Resolution Update #1

So you know those New Years Resolutions I made? Well I’ve been doing pretty good with them! I am eating healthier, drinking LOTs of water and getting some exercise in. We just joined the YMCA and I’m excited to get started with all the programs that they offer! Zumba anyone?! I’ve not lost a lot of weight but that’s ok, it’s been a little stressful this past month and our routine has been all kinds of chaotic! Now that the Hubster has deployed, Man-child and I are trying to settle into our routine.

I’ve not done a ton on the Organizing front, I did get my closet organized! YAY right? And the Garage sort of got organized by the Hubster before he left. My next organizing spot is going to be the kitchen! It’s crazy and things are in weird places that don’t make sense!

We have been doing lots as a family! The Y has been a great place for some fun & healthy family time! The pool and Racquetball have been our favorites so far. Even if I’m a little challenged in the racquetball department! I may or may not have been hit a few times! I also may or may not have hit the Hubster a few times, which I swear was a total accident and not paybacks. (for real I don’t think I could’ve hit him on purpose if I wanted to)

I plan to post a monthly update at the end of every month with my progress.

ENJOY!

Deployment Clock

So I’ve mentioned a few times that the Hubster is getting ready to deploy! This will be his 4^th Deployment and over the years we’ve found ways to help us cope with his absence. The first time Man-child was only 2! He made these great videos of him reading Man-Childs favorite books, and singing his favorite songs. We used to watch those videos every night!

On his 2^nd Deployment Man-Child was 6. A little older and while we still watched the videos occasionally, he was more interested in what Daddy was doing, where he was and what was going on. So we made a “Daddy Clock” I just bought an inexpensive clock and some Army stickers.

Our first Daddy Clock was a lot more elaborate with a sheet of Army Scrapbook paper behind it and we wrote Daddy’s Time on it. It’s evolved over the years and now it’s just the clock and an Army Sticker. We set the Daddy Clock to the time in Iraq/Afghanistan. It’s a great reminder of what time it is where Daddy is! When he was deployed that 2^nd time it was such a great teaching tool as well, really helped Man-child learn to tell time. It also helped us feel a little closer to him. When Man-child would ask “What time is it where Daddy is?” and I would tell him or have him figure it out then we would discuss what Daddy might be doing at that time? Is he waking up, sleeping, or eating lunch? Sometimes together we would invent stories around what he might be doing. I love the clock. It’s a little sad when we put it up because it means he’s leaving again, but it’s also one way to keep us closer!

 

Do you have a Military Family Member? Do you have a special way you keep connected while they are deployed? Share in the Comments!

 

ENJOY!

Braided Button Bracelet

I love bracelets! I hardly ever end up wearing them but I LOVE them! I know its nuts! Why buy or make things that you aren’t going to wear? Who does that?? Well I do! So this time I’m making a bracelet as a gift. It will help me to feel better about all the ones I have sitting in a jewelry box on my dresser. I could maybe give some of them away, but I always think that I’m going to wear them someday I will I swear, probably the same someday that I wear the 10 sizes to small jeans that are in my closet!

 

Fun Fact: The 1st buttons can be traced back to ancient Egypt.

 

Here’s what you’ll need:

 

Embroidery Thread (I used 3 different colors)

 

Buttons (I used 3 but you could do less or more!)

 

 

Here’s how you make it:

Begin by cutting your threads to the same length. Now I have to admit I didn’t measure my thread first, I probably should have because I had quite a bit of waste! String each Thread through the button holes. Next lay out the buttons in the order you want them to lie. Then tie all 3 threads together on each side of the buttons. (If I was to make this again I would tie a knot beside each button, to give it more stability) Now you braid each side of the bracelet. Tie a knot when your bracelet is the length that you want. I left mine a little long so that it can be adjusted by the wearer they can just cut off the extra and tie another knot!

ENJOY!

Grandpa G's Beef & Noodles

Since the Hubster is getting ready to Deploy.  I always make him some of his favorite foods before he goes. One of his favorites is Beef and Noodles. His family LOVES Beef & Noodles. In fact it was the first meal I ever ate with them! His Grandpa used to make the best Beef and Noodles EVER! He made homemade noodles that were sooo good. I’ve tried to make them and it’s just never close to how good his were! I’m not sure anyone makes them as well as he did! Every time I make this dish it reminds me of him! We call it Grandpa G’s Beef & Noodles! I’m not sure I even make it the way he did but the Hubster says it’s pretty close!

 Now be forewarned this is a carb heavy dish! We serve the Beef & Noodles over wait for it…. MASHED POTATOES? Crazy right? I thought so too, and really we almost never make it with the mashed potatoes because well who needs that many carbs in one meal? BUT when the Hubster is leaving he gets what he wants! Some of the people in his family also choose to put cottage cheese on top on the beef, noodles and mashed potato… This is not something I can stomach though. I think it’s a mid western thing? I don’t know they eat cottage cheese on EVERYTHING! (Man-child and I gag a little when we think of it) I like cottage cheese just not on my food, with a salad, or some fruit maybe but that’s where I draw the line! Man-child won’t even touch the stuff which may or may not be because I accidently gave him some that was, unbeknownst to me, expired, yeah I know…

Anyways, I do love Beef and Noodles and I do even love it with the mashed potatoes, my thighs not so much but for 1 meal that makes the Hubster so happy I can make the sacrifice ;)

Here’s what you’ll need:

1lb Beef Roast

1 tsp Garlic Powder

2 TBSP Beef Better than Bouillon

2 Cups Water

¼ tsp Black Pepper

2- 16oz packages Frozen Egg Noodles

Here’s how you make it:

Trim fat from the Roast. Heat a skillet over medium heat spray with cooking spray, Place the Roast in the skillet and brown on all sides. Remove Roast from the skillet and transfer to a crock pot. To the Crockpot add the Garlic Powder, Bouillon and Pepper. Cover and let cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the Roast is done cut the roast into large pieces and transfer it along with the juices to a large sauce pan, you may need to add more water. Stir in the noodles and turn the heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the noodles are soft. Serve over Mashed Potatoes or just by itself!

ENJOY!

Healthy Waters

 

In my effort to get Healthy I’ve been drinking LOTS of water! I mean A LOT A LOT. Lucky for me I actually like water! I like it plain and prefer it to be really cold! I use a filter, because every time we move the water tastes differently. So the filter gives me a more universal taste? Does that sound weird? It probably does. But sometimes I get tired of drinking water and I want something that has a little more flavor to it. And I know some people, like my Mom, can’t stand the taste of water. Which I think is strange cause water doesn’t have a taste? I mean I guess it does but not really to me? Or maybe I should say it really shouldn’t have a taste, because I have been to some restaurants and ordered water because I’m trying to be good and the water is so awful I have to order something else! Anyways, for those times that I want something more than water but don’t want to add in the extra calories I like to add a little fruit to my water. Now you can really add in any fruit that you like! Some will give your water more flavor than others. My favorites are Strawberry, Lemon, Lime and Lemon-Lime.  

It’s really so easy to do I’m not going to give you a list of materials and directions. You just slice up your fruit and add it into your glass of water! Simple, right? I also like to make some up and keep it in the fridge. If you want to do that just grab a mason jar, add in some fruit slices and water, put a lid on it and store it in the fridge.

 

Now I would note that citrus fruits hold up better if you are planning on storing it in your fridge for very long. Strawberries can get a little mushy after about a day or two.

Do you have a favorite way to drink your water? Share it with me!

 

ENJOY!

Draft Dodgers

 

Ok ok I know the title of this post is a little crazy right? No I am not talking about the Vietnam War draft dodgers; trust me that is a can of worms I have no desire to open! What I’m talking about is making a nice little stuffing filled thing to keep the cold air out and the warm air in! It’s been so cold here this week. In the 20’s for our lows brrr. Now I know some of you are a lot colder than that but it’s pretty cold for the Pacific Northwest! Add to that that we live in s 1970’s era house and well it’s always cold in our house too! Single paned windows do not a warm house make! So we have this gigantic gap in our front door at the bottom. I know it needs new weather stripping but well sometimes it’s easier to just do something quick and easy like make a draft dodger!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Fabric

1 bag Batting

Thread

Rice/Beans (this is to give the draft dodger some weight and hold it in place)

Here’s how you make it:

Measure the width of your door, and go a few inches past that, you will lose some length in the sewing. Cut your fabric to fit the door width. Mine was 42 inches and I used fabric that was 45 inches long and 12 inches wide. Fold the fabric in half length ways and put right sides together and sew a seam down the side and one end. Leave the other end open to fill with the batting and the beans or rice. I used this method of putting in a scoop of beans then stuffing in some batting just repeat this every so often until the fabric is full. Then sew the end closed.

Now you should be able to help keep the draft dodgers inside J

ENJOY!

Chocolate Dump Cake

 Prepare to have your chocolate craving satisfied! The Hubster is getting ready to go back to Afghanistan or Againistan as we are calling it in our house! Know what that means? Yep, I’m stressed, tired and sad and that means I need want MUST HAVE chocolate! So this cake that I found at bunsinmyoven looks like it will cure all that ails me… ok not really but for a few seconds as I take that first bite, I can escape into an alternate reality, one where my husband doesn’t go off to war, my son is a perfect angel and I have Jenifer Aniston’s body *sigh* I enjoyed that little break!! Back to reality… OF course it’s totally not a good for you food and I will need to make sure I do a little more in my workout today, but all things in moderation right?

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 3.9oz package chocolate pudding mix
1 1/2 cups milk
12oz semi sweet chocolate chips

Here’s how you make it:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine the cake mix, pudding, and milk in a bowl and mix until combined. Spread into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with the chocolate chips and bake for 30 minute or until the edges pull away from the pan.

Let it cool and serve with some Vanilla Ice Cream or maybe some whipped cream? YUM

 

ENJOY!

 

Avocado Tuna Salad

Avocados are my one of my favorite foods, they are just so yum! I mean they are really really really yummy. I discovered this recipe when I was pregnant, and I’ve been eating it ever since. I know that you need to be careful with Tuna when you are pregnant so if you are just don’t eat this too often or switch out the tuna for chicken! If you aren’t then make it as often as you like!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 Ripe Avocado         

1 can Tuna (in water) Drained

1 TBSP Mayo

1/4 tsp Garlic Powder

1 Rib of Celery diced (notice this wasn't in my picture? I forgot it but I used celery salt instead)

1 TBSP Onion, diced

½ tsp Dill (dry or fresh)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Here’s how you make it:

Slice Avocado in half, remove pit. Slide a spoon carefully around the outside of the Avocado to remove the skin. Place half of the avocado on a plate. In a medium bowl mix tuna and the rest of the ingredients together. Place a good sized scoop of Tuna Salad in the center of the Avocado and it’s ready to eat!

ENJOY!

Bleach Pen Tee

I like the bleach pen tee’s that I’ve been seeing on Pinterest. So I thought I would give it a try. I also thought this would be a fun craft that the Man-Child and I could do together. This is something that is getting harder and harder to find. I mean what 12 ½ year old boy wants to do crafts with his (gasp) Mom, the horror! But man-child does like to draw and he likes all the graphic tees. So I figured he would like this one! The hard part for him was finding something to draw that would translate well onto a t-shirt. He has this great drawing of a dragon that he wanted to use but I thought for the first time we should go with something with a little less detail. So he searched Google images and found the picture of a mine turtle. What’s a mine turtle you ask? Well honestly I have no clue, it’s something from some movies on YouTube I think? Really I asked and he told me and I’m still confused?

 I decided for my shirt I would just free hand a design of some flowers and the word love. As you will see I totally messed up the word Love but well I guess that’s what makes it unique right? No? Oh well. It’s a good thing that I just used an old t-shirt I had laying around.

Here’s what you’ll need:

T-shirts (any plain one will do, got one with a stain use that one)

Bleach Pen

Cardboard/Brown craft paper

Here’s how you make it:

Place a piece of cardboard between the shirts you are going to use. (Keeps the bleach from leaking through) Decide on a design. Copy the design onto your shirt with the bleach pen. Let it set for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. Then wash the shirts in the washing machine on cold. Dry and it’s ready to wear!

Enjoy!

Chapman's Gem & Mineral Shop

You want to know one of my Favorite places in the whole wide world? It’s Chapman’s Gem and Mineral Shop and Museum! Ok, ok, so it’s my family’s business, but that doesn’t make it any less my favorite place. My Grandparents, Buzz and Charlotte Chapman, started the shop back in the 1960’s. Well they had had other shops in other locations but the one that I know and love was started in 1963 in Fortuna, California. It was mostly ran by my Grandma as my Grandpa had to work to support their “Rock habit” But my Grandpa would cut and polish rocks for customers. He made spheres, cabochons, and slices.  My Mom and Step Dad (Sharon & Lyle Brown) took over the daily running of the business in 2001 and the Shop has just continued to grow and become even more amazing. They added on a Gallery which has some of the more rare stones and the larger ones as well. They are in the process of adding a new wing onto the museum, that when done is going to be so amazing. For more information about the history of the shop and some great photos, check out their website chapmansgemandmineralshop.com
 

My Grandparents in thier first Shop!

 

 IF you are a rock hound as they call them you will be enthralled at the amount of different gems and minerals in their private collection as well as the different varieties they have for sale. If you aren’t a rock hound per se check it out anyway, there is truly something for everyone, jewelry, book ends, wood carvings, fossils I mean there is so much to look at that it’s hard to see everything in one visit! Every time I go home I get the chance to check out what’s new. They are continually adding new items.

I have so many memories of the Shop as we call it. My sister and I would “work” in the shop when we were younger; somehow we always ended up in the house baking cookies? I think it was to get us out of the way J we also stuffed our share of Grab Bags! Which are awesome little goodie bags filled with treasure! When I moved back home in 2005 while the Hubster was on an unaccompanied tour in Cuba I worked at the Shop for real! It was such a great learning experience. You would be surprised at how many different rocks there are!

It really is a great place to take your kids, your friends or yourself! The great thing is that the museum, that really rivals any rock displays in any major museum, is completely free. This is how my Grandpa wanted it he wanted everyone to be able to see these awesome stones.

So if you are ever in Northern California along the coast, in the land of the Giant Redwoods, take a trip over to Chapman’s you will not be disappointed!

ENJOY!