HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, not yet, but just a few hours away! I am not a resolutions kinda gal but I do think ahead into the New Year and set goals for myself. Yes, I have some unfinished business from 2011. Doesn't everybody??

I definitely have some DIY creations that need to be put into play. Well, they are still in my head and I just need to start creating!! I am trying to juggle two blogs, watching my clever 2 1/2 year old little lady grow, looking after my hubby, keeping the house and all that THAT entails. I am completely busy. I go to the gym 6 days a week. That is a passion for me. Really! It used to be a chore but I have lofty goals set for the New Year! Now, it is a love! I am working on a non-traditional lullaby cd as well. THAT is a spill over of last year. MUST get that finished in time for Christmas. Ummmm Christmas 2012!!

I am going to TRY and keep posting as frequently as I can. Like I said, I have some DIY creations that I am about to dive into. I will post the pictures when I'm done.

I hope you all have an amazing New Year!!!! I'm going to kick next year in the pants!!! I mean that in the most positive go get 'em kind of way!!

Out for now and CHEERS!!!!!!

ADVENT CALENDAR FUN!

I found this beautiful advent calendar a few years ago at a thrift shop in Jersey. Notice the 19th is missing the 1! Oh well, one of these days I will paint it on. But for now, it's all right. Ummm, oh yeah, my daughter can count to twenty and this might confuse. Guess that's a project for today!!
Last year when I did this advent calendar it got a little expensive as I had a gift or candy everyday! I didn't know any better. NOW, I have figured it out! She loves crafts!! Anything that she can make with her own hands is a real treat for her. So I decided to go the less expensive route. I hand wrote an activity for everyday up until Christmas.

We have homemade dough ornaments, popcorn and a movie with mommy and daddy, baking cookies, painting sun catchers (ok, I DID buy these but they were only a buck for 8!), painting pine cone ornaments with dollar store glitter glue, the list goes on!! Oh yeah, today she will be making homemade Christmas play-doh!! I'm thinking red and green food coloring with a dash of peppermint extract so it smells . . . well . . . Christmasy!!

Here are a few of the sun catchers. Aren't they festive?!

Here is the recipe for the dough ornaments, courtesy of all recipes:
Dough Ornaments

She painted them and then I wrote the date on the back and painted the whole ornament front and back with glitter glue to seal it. I beautiful keepsake that will last a lifetime of Christmas trees!

Here we made a Christmas chain. Dollar store craft paper and staples. She colored the paper, I cut them into strips and stapled them together interlocking each. She LOVED it!!

Watching a movie with the folks. We've done this a few times! Snuggling on the couch with us, watching an old Rankin and Bass movie and eating popcorn. So glad to pass these on to her, as I watched these as a child.

Breezy has her own tree in her bedroom so she got to decorate it herself. Picked her own ornaments and garland. One of her advent goodies (dollar store again!) was coloring some cardboard Disney Princess ornaments and putting them on her own tree. Her tree is actually doubling as a nightlight. :-)

Here are a batch of cookies that we made together. Scrumptious!!


So, I didn't have to break the bank this year for the calendar and everyday we do something crafty and fun. Love it!!

Will have to continue this tradition next year but I think I will have to include a Gingerbread House!! Homemade of course!!!

Have a crafty Christmas week!!!

Back in the saddle

Okay! I've been away for a while but for good reason!! Been holiday busy!! You know how that goes, right?!
Lots of crafting and baking around the house!! I promise to post pictures in a few days.

We got a new couch, a Christmas tree. I've been baking like a crazy lady, running after my 2 1/2 year old and I've been training my patootie off!! Yep, the gym and I are best friends now :-)

I told my dear girlfriend some time ago, that I can't juggle my time very well. Either the blog, my training or whatever I am into at the time will win out. I was proud to tell her that I was changing! I was becoming that woman who could do everything!!!

Nope. I slid. I had a date with the gym everyday and didn't return my blogs voicemail! Hahaha!

I know I have plenty to write about and share as well! So, here we go!! I am making a pledge to myself to blog at least once a week. Okay, twice if I just have to post that new recipe I tried on my family! Well, if it was a huge success.

I hope all of you are having a festive holiday so far. Can't wait to post the pics of our Christmas in California. Oh yeah, there are a few recipes I will be posting, too.

Nighty night

Winter Wonderland

via grit.com

I was having lunch today with some amazing ladies, my daughter included, and I exclaimed that I missed snow. Here, in sunny Southern California it's a bit chilly right now but no snow in sight.

 I remember when my husband and I made the move to Manhattan in 2005, New York got a record breaking amount of snow just a few months later. A few years passed and I remember, as I was trudging through the snow and the bitter cold to get to work, I was cursing the chill and longing for warmer climes. 

There's something about snow that is romantic, nostalgic. That is, if you haven't seen it in a while! 

Just a side note: I am sorry for those who have callouses on their hands from shoveling. 

via mymodernmet.com

via mymodernmet.com

I wanted to post a few Winter pics that are inspiring to me. 

via alaska-in-pictures.com

via alaska-in-pictures.com

I have to say that I have been to Alaska many times over the years and their Winter Wonderland is tough to beat. Okay, Manhattan is pretty beautiful, too. Central Park is awe inspiring.

via centralpark.com

via centralpark.com

This is our pup Belle, just outside our apartment on the UES. She LOVES snow!!!

This is a VERY preggo me!! I was a happy pregnant lady, so I didn't mind the snow!!! These shots were taken in 2009.

Okay, I have reminisced enough. Yes, I am feeling nostalgic looking at these pictures, but, I have to say, I am glad I live near the beach. That said, it gets pretty dang cold there, too. 

Hmmmmmm, well, you certainly can't build a snowman out of sand either! 

Are you a fan of snow or are you not? 

My Crafty Christmas

via elledecor

Did everyone have an amazing Thanksgiving? I hope so!! Still have some Tofurkey, cranberry sauce and potatoes left. Oh yes, the Vegan chocolate cake. Yep, still there. Although, now that I've said it, I might have to make a wee trip to the fridge.

OK, I'm back!!

Are we ready for Christmas?? I know I am. Started sorting through "The Christmas Closet". I think we all have one. Well, because of my over abundance of everything Christmas, I actually have a closet that holds just that. Everything Christmas! And, it sounds very magical to my daughter when I tell her it's time to go peek in . . . The Christmas Closet! Didn't you just get a waft of happy??

I believe we are a crafty family. I am a diehard DIYer. If I can make something with my own hands and save some money, that makes my heart just a flutter! What a perfect holiday to make some festive adornments! 

The cranberry ball at the top was my inspiration for this post. So many things you can do with a dollar store version! You can glue just about anything on it! Pom poms, moss, beads, feathers . . . go crazy!!!

via ohmyhandmade

I definitely like the idea of a garland strewn around the living room in various places. Over a picture frame or intertwined along a bookcase. Some home made ornaments hanging from a few tall twigs that you acquired on a stroll outside. Hmmmmm I'm thinking dollar store figurines, spray paint, craft glitter and ornament hooks. The sky's the limit!!

via favecrafts

I love the idea of transforming these clear balls into art. You could also stencil a design on the ball and then paint it. Glue some felt "Christmas" themed designs on them and add sequins or rhinestones. I was thinking a felt dove or a Christmas Wreath with rhinestones. Ever modpodge??  Cut out some old newspaper or Christmas paper and brush on the modpodge! 

via homedecoratingtrends

This spray painted wreath is a clever idea. It has an oldy worldy feel to me. Imagine a different hue. A deep cranberry would be beautiful. How about as a centerpiece for your dining table with a tall taper in the center? 

via seesuestitch

I must make some garland this year. I love the idea of pom poms! They're so . . . HAPPY!!! Also some yarn and felt cut into small triangles would be nice. Maybe both!!

So many crafts to conquer!!

Are you going to do anything crafty this season?? Theres still time, right??

 Time to settle down with some hot cocoa, some Bing Crosby and a needle and thread. Oh yeah, don't forget the spray paint!!

Christmas Door Treats!

Haven't even reached Thanksgiving and I believe "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"!
I am definitely getting into the holiday spirit. First things first. Must create a gorgeous wreath for the front door. What to do, what to do . . .

I need some creative inspiration.

Maybe a little more. We're getting there!

Thank you BHG (Better Homes and Gardens) that was the shot I needed!


Oh yeah, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!! :-)

Oops!

Yep! I tempted you with the knowledge that I had another muffin recipe up my sleeve but didn't leave a link or picture! Okay, there is a wee bit of margarine but only a small amount. Mostly applesauce!

via cdkitchen.com

This is an awesome recipe! Applesauce Bran Muffins! So yummy and almost (?) healthy!!  :-) I have made these a few times as well and they turn out so moist!!

Enjoy!!

Recipe Roundup

I have taken a few days off to unwind with the family. Had a nice day at Disneyland with my daughter! Love that it's just down the street and they offer a sweet deal to OC residents!

Well, I wanted to share a few recipes that we have tried over the last few weeks.

via allrecipes.com

This one is Tofu and Veggies in Peanut Sauce. It was easy to prepare and the flavor was amazing! I did add more veggies as other reviewers recommended. Click the link under the above picture.

via allrecipes.com

This yummy dish is Cod with Italian Crumb Topping. It turned out so juicy! Add veggies and your ready to go. Click under the above picture for the recipe.

via eatingwell.com

This has been our favorite so far! We have made this a few times now. It didn't need any tweaking either. Highly recommend this one!! Go to the link under the above picture.

via allrecipes.com

This is a favorite! I make these every week. They are a healthy snack for my family and are gone pretty quickly! Click the link under the picture for the recipe.

Well, I hope I have made your mouths water! I love to share recipes! I hope you give them a try and let me know how they turned out!

Oh yeah, I have another great muffin recipe that uses applesauce instead of butter. Amazing!!

Happy healthy eating!!

How does your herb garden grow

via Seattle Times

So, I was cooking tonight - actually a recipe from a few posts ago, Curried Fish. 5 stars, by the way! So amazing, we have made it twice! Anyway, the recipe called for fresh Thyme or the dried variety. I had the latter but wished I had the real deal.

Ah, that fragrant smell of Thyme, Oregano, Lavender, Basil, you name it, makes me want to go collect my wee basket and skip off to my lovely garden to gather my bounty. Then, reality sinks in. While we do have two balconies, they are barren of plant life. Oh yes, I used to grow them. In New Jersey. A repressed memory of giving my prized Basil plant to my neighbor as we pulled stakes from Jersey to make our home here in California comes to mind. You know the scene. We were both clutching the plant and neither would let go, ummmm, I mean I wouldn't let go. Now that I think about it . . . it was an awkward moment. But I digress.

I really want an herb garden. Not just one plant. Many.

I was Googling (as you do!) for a creative way to display them and I found my dreamy little garden. Balcony friendly.

via Apartment Therapy

via life on the balcony

A pallet? Really? How clever!

This is so creative and look how much you can grow! Just go to this site: life on the balcony
for full instructions on how to accomplish this.


Of course, I would like to add my own little spin and paint the pallet or cover the slats in a fun outdoor fabric. That's just me. Actually the Dollar Tree has some resin carved garden gates that would look nice painted and then stapled cleverly on each row. Hmmmmm, the possibilities are endless. See, I immediately go to the design aspect of the project. Believe me, I am thinking of the herbs though.

Now, I just need to refresh my memory on which herbs can be placed together and which ones need their own pot. Yes, Mint, you are on your own!


Here is another clever idea.

via far out flora

This was made out of three pallets. Amazing!

via Re-nest

Just another way to up-cycle plastic bottles!

Very excited to get started on my garden. Now, off to Ralph's or Fresh and Easy . . . after dark . . . when no one else is watching . . . to go dumpster diving for a pallet. Who am I kidding, I'll just ask for one tomorrow!

Will let you know the progress as it goes. Ok, It won't happen today, but, soon!!!

Happy herbing all!!!

A Touch of Orange

via HGTV

There must be one color your drawn to more than any other.

If your like me, there's a few.

Your perusing a catalogue, magazine or the web and you come across this gorgeous room featuring your favorite color(s). Your heart stops for a brief moment. OK, maybe not! But I kinda get that feeling when I see the color Orange. Seriously. It just puts a smile on my face. A refreshing, happy color.

For me, a little goes a long way. Too much and it can be a little overwhelming.

via Lonny 

I like little nuances. The green could completely overtake this room if it weren't for the touches of orange and cream that take your eyes away from the walls. Keeping the bed the focal point.

via Lonny

Love everything about this room, really. The mirrored wall, the taxidermy peacock and that gorgeous orange credenza/buffet.

images via Traditional Home

Even a focal wall can be amazing with a few pops of the same color family throughout to tie it all together.

via CB2

The pouf! Always a favorite. At least to me. Still think it has some trendy life left.

via Target

This Missoni vase from Target is amazing. I love the structure and the striations of those amber tones throughout. Placed on a mantle or the centerpiece of your dining table. Lovely!

via Etsy

Think I might have to place dibs on this chevron pillow. Would look nice and comfy on my couch. 

Little accents like a pillow, a vase, a book or going big like a credenza or a wall. Either way, I'm a fan of orange and it's many shades. 

Ever thought of experimenting big with your fave color or just flirting a bit?

 I think I'm the flirting type :-)