Paper Back Wreath

Sorry for the lack of posting lately.  Jury duty has recently waylaid any creative juices or distractions.  I've very slowly finished making a book page wreath for DD2's bedroom.

My daughter really liked her Christmas wreath we used above her night stand during the Holidays.  She wanted a non-holiday replacement.  So, I searched Pinterest, of course, and located several lovely options. She voted on this wreath by Living with Lindsay.

Source: livingwithlindsay.com via Karen on Pinterest

After a trip to the thrift store for a silly romance novel or two and JoAnn's for a foam wreath, 

we were in business.

Folding and folding and folding.  

Then gluing and gluing and even more gluing.

Now, the voracious reader has a book page wreath for her haven.  

Soon, I'll show you another book page project I made for her room.  Thanks for sticking around.

Before The Green

I thought I'd show you an update on our front yard project, obviously before any plants are added. 

 We resurfaced the front porch and took out the sidewalk.

 We added a faux stream bed into the actual drainage area.

 We moved boulders from another part of our property.  Now, that was a huge job!

 We widened the driveway.  Part of this is going to be redone.  It didn't quite work out right. 

In the distance you can see my urn fountain. 

This urn had a crack, so we have a different urn and it has yet to get hooked up.  More on that later.

 We added beautiful stone steps down to the back.

Here's just a peek at the before picture.

Not bad so far, don't you think?

Two Wreaths

As you can tell, I've been really quiet lately. Somewhat because I haven't had much to say. Also, I've been a little busy. This week I've been in jury selection.  I still don't know the outcome, but probably will know tomorrow.  If I'm selected, which is highly likely, I really won't be around.  I am hoping to do a little crafting this weekend.  My DD2 likes the Christmas wreath in her room, so we're substituting it with a book wreath like this. Since she LOVES to read, we thought it would be appropriate.

Source: livingwithlindsay.com via Karen on Pinterest

You can find the tutorial here.

I also want to finish decorating my laundry room.  At least get the accessories on the wall.  I thought this wreath would be a fun addition. 

Source: asoftplace.net via Karen on Pinterest

The tutorial for this easy clothespin wreath is here.  

I'm also stalking this pretty ironing board cover on the left at Pottery Barn.

Looks like I've missed out.  Shoot! In the mean time, I'll just keep stalking Pinterest, looking for pretty laundry rooms.  Isn't this blockage stuff a pain? Nothing seems to be working right tonight.

Floral Fridays

Source: designsponge.com via Karen on Pinterest

The Paperwhite bulbs I bought to use for Christmas didn't get planted until yesterday. I think they'll make a beautiful winter bouquet. I wish I had seen this pretty photo before I planted them. What old project will you finish this weekend? Have a long and lovely one!

Super Bowl Prep

We've decided to host a Super Bowl Party at our new house this year. It is also going to be a farewell for a fun couple that are moving to Texas.  Boo hiss!  Well, back to the party.  I've verbally invited several people, but have ordered these fun invitations.

Stacie has a lot of simple, cute products.  You can visit her at her Etsy store.

I'm anxious to see how mine turned out.

Since the entertainment is provided, the next most important element is the food. I think I'm making tacos. I use a recipe I found YEARS ago from Flylady's website. It's a Crockpot recipe that you HAVE to try. It's amazing. I like it better with beef than chicken, Spicy Mexican Beef.  It's not all that spicy. OH MY, this is fantastic. I will also make my homemade salsa, which is basically a Pico de Gallo. I'm sure my guests will bring lots of other foods, but I've found some fun ideas on Pinterest lately, when I should be doing other things.  It just sucks me in.  Here are some more ideas.

 Individual Seven Layer Dips

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Karen on Pinterest

Source: plainchicken.com via Karen on Pinterest

I may have to try these CHEDDAR BACON RANCH PULLS again.  It was deliciously decadent.

Source: myrecipes.com via Nell on Pinterest

These football deviled eggs are cute!

Source: absolutelymonica.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

This person was clever with their guacamole dip.  Do you have any fun suggestions for a Super Bowl Party?  Are you hosting one as well?

Holiday Visit

When my kids were visiting after Christmas we made a visit to Old Town Temecula for some shopping. Our first stop and favorite is Temecula Spice Merchant.  We were so busy shopping that I forgot to take any pictures.  It's absolutely worth the visit.  Next was a visit to the Temecula Cheese Shop, again no pictures.  At the Lavender Company, I finally got my act together. 

 The Lavender Shop was new to me and very lovely.  Their lip balm is amazing!

The next stop was Temecula Olive Oil. 

I took no pictures of their fabulous olive oil flavors.  

 Lastly we visited The Wool Lady in her new location.

 She dyes her own alpaca from a local ranch.

Another day was spent at Disneyland.

It was CRAZY crowded.  I think all of the families of the Rose Parade bands were there that day. 

We stayed for the beautiful lights at the end of the day. The kids went home all too soon. 

Low Fat Christmas Present

Source: whatkatieate.blogspot.com via Christie on Pinterest

Popcorn, how I love you.

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Considering EVERYBODY seems to be back to watching their calories or counting their points these days, I thought I'd use my new microwave popcorn popper that I got for Christmas. I crave a salty, crunchy snack in the afternoons, do you? Fresh popcorn tastes AMAZING! We're so used to microwave popcorn that I'd forgotten. I remember my Mom scraping the fry pan over the electric coils on the stove to make popcorn when I was little. With this popper, you add the amount of butter you want onto the lid. There is no oil used which makes for a very good low fat snack. I'm afraid this could become a habit.

Starting Out Right?

We had a lovely show of eight balloons this morning. 

Evidently people were starting off the new year with a fun balloon ride. I'd love to do that someday.

We're starting off 2012 with 82 degree weather.  It's definitely lovely, but oh so strange for January.

I started counting points yesterday for breakfast and lost that motivation by dinner time. This morning I made my easy cinnamon rolls while watching the Rose Bowl Parade. I think next year the New Year breakfast tradition may need to be steel cut oatmeal instead. Maybe I'll start that tomorrow.  

These poinsettia's are looking like I'm feeling, a little worn out. Although they're definitely looking much skinnier than when I bought them. That's not a problem I'm having. It's time to take a little better care of myself and pay more attention to exercise and eating. Oh maybe that really should say, NOT EATING. Everybody must be on the same page since EVERY commercial is about dieting. Biggest Loser also begins again tomorrow.  Teresa is obviously thinking about this too.  How about you, what's your plan?