Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Winter Weather, Winter Quilting

Hello Friends,

Baby and I have the sniffles and it is keeping us up at night. Nothing like a little cold to keep you inside. It has been snowing all day and I am in the mood to quilt. I need to put bindings on these 2 quilts (here and here) and what better day than a snow day.

View from my backyard

I have my book club tomorrow night and I am busy finishing this book:

Anyone read it? What do you think?

Come back tomorrow for Mid-Week Munchies. I am sharing a soup I made on New Year's Eve. Butternut Squash and Roast Red Pepper Soup!!!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Knock, Knock


Today I am guest posting at Make and Takes. Make and Takes is a amazing Kids ~ Family ~ Mom blog with super ideas and crafts. With Valentine's Day around the corner I am sharing a Valentine How-To. If you have a little joker in your life this Valentine will be perfect!! Head on over and see this how-to by me on Make and Takes.

Featured at Make and Takes

Thanks, Marie

Friday, January 21, 2011

Christmas Time at Disneyland ~ Field Trip Friday

The day we visited Disneyland was a picture perfect day. Blue skies, warm 60+ degree weather, big crowds and Christmas!! Upon enter the magic kingdom you are greeting with the most breath taking Christmas Tree. The presents, poinsettias, wreathes and garlands all accumulate in the view of Disney's Christmas Tree. The "Tree" was spectacular. Town Square looked like a postcard from Christmas in the 1950's and my dreams. Walking into the Magic Kingdom and seeing the "Tree" I knew the today would be special.

As usually, Disney spares no expense and Christmas is no different. Visit at Christmas is a must see and well worth the trip. The ambiance, music, decorations and celebrations are all wrapped into a picture perfect snap shot.
Just a few of the larger than life (or at least larger than my head!) ornaments:
Santa
Gingerbread man
Toy Soldier
Musical Instruments
Stars, Balls, Bells, Bows
Birds
The kids had a complete blast. The whole family cannot wait to come back again at Christmas Time.

View down Mainstreet. Even at 9 am the crowds were forming!!

Poinsettias Galore!!

I am really grateful to Disney for complimentary passes to see, explore and experience Disneyland and California Adventure at Christmas!! Due to terrible weather in SoCal the week prior to our visit (on 12/27) Disneyland was packed. We were told by multiple cast members that they were expecting a larger volume of visitors (more than normal for Christmas) because of the rains the week before. I am not sure how many more people were actually visiting Disneyland but I personally had never seen it sooo congested. Long ride lines and stand still traffic was the order of the day.

That being said......We had a great time. It was magical and memorable and I would do it again in a heart beat.

Next Friday ~ Tips and Tricks to using the Fast Pass and what we thought of the Toy Story 3 ride!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Nusery Photos

I am really proud of myself. I love baby nurseries and when I was pregnant I had a sweet, simple vision for what I wanted Henry's nursery to look like. I am almost done. Just a few more finishing touches and I can show you the whole room.

When I was pregnant, I knew I wanted my amazing friend and extremely talented photographer to take my birth photos for me. I wanted the experience of giving birth to be documented through photos. I couldn't have been more pleased with the results.....every time I look at these photos I am reminded sweetly, of my baby's birth.

Here are the details:
Pictures: Black and White Photos 12 x 12. (Costco Printing, I think they do a great job)
Frames: IKEA, Ribba Frames 20 1/2 x 20 1/2
Matting: Roberts Craft framing department. I picked out the matting and had them cut the mats to fit my photos.

With so many precious photos to pick from, I like that in a few months I can switch these out and enjoy a whole new set of birth images. (Descriptions from L-R)
  • They have just given me Henry. He is all wrapped and has his little hat on. It is really hitting me. He is all mine.
  • I swooned when I first saw this photo. Adam and I becoming parents all over again.
  • I am a tough sell liking a photo of myself, but this one I could stare at all day. I love my serene face. You would have never guessed a few minutes before I had an unmedicated birth! I am at peace.

Want to see other posts about the nursery? dresser, garland, quilt and quilt

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Creamy Potato Leek Soup



I love this soup. It is perfect in the winter when the sun goes does at 5 o'clock. It is creamy and chunky and taste even better the next day. The leeks add an extra "something" you just don't get in your everyday cooking!! Enjoy.


Creamy Potato Leek Soup:
1 bunch of Leeks (thinly sliced, using only the white part)
6-8 medium potatoes (peeled, and chopped)
1/2 cube of butter
~ Saute for 15 minutes on low heat 

Add:
3 cans of chicken broth (16 oz. cans)
1 ham bone
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup of diced ham
Salt, Pepper, Parsley to taste

In your stock pot combine: butter, leeks and potatoes. Allow to saute on low for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft, stirring occasionally. Add: chicken broth, cream, milk and ham bone. Having a ham bone to add makes the soup taste exponentially better, in fact, I only make it when I have a ham bone.** Simmer on low for 45 minutes until serving time. I've had my simmer for up to 2 hours, if soup is getting too thick while simmering you can always add more milk. Before serving remove ham bone and add ham, salt, pepper and parsley to taste.

**Ham Bone: I will typically buy a bone-in ham from Costco, cook it and then save my ham bone for this soup to make during the coming week.

Don't forget to add your favorite rolls to dinner. Rhodes Rolls are always my go-to rolls at dinner time.


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Weird Al

Somehow on the trip home from California, my boys got a hold of a Weird Al CD (Luckily for me, the baby and I flew home!!) Bless their hearts, they have been rocking out on Weird Al ever since.
"White and Nerdy" in "our hood", was as popular as the original.
"Ebay" I bought and sold a few things on ebay and the lyrics couldn't be more true.
"I'm Fat" an instant classic.
What is your favorite Weird Al song??

Monday, January 17, 2011

We are the Champions!

We'll actually my 9 year old is! But, my husband and I are taking full credit because are combined DNA gave him his awesome Arm Wrestling Powers! Yes, in third grade there is class "Arm Wrestling Championships" in P.E.. He was so excited to bring home his "super old fashion" certificate.

But wait there's more:
Because he won the "Leftys" too! Double the Power.
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