It's a girl... I think

So, in case you didn't know... We're preggers again and we are having a girl (I think).  We are still going to get a couple more ultrasounds to be sure after what happened with Ethan Olivia.  In the meantime, we have been having trouble thinking of baby girl names we both like that are not already taken.  Some of my favorite names are Sophia, Ava, Abigail, Claire, Ann, Lilly and Emily.  I have a very large family and all of those names are already taken in some form by other beautiful girls in my family.  I do have some others in mind.  Ordinarily I wouldn't tell everyone my names because sometimes people are a little, um, blunt with their opinions and I might end up choosing that name anyway then I'll know they hate it.  I really want some input this time though.  So here are some of my ideas in order of preference.  I really just want a name that is a little unique but doesn't sound made up.  Please let me know what you think (even if you hate it) but be nice please.  Also if you can think of any terrible taunting names or rhymes mean little kids might think of for these names, let me know that too (Like Josie grossy)

         My list:                                                         Nic's list

1. Eleanor                                                   1.   Madeline
2. Penelope
3. Eloise
4. Avery

On the 5th (and 6th) day of Christmas...

I am half way through the 12 days of Christmas with the hubs.  He has really enjoyed it.  I mean, who wouldn't like getting gifts everyday, right?  Well, I have enjoyed it too.  It makes me happy to make him happy but it also makes me happy when he does the dishes, gives O a bath or just offers to run errands for me.  Oh yes, he has been doing all those things since I started the 12 days.  Honestly, he helps out so much anyway.  I think this just maybe made him want to do a little more.  I'm sure he feels more appreciated.   

So, on to the gifts...

Day 5 I gave him a $5 gift card to Starbucks.  That should get him a grande (I hope! Starbucks is so expensive~ Geez!)  I thought with the simpler gifts I should present them in a more extravagant way.  This was a pretty simple gift but I packaged it in a nontraditional way. I put it in a can. I saw this idea last year and just sort of filed it away in the back of my mind. I can't take credit for it and there are probably a bajillion tutorials online already so I will not go into detail.  It's pretty simple.  I used a can that has a pull-tab top (usually soup cans do) Instead of opening it from the top I used a can opener and opened it from the bottom.  I emptied the soup (into my belly- love Italian wedding soup Mmmmmmm!)  I cleaned it really well. 

I even used a little bleach bc I felt like it still smelled a little soupy.  after it dried completely I put the gift card inside.  I also added some little candies because I thought it needed something else.  I used one of those fancy pampered chef can openers that don't actually puncture the can.  When I went to put the bottom back on I really didn't even need any glue.  I decided I would use hot glue anyway and it wouldn't work.  With that kind of can opener, there is no space for glue.  I ended up just using 2 little beads of hot glue and just firmly reattaching the bottom.  In the future, I will probably get a cheap can opener for projects like this.  That way I have more room for the glue and it will be totally hidden underneath the can.  After I closed the can I wrapped it in scrapbook paper.  I even cut a circle for the top bc there was a big NFL logo ontop and that didn't really fit my Christmas theme.  Not so bad for the first time, eh?  He had to pull the top open to get his gift.  He thought it was cool.  I guess I put too much candy inside though bc he didn't even notice the gift card.  He was happy with just the candies. 

On day 6, I gave him a 6-pack of reinbeers.  Cheesy? Yes, but I love it!  I got this idea from pinterest.  I thought the Guinness looked super cute but I happen to know that he does not enjoy Guinness from a bottle.  BC I am preggers I have not had beer since July... maybe August but he just found a new brewery out of Colorado that he really likes called Great Divide.  IDK a lot about their beers but they smell really yummy.  This one is called Claymore.  It reminds me of claymore mines (yes I'm a nerd) but the box is green and a little festive so I chose that.  Anyway this was really simple and needs no instruction.  I just thought I would post a pic for you to see.  Enjoy! 

By the way, I'm stumped for days 8 and 9. Any suggestions?

Look what I made!

Are you on pinterest? Well, about a month or so ago, one of my friends pinned a cute little candy bar wrapped in brown paper to look like a reindeer.  I thought it was cute but didn't really have a use for it.  Last week, my daughter's teacher posted a sign-up list for their holiday party.  The first item on the list was drinks and a light bulb went off.  Hey! I could make drink boxes like those candy bars.  I couldn't remember who pinned it and I couldn't find it again. So, I improvised.  The original just wrapped a brown piece of paper around a Hershey bar,  cut out brown and red circles for noses and black and white circles for eyes then add pipe cleaner antlers.  I decided to use some bronze foil wrapping paper I got from Hobby Lobby.  I also decided to use oval-shaped googly eyes instead of paper.  For the nose I used red glitter paper.  The only problem I had was that nothing really stuck to the foil paper.  I use double-sided photo stickers for just about every project but they were too easy to remove from the paper.  I ended up using hot glue.  No biggie.  The last time I decorated drink boxes I used pop-up stickers to attach the straws back onto the box but I just used hot glue for that too and it was perfect!  Oh just don't forget to punch a hole through your paper where the straw will go.  I thought they were so cute I ended up making extra for a party we were invited to.  Hope you like them!

The 12 days of Christmas



This year has been so hectic for our family.  In January I started an accelerated full-time nursing program.  We are also expecting another precious little girl.  Needless to say, it has been a whirlwind of stress and emotion.  My husband handles it all so well.  In the past I always found little ways to show him how much I appreciate him and not just on special occasions.  This year (when he has helped the most) I feel like I really let that part of our relationship slide.  Well, it's Christmas time and we always exchange gifts but I thought this year I would do something really special for him.  It's the 12 days of Christmas.  I started on the 13th and each day I am giving him a little gift that corresponds to that number.  I also add a little tag that says "On the (whatever day it is??) day of Christmas, my true love gave to me..." with some goofy Christmas clipart.  For day one I give him one thing, day two I give him two things, day twelve I give him twelve things... you get it.  Some are nice gifts and some are really small but it has been a lot of fun so far trying to get these gifts to him without him catching me.

Oklahoma shirt from Unlabeled

  So, for day one I gave him one great T-shirt.  On the second day I gave him a pair of gloves.  Yesterday was the third day so I got him Battlefield 3 for the PS3.  I'm pretty sure I will regret that one but he was excited about it and that's what I was going for.  Apparently, you play this one with a squad so he has to get on when his buddies are online and they fight battles together.  Yeah... whatever.  I don't think it could be any worse than COD but we'll see.  I felt like he was gone for the first few weeks Modern Warfare came out but this last time he wasn't so bad.  I'm really thinking I should have given him a 3-pack of golf balls or something instead.  Oh well.  Anyway, it took him until last night to figure out what I was doing.  He asked, "So do I actually get a gift all 12 days?"  My answer? "If you're good!"  ;) 

Sometimes he works 24 hour shifts and he leaves before 5:30am. Ugghh! So I have to get his gift ready and put it somewhere he will see it in the morning but not the night before.  It has been a challenge. So far, I have just put them in his truck when he isn't paying attention (like when he is playing his stupid PS3.  Today is the fourth day so I gave him a 4-pack of snacks.  I used Starbucks frappaccino bottles, removed the labels, washed them really well and used scrapbook paper to cover the little carrier and add detail to the bottles.  I basically made a template for the box and just cut strips of paper to wrap around the bottles.  I also used a circle punch for the bottle tops.  Mine was 1.5" but I think they look just a little on the small side.  I secured everything with double-sided photo stickers that are used for scrapbooking. 

This is what I ended up with!  I think they're pretty cute.  I would have preferred the mocha frappaccino light bottles because the caps are blue but I don't think Nic would drink those.  I thought about posting a template but I'm really not that computer savvy.  Anyway, you could really fill them with anything but I chose puppy chow, caramel popcorn, trail mix (with cranberries- his fave) and a spicy chex party mix.  Now that I have all these snacks I'm thinking I probably should have filled all the bottles with the same thing. I could always take them to a party (or just eat the puppy chow myself- hmmmm...) What do you think? 

Pumpkin Spice Cookies



Pumpkin Spice Cookies



I make these cookies every year and they always get rave reviews.  I made these for the nurses on my last day of this clinical rotation.  They went so fast I couldn't even get a picture.  So I'll update the next time I make them.  This can be made from scratch but it is so much easier to use a spice cake mix. It has the spiciness of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves combined with the sweetness of pumpkin and they actually aren't too bad for you because I use applesauce or apple butter instead of butter, oil, or shortening. These are my new faves. They are super quick and super easy! I do make them a little less healthy by topping them with cream cheese icing. They taste a lot like the pumpkin cookies from City Bites... only BETTER!

1 (14 ounce) can 100% pure pumpkin

2 eggs

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (18.25 ounce) package spice cake mix

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease two baking sheets.
2. Beat the pumpkin, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the cake mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well blended and creamy. Drop by spoonfuls on prepared baking sheets. The batter is runny like a cake mix but they don't expand or run on the cookie sheet. So, whatever they look like when you put them in the oven is what they will look like when you pull them out.
3. Bake in preheated oven until tops are firm when lightly touched, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on racks. If you use stoneware, they take just a bit longer to bake.  Honestly, they are so moist that they are hard to overcook.

The cream cheese icing recipe I use is 1 stick butter and 1 block cream cheese creamed together well, then add about 2 cups or so of powdered sugar. I know it's not exact but I just add more until I like the texture and taste. Unfortunately I have to taste the icing each time I add more. You know, like quality control. It's a painstaking process but I will make the sacrifice.  Enjoy!!!

Cake!

This is a cake I made a while back for my nephew.  It was a lot of fun and my first "fancy cake"  This is the cake that gave me the confidence to try things I thought were too complicated.  This cake was so easy so I thought I would share how I did it.
This was chocolate sour cream cake with mini chocolate chips. YUMM-O!  I used 10" and 8" round which was a little more cake then I needed but everyone went back for seconds so it worked out.  I crumb coated them, then iced them with a basic buttercream, stacked them and started decorating.
I used those coffee piroulines that come in a can.  I thought they kinda looked like bamboo or something tropical.  I broke them in half(ish) and added them to the bottom layer.  They weren't exactly the same, which I liked.  Then I piped grass with a Wilton 233 tip.  It was pretty simple.  Just straight vertical lines.  (Leave a space for your waterfall)
Next, I added the sand.  To make the sand I used my food chopper to crumble graham crackers then blended it with brown sugar.  I sprinkled it on the beach areas. 

Now it's time for the waterfall! I outlined the space I wanted to be the waterfall and simply covered the buttercream with Wilton's blue sparkle gel. I wasn't sure about the sparkle but it was all they had.  I think it made it look more like water.  The final touch was shredded coconut to look like the plunge pool of the waterfall.

Next, I cut toasted coconut marshmallows (I got them from Walmart but I just posted that so you could see a pic) I just cut them in irregular pieces to look kind of like rocks or sand piles or something. They do have candy coated chocolate in colors and shapes that look like rocks but I didn't think they were big enough.  I lined the waterfall with them but it's not necessary.  Then you can decorate with whatever you want.  This was my first cake so I did use a couple things that were inedible- the palm tree and the flowers (they were plastic barrettes that I cut apart)  and I added the teddy bears

This is the smash cake I made to go with it for a swim themed birthday party. I partially mixed blue icing coloring so that it would give me a little color variance when I iced the "waves" in the water. I used coconut as if the water was rushing the beach. and the sand I made for the cake above.
For the fun part... the bears! I used teddy grahams and iced on little goggles, snorkels, swimsuits, trunks and even bikinis with royal icing. I used gummy life savers for the little floatie rings. Then I cut fruit roll-ups for the beach towels on the beach. Finally, I added some colored goldfish crackers in the water. This cake was so fun and the birthday boy loved it! 

Here is a better view of the top

Please excuse my kitchen. I am a very messy baker!  Actually, I'm a messy everything.  I use every possible gadget and appliance and it makes clean-up tons of fun. I hope you like the cakes.  I know they aren't "professional-grade" but I'm proud of them anyway.  This was the start of a hobby for me.  It has been so much fun creating cakes, very rewarding to be able to give them to my friends and family and DELICIOUS, if I do say so myself.  I have improved along the way but not to a level that I would want to or even could do this professionally.  I'm adding this to a very long list of hobbies!  Thanks for looking!!!

I have a new kitchen creation!

I can't exactly call it a recipe so I will just call it a creation.  I have to thank my good friend Angie for the great idea!!!  It's a lot like my chocolate sour cream cake but the flavors are changed. 

1 box devil's food cake
1 small box vanilla pudding
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup oil
2 packages of Lindt's Lindor truffles

Mix the dry ingredients then the wet and put into cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake on 350 for 5 minutes. Unwrap the truffles and put them in the semi-baked cupcakes and bake for 13 more minutes (18 total).  I recommend topping with your favorite cream cheese icing.  The fudge or chocolate BC is just too much.  The cream cheese icing recipe I use is 1 stick butter and 1 block cream cheese creamed together well, then add about 2 cups or so of powdered sugar.  I know it's not exact but I just add more until I like the texture and taste.  Unfortunately I have to taste the icing each time I add more.  You know, like quality control.  It's a painstaking process but I will make the sacrifice.

These cupcakes are so good and so easy.  Everyone will ask you for the recipe!  I've made them a few times now and people are always floored.  They are very rich so beware ;)

I think I'm going to try this with my white velvet cake and add dark chocolate truffles and then maybe do fudge icing.  What do you think?  Please let me know if you make this.  I want to know if you like them as much as I do!

A Very Merry Unbirthday

Olivia is 2!!!  Well, she's been 2 since the end of April but we just had her party a few weeks ago.  Between Easter, wedding showers and my parents traveling more in April then they have in the last 5 years, we had to postpone her party.  It gave me more time to get party stuff done study.  Yeah, I had all these cute ideas and I didn't get to do half of them.  I decided that all you really need for a birthday party is a kid and a cake.  Well, that and great favor bags, handmade by me, and a few little touches to personalize the party.  I thought it turned out pretty well, thanks to Nic, my MIL Evie, my sisters and my mom giving me margaritas.  Apparently, I'm a little high strung.  She thought the margarita would help.  I'm not sure if it did but the 2nd sure did the trick ;) 

It was so fun! We had Lawrence the "clown" and by clown I mean a guy who wears a tye-die shirt and paints faces, oh and makes balloon animals too.  We didn't play any games but no one noticed.  I think the food was pretty good.  My mom made her famous chicken salad on croissants.  I've asked her for the recipe and she told me to get some chicken, grapes, apples, walnuts, curry and something else and just throw it all together.  When I get more specific measurements and instructions I'll post the recipe. 

We had some other fun food but my fave was the dessert table. I made cupcakes with my sour cream chocolate cake recipe with fudge icing.  They were delish!  I was disappointed that I wasn't able to make her a fancy cake but the cupcakes were so much better for an outdoor party.  They were super easy to decorate, which was important b/c I was overloaded with tests and care plans- oh and trying to get my house ready for guests.  I bought these cute owl images from the Trendy Butterfly on etsy and put them on everything from the flatware we didn't use, to cupcake toppers and wrappers on the muddy buddy chex mix (my fave).  I made the cupcake "stand" It's just a bunch of boxes wrapped in pink gift wrap with some ribbon from HL.  I just played around with different boxes until I got the look I wanted.  Also, if you look at the bottom 2 pics you can see just a bit of my owl favor bags.  They were super easy and a lot of fun- just a bunch of circles and white paper lunch sacks. I think the favors inside were pretty cool too.

I'm the worst!

I am the worst blogger! I had every intention to blog every day or at least every couple days.  It has been much longer than that.  I know I don't have many readers but I'm often asked "what happened, is everything ok?" So, in short I will just say nursing school is kicking my butt! I was taking 13 hours this summer which was killing me. 
I hated it and so did Olivia.  My heart would just break every time she cried "Don't do homework, mommy.  Come sit with me pleeeeeeeeeaaaaassee" or "I don't want you to go to school" so I have decided to go part time.  It puts graduation off another year but I don't mind.  I would rather enjoy my life and my family and take a little longer.

So I didn't finish blogging my 30 day challenge but I did complete it.  I lost just over 10 pounds!!! YAY me! I'm going to start "running" again.  I want to find a race but it is so hot.  I may just spend this time training and do a big one in the fall.  I know the super 8 is coming up so maybe I'll do that one again.
I've had a lot of things going on... birthday parties, showers, weddings, playdates, homework, tests, kitchen experiments and more. I'll try to write more often and post pics.
I also have a ton of recipes I've been working on.  I'll post the better ones soon.  If I have any readers left out there, thank you! I hope to be around the blogosphere a lot more now that I have more time.

BTW, we had some pics taken around OU a couple months ago.  The pic on top is one of them.  If you're on FB I'm sure you've seen them.  If not check them out.  The photog's name is Kelly Morris.  I thought she did a really good job.

What day is it?

I really thought I would be able to blog everyday when I started my 30 day challenge but, as you may have noticed, I did not.  I guess I really underestimated 3 things.
1.  My ability to procrastinate
2.  The amount of crap interesting things I would have to get to do for school
3.  How much the first one affected the time it took to do the second one
But here I am! I have been working out so I haven't given up on the challenge.  In fact, I have lost 8 pounds so far! (YAY me!!!) I have just been so busy and what little spare time I have I spend with Olivia or watching the DVR after she's gone to bed.  Then, I stay up too late and sleep in when I'm supposed to be at bootcamp at 5:30am.  So then I go at 6:30 7:30, barely make it back in time to get a shower, dry my hair and make my 3 eggs and 2 pieces of toast.  Then I am so rushed that I overfill and overtamp my espresso so my latte is gross.  Then it is off to class- death by powerpoint with no caffeine which makes me cranky.  I think what this really means is- no, not that I should skip the DVR and go to bed earlier. no, not that I should get up the first, or second, or third time my alarm goes off. but that I really want need a superautomatic espresso machine.  So, St Nic... If you're reading this (and I'm sure that you are not) this would make an excellent mother's day gift! And really, it's a gift for you! 1- You drink as many lattes as I do and 2- I won't be so cranky :)

CUPCAKES!!!

I have been working out really hard and trying to watch what I eat.  I know, I know... It's good for me but I haven't had a cupcake in weeks! So, I thought I would do a little experimenting in the kitchen. 
These are my ideas:

lemon chiffon
strawberry lemonade
strawberry daiquiri
margarita
mint chocolate chip
and some coffee flavor with a creative name
or I could just keep trying to replicate Cuppies' boom boom pow

I'm not sure where to start.  Which one sounds best to you? After I create my recipe I will need some guinea pigs... um, I mean taste testers.

I HURT!!!

So, I went back to bootcamp... bad idea! I can't even describe what I am feeling right now.  It's a cross between sheer pain and numbness.  We did something called lungicide.  It's just what it sounds like- siucide by lunges.  OUCH!  Also, it kind of sucked because absolutely everyone in there was thin and beautiful... and totally in shape.   I will say that I am proud of myself for finishing though.  I was panting and groaning just to make it through.  By the end, everyone was cheering me on.  I felt like I was on the biggest loser or something except that I was the only fat one. 
I can hardly feel my legs but when I move, like to stand up, I feel pain.  No pain, no gain, right?  Oh, and my arms... Some of it may be from last night but they hurt too.  Between our lungicides we had to do pushups, which I still suck at.  I can type but it hurts to move the mouse so excuse me if I don't spellcheck.  Is it too early for a nap?

Day 11 no pain, no gain

I really couldn't get the motivation to start workout 2 with Jillian today.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's because the weather was so nice! or because I had so much schoolwork to do, or I wanted to hang out with Olivia, or...
Well, I have made enough excuses to see where this was headed.  I knew the longer I sat and thought about it, the less likely it was that I would actually do it.  When you work out at home you have all the time in the world.  "I'll do it while she naps." "I'll do it before dinner." "I'll do it before bed."  So, I decided to just get out of the house.  I went to one of those bootcamp classes and let me tell you I thought I was going to die!  I knew I wasn't in great shape but I have been exercising more lately.  I was already getting tired during the warm-up.  Obviously I couldn't keep up with the regulars but I just did my best.  I got the times mixed up so I was very early and hadn't eaten yet. Thank God!!! I would have definitely seen that again.  blagh! I am so glad I went because it just lets me know how much further I need to push myself.  So, I'm going to stop counting the days.  I am going to keep working out with Jillian but whenever I can get away I am going to bootcamp.  That is if I survive :)  I am worn out!  I am ready for bed but my toddler isn't.  What do I do?! 

Where have I been?!

Days 7, 8, 9, 10...
I have not a whole lot of time.  School and clinicals have got me busy and everyone in my house got sick- including me.  I have barely squeezed in my workouts but I did it.  I am improving daily! I'm ready to move on to phase 2 of the 30 day shred tonight.  I'm still kind of weak but I'll let you know how it goes.  the number on the scale has not moved a whole lot but I feel a bit thinner.  I have some jeans I barely fit into that are comfortable now and I have much more energy.  I still have to talk myself into getting started but once I do I am so glad!
Until next time
~C

I dunno what happened

I wrote something almost a week ago about my 30 day challenge. I saved it as a draft and agonized over posting it. I wrote about the first few days before I posted any of it.  "Why?" you ask. Because in the first post I revealed my actual weight.  It was really hard to do for me because I have gained so much and I'm kind of embarrassed.  Anyway, I finally posted 4 posts at once. I guess I was hoping to bury the first one with my true weight so people may not see it.  I asked myself "What's the point?" I shouldn't have buried it because the whole reason I wanted to put it out there is so that I would feel like I would be held accountable. I would have to do something about my weight because now everybody knows what it is.  Today I went back to see if I had any comments on it and I can't find it anywhere.  I don't know what happened but now I realize that no one has even seen it.  So, here is my first post.  I'm a little nervous about people reading it.  I've decided that there will be people who are really supportive and people who aren't. Hopefully those who aren't won't comment and the supportive people will.

Day 6

Up an at'em! I woke up at 6:30ish today to workout.  I had a fight with my alarm clock but now I feel great!  Well, except that I have had no caffeine this morning. 
We'll see how long this natural high lasts before my caffeine addiction takes over and makes me cranky.  So, day 6...
Workout went well.  I am seeing improvements everyday! I lost a little weight last week but I found it this weekend.  I overindulged a bit.  I had 3 showers to attend, all with delicious food. Plus, I went to the firefighters ball and imbibed more than I should have.  So, like I said before, the number on the scale is not that important but it sure would be nice.  Oh well. 
Today is test day- UGH!!! Hopefully my endorphins kicking in will stimulate my brain and help me remember all this material.  Wish me luck!
~C

Day 5...again.

OK, you caught me.  I totally skipped my workout yesterday so I'm on day 5 again.  I had some very good reasons excuses though.  I absolutely could not find the time to fit it in.  Well, I could have woken up earlier but I went to the firefighters ball and needed to recover. 
I also had a couple other things to do but the worst was my paper.  I had a 5 page formal paper due in my foundations of nursing class.  By the way, I hate APA.  I can not remember the last formal paper I had to write.  I thought about just losing a few points here and there because I was tired of formatting it.  One look at the grading criteria changed my mind.  50% of my grade was dependent on APA and if it wasn't written in that format none of the content would even be considered. UGH! Like I said, I had a lot of excuses.
So, today I am back on track.  I'm going to try not to miss any more workouts but I think that break is just what I needed.  I put off my workout again tonight and even considered skipping it (surprise, surprise) because Livie was under my feet.  I turned it on anyway and decided to just do as much as I can.  When I started moving she would copy me.  It was so cute to see her boxing and doing windmills.  Abwork was hard with a toddler sitting on my stomach but she thought it was fun. Other than that it was the BEST workout I have had so far.  I didn't take any breaks, not even for a second.  I'm still doing girlie pushups but I can do so many more and my endurance has improved greatly! Tomorrow I am waking up at 6:30 again to workout.  I hate getting up any earlier than I have to but I have to make time for exercise early in the day.  The longer I wait, the more likely I am to skip it altogether.  I'm supposed to "run" a 5K this weekend too but I don't really think I'm ready.  I guess I'll find out.

Day 5?

My legs are SOOOOO sore.  I'm not sure if it was all the squats and lunges I've done the last few days or the hours of dancing from last night.  If ever there was a day to skip my workout, it would be today! I got some nice comments that help me see what I should do but geeeeez! I just want to relax today.  I am waiting for this to become a habit instead of a chore.  Does anyone know how long that takes?  I'm posting this now but I probably won't workout until Livie is in bed for the night.  I know I shouldn't but I am putting it off as long as I can.  Meanwhile, I have a paper due in the morning that isn't going to write itself.

Day 4

I did not really feel like waking up at 6:30 on a Saturday morning to workout but I did.  I have so much going on today! I am co-hosting a bridal shower for my very good friend, Becca today and I am going with Nic to the firefighters' banquet. I've got to pack Livie up for an overnight stay at her Meme's house and somehow squeeze in a few minutes to work on my paper that is due MONDAY. Yikes!!! I better get on the ball. 
So todays workout went well.  I never really want to do it but today it was a bit easier.  I'm even doing better at pushups! I mean, I still stink at it.  I do the girlie ones on my knees but I can do a lot more than I could do just 4 days ago.  This one is short because I have to get going if I expect to get everything done today.

Day 3

A couple days ago I told everyone my weight.  That was really hard for me to do and honestly, it was kind of humiliating.  The reason I did that was for days like this.  Day 3 was hard.  I went to bed pretty late last night so I slept in this morning and didn't workout.  I decided I would do it while Livie was sleeping but I took a nap with her. Don't judge me- I was SO tired.  We woke up and played outside, went out to Tinker, had dinner, hung out with daddy.  Next thing I know it's bed time and I still hadn't "shredded"  Nic put her to bed and I still didn't do it because I didn't want to be too loud- I think that was my thousandth excuse today.  So, I'm sitting there on the couch playing a game on my phone saying "after this one... No, after this one" Then I thought that I could just do it twice tomorrow. Only, tomorrow I am SUPER busy and will struggle to fit in just one short workout. Finally I get my ass off the couch and just do it.  I'm glad no one was there with me or I would have started whining outloud.  I wanted to quit before I even started... and this is only day 3! What is wrong with me?! I'll tell you what is wrong- I'm out of shape and I have a hard time motivating myself. 
When I want to just sit back and watch whatever is on the DVR, I know I can't.  I told the world (all 12 of my readers) I was going to do something so I better do it.  I completed the workout and noticed that I'm actually improving! So, thank you! I have gotten a lot of support and it keeps me going.  It also lets me know someone is actually reading this thing ;)  and holds me accountable.

Day 2

I woke up SO sore today.  Who would have thought that a 20 minute workout would have such an effect?!  It made me want to skip today's workout but that's how it begins.  You skip a little here, skip a little there.  Next thing you know you're fat like me. So, I press on.
Day2 was hard.  I couldn't believe my arms and chest were so sore from 3lb weights.  Then, I remembered ALL the pushups I had to do (struggled through). 
Today was even harder. probably because I was so sore.  I wanted to give up half-way through the 2nd circuit (there are 3) but I just kept going.  I feel a lot better now but my legs are too sore to dance- we dance a lot in our house.   

I know I shouldn't weigh myself everyday but I've already lost a few pounds.  I think it's due to my change in eating/drinking more than the exercise but I'll take it.  I've been drinking tons of water and cutting back on the wine :(  I've cut out my Pepsi altogether, which was pretty difficult.  I have decided my pumpkin spice and chai lattes are OK because I'm not sure I would get enough milk/calcium otherwise. 
Besides, I can't deprive myself of everything. 
I forgot to tell you that I also walked/ran 2 1/2 miles yesterday too.  It wiped me out but I am determined to shed this weight.  I kind of wanted to post before pictures but I am not ready to put my fat body on the internet just yet.  Maybe after I really start to see a difference I will let you compare the pics.  Thanks for all the support, everyone!

Day 1

I got a late start today but I did start!  I did the first workout on the 30 Day Shred video and let me tell you- it was rough!  Before I had Olivia I was in one of those bootcamps you see at all the parks.  I was awesome! I was strong and fit and fast... okay, maybe I have never been that fast but I was healthy.  I had endurance and stamina. None of those things are true today.  Who would have thought that in 2 short years I would have sunk so low.  But today is a new day! I am starting today and moving forward.  I just might be moving a little slower than I would like.  So, day 1...

There are 3 workouts you can do right in your living room.  All you need is a pair of hand weights.  I have a set of 3lb and 5lb weights.  Guess which ones I used.  That's right 3.  Anyway, you do each workout for 10 days before moving on to the next.  They are only 20 minutes but they are high-intensity with no breaks.  I had to do the modified exercises and I still struggled but hopefully that will change a bit before I get to workout 2.  When I read this back to myself I think "20 minutes with 3lb weights?! That's not much" but I have to start somewhere. My goal is to use the 5lb weights by workout 2.  I will keep you updated!  I have heard some encouraging words from my friends who read yesterday's post so please keep 'em coming.  Are any of you challenging yourselves? Do you already have an exercise regimen that you follow.  Tell me what it is.  I'd also love any exercise and diet tips!

30 Day Challenge

I'm fat! Yeah, I said it.  It didn't happen overnight but here I am 235 lbs.  Yikes! I can't believe I am putting this out there but I'm hoping it will keep me accountable.  If you haven't seen me in a while this number might surprise you.  If you've seen me though, I don't think this will come as much of a shock.  I'm big.  I think this is the biggest I've ever been in my whole life, including when I was pregnant!  I have a lot going on and have for some time.  I have been taking care of everyone but myself.  So, today it stops!  I really don't care much about the number on the scale as long as I am healthy (which I'm not).  I am going to adopt healthy eating habits and start working out again. I guess that means no more cupcakes for breakfast ;)  My very good friend has been sending me emails for a 30 day challenge that she is doing, it's on day 16 and I haven't even started.  I think it's a good idea though so I am making my own 30 day challenge.  I am also going to be using Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred video.  I'm preparing for a 5K and hopefully a 10K after that so I'll be "running" a little also.  I like to call it running but it's really more of a trot. Confucious says "It doesn't matter how slowly you go, so long as you don't stop"
I will write about my personal challenge and I invite you to join me in challenging yourself.  Please comment and let me know about your challenge or write about mine.  I could really use the encouragement!

Thrift Store Finds

I'm getting ready to throw a party and I want to make my own cake stands with uniquely shaped plates and cups or candlesticks.  So, sometimes I'll visit a thrift store.  I'm usually disappointed.  I don't know if I'm just not going to the right stores or the area but it seems like I'll never find something like what I have in mind.  This visit was no different.  I found nothing I could use for the cakestands but I did find these!

Yes, I know they're hideous.

 A few weeks ago I made a couple cornice boards for my bedroom using foam core board, duct tape and a staple gun.  Oh yeah, and fabric. Now, I'm thinking about making them for every window in my house! It's so easy and affordable.  I actually had everything I needed in my house already. They look great (in my opinion) and you would never guess they were foam board.  They are also very lightweight.  So, if you're thinking about window treatments for your nursery or toddlers room, this is a good option.  You won't have to worry about little monkeys tearing the curtains down and hurting themselves.  I want to make them for my living and dining room windows but they are 73 inches wide.  I just don't think the foam board will support its own weight over that length.  I figured I would get some lumber and make them but I have a couple other projects going on right now.  Plus, the lumber would be about $30 for each cornice and I'd rather spend the $60 on my play kitchen or a spa pedicure.  Enter these hideous boards. I got all 4 for just $8.45!!!  The black ones are the exact measurements I need for the dining room window and either my backdoor or bathroom window. The other beauties are the right width for 2 more windows but they're a little tall.  I was thinking I would either just shorten them or carve a curve or scallop on the bottom.  So, now I just have to yank that nasty fabric off and recover them with something that I have not yet chosen.  I'm not sure when I'll get to this project but I couldn't pass up this deal.

I have a followers gadget!!!

I am not very tech savvy so it took me forever to figure out how to add this dang gadget.  It is through google friends and that's not what most people have on their blogs.  However, I think you can log on with any email address.  I didn't know if anyone ever read this but I've heard a lot of y'all tell me you like it.  So sign in and follow me.  I want to see who reads my random ramblings.

It has begun

I have been wanting to make a little play kitchen for Olivia for the longest time.  I really thought I would finish it in time for Christmas but it is the middle of March and I'm just getting started.  I've built a few things before like this picnic table and a few beds like this one. 
I really need to take updated pics so that you can see it painted.
This is my first build with Nic.  It has been a little bumpy, I guess you could say.  It's funny because when I first started building, he didn't want me using his tools.  I don't really think he had faith in my abilities and he may have been a little worried I would injure myself.  I don't blame him for the last one because I am quite clumsy.  Well, now that I have a few builds under my belt, I feel like I know what I am doing.  I am in no way a perfectionist but I just think my way is best.  I'm not sure why but I didn't want him to cut the wood. I guess I didn't think he would take the same measures to make sure each piece was cut just right.  However, I don't like his saw (which was dead anyway) so he ended up cutting the last pieces by hand.  He did alright ;)
It is a little colder than I thought it would be so we moved the operation indoors. It hasn't been too  messy so far.  I finally used my Kreg jig and I LOVE it! I don't think I'll ever build without it again. Nic was predrilling holes and I got to use some of my dental hygienist skills by providing suction (vacuuming sawdust) as he drilled. I guess that's more of an assistant's skill- oh well.

So day one and here is the beginning of a sink... or stove.  They are actually the same thing until you put the stove door on. 
Tomorrow we will finish the body of the stove and get started on the fridge.  We're waiting on the doors until we get the boxes built so we can decide what will look best and what we actually have the skill to do.  I got my inspiration from this kitchen I saw on Ana-White.com last year.  It is so cute! I thought I would make it exactly the same and even paint it powder blue.  Now, I'm not so sure.

Since, I waited so long, I have been looking at more and more play kitchens in blogland.  The more I looked around, the more ideas I got and I just kinda tweaked the plans a little bit until I came up with something that I really liked.  I am going to try my hand at carving a retro-styled refrigerator door.  I'm also thinking about painting it a sweet light pink, but I'm not ruling out the blue just yet.  I have found some cute knobs but I just can't seem to settle on a sink that doesn't cost more than the project itself.  Also, I would love to find that flower scrub brush.  I've seen them around but none that stand on their own like the one in this pic.  If anyone knows where I can get this, please let me know.  Olivia's birthday is a little over a month away.  My goal is to finish it completely- finishing touches and all- before then. That should be no problem right? You know- with party planning, showers, cakes, and oh yeah... nursing school.  It will all be worth it though.  I know she will just love this and it is SO sturdy. It will last for years!  I'm sure with Nic's help I will get it done in time.  Don't you think this will make a great birthday present? 

Check out this giveaway

This is one of my new favorite blogs that I stalk regularly
http://karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaway-100-gift-certificate-to.html#links

It's in the works!

My little girl's birthday is coming up at the end of next month and I had all these grand ideas for her party. As it turns out, my family will be going out of town twice around her birthday.  We also have a wedding, several showers, 2 first communions and of course Easter.  It was difficult to find a date that would accomodate everyone and just as soon as I pick one out there is another road block.  On top of all of that it seems like the hubs has to work or has drill every weekend.  I guess it won't be the end of the world if we have to celebrate it late.  That just gives me more time to come up with things to make for her party that I don't need.  Speaking of things I don't actually need but are super cute... I made this!
I cut a big 2 out of styrofoam and covered it with ribbon (just like I did with the topiary)  It took me a LOT longer though because it is so big but I just love it! I'm not sure what I'll do with it after her party- or until then actually. For now it resides in an armoire. 
I also started her birthday banner.  I really like the way it has turned out so far.  I used my ginormous paper cutter and my Cricut.  This is the first time I've actually made anything with my Cricut and I got it last year for Mother's Day.  I know- it's sad.  Thanks to Keli letting me use her cartridges I cut out all the backings, letters and owls.  I'll connect them with ribbon and tulle but I just can't bring myself to cut holes in it yet.  I'm not sure what my next project will be.  I probably need to finish the banner first.  Then, maybe I will make a ribbon table skirt or backdrop. Oh and I want to build a wooden nesting cupcake stand but that one seems a little far fetched.  We'll see.  I may just wrap some boxes in pretty paper and stack them instead. 
Tell me what you think of the banner so far. I'll post more pics when I finish it.

T is for TRENTA

As if I didn't get enough caffeine already, Starbucks has come out with a trenta.  If you are not a SB addict like myself, you may not be familiar with their sizes. A short is like an extra small. It's only 8 oz.  A tall is a small (I know- I don't get it either) and is 12 oz.  Although it sounds like a large, a grande is only a medium and is 16 oz. Finally, a venti actually has 2 sizes hot and iced. A hot venti is 20 oz.  Venti is Italian for 20- go figure. An iced venti is 24 oz. I guess ventiquattro doesn't really roll off the tongue, does it? I have many favorite drinks but lately I have been ordering an "iced venti, no water, no classic, 2 sweet n low, black tea" It's double strength and just the perfect amount of sweet deliciousness.  It's definitely not your southern sweet tea and I LOVE it!
You might be wondering how I know so much about all this. Well, for one, I think I might have a slight caffeine addiction. Also, I was a barista for a little over a year before I started teaching which I also no longer do... Anyway, the other day I was in the SB drive-thru like I am more days than I should be. The barista said "You know we have a trenta now, right?" At first I thought "Who in the hell needs that much caffeine?!" Then I was like "ME- that's who!")
Trenta is Italian for- you guessed it- 30. But guess what, It's not 30 ounces.  It's 31.  I had my first trenta today.  I was so excited! It took me about 45 minutes to drink it though.  Then I decided that it might also be my last.  This drink is beyond huge! I always feel like a big gulp is so... BIG and it's the same size! I think it's a little like drinking out of a bucket... with a straw of course.  Or like when someone tries to eat a 72 oz steak. Why? Well, I've tried it and this might be TMI but now I have to pee. I'm glad I didn't order this while on a road trip. Oh and I'm totally wired!

Cake Reveal

It took me a little longer than I had hoped to get pictures up of the cake I made this past weekend.  Better late than never, right? That's actually the story of my life.  I am a chronic procrastinator but that's another story for another post. So without further ado, here is my 3D mushroom cake!

First let me start with the significance of this cake.  I made this cake for a welcome home party for a guy I met last year that has been stationed overseas.  We have a lot of mutual friends but I don't know him all that well. You know how when you meet someone you can just kind of tell that they are a good person? Well, that's "Shroom".  My husband and I are both veterans so I guess there is an instant camaraderie there but he's just a really nice guy.  Also, he thinks my cakes are awesome and tells me so.  He asked if I would make him a cake a while back and of course I said yes.  Flattery will get you everywhere with me ;)  I know you wouldn't guess by the photo but his nickname "shroom" actually came from his hairstyle. Although the hair has gone, the name has not. Isn't that funny?

Okay, for the details...
I know I said I wasn't going to use fondant or modeling chocolate but I changed my mind and it really paid off.  I think it does look professional(ish) and it was a huge hit! It's hard to say this humbly but this cake was de.li.cious!!! I mean, it might even be better than my triple chocolate chip cake.  I call it *White Velevet* It was SO good! I kind of made up the recipe but you can find it here.

I lurk on Cake Central for cake ideas all the time. I saw a lot of mushroom cakes but they looked like little fairy cottages more fit for a young girl's birthday.  So, I decided to just wing it.  The first thing I did was create my own cake stand.  I just hot glued a pilsner glass and a glass plate together.  I tried covering the base in RKT but it just didn't work out. Unfortunately, I had to eat the RKT myself.  I made some modeling chocolate (recipe here) and wrapped the base with it then put my cake on top.  I know it was a simple shape but the cake was really easy to carve.  I cheated with the buttercream. I was in a pinch so I just bought a couple pounds from a bakery then added a bunch of powdered sugar to make it more stiff.  Don't you love my exact measurements? I covered the cake with BC then added my fondant. I don't make my own.  It's just not worth it.  I can never get it right so I use Satin Ice.  It's what Buddy and Duff use so I think it's good enough for me.  The spots are also modeling chocolate rolled out the same way you roll fondant. TADA That's it!  I really feel like it's up there with some of my best cakes.  It was a challenge but I think it turned out better than I imagined.  Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Modeling Chocolate Recipe

This is the recipe I used on the base of my mushroom cake. It's the first time I've used it but it worked well and I will definitely use it again.  It's so easy!

1 14oz package of candy melts
1/3 cup light corn syrup. 

Melt the candy melts according to the package directions.  Once melted stir in corn syrup until well blended.  Pour out onto wax paper.  Let it cool before putting it into the fridge to setup.  You can use it as soon as it is firm but it's probably best to leave it over night.  It does get really stiff.  In fact, I thought I botched it.  I worked with a little piece at a time.  Just squish it and fold it until it is smooth again.  If it gets too warm and becomes sticky or too soft to work with, just set it aside to cool. You can also put it in the fridge for a few minutes to speed this up.  Then you just use it again.  I like modeling chocolate better than fondant for things you need to completely wrap around b/c the warmth of your hand gently melts it and eliminates seams.  *Hint- white chocolate is a little oily so you might want to leave it a little longer to set up. Also this is great for making figurines.  It's really easy to manipulate (once you get it warmed back up with your hands) like fondant but it's a little more sturdy I think. I made a little owl but I didn't take a pic :/ 
I know this wasn't completely clear so if you have any questions just let me know.
I would love to see pics if you guys make anything with modeling chocolate.

White velvet cake recipe

I don't often make things from "scratch".  I don't have a lot of recipes or a lot of experience with complicated recipes (or enough time)  I am a firm believer that if something is made in your home then it is "homemade".  I use a lot of mixes then modify them.  That is what I have done here.  This actually was based on a recipe I have used a lot that I call Double Chocolate Chip or Triple Chocolate Chip if I use fudge icing.  It is very moist inside and it isn't too light. It is great for carving! I had very few crumbs.  So here goes

Ingredients:
DRY
1 Pilsbury white cake mix
1/2 cup sugar
1 3.3oz box white chocolate pudding (Jello)
WET
4 egg whites
3/4 cup oil
1 cup white chocolate liquid coffee creamer
8oz sour cream
1tsp clear vanilla (you can use regular vanilla but it will color your cake and it won't be pure white)

Mix the dry ingredients, then stir in the wet.  Bake at 325 degrees. Baking times vary.  For an 8 inch round I baked for about 40 minutes. You really have to watch it. If it is over done, don't worry- The outer crust might harden (which will be fine if you're carving) but the inside will still be nice and moist.  Also, I have had a hard time with this cake sinking in the middle.  I'm sure the baking pin or ring would help with that but it didn't matter once I leveled my cake.  This would be a great bundt cake!

I made cupcakes with this recipe and they had a little divot in the middle.  So I filled them with caramel, topped them with chocolate BC then sprinkled a little sea salt on top.  They were SO good.  I was inspired by my favorite cupcake from Cuppies and Joe called "Boom Boom Pow" That super sweet with a little bit of salty was perfect! Let me know if you use this recipe and post pics if you have them. I love seeing other peoples' creations!

It's taking shape!

My mushroom cake is taking shape! I have had MANY challenges with this cake but I am making it work.  I don't think the end result will look professional.  I just don't have the time, skill, or energy to wrap it in fondant or wrap the base in modeling chocolate.  It will, however, resemble a mushroom and that is the goal. 
So, last night I crafted with some girlfriends.  I made a ribbon topiary.  I cut the ribbon at home so it wouldn't take me as long at Cindo's house (I am very slow at just about everything- slow and steady wins the race, right?) Then I started to put a couple pieces of ribbon on to see what it looks like.  I didn't really like it so I thought I would do a couple more, then a couple more.  It started to look so stinkin cute that I couldn't stop! I ended up finishing it at home before I even left.  So, I took tissue paper, crepe paper and cupcake liners to make some poms I found online... all of which were epic fails.  Oh well, I think I will make another topiary. Here's a pic.

Crafty

This weekend is going to be full of crafty things.  We are going to a welcome home party for a guy that has been stationed overseas. I had the bright idea to make a 3D standing mushroom cake for the occasion, that is his nickname.  Have I ever done this before? No! Have I ever carved any cake before. No! well, not successfully.  To top it off I thought I would try a brand new recipe that I have no experience with.  End result? All the cakes sunk in the middle. I have faith that I WILL come up with something. For now, I am taking a break.  Tonight I'm getting together with some girlfriends to craft and maybe have a little wine (or wine with a little bit of crafting)  I am really excited because I am going to make a ribbon topiary and some tissue and crepe paper poms, none of which I have made before.  I'll post pics soon.

I'm a blogger!

Well, sorta.  I set this blog up months ago and am just now writing my first post.  I even forgot the password.  I'm not sure what I'll even write about.  When I first thought of starting a blog I thought it would be a great way to keep in touch with friends and family who live far away.  Now I am reading so many blogs about crafting, baking, parties, kids and more.  I thought to myself,  "I do these things!" so I may even write about some of that.  We'll see if anyone actually reads it ;)