Day One - Lunch

New hours at work....sad, mad, frustrated.

Maybe this can be a new start....again. I said the same thing nearly a year ago when I started this job. Now, more changes. Ok, so now's a good time to buckle down and  get on that diet. Actually my new hours will help me with that. I eat breakfast....then do some work around the house, then eat a healthy lunch, then off to work. I would normally snack all afternoon. But now I'll be at work. I can control my snacking at work. Yea! 

Hope it warms up outside pretty soon. I really need to start my biking every morning.

Well, another chapter has started......again......

Homemade Baby Wipes/Personal Wipes

I've seen them all over the internet, including Pinterest.

Homemade Baby Wipes

So, I thought I would try to make some. Yes, I buy baby wipes. My baby is almost 18 years old and I still buy baby wipes. I like to have some in my purse or in my car in case I'm not near water to wash my hands. I've been known to use them at work to wipe down my work surface. I like to add some witch hazel to my wipes. It's a natural germ killer.

Ok, so I bought the ingredients today.

What they don't tell you in all of those handy-dandy instructions, is that it's dang hard to cut a roll of paper towels in half. I tried a regular knife...not sharp enough. I tried a serrated knife...tore the roll up. I ended up using some kitchen scissors to finish cutting the middle. 

The recipe that I used called for:

2.5 cups of water

1 T. baby oil

2 T. liquid baby soap

I think I would, first, start with mixing the oil and soap with 1 cup of water. Pour that over the towels in a container. 

 Let that soak in. Turn the container upside down so all of the liquid is absorbed.

Remove the cardboard center. Pull a towel from the center of the roll to test to see how moist it is. If is is not very moist, add another 1/2 cup water.  I bet that will be sufficient. The 2 cups of water I used made the towels dripping wet. Too wet, in my opinion, to be really usable without dripping all over.

This is a great idea. Although I will have to tweak how I use the paper towels. I think next time I will take the towels off the roll and fold each one and make a pile to lay in a square container.

Try it and see what you think. And if you come up with a better way to cut the roll of paper towels, please let me know.

Schedule Changes

With sadness, I will soon come to the end of working the favorable hours at my job. I had longed for a job with morning hours and when I was hired at my present job last year and they offered morning hours, I was ecstatic. My favorite time of the day is the afternoon when I can be productive with my crafts and plan the evening meal and, more importantly, be there when my son comes home from school. Even though he is in high school, there's just something about greeting your child at the door and ask them questions about their day.

My  new hours will have me working till after 6:00p.m. every day. The hubby was not too happy to hear about that. He will be the one who will have to cook dinner every night...unless I have something cooking in the crock pot. I will undoubtedly miss some of my son's after school sports. That is really a heartbreaker for me. Next year will be his last year in high school. You can bet I will be asking for time off to attend his cross country meets.

On the good side, I will be able to do my work outs in the mornings. I do like to get out early for bike rides and I may even join the water aerobics class at the pool this summer. And...I won't have to be in bed by 9:30 every night. I have missed watching Jay Leno. ;)

I have been on a crafting break this month. I am trying to decide what I should concentrate my efforts on making to sell in my etsy shop. I started working on a quilt this week. I found an easy pattern, so when I get that done it will be available for purchase.

So hopefully after the first of April I can get back in the crafting mood and you'll see new projects in my shop.

Until then......

Cravebox Opening

I just received my first Cravebox. It's like a subscription service only with them, you can pick and choose which boxes you want so you don't have to get one every month.

Here's my review/opening on YouTube.

Enjoy...

Here is the link to their website:

www.cravebox.com

What's on my plate?

Tonight I had a huge taco salad. Lots of greens, olives, tomato, guacamole, crushed tortilla chips, salsa, and taco flavored beef. YUMMO!

A Predator

There has a been a predator in my yard today.

Every so often we get hawks in our yard. They usually prey on the sparrows. I didn't see him catch any today but they usually do.

He is pretty, though.

I'm on a Yarn Kick Right Now

Surprise, surprise....more yarn. I think I have enough but then I go buy more. :) One of my collections, I guess you could say. I just took my yarn basket downstairs yesterday, thinking I wasn't going to crochet for awhile. But today I drug it upstairs again. 

Here's my basket of my cotton yarn. This is what I use to make my wash cloths. I ran across a new pattern I might try.

These I had on hand. I'm going to whip up a couple quickie scarves.

Since my Mom is freezing in Arizona right now, she will need one. ;)

My New Scent

SPARKLING BLACKBERRY WOODS

from Bath and Body Works

I like it! I exchanged a couple body sprays that I had purchased before Christmas that were just too "sweet" smelling. 

This is how they explain the scent:

 inspired by the dazzling beauty of woods. 

My words: It smells kinda berry-ish....kind of woodsy.

ADDED 1-31-13:  DECIDED I DIDN'T LIKE THIS SCENT AFTER ALL. :( IT'S JUST TOO STRONG FOR ME.

I RECEIVED MY FIRST GOODIES BOX!

LOVE IT!!!! GOODIES BOXES ARE A SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE FROM WALMART FOR $7 A MONTH. I GOT MY FIRST ONE TODAY. IT SEEMS LIKE IT WILL BE A GOOD SERVICE. EVERYTHING IN THE BOX WAS FULL SIZED.

The box is fairly large. 

This is how it was packaged.

There was a full sized box of World Table chocolate caramel cookie thins, Naturals chips, a Sun Cups sunflower and chocolate cup and also a Mint chocolate cup.

There was also a bag of cinnamon apple chips and cinnamon sugar popcorn. And a small package of oatcakes.

I've already eaten the veggie chips. They were good.  Can't wait to try the rest.

And I can't wait to see what will be in next month's box.

If you are interesting in joining, get an invite here:

www.goodies.co

B'bye Emi

I've received 3 Eco Emi boxes, but I've decided to cancel my subscription. In my opinion, it just isn't worth the $15 a month. They usually send 1 full sized item and then a bunch of small samples of other items. I think it's a rip off. Since you pay a month ahead of time, I'll still get the January box. Most of the samples were of things that I would not even use anyway.

So good bye Emi.....

In the Christmas Spirit

I was ready to decorate today! I brought the tree up from the basement and drug out my 2 big totes with decorations.  It's different this year not working retail. I actually feel like I can get excited for the holidays.

I decided I needed a new wreath for my front door so I whipped this one up. I think it only cost me a whopping $5. 

The sunsets are beautiful on the west side of town.

Here's a sample of what I see on almost a daily basis.

I love gift baskets!

I love gift baskets. They are so much fun! I love making them and getting them. Oh sure, we all like the big expensive gift. But I think gift baskets are little bits of fun all in one package. Pick a theme...get several items to coordinate that theme. FUN! 

MY PINTEREST BOARD FOR GIFT BASKETS

Go see some that I have pinned. Then go make one for someone's gift. 

Here's an example of a fun basket courtesy of 

I HEART NAPTIME

Shop your closet

I love that! I bet you have stuff in your closet or storage room that you forgot you have. I have purchased a lot of purses over the years. I'm a bit of a purse freak. I have a huge bag of old purses. I've even sewn quite a few too. I've been using my spring/summer purse awhile and am tired of it. Time for a classic black purse for winter. While I was shopping in the city today I searched for a new purse. Every thing I saw was ugly. What's with ugly purses these days. I didn't want one that is as big as a suitcase. I did see a couple I liked but at $99, NO THANK YOU!

So I came home without a new purse. Then I got to thinking. I bet I have a  purse in the basement that is still perfectly fine that I can dig out and use again. Well I found 4 black purses in my huge bag of purses. Two weren't what I wanted to use...too big, too small. The other two were still great and the right size. So I unloaded my current purse to see how my stuff would fit. I quickly decided on the one I would use. VOILA! My new/old purse.

So, girls, shop your closet. You might find a treasure there.

Another Bath & Body Works Haul

I know this is totally crazy. I didn't think I'd be back at BBW so soon. But I thought I'd get a head start on my Christmas shopping. Don't know how much of this I'll actually give away (smiling sheepishly).  But they are practically paying you to take this stuff. Well, ok, not actually, but their sales are phenomenal. Last time I almost felt like I was getting ripped off by paying full price for a body spray when I only wanted one. Ok their anti-bacterial soaps were 4/$15. Each one sells for $5.50. So who wouldn't want to take advantage of the sale price?

Then I found the holiday scents. YUM! I bought a few small bottles for stocking stuffers. I got a couple shower gels, a lotion, and a couple lip glosses. The lip glosses were 3/10, originally $8 each. The shower gels and lotions were 3/$10, originally $5 each.

Then they had their classic shower gels and body sprays for buy 3 get 3 free. The gels are normally $11 each.

The body sprays are normally $14 each.

Their holiday scents are Pink Sugarplum, Frosted Snowberry, and Winter Candy Apple. They all smell delicious! :)

(why are their sales so good? I suspect their prices are way overinflated)

October Eco Emi Box

My first Eco-Emi box.  Now I can't wait for the next one. 

Enjoy!
(p.s. correction....not antibiotic...meant to say antiseptic)

Another Vera Bradley bag

I received my order for the Lizzy bag today. I love the smaller bag for shopping and quick trips. I don't like lugging around a big bag, except to work so I can fit in my Kindle, magazines or whatever.

Here is my review of the Lizzy. Enjoy!

Dang, I broke a nail

You won't be saying that anymore while trying to put keys on your keyring. I found a great tip on www.pinterest.com . 

If you have one of those staple "biters" (removers), just clamp it down on your keyring and you can add or remove any keys with ease.

Works like a charm! Try it!

Last Night's Supper

Well, actually, this is tonight's supper. But it seems lots of people ask me what I had to eat last night. 

Anyway....I was just cooking for two tonight. So I made salmon patties and confetti rice with quinoa. It was delicious!

And then I baked an apple crumb cake for dessert.

Joyous Jars

I collect jars and I like to make them look fancy.

Here are some that I have up cycled.

Rings and Noodles

Last weekend while in a boutique, I saw some rings made with buttons and wire. I can make that! (I thought). Why spend $15 on something that would cost me only a couple dollars to make. So here's what I made today. I love the flower buttons.

Tonight I cooked one of my favorite dishes...chow mein beef and noodles. It's so easy and only takes 15 minutes. The kids love it too.

More wrist cuffs

Whipped up a few wrist cuffs yesterday. I need one for July 4th and made a few more. They are so easy to make. Take a look at some of the fabric I used.

New Routine

Sometimes I feel like I'm running in circles. I'm still trying to get into my new routine. I've been at my new job for almost 7 weeks. Half that time I was commuting for training and working full time. I didn't get anything done during that time period. Now I've been at my permanent location for 2 1/2 weeks and I'm slowly getting into getting up at a certain time each day, working and learning that routine, and also when I get off at 1:00, teaching myself to have a routine of things to get done at home. It's all starting to come together. I'm learning that I need to plan my dinner menu ahead of time so I'm not running to the store every day. But I still catch  myself doing that yet. Now I need to set some time to do projects. 

A friend and I are going to get together and make bracelets. I also am planning on covering my couch pillows. I found a no sew pattern for that. Will post pics when that is done.

Whew! Time flies when you're having fun!!

FYI about Pinterest

Pinterest? What? You don't know about Pinterest? I thought everyone did. :)

Go to  www.pinterest.com and check it out.

Short explanation: Pinterest is a website where people can post photos of their "interests". This is called "pinning." Now you see where the name comes from. 

Now here are some rules that you need to remember. When pinning a photo, it needs to link to a website explaining that pin. Oh sure, you can pin photos from your computer, but then others can't click on your link and be taken to a blog or website.  

You can also repin other's pins if you like them. However, it's not helpful if you repin someone's pin and that pin doesn't lead anywhere like a website or blog, etc. That is so annoying! How are people supposed to get info. about your pin if the link doesn't take them to the site where the info. is located?
Also, please DO NOT pin photos of naked people, bad language, etc. That may get you banned or at least your pins removed.
It's a fun site. You should try it. I get a lot of craft ideas from there.
Start pinning already. :)

Pinterest

Chicken Enchilada Pizza

Our dinner tonight was chicken enchilada pizza. It was a new recipe I found on Pinterest. And it was good! The kids even approved! I will make it again!

The Beach

Wish I were here!!!!

...and sipping a strawberry daiquiri. 

Even though it's hot here, I bet the ocean breeze is nice and cool wherever the picture was taken.

Where is your fave place to "veg out"?

Gift Baskets

I used to make gift baskets for a business. I may start doing it again. I really enjoy the thought of giving a basket of goodies to someone. 

Ideas from Country Living magazine

What is this?

"What is this?" you may ask.......it's not a hat.

Ok, turn it over. Now do you know what it is?

Add the bowl and voila! It's a hot pad specially made for a bowl.

You know those times that you are heating up a bowl of soup and it's sooo hot you can't grab it bare handed. And holding normal hot pads is a little awkward.

Just sit your bowl in this, heat it up, and grab it with your hands when it's done. And, if you like, you can hold your bowl easily if you are sitting in your favorite chair and eating.

And another great idea.....use it when you are eating ice cream and you won't freeze your hands off. 

So, this is just a prototype, just to see how it all came together.

Would anyone be interested in buying such an item????

Let me know if you are interested. I will be making more of these.

Have a great day!

One Month

One month of working full time. It wasn't so bad. I could get used to it. You see, I haven't worked full time for 12 years! Now that I'm done with my job training, though, I go to my part time hours. The hours are great...7:30am to 1:00pm. I do have to get up really early, but I don't mind that. And I love that I have afternoons off to do stuff. The last two days though, I've been tired and had to take a nap. HA! 

Today's Lunch

I haven't been eating the best lunches lately. I need to get back to more healthy eating. I'll be starting a new job next week and I just feel like I should clear my brain and body of the junk so I have a clear head.

So....back to salads. Here's what I had today:

What's in it?

Fresh mix of healthy greens

salmon

soy cheese

chopped olives

sunflower seeds

almonds

dried cranberries

low fat Italian dressing

and it was yummy!

New favorite tea

I don't like coffee. Well, if I was forced, I could dunk a cookie in it. HA! I don't like hot tea. I do like iced tea, if it's flavored. My newest discovery is Lipton's Tea and Honey Peach Apricot Iced Black tea. It's very yummy! If you like fruity teas, try this one. You'll like it.

I also pulled out a bed in a bag that I bought after Christmas last year. I got it really cheap! I was saving it for my spring/summer decor.

I love green! Looks very springy.

Cheap

Sometimes the cheapest things are the best. I was at Walmart the other day just looking through the shoe department to see what they had. I ran across the cutest croc-like shoes. And the best part is they were only $8. Now, mind you, they don't have much support, but they are good enough for me to wear around the house. And don't you just love the color????

The Easter Bunny?

We have a nest of baby bunnies in my flower bed. They've been in there a couple weeks and are now just peeking their heads out. So cute! 

Chocolate, Peanut butter, Banana Milkshake II

I tweaked my recipe a bit. This one is much better. It is very thick and creamy. Reminds me of a Frosty. But it's been a long long time since I've had a Frosty, so maybe my memory isn't that great.

Here's the recipe:

2 Frozen bananas (cut up)

1.5 cups of vanilla soy milk 

2 rounded teaspoons of peanut butter

A huge squirt of Hershey syrup

Blend till smooth.

Enjoy! I know I am. :)

The Waffle Maker

I'm loving my waffle maker. Ok, after the first experience was a disaster,  I was afraid to even try it again.  But the kids were wanting waffles for brunch today so I thought I'll try it again and see how they turn out. I don't have a picture of the waffles. The kids inhaled them as soon as they came off the waffle maker and they loved them. I had a tube of cinnamon rolls so I figured since it was heated up I might as well try them. So so so easy!!! I love it! The tube had 8 rolls so I put 4 on the maker at one time. Only 2 1/2 minutes later they were done! Then I drizzled with with frosting. AWESOME! Why heat up the oven and bake for 13+ minutes when you can make them in about 5minutes on the waffle maker! Here are the pics so you can drool! :)