Fun stuff

What is your favorite song to sing along to? Honey Bee by Blake Shelton(or anything by him!)
If you could have a vacation home in any location where would it be? Seattle. LOVE the city.
What is your favorite time of year? Fall
Cats or dogs? Both
Coffee, tea, or cocoa? Iced tea, becoming a coffee drinker
Where did you go on your first date? I honestly don't remember. First date with Mark was to see Mission Impossible 2.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Rainbow Sherbert.
Where would you like to go on your next vacation? Big City like Chicago or New York
Sunset or sunrise? Sunset, not a morning person
What are two of your favorite blogs and why? Elise Blaha Love all her posts and she is constantly inspiring me to try something new and Damn You Auto Correct the best place for a good laugh. I have several blogs in my reader, although I have drastically cut back lately.
What skill do you want to learn or perfect this year? Sewing, knitting and more with Photoshop.

Made it Monday

Still adjusting to the new life we have with me working. As for the job, I LOVE it so far. I am really excited to get into the nitty gritty of actual work now that I have that usual first week stuff done and over with.

Because last week was crazy with the usual school and gymnastics stuff we definitely went easy on dinners. One we had was made with the new Kraft Fresh Takes. We did pork chops with the Cheddar Jack and Bacon Fresh Take. It was so yummy. I forgot to take a picture of the dinner, but I do have a picture of the Fresh Take so you will know what to look for. I'm pretty sure there is a coupon on the Kraft website for them as well. It was something quick and easy to do and everyone loved them.

Something great about these also is that on the inside they have the directions for the typical chicken, pork chop, fish ideas, but also for ideas for twice baked potatoes and meatballs among other things. They are in the dairy area with the shredded cheese. I got ours at Wal-Mart for around $2.00 and 1 package did 5 good size pork chops. I believe there are 6 different "flavors" to choose from, including a more Italian and more Mexican aimed flavors.

If you try one let me know what you think.

I was not paid by Kraft for this post. All opinions are my own.

Me in A-Z

A. Age: 35
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore that you hate: Sweeping and moping floors. I really have no idea why I hate that chore!
D. Dogs: None. I miss our puppies we had.
E. Essential start to your day: Brushing my teeth!
F. Favorite color: Pink
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 5’1" on a good day
I. Instruments you play: None. I love music and took piano lessons when I was younger, but couldn't play a thing now.
J. Job title: Mom, Walking School Bus Liaison, Pink Owl owner, Admin Asst 
K. Kids: 2 and an angel. Dart, 10 Audrey 6 going on 16 and Dakota our sweet angel!
L. Live: Columbia Missouri MIZZOU!
M. Mother’s name: Gail
N. Nicknames: Mom, Meggy, Maynard, MegBabe
O. Overnight hospital stays: broken arm in 3rd grade(required 2 separate stays), and having babies.
P. Pet peeves: Close minded people, bad drivers
Q. Quote from a movie: Spoken by Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail, one of my favorite movies EVER! "Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life - well, valuable, but small - and sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don't really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So good night, dear void"
R. Right or left handed: Right handed.
S. Siblings: 2 sisters and 1 brother
U. Underwear: Yes.
V. Vegetable you hate: Only really strange things and beets.
W. What makes you run late: Kids not moving in the morning.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Dental, 2 broken arms
Y. Yummy food that you make: Lots!
Z. Zoo animal: Monkeys, Penguins and Tigers. Audrey loves monkeys, Dart loves Penguins and I love the Tigers.

12 on 12 April

Top Row:Started following Betty White on Twitter(LOVE her!), catching up on Body of Proof episodes on Hulu, my report from blood work done for my new job, HAPPY mail from Stacy Julian(my prize I won on her blog).
Middle Row:Banners ready to go in the mail, taking the comforter and mattress cover to be washed, a trip to the bank, Walking School Bus in the morning.
Bottom Row:Price of gas, temperature, book I'm currently reading, to do list. The pictures on this row I've decided to do every month on the 12th. I didn't do them all in Jan or Feb I don't think, but I think now is as good a time as any. Excited to see them at the end of the year.
 

Tuesday Tops

This week is all about things I've read on the web recently(last month or so) that I've bookmarked to go back and read again!

For all my mom readers, this article is a great reminder that we are all trying our best.

15 Things You Should Give Up to Be Happy. Easier said than done on most of them, but a great place to start.

From "The Clear-Minded Creative" Spring-Clean Your Routine.

Getting + Staying in the Creative Flow. I have gone back and read this one several times already!

Working Through Creative Fear by Ali Edwards. Many of the creative articles I read are because of her.

From the Tiny Twig blog, "100 Golden No's".

Any great articles you've read recently I should know about?

Made it Monday

Haven't planned the menu for this week yet, but wanted to share this with you.

YUM!!! Easiest way to describe this dinner. I've had this pinned for a while and decided to add it to the menu this last week. It will go into the rotation. Super easy and SUPER Yummy! Found it on this blog.

Mexican Dorito Casserole
Serves 4-6

2 c. shredded cooked chicken
1 c. shredded cheese (or more if you are a cheese hound)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (canned tomatoes with jalepenos-mild)
1/2 packet taco seasoning (or more- to taste)
Bag of doritos

1. Pre-heat oven to 350-f degrees.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except doritos.

3. In a greased 2 qt baking dish, put a layer of crushed doritos (about 2 cups), then a layer of the chicken mixture. Repeat once more, ending with a layer of chicken mixture. Top with more shredded cheese, cover, and bake for 30-35 minutes, till bubbling hot.

Missing Him

26 years ago today my Dad passed away. I was only 9 at the time, but I still remember the day like it was yesterday.

One of my favorite pictures from my childhood. This was taken at the Grand Canyon at "my tree". Not sure how this became my tree, but every time we went we had to take a picture at this tree. Last time I was at the Grand Canyon was when we scattered my grandma's(my dad's mom) ashes.

Hope everyone has a blessed Sunday and give your loved ones an extra hug today!

Tuesday Tops

A friend posted this article on Facebook sometime last week and WOW!!! I think we all deal with some if not all of these at some time.

Last week there were 2 issues on the ballot for Columbia schools. One being a bond issue and the other a tax levy. Both passed!!! I am so happy they both passed.

I start my new job on Monday the 16th. I will still be doing all my Pink Owl stuff, but this opportunity was perfect.  I will be an administrative assistant in the Endocrinology Department at University Hospital. I'm excited, the hours are perfect and it's going to be a great thing!

Yesterday I got an email from THE STACY JULIAN informing me I won a giveaway on her blog! I'm so excited. I get a scanning package from ScanCafe.  I'm really excited. First I never win anything!! Second I have lots of pictures that are from my dad's childhood that I would love to be preserved better.

Speaking of pictures there is a great new(at least to me) site called 1000memories. You can upload pictures and then add other people so they can help you figure out the story behind the picture.

Menu Plan Monday

This appears to be a week of Pinterest Recipes. 4 of this week's are ones I've had pinned for a while and decided to try. This is my last week off so I'm spending it getting some things in order and getting organized, so having a plan is IMPORTANT!!

Monday-Crowd Pleasing Taco Salad -Following some of the comments I'm going to add black beans too.
Tuesday-Hot Dogs and Mac and Cheese- gymnastics night!
Wednesday-Parmesan Crusted Chicken  -Can always use new and easy ideas for chicken
Thursday- Ranch Pork Chops- These look yummy and easy. Going to make some potatoes my mom made over Easter weekend to go with it.
Friday-Pizza- for the family at least. I will be going out to celebrate my new job with some friends!!
Saturday-Mexican Dorito Casserole- another one that I've had pinned forever. Can't wait to try it.
Sunday-Roast- Roast has to be one of my favorite comfort foods. Going to fix it to celebrate the new job with my family!

I will let you know what we think of these recipes. I'm excited to try them!

Shopping for a 10 year old boy

Why are boys so hard to shop for???? Trying to come up with ideas for Dart for Easter has been horrible. He's not a lego kid, he doesn't play with toys anymore really(no action figures or Pokemon or any of those). He likes sports, video games and reading. Video games are so expensive so that knocks them out for Easter. He doesn't need anything for any sports right now(last year I did a baseball theme for him and he loved that, but he doesn't need anything). And as for books, usually he checks them out from the library. He has a few series he likes, but he's got all the books for those right now. So what does that leave?

I finally decided to get him a few packs of baseball and basketball cards. He does have a collection started and mentioned he'd like more. However, those are small. Audrey is getting colored bubbles, sidewalk chalk and a jump rope so I feel like I need a couple more things for Dart. I'm thinking a gift card to I-Tunes so he can download some music or apps. I need help people!! What do you get a 10 year old without breaking the bank, but also without it being junk just to get something?

Chicago Dog Salad

We have been eating this for several years now. Saw it on Rachael Ray's show 30 Minute Meals and decided to give it a shot. It's good, quick, and easy. Love meals like that. It doesn't look like it will fill you up, but it does and it's light so it makes for a great summer meal and you don't have to heat the house up with the stove for it!

Chicago Dog Salad

• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons vinegar, eyeball it
• 1 rounded teaspoon sugar
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 of a 16-ounce sack shredded cabbage blend for slaw salads
• 1 romaine heart, shredded
• 2 vine ripe tomatoes, diced
• 3 large half sour or garlic pickles, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 8 pork or beef hot dogs, cut into 1-inch-thick slices on an angle

Directions

In the bottom of a large bowl, combine mustard, vinegar, sugar, and about 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the onions, cabbage, romaine, tomatoes, and pickles and toss the salad. Season with salt and pepper, adjust seasonings, and reserve.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add in remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (1 turn of the pan) then arrange the sliced dogs in a single layer. Sear them a couple of minutes on each side. Remove to paper towels to drain.
Mound up the salad on plates, top with seared dogs, and serve.

-We use whatever pickles we have on hand. We also cut our hot dogs into bite size pieces and just mix them in with it all and then serve.It is even good the next day if there is anything left. The dressing doesn't make the salad soggy which is nice!

Tuesday Tops

Changing from 10 on Tuesday as half the time it takes me all day to do and the other half I'm pretty sure I'm repeating myself from things I've said other times.

Tuesday tops will be a mix of things. Maybe things I've pinned, articles I've enjoyed, random stuff. Who knows!!

This image is a top for me: 

  Not so much because Kentucky won(although them being part of the SEC is nice since that is where Mizzou will be July 1), but because kansas LOST!

Although this one won't apply to very many of you, it is still a top for me today:

  There are 2 issues on our ballot this month for schools. One will add 25,000 square feet to Dart and Audrey's school. Although Dart will not be there once it's complete, Audrey still will be. The addition would mean the elimination of 12 trailers! 39% of our students are in trailers. That is just crazy!! It will also mean 2 new elementary schools which our district NEEDS!! Most of our schools are well over capacity.

I figured out a way I can do Project Life.  I have always loved the idea, but some of it just didn't feel like a fit to me. I thought the price for the page protectors which don't come with the core kit was more than I wanted to spend. It dawned on me one day that baseball card protectors would work better for me. I also love making my own journaling cards and things like that. I'm going to start with April. Still trying to figure out how I'm going to do my pictures because I don't print at home and I'm not a fan of Wal-Mart's prints. I may just mark sections with post it notes and then print the pictures through Shutterfly or Winkflash and add them at the end of the month.

Having ideas that come out the way you picture them in your head! I have a new grad banner I'm excited to get finished and a few mini books getting to the point of being finished. Also have a couple of orders to get finished.

What's tops on your list today?

Menu Plan Monday

There could be some changes this week to our house so I'm thinking a plan is going to be a huge help!!

Monday-Spaghetti Audrey is sick so this is quick and easy to deal with.
Tuesday-
Wednesday-
Thursday-
Friday-Sunday- Out of town We will be at my mom's for Easter so who knows what we will be having!

Because Audrey is sick and has been all day I have no plan as of yet. As soon as I get one I will update this post.

It was 95 degrees here today according to my car. 95 is way too hot for April 2nd. It is supposed to cool down this week. I can't believe yesterday I was saying "I hope it cools down some for Easter." Who says that? Usually it's I hope it isn't snowing on Easter or I hope it is a little warmer so the girls can wear their dresses without winter coats.

35 before 36 update

1. Get rid of 60lbs. I don't want to lose it because you usually want to find things you lose. Lost a few pounds, mostly due to the fact that I gave up pop for lent and was drinking lots and lots of water!
2. Menu plan, will save time, money and help with 1. Didn't do as good as I'd like, but it wasn't horrible either.
3. Eat breakfast everyday. I'm horrible about eating breakfast. Still struggling with this!
4. Get all recipes on cards. I might use them more if I don't have to dig through a box. Got a few on cards. Not a great month for this one.
5. Get the kids in the kitchen to help cook more. They both usually enjoy it. We have slacked here. Audrey still helps some.
6. Read "Little Women". My name came from the book and yet I've never read it. Nope! Slow reading month, read "The Help" finally.
7. Get my first mani and pedi. Nope never had one! With spring here I'm thinking this might happen soon!
8. Start going to church again. I haven't gone consistently in several years. No.
9. Watch "The Wizard of Oz" This movie scares me to death. Audrey checked it out from the library so we just might be able to cross this one off at the end of the month.
10. Get to and maintain at least 65 items in my store. I got some work to do. Had a lot expire that was all Christmas stuff.
11. Add digital cards to my shop. Hope to get this done ASAP since graduation will be upon us soon.
12. Hold a couple of sales in my shop. Not yet, but I'm thinking for sure a Christmas in July sale!
13. Find ways to cut shipping and supply costs. Shipping costs are down and that makes me happy. Now to work on supply costs.
14. Add wedding invites, programs and guest books to my shop. No, working on save the date ideas.
15. Add American Girl clothes to my shop. Started a new shop for sewing stuff, but don't have anything in it yet.
16. Get my vision of "Colorful Minimalist" into my products and shop. Will blog more about this later. I have been doing better. Working on a "non traditional" business plan which will help more with this.
17. Learn calligraphy. Maybe not the "traditional" style, but I want to explore more with handwriting. Found an awesome pen to use so I can't wait to try more!
18. Learn more about graphic design. Can't afford to go back to school now so I will teach myself some. Been playing with what I like in regards to design.
19. Teach Audrey to sew. I wish I would have learned when I was younger! Nothing yet, but she is learning to knit.
20. Make mini books for me and to sell. Working on a spring break one. I bought one from someone I've admired for a while so I'm excited to fill it up.
21. Do more DIY items. Learned to make a scarf that I love. Excited to make more.
22. Do something creative everyday. Even just something small. Didn't do too bad this month. Had several banner orders so spent time working on those.
23. Do 12 on 12 every month. Take 12 pictures on the 12th every month. 3 for 3 and they are all blogged!!
24. Give more handmade items. Even if I'm not the one to make them. Didn't have a reason this month to give, but will when I need too.
25. Send/give cards every month to someone just for fun. BAD!!
26. Project 365. There are several sites for this, but I found a site that will email me a prompt everyday. So far so good. I can't believe it!
27. Clean up external hard drive completely. Started good last year and then went downhill. Haven't done anything with this one in a while. I need to get back on it.
28. Blog at least 5 times a week. Did better towards the end of the month. I do have ideas for the next week or so so hopefully that will help.
29. Be less crazy about things like how the kids pick up their room and put away their clothes. Spent some time decluttering clothes of theirs. Maybe that will help.
30. Be more patient. I am so not a patient person. Trying, but my patience was tested a lot this month.
31. Declutter. 40 bags in 40 days! You can find lots of info on the web about it. 4 bags in the car to go to goodwill.
32. Stop biting my nails. I don't want them really long, but I want them to have a little nail to them. I think I can consider this a success. I have never had my nails long for 3 months. They aren't long, but for me they are.
33. Play more games with Dart and Audrey. We have a ton of board games and a ton of Wii games. Played basketball with them some after we got a "new" goal.
34. Keep inbox and google reader cleaned out. They got out of control several times this year. Yahoo! I unsubscribed from a lot of blogs. It was out of control. Email has 4 all of which are important and need to stay there for now.
35. Enjoy life more!! Trying hard. Had a few bad days this month, but I wake up and start over!