silhouette.

*Place your cardstock on your cutting mat and send to silhouette to cut

This is what came out of mine.

I used gray cardstock and then spray painted the cardstock with flat black.

I ran out of black cardstock.

This is the before and after of painting

This is both of them spray painted.

I then took the 2 oval ornate framed that I found at a thrift store, soaked the glass and scraped off the floral pictures. I then traced the back of the frames and cut out off white cardstock.

I then placed the black silhouettes on the oval off white cardstock wit glue and inserted them into the frames and placed the backs back on. This is how they turned out.

SORRY FOR THE GLARE!

The family wall is coming along. One more thing to make for it.

These photos are baby pictures of me, my hubby and kids all around the same age to compare similarity.

Me and my daughter are on the right and my hubby and son on the right.

Silhouette preview

2011-09-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few examples of silhouettes I just did within the last few days.

The first one is my son, 2nd my brother in law and 3rd my curly headed daughter.

I will post tutorial on how to make your own silhouette and show you what I did with them tomorrow!

Ruffled burlap FALL banner tutorial

2011-09-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

This project is super easy! Very little sewing so here is a short tutorial cuz IT'S FALL Y'ALL!

-SUPPLIES-

1/2 yard burlap

sewing machine

glue gun

scissors

black cardstock or heat transfer material

silhouette machine

and THAT ITS!

Start out by cutting burlap into 2 1/2 inch strips.

I cut mine the length of 1 yard so I used 2 strips.

If you are using 1/2 yard try 4 strips. They will shrink when you ruffle.

I then sewed the strips together by width so it made one continuous strip.

run your burlap through the sewing machine in the center of your strip. I didn't use a ruffler foot so I did all the ruffle by hand. You want to bunch as you go and sew over the little bunches.

This will be what your ruffle strip will look like.

(there is 2 strips here folded to make 4 just for picture)

Cut out 4 triangles the size and exact triangle shape you'd like.

Iron your burlap pieces

Then glue gun your triangles to the bottom edge of your ruffle. Makre sure to space them out perfectly leaving room on the side to pin up.

Use your silhouette or hand cut out your letters. I chose to use black cardstock. It was the fastest thing to use.

Then lay out your letters on each triangle and hot glue the carstock letters to the burlap...

and then your done! Super easy right? and looks super cute!

you can do any words for any holiday. I will definitely be making more of these because it was so easy!

A beginner sewer's project!

Just make sure the more letters you do the longer your ruffle strip is!

Framed Initials

2011-09-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here is my lil beaut. I have so much fun making these because fabric combos are endless! Let me tell you in advance that I failed to take pictures the whole way through. I will do that another day!

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL NEED!

2 frames one a lot bigger than the other

1/2 yard print fabric

1/2 yard just in case burlap

1 letter of your choice

a flat head screw driver

hammer

a couple screws

electric screwdriver

glue gun

Small square of plywood for in between frames

spray paint for frames and initial

I found 2 frames at the thrift store. You want to make sure that you put the smaller frame inside bigger to see how much of the back fabric will show before you buy. Once you have selected your frames, gather 2 fabric choices, letter and tools. I chose to go with a baby blue and gold damask print for the back and burlap for the front. I suggest using a solid behind your initial so it pops and the print in the back.

Take apart your frames but using the flat head screw driver to lift up nails or staple like things holding the picture in place and throw away glass (or keep if you use it for other projects).

Paint your frames and letter however you'd like. I chose to do a flat white then distress it and black for the letter so it really stands out.

Lay out your fabric and then set the back of your frame (the cardboard part or canvas that was in it)

on top of your fabric and cut around that piece leaving about 2 inches on each side of extra fabric.

Then take your glue gun and glue down all the fabric onto your piece on the backside of it so the front is smooth. (NOTE: place your fabric on there first to see if you can see anything thru the fabric before gluing. you dont want to see the original painting or picture behind your beautiful fabric. If so spray paint white first then glue.)

Make sure your corners are nicely folded down and glued so it will go back in the frame nicely.

Once you have glued your fabric onto both pieces cut away excess fabric and place it back into the frame and use the flat head screwdriver to push back down the nails or staple things so it stays in place.

Then lay the big frame fabric side down and determine the center. Place your piece of plywood underneath the frame so it is on the fabric side and drill 2 screws through it to keep it in place. DO NOT let your screws go completely through.

Turn it over and the plywood should be snug on the middle of the fabric board.

Then take your small frame and lay it on top of the plywood and center it then drill 2 screws through the center of the board into the wood. THIS MAKES A 3D AFFECT WITH THE FRAMES SO THE MIDDLE FRAME POPS OUT!

After the 2 frames are now screwed together take your letter and hot glue it onto the center of the smaller frame.

And this is what it comes out to be!

I love it! If you make one please send me a picture @ TerynAshleyJewelry@live.com
Also please link back on your blog! Thanks girls!

I will also be showing my other ones soon! They are more colorful!

http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2011/09/tutorials-tips-tuesday-link-party-28-2.html

DIY Ruffle lamp shades

2011-09-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Good morning! For some reason I have been seriously slacking in the craft department. I have a bajillion projects halfway done and no motivation whatsoever. Zip Nada nothing. I even have halfway painted walls. Sad. After months of this pretty little ruffle lamp being halfway done because little ol me was too busy to go buy more felt I finally FORCED myself to go get it and finish up the last 5 inches of space that needed ruffles. So here the beauty is in my daughters room....PTL she's done!

Ceiling to floor length HOUNDSTOOTH curtians made by me =)

Here is the link for the full tutorial http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/2011/05/3-lamp-shade-tutorials-and-savings-out.html

Updates

2011-09-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

This past May was the 3rd anniversary of my blog and the sad thing is that I didnt even know it!

Last night I took a stroll down memory lane and decided to go back all the way to the beginning of my blog. It really stirred up a lot of emotions because my son was tiny and I was just a few weeks pregnant with my daughter. I had no idea it was going to be a girl!

Since then we bought our first home 10 months ago, my son went thru preschool and then started Kindergarten and my daughter will be 3 in January. Whew time flies. My hubby went from being an EMT to paramedic ( medic school is torture) and as for me well I've changed a lot.

I started a jewelry line, was in a few magazines, local runway shows which lead into getting picked up by some local stores. All during that time I didnt even blog for like a year! Crazy I know!

10 months ago is when I got serious about DIY things because hey lets face it I can paint my walls for real now! No more white walls in a rental this baby is all mine.

So with that said, I started spray painting everything and found my new love of thrifting.

To be honest thrift stores grossed me out before. My sweet grandma would drag me there as a kid and I hated it.

Glad my opinion of them changed because there is some rockin stuff out there.

Thank you to all my faithful readers and I promise to blog more from now on.

On this new journey I will be sharing all my DIY as I make this little home our home.

Xoxo!

P.S Blogger isnt letting me load pictures...anyone else having this prob?

Ugly Chandy re-do

2011-09-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ok so this chandy in my 2 yr old daughters room is make an appearance yet again. What for the 3rd time? Don't shoot me! I just love it so much and put a lot of work into this lil baby!

here it is before...I found it at a local thrift store for 4 bucks.I wiped it down then primed and painted it hot pink. You can e-mail for the exact brand and color. It is actually a floral spray paint. It is a bright hot pink before you glaze it.I then glazed it with Ralph Lauren Faux glaze and spray painted some little chandy candle dishes shiny black. They already had holes drilled in them for the crystals.

I glued the cups with gorilla glue. I found some crystal necklaces on clearance for 3 bucks each at target and cut them up and linked them together then hooked them on the chandy. After that I found the little tubes to cover the light sockets and added fabric left over from the curtains I made and glued them on. To finish it off I added rhinestones all around the bottom of the light holders and a hot pink glitter bird.As you can see I had added silver cameos with rhinestones but decided to take them off...what do you think?

Lets break it down...

Chandy-$4

Spray Paint w/ coupon- $2.50

2 crystal necklaces-$6

Bird-$3

Glaze- I already had but found a gallon of Ralph Lauren glaze on clearance for $1 a gallon!!!!

Light socket covers and fabric-free

So total this project cost me about $15!

Velvet Tufted GLAM headboard

2011-09-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

I had been drooling over all the tufted headboards floating around the web so when I found this Craiglist find in my mother's garage along with the matching dresser and bookcase just rotting away in there I knew I HAD to have it and transform it for my 2 year old daughters big girl bedroom. We just bought our first home and this was going to be her first big girl bed!

As soon as I saw it I had an instant plan of turning it into a black velvet rhinestoned tufted headboard!

So recently I got to work!

Sanded...my Lord I hate sanding!]

I then traced the headboard on to some plywood and cut it out with a jiggsaw for extra sturdiness for the screws to go through

Painted the legs black to match the material

Covered with foam with a staple gun

then covered with a sheet to smooth it out

I was finally starting to make progress!

I then covered it with black velvet with the staple gun

and drilled holes where I wanted the rhinestoned buttons to go.

Then I put the screws through each hole and covered the the screws with HUGE rhinestoned buttons that sparkle!

There is still a lot to do especially get her some shabby bedding because I'm tired of looking at the lips!

On top of doing the tufted headboard I had to do a chandelier makeover!

Here is the before... nasty dusty chandelier found at a thrift store and I talked them down to 4 bucks!

And this is the first stage....
I painted hot pink, glazed it of course , spray painted black crystal cups and glued them on,rhinestoned the bottom of each light holder, found crystal necklaces at target and cut them up and strung them together and then added pink rhinestoned cameos and a little birdie...

Then I added socket covers and covered those with fabric and light lightbulbs.
Sorry for the crumby pics! My camera just wasn't cooperating today and needs a time out!

I also made the wall art by her bed...painted canvases gold then painted the silhouettes by hand, added bows and then added a pink glazed frame on the center one.

I also made this knock off of the "KEEP CALM" sign for her room. I used my Silhouette machine and used the vinyl as a stencil and spray painted over it....now I just have to distress it!

I have put so much time and love into this room so far. There is still a ways to go but my baby girl loves it!

Vintage Glam

2011-05-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sneak peak of what I'm working on in my little girl's room...There is still a lot to be done! I can't wait to reveal it one day! For now I will be revealing little by little!

I'm going for a vintage glam mixed with a little bit of Paris!

Spring is almost here!

2011-03-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

And.....What better way to celebrate Spring with a few new pieces added to your gorgeous little one's wardrobe!

As a mother of 2 I am always looking for the hottest trends in the children's fashion world for my kids to sport without breaking the bank. Who wouldn't want a HOT looking mom and a HOT wardrobe to sport to school? So where do I go looking for some amazing spring clothes? Check out http://www.littlemaven.com/. Tori Spelling always has amazing taste and gorgeous kids and why not dress your little one in some of her absolutely adorable pieces?

Here are some of the SPRING '11 pieces... can we say cute and not to mention affordable!!?

THE PINK CAMELIA COLLECTION

The Tallulah Dress on sale now for $43.50

Cameo Tunic Top on sale now $25.50

and who can resist the Jeggings? Also on sale! $22.50
THE COPACABANA COLLECTION Infant Ikat print tunic. $38.00
Infant Ikat necklace dress. $38.00

THE MALIBU COLLECTION Medallion necklace dress. $44.00 Medallion print skort. $34.00 All pieces are available now! Happy Spring shopping and don't forget to accessorize with the hottest accesories!

Vintage Couture

2010-11-19T20:32:00.000-08:00

I have FINALLY came to the decision and found inspiration for my daughters room....
Vintage pink walls. tuffeted houndstooth headboard. silver mirrors,chandeliers,angels and rhinestoned things.
Shabby Chic mixed with vintage romance with a modern twist. Nothing like being original and creating styles of your own when it comes to your home!

DROOL! That bed is amazing!

Dee.Eye.Why

2010-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here is such a cute idea not only for a wedding but for a little girls room....I found this DIY on oncewed.com and might possibly use this idea in my daughter's room. It's super girly and simply chic at the same time!

Happy Crafting!

Mellow Yellow...

2010-11-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

So I have FINALLY decided to blog again...
it has been about a year now and since there are some exciting changes going on in my life which I will reveal later, I wanted to share with you my redecorating journey. I am completely starting over.Out with the old...in with the new.Little by little I will transform my home into new.Recently I have been wanting fresh colors in my home.I have decorated with red,zebra,leopard, black
and tan for so long I am almost lost when it comes to using color! Here is some fresh YELLOW inspiration that I am loving...

I am definitely thinking that yellow mixed with gray and white is scrumptious!Yellow is also an amazing accent color...I'm hoping to add some splashes of yellow in my house.It reminds me of sunshine and happiness mixed with the scent of lemons!Happy decorating!

Love conquers all

2009-10-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

I'm the girl who dances like crazy to praise God.
I'm the shy girl in the crowd who doesn't say much.
I'm the girl who has faith that could move mountains.
I'm the girl who you might think is a weird Jesus freak but I am proud!
I'm the girl who was forgiven much so I love much.
I'm the girl who would rather walk miles to church just to be in His presence than park in the front and not feel Him.
I'm the girl who dreams big and is trying to make my dreams come true.

I dance crazy
I don't say much
I have faith
I'm a Jesus Freak
I love much.
I'd do anything to be in His presence.
I am a dreamer and doer.

Down and dirty

2009-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking a lot yesterday. A lot of things annoy me bug me whatever you want to call it. Definately one thing that bugs me is when people complain! I must admit that I do complain sometimes. Yes I go straight to the one who can fix what I'm complaining about even thought He isn't too happy about it. I've learned to give all my baggage to God. He'll carry it for me no matter how heavy they are. He's strong and I am not. If I carried ALL my baggage I'd be dragging 500+ suitcases filled with ugly clothes if you get the point. People complain then God says OK enough here you go...then they get it and arent satisfied and complain and ask for more. God will always give just dont get sick of what he's giving you. Take your small and make it big. Take what you've been given even thought it may be not enough and be fruitful with it! Try praising God for the little instead of complain what you don't have! Be patient. It's all in good Godly timing. Hard I know. I'm going through it right now. My problem is not knowing what in the pickin world I'm supposed to be doing! Well...I do know but it takes money to make money. Sad I know but true. I have a brand brewing and no finances to go with it. A girl's gotta do it up right. So I must not complain about my little because I have bigger faith than that. All I know is that HIS plans are far greater than mine. He's got my back. He's the ultimate sales rep or whatever you need Him to be. Serious. Give Him praise when things are bad for you. Girl get your UGLY praise on instead of that fake christian crap. Don't put God in a box. He's far bigger than any plastic Jesus. KAPEESH?

Installing a fab Husband

2009-07-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

INSTALLING A HUSBAND

Dear Tech Support,Recently I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance,

particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as NASCAR 6.0, NFL 5.1 and Golf Clubs 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and House cleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system.

Please note that I have tried running Nag 5.3to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed,

Desperate.

DEAR DESPERATE,

First, keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system.

Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.exe and try to download Tears 6.2 and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update.

If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5

However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1.

Please note that Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Farting and Snoring Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (It runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.).

In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0-program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly.

You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance.

We recommend Cooking 3.0and Hot Lingerie 7.1

Good Luck!

Tech Support

Glamorously French Chic {giveaway}

2009-07-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

I've come across something so Chic..so French...so glamorously French Chic!

Ah yes! I love this little blogging world that I find myself living in more than the real world sometimes.

It gives you so many opportunities to find amazingly delectable goods for your home.

I MUST introduce you to...Garden Adornments

Let me start out by saying her designs are absolutely FAB!

They make me want to twirl around in white dresses and play dress up in french castles.

Truly these are made for a Princess.

These inspire me to go on a French Chic decorating frenzy...how about you?

It is an 8" x 10" Corkboard. She has printed her original pillow design on to fabric and attached cork to the back. She added a beautiful wood applique at the top of the frame to give it an elegant look. Included, are three Crown Thumbtacks (they are in a small box and not attached to the corkboard as pictured) You can either use the corkboard for pictures or notes or display it as a decorative art piece.This would also make a great gift!(description from her site)

Chic burlap pillows

I love these sweet Apothecary Jars. She has printed her original pillow designs onto labels. Her designs are made to look reminiscent of vintage apothecary labels. Fill with your favorite soaps, candies, buttons, seashells or anything sweet and petite, or remove the lid and fill with fresh flowers.(description from her site)

Her burlap pillow collection

Now ladies let the shopping/drooling begin and continue!

Gardenadornments.etsy.com

AGardentoRemember.com

AGardentoRemember.blogspot.com

{GIVEAWAY}

La Maison de Luxe set of 5 French magnets

How to enter:

1.Leave a comment on this post

2.Follow me!

and remember to check out all of her sites.

Winner will be announced July 31st...good luck to all who enter!

P.S. this is my 1st ever giveaway!!!

Evolution of art

2009-07-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

ev·o·lu·tion (v-lshn, v-) KEY

NOUN:

A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form

Over the years I have "evolved" into a better photographer...

NO and I mean NOOO I DO NOT believe in evolution of humans. Meaning we evolved from "monkeys" ( ok maybe my son did because he climbs on everything but that is entirely a different story). God created us with a word...in the Garden of Eden and Adam named the animals...

So with that said... here is a few shots that I have taken over the years....can you see the evolvement?

I can see it... from a point and shoot into a DSLR...

She has everything or so I thought

2009-07-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Why O WHY wasn't I given a supermodel body and the talent to go with it?

I want the height... the looooong beautiful legs...skinny frame and a face to die for...

The fast pace life jumping from one photoshoot to another

sitting in make up chair after make up chair

interviews

the world watching your every move...

no privacy

Paparazzi everywhere

constantly on a diet

all work and no play

OK, I have to admit... when I think about it, it isn't THAT great.

I'll just stick with my 5'0 curvy self because hey my husband thinks I'm hot!

I wouldn't trade my life for any supermodel... ok maybe just for one day!

Yo Ho Yo Ho

2009-07-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ahoy Maties!

We had been sailing the Pink Glitter sea for 2 weeks...until we came across land!

We got out of our rhinestone boat and made our way through the beautiful grassy land accompanied by bright blue skies.

Everything looked promising and we had to explore more in hopes of bringing the rest of the Yancey's to the new land.

Captain Baby Man found a beautiful flower field to rest at and stuck our flag in the dirt and called it "Yanceland."

He quickly felt at home and stripped off all his clothes and ran around with excitement.

Princess Baby Girl that he was a fool and looked at him in the most peculiar way.

Yo Ho Yo Ho...off to find the treasure!

Captian Baby Man and Princess Baby Girl knew that the only real treasure there was, was eachother.

How bout some disco romance?

2009-07-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

HE is asking you to dance...

If there is a question attached to the soul of a woman maybe it's "Do you think I'm beautiful?" When God answers from His great love, it makes some of us feel like the wallflower that is asked to dance.

You have been noticed...

HE thinks you're beautiful...

the glass slipper fits...

the music is playing...

and HE is asking you to dance.

Has anything ever come close to filling the depths of your soul? Have you ever known a love or beauty that has sustained you? Can you make sense of it all by yourself? Then maybe what's missing, in fact, is God.

To believe in God is the beginning. To hear him call your name is the start. To dance in his arms is real life. The music will be fast, then slow, then fast. The steps will be both easy and complex. The lights will be sometimes bright and then sometimes dim. But to miss Him and to miss the dance, is like missing the life you were made for! To finally connect with God- to believe that God really is who He says He is- will make you feel like the wallflower that is asked to dance.

When God says,"Come dance with Me," he is not saying you have to know all the steps. This is God of all creation who provides the music, sets the stage, takes you by the hand, and then leads. If you will find rest in His arms, you can trust every turn that he takes.You do not have to be embarrassed to learn, he is a patient teacher. You do not have to look behind you to see where you are going because you can trust that he is watching.

You are beautiful in His arms. Dancing is fun.Your job is easy... rest in his strong embrace and follow his lead!
(from one of my favorite books " Do you think I'm beautiful)

God notices you and thinks you're BEAUTIFUL. He never stops noticing.

One thing I have learned is that God is real.
So real. He is right there. He is asking everyone to dance.
He is in love with you. God is your best friend. He will never betray you nor lie to you.
His words are true. It is impossible for God to lie. The more you seek Him, then the more you'll learn about Him and He will reveal himself to you.
He is kind and compassionate. Loving, caring, romantic. Let God romance you.He wants to bless you.
He will give you the desires of you heart.
He is calling. Knocking on the door to your heart, hoping you'll let him all the way in. Don't just crack the door to see who it is. Invite Him in, and you will NEVER regret it.

Romance, Passion, Music, Dancing. That is what your relationship with the Lord should be like. Its a relationship, not a religion...

so let him take the lead. what have you got to lose? risk it all in my opinion. nothing is sweeter than his embrace. No love is more fufilling. Many waters can not quench this L.O.V.E.My thoughts are deep tonight.

A different perspective.revelation.

2009-07-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

a different perspective. revelation. Glory to God!

Supernaturally He spoke to me. In the midst of the glory and loud music going on at God Encounter I heard a voice. No it wasnt an audible voice. It was an internal impression. It was amazing. So clever. So true! It was like a DUH moment. I can't remember the exact words but I remember what it all meant. It's so powerful that I cant even grasp it in words! So bare with me as I try to explain. This is way beyond our understanding!

I had a vision of a car with a "in loving memory 10.10.08"

Why must people display R.I.P. and the date someone passed away?

For example RIP Johnny 6.1.08.....
He said we need to NOT focus on the day that people pass away but rather the day they were born. Focus on the miracle of their birth and CELEBRATE the life they lived here on earth. Don't go around focusing on the passing day but the their birthday and give glory to God they even were in your life and able to live and breathe. CELEBRATE the life they had and God wants you to know its ok.

I feel like we dont even understand how much of a miracle our births are. So many babies are born every day that we just feel the normality of it. But its nothing to look past or just celebrate once every year. Give God glory and praise and be thankful you were carefully chosen and formed in our mother's womb.

Think about it.

It is beyond imaginable how the Lord truly forms us. How something sooo tiny becomes a growing human that can walk and talk. Everyone has a purpose. FIND YOURS! When was the last time you thanked God for the things he has done for you?

I dont know why God shared this with me but I feel like I need to share it. All the glory goes to Him. I did not think this on my own. Maybe this will speak to you. Please let me know if it does!

Crazy . Day

2009-06-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

VINTAGE LEMON CREAM SODA BANGLE

CRAZY EIGHTS

Here are The Rules!

Link the person who tagged me.
Complete the lists of 8.
Tag 8 other people (and let them know they've been tagged!)

8 Things I am looking forward to...

1.K.I.S.A being done with clinicals and internship.

2.The day when K.I.S.A is hired as a FF for either Marina,Sacramento or San Francisco. He is testing for all.

3. When we build our dream house.

4. When I get noticed as a designer.

5.When one certain boutique in Hollywood put my bangles in her store.

6.When I'm back down to 105lbs. ( working on it) 15 more preggo pounds to lose!

7.Fashion Style Lounge in Aug.

8.Buying MF Magazine Issue #10 to see my bangle in it and seeing my jewelry in Issue #11.

8 things I did yesterday

1.Played outside with the kids and K.i.s.a

2.Ate Qdoba for dinner

3.Watched last season of 24

4.Cleaned the house while K.i.s.a helped!

5.Did laundry

6.Got online briefly and was asked to be featured on MYBLUECARPET.COM & to be in MF MAGAZINE again

7.Spent time with K.i.s.a

8. E-mailed Simdog Apparel and asked to use her rhinestone tool

8 places I'd like to travel

1.Paris

2.Rome

3.Ireland

5.NYC

6.Washington DC

7.London

8.The beach RIGHT NOW!

8 Places I've lived

1.Sonora
2.Oregon
3.The little blue house
4.The BIG yellow house
5.The "sample" house
6.First apartment with K.i.s.a as newlyweds
7.Second apartment with K.i.sa
8. Our first house right now....

8 people I've tagged

1.Amanda

2.Cotton Blossoms

3.Joshley and the Charles

4.Brooke in Wonderland

5.Made you blush

6.Miss Independent in Sicily

7.KLaw

8.Two pretty Little Skirts

Back to you my love...

2009-06-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

I have neglected you my sweet idea...

It's now time to be inspired once again so that I may send you on a journey to Hollywood where you will be seen by stars.

Please don't get your hopes up too high.

We are just starting our journey.

You will travel to Burbank first to be worn by Celebrity Hairstylist Jodie Burton on the set of weeds in hopes of being spotted and wanted.

Thank you for taking your trip to Oregon and being photographed for MF MAGAZINE. You look wonderful in issue #10... pages 56-59.

I was beyond excited to see you in it.

Now my sweet love... travel safely.

I want you to be wanted by many.

(www. musicfashionmagazine.com)

Backyard Camping

2009-06-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a really fun day... We woke up at the break of dawn and Mama set up Baby Man's tent for him.
He quickly ran into it as fast as he could yelling "My tent! My tent!"

He got over the tent quickly and was onto the next thing. You know how boys are. He tipped over the jogging stroller so he could climb on it.

Still playing in his pajamas...

The fishies came to play...

Then robo-dino showed up and scared them all away.
He can be very mean!

At the end of the day Baby Man pulled out his guitar and strummed away.

Whats camping without a little coombyah anyways?

A new discovery

2009-06-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I came across something great.

Someone great that is.

Someone very talented

I have a HUGE love for flower arrangements.

Oh how I wish I could get married to K.I.S.A again so I could have Eric Buterbaugh do my arrangements.

Flower heaven!

Here is some one his work...

www.ericbuterbaugh.com

Sweet miracle baby..

2009-06-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

I sit here thinking hard...

Why O WHY did God spare Baby Girl of her mental illness?

The Doctors had told me more than once she was going to have Down Syndrome, an ecogenic bowel, that she would have multiple holes in her heart and be born way too soon.

Try swallowing that pill when you are pregnant with your precious baby!

They had ultrasounds that proved them right.

But deep in my heart I trusted God. Gave all my fears to Him.

Well, why wouldn't I because after all he is the Almighty?

Can you seriously imagine all those things being said to you?

It was devastating!

I thought ok Devil... BRING IT!

You wanna mess with my baby?... I DONT THINK SOOO!

More importantly you wanna mess with God's baby?

I don't think so!

Piss off lou!

Go back to hell.

You're not touching my baby!

Ok Ok... SO I was a little dramatic.

Just a smidge... Ok more like Drama Queen on CRACK.

Yes I just said Crack.

( BY the way my church says "We are church on crack)
Man I love my church.

Back to business...

My earthly Knight in Shining armor (because Jesus in my true K.I.S.A) and I prayed hard and sought help from church.

Raised a prayer army and found like a dang WARRIOR.

A warrior with a rhinestone armor of course!

Ok so not rhinestones but a girl can dream can't she?

I had used my Bible as my weapon. Dang straight.

The B-I-B-L-E yes thats the book for me!

A week went by and I found myself complying to a GENETIC SPECIALIST.

It all felt like a dream.

I already knew nothing was wrong with Baby Girl.

She has the DNA of the Almighty therefore she is without blemish.

Oh my precious baby girl... such a blessing

She wiggled on the ultrasound screen. So silly in such a serious situation.

I couldn't help but smile seeing her while they looked for everything that was wrong with her...

The specialist took another look and...

Noth.... ing.... was.... there...

What???

You amaze me God...

NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH HER IN A SPLIT SECOND!

God healed her in a matter of seconds as she danced in my belly...

She knew she was healed...

She is now 5 months old... completely perfect and healthy.

No special needs... just a miracle smiling and giggling.

As a result of what God did for her and my family... Celebration Church is creating a testimony video of her story so that it may give others hope.

Trust in Him so that you may live...

Old Mother Hubbard

2009-06-05T09:45:00.001-07:00

Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard
To get her poor doggie a bone
When she got there
The cupboard was bare
So the poor little doggie had none Many meltdowns have been occuring lately... There has been crying... fit throwing... lots of questions...bottle throwing...the word "NO"... I" DONT WANT IT" and "NO THANK YOU MOMMA."The customer at Momma's Kitchen has requested...1. peanut butter and JELLY sandwiches.- we're fresh out of jelly due to Baby Man attempting to get all the ingredients together for PB&J all by himself and dropping the glass jar of jelly on the tile floor. can we say shattered!That resulting in lip curling heart breaking meltdown #1.2. Chocolate MILK- fresh out of MILK as of this morning... I wont be able to make Momma's specialty of homemade chocolate milk. There wont be any chocolate milk for nap time and will result in meltdown #2!3. Oatmeal cookies- we do not have any regular oatmeal for homemade oatmeal cookies for Baby man.He watched Max & Ruby this morning and they were taking cookies to grandma's house... Baby Man quickly requested cookies to be like Max... No oatmeal= no cookies. Meltdown #34. "Roni Cheese or Wubber Cheese"Roni Cheese= Macaroni & CheeseWubber Cheese= What about cheese. As in mac & cheese.We are all out of milk so that means no RONI CHEESE! Meltdown # 4I am in need of taking a wonderful trip to the grocery store. OH yippe.Until then there will be many more fits!Then apologies for throwing fits.Old mother hubbard went to the fridgeto get her cute little man some milkwhen she got therethe fridge was bareso the cute little man had none.

My God is greater. My Testimony,

2009-04-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

For some reason I feel compelled to share my testimony. I never talk about it. I never thought I would... It's in the past and I can thank Jesus for that.... and here is Taylee's story.

It was September 08' and I was 18 weeks pregnant. My husband and I got out of the car feeling so anxious. We were about to walk into the imaging office for an ultrasound to find out whether or not we were having a little boy or little girl. I thought for sure I would be having a little boy who we were going to name Elijsha Enoch Yancey( our baby EEYore.) I somehow had been thinking deep down that maybe just MAYBE I could be having a sweet daughter.... but then again I thought there was NO chance for PINK! My husband had embedded in my mind that he will only have boys. I sat in the waiting room about to pee my pants. I had taken the whole "drink however many ounces and don't go pee" thing to the extreme. I danced around until they called my name.... Teryn Yancey.... Oh yes thats me! I got up quickly and walked to the ultrasound room with my husband by my side. I slowing got up on the chair and asked when I would be able to go pee... I was almost begging her because man I was in pain! She told me I could in a few minutes... She then gooped me up with the jelly and started looking around and said " Oh WOW no wonder why you asked to use to bathroom! I can't even see the baby because your bladder is so full. Please go now! So I hopped off the chair and ran as fast as I could to find relief. Whew. All better. I hopped back on the chair and she gooped me up once again and started looking around. Our baby was being stubborn at first. Wouldn't open up to let us see if it was our son or daughter... Finally after prodding around she announced it was a baby girl! I was secretly estatic but in shock at the same time. I looked over at my hubby to find him pale and in shock and I thought he was going to pass out. I laughed to myself. The ultrasound lady continued to do her business and then off we went to celebrate!!

A week later my O.B called. I answered thinking it would be the N.P. letting me know when my next appt. was but boy was I wrong....

Dr. said.... Teryn, we have something we would like to inform you of. I said Ok...." You're ultrasound came back abnormal." I then asked what do you mean? Then she said.... Teryn I'm sorry your baby is going to have Down Syndrome. I was in shock. I immeadiately started to curse those words in Jesus' name and did NOT believe it. I gave the enemy no room to hurt my baby. She asked me if I had done the blood work to check for DS and I told her NO... I had refused it on multiple occasions. Why would I need to do that? My God is greater. It wouldn't matter what a stupid test said. She then proceeded to tell me I better get in the office ASAP for the testing and that I would be sent to a Genetic Specialist. I was livid. I hung up the phone and bawled my eyes out. Not because I believed it, but because I was just told my baby would be mentally retarted.

I immeadiately called my husband and bawled to him. I could barely speak. He sweetly calmed me down with his words of wisdom ( man how I love that man) and told me those words were a lie! Which they were. The devil was trying to get me to believe it!

We started to raise up our prayer army... our pastors.... family.... seeking God's face in the midst of all of this....

Another week went by and we went into the O.B's office for further discussion of our so called
" down syndrome" baby.... She asked me... Do you want to keep it? I said ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!?? I can't believe you just asked me that. I'm not an idiot. My god is greater.

She looked at me like I was crazy and then told me that everything pointed to Down Syndrome.
She had multiple holes in her heart.... and an ecogenic bowel. She wasn't in good shape. I STILL REFUSED the blood test to prove it. I had no need to do it. It wasn't true in my book. I refused to believe all of this medical junk.

A week went by from seeing the O.B and we walked into the Genetic Specialists Office.
( Remember it was a defenite YES that our baby was going to be SPECIAL)...

I prayed in spirit as I sat down and waited for the Specialists to come in. Long in depth details were asked about family history... I'm telling you I was so pissed at the Devil I could barely see straight. I knew he had already been defeated. He was a liar! He was not making my baby special. No way in hell! The genetics specialist gooped up my belly and looked around. She looked quite a bit... in detail, much more than the 1st ultrasound... I kept asking God to show her that it was a lie too. After an intense ultrasound she turned to my husband and I and she looked confused... I CAN'T FIND ANYTHING! There is no sign of Down Syndrome. There are no holes in your baby's heart and nothing wrong with her bowel. Your baby is perfect!

I thought to myself... MY GOD IS GREATER! Screw you Devil your always a liar.

It was such a relief to hear those words... 20 weeks later I delivered a perfectly healthy baby girl. Praise God.

Prayer does work and it was because we tithe that my baby is whole. She has the DNA of God and is a child of God. God healed her little body inside of me. All because of the tithe the enemy could not touch nor destroy my seed ( my child). I am so thankful.

So you see I am telling you that tithing does work! If you give your 10% to God then he will open the windows of heaven over you. You will give him the opportunity to bless you in unimaginable ways. Tithe with a willing, happy heart.

My baby is a Testimony!

Puzzle head

2009-03-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

As I was doing laundry, Baby Man found his long lost puzzle pieces that I was trying to hide from him. They make a mess! He immediately started to play with them. He was having a blast. Then he ran up to me looking like this! I don't know how he fit his head through al of those. He amazes me sometimes. How does he think of this!?

Gummy Eye and Proud!

2009-03-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Why O why does Baby Man have to put everything on his eyes!
I gave him a bag of gummy worms since he was being such a good boy....
He ran off and watched cartoons...
Then came back to me with a chewed up worm stuck to his eye...
I tried to take it off but he wanted it on there....
He continued to watch cartoons with it on his eye and thought he was HOT STUFF...
He was so proud of his gummy eye!
He is definately 100% boy!
Eventually he pulled it off and proceeded to dab it on a plastic pig for about an hour!
The pig ended up with the gummy worm stuck to his butt!
Poor piggy!

Red Chocolate Make-up.

2009-03-06T09:34:00.001-08:00

SO here I am once again blogging about how my SON uses everything as make-up! He watches me put it on every morning so he is getting it from ME!

I was in the middle of baking...melting red vanilla chips from Michaels to make vanilla covered oreos. My son Luke ran up to me asking for some "Candy."

I grabbed one of the round little chips and gave it to him and he ran off into the living room to watch cartoons.

About a minute later I hear my 2 month old daughter crying. She was laying in the bouncer in the living room.

I knew my son had ran in there... and I know he LOVES and I mean LOVES to kiss his baby sister, even if he is a little rough with her.

I thought ok leave her alone!

I proceeded to the living room.

As soon as I turned the corner I saw my son's hands covered red and my daughter's eyes and cheeks bright red.

I immediately freaked out and ran over to her.

Oh my goodness it's BLOOD!!! (or so I thought)

What did he do to her!!!???

Then my son turned towards me and I saw his face. He had red circles over his eyes for eyeshadow.

I then looked on the floor and saw the red candy!

What a relief.

He used the red vanilla candy for make up!

I snapped a picture with my phone.

HE WAS TRYING TO PUT EYESHADOW ON HIS SISTER!

This is his version of eyeshadow. This picture doesn't do my baby justice. He doesn't even look like this!
Here are my babies...

This definitely shows what happens at my house... Luke looks mischievous because he was just pestering his sister and Taylee is crying because she was being picked on! Kodak moment.. or in my case NIKON moment.Gotta love them.

Marker Make-up

2009-03-05T08:28:00.001-08:00

So I think I have become addicted to blogging. I find myself wanting to blog about everything that happens to me! I have to wait til the next day to blog or else I'd be blogging multiple times a day!
Anyways...

Yesterday afternoon I let my 2yr old son draw. He is such an artistic little guy, it's hard for me to tell him NO when he asked to do something creative.

I put him in a chair and pushed him over to the center counter in the kitchen. I let him dry there so if he misses the paper it will wipe off easily. (Take note mommies) Which is better than him drawing on the walls like he did with a PERMANENT MARKER!

(QUICK TIP: Use toothpaste and a toothbrush to scrub permanent marker off of walls.) It takes a lot of scrubbing but it will come off and is well worth it!

I then grabbed the bucket of markers and some paper and gave them to him. He immediately grabbed the color of choice and drew away.

I was in the midst of my never ending laundry while Luke was on his "artistic adventure" so I left him for a minute and walked into the garage to switch the clothes from the washer to the dryer.

I walked back into the house to find.... my son was completely naked! Not only was he naked but he had colored all over himself!

He colored his eyelids pink for eyeshadow...his lips green for lipstick... his hands,feet,legs,arms and stomach were covered and then I looked down and his "PRIVATE AREA" was completely colored RED! The whole THING!

I quickly grabbed my camera ( Indeed I will show his wife one day) and snapped a picture of my little artist. It was hilarious!

I can't show the picture because my little guy is butt naked!

___________________________________________________________________

Cake Box Cookies

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 package(18.25 ounce) white cake mix
1/2 cup veggie oil

Directions:
1. Mix together cake mix, eggs and oil in a large bowl.
2. Make little balls with the dough and place on cookie sheet.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 4-10 minutes.

You can even try different kinds of cake mix! YUMMY!

___________________________________________________________________

SPRING TREND!

Nothing makes a girl more put together than a nice manicure. This Spring, look for bold tones and bright colors when selecting your new nail polish.

Also a celeb trend this spring is metallic nail polish! Gold and silver are a must!

Are you kidding me!?

2009-03-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

As I was putting the roast into the crock pot this morning for my yummy at home dinner date with my Hubby ( The kids are going to their grandma's for the evening YIPPEE!)

My son ran up to me and told me "It's HOT Momma."

I thought he was referring to the the humidifier which he had burnt his finger on earlier in the week and remembered it was hot.

I dismissed it and kept on cooking. He ran up to me again and said " Momma it's HOT." I thought OK I need to see if he is talking about the humidifier.

I walked into the bedroom to find............... He found the iron and plugged it in and laid it on the carpet and............ the CARPET MELTED!!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

MY new home! New carpet!!

He found the ONE stinkin plug that wasn't baby proofed in the whole house and plugged in the IRON!

I'm sick to my stomach!

I'm going to have to put my little monkey in a cage while I cook!

I can't even turn my back for one second without him going on an adventure!

Cross Headbands!

2009-03-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

My new love!

Isn't this sooo cute!? They also come in zebra and tons of different colored crosses!

Also plain colored headbands with zebra or leopard crosses!

Way too cute!

It is so comfortable to wear!

I absolutely LOVE these!

Just a Note.

2009-02-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

Don't let your 2 year old son hide fruit snacks in between his butt cheeks.

IT'S DISGUSTING!

In need of a change!

2009-02-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

This is my kitchen. Of course Luke's toys are all over the fridge. Those things look so messy.

This is my dining room. I still need to get curtain rods for the red curtains to the left.

view of living room looking into kitchen area.

Luke's big boy bed.

Luke's room. As you can see I had just cleaned it and he ran in there and dumped some of his toys out! And yes he still has a "BABA"

I need to paint and change a lot of my decor around.... Any ideas!!??
I will post more pics of the living room and bedroom as soon as I can.

My favorite thing in my house besides Luke's painting.

Blast from the Past!

2009-02-21T16:27:00.000-08:00

My challenge this week is to try and remember the little things that took place when David and I first got together and bring them back to life! Think back...Were you and your mate knocked out by a particular movie on one of your first dates? Go rent it. Was there a song that served as the soundtrack to the summer you fell in love? Play it — often. Maybe the two of you used to meet for a drink at that little bar near the bookstore? Go there again. All will remind you of those early days, and give you ample opportunity to note how your love has deepened since.

Cracks me up!

We were so goofy together. I miss that.

When you are married with 2 kids it's so hard to find time for each other. Especially since David's schedule is insane and he is gone EVERY day of the week for 12 hours and 24 hours at a time.

Our song when we were dating and in LOVE was HOME by Michael Buble.

David was going to college in Valencia. I would drive there every weekend just for the day. Crazy I know. 3 hour drive! So thats why home was so special to us.

I miss when life was simple like that with no responsibility and I could just get lost in his eyes.
Nothing mattered to me when I would visit him.

Oh How I Love this Man...

Lukas Picasso

2009-02-20T14:51:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day I let Luke paint on a big canvas for David's gift.

I let Luke run wild with his creativity and he sure did!

He knew exactly what he wanted to do.

He would chose the color and paint a little and then switch colors.

He did pretty good for a 2 year old!

I'm proud of him.

His matsterpiece is something I can cherish forever and it now hangs on my bedroom wall!

Introducing...

2009-02-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

Taylee Alexa Marie Yancey

Do I LOOK that BAD?

2009-02-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Do I look that bad? I was grocery shopping at Trader Joe's a few days ago with my cute little family and a woman stopped and asked me where the pasta was! She quickly realized I DID NOT work there and she said.." Oh I'm guessing you don't work here." and she walked off! I was like... DO I LOOK THAT BAD? Then @ church Sunday night a little boy came up to me and started a conversation about Taylee. He kept going on and on about how he was going snowboarding and everything else... Then he asked me how old I am... I said 21. He quickly replied... OH WOW! I THOUGHT YOU WERE 30!! So does everyone around me think I need a makeover and I just didn't know it? DO I REALLY LOOK THAT BAD?

Fridge Messages...

2009-02-13T10:26:00.000-08:00

This is so cute.I walked into the kitchen to find this sweet message on the fridge for me. This is one of the many reasons why I love my husband. He always leaves me sweet fridge messages.

Naked Fugitive!

2009-02-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Mr. Luke decided to run away. No joke. We just had gotten him out of the shower and I went into his room to get him clothes and by time I came out he had ran out the front door! I immediately threw clothes on with no shoes and my hair was soaking wet and I went running for him. I kept yelling for him... then it turned into a SCREAM... I checked every street around me. I walked down fowler ( hence I was in my robe on fowler practically naked underneath) then I ran back home to put on more clothes and shoes and grabbed Taylee and started running with her screaming and bawling my head off. Still NO luke. An old lady drove by me and stopped becuz I was in obvious panic and she asked me what was wrong. I started crying even harder and said... " Have you seen a little boy?, he's 2 years old and I cant find my him. Please help me find my son!" She immediately starte driving around the neighborhood looking for him. I ran back inside my house and called David.... He came home and on his way home he called my mother in law and she came over and called 911! The dispatcher asked what he looked like and what he was wearing... HE WAS NAKED!!! The police arrived and searched for him. I had the whole neighborhood searching for him... I was in panic. You can only imagine what I felt not knowing where my son was for about an hour. Finally after the cops arrived and questioned me the cop was informed that he was found. A man had seen him running naked down the street and took him into his house and called 911. The cop then took us to the house where they released him over to us wrapped in a fireman's jacket becuz he was butt naked!.. I was so relieved to see Luke again. All I did was cry and hold him. I was thinking someone could kidnap him or he could fall into the canal near by. I am thankful he came home. I now know what having a missing child feels like. The worst feeling you could ever feel.

- Now I can happily say that we had a deadbolt installed on the front door today!

A HOUSE!!!

2008-12-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

We got our first house! I am so excited! We get the keys and start moving in 11 days! I have been packing like crazy. I have the whole "nesting" thing but then on the other hand I'm sooo tired. I'm 34 weeks now. Crazy how time flies! I will post pics of our home later...YAY

Tag your it!!

2008-10-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Sooo I haven't blogged in forever! So much has been going on! Luke turned 2 on the 14th!! I had a Paul Mitchell photoshoot yesterday... Lots of doc appts... I'll be 30 weeks on nov 5th! Time is flying. David just got back from his cross country trip starting in New York. I'm so glad he is home!

6 Random things about me....

1. I've always wanted to be a fashion designer. I want to have my own clothes line... Casual wear... it is a work in progress right now and I couldn't be more excited! I'll keep you updated as each step comes into play... so far I have a wholesale license/seller's permit and a business/ clothes line name and LOGO!... YAY! I'm not gonna tell anyone what it is get! Hidden meaning.

2. I love everything that is leopard or zebra print. Especially leopard. I don't know why! Jewelry, purses, decor and clothes! I just have a thing for it I guess.

3. I save everything that has meaning to me. Every letter and card from David... movie tickets, concert tickets, pictures that Luke draws ( i mean scribbles). Luke's birthday candles... sweet text messages... and anything else! seriously. I have everything that david has given me ever since we met!

4. I'm obsessed with taking pictures. I'm a wanna be photographer I guess. I don't ever think I'll consider myself a professional even though I have to try to produce professional quality pictures for some people. It's more of a hobby turned into a JOB. I hate photographing KIDS unless it's Luke!

5. I love candles and decorating. I'm obsessed with candles. I want to buy one everytime I go to target or walmart... You can never have enough in my opinion.

6. My nails ALWAYS have to be painted. I can't stand when I have nothing on them!

I HAVE NOBODY TO TAG! = (

I will post pics soon of everything!

Time for the fair + one big mess!

2008-10-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Luke had a lot of fun at the Fresno Fair! He LOVED looking at all the animals but was afraid to touch them! He is obsessed with barn animals! He drags out all of his books with pictures of them in it and points to them and says what they are and what sound they make. He loves cows! Weird I know... little okie boy. Papa Terry should be proud! David had a 18" corn dog and everyone stopped and stared and asked where he got it. We felt like we were on display. It was embarassing and annoying because we were trying to eat. I didn't get to walk through the photography part. = ( Hopefully I will go back!

Luke made a HUGE mess with his ice cream sandwich. He smeared it everywhere! He loves to have dessert after dinner right before his bath... Luke is turning 2 next week!

I was tagged!

2008-09-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

So I was tagged by Brooke. I hated the fact that you couldn't clean!! I had to do it though... I especially hate the picture of myself in sweats! **You have to take pictures of certain things, just as they are, right now, no straightening up or anything.**

1.Kitchen Sink...

Thank goodness I didn't have a heap of dishes in there!

2. Toilet...

I love my bathroom, but I do need to dust the feather boa!

3. Laundry Room

I absolutely HATE folding clothes!

4.Fridge

I have to admit that this was really hard for me... EMBARASSING! I need to clean it out!

5. What is your spouse/kids doing?

Luke was getting into trouble and was completely naked!
and David wasn't home...

6. Favorite shoes...

Black pumps, red peep toe pumps, leopard flats and hot pink low pumps

7. Favorite room...

The living room . I wish we could paint. I hate white walls!

8. closet

Here is my side of the closet. The other side is Lukey's.

10. self portrait.

YUCK.... 24 weeks pregnant! and fat! and in my sweats!
YUCK!

my attempt at bows...

2008-09-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent all day trying to make bows for Taylee. It was my first attempt at making them. Hopefully I will get better! I also made a cupcake beanie! I'm on pelvic rest atleast for another week until I go back to the doctor so I can't really go anywhere. I will definately be doing more crafts!

A day in the life of a little boy and his favorite rainboots.

2008-09-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

His Favorite rainboots... he wears them ALL the time in the house and would even sleep in them if he could.

He is such a silly boy. I can't even explain the expression on his little face. Definately one of my favorites.

He is such a big boy and not to mention FEARLESS! The crazier the better when it comes to things he likes to do. There were kids bigger than him afraid to go down the slide and he does it all by himself! At first I thought he'd definately need my help to go up the stairs but no way! He even tackled the biggest slide of all!

He is a complete monkey! He climbs on everything! It doesnt matter where we are. He'll climbs up things in stores and restaurants. He now climbs out of his crib with the gate up and then back in it and he can climb up his highchair and sit in it all by himself with the tray on!

He was so happy to see all the ducks. He kept yelling DUCKS! DUCKS! and followed them around.

At first I didn't want him to go near the sprinkler. Of course he started to run right towards them. Me being 5 1/2 months pregnant I definately CAN'T run faster than him or even catch up to him. So i just let him go for it.

Then he came running to me just to show me how wet he was. Hint the expression in his face.

He played some more then came back to me once again and had the expression of "uh oh, I'm all wet. Now what do I do Mom?" Good thing I brought extra clothes.

After playing in the sprinklers he ran right back to the play ground soaking wet. All the parents looked at me like I was crazy for letting him play in the water. He insisted on trying to hang on the monkey bars multiple times!

This shows his true innocence. Precious is what I call it. After he was wet I changed his close and we walked around were David and I got married. It was the first time in almost 3 years that I walked around there. It was nice to remember all the little details. Luke loved the waterfall. Those eyes say it all for me. They say Mommy I love you...Mommy I trust you... Mommy I'm still your little baby even though I'm growing strong.

How cute is this!

2008-09-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is absolutely adorable!

http://ohhowlovely.net/shops/2008/09/08/etsy-adore-sassy-apron/ is giving away this apron... go enter!!

where did my inspiration go?

2008-09-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

I've been so consumed with other things I forgot what it was like to have my creative photographer eyes... I saw the world differently a year ago. Everything was a picture in my mind. I was obsessed with trying to create a different world with a camera. Now... my photographer eyes are gone and I want them back NOW! I used to see the world so beautifully. I guess I hardly have time to stop and look at the world and imagine what I could possibly capture in one stunning shot. I need to get it back. I need to see things differently... I need to be inspired... I guess I just need to take a little ME time and explore. I know for a FACT that when fall comes its on! A soon as I took on the title as photographer I dissapeared. The real me thats deep inside with all the great ideas!

2008-09-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today I taught myself how to crochet a beanie... Super easy! This is a picture of my very 1st newborn beanie for baby Tay... The beanies I make have interchangable bows to match any outfit! I had so much fun making it! I started with a single slip stitch then double for the crown and the bottom triple stitch...

A Little Prince and a Glam Girl!

2008-09-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'm entering the world of having a daughter along with my super handsome little man. Yes, I know EVERY mother thinks their baby is the best looking and I'm one of those mommies! Anyways, this little girl has amped up my creativity and my drive to create! Thats all I think about now! As soon as I get my sewing machine fixed its ON! I have soooo many ideas flying through my head and I can't wait to create them. Bows and dresses and blankies...crocheting glam little beanies to adorn with big bows and flowers covered in swarovski crystals. I'm going nuts with ideas. I'm really accepting the fact thing I'm having a girl. The more I think about it the happier I get! I know Luke will be the best big brother. He is the center of my world and I Love him sooo much! I will be posting pics of my creations and yes I will post ultrasound pics soon!!! I'm too lazy to get my camera out of the car!

update!!

2008-09-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ok so still NO internet... We should hopefully have it up and running wednesday! Yay... anyways...... ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will post ultrasound pics later!

ULTRASOUND and no internet!!

2008-08-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to get on here really fast and let everyone know... MY ULTRASOUND IS TUESDAY!!!! I will let everyone know as soon as I can get on the internet again if it is a boy or a girl!!! I'm almost 19 weeks now! yay! Halfway done! Also, for the time being we do not have internet! Hopefully soon! Luke is 22 months today!!

almost 16 weeks!

2008-07-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

On saturday I will be 16 weeks! My next apt is aug 11 and then we will schedule the big ultrasound!! I am sp excited! Time is flying by so fast! Luke is still using the potty and learning new words everyday. His new thing to say is wow wow wubzy. I've been so busy with cheer! The first week of camp is almost over! Then just one week left! The girls are all so cute! I will post pics of them soon!

Carrot Cake Cookies...

2008-07-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
Makes 18
FOR THE FILLING:
2 ounces bar cream cheese, room temperature
2 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
FOR THE COOKIES:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup packed, finely grated, peeled carrots

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Make filling: With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar and lemon juice; beat until combined. Cover; chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make cookies: In a large bowl, whisk together butter, sugars, and egg yolk. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; stir until combined. Mix in oats, carrots, and currants.
Drop dough by level tablespoons, 2 inches apart, onto prepared baking sheets. Flatten with the palm of your hand. Bake until edges are crisp, rotating baking sheets halfway through, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
Turn half the cookies over, bottom side up; dollop each with about 1 teaspoon chilled cream-cheese filling. Top with remaining cookies, pressing gently to spread filling to edges. Serve immediately.

Potty Time!

2008-07-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Since yesterday I have been working with Luke a little bit on the "potty." He has been showing signs thats he is interested... For example, he LOVES to wipe his own booty after he goes #2! Also... he just loves wiping himself! He will runs to the wipes and get one out of the pack and wipe himself. So cute! Anyways, a few days ago I got his potty out of the closet that I was saving until he was ready. He showed interest by sitting on it and now understands that it is the potty. I tell him " go sit on the potty" and he runs into the bathroom and sits on it. Yesterday I kept his diaper off a little every now and then and would randomly sit him on the potty and tell him to go pp. He didn't understand and would think it was funny but... TODAY HE FINALLY WENT ON THE POTTY!!! He had gotten out of the bath 20 minutes prior and was still naked. He started to pee a little and grabbed himself and crossed his legs to hold it in. I grabbed him really fast and ran him to the potty and told him to sit down and go pp and so he sat and started going!!!! I am soooo extremely proud of him! Hopefully this wasn't a one time deal. I hope there is more to come! I will just have to keep working with him and stay on top of it! This could be a dream come true!!

FCS CHEER...

2008-07-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for the 2008-2009 Youth Cheer squad! I have been working endlessly choreographing 4 camp dances and getting everything all ready for camp which starts next Monday! I have 41 girls total! I can't believe how many there are. 22 on pee wees (3-4 grade) and 19 on Youth (5-6 grade)! After camp I am hosting a swim party and bbq for all 41 girls and their moms which should be so fun! I am so happy to now be Coach Tay!! Wish me luck!

Inspired Creativity...

2008-07-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Brooke's mom had this website and information on her blog so I decided to check it out! It's Blurb.com.... As soon as I saw it my mind raced a million miles an hour with tons of ideas for a book! Iv'e gotten so far behind on Luke's scrapbook and would really like to get it all done before the new baby comes, so I decided to make a book out of all his baby pictures and information that I saved. This will be a lot easier than scrapbooking even though I love scrapbooking so much! Last night I pulled out all of his baby stuff and started organizing pages and writing down ideas. I am making the book for Luke so I can give it to him when he has his own children. It has my pregnancy pictures, ultrasound pictures all the way til he turns 2. Including every date I wrote down and what he did on those days for his milestones. Information for every month of his life along with a picture for that month. I plan on doing this for all my kids and hopefully grandkids if this website is still going by then! We'll see if I can actually do it! I think I'm going to start a pregnancy journal so I can include that in the next baby's book. I also need to start taking monthly pics of my belly since it is growing so fast! I'm more than sure that David thinks this is so corny but it is beyond special to me, since I am emotionally attached to all the little things I have collected that has to do with Luke's life,.. It's a mother's thing I guess.Luke is feeling a lot better today. This morning we went on a 45 minute power walk down alluvial. He loved every minute of it and sat so still. As soon as he got in the stroller he was talking up a storm and didn't stop the whole walk. I was exhausted by the end of it. I need to walk every morning! I'm doing SO GOOD with the pregnancy weight this time. I'm proud of myself. Just to let you know by time i was 4 months with Luke I had already gained about 15 pounds! eek! I took "eating for 2" literally. NOT THIS TIME! CRAFT OF THE DAY!
These leafy centerpieces look good enough to eat -- and they are. Keep them on a sunny windowsill when they're not adorning the table. To make picket-fence herb gardens, purchase a 5-by-8-inch wooden planter box with a bottom seam for drainage, and about 4 dozen wooden plant markers. Glue plant markers around the outside of the planter with wood glue, lining up the bottoms of the markers with the bottom of the planter. Paint planter with one coat of white latex paint. Line each planter with fine gravel or perlite for drainage, then fill with potting soil and two plants. Settle the potting soil around the plants, and water. We used sage and thyme, but any herb will work.

Peach Rings and Pickles Juice...

2008-07-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been craving peach rings sooo bad. David and I went grocery shopping yesterday and I finally got a bag! And, you know what... I already ate them all! It all started when I was at my mother in laws house and she had some sour gummi worms. I picked up a blue and orange one and the orange part tasted just like a peach ring! Ever since then I was begging David to get me some. Also, pickle juice! Yeah I eat the pickles but I'd rather drink pickle juice! Weird i know! When I was pregnant with Luke I wanted beef jerky and pickles. Now its peach rings and pickle juice. Not to mention I have basically become a vegetarian this pregnancy. Meat makes me SICK! I can't even cook it! I occasionally can eat some chicken but its so gross! I hope this wears off! I don't want to eat anything.

The past few days Luke has had the stomach flu. My poor baby! Hes been throwing up and diarrhea up the cazoo. He's going bonkers without MILK! He's also not eating much and yesterday he had a fever of 103.7! His fever has went away and I think the throwing up is done with but he's a little cranky and clingy! I have MOPS tonight and I would have to take him to the daycare if I go. I don't think I should but I missed last months meeting! If he is feeling better by time its ready to go maybe he'll be up to it. We'll see!

Baby Yancey...

2008-07-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we finally got our first ultrasound! David and I were so happy to see the baby! We also got to hear it's little heartbeat for the first time also. David was a very proud daddy grinning from ear to ear. It made the pregnancy so much more real. I have to admit I am somewhat nervous to have 2 kids! Luke keeps me on my toes and to add a newborn on top of what I do for Luke... eek! But that is the way we planned it. Luke will be such a good big brother. It is really hard to think that he wont be the baby anymore. He is growing up so fast. My life will consist of potty training and breastfeeding once the baby comes! I don't think I'll ever leave the house!! Next month we get to find out what the sex is. My gut instinct says its a BOY but that may be just because I want another little boy so bad. We already have a name picked out if it's a boy. I haven't even thought about a girl name. David and I can NEVER agree on that. I just know that I would want her initials to be TAY just like mine so we could call her Tay. I will keep everyone posted on the baby updates. I'm still learning about this blogging stuff. I've been pretty busy trying to teach Luke obediance. Man that is one thing that is not easy. I am just thankful that he tries to listen and obey. He also tries to push his limits! Little stinker!

4th of July

2008-07-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

4th of July was fun. Luke and I went to my Dad's and had a BBQ. My Grandma's friends came and the neighbors and their families and even Uncle Butchy and Teddy came to town. David had to work all day poor thing. Luke had a blast swimming in a storage bin. Mary bought him a little red white and blue outfit and swimming shorts and a beach ball. He ate tons of food and so did I! Then after all of the food Luke and I came home and went to sleep. Nothing too exciting. We didn't even watch fire works!

Pismo Beach

2008-06-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, David, Luke and I stayed in a beach house in Pismo! It was so much fun. David went boogie boarding and Luke and I played in the water and swings. Luke is so cute. He absolutely loves the water. Everytime the waves would come in and hit his feet he would crack up and want to go further out. He even tripped and fell on his booty and the wave pushed him over and he got wet from head to toe, but he loved it. There was record breaking heat while we were there. It got about 100!! It was as bad as Fresno! Hopefully I will post pictures soon. Right now I'm too tired.... Love you all!

Family...

2008-06-05T09:27:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Terra Bella!! She is now officially a Clovis High Graduate! Her graduation was really nice and suprisingly not that long. After the graduation we took pictures and went back to my mom's house for cake and ice cream. Aunt Kari, Kalee, Traves and Uncle Scott came to visit. We had so much fun at Magic Mountian and hanging out together. Wish they could have stayed longer. Soon I will post pictures from the Graduation and Magic Mountian. Luke had a blast at Six Flags. He went on all the little kid rides and ate sooo much food! The little dude had an icee, pizza, dippin dots, chicken and fries, pretzels and who knows what else! Little piggy! He was such a good boy that day! Keep a look out for the pictures! Love you all!

New to this...

2008-05-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to finally get a blog. Corny I know but most of my family lives so far away so I thought it would be a great idea to keep everyone updated on whats going on in the Yancey's lives. A lot has recently happened and we have been so blessed! Two major things have happened this month. David got hired onto American Ambulance as an EMT and I couldn't be more proud of him. Another thing is... HUGE NEWS... Luke is going to be a big brother! I will keep everyone updated don't worry! Love you all!