I am just about out of my basic makeup, so I decided to order some more from my favorite online makeup company, ELF. I blogged about them ages ago, but if you don't remember...they sell all their makeup (eyeshadow, lipstick, eyeliner, bronzer, coverup...) for ONE DOLLAR. Having worked for clinque and been involved with makeup for many many years....I can let you in on a little secret. Its all the same dang thing. It's not going to make you break out because its "cheap" Wash youre face at the end of the day, and youre all set....I used to be a makeup snob and only wear Clinique--and don't get me wrong, I love their colors...but it wears just as good as ELF, lasts just as long...and I'm not spending $30 on my coverup anymore.
Anyway, thats my story and I'm stickin' to it!
I used to coupon code MUMMY for 50% an order up to $15.
www.eyeslipsface.com
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Family Home Evening Site
I can't remember if I ever mentioned this site, but I wanted to recognize the lady that runs this blog, that she is WONDERFUL.
I have debated on when I would start Briggy on FHE and Im still not so sure...I'm thinking 2 years old...
When do you all think is an appropriate age?
I know they have a lot of books you can buy with week to week ideas, but it seems like most of them are for school-age children. I came across this blog awhile back, and love all her ideas...she just lays it all out for you...so helpful.
http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com
its geared for children 0-5 years of age.
just thought id share before I forgot to post about it again.....
my memory is so shot. preggo-brain is the WORST!
I have debated on when I would start Briggy on FHE and Im still not so sure...I'm thinking 2 years old...
When do you all think is an appropriate age?
I know they have a lot of books you can buy with week to week ideas, but it seems like most of them are for school-age children. I came across this blog awhile back, and love all her ideas...she just lays it all out for you...so helpful.
http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com
its geared for children 0-5 years of age.
just thought id share before I forgot to post about it again.....
my memory is so shot. preggo-brain is the WORST!
Baby Girl on the Brain
Since day 1 Tom has assured me that we are having a little girl. I was hesitant to think so--mainly because I want another cute fun little boy like Briggy---and a girl is a whole new territory that I'm not sure I'm ready to explore. But the past week or two, I keep thinking and referring to the baby as a girl.
I was right about Briggy, but the feeling was immediate. This time I feel so wishy-washy and I just want to know now!!!!
We have our ultra-sound appointment on Feb. 26th to find out the sex....and thankfully Tom will be there. (He's flying in the night before!)
I still can't stop thinking about girly things. Looking at girly clothes, how I will decorate her girly room....
Here are a few ideas for her room:
One of my favorite Heather Bailey fabrics:
I want the room to be bright/cheery and frisky. I'm not really into the baby pinks and pastels.
I want hot pink, orange, teal blue, yellow....
I think this fabric would make a great crib sheet/blankets.
The only thing I'm wondering about is if it would be practical as far as washing goes.
I like tutu tulle in those bright colors and would want them represented in some fashion throughout the room...either as a window valance, crib skirt, or table top...like this: (but in my much cooler colors :)
Not to mention ALL THE GORGEOUS girl outfits out for spring--I love all of Carters new little girl dresses. Bright colors, polka dots, flowers...matching cardigans. Who could ask for more?
The anticipation is driving me nutso! I want to shoppppp! helpppppp!
I was right about Briggy, but the feeling was immediate. This time I feel so wishy-washy and I just want to know now!!!!
We have our ultra-sound appointment on Feb. 26th to find out the sex....and thankfully Tom will be there. (He's flying in the night before!)
I still can't stop thinking about girly things. Looking at girly clothes, how I will decorate her girly room....
Here are a few ideas for her room:
One of my favorite Heather Bailey fabrics:
I want the room to be bright/cheery and frisky. I'm not really into the baby pinks and pastels.
I want hot pink, orange, teal blue, yellow....
I think this fabric would make a great crib sheet/blankets.
The only thing I'm wondering about is if it would be practical as far as washing goes.
I like tutu tulle in those bright colors and would want them represented in some fashion throughout the room...either as a window valance, crib skirt, or table top...like this: (but in my much cooler colors :)
Not to mention ALL THE GORGEOUS girl outfits out for spring--I love all of Carters new little girl dresses. Bright colors, polka dots, flowers...matching cardigans. Who could ask for more?
The anticipation is driving me nutso! I want to shoppppp! helpppppp!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Rockin Rocky Road Brownies
First, I want to start off with a brag-session on my husband. He is so sweet and smoochable. He taught the 15-17 year old sunday school class for the past few months, and last sunday was his last at church--however, the snow storm prevented him from seeing the kids--so tomorrow morning, bright and early, Tom is heading out to the two locations where seminary meets and delivering a gift and treat to his students. He had me make bookmarks for each kid. He picked out an individual scripture for each student, and also a personal message from him to them. He is so sincere in his love for these young adults...it just makes me want to squeeze and smooch him forever. He is such a good mand and role model for me and for our family. The cute thing about it is, he had it all planned out and then asked me if I could help him assemble the bookmarks (and of course, make yummy treats)
So I decided to make my rockin rocky road brownies I planned on making over Christmas, but didn't get the chance to...and let me tell you, these fudgy brownies are ROCKIN...
I've never made a homemade brownie before that tasted this good---way moister and fudgier than any box....super super yum-o
Rockin Rocky Road Brownies
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1/4 cup oil
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 1/3 all purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 cup hot fudge
Topping
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butterscoth chips
2 cups mini marshmallows
Combine first three ingredients in a small saucepan; heat until melted and smooth, stirring often. Remove from heat; set aside. Blend eggs in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy; mix in cocoa mixture and next three ingredients. Spread in a greased 13x9 baking pan; bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.
Sprinkle topping evenly on top and drizzle with hot fudge sauce. Continue baking 5 minutes; cool. Cut into bars to serve. Makes 15-20 bars.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Lots o' Meat Lasagna
Lasagna is a tricky thing for this family--reason being I have a SPOILED husband who served his mission in Italy and feasted upon pasta perfection.
He says he has never had a lasagna in America that compared to those in Italy.
The problem with me and lasagna is that I reallllly realllly don't like ricotta. I never liked lasagna growing up because of that lumpy icky cheese. I know some families use cottage cheese (even grosser for me...)
So I usually steer clear from lasagna-making. Did I mention that Tom doesn't like ricotta either?
Anyway, I had a major craving for a huge slice of lasagna. I remember seeing a Paula Deen episode a while back when she made a huge lasagna and a huge piece of garlic bread, slapped the slice on the bread and made a lasagna sandwich. As soon as that image fluttered in my mind I knew I need lasagna for dinner.
So I came up with a solution for the icky ricotta...and came up with this combo. Growing up in an Italian household, my sister thinks this recipe is sacrilege, but I think it was pretty darn tasty--and Tom loved it.
For my fake ricotta sauce I used:
4-6 oz of cream cheese
8 oz of sour cream
1 cup of grated parmesean
(I also sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms and once they cooled, added them to my cream mixture)
My red sauce was a jar of prego mixed with a can of crushed tomatoes, a ton of garlic, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
I added this to 1 lb of browned hamburger meat
and 1 lb of browned crumbled italian sausage.
I let it simmer away for about 30 minutes.
After the noodles were cooked a littler harder than al dente, I began to layer my lasagna.
A little red sauce, noodles, cream sauce, mozzarella, layer of pepperoni (hence the name lots of meat lasagna) , red sauce...and so on and so forth.
Top with a ton of mozzarella, and bake at 350 for about 35-40 minutes...when the mozzarella looks golden brown.
I know its not a "traditional" Italian lasagna, but it was like a Supreme Meat Lovers pizza layered in lasagna style....and anything with a ton of meat is always a winner with my hub!
Resolution continued...
Facet #7
An ideal homemaker plans a program or a schedule for each day so that she is the master, rather than the victim of her work.
Facet #8
An ideal homemaker is prepared to perpetuate the good things she learned in her own home and is ever alert to new ideas and hints which will make her work more effective and help her to be an increasingly better homemaker.
Facet #9
An ideal homemaker is consistent in applying the best skills and methods she knows. She has a built in self starter.
Facet #10
An ideal homemaker's activities are well balanced. Though she may be noted for a specialty and devote a major part of her time to one particular phase, she doesnt spend all of her time cooking, nor does she concentrate just on sewing, or on cleaning or on reading, or on outside interests. She reaches out to include in her life stimulating projects which serve as an incentive to her.
Facet #11
An ideal homemaker is able to transform four walls into a home by creating both spiritual and physical beauty therein.
Facet #12
She will be ideal in her role as homemaker, not only because of the countless current values, but because her example and teachings will live at least another generation through her children.
Facet #13
An ideal homemaker will encourage family traditions to add color and depth to the great picture she is painting. Instead of her home being just a "short order house" it will be a hallowed place where children learn lifes great lessons, gain proper values, and build memories which will enrich their lives and help determine their destinies.
Facet #14
An ideal homemaker exercises patience, understanding and imperturbability* unless controlled anger and reasonable discipline are justified. She will do her best to take those occasional "bad days" when everything seems to go wrong in her stride, realizing that she needs some valleys in order to appreciate the mountains.
*adjective incapable of being upset or agitated; not easily excited; calm: imperturbable composure. (had to look that one up!)
Facet #15
An ideal homemaker is the type of companion and wife who merits the appreciation and cooperation of her husband and helps him want to do his part well as a husband, father and provider.
An ideal homemaker plans a program or a schedule for each day so that she is the master, rather than the victim of her work.
Facet #8
An ideal homemaker is prepared to perpetuate the good things she learned in her own home and is ever alert to new ideas and hints which will make her work more effective and help her to be an increasingly better homemaker.
Facet #9
An ideal homemaker is consistent in applying the best skills and methods she knows. She has a built in self starter.
Facet #10
An ideal homemaker's activities are well balanced. Though she may be noted for a specialty and devote a major part of her time to one particular phase, she doesnt spend all of her time cooking, nor does she concentrate just on sewing, or on cleaning or on reading, or on outside interests. She reaches out to include in her life stimulating projects which serve as an incentive to her.
Facet #11
An ideal homemaker is able to transform four walls into a home by creating both spiritual and physical beauty therein.
Facet #12
She will be ideal in her role as homemaker, not only because of the countless current values, but because her example and teachings will live at least another generation through her children.
Facet #13
An ideal homemaker will encourage family traditions to add color and depth to the great picture she is painting. Instead of her home being just a "short order house" it will be a hallowed place where children learn lifes great lessons, gain proper values, and build memories which will enrich their lives and help determine their destinies.
Facet #14
An ideal homemaker exercises patience, understanding and imperturbability* unless controlled anger and reasonable discipline are justified. She will do her best to take those occasional "bad days" when everything seems to go wrong in her stride, realizing that she needs some valleys in order to appreciate the mountains.
*adjective incapable of being upset or agitated; not easily excited; calm: imperturbable composure. (had to look that one up!)
Facet #15
An ideal homemaker is the type of companion and wife who merits the appreciation and cooperation of her husband and helps him want to do his part well as a husband, father and provider.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Art of Homemaking
As many of you know, Sister Daryl Hooles homemaking books are only second to my scriptures. I cherish every word this wonderful woman has ever written! I have had selections of her books in blog entries last year, but this year I thought I'd share with you the 20 facets of an ideal homemaker. All 20 are my new years resolution.
Oh, I forgot to mention that even though I've read this book (and later variations) several times, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it more than anything...and my very kind and generous sister jessie sent me a PERFECT CONDITION FIRST EDITION of the book (1962) SIGNED!!! by Sister Hoole. THANNNNK YOU JESSSSSSSSSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daryl Hoole has written and lectured extensively on home management and family living. She authored six books, including the long-term, best-selling The Art of Homemaking. Recently her new book The Ultimate Career — The Art of Homemaking for Today was published and is being enthusiastically received. She has been in demand as a speaker for women’s groups throughout the United States and Canada and has spoken at Education Weeks for over twenty-five years. She has served in all the Church auxiliaries and was a member of the Primary General Board. She fulfilled two missions to The Netherlands, once when her father was mission president and later when her husband presided over that mission. In addition, she and her husband recently served a third mission in Asia as area welfare-humanitarian administrators, based in Hong Kong. Daryl and her husband, Hendricus (Hank), are the parents of eight living children and the grandparents of thirty-six. She currently serves with her husband as a member of the Young Single Adult Coordinating Council of the Bonneville Region in the Salt Lake City area.
Here are the first FIVE facets along with a little explanation:
"I like to think of an ideal homemaker as a diamond, perfectly cut so as to bring out contless beautiful highlights. Just as each diamond is cut a little differently in order to make many facets, so is each homemaker a distinct individual with her own special traits and talents. But in both diamonds and homemakers, certain qualities must be present if each is to sparkle brilliantly and thereby be valued and cherished."
Facet #1
An ideal homemaker is lovely to look at and lovely to be around. She has a wholesome attitude and a pleasing appearance. She has the courage to be happy and strives to live above the grievous faults of moodiness, sulkiness and complaining. She is gracious and thoughtful and is consequently adored by her family and admired by all who know her.
Facet #2
An ideal homemaker is ambitious and enthusiastic through application of the law that how one feels emotionally greatly determines how she feels physically.
Facet #3
An ideal homemaker is devoted to the great career in which she is engaged. She is a professional in her field by being a homemaker everyday and lettiner her devotion and sense of duty, rather than her moods, dominate her.
Facet #4
An ideal homemaker is skilled in tasks required to manage a home. She keeps her house neat and attractive; she prepares tasty meals and serves them on time; she is able to turn out a gleaming white wash; and she keeps family members clothes well mended and pressed.
Facet #5
An ideal homemaker makes the best use of her time and energy by being efficient so that she is able not only to keep up with her housework, but sheis able to be a companion to her husband and a friend and teacher to her children. She is also able to pursue some personal interests which further contribute to her happiness and development
and I know I only said the first 5, but Facet 6 is one of my favorites....
Facet #6
An ideal homemaker realizes that many of life's choicest blessings are gained only through hard work and there accepts work as a challenge and an opportunity rather than a burden.
Stay tuned for more facets/resolutions for 2009 :)
*you can also check out sister hoole's website*
http://www.theartofhomemaking.com
Oh, I forgot to mention that even though I've read this book (and later variations) several times, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it more than anything...and my very kind and generous sister jessie sent me a PERFECT CONDITION FIRST EDITION of the book (1962) SIGNED!!! by Sister Hoole. THANNNNK YOU JESSSSSSSSSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daryl Hoole has written and lectured extensively on home management and family living. She authored six books, including the long-term, best-selling The Art of Homemaking. Recently her new book The Ultimate Career — The Art of Homemaking for Today was published and is being enthusiastically received. She has been in demand as a speaker for women’s groups throughout the United States and Canada and has spoken at Education Weeks for over twenty-five years. She has served in all the Church auxiliaries and was a member of the Primary General Board. She fulfilled two missions to The Netherlands, once when her father was mission president and later when her husband presided over that mission. In addition, she and her husband recently served a third mission in Asia as area welfare-humanitarian administrators, based in Hong Kong. Daryl and her husband, Hendricus (Hank), are the parents of eight living children and the grandparents of thirty-six. She currently serves with her husband as a member of the Young Single Adult Coordinating Council of the Bonneville Region in the Salt Lake City area.
Here are the first FIVE facets along with a little explanation:
"I like to think of an ideal homemaker as a diamond, perfectly cut so as to bring out contless beautiful highlights. Just as each diamond is cut a little differently in order to make many facets, so is each homemaker a distinct individual with her own special traits and talents. But in both diamonds and homemakers, certain qualities must be present if each is to sparkle brilliantly and thereby be valued and cherished."
Facet #1
An ideal homemaker is lovely to look at and lovely to be around. She has a wholesome attitude and a pleasing appearance. She has the courage to be happy and strives to live above the grievous faults of moodiness, sulkiness and complaining. She is gracious and thoughtful and is consequently adored by her family and admired by all who know her.
Facet #2
An ideal homemaker is ambitious and enthusiastic through application of the law that how one feels emotionally greatly determines how she feels physically.
Facet #3
An ideal homemaker is devoted to the great career in which she is engaged. She is a professional in her field by being a homemaker everyday and lettiner her devotion and sense of duty, rather than her moods, dominate her.
Facet #4
An ideal homemaker is skilled in tasks required to manage a home. She keeps her house neat and attractive; she prepares tasty meals and serves them on time; she is able to turn out a gleaming white wash; and she keeps family members clothes well mended and pressed.
Facet #5
An ideal homemaker makes the best use of her time and energy by being efficient so that she is able not only to keep up with her housework, but sheis able to be a companion to her husband and a friend and teacher to her children. She is also able to pursue some personal interests which further contribute to her happiness and development
and I know I only said the first 5, but Facet 6 is one of my favorites....
Facet #6
An ideal homemaker realizes that many of life's choicest blessings are gained only through hard work and there accepts work as a challenge and an opportunity rather than a burden.
Stay tuned for more facets/resolutions for 2009 :)
*you can also check out sister hoole's website*
http://www.theartofhomemaking.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
