Thursday, September 30, 2010

San Diego!

posted by Ashley

Hi friends!
I hope you are having an excellent week so far. Mine has been... well... pretty crummy. Luckily I had Monday and Wednesday off from work because I came down with a horrible cold and had so little energy. I've been drinking OJ, chugging water, and sipping Airborne non-stop over the past couple of days. Fortunately, I think I'm finally turning the corner, which is good because I leave for San Diego tonight!

Adventure Community Church's youth volunteers are driving to San Diego to attend the National Youth Workers Convention. It is an amazing time of learning, growing, and being challenged. It can be difficult being a ministry leader/volunteer, which is why Nate has made it a priority for the whole team to get recharged each Fall. Nate and I attended this conference for the first time last year and it was such a wonderful experience. I came away feeling encouraged and ready to take on the challenge that youth ministry can be sometimes. I will also be bringing my camera, so expect some pictures when I return!

Have a great Thursday!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

dahlia thanks...

Hi all!!
It's hump day!! And I have today off from work, *woot woot* because Ashley and Josh are both going to a Youth Leader conference in San Diego Thurs - Sunday (which means I will be working Friday). I have tons planned for today, but I am trying to prioritize my list and make sure I get to do some fun stuff (like stamping!!). I have several birthday and thank you cards I need to get into the mail TODAY!!!

My sweet hubby had a few moments to help me hang up some photos and wall art over the weekend, so I am hoping to get that blogged on Friday ;) And yesterday I finally got my CT photos uploaded to Flickr~you can view them here if you'd like.

Here is a quick thank you card I whipped up for someone special (cannot say the name~because she may or may not read my blog, LOL!). I used my Delightful Dahlia stamp set and matching dies (can I just say how much I LOVE the PTI dies!!! THEY ROCK!). After taking about 15 minutes to get the placement of the leaves I was happy with the end result.

dahlia thanks_0003


Ok Friends, Have a Wonderful Day ~ I'll See ya Friday!!!


supplies used (PTI unless noted): Delightful Dahlia stamp set/Die; White/Dark Chocolate/Berry Sorbet/Ripe Avocado cardstock; Fresh Snow ink; White Buttons; Twine; Satin Berry Sorbet Dotted Ribbon; EK Success edge punch

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Product Review!

Posted by Ashley

Hi everyone! I hope you're having a great week so far. Sorry I have been MIA lately... life has been super busy. I want to follow up on a product I recently introduced on the blog. I finally got a chance to try the Garnier Fructis Blow Dry Perfector. I found it at my local Target and it cost about $10-$11. It is definitely an easy process and only has two steps, which is great! Overall, I thought the product worked wonderfully and I would definitely recommend it! The only downside is that the first step (Smooth-It Serum) has a really pungent smell... almost like sulfur. I was expecting it to smell similar to hair color treatments, but it was very different. Luckily, the second step (Heat-Activated Perfect-It Cream) smells great. Out of five stars, I would give this product four and a half.

Once I completed the steps and used the blow dryer, my hair was straighter than it has ever been, even before using the flat iron. Normally, when I blow-dry my hair, it is a frizz ball. Then I end up frying my hair because I have to use my flat iron for a long time (in case you are curious, I use and love the professional tools from CHI - they're expensive, but totally worth it!). This is what it looked like right after blow drying:

ashleyrs

And this is after using the flat iron:

ashley 2rs

As you can see, I didn't even really need to use the flat iron. This product really follows through on its promise! For girls with curly/frizzy hair... give this product a try!!

Monday, September 27, 2010

sweet 16...

Howdy all...
WOW!! my weekend just flew right by!! Luckily this week is gonna be pretty light at work~so I can get caught up from my trip last week *smile*

My sweet niece Gillian celebrated her SWEET 16th birthday on Saturday (now that makes me feel really old, LOL! And my wise guy nephew told me I looked more "wrinkly" than the last time he saw me~geez!!!).

CT Trip_0149E rs

Of course I had to pull out my enjoy the ride set for my "sweet 16" card...and girl it up a bit!!!

enjoy the ride sweet 16

I finished editing all my CT photos last night (will post my flickr set this week)~yippee!! I recently took this class and I must say, it really helped shave tons of time off my editing process~I highly recommend it!!! Now I have no excuse not to get all my photos edited (my goal is to now work backwards and get them all edited~fingers crossed)!!

On another note~Christmas is 3 months away *gasp* Why does December always sneak up on me, LOL!!! I am thinking of "trying" to start my shopping, maybe by purchasing one gift a week so it won't hit me like a ton of bricks in December!!!

Enjoy Today!!

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Enjoy the Ride stamp set/Enjoy the Ride Die; White/Regal Rose (SU!) cardstock; Choc Chip (SU!) ink; Patterned Paper (Pebbles Inc~My Girl); White Grosgrain Ribbon (Michael's); EK Success Scallop Punch; Berry Sorbet Button; Twine; Rhinestones

Friday, September 24, 2010

a little randomness...

Happy Friday Friends!!!
I hope you are having a terrific day, the weekend is here~woot woot!! I have been trying to get back into the swing of things since my trip to CT~my internal clock is messed up!!! I am slowly getting back to MST. I do have to admit it has been nice getting up early and not feeling tired, LOL!! (it kinda stinks being dead tired at 8 pm though). Today I am hoping to upload/edit all my CT photos (will share some next week). I have not had much of a stamping mojo since I got home~so no card post for today *sad face*

So yesterday I was watching the Rachel Ray show, and she revealed a new show she will be hosting on the cooking channel (channel 232 for direct TV customers), called Week in a Day~which I am super excited about...really!! I had my hubby DVR all the episodes for me (the first show airs on 9/25 at 2/3pm~check your local listings). I just love cooking once and eating 5 times~I hope it doesn't disappoint!! I have been a huge RR fan since her first show 30 minute meals. I even have all her cookbooks (yes, I have a little cookbook fetish!)

ADDICTION 001 rs

Have a super weekend!!!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Im baaaack!!

Hi'ya Friends! Made it back safe and sound from my trip to CT~had a wonderful time, and even brought some yummy Woodstock apples home with me~yum!

It may take a few days for my body to get back to the correct time zone~I was dead tired last night at 7pm LOL! And can you believe I had 342 emails~that is crazy!!

Here is a quick birthday card I whipped up last week...I really love the new tag sale #1 die from PTI, and since I am on a spending freeze...I decided to be resourceful, and made my own version with my corner rounder and small circle punch.

beautiful blooms birthday

Enjoy Today!

Friday, September 17, 2010

smores snowman...

**some of you that are signed up through my subscription link (in my sidebar), may have gotten this post early~since I hip publish post before I entered the correct "future" date~silly me!!**

Hi all!!!
As you read this post I am hopefully doing something fun in CT *wink*. I am gonna keep today's post short and sweet!
I wanted to share my recent card publication in Paper Crafts Magazine *big smile* and I have to tell you~this issue is FULL of beautiful Christmas cards (I was definitely inspired while I was flipping through the pages!).


Don't you just love this little smore's snowman??? so FUN (and easy!!) just punch out a few squares and use the corner rounder and viola' marshmallows!!! I used the word window punch for the graham cracker and chocolate bar~an equally delish part, LOL!!

Christmas smore snowman

Well I am hoping that since Ashley finished her last paper *hooray* for her very LAST class (she will soon have her M.A. in Psychology, since some readers were wondering what degree she was graduating with)~she will fill in the gaps for me this week while I am gone:)

Supplies used (SU! unless noted): Holiday Treats stamp set (PTI); Real Red/Choc Chip/Whisper White/Pumpkin Pie (for nose) cardstock; Fresh Snow (PTI)/Creamy Carmel (sponged on white square edges) ink; Square/Word Window punches; Cuttlebug Bubble embossing die; Red Gingham/Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon; Black Marker (for eyes and buttons)

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

another C&S sketch...

Happy Wednesday!!!
Hope your week is off to a great start!! Today is gonna be a quickie! Mike and I are leaving tomorrow for a quick trip to CT to visit our family...I am hoping that the leaves are starting to change a bit~since living in AZ there are only 2 seasons-spring and summer, LOL! I am also hoping to pick some apples while I am back home~because let me just say, CT grows some of the best apples EVER!!! Macintosh are one of my fav's!!! The ones I get in the grocery store are mushy and mealy~yuck!

Stay tuned~I am sure I will have lots of photos to share :)

Here is this week's Clean and Simple Sketch (#107)...LOVED this one!!

EBB sketch callenge


I am gonna try to update my blog before I leave on Thursday morning~so hopefully all will go as planned.

Enjoy Today!!

Supplies used PTI unless noted: Everyday Button Bits/Polka dot Bkgrd (SU!) stamp sets; White/Orange Zest/Pure Poppy/Hawaiin Shores cardstock; Fresh Snow/Choc Chip (SU!) ink; Patterned Paper (retired SU!); Scallop/Circle Punches; Button; Twine

Monday, September 13, 2010

Menu Monday #3


Howdy Friends!!
Hope your weekend was SPECTACULAR!!! My hubby threw his back out on Saturday morning, so unfortunately my wall art did not get hung up *sad face*

I do have another week of meals for you though...go here to read how I plan my weekly menu.


Enjoy!!

Meal 1
Shepherd's Pie~ recipe here

This one makes quite a bit~I used it for my leftover meal.

Meal 2
Sloppy Joe's~ recipe here

*yes I love Rachael Ray recipes!!*

Meal 3
Peach Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This is a Double Duty Meal (cook once~eat twice)


2 1 pound pork tenderloins
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup peach preserves
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
2 tsp soy sauce

preheat oven to 350 degrees; place pork in baking pan, sprinkle with s & p. combine peach preserves, mustard and soy sauce in a small bowl; brush evenly on pork; bake at 350 for 35/45 min, or until meat thermometer registers 155 degrees. Basting every 10 min. Let pork rest for 10 min~WW points 4 (3 oz piece)

*refrigerate the 2nd pork loin for another meal*

Serve with baked potatoes and veggie.

Meal 4

Sweet & Sour Pork Lo Mein

8oz uncooked thin lo mein noodles (I used spaghetti noodles)
1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 Tbsp hoisin sauce (I used more)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp sesame oil (in Asian section of grocery store)
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tsp canola or peanut oil
cooking spray
1 8 oz pkgs slice mushrooms
1 cup snow peas
1/2 cup shredded carrots (I buy them already shredded in the produce section)
1 lb left over peach glazed pork tenderloin thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional)

cook noodles according to pkg directions, omitting salt and fat; set aside. combine ginger and next 5 ingredients in a small bowl; set aside. heat vegetable oil in large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. add mushrooms; saute 4-5 min or until golded brown; add snow peas and carrots. saute 3 min or until tender. stir in ginger sauce and pork. cook 1-2 min or until thoroughly heated. toss with noodles, sprinkle with green onions.

WW Points 5 (for 1 cup).

Friday, September 10, 2010

slacking!!

I am a total slacker!! I was busy with some graphic design stuff for my church last night and by the time I finished I was just too tired/unmotivated to update my post :(

This is a non-stamping related post today:

You may remember my doorknob project~here.
Well I started looking around the house for things I could spray paint (I am just warning you~it starts to become an addiction, LOL!!!), well, low and behold, check out these really pretty 80's looking lamps!!!! Viola!!! Score!

lamp redo 0

I have been doing a mini makeover in my bedroom (and I mean mini~due to my recent spending freeze). So since I had the spray paint and the ugly lamps already, the cost of this project was $0 *woot woot* (don't they look 100% better?).

lamp redo 2

lamp redo 1

Then while I was shopping around in Hobby Lobby and trying to find something not on sale, so I could use my 40% off coupon...I bought these vinyl letters (thanks to my perfectionist hubby for hanging them). While I was there, I noticed that all the wall art was 50% off, so I scored a few pictures to add around the vinyl letters (still need to hang those). I think my total cost for all the wall stuff was right around $20 (not to bad).

wall art 2

Then last week I found a deal here for a free 8x10 canvas (only had to pay S&H), so I jumped on the deal!!! I upgraded to the 11x14 which was an extra $9. I was pretty happy with the quality (especially since it was free~minus the s/h and upgrade, LOL!), my total cost for this was $27 (instead of around $80). Hopefully Mike, (my perfectionist measuring hubby) will help me get all this stuff up on the wall this weekend!!! So exciting!!

wall art canvas 1

wall art canvas

I am also thinking of swapping duvet covers from the guest room to mine (another freebie!!). Once I get the entire thing completed I will post a photo.

Ok friends...Enjoy the weekend and I promise to have some stamped goodness for you next week!!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Straight Hair?!?

Posted by Ashley


Hi peeps!
Happy Thursday to you... the weekend is almost here! I wanted to share something I saw on TV the other day. For those girls who struggle with curly/frizzy hair... what is the solution? I'm one of those girls!! This is my hair in its natural state:


I have to straighten my hair a lot to get it smooth, and even then, it isn't sleek. I saw this commercial the other day and I think it's going to be my next product review for the blog. I haven't had a chance to buy it, but I thought I would share the website with you all. It seems like it's a pretty potent straightening product. It claims to last through 7 shampoos!! I'm hoping to have the official review soon! Check out the new Garnier product for yourself here.

having the right shoes...

It's the halfway mark peeps!!
Boy the week sure does go fast when Monday is a holiday, LOL!!! I have a quickie post for you today, since I had my FPU class last night, so my blog time for Tuesday night is a little shorter than usual. Last night we were learning about the "B" word~you know the one~BUDGET (arghhhh). Mike and I have always had one, but it has gotten a little "relaxed" over the past few years, so now it is time to pull the purse strings (Oh, I hope it isn't too scary!!! I am not a fan of spending freezes!!!). Ok~enough of that scary talk!!!

I had fun revisiting my Green Thumb set last week, and decided since it was still out on my table to ink it up again!!! I love these rain boots!! They are so cute!! I would so have a pair of them in my closet if I didn't live in Arizona, LOL!! (we don't get very much rain).

green thumb revist


Ok...make your Wednesday Wonderful!!!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Having Fun Diagnosing!

Posted by Ashley

Hi everyone! I'm baaaaack! Haha...
I was MIA last week because I had to fly to Lynchburg, Virginia to take my very LAST masters level class! The class format is called an "intensive" because students fly to Liberty University and cram one semester into one week... that's right... we learn what most students learn in 16 weeks in just 5 days! They don't call it an intensive for nothing! I have to say that I really enjoyed this class because it was all about diagnosis with regard to mental health disorders. It was crazy busy, but super interesting at the same time. There's a little book called the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revised) that is considered the Bible for mental health practitioners and I became VERY comfortable with this textbook over the past week. After the first day, I realized that I could not find the mental disorder categories quickly enough, so I made a trip to Target to find some tabs to help me organize. As you can see from the photo below, I had a blast labeling each section. I think I may have discovered a personality disorder in myself... I may possibly have obsessive-compulsive tendencies!!! At least I acknowledge it, right?!?

ashley post sept

Needless to say, the past week was one of my favorite classes ever, which was a great way to end my masters program! Now, I just have to begin working on my internship! The end is near!!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful day and I'll see you back here soon!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Menu Monday...week 2


Happy Monday Friends!!!

Sorry this post is a little late~I usually post the night before and schedule it to go live at 1AM, but I was watching a movie with my hubby :)
You can read how I plan my menu here.


Meal 1:

Veggie Calzones

Recipe is Here
(since this recipe is full of veggies I just served with some spaghetti sauce on top and some shredded cheese)

*this recipe makes 6 calzones, so this is my big meal to use as leftovers*


Meal 2:

Herbed Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey breast (or ground beef if you prefer)
1/4 C minced fresh flat leaf parsley
1 T minced red onion
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 C water
20 red and/or yellow cherry tomatoes, halved

Brown Rice


combine turkey, parsley, onion, S&P in medium bowl; form 16 (1 1/2 inch) meatballs.
Spray nonstick skillet with nonstick spray; set over med-high heat; add meatballs; brown turning, 6-8 min. Reduce heat. Cover cook until cooked through, shaking pan constantly 3-5 min.. set aside. Add water to skillet; increase heat and cook, scraping up browned bits with spoon, until most of the liquid is evaporated. add tomatoes and cook until softened, about 2 min. stir in meatballs. Serve over brown rice. add some chopped parsley to top for garnish.

5 WW points (4 meatballs with 1/3 C sauce and 1/2 C rice)


Meal 3:

Raspberry Garlic Chicken

Recipe is Here
Serve with rice and salad greens


Meal 4:

Penne Pasta with Chicken and Pesto

1 pkg cooked grilled chicken
1 box Penne Pasta
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Prepared Pesto

(I got most of my items for this recipe at Costco)

Cook Pasta according to pkg directions; drain. In bowl mix together pasta, chicken and Pesto (add enough for your liking). Top with grated cheese.
OK there you have it!!! Happy meal planning!!
Enjoy Today!


Friday, September 3, 2010

green thumb re-visited...

Hi all~I don't know about you...but I am so ready for the LONG weekend!!! I {heart} so much when I don't have to wake up early on Monday mornings~and Sundays take on an entirely different feel (GLORIOUS!!). I am working today, since Ash is in VA finishing up her very last class for her M.A., woot woot!! I am so glad she will be home tonight because I have sure missed her (and it is hard when she is on EST~3 hours is a big time difference).

I don't have much planned for the long weekend~just a few minor home decorating projects (don't worry pic's will follow *smile*). I finished up my spray painting project and was very happy with the result (that is a post for next week though).

I decided to re-visit one of my very first PTI stamp sets~green thumb. I don't know about you, but once the new sets start making their appearance, my old sets get sent to the bottom of stamp tower. I forgot how much I liked this set, especially this "dotty flower."

IMG_6270-Edit.jpg

Ok~have a Glorious LONG weekend my friends ;)

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Green Thumb stamp set; Kraft/Spring Moss/White cardstock; Pretty in Pink (SU!)/Choc Chip (SU!)/Spring Moss/Pure Poppy ink; Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (Michael's); Spring Moss Button; Twine; Rhinestones

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

precious and few...

Hi all...
I finally got my card photographed, edited and uploaded :) for my Wednesday post~woot woot!!

Of course I had to use the Clean & Simple weekly sketch (I am seriously lovin' them at the moment!!).

beautiful blossom challenge

Ok~I am off to do some vacuuming, unload the dishwasher and maybe take a little nap with my favorite doggie, Kodi *smile*

Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday!!!
Happy Stamping!!!

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Beautiful Blooms 2/Blooming Button Bits/Remember stamp sets; Melon Berry/Kraft/Spring Moss/White Cardstock; Melon Berry/Close to Cocoa (SU!)/Spring Moss ink; Beautiful Blooms Dies; Ric Rac Die; Dark Chocolate Button; Twine

a little tardy today...

Howdy all...
Can you believe today is September 1st?? This year is flying by (seriously, it will be December in 3 months~YIKES)!!!

Today's card post is going to be a little late~I was tired when I got home from FPU last night, and decided to let myself "off the hook" with photographing/editing/uploading my card for today...so since I get out of work a little early today (around 1pm) whoot whoot!!~make sure you come back later for my post *smile*

So in the mean time~I thought I would upload my September desktop digi calendar. You can download one for free here (you do need an editing software to add your photo). I love Shabby Miss Jenn's digi scrapbook kits and digi calendars (I download them (the free calendars) each month for my computer desktop, I also email them to my mom and Mike, although he (Mike) thinks they are a little too "girly" for his work computer, LOL!).

september 2

*ETA I thought it might be helpful to put up a quick video on how to assemble your desktop in Photoshop (I am using CS4~just remember to have your photo at the very bottom of the layer stack which is to the right of the work space)*
Just click on the link below!

2010-09-01_1941


See ya back here a little later with a card ;)