Virtual Coffee.

So, if I was meeting you at Starbuck's or Caribou (I'd let you choose, because that's just the kind of friend I am! lol!) and if I was actually drinking coffee today-- but I'm not because I really need to lose this weight, so I gave up coffee for the week and so I  will only be drinking ice water from my customizable cold cup today-- I would talk to you about.......

How I can't believe how fast this little munchkin is growing up. It seems like just yesterday she was born yet on Saturday I sent in her registration form for preschool this fall. I know she could have gone this year, but I didn't think she was quite ready......or maybe it's more that I wasn't quite ready.....?!?! Well regardless of whoever wasn't quite ready, she'll be going to preschool this fall and I can hardly believe it.

Then I would tell you how I can't believe she'll be the LAST one we send to preschool. It's bittersweet, really. All three kids will have gone to the same preschool and with the same teachers-- how cool is that?! But she'll be the last one we send to preschool........ sigh......they grow up so fast.

I would ask you if you have seen this??? This has been the kids' favorite treat to have lately while we stream The Cosby Show on Netflix.

 

I would tell you I am still decorating for Valentine's Day. While we don't have much in the way of Valentine decorations, what few we do have we are really loving. Oh, where did I get the print, you ask? From here.  Scroll through, the download should be on the right hand side???

I would also make sure you knew about Addison's new found skill of cutting out construction paper hearts. I kid you not, but I think she made 100 of these the other day. Kept her busy for well over an hour! And we no longer need blinds on our front window!

I would also tell you that we are totally moving along on our Home Goals List for 2012 and that there has been lots of high-fiving going on around our house. And that with any luck, a few more things will be crossed off the list this coming weekend. Feels so good to be getting these monkey's off our back!

But that I am totally sucking wind on my mission to send out one card a week to friends and family--just because who doesn't love getting a little bit of happiness in the mail, right?! Except, that I missed two birthday's, and three weeks worth of cards. grrrr......it seemed like such an easy mission too. So, my project this week is to get caught up with those-- after I head to Hallmark for cards--

and after I get my school work done that is. Only 6 more weeks this quarter. Yee-haw! Graduation is in sight-- only 17 more weeks!!!!!

I'd also bellyache talk about how this losing weight thing is tough. Why is it so hard to lose weight when you're......well......somewhere between the age of 35 and 45??? Short of not eating anything but kleenex and toilet paper,  I don't know what else to do.......but I am determined to do it, so I'll figure something out!

And finally I would tell you I found this new recipe to try........this new bevvy to try.......and this other new recipe to try. And I wonder why I can't lose weight?! LOL!!!

Oh and this book to read........ they have one for sons too that I need to order......but haven't yet.

And then I would quick tell you how proud I am of Meghan for getting a part in her school's production of Annie and how I absolutely love it when she does these productions! They're always so much fun for all of us!

And then after my proud mom moment, I would tell you that I have to go. I need to get groceries at Target before I hit the Y for a workout. But hopefully we can do this again next week?!?


Linking: here

So You Take A Mason Jar....

Feeling like you want to create but don't have a crafty bone in your body?? Then look no further girl, because this little project has to be the world's easiest craft project ever!

I had originally seen this somewhere......I really wish I could remember where, but I can't......loved the idea and thought, "I can totally do this." So I did. In less than five minutes. For less than $2.00. And without needing a single drop of alcohol to reduce my stress level after I attempted it. So, how'd I do it??

Well..........

First, I conned Marty into taking me to JoAnn's and bought some Wilton heart shaped doilies.  (you can read all about that adventure here) Next, I raided my mason jar stash, opened the package of doilies and taped one onto the jar with a piece of scotch tape. Then I grabbed my jute, measured how much I needed (and I use this term loosely as I really just eyeballed it), wrapped it around my jar and tied a knot. Then I repeated the process for two more jars, tucked the jars around the nooks and crannies in my dining room, and that, my friend, was that.

In under five minutes, for less than $2.00 and with absolutely no hissy fits or not-so choice words uttered, I managed to create a fun mason jar decoration for Valentine's Day!


Linking Here:
Me And My Boys
Not Just A Housewife 
A Bowl Full Of Lemons 
Chef In Training 
Clean and Scentsible 
Itsy Bitsy Paper 
Oopsey Daisy 
Ginger Snap Crafts 
A Little Tipsy
Someday Crafts 
Creation Corner

Virtual Coffee.

So, if you were to come over for coffee, or if we were meeting at Starbucks or Caribou.........

I would share with you that life has felt crazy lately and I don't really know why. Our schedules have actually slowed down a bit. We aren't running around nearly as much. But yet, life feels like it's moving at lightning speed.

I would tell you that I am so ready to graduate from college. Only 17 1/2 weeks to go, but yet it feels like a lifetime away! It'll feel good to be done. I just need to get through the next 17 1/2 weeks.

I would tell you that I am mixing things up and actually decorating for Valentine's Day. Addison is loving it. I have to admit, the house feels very "lovey-dovey!" 

I would tell you that I am on week three of my New Years resolution of finally losing the baby weight. The first week didn't go so well, but last week I lost three pounds. Not sure yet how this week will turn out. Too early to tell. But I am determined to stick with it this year. I'm tired of the jiggle.

I would tell you that our nightly family routine the past couple weeks has been eating popcorn made on the stove while watching The Cosby Show on Netflix then after the kids go to bed Marty and I stream Wings-- gotta love Netflix! I even discovered that one of my favorite childhood shows is on Netflix-- Emergency! I can hardly wait to subject introduce the kids to it!

I would tell you I got a little crafty and accomplished a goal and made some Valentine's garland. Super simple project, but looks darn cute if I do say so myself!

I would also tell you that Addison and I have been enjoying lots of "friend" time lately. Last week we even went to the Children's Museum. Good times. Good times. Totally love that she has friends. And that my friends and I all had girls at the same time. 

I would also tell you that Addison has been so into the library lately. And board games. So the past few weeks we have spent what feels like countless hours reading library books and playing board games every. single. day. It's fun to see her so interested in these things right now.  A few months ago she wasn't.

And it's so fun to rediscover all the books Meghan and Noah loved as a preschooler-- it's bringing back great memories for all of us. And providing some great family conversations. Love that.

And finally, I would also be sure to tell you thanks for stopping by or for meeting me, because to me there is nothing better than meeting a friend for coffee!


Linking up here

S-L-O-W.

Source: awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

My word of the year for 2012?

S-L-O-W.  

As in: slower is better.
As in: take the slow boat or the slow road.
As in: take your time-- there's no rush.
As in: soak it all in.
As in: stop to smell the roses.
As in: take the time to savor the moment.
As in: it doesn't all have to be done today.
As in: slow and steady wins the race.

Could be a tough year for me-- going slow is not in my nature! Or my vocabulary for that matter. I'm the nutcase who thinks the house needs to be cleaned and all the laundry has to be washed, dried, put away and ironed by 8:00am.

But then again, maybe I'll s-l-o-w-l-y adapt! Get it?! S-l-o-w-l-y adapt?!

Here's to slower adventures in 2012!
~Jenn


Totally Linking Here:
The Lettered Cottage

Yup-- I Made Garland!

And let me tell you, this was the world's most easiest garland ever. Not to mention that it was crazy, crazy, crazy cheap. Totally my kind of crafting project. So, are you ready for it??? Are you ready to learn how I did it?! Well......

First, I had Marty drive me to JoAnn's. Usually I don't drag him (or the kids) through JoAnn's, because we're all just happier if I don't, but we were already going to be driving to Lakeshore Learning for their Saturday Kids' Craft, so I totally spoke Marty's language and said that since we'd be right there, we might as well save the gas and stop in at JoAnn's now instead of me making another trip later in the week. So into JoAnn's we went........ 

A few hissy fits because I couldn't find half the stuff on my list later....Twenty minutes and four laps around the store later, I came across these wonderfully awesome packets of pre-made sticky felt hearts. For 40% off. Making them a mere $1.79 a packet. Which totally made up for throwing the hissy fits, because I knew instantly what I was going to do with these awesomely fabulous felt hearts. All I needed to find was 10 minutes to myself.

Luckily, that 10 minutes came today. So, not being one to waste any opportunity......

I grabbed some jute from my craft stash, opened the package of sticky hearts, paired up the hearts because there were 4 different styles of hearts and a total of 32 hearts in the package, peeled the backing off and stuck them together making sure the jute was sandwiched in the middle. That was it. Easy peasy kindergarten easy.

I mean, we're talking so quick and easy that I didn't even finish the mug of coffee that Marty had both brewed and poured for me when I sat down to start this little project!

But the best part of all is that after having it on my "to-do" list since January of 2011, I finally. made. garland. Yee-haw! 2012 is off to a rockin' start!


Linking Here:
Today's Creative Blog
Me And My Boys 
Not Just A Housewife 
Chef In Training 
A Bowl Full Of Lemons 
Lolly Jane 
A Little Tipsy 
Finding Fabulous 
Funky Junk Interiors
The Crafty Blog Stalker 
Six Sisters' Stuff 
Be Different...Act Normal

Will We Still Be Friends?

Want the recipe to a super yummy hot apple cider drink?

We're talking you'll never want to be my friend again because I got you hooked on this amazingly awesome delicious drink and probably ruined your diet in the process kind of yummy.......

But then again, maybe you WILL want to still be my friend because you'll never buy a hot apple cider at Caribou again, so I'll be saving you oodles of cash.......

If you're willing to take a risk, then read on. If not, then quick! head to another blog!

Caramel Apple Cider 
1 packet Apple Cider mix
1 cup water
1-2 teaspoons caramel sauce (depending on how caramel-y you want it)
spray whip cream

Make It!
Heat the water in your most favorite mug then add apple cider packet. Stir till dissolved. Add 1-2 teaspoons caramel sauce and stir till mixed. Top with whip cream and enjoy the sugar-high goodness!

If you want to feel really spoiled, drizzle a little extra caramel over the whip cream. Then send me an email telling me how awesome of a friend I am for sharing this treat with you!



Linking Up With:
30 Handmade Days
Every Creative Endeavor 
Tater Tots and Jello 
Lolly Jane Boutique 
Today's Creative Blog
A Little Tipsy
Funky Junk Interiors
Finding Fabulous
House Of Hepworth's
Six Sisters' Stuff

Twenty Minutes To Done!

A home cooked meal done in under twenty minutes?! Ummm, yes please!!!!

A home cooked meal done in under twenty minutes that costs less than $5.00 to make AND the whole family likes???  Even. Better. We're talking I'd give you my left kidney better.

I originally found the recipe here, but I am now sharing it here because it's just too awesome of a recipe to not share.

Chicken And Biscuits
1 stick of butter
4-5 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1/2 c, flour
1 can chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
milk
1-2 cans tubed biscuits

Make It!
Combine butter, salt, pepper and chicken broth in a saucepan. Cook till butter is melted. Meanwhile, place chicken in a 9x13 pan. When butter is melted and hot, add flour and whisk until smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little milk to thin it out. When the sauce is desired consistency, pour over the chicken. Top with the biscuits then bake the whole thing according to the biscuit directions. That's it!

Twenty minutes to done and you get to feel like Betty Homemaker because you made your family a home cooked meal!

On a side note, I don't know why I am on an inexpensive dinners kick these days, but I am. So I am rolling with it.

And yes, I know this isn't exactly "healthy" eating and won't really assist me in losing the baby weight, but for the record, I served it with brown rice, steamed mixed vegetables and cut up fresh fruit. I stuck to the rice, steamed veggies and fruit.


Linking Up Here:
Me and My Boys
Not Just A Housewife 
Chef In Training 
Ginger Snap Crafts 
Oopsey Daisy 
A Little Tipsy 
Someday Crafts 
Seven Thirty Three 
The Crafty Blog Stalker 
House Of Hepworths 
Gluesticks 
Every Creative Endeavor 
30 Handmade Days
Tater Tots and Jello 
Lolly Jane Boutique