Nan visits Oklahoma

Two weeks ago today, I received a phone call from my Nanny saying that she and my aunt were on their way to come visit me! 

After 3 long months, they were finally able to come see us. That was the longest I've ever been without seeing her, and I was definitely ready to give her a big hug!

While they were here, they helped me finish unpacking the last few boxes I had & put everything in it's place. They helped me get my patio whipped back into shape & helped me organize the garage.

We did some fun stuff, too.

We spent a lot of time just talking on the patio, reading/playing with Adelei, and watching movies.

I took them with me on a thrifting adventure one day, & we made our way to Oklahoma City for a trip to the Zoo & outlet shopping.

Their 10 days here went by all too fast! Before I knew it, Wednesday was here & we were saying our goodbyes see ya laters.

The rest of Wednesday was a little morose, but just knowing I'll get to see them again at Christmas time is getting me back to my old self again.

On being M.I.A.

My Nanny & my aunt have been here since last Saturday, & will be here for a little while longer, so I've taken a little break from blogging while they're here.

Don't worry. I'll have a few interesting stories to tell you soon.

In the mean time, check out this give away over at 

A Boy, A Girl, and the Marine Corps!

What's New?

When I started making charms, I found myself very inspired.

I started out with just a few simple charm ideas, and they have exploded!

I usually get tired of my 'hobbies' fast, but I'm still very motivated with these.

I'm constantly brainstorming for new ideas, trying to figure out things that will appeal to my customer base.

Here are a few charms I've done recently:

As I said before, I'm always looking for new ideas. If you have something in mind that I don't currently offer, please feel free to email me & I would be glad to try to make it for you!

Easy Chicken Salad

I've found that if I have my lunch planned out [or even made!] for the week, I am less likely to eat a bunch of junk. One of my go to lunch recipes is this easy chicken salad!

Ingredients:

 2 Cans chunk chicken [drained]
1/2 bag craisins
1/2 bag glazed walnut pieces
Mayo

In a large bowl, add chicken. Use a fork to shred chicken before adding other ingredients. Add craisins and walnuts. I start out by adding 1/4 cup of mayo. I love mayo, so I always end up adding more, but this is a good starting point. You want it to be moist, but not drenched. Pair it with bread for a sandwich, or with lettuce & crackers for a healthier alternative! It's ready to eat as soon as you make it, or you can let it sit in the refrigerator over night to let the flavors merry.

The best part of this recipe [other than being so simple & delicious] is that you can easily adjust the proportions depending on your preferences. Don't like cranberries? Add raisins or apple chunks. Don't like walnuts? Add pecans or almond slivers.

Another perk of this recipe...you get 5-6 lunches out of this for just $5.08 *

Here's the breakdown:

2 Cans of Chicken $1.59 each

Bag of Craisins $1.29 [.65 cent for amt used in this recipe]

Bag of Glazed Walnuts $2.49 [$1.25 for amt used in this recipe]

*I didn't add mayo into the price bc that is an ingredient most people have on hand.

There you have it. 

Cheap, easy, delicious. Can't beat that! 

Enjoy!

Goal Update

A little over 3 months ago, I posted a list of goals I was hoping to accomplish by the end of the year. I did it as a way to hold myself accountable. If I had people asking about my goals, maybe I wouldn't give up on them. So here is a quick update:

-Lose 10lbs 
As of today, I'm down 8lbs & feeling so good about myself! I know I can reach this goal!
-Make at least 2 garments for myself that I will actually wear! 
I haven't actually made myself anything, yet. But I've been getting ideas on Pinterest.
-Make a quiet book for Adelei 
Same as above! Maybe I should stop pinning and get busy? 
-Start couponing more seriously 
I'm still working on this. I DO coupon, just not 'seriously'. I don't leave the store saving more than I spend. But the lovely Sara just sent me two 'how to' books, so hopefully soon I will.
-Try 1 new recipe per week 
Absolutely! I've been meaning to blog about my new adventures in the kitchen, but I always think about it after I get done eating. Oops!
-Blog daily [not including weekends] 
I've decided that this isn't really realistic for me at this point in my life. Maybe if the blogger app on my phone didn't suck, but I don't have a lot of time to myself during the day, and when I do, 72% of the time I don't feel like blogging. 
-Create my own button/header, etc...revamp blog 
DONE! 5/9/12
-Create Adelei's 1st year scrapbook
No progress. It's still packed up.
-Create & maintain bill/budget notebook 
DONE! 6/12
-Exercise daily 
Yikes! This one varies. I try to exercise daily. But sometimes it just doesn't happen. Usually I get it done when the baby is napping, but sometimes this Momma needs a nap, too!
-Start taking vitamins 
I'm not going to lie, I totally forgot about this until just now.
-Establish a health/beauty routine & stick with it 
I'm not really sure where I was going with this? But for health, I've started eating so much better/healthier & I exercise [usually] 5 days a week. As for the beauty part....I go days [sometimes even a week+] without doing anything with my hair or putting on makeup. I'm some what crunchy.

So there you have it. I'm hoping the next 4 months are as equally [or more] productive as the last 3.

Don't forget about my giveaway!
Also, check out my sister's shop. She's giving away a children's outfit!

It's My Birthday & A Giveaway!

Circa 2010

So here it is, the big 2-5.
It's my first birthday away from my friends and family.
I didn't even  feel it coming.
When I was younger, I would be counting down the days.
I had a birthday wishlist ready months before, and I always picked out my own theme for the parties.
But this year, when Aaron asked me what I wanted...I had no clue!
All I knew is that I wanted to spend the day with my family.
Unfortunately, Aaron has to work, but I'll be spending the day with baby girl [as always :)], and I'm sure we'll have a relaxing night at home.
Something that seems to be a tradition on my blog is a birthday giveaway!
I do believe this year's is the best, though.

WINNER takes ALL!

So what's up for grabs?

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Green Monster

Have I ever mentioned my dislike for eating breakfast?

It's not that I don't like breakfast food, I just don't like making breakfast for just me. 

And quite honestly, I don't usually 'feel' like eating until noon-ish.

Since I'm trying to lose weight, I'm trying to make sure I eat [or drink] something first thing in the morning to get my metabolism going.

Hello, smoothies!

I find it a lot easier for me to drink a smoothie than to eat a bowl of cereal.

While on pinterest a few days ago, I saw a recipe for a green monster smoothie.

I had never heard of it before, but just reading the benefits of it, I decided to try it.

Being a spinach lover, I wasn't skeptical at all and I'm so glad!

Although I use 2 handfuls of fresh spinach, I can't taste it at all [hint, hint spinach haters!]

1 sliced frozen banana

1 tbsp peanut butter

 1/4 cup Low Fat Vanilla Yogurt

2 % Milk*

2 handfuls of spinach

Tip: I never buy frozen fruit at the store. I always buy fresh , wash/prepare it myself, & separate by serving size into freezer bags. It takes maybe 5 minutes of my time, & I get way more bang for my buck that way.

 Start out with the frozen bananas, add the peanut butter.

 Next, add your yogurt & milk

 Should be about half full before you add the spinach

 I add 1 handful of spinach & then blend for 30 seconds. Once it is smooth, I remove the cap, add more spinach & milk, and blend for another 30 seconds.

The finished product! This is such a rich, creamy smoothie. It's packed full of healthy goodness, but you wouldn't know it by tasting it...it tastes like a treat! I'm definitely looking forward to experimenting with different variations soon.

*Note: I didn't put a measurement for milk. The main reason for this is because you don't want a really watery  smoothie, you want it creamy. I just add a little bit of milk at a time until it gets to the consistency I like & I would suggest that to you as well.

Summer Swap!

I was so excited yesterday when I saw the FedEx van pull into my driveway. 

That could only mean ONE thing...

My summer swap package had arrived!

My partner was Melissa at The Bigger(s) Picture.

She sent me an awesome package!

 I was grinning from ear to ear as I opened it.

The package included a Hobby Lobby gift card, a target gift card, two nail polishes, nail polish remover, chocolate straws, pens & pen holder, a pack of gum, a basket to put all of it in, and last but not least, the cutest romper for Adelei!

Thank you, Melissa, for being such an awesome partner, & thanks Linny for hosting!

Sneak Peek

I'm writing this post just in case you thought I fell off the face of the planet.

I haven't!

I am completely consumed in boxes at our new HOUSE!

So other than trying to keep the little one entertained, I've been trying to make this house a home.
I'll be back soon with meaningful posts!