ten on tuesday

1. Aislynn has deemed today as Tangled Tuesday. Right now we are watching it, and she has the chapter book version that she started reading again yesterday. She said she wants to read the whole thing today;)

2. You can see another one of my Echo Park projects on their blog HERE. That was one of my favorite ones I did for them:) I am seriously in love with Country Drive. Once I get my giant snapfish order, I will have more pictures to play with it, yay!


3. If you haven't heard, snapfish is having a huge 4x6 print sale. 99 prints for 99 cents. The code is julypenny99 and it ends today!

4. I had 3 happy e-mails last week and will have 3 cards in the December CARDS issue:)

5. Lately, we have been obsessed with these green smoothies. Well, all of us except for A, which I think if she didn't know there was spinach in them, she would like it because it just tastes like pineapple/orange juice. K loves them!

6. I made these black bean burgers for dinner the other night and YUM YUM. They were so good. Shaun was a lot a bit skeptical, but he loved them. They were satisfying like you were eating a real burger. I will definitely be making them again:)

7. I am looking for more hearty meatless dinners, what's your favorite?

8. Another CHA must have for me:)

9. The BEST homemade playdough recipe around. I have had this bookmarked for sooooo long and finally made it and it is the best smooth texture and even smells like the kool-aid flavor a little bit:)

10. Check out this cute summer reading log. Since we have less then a month before school starts and we have the library reading log, we may just do this next summer. But how CUTE is it?!

make it monday: corn chowder

As promised, here is the delicious corn chowder (that I made 3 times in about a week and a half!). I promise you if you get a corn stripper, it will be a snap getting the kernels off of the cob (and not all over your counter). Also, fresh corn...like from the farmer's market, or if you are lucky enough to have a connection to get farm fresh corn, makes a huge difference in the ease of getting the milk from the cob. The first time I made this, I used store bought corn and it was still tasty, but I really had to work to get the milk from the cob. The next 2 times were with fresh corn, and the corn was so juicy that getting the milk from the cob was super easy;)

Corn Chowder (from the July and August 2011 Cooks Illustrated)

8 ears of corn, husks and silk removed

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1 onion, chopped fine

4 slices of bacon, halved lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/4 inch pieces

2 tsp minced fresh thyme (I used about 3/4 tsp of dried)

salt and pepper

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

5 cups water

3/4 pound red potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 cup half-and-half

sugar

1. Remove the kernels from the corn; transfer to a bowl and set aside. Use the back of a butter knife to scrape the cob over a different bowl and remove the milk and and pulp. Place a clean kitchen towel in a bowl and pour the milk/pulp into the center of it. Squeeze the towel until all/most of the corn juice is extracted. Set corn juice aside.

2. Melt butter in a dutch oven over medium heat; add onion, bacon, thyme, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is softened and edges are beginning to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Whisking constantly, gradually add water and bring to a boil. Add kernels and potatoes. Return to simmer; reduce heat to medium low and cook until potatoes have softened, about 15-18 minutes.

3. Process 2 cups corn chowder in blender until smooth and return puree back to chowder; add half-and-half and return to simmer. Remove pot from heat and stir in reserved corn juice. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and up to 1 tbsp of sugar.

Enjoy!!

scrappy, um, friday

So I am a little behind this week, but I do have some scrappy shares today. I have been working with the beautiful July kit from My Scrapbook Nook and it's time to show you what I have created:

This was the very first page I made with the kit. I love the October Afternoon Sprinklers, they do have more of a chalky type finish. I have just splattered them so far, so I cannot report on how the spraying action is, but I am happy with them so far;)

Some detail shots:

I find to get more out of kits, making a couple 8.5x11 pages are in order. I am obsessed with that star paper...I kinda don't want to use it because then I won't have it anymore;)

This is for a sketch challenge over HERE at the Nook. Check it out, I really love the sketch!

I have this card to share, which was made for a challenge to create a card with the embellishments "standing out." I framed my embellishments to put more emphasis on the;)

And finally I am hosting an ad challenge this month at the Nook and here is my example page:

Go HERE to see the ad it was based on and 2 others you can use for the challenge:)

My first post was up at Echo Park earlier this week, and this was the page I had up there:

Make sure you check it out for full instructions/supply list:)

When I was making this layout, I whipped up a card really quick with what was on my workspace.

That's all for now! I can hopefully finish up a few more projects with the July kit over the weekend:)

ten on tuesday

1. A week off of being on the computer (not 100% off, but still a lot less than I have been) and I still feel behind? Oh well...I totally have a case of the summer lazies...

2. I just got back from a run and literally as soon as I got back it started pouring down rain. It's kinda dark in the house and everyone is still asleep...it is so peaceful. I think I could get used to starting my days like this:)

3. I have totally been slacking on running. Which may be why shopping for a new bathing suit last week was totally depressing me. I had a hard time finding one that I felt comfortable in and that was reasonably priced. I eventually found one that I loved, yay! But still...trying on bathing suits made me get my butt back in gear this morning.

4. Shaun and I have been spoiled the past week and were able to go on 2 dates. The kids stayed at his parents beach house with them overnight and we saw Super 8. Which is a totally fun summer movie. I recommend it mainly because the interactions between the kids in the movie are awesome:) Then my Mom and James were in town this past weekend and, so one night Shaun and I just went into town and went to the bookstore and then grabbed some appetizers and drinks. It was fun:)

5. Shaun's Dad brought over some fresh corn and I have made corn chowder 3 times. In a little over a week. Yes, I know I was complaining about how much of a pain it was on facebook, but then I got a corn stripper and it made it a zillion times easier. I promise to share the recipe really really soon;) Wondering what a corn stripper is?

It looks like a computer mouse, but it works like magic;)
6. I dropped off some paperwork at A's new school last week. She is super duper excited, but I can tell she is nervous! She was most nervous about there not being any toys or books but the front office lady who showed us the kindergarten rooms assured her that it would be all set up before she starts;) She has her orientation August 5th (in a month???!!!) and starts on the 8th.
7. I am so excited to be doing a week in the life again this year. I am planning on doing it when Ali Edwards does, at the end of the month. I have my album all set up and ready to go...I am doing the album a bit different this year...more on that later though, I can't wait to share what I did using lots of yummy Ormolu goodness.
8. I have gotten through one page with the July My Scrapbook Nook kit. My plan this week is to make it through the rest of it. I loooove it. I think it is my favorite one I have played with so far;) Check it out HERE.
9. CHA season is upon us again and I have seen 2 things that are must haves for me...this and this. Love Jillibean Soup. And this time of year:)
10. Did everyone have a good fourth? My Mom and James were here this weekend, but had to leave yesterday morning. We went to Shaun's parent's and swam and ate. We attempted to watch fireworks, but the thing about fireworks and 2 year olds are that the fireworks occur significantly later then when 2 year olds go to bed. So we headed back to our house, but on the way, we saw some. We pulled over and got out of the car to watch them. Aislynn kept reporting the colors to us, so then Kieran kept saying "I wanna see yellow." Then he would say "haboom!" It was quite adorable;)

Hope everyone has a terrific week!

taking a blogging vacation

just for a bit...be back soon!

xoxo

creative scrappers sketch #162

Today is my final sketch reveal for Creative Scrappers. I have had a blast designing for them the past 4 months. They have some awesome sketches and every Sunday I am amazed at how different and wonderful each designers takes are on the sketches. I hope someday I can work with them again:)

Well, here is sketch #162:

and my take:

The diamonds kinda threw me. I knew what pictures I wanted to use for the sketch, and when I saw the chipboard filmstrip...I thought I could use that;) And how perfect is that chipboard domino? 2 kids and 2 parents:)

Some detailed shots:

Make sure you go and check out the other interpretations of the sketch here. To win a prize from the newest sponsor, Pretty Little Studio (hello cuteness?!), link your page using sketch 162, 163, 164, 165, or 166 by July 31st. You still have a couple days to be eligible for June's prize if you link a page using sketch 158, 159, 160, or 161 by June 30th. The sponsor for June is Pixie Dust Paperie.

Oh, and check out the pretty new blog look at Creative Scrappers too...I love it! I think I am inspired to give my blog a fresh look this week. Hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful weekend!

photo friday

I didn't seem to pick up the camera too much this week. I think because we didn't do too much...just were lazy bums. What I did get represents that, I think;)

popsicles

dressed up...

Pirate Girl

strawberry milkshakes

beachin' it...

new favorite picture

blocks

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!!

scrappy thursday

I have been working on lots of projects that I can't quite share yet, but here are some that I can:

I made this for the June Jillibean Soup Sketch Challenge. This was the first chance I had at breaking in to Watermelon Gazpacho and I looooove it:) The colors and patterns are so fun and bright.

Some close ups:

love these pictures of little A. gosh, it's hard to believe they were taken over 3 years ago!

This is my first project for Ormolu. I loved the goodies in the treehugger line. You can check out the blog post from yesterday to see more about how the page came together. I love what the other creative team members did for their projects too (check out today's post as well!)...so fun!

a few little detail shots:

I used the field journal as a spot to add extra pictures:)

And I have lots of cards to share using the June kit from the nook. I love all of the card challenges they have going on each week, it has really helped build my card stash up;)

 I made this one on my own...no challenge;)

Remember that challenge I was telling you about? For the chance to win a $25 gift card? This was my take;)

This was for the June Color Challenge (and for my Dad!).

This was using the 6/13 card sketch.

And this was for the 6/20 card sketch. 

Fun, huh? I am so loving the color combo from this kit...the Lily Bee Picket Fence line.

Off to make something tasty (I hope!). If it's good, I will share on Monday;)

wordless wednesday: father's day phone picture

I am a lucky lady to have that man who gave me 2 beautiful babies:)

ten on tuesday

1. Happy first day of summer!!! Of course, it has felt like summer for well over a month here, but now I suppose it's official;) Check out this free summer photo checklist from Rebecca Cooper!

2. We received these last week:

So far we have made 3 different kinds of pops. 2 of the recipes need some tweaking, but the other one I got from Baked Bree's blog and it is soooo yummy! I love that the kids think it is a big treat, but it is healthy:)

3. I think we should try these homemade fudge pops next:)

4. And I apologize for this being the next thing after linking fudge pops, but Kieran has been doing some..you know...business in the potty. Not every time, but he says "I wanna go poop in the potty," we put him on and sometimes he does. Other times I think he just wants to sit on his super cool Lightning McQueen potty chair;) Funny how excited I am about this though, before you are a parent...you would never think you would be excited about anything to do with poop;)

5. Speaking of Lightning McQueen, is anyone else pumped about Cars 2? Friday is the big day! Shaun and I would pretty much see movies all the time pre-kids, so we get excited about going to the movies, even if it is for a kid movie:) But while most kid movies are crap...Pixar knocks it out of the park every time;)

6. I have a lot of projects due in the next week. I am hoping some mojo comes to me...very soon. Anyone have some scrappy dust they want to share with me?!

7. Sometimes A is next to me when I am browsing Pinterest:) So far, she has made me pin this and this. Cause I probably wouldn't have if it weren't for her, ha ha;)

8. Since the 4th of July is coming up, here are a couple cute things to do: this and this. 

9. a fun sewing project:)

10. Thinking I need to go into town today to pick up some fabric/zippers for some other sewing projects I have in mind. Funny how I have no motivation is scrap right now, but I really really want to sew something:)What crafty medium is motivating you right now?

make it monday: blueberry pancakes

I tried to make this picture more appealing, but I was working with bad dining room light and I was hungry and wanted to be like the rest of my family and devour this yummy breakfast. Yes, for Father's Day we had a giant breakfast feast and it was delicious:) I have been making these blueberry pancakes a lot lately since blueberries are so yummy and cheap right now. This is just the basic pancake recipe I use with the addition of blueberries (I have done chocolate chips or a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon too).

Blueberry Pancakes (makes about 12-13 pancakes)

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 tbsp white sugar

1 tsp salt

3 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp melted butter

1 egg

1 1/4 cup milk

pint of blueberries

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, white sugar, salt, and baking soda. Add in vanilla, egg, butter, and milk and stir to combine.

2. Using a 1/4 measuring cup, pour the batter onto your skillet heated over medium heat. Sprinkle blueberries on each pancake before you flip it.

**You may have to work with the heat level. I usually do the first batch at medium high heat and then the next couple batches at a little less than medium heat.

Enjoy!!!

photo friday

1+2: on a nature trail 

3: playing more with food than eating it 

4: playing tetris on the phone 

5: waking up from a nappy 

6-9: beach 

10: fountains and saw a friend from a's school...we met them at the beach a couple days ago too and now the girls want to have a sleepover 

11: k not wanting to go in the fountains, so he watched the little birdies and sissy 

12: a+k giving "darthy" a bath 

13: a fit because I wanted my keys back 

14+15: popsicles 

16-18: beach 

19: using some of my scrapbooking bling for faux earrings 

20: "borrowing" sissy's ponies

And a little PSA...Kaitlin just listed some wonderful new items in the Ormolu shop, as well as putting some on sale. If you are planning on doing Week in the Life, you *need* some of these items. They are prefect!!! I am planning on getting my album all set up soon with some of these goodies and will share soon. Here are some of my faves...new and old:

Negative Days of the Week Package Tags

2 Day Hooray Button Embellishments...they come in black, red, or different colors:) There are also free printable tags with these that have a cute little spot for the button:

2 Day Hooray Days of the Week Buttons...again these come in other colors and the printable tags;)

2 Day Hooray Cut Sheet

2 Day Hooray Days of the Week Storytellers

and another new item that has me dreaming of making a mini with K's monthly baby pictures:

Negative Numbers Scallop Tags...comes in kraft or white:)

Here are some of the sale items...seriously theses are a GREAT deal, grab them while you can!!!

Oopsy Daisy Cut Sheet

Peddler Flappers

check out the rest of the sale items HERE.

Have fun shopping and have a wonderful weekend:)