the assignment

For my photography class we were assigned to take a few pictures over the week and turn in about four to a half dozen photos to be critiqued.  I played around a bit this weekend while the kids were tubing and then of Justin's guitar...I'm needing to get a few more by Tuesday night before I making my decision on which ones to turn in, but in the mean time I would love to hear what you think so far....

High Five Friday

Here we go again, another rendition of my highlights for the week!

1.  My Hydrangea's finally bloomed....and it's only mid July!  Guess my threatening to pull them out this fall and replace them did some some good!  Although I still think I might pull them and someoter and start over adding more color from spring to fall.

2.  This is my big red dog Rookie (Aka: Woozie), he is finally on the mend after dealing with an ear infection for a few weeks.  Every time he saw the meds come out he would try to run out the doggy door or hide under the table...lucky for me I know what gets him running back (it's another good thing that I know where the cookies are)!

3.  After dealing with Verizon's customer service (or lack there of) at one of the corporate stores, we left a little disgruntled and empty handed; we ended up at one of the premium stores in Moorhead where we purchased this little gadget for Kayla.  She pleased we were able to get her what she wanted, dad was happy on the price of the phone and I was tickled that there was no data package forced on us yet and to top it all off...she took $20.00 off the phone when we told her of our experience in Fargo..no question we will be sticking to Moorhead for all our future phone purchases thanks to her.

4.  I talked to my dad today and found out that the dizzy spells he had been experiencing have diminished.  That deserves an extra High-Five in my book. (Slap - slap)

5.  I finished chapter III of my Service Design book, whoa i'm trucking along now!  (Only 300 more pages to go before August 13th)

canning flowers

I found this sweet litte DIY on a random blog one day so I cannot give proper credit but, I think it is ok becuase this is no big secret.

This makes a perfect easy desk or table bouquet, a pop of color in any room or quick gift to make for someone?  These mason jar vases are kind of fun and I like that it can be done in less than 30 minutes, plus it doesn't hurt they look great!

All you need is a Mason jar or more of whatever sizes you want, a can(s) of spray paint (note to use flat paint and not gloss as the glossy paint will not stick to the jar), flowers and ribbon.

I decided to add these two to my bathroom so I picked out pink and black to accent against my grey walls.

Directions:
1.  Turn jar upside down and lightly spray the entire jar with coat one.

2.  After about 5 minutes, turn the jar upright and spray another light coat also including the top rim this time; you only need enough to not be able to see through the jar.

3.  Once completely dried, add ribbon to the top of the jar and/or add a note to the front like Congratulatoins, Happy Birthday, Thanks etc. - this looks cute if on colored fancy cut stock paper and the words stenciled on it)

4.  Cut the flower stems down to match the size of the jar, and arrange them so they look just how you like them.

5.  Va-la, your mason jar vase is complete!

I would love to hear if you have some other ideas, please share!

What's in Lisa's Purse

This week we'll be taking a look into Lisa's purse who has been a long time friend of mine.  Lisa and I have 2 kids that are very close in age and we have shared all their milestones together and our parenting secrets for a number of years.  Now that our oldest babies are turning into teenagers our sharing the "what would you do if you were in my shoes" and "you'll never guess what he/she did today"stories need to expand more,  so let's start here and see what Lisa has hidden in her little bag these days and how she makes her selection.

Mom, what's for dinner?

Today I thought I would share with you a very simple chicken meal that is deeelicious (even the kids like it!) and most of the ingredients you would have in your cupboard on a regular basis. 

Ingredients

- 4-5 Chicken breasts

- 1 1/2 cup Rice

- 2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup

- 1 bag/can Crispy Onions

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, mix together rice and both cans of soup

2. Grease casserole or 9x13 baking dish

3. Spread the rice and soup mix to bottom of dish

4.  Sprinkle half of the package of onions on top of mix

5.  Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice

6.  Sprinkle the remaining onions on top of the chicken

7.  Bake for about an 1-1.5 hours at 325 degrees

8.  Enjoy!

So, start with these ingredients...

Mix all together so it looks like this, it doesn't look real appetizing here, but trust me...it will be!!

When you pull it out of the oven to serve, it will look like this...

I have found that there are a few substitutions that sound great and probably have a whole different flavor, I haven't tried this one myself but I think I will be soon.

- 4 to 5 Chicken breasts

- 1 1/2 cup Rice

- 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup

- 1 can of broccoli cheese soup

- 1 package of dry onion soup mix

Mix and bake as the directions listed above, I would think you could mix and match the ingredients to get the combination that you like best.  Let me know if you give any of them a try and what you think!

She's a beauty

I love the weekends, I love being with my family, I love seeing them smile and I love hearing them laugh.
This weekend we spent the weekend at lake Howard, we found the campground to be quite interesting to say the least...but the lake - she was a beauty!



The kids spent lots of time out on the water with the canoe and a kayak catching Bass, Crappies, and Sunnies; we didn't keep anything that was caught but they sure were fun playing with.

Even Blaine found time to do some some fishing - - -check out the big catch he got and the fish that came to take a gander!

All jokes aside, it was a beautiful day followed by a beautiful night.  While I didn't get the sunset I was hoping for I did think this sun picture did turn out better than I was expecting it.

And I even captured a tender moment between a brother and sister sitting out on the dock together trying to do a little evening fishing while supper was cooking.  I love how well these two kids get along, it make my heart melt a little thinking about how their sibling relationship wraps together so intricately.

While I love going to the lake and spending quiet time with my little family, both Blaine and I agreed we wished we had family and friends that would come along on these adventures and share in the fun, unfortunately either the ones that like the lakes have a lake home or the others have summer sport commitments with their kids or do not enjoy the lake.  So if you fall into a category like us that love the lakes but travel via a camper...give us a call sometime we'd love to roast some marshmallows with ya!

Happy Monday Everyone, hope your week is fantastic!!

High Five Friday

Guess what...yep, it's Friday...Friday...Friday!  I hope you all have enjoyed your week, I have and am looking forward to another fun-filled family weekend at the lake!!

Here's my list for the week:

1.  Were have nearly finished our remodelling project, and it looks as fabulous as I was hoping for.  On Saturday we spent the entire day pulling up carpet, sitting on stairs in awkward stances pulling all the staples out with needle nose pliers, sanding and putting the first coat of paint on the walls and steps.  Once again my hands were killing me by the end of the day and I had two beautiful blisters on each hand to award me for my hard work. Sunday was more, panting, repainting and painting some more (added just a few coats you might say).  But, soon we will add the new laminate to the landings and we can then say we are DONE! 

2.  I normally don't endorse products, and this probably isn't a real endorsement, but I was super excited when I brought home this really cheap cleaner and it did the job that I have been struggling to get the results this gave me in a matter of minutes. You see, I had a bathroom floor that I called disgusting because it had marks, stains and paint drips on it that I just couldn't get off making it always look like I needed to sweep or mop it; I have been scrubbing, and dropping all sorts of chemicals on for what seems like forever with no change and sometimes an even bigger mess. I thought I was doomed and would have to just replace it.  But this little bottle and a scrub brush cleaned everything off and the floor looks brand spak'n new.  Nope, no new flooring for me...I'll save the money for something else more pressing.

3.  I sat through my first photography class this week and it was a blast!  I can't wait for the next one, nor can I wait to play with my camera this weekend using some of the things I learned. 

4.  I was pleasantly surprised to get not one, not two but a FEW notices this week from family and friends that they like my blog and are enjoying reading it.  I have been wondering who reads it and if they are actually liking it or completely laughing at me...so I feel validated this week - THANK YOU my dear friends for sending me those messages, you topped my week by far!

5.  A friend at work had this ridiculously funny lip gloss that I "just had to have", but when I went to the store where she bought hers a few weeks ago they told me they discontinued it but said I should still be able to order online..not what I had in mind.  I left feeling a little bummed but...I stopped at a store I had never been to before and wah-lah; there was the brand that makes it aaaand there was the lip gloss.  Oh the little things that can make me smile!  So, while I find this to be ridiculously funny, I also think it is ridiculously expensive, but after wearing it all day it is SOOO worth it!
(I apologize for the pictures, I think this was THE most ridiculous part of the whole thing...those boys just didn't want their pictures taken!)

And the backside...well let's just leave that to your imagination :-)

Happy Friday to you and have a great weekend!!

Melon bowls

Ever wonder what you could do with the shell of a watermelon?  How about use it for a centerpiece at your next barbecue or get together?





I chose a cute mini seedless watermelon to make my flower vase and found how very simple this is and how cute it can be.




Here is all you need to make your own.
1.  Watermelon - size of your choice
2.  Knife
3.  Toothpicks
4.  Water glass or vase
5.  Flowers
-- yep, that's it!

You will want to first slice the bottom about 1/4" thick to make the watermelon level, then slice the top off enough so that you can scrape the insides out but not too much so that still get the rounded edges (approximately 1 1/2" to 2"), this piece will be used face down under the body of the watermelon like a vase pedestal.

Scoop and scrape all the watermelon fruit out of the shell, I found with this small of one that I could use a butter knife to cut along the inside edges before I scooped out the insides; this made it very easy to get a nice close edge.

Once all the fruit has been removed, secure the large upside down slice you took from the top of the watermelon to the bottom with toothpicks.  It can be a challenge with a small one to get the toothpicks far enough to the sides so your vase will fit inside flat.

After you are confident the two pieces are secure insert your water filled vase or glass, the arrange the flowers of your choice into the water-filled vase/glass.

The watermelon can last up to a week, but you can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the inside and all the cut edges, this will help to seal in the moisture and help it last a little longer.

Other Uses:
- Cut a large melon and hollow out, fill with ice and add bottles for a drink cooler.

- Cut melon and hallow out, cut various holes randomly through out the watermelon with an apple corer, add a candle to the inside, and attach small flowers around the rim by poking holes and inserting the flower stems. Makes very cute candle holder!

-  Cut the watermelon along the side (lengthwise) and slice a small piece from the bottom to level out, hallow out and add back the watermelon and various other fresh fruits for a natural fruit bowl.

What's in DeDe's purse

This weeks "What's in your purse" series features DeDe, my sister. Thank you DeDe for agreeing to partake in this adventure and let everyone know a little about you!

DeDe's purse of choice these days is a Black leather Tignunello that she purchased from Macy's.

Along with all the adventures she goes on around the great state of MN the following items are regulars that tag along with her:

1.  Bath and Body Sea Island Cotten body lotion & body spray
2. Fighting Sioux Checkbook
3  Brocato purse size hairspray
4. Migraine meds
5. Wallet
6. Sunglasses
7. Key's
8. IceBreaker cool mints
9. Carmex
10.  Hair pick

1.  When choosing a purse to purchase, what do you look for?

- I LOOOOVE my purse...I looked long and hard for this purse as I knew exactly what size, shape, color and it HAD to have only one thick shoulder strap.  The inside had to be something bright as I hate when purses are black and I have a black liner (hard to find things).  I do not buy a lot of purses, when I find something I like I stick to it as long as I can...so I 'm willing to pay a little more for them.  And I always choose a black purse as black goes with everything and don't need it to match what your wearing.

2.  If you carry a wallet or organizer does it need to match your purse?

- My wallet doesn't have to match exactly...but it should be in the same color family.

3.  Do you change the purse with your outfit, or wear one for a "season"?

- I carry the same purse until it falls apart...inside or out.

4.  What is your 'must haves' in your purse?

- My must have that I carry in my purse are my migraine meds...never know when one is gonna hit!

5.  What is the most random thing you have in your purse today?

- An old Fighting Sioux Hockey ticket...guess I better clean out some of the scraps of paper!

Dessert anyone?

Raspberry Cheesecake Dessert Cups

Over the Forth I searched a bit for a dessert that would go along with the Red White and Blue theme and still be a tad on the healthier side.  I came across this recipe that was originally written for a mini dessert fit for Shot Glasses. Cute, but I only own one shot glass and didn't really see the need to purchase more; so I doubled the below recipe to fit our sundae dishes and found it made more than enough.

I was a little hesitant on what the crust would taste like with honey but surprisingly enough found that my household found it to be better than the normal graham cracker crust recipe. 

Ingredients
1/2 Cup fresh/frozen raspberries
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp lemon zest
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tsp honey
1/2 cup light whipped cream cheese
1 cup light whipped cream
1 tsp lemon juice


Berries
- Heat rinsed and dried berries in a small skillet over medium heat
- Add sugar and lemon zest
- Let the berries burst, you can squish them down into the sauce
- Allow berries and juice to reduce a bit, stirring occasionally until the sauce begins to thicken

Crust
- Microwave cracker crumbs and honey in a bowl for about 10 seconds
- Stir together to moisten all of the crumbs, set aside

~ My berries looked like this when it was done cooking

Cream Mixture
- Whip the Cream Cheese and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl, until smooth
- Add about double the volume (about a cup) worth of whipped cream
- Whip together

Putting it all together
- Add the crumbs to the bottom of dessert cup to create the crust
- Add the cheesecake mixture
- top with cooled berries and a little dollop of extra whipped cream

Time:  15 minutes
Makes:  About 4 shot glass mini desserts

This was a huge hit at my house, and when I said I was looking for a healthier option, I was meaning it was better than the normal recipe for Cheese cake and it had limited portion sizes. 

I will definitely be making these again and trying different types of fruit!

He's but a caterpillar, at rest!

"Someday, I will be a beautiful butterfly, and then everything will be better."

                                                                                         ~ Heimlich ~ "Bugs Life"

I have always been very fond of flowers and have a few that I cater to more than others, this year being no exception.  I always have a rose bush that sits on my deck for me to look at daily, nurture, smell the sweet fragrance and cut a few of it's beautiful flowers to display on my table.

As I was tending to my choice of rose this year, I found a black spot on one of the newly opened blooms and I went to pull it off thinking this was an odd spot for a blemish, it wiggled and pulled away.  I instantly yelped and pulled my hand away, then after carefully pulling the petals back I found this cute little face looking back up at me.  As I slowly moved my hand back to it wanting to pull it off and look at it, it wiggled back more into hiding.  I know they can't talk but I imagined it asking me to please leave it alone and promising not to eat the petals.

Part of me still wanted to pick it up, just a like I did when I was a little girl, and find a jar to keep it in so that some day it would grow to be a beautiful butterfly.  Oh the joys of the simple kid life and the imagination that we can still carry.

I walked away leaving it behind to grab my camera, it crawled out again for me to get this picture; it was a mutual agreement you might say...I get the picture for the cute memory and it got to live as long as it wanted (or as long and the flower lived) on the beautiful rose that sat so perfectly for it to perch as a makeshift home.

I checked again the next day and it was still there, but that darn wind we have around here decided to end the our meetings the following day and the caterpillar was thrown from the flower and the petals also lost their vigor and beauty.

Fortunately for me, there is always another flower, or more, opening often to replace the ones that are no longer.

 

Here's to a beautiful Monday, hope to hear from you soon!

                            

High Five Friday

Friday has arrived, I bid you all a HIGH FIVE just cuz we made it again!

My highlights for this week were pretty easy to pick out, it has been a great week for me!

1. We had visitors come this past weekend and drop off this 100+ year old grandfather clock, what a special gift we received!  This had been at Blaine's grandparents house for many years...not the 100 years but many.  When grandpa moved to Georgia last fall it was handed over to uncle Sonny, and he surprised us this weekend with handing it down to us.

2.  I registered for a Service Design class in August.  Despite my nervousness for taking this exam, I am finding that I am a little excited for the class.  I have lots of pre-studying that is required before the class starts so we'll see how that goes!

3.  I spent fourth of July doing things I wanted to do while the family went out fishing.  The only timeline I had was one that I had set for myself to be home in time to put a turkey on the grill for supper.  During my "alone" time I called a friend up and we spent a few hours at the mall just enjoying each others company.

4.  We haven't been in town for a few years on the fourth, so this was one of the first times in quite awhile to watch the local fireworks.  The heat from the day surprising made an exit making it an especially great night for being outside!

5.  The start of our renovation started, Blaine tore down the entry way leading down to one of our lower levels, moved the light switch and has already put up the drywall, mud and taped it!  Amazing what a change it has already made! Now, the next step is mine, I'll be pulling the carpet off the steps and landing, pulling out nails and then sanding. 

Have a great weekend everyone!  Leave me a message telling me how your week went!