Easie Peasie

Happy LEAP YEAR!

2012-02-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

Happy beautiful LEAP day.

I thought I would share a few pretty images that have inspired me this week…. with you to send your deco desires whirling.

I want one of these soon. I have the vintage fan. I have a spool. Hmmmmm.

We might need two in fact. One for me. One for Jax. Isn’t it a DOLL?

Image via skcnis

And since I told you about my pink typewriter…I’ll need a pink camera too!

image via The Fancy Farmgirl

Pink makes me think of Spring for some reason. And I don’t know about you, but I’m SUPER happy it’s time for warmer days!

Spring colors….like those found in vintage sheets.

image via Luulla Handmade Blog

What’s on my mind in addition to Spring….everything chickens. I’m so excited about our new babies.

If I could have any backyard chicken coop in the world…I’d say it would have to be this one.

imave via The Fancy Farm Girl

For the love of gravy and all things Southern. I love this coop. Mark my word, we will have a chandelier too ( I have a mini one just waiting for the perfect home…and a I plan on making a cute sign that says….CLUCKINGHAM PALACE!

Oh it’s going to be such cute FUN!

Guess I need to add a Pinterest Board now…Chicken Love.

P.S. Tomorrow I have a BIG REVIEW...and it has an even BIGGER giveaway. Like a $100 Wal-mart giftcard!!!!!! Whoooooop whooooooop!! Tell your Mamma, your Granny, your Aunt Fay and Uncle Bob...and EVERYONE else you can think of!

XoXo

The newest additions to our family

2012-02-28T20:58:00.001-06:00

So like I need anything else on my to-do list right? Well wrong….sorta!

Meet the latest additions to our family….

Jax named the black duck “Tuck” and the yellow duck “Ming-Ming.” You know…off of The Wonder Pets. Too cute right?

We have 10 baby chicks. No names yet. LOL.

My main purpose for getting them was to use them in my Easter sessions.

But…they will now be apart of our family.

Jax is so excited, and I am too. I love them! We always had chickens and other animals growing up. I’m so excited for Jax to have the same experiences.

I might have lost my mind…but what fun.

Easie Peasie now has new residents….so say hello to BLOG WORLD new duckies and chickies!!!

XoXo

It’s Saturday and I’m pinning and I should be CLEANING!

2012-02-25T11:28:00.001-06:00

Happy weekend friends!

It’s Saturday and it’s gorgeous outside.

I need to be cleaning.

I need to do the huge list of homework that is DUE right now.

I need to edit pictures.

I need to get ready for my photo session this afternoon.

And what am I doing?

PINNING!

I haven’t pinned in ages. I try to take a break from Pinterest sometimes to rely on my own creative ideas for projects rather than try to do what everyone else is doing. Breaking free from the crowd is a good thing sometimes.

I do think that Pinterest is a GEM for workout motivation though.

In between finding workout inspirations I’ve seen some pretty RAD stuff.

Like this chandelier…yes I’ll take three please!

Found HERE

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I’ve always wanted a pink typewriter!!! Ahhh…someday I hope! I think I could write the most fabulous things with a pink typewriter. LOL. =)

Found HERE

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These flowers make my heart happy and remind me that Spring is right around the corner. I’m so excited. I’m ready to get my hands in the dirt and plant a few!

Found HERE

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Oh Chevron you’ve had me at hello. And I just love these chevron towels. Just gorg.

Found HERE

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AAAAMEN! This makes me laugh, and is SO TRUE! It’s a great workout reminder….NO EXCUSES!

Found HERE

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Embracing this as I’ve started training for my 25K run. Embracing this in every area of my life.♥

Found HERE

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Realizing how true this is…more and more each day. This pertains not only to exercise and health, but in everything of life. Small little changes add up to BIG changes in the future. I’ve spent the last 2 years doing teeny, little daily changes. I’m the girl who was so lost and hurt in my divorce I could barely leave my house much less look up and smile. I own my own company now and I’m in grad school…and I’m training for a half-marathon now. Little changes…add up to BIG changes.

Found HERE

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Don’t these quotes make you want to get off your keester and get something accomplished! I love them!

Have an AWESOME weekend! Do a few little things to show yourself some LOVE this weekend!

XoXo

Smoothie Recipe Ideas

2012-02-23T12:16:00.001-06:00

As promised here is my smoothie recipe ideas! And really it’s more what I use as basic ingredients for our smoothies, not with specific measurements. I vary our smoothie ingredients daily just to mix it up.

First of all frozen fruit is AH-mazing. It’s a frugal way to keep fruit options available for your family. My favorite frozen fruit for smoothies is a mix I find at Wal-Mart. So far, I have yet to find the quality of fruit in a mix like this one and I’ve looked at all my local super markets.

It’s almost $8.00 for a big bag that lasts about a week for us. And that’s making a batch of smoothies at least once a day. The fruit is wonderful and delish.

Big, meaty pieces of each kind of fruit.

I just guesstimate when I pour it in our blender. I use this fruit mix as the base for all of our smoothies. I vary all the other ingredients, but this stays the same.

Sometimes I add frozen blueberries. Another great value in comparison to buying them fresh.

I also throw in bananas almost every time. Did you know you can freeze bananas? I didn’t, but I do now. If my bananas start to age before we can use them (which now days isn’t very common since we are eating so much fruit) you can peel them, put them in a freezer bag and freeze them. I have a stockpile of frozen bananas. Very frugal and efficient way to make sure you don’t waste food.

For protein in our smoothies I stay away from whey protein powders. They just taste and smell gross to me. At one time I had a little herd of about 10 doggie (pronounced – doh-ggie) calves which meant they were orphaned. And I made A LOT of bottles for those little babies. Whey protein powder smells JUST LIKE calf milk replacement powder to me…and I cannot smell it or drink it. LOL! I do use it in homemade protein bars though and will share that recipe soon!

I use Greek yogurt or almond milk for added protein in our smoothies.

I just add a few dollops and they are good to go.

If I use almond milk, I just add a splash or two. It’s all up to you!

You can add spinach too. A lot of people don’t like the brown color that it creates when you blend the smoothies. We don’t really care, it tastes fantastic. And I love that we are getting so many extra nutrients by adding it.

I throw a few handfuls in.

Now that you have all of your solid ingredients, it’s time to add a few liquids. I use juices that are 100% juice such as apple or the BIGTEX juice combos.

I splash about one cup of juice in and add as much water as necessary to create the blend of liquid and solids needed for the perfect smoothie texture. You could omit the juice and just add water for less calories if desired. I like the flavor POP it adds. If I need more liquid, I just keep adding water until it’s smooth.

For my smoothies I add in one teaspoon of this vitamin C powder. After my ‘bout with the flu, I’m not taking any more chances of being that sick again. I don’t add it to Jaxon’s because he’s too little and I don’t feel comfortable giving him high amounts of supplements like that. Just my personal choice.

His favorite part is BLENDING. If he sees me get the blender out…he knows it’s SMOOTHIE TIME!

Here’s what one looks like with the added blueberries and spinach:

That is what Jax is drinking too!

And here is one without the berries or spinach….

Pretty!!

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Our favorite time to make and eat smoothies is in the evening after dinner when we are relaxing and/or watching TV. It’s like a dessert. A rich, delicious dessert---made of wholesome ingredients. I never crave sweets because I have my smoothies.

You can make them for breakfast, lunch, dinner…snacks. Whenever makes your heart happy!

What about you? How do you make your smoothies?

XoXo

My new love = clean eating

2012-02-22T11:04:00.001-06:00

Hello there! Lately my posting has been just a smidgen random and irregular. I apologize for that! It’s been busy with a capital B!

I do want to share something that is changing my life in amazing ways. After reading all my favorite blogs, there’s one thing that can be said about ALL of us. We all want cute homes, pretty food, in-shape-hot-mamma bodies, pretty faces, hair and clothes…and most of all happy kiddos. And some of us run businesses and go to grad school in between.

A lot of the time I over-look posting about all of these things because they feel so simple or plain. Truth is, I look to see how other women are being successful in those areas, so why not share what helps me too right?

Here’s my first share….Clean Eating is changing my health, my body and my life.

I read (3 times back-to-back) Tosca Reno’s “The Eat Clean Diet Recharged” which you can find HERE.

I’m officially obsessed with eating clean. I started eating clean in January and when I went to Alpine for classes I didn’t….I ate pure junk the whole time. I came home miserable and then had the flu.

For once in my life, I could truly feel what it is like to not eat right and what it does to your body. I would not eat a hamburger and fries right now if you paid me. That’s how great I feel. And the best part….

It’s uber healthy and I can manage it on a single-Mom budget.

What makes me even MORE HAPPY is this…

Because that smoothie is made out of this….

And Jax LOVES them!

Does your 3 year old eat raw spinach? Probably not---mine thinks it’s grass! Ha ha ha! But he will eat a smoothie! He loves our smoothies and has his own little smoothie cup.

Tomorrow I will share a few smoothie recipe ideas that I use and that we love. And I’m going to start sharing some Clean Eating snacks and meals that I’ve discovered or created too.

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One more thing that Clean Eating has done…because I feel so good…I feel like I can run a marathon…even if my body can’t right now. So guess what?

My step-sister and I are training to run a marathon next January. Yep! It’s BIGTIME exciting!!!

We are going to run in the Big Bend 50 Ultra Marathon in Big Bend Park.

image via: www.bigbend50.com

There’s a 10K, 25K and 50K. Oh my goodness!

We are starting our training focused on the 25K right now. Pretty exciting!!

So in addition to our clean eating, I’ll be sharing our training ideas and what we are learning. Because we were athletes in our younger days, but we are no where near marathon runners yet. It’s going to be a BIG journey. But I’m super excited!

If you already know lot’s of great tips for beginners we are open to all help! =)

Hope you are having a BLESSED!

XoXo

Sunday Inspiration…

2012-02-19T13:44:00.001-06:00

I hope this post finds you having a wonderful and blessed weekend. I’m getting ready for a super exciting senior photo session this evening and can’t wait to show you the results. Three words – STATE GOLF CHAMP! And she’s gorgeous to boot. It’s going to be so FUN!

I also finished my girly backdrop set for my upcoming Easter sessions. Folks…I lost every bit of fingerprints with this project from all the intensive hot gluing. LOL! I so love how it all turned out and cannot wait to use it!

And to add an even FUNNIER note. I went to Home Depot alone…to get my backdrop supplies. Let’s just say I have no problem HUMILIATING myself….all BY MYSELF! I wrestled an 8ft piece of wood paneling in the parking lot. And the panel WON! Ha ha ha ha! Thank goodness for angels who come along to help us in our moments of need. A very kind man came over and helped me wrangle the beast into my Yukon…not once…but twice. Because oh yes friends…the first time we got it in the car…I left my keys in the back of the cargo area of my Yukon. TAKE TWO---we take the panel out…and TRY AGAIN! He was so kind-hearted! Note to self: NO MORE trips to HOME DEPOT without asking for HELP! =)

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I also wanted to share a little Sunday Inspiration with you as well. I don’t know if you listen to K-LOVE radio but I do and I adore it. I did the 30 Days Challenge in January and only listened to Christian music. Wow. What a wonderful difference it makes when you are driving to be surrounded with God's love. I’m hooked and have only been listening to Christian music now. My latest download this week was Dara Maclean’s album “You’ve Got My Attention.”

image via: www.daramaclean.com

I loooooooooooooooooooove it!

I listen to it in the car and on the treadmill during my Mamma workout time. I’ve also been listening to only Christian music when I workout…and it’s like my meditation, spiritual and prayer time…and workout…all mixed in one!

My favorite song right now is ….. SUITCASES

You can download the album or your favorite songs by going to iTunes HERE!

Have a BLESSED Sunday!

XoXo

2012-02-16T14:16:00.001-06:00

Howdy! How are you doing?

We are doing awesome! Flu-free and awesome! Being sick is such a downer isnt’ it? Uugh! I’ve felt like there’s been a YUCKY dark cloud of sickness over my house lately, and I banished it this week! Ha ha ha ha! Fingers-crossed anyways.

We have been up to a lot…and a lot of nothing new. Ha ha. Is that possible? School is in full force. Hello graduate school homework. Even at it’s worst, I still love it with every geeky bone in my body. I love academia. I just cannot help it. What I do not love….is reading Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights. Bleck!! Gothic novels are not my cup of tea!

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We went to the farm this week for some fresh air! Oh how we love to go see Granny and Grandpa!

Jaxon is like wild animal set free when we go to the farm. His new thing is riding his four-wheeler all over the pasture.

He begs me everyday to go to Granny’s house. I now know why. ((The BIG hole is the now dried-up pond. I spent MANY hours as a kiddo fishing there. ))

Jaxon and Shorty are BIG EXPLORERS together. They crack me up.

Jaxon drives down the dog trails…as his roads. His granny showed him that. Pretty sweet!

Being at the farm is a great way to spend the afternoon.

Just ask Jax!

This silly dog --- after Jax slid down---he DID TOO! I missed the shot though! Gosh dawg!!!

It’s pretty evident he never sits still right?

Being outside….is EVERYTHING for Jaxon. And I so love that! My brother and I loved playing outside too! It’s MAGICAL!

We also had to say hi to the horsies.

Granny bought Jax a rubber bucket-thingy so he can feed the horses all he wants…without lot’s of possible BIG teeth biting those little fingies.

I got a few horsie kisses. Because they are magical too!

And I had to take a few pictures of them. I love horse pictures. I want to decorate an entire wall with them!!

They make my HEART so HAPPY!

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I also saw this laying on the ground….LOVE IT!

Have a BLESSED day!

XoXo

Beautifully Rooted….

2012-02-14T17:51:00.001-06:00

Have you seen this website? LOVING it! Click the banner to check it out.

Hope you had lot’s of SWEET goodies for Valentine’s day!

And experienced lot’s of LOVE today!

♥And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

XoXo

Simple Comforts…

2012-02-10T16:35:00.001-06:00

Well the flu won this week, and I quit trying to beat it. Goodness. I’m so lucky to have such a sweet, caring Mamma. She brought me Jason’s Deli Poblano Corn Chowder- my absolute favorite.

Ahhh. It was so soothing on a sore throat and chest. Sooooo comforting.

She also brought me flowers to cheer me up. Pretty sweet right?

I bet they smell good too. I cant’ smell just yet – LOL! But they make me smile every time I look at them.

What is about Mamma’s? They just know how to make everything “all better” even when you are over thirty. =)

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We did have a winner in the Olay giveaway! And she has already been notified! Thank you to everyone who entered!!! Don’t forget to get your name in the hat for my most recent contest too.

I hope you have a very blessed weekend. We are under a winter storm advisory for the weekend. And lucky me, my Mamma stocked me up with dinners and food for the weekend. I don’t have to cook a thing. I can re-coop from this flu mess, and snuggle with my Jaxy. I’m so blessed!

Love to you all!

XoXo

Happy middle of the week!

2012-02-08T10:07:00.001-06:00

So I came home from classes this weekend, as sick as can be. Like with the FLU sick. Oh my geez, right? It literally is always something.

In between feeling like death-warmed-over I have been trying to get a grasp on homework and work stuff. Let’s just say the word to describe this week should be “slammed.” Topped of with the flu. Uugh.

I did finished up a blog draft that will be live in a few weeks for a new review. I cannot wait for you guys to see it, and participate! I get to giveaway a $100 Wal-Mart gift card! OMGeeeeeee! Aren’t you excited??? Whooohoooo! Here’s a teaser of what it will be about…..

If you haven’t entered my current giveaway, please scroll down the page and get your name in the hat! Yay!!!

Hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

XoXo

Wooohooo! I’m in Alpine for the weekend!!

2012-02-03T22:44:00.001-06:00

So I took a little road trip today.
My highway soundtrack….

plus some Kelly Clarkson, Rolling Stones and Neil Diamond. I made mixed CD’s for my trip…and my brother being the super-technological one thinks that is hilarious. I told him it could be worse….I could have made MIXED TAPES! Remember those??? Oh what fun!!!

It was my first time to make the 3 hour drive by myself. It was AH-mazing. I am so glad to be at a point in my journey where I’m not afraid to take off and go somewhere alone. The road is pretty good for thinking too.

Thinking about how blessed I am for the chance to drive 3 hours to work on my Master’s degree. To be able to go to such a beautiful place for class. For being alive. For everything.

Wide open Texas spaces.

Most of the miles I had the window rolled down…singing JERRY MAGUIRE style. It was awesome.

Road trips are good for the soul. Road trips to the mountains…are fantastic for the soul.

It’s a little bit bittersweet. This weekend will mark one year since we lost our Erin. It seems like yesterday. Every time I’m in Alpine I hear her voice. She would have been so proud that I was working on my Masters. She always asked me all about Alpine and wanted to go with me to visit sometime.

I’ll probably go to a mountain or remote area tomorrow after class to watch the sunset and talk to her a little bit.

I haven’t treasured every day since losing her (like I promised I would do), I can do a much better job, but I’ve changed so many things.

In my most stressful moments I always come back to thought…I’m still alive. I’ve got this moment…to cherish. It’s a work in progress.

After facing death like that, most things aren’t as scary as they seem. Like driving 3 hours away from everything that is safe and comfortable.

It’s a blessing to LIVE and to make another memory. To kiss my Jaxon one more time. To smell his sweet hair. To hear his voice.

To be blessed with another day.

Hope you all are having a WONDERFUL weekend.
Make it memorable!!! =)

Hello!

2012-02-02T19:00:00.000-06:00

So I've been so busy I haven't been a very great blog friend this week! I'm SOOO SORRY! Goodness. I had Valentine Short & Sweet mini sessions all week, on top of school starting back up again. It has been an absolute whirlwind! I don't even know how the week flew by so fast. I still have homework out the wazooooo and my first weekend class in Alpine is this weekend. -sigh-

We'll get back on track asap!
For now...I thought I would share a little video of this week's sessions! What a blessing it was to spend time with each of these families. I LOVE my job!

Hope you have a VERY BLESSED end of the week!
XoXo

NEW REVIEW -- the Head & Shoulders APPLE product line -- and a $50 Visa giftcard giveaway!

2012-01-30T08:30:00.000-06:00

Hello friends! Remember my review of the new Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care products in November? I fell in love with their new products and have been a Head & Shoulders fan ever since. Well guess what? I was lucky enough to do another review of another set of the new shampoo and conditioner line. Yay!

This time I was able to use and review the Head & Shoulders Green Apple Care product. And guess what? Now I’m at a total standstill. I’m smitten with my minty goodness Itchy Scalp Care pair, but the Green Apple Care has swept me off of my feet!

The best part of using the Head & Shoulders Apple Care duo is I am able to maintain virtually flake-free, beautiful hair. Hello pretty hair. Goodbye embarrassing flakes and dandruff.

In addition to its flake free results, it smells super DELISH. I am 110% sold on hair products by performance, but right up there is the SMELL or FRAGRANCE. Yes, I am that lady in the hair care aisle, smelling the goods before I buy them.

When you look at this what do you smell?

Exactly. Fresh green apples. The new Head & Shoulders Green Apple shampoo and conditioner smells just like this. Beyond leaving behind a clean scalp, the foundation for great looking hair, Head & Shoulders’ new collection goes one step further to excite and indulge your senses with fresh, naturally inspired green apple fragrance.
Apple-smelling hair all day will make this Mamma smile!

The conditioner is thick, creamy and wonderful. Once again, this is a MUST for this Mamma. My long, coarse textured hair needs thick creamy goodness for moisture and conditioning.

Using the Head & Shoulders Apple Care duo makes obtaining beautiful hair even easier. It’s a simple change in your hair care routine, with big results. Like you, I’m running around keeping our world going with photo shoots, homework, making dinner, cleaning house and everything in between.

I need something simple yet effective to maintain gorgeous, flake-free hair. I can add the Head & Shoulders Apple Care product to my grocery shopping list, and I’m set to go for salon gorgeous hair at home! And it is gentle and pH balanced for everyday use even on color treated or permed hair.

You can make the simple change too! Grab a new duo of the Head & Shoulders Apple Care on your next trip to the grocery store and see big results.

Pretty hair = a very happy Mamma!

So ladies, tell me, what scents make you feel beautiful and fresh?

Leave me a comment to be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 1/30 - 2/28

Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win! And visit the Life Well Lived section on BlogHer.com for more great tips on looking your best.

Toddler Valentine Painting Project

2012-01-26T14:17:00.001-06:00

Hello there! I came across this toddler painting project from last year and thought I would re-post it! I can’t believe how little Jax looks! Awwww!!

Click HERE to read the entire post/tutorial.

Hope your week is going great!

I’ve been on a GOOFY roll lately. Yesterday I had a flat tire on my car---30 miles from home. My Dad came to rescue! And after he was finished putting the spare tire on…do you know what I did? I locked my keys and purse in my car!! Aaaahh!!! Luckily Jaxon was with my Mom because I had a lunch meeting, but 3 almost 4 hours later…I finally made it home.

Good gravy!!! I haven’t done something silly like that in awhile so I guess I was due.

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The 2012 Spring semester is in full swing this week too! Graduate school….is back in session! I can feel the stress/pressure already. Deep breaths! =) LOL!

I’m listening to an audiobook of Henry Fielding’s “Joseph Andrews” as I type this. Multi-tasking!! This time next week I will be packing to head back to Alpine for my first weekend class. I can’t wait!

XoXo

Loving my new studio goodies!

2012-01-24T15:03:00.001-06:00

Hidy-ho friends! Hope your week has started off great. Our sure did!

I had the sweetest shoot yesterday with some very precious sweet peas. I am 110% in love with my new studio goodies and all the time and hard work definitely paid off.

I usually don’t share photo sneak peeks on here until the end of the week, but these are too cute and fun not share right now.

First of all…this is one of the Valentine set-ups that I will be using for this year’s Short & Sweet mini sessions. Love it!

And here it is in use…with my precious model…Miss Brooklynn.

Don’t let this picture fool you…her Mamma is sitting to the right of her and we shot these very quickly. She’s only 6 months old and still working on sitting on her own.

Here are a few more of Brooklynn and her CUTE as PIE brother and sister Clayton and Bailey.

Don’t you love big sister’s boots!!

And a few more of precious Miss Brooklynn….

Aren’t they ADORABLE???? Aaaahhh! Love them!

I so love doing kids and baby shoots. There’s nothing sweeter or more special!

Have a BLESSED day!!

XoXo

Sunday Inspirations

2012-01-22T10:51:00.001-06:00

Project Barn wood photography backdrop-- DONE!

2012-01-21T13:36:00.001-06:00

I’m so happy to post that my construction project is done! Whooohooo! I love the feeling of seeing my ideas manifested in front of my eyes. I knew what I wanted…and it is a reality now!

I wanted an old barn wood background for my studio. The look of old barn wood is timeless and it just looks amazing for photographs. I’ve spent a lot of time scoping out old buildings just to use old wood as a background. Last week it hit me, “Why not make your own old wood backdrop!” And that’s just what I did. Well not just me…it was an entire family project. I couldn’t have done it without my amazing parents!!

I already had the old barn wood thank goodness. I have a precious Aunt who knows how much I love old things. She had brought me a pile of old wood from a barn/shed that was on her land in Colorado. I so loved that my wood had history too!

Soooo…..my Mom and I laid the wood out and it was the perfect height and length for my studio stage.

My Mom set up the wood before we started the construction.

And we started drilling the wood together!!! Jaxon loved helping us too.

My Dad helped do the MUSCLE parts of the project.

And Jax helped PaPa too. Too cute!!!

It took one entire evening to complete. I was almost in tears I was so excited. The next evening we built a box to use as a prop for seating out of old pallets.

And let me just add…you see different projects with refurbished pallets and it looks easy right? Heck no! That wood is so hard to work with! I broke MANY screws making my little box---yes even with pre-drilling. I honestly think my little box took more work and muscle than my BIG backdrop.

Once it was built, we had to haul it from the farm to my house in town ---15 miles. Pretty funny!

I couldn’t wait to try it out with Jaxon.

But my tooter wasn’t exactly cooperative for the practice run at first. I seriously think the hardest pictures I take…are of my OWN child. See what I mean…LOL!

Finally…he with the persuasion of this…..

he sat still for a few seconds to do a few test-run shots. Yes…I bribed my child with candy. =)

I absolutely LOVE the look of the wood. You just cannot replicate that look with fake backdrops. And just look at my GORGEOUS box. Makes my heart go PITTER-PATTER! I can’t wait to use it in sessions!!

And finally….after a little candy persuasion…..the shot that I was looking for….

This route for backdrop took a lot of extra work and it’s not for the faint of heart. For me it is exactly what I was looking for. That look isn’t for everyone, and that’s the beauty of our business right? We are artists and our photographs are our blank canvases!! Don’t be afraid to create your own backdrops, looks and props. Sometimes the look you are going for just can’t be bought in replica reproductions.

I have a super sweet session with 3 kiddos this Monday morning so I cannot wait to show you how much fun using this backdrop will be!!!

Have you made your own backdrops before? I would love to hear about it and see what you made!!

XoXo

I’ll be doing a lot of this today….

2012-01-19T02:32:00.001-06:00

And I can’t tell ya what it is just yet but it’s going to be SUPER! CUTE! AH-mazing! FABULOUS!

Ha ha ha. I’m really excited about it actually. But it’s not finished just yet.

When it is…you will be the first to see it!

Pinky promise!! =)

Have a WONDERFUL day!

XoXo

My new favorite snack/meal–Egg, Spinach & Rice Cracker yumminess

2012-01-18T13:55:00.001-06:00

Happy middle of the week!

Just a quick post today.

It’s like a mini recipe!

This is SOOOOOOO good! One of my new fav’s.

One white cheddar rice cake + fresh spinach + sliced boiled egg = SUBLIME yumminess. I eat this for a power snack if I need it and if I want a quick lunch or dinner I eat 2 of these plus salad. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s sooooooo good!

Try it!!!

XoXo

I'm making a quilt!

2012-01-16T09:52:00.002-06:00

I've always wanted to make my own quilt. But never tried to make one. Until now! Yay! My Mom and I are making quilts together and it is SO MUCH FUN!

It's not near as bad as I thought it would be. But I also picked a pretty basic pattern too. I knew if it was too detailed it would overwhelm me for my first round of quilting.

Of course my Jaxy wanted to help too....

I got quite a bit done and love how it is already looking.

Wait...I take that back...I absolutely LOOOOOOOVE how it looks!!!

I wasn't exactly expecting to take pictures that day! It was a relaxed day at the farm...who needs to be dressed up for quilting though right??? LOL!

I'll keep you posted on our progress. I'd love to hear about your quilting projects too!

XoXo

Sunday Inspirations

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

I wanted to start sharing a few of the Bible verses, inspiration quotes and positive thoughts I find with you on Sundays. Sometimes reading one positive thought or enlightening Bible verse is all I need to move to the next step in my daily journey. This one is perfect for January aspirations...and my goal of self-discipline for this year.

Have a blessed Sunday!

XoXo

Nature photography

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

One thing that I absolutely love is nature photography.
I love little glimpses of the beauty and God's work in nature.
I usually always forget to share a few of my shots with you, but starting today I want to share these with you.

I loved this little yellow flower. We were hiking at the Guadualupe Mountain National Park in a very wooded area. In one teeny, little spot where the sun shone through...this little flower was growing. Magnificent!! I think the saying "bloom where you are planted" rings so true after seeing this!!

I hope you will grab your camera and go outside today or this weekend and have fun shooting nature. No rules, not expectations. Just capture the moment.

Happy shooting!!!

XoXo

Banana Bread

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Snow days....mean BAKING time for our house.

There are not any complaints either.

Jaxon LOVES to help in the kitchen. He's getting really good at it too. I don't have to beat anything these days. It's marvelous.

We made Leslie from The Green Cattle Blog's recipe for banana bread. It's super yummo. Click HERE for the recipe. She's always rocking some DELISH recipes!!

I bet you want a slice don't you? It's SOOOOO GOOD! I bet you already have the ingredients on hand to whip up a batch for today!

Have a delightful day!

XoXo

Toddler Craft: Painting a Wooden Snake

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

It has snowed again in our area. Didn't I mention that already? I'm sorry, we just aren't used to so much winter weather. It has been nice to stay in stay cozy at home! Luckily I had a few crafties on hand that I planned for Jax this week.

I found this snake kit at Micheal's. I love their little wooden painting projects. They are precious. And only $1.00. They change them out with the seasons and holidays so there is always something new.

They come with a wooden project, paints and a brush. Super easy way to have a sweet craft time with your sweet pea.

Jaxon LOVED his snake.

It's pretty BOY durable too...thank goodness.

The snake turned out pretty cute. For an upside-down-painted snake! Ha ha!

I think sometimes it might seem overwhelming to plan out a craft/art time with your kiddos if you are busy and taking care of 50 gazillion other things. This is a frugal and simple solution! And they are BIG hit! Try one soon and I promise you will LOVE them!

Have a BLESSED day!

XoXo

Happy Monday!

2012-01-09T06:09:00.001-06:00

Oooh! It's the beginning of a FRESH new week. Blank slate. What will we do with our new week!

Jax and I won't be doing anything outside today...that's for sure. This is what the radar looks like for my area right now. Winter storm. Ooooh. Warm fuzzy house shoes and hot cocoa for sure!

I made another art goodie for my Esty shop this weekend. And with the weather being so bleck...I think today will be a perfect day to make more!

I am so ready to have everything made and ready to roll! It's almost time!

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I finally thought of my word and theme for 2012. Yep, its the 9th and I just now figured it out. Better late then never right?

I kept trying to think of something that encompasses it all. I want to be a better Mom. Be more organized. Me more fit. Meditate and pray more. Love better. Do better. I finally figured it out.
My word and goal for this year is......

I think that covers it all don't you? With more self-discipline, everything falls into place. And everthing is better. So...that's my word for this year. Each day I want to focus on little ways I can do a better job at self-discipline in each area of my life. Not big, grand ways. Just the little things, so that hopefully by this time next year, all of those little things will add up to some pretty great improvements. Not perfection, just progress. =)

Have a SUPERBLY BLESSED Monday!
XoXo

Happy Friday!

2012-01-06T21:00:00.001-06:00

Yep, it’s official. First week of January is OVER. And I don’t know about you, but January is already a whirlwind. Jax has been sick all week and we haven’t had a whole lot of sleep! Night time is pretty rough for Jaxon’s breathing and congestion. On top of it, he has double ear infections. 2012 has already been a doozie! But we are still marching right along.

A few things I accomplished this week were:

Making Jax’s horsie curtains for his room….

And I absolutely cheated. I used my iron + Liquid Stitch to make the hems.

The cutest thing ever was Jaxon attempting to help.

He grabbed my measuring tape and said, “Mamma this one is 2 and 1 feet!”

Ha ha ha ha.

I don’t know where he picked that up, but it was pretty sweet.

Then he did a victory dance on top of it!

He’s not shy….at all. And yes…he refuses to wear clothes!!

I haven’t taken pictures of the curtains and how they look in his room yet, but I will! They are SUPER cute and sweet. He loves his new horsie room!

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I also had to work on a draft post for a new Head & Shoulders product review I’ve been doing. I had to have a new head shot for the post…and Jaxon thought he needed to be in the picture too!

He cracks me up!

I had to take advantage of a few sugars!

And I did finally finish my shots and the post. So get ready…a new review and giveaway will be open soon!

And speaking of giveaways….have you entered my most recent one???

Click HERE to read my review of the new Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Remover Duo…and put your name in the hat!!!

Have a MARVELOUS weekend!!!

XoXo

New Etsy goodies

2012-01-04T14:49:00.001-06:00

Hi – hello – howdy!

How are you today?

Great I hope!

I’m trying to chip-away at my to-do list today. One of the major things…getting all of my new Etsy goods ready to roll.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming:

Handmade goodies + art♥

It’s going to be TONS of FUN!

Have a BLESSED day!
XoXo

New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo Review and NEW BlogHer Giveaway time!!!♥

2012-01-03T08:04:00.000-06:00

As you all know, I've been SUPER excited about reviewing a new Olay product.

YAY! Today is the day for the BIG REVEAL!

I recruited my BFF to help me do the review, and we had a great time with some GREAT laughs.

First of all, getting older means you start getting a little heavy on the granny facial hairs. There. I said it. Facial hairs. Ugh. As if the wrinkles aren't bad enough. Lorie and I laugh all the time about aging and all the fabulous things we are experiencing in our thirties. The least glamorous of them all is facial hair.

We could not stop laughing. But in all seriousness, we may not like to talk about it, but who wants to look like a wooly mammoth? LOL! Not ME!

Olay has a super neat new product called New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo.

It is a uniquely formulated two-step system designed to gently, yet effectively remove unwanted facial hair, leaving skin smooth, conditioned, and visibly hair free. This gentle hair removal system contains a Skin Guarding Balm, applied before the removal cream, that hydrates the skin to minimize irritation, redness, and other tell-tale signs associated with hair removal creams.

Here we are BEFORE:

The first step is to apply the Skin Guarding Balm.

Here I am applying it to my upper lip. You had no idea you would get so up-close and personal with me today did you?

Lorie really wanted to try it on the side of her face.

So here she is putting the Skin Guarding Balm on...

We decided to just get crazy and ended up doing our 'staches, chins, and side burns. LOL.

After applying and rubbing in the Skin Guarding Balm, you apply the Hair Removal Cream.

Here's Lorie totally rockin' her 'stache cream!

This the hottest Mammas picture EVER! LOL!

Here are Lorie's results:

And here are my results:

Pretty hairless Mammas! LOL! In all seriousness, Lorie and I were amazed at how much hair was removed with the product. Our make-up goes on MARVELOUSLY, and we LOVE how smooth our skin is. We are BUSY moms, and this really made us feel pretty and pampered! It's a SIMPLE and FAST way to show off your pretty Mamma skin!

Pretty skin = Happy Mamma!

Click HERE to learn more about the New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo.

Okay, are you ready for the FUN stuff?

Leave a comment telling me how you simplify your beauty routine.

All comments will be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card, courtesy of BlogHer and Olay!

Rules:

This sweepstakes runs from 1/3 - 2/3/12

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

While we’re on the subject of looking good, you might want to check out the “Looking Your Best” posts in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com. There are some great tips and expert posts!

Don’t forget!!

2011-12-29T16:23:00.001-06:00

You have two more days to get BLACK-EYED peas for New Year’s day eating!!

In the South it’s a TRADITION. You must eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s day for good luck. I bought mine a few weeks ago so I wouldn’t forget.

If I was awesome, I would have fresh ones. Mmmmm. My Mom makes the best, fresh black-eyed peas. Some people hate them and think they taste like dirt. I love their taste. Whip up a pan of corn bread and you are SET!

I’ve seen dips made with them also that would be a great alternative if you can’t eat them plain!

What traditions do you have for New Year’s? I’d LOVE to hear about them!

Happy Thursday!♥

P.S. Guess what? January 3rd I will announce a new giveaway! Yaaaaaaaaay!!!

XoXo,

Things I’m loving this week…

2011-12-27T13:02:00.001-06:00

Happy END of DECEMBER friends! Oh my gravy! Last week of the YEAR 2011!! Whooohooooo!

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I’m busy working on new things for Easie Peasie this week. I want everything to be in line for the new year next week. The biggest thing…I’m combining my blog and photography/design company. I have 3 Facebook pages, 2 blogs and 3 email accounts. It’s total INSANITY keeping up with it all. And I am D.O.N.E. with all that craziness.

After this week all photo session sneak peeks and design goodies will be posted here. I will no longer even use my Easie Peasie Photography & Design Co. Facebook page. Everything will be under Easie Peasie. I can already feel the relief. My company is a big part of my life, and I don’t know why I thought I needed to separate that from Easie Peasie the blog. I’m so silly sometimes. So…get ready for lot’s of photo fun, business ideas and design goodies on top of all our blog fun!

Another change that I’m sure you have already noticed is the look of Easie Peasie. The swallow is my new logo and will be for all things Easie Peasie. I’ll go into more details on that later in the week. I’m so super excited about the changes…and how much simpler my life will be because of them! YAY!

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So let’s talk Christmas. I am so so so glad it’s over. I loved every second of it. But I’m glad it’s on to the new year now. We had such a BLESSED Christmas. More blessings than I am worthy or deserving of for sure. And I won’t go on an on about what we got for our Christmas goodies. But there are a few things…I’m TOTALLY LOVING!!!

I am now a Sperry shoe convert.

In. Love. With. These. Shoes.♥

In love with….

Bath & Body Works Be Enchanted smellies. I can’t stop spraying it!

Jaxon could care less…but I am SO STOKED that he got new Van’s. I’ve been planning a photo shoot with THESE SHOES for at least 4 months now. I can’t WAIT! (( I might have photo issues…do you plan sessions with your kids like this too?? LOL!! ))

One of my favorite handmade gifts was a cross my Step-Sister Mandy made me. Oh. My. Goodness.

Love it! It’s SO SPECIAL!!!

It goes PERFECT on my faith/cross wall!

I made this FAITH sign the other day too! I made it with an old piece of wood, vintage buttons from an estate sale, vintage glass beads from the thrift store, old book pages and scrapbook paper. Love it!

Hope you are enjoying your last week of the year!!!

Love, hugs and SHAG RUGS!

XoXo

Happy Christmas Eve!!

2011-12-24T01:59:00.002-06:00

It’s almost here. My goodness gracious. Christmas 2011 is right around the corner. I’m loving every second of it.

We have had the best week, full of simple and sweet things. My Jaxy, myself and my sweet parents went to the movies yesterday. It was Jaxon’s first ever trip to the movies. He did so awesome!

Can you guess which movie we went to see? “We Bought a Zoo.” And we loved it. Jaxon loved the animals and kept yelling out the types of animals as they flashed across the screen. He knows what lemurs are and when they mentioned them he kept asking ((out loud)) where they were? Ha ha. Super sweet movie.

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My agenda for today is to:

♥1--drink coffee with my mug-snuggie my Mom made for me. Don’t you love it? It takes coffee-drinking in the morning to a whole new level of warm-comfort-love. Aaaaaah. In love with it.

♥2--Make reindeer food for Jaxon to put out tonight. He’s going to be ecstatic!

Need the recipe? Click the picture!

via: Today’s Creative Blog

♥3--make cookies to set out for Santa tonight. I bought pre-made sugar cookies with colored tubes of icing for Jax to decorate with. FUN!

♥4--wrap Jaxon’s gifts. I keep forgetting to wrap them! Oh gosh! Someone remind me that TODAY is my LAST day!

♥5--finish Jaxon’s Grandparent gifts. ((My Mom subscribes to my blog so I can’t reveal what they are just yet. But his Grandparent’s will LOVE them))

♥--RELAX and revel in the beauty of the day. I can’t wait to see Jaxon’s excitement in the morning. We have had a truly blessed Christmas season. We kept things so simple, yet we had such a great month. Blessings abound in every aspect of my life.

I won’t be blogging for a few days to celebrate Christmas and to take a virtual break. I know you too will be hugging your loved ones, eating yummy food and reveling in your own blessings.

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May you be blessed this Christmas. May you feel God’s love in all that you do.

Much love and blessings-

XoXo

The Head & Shoulders give away ends TODAY!

2011-12-22T12:00:00.001-06:00

If you haven’t done so already, swing by this POST, read my review of the latest Head & Shoulders product and leave a comment to be entered into the $50 Visa gift card giveaway courtesy of BlogHer.

The contest ends today at 5:00 PST!!

Whooooohooooooooooo! GOOD LUCK!!!

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How’s your week going??? It’s almost Christmas. What in the world?? This little guy is getting SO EXCITED!

He told me this morning that we need to go to the store, so he can get a long train. Ha ha. Little stinker.

Hope your Thursday is awesome!!!

XoXo,

Simple Comfort…

2011-12-21T15:34:00.001-06:00

As Christmas approaches, I seem to be slowing down. Perhaps its from the rapid pace I’ve been functioning at for the last few months, or maybe it’s because I actually have a few moments of quiet time lately. Whatever it is. It’s nice. Just reveling in the moments of peace and quiet. And the simple things.

Like dinner at the farm…and my Mamma’s cooking…

She called and asked if Jax and I wanted to come eat fried chicken with them. I don’t think I’ve eaten her chicken in like 10 years…It’s been ages. It was soooooooo good.

Homemade biscuits too. From my Dad’s secret recipe. =)

And so awesome just to help make dinner with her and enjoy the moment with my parents.

As I was picking out pictures for this post…I had to laugh. This one with my Mom making the chicken is hilarious. Look right below the Zip-lock bag on the cutting board. Yep…Jaxon’s toys. Ha ha ha ha. They are always…every where! Especially where you least expect them!

Look at these gorgeous pies she made too…

She makes all of us individual little pies. Isn’t it precious? With homemade French cream cheese pie crust. She’s amazing.

It was such a perfect dinner.♥

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Have a MARVELOUS day!

And it’s Monday!

2011-12-19T18:46:00.001-06:00

Hope you had a great weekend. We sure did! I am flat tired. Are you? I think after I finished finals my brain automatically shut down. All in…all done. Ha ha ha!

Here’s a few photos of what we were up to the past few days.

We did our annual hayrides at our church to look at Christmas lights last night. It was so much fun.

In addition to the hayrides, they serve free hot dogs, hot cocoa, kettle corn and cotton candy to the entire community.

It’s such an awesome family event. We always have the best time and the older Jax gets, the more fun we have.

Jaxon LOVED it. We had to go TWO rounds because he loved it so much. And he would have gone THREE times but it was too late…and TOO COLD!

There are some really awesome light displays.

I saw some great crafty ideas too! Ha ha! Maybe next year I will remember them for projects.

Jax + Granny♥

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Here’s a few photos from this weekend’s sessions and a few from my Mustang session from awhile back that I worked on this weekend.

I’m also in the process of re-doing my website. Seriously…NOT FUN!

It’s like watching grass grow. It’s a very slow process. Uploading your entire work portfolio is a tedious process. I’m excited about the changes and in the end it will be SO WORTH it. But right now…it’s not looking like there’s any light at the end of the tunnel. LOL! I’m re-doing the blog design to match it as well…HOPEFULLY!

I told my Mom for Christmas, I would like a maid and an assistant who can do Photoshop, HTML coding and web design. She laughed and said that’s probably not happening! GOSH!! Guess I’m stuck with all the dirty work! Ha ha! By the time school starts up again next semester…I might be cross eyed and under a pile of laundry. Juuuuuust kidding!

Hope you had a BLESSED Monday!

XoXo

Christmas Love–Day 16: Inspiration

2011-12-16T14:50:00.001-06:00

Helllooooooooo!

Happy FRIDAY lovelies!

Just a quick howdy!!

Hope your week was MARVELOUS!

We are doing MUCHOS better…and hopefully my little computer will be BETTER as well.

Do you want to read a little crafty-Christmas-colorful inspiration today?

Check this out….

I’m pretty much completely SMITTEN with all things by Amy Powers. Click the picture to read the free magazine. Grab a cup of coffee and ENJOY! You will devour each page…I just know it!

I adore her! Check her BLOG out by clicking HERE. You can also find additional issues of Inspired Ideas there too.

Have a BLESSED day!

XoXo,

We are still here!

2011-12-14T09:35:00.001-06:00

We have had a little glitch in our Christmas post schedule and will be back and rolling Thursday! My laptop has decided to come down with a cold this week! LOL. It’s not really funny though ---- I have my last day of finals today!

It’s always something isn’t it? Ha ha!

Here’s a teaser of what we’ve been up to…..

Can’t wait to catch up with you tomorrow!

XoXo

December Love Day 11 - May you find the strength to know that you are apart of something beautiful

2011-12-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

I'm so in love with this song. It's a great meditation to start your day with. I thought it would be perfect to share with you on a December Sunday.

Today in your quiet moments of soul time may the lyrics soothe your heart and prepare you for another week.

"May the Grace of God be with you always, in your heart
May you know the truth inside you from the start
May you find the strength to know that you are a
part of something beautiful..."

Christmas Love Day 10–Saturday Morning German Pancakes ((recipe))

2011-12-10T12:51:00.001-06:00

Happy Saturday to you! Hope your weekend is off to a great start. I don’t know why I’m on a recipe kick lately but I wanted to share another food goodie today.

I had never heard of German Pancakes until last year. I read about them on a food blog and then researched the recipes of different ones. I had to try them out. They are sooooo good. And they are cheap, anyone usually has the ingredients on hand and they are SUPER easy.
I love pancake breakfasts, but I don’t like standing over a hot griddle for 20 minutes to cook them. Yuck and boring. And for just Jaxon and I --- it’s kind of silly to do. So these are the perfect alternative.
They take about 5 minutes to make and 25 minutes to bake. Super easy!
I love making them on Saturday mornings. And you know my Jaxy loves to help make them too!

I don’t know why they are called pancakes, because they don’t have the same texture. I think it’s better.
They are like a fancy pastry.

See all the flaky goodness. YUMMO!

You can serve them with honey, agave nectar or syrup. We’ve had them with all three. They would be really great to experiment with and add various ingredients. For now, we love them with syrup drizzled over them.
I added them for the Christmas features because I thought they would be a super easy, cheap and fast breakfast for your houseguests. They are so delicious, they taste like a gourmet entrée and your guests would never know how simple they really are!
Here’s the recipe:

Have a blessed day!!
XoXo

December Love Day 9–Make Yummy Crockpot Swiss Steak ((recipe))

2011-12-09T12:24:00.001-06:00

Oh. My. Goodness. It is Friday. Today is my last day of normal classes. I have a 20 page fictional narrative due tonight. The rest I have finished. Then next week it’s finals. I am almost dooooooone. And wouldn’t you know, I’m sick as dog at the moment. What in the heck?
I’ve had the worst cold hit this week and I have to laugh about it. Because really, of course I would be sick for finals. Because nothing is easy. Ever. So I laugh, blow my nose and keep typing! Carry on! I’m so close I can taste it….and flu or not…this Mamma is finishing the semester with a bang.☺
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I did post a yummo picture on the EP facebook last night. It was so good I had to share!
This is what we had for dinner last night:

I try to be open to different recipes, but sometimes cringe. I don’t like funky food with funky ingredients. I can’t help it. And weird meat recipes really gross me out. But this I had to try. We have never had this before and it was so good!
I thought it would be a great meal for the holidays. Your family will LOVE it!
The PLUS side: the meat is so tender it’s like a roast. And compared to the price of a roast, round steak is about half the cost. WOW! I love making roasts on the weekends but sometimes it seems a little to high for my budget. This we could have all the time. Yay!
It’s such a good comfort food. And I have to tell you something else. I hate bell peppers. Grody. If I eat fajitas, I pick out all the bell peppers and onions. Yeppers. I’m that girl.

But the flavor the bell pepper adds to this dish is just the best! I actually ate and enjoyed the bell peppers!!
I found the original recipe in my “Fix-It and Forget-It: Our Best Slow-Cooker Recipes 2011” cookbook. But changed it up for what I had on hand and wanted to make it with. You can change yours up too. I’ve seen other recipes that use carrots and celery, so based on your taste you can mix your veggies.
After making this, it tastes so good that I would rather have this than a roast. And now that I know what a frugal, delicious meal it can be, we will be having it more frequently in our casa! It could actually be a delicious Christmas meal to change up the traditional holiday menu this year!
Here’s the recipe:

Happy Friday!!
XoXo

Christmas Love Day 8–Christmas Popcorn

2011-12-08T13:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Thursday! My goodness – hope you’ve had a marvelous week!
Today I thought I would share an oldie but goodie with you as a Christmas treat idea that you can keep and munch on yourself or share with friends, neighbors and family.

I blogged this last year, but it’s been pretty popular with almost 2,000 hits this week. Isn’t that just wild.
Wowzers! I wanted to make sure and share it this year again!
Is is SUPER YUMMO and you will LOVE it! It’s a tradition at our house now!
Check out how to make your own by clicking HERE.

Have a splendid day!
XoXo,

Christmas Love Day 7–Easiest gingerbread cookies ever and a free printable

2011-12-07T16:27:00.001-06:00

Howdy dooo friends! It’s the middle of the week! Yahoooo! Well maybe? I need a little more hours in the day this week. Just a few!

Today was our grocery shopping day and I found the perfect way to have holiday cookies in my kitchen, without baking them. I don’t have time this week. It’s finals time and it’s BUUUUUUUUSY! But I wanted to make sure we had a few little holiday yummies.

Jaxon actually found them. He loved that they were little “men.”

We put them in our thrifted cookie jar we found last week. It was $4.50 --- I saw one almost identical in a retail store for $29.99. Wowzers!

And here are our super awesome gingerbread cookies!

They were $2.38 and I was totally OK with that! Yay!! I didn’t have to mess my kitchen up this week baking. Whoooohooooo!

I did do a quick craftie today. If you don’t subscribe to Jones Design Company you really should. Emily makes such amazing stuff and has the cutest tutorials. Visit her HERE to subscribe…because you can get this awesome Christmas printable…

as well as gift tags and an entire book of Christmas tutorials. FUN!

I used an 11x14 Dollar Tree frame I had from a few years back and vintage wall paper as a background. I sponged some red paint on the frame and VIOLA! Super CUTE reminder of the TRUE reason of our CHRISTmas!

I put it on our mantle so we can see it daily.

It was a quick and cute project that I really love!

Have a BLESSED day!

XoXo

Christmas Love Day 6–Making Snow Memories

2011-12-06T16:24:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I told you about our marvelous snow! It’s just so different from most days for us --- we rarely see snow! We didn’t go out in it yesterday --- but we sure did today! Jaxon had a blast.

I actually had a reason to wear my super cute hat and my delish scarf my Mom made me! Yay!

We didn’t do any special craft or project today. We just made a few super-special memories in the snow today! Such FUN! It’s not every day we see snow, so I wanted to make sure we spent a little time ENJOYING it.

Jaxon LOVED every single snow flake.

And I loved watching him have fun with the snow.

We tried to make a snowman but the snow was too powdery and wouldn’t stick! So we just had a snowball fight instead. Talk about BIG laughs from a little boy! He thought it was hilarious to throw snow at Mamma!

Sure do love his heart!

I took lot’s of shots of things in our backyard. I love how some of them turned out. Snow changes the perspective of everything.

I’m thinking snow on my spray paint is not a good thing! Whoops!

Here’s a couple of the many signs on my fence. LOL.

And a few more of my snow/ice favorites.

My favorite…..

Have a BLESSED day!

XoXo

Christmas Love Day 5–Coffee Filter Snowflakes

2011-12-05T12:43:00.001-06:00

Happy MONDAY!
Look what we woke up to in West Texas this morning….

It SNOWED in the DESERT! Yahoooooo!

Jaxon could care less. In fact…all he wanted to do this morning was….

read his library books in bed.

Too sweet! When I asked him if he wanted to play in the snow…this is what he said….

No. Go away. Reading books Mamma! LOL! Honestly I’m perfectly okay with staying in and staying WARM with a cup of coffee.
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When he finally did get out of bed…he found his first Elf surprise.
I told him he had a BIG surprise….

I put it in the front window…and when he spotted it he ran to it!

A little sun-catcher Elf ornament craft.
He had to squeeze the Elf a little bit….he doesn’t care that you aren’t supposed to touch the Elf. Ha ha ha!

Then he realized what surprise he had!

A little Elf sun-catcher ornament craftie. [[$1.99 at Michael’s]]He LOVES them!

Of course he had to paint it immediately!

He diligently paints every little section. He loves to paint sun-catchers, so my Mom got him quite a few different ones for his Elf surprises.

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Okay so ready for today’s craftie???
Here we go!
Last night my BFF and her kiddos came over for a craftie night and we also reviewed the Oil of Olay product I’ll be posting about soon!
Here’s the gang getting their CRAFT on!

Lorie brought coffee filters over to make Coffee Filter snowflakes and showed us how to make our own.
They are SO SUPER CUTE!
Here’s how you can make your own:

All you need is coffee filters and scissors.
Start by folding your coffee filter in half.

Fold in half again.

Fold in half one more time.

Use your scissors to make shaped cuts.

Unfold your filter….and VIOLA!

SUPER CUTE and SUPER EASY snowflakes! Love them!
I put ours up this morning…perfect decoration for a snowy morning!
Here’s our front window before….

And now with snowflakes!

Have fun making your own SNOWFLAKES!
And have a SUPER BLESSED day!
XoXo

December Love Day 4–My frugal version of Elf on the Shelf

2011-12-04T11:14:00.001-06:00

Happy BLESSED Sunday! Hope you all have a wonderful day. We are already four days into December, it’s already going fast. Goodness!

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I finally took a few shots of my tree. I started my vintage tree last year with all vintage ornaments bought at the thrift store. I’ve found a few more vintage goodies this year too. It is so fun looking for old goodies rather than new ones. You really have to look but once you start…you can’t stop!

My favorites this year are these big turquoise lovelies I found at the Salvation Army. So pretty!! And they were $0.95 for a bag of six. I also added my little camera paper decos that I had and haven’t found a purpose for. They fit in PERFECT in my front room / photography studio.

I also used feathers and other jazzies for my tree topper this year.

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I had chicken noodle soup in a Christmas mug for dinner last night. Quick and easy! Did you eat or drink anything special in your Christmas mugs this weekend?

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For today’s Christmas activity I wanted to share an idea with you that will really help for those of you on a strict budget for Christmas. I love the whole Elf on the Shelf concept but spending $30 for a Christmas decoration is entirely not happening for me. And if it’s not realistic for you either, then check it out----here is our own, unique Elf on the Shelf:

I loved the whole concept but thought that as a 2.5 year old…Jaxon would love any kind of elf…and we could find a cheap, cute one and do our own toddler-style version of the fun.

Isn’t he too cute!

Guess how much he cost?

$4.95 clams! Isn’t that frugally FAB! Love it!

And he is just perfect for a toddler! I plan on hiding him everyday with either a little treat or a craft project for Jaxon. My Mom and I already stocked up on the little goodies to go with him each day and I can’t wait for Jaxon to start his Elf fun this week.

I am not going to set him up in different “scenes” like the traditional Elf, but instead just hide him and let Jax find him that day with his treat or craftie for the day. I think this is a PERFECT toddler version and you could adapt it for your kiddos too. Make it your own new family tradition!

I’m sure there’s an Elf at a store nearby just waiting to come home and be your new family friend! And it won’t cost a fortune!

Have a blessed Sunday!

XoXo,

Christmas Love Day 3 --- Handmade Gifts: Photo Charms

2011-12-03T15:28:00.003-06:00

Happy Saturday! Hope you are having a SUPAH BLESSED weekend so far. I am doing Post-Colonial Literature and Language Acquisition homework and a TOOOON of much needed HOUSE CLEANING. Doesn’t that sound FAB! Ha ha ha ha! I’m also reviewing a new Oil of Olay product this weekend. It’s so funny which product it is…and I am cracking up at how to present it in a SERIOUS way and not in a FUNNY way! I have a hard time being serious about the subject I’m writing about…so we’ll see what it ends up as!

Here’s my BEFORE shot that I’ll use for the post…LOL!!!

I’m so sad it’s not a MIRACLE WRINKLE potion. Ha ha ha ha! I can’t wait to share it with you though! I’m SOOO BLESSED to have another FUN REVIEW to do! Love it!! And even more exciting news…I’ll be having another $50 Visa gift card giveaway to accompany it courtesy of Blogher! Whooop whoooop! More dinero to give to you ---my AWESOME BLOSSOM readers!

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Okay so let’s talk Christmas goodies. Jax is gone for the weekend with his Dad but I still have some projects I made that I want to feature today and tomorrow. For today I wanted to share a handmade gift idea that was really easy and had BIG meaning.

It wasn’t a Christmas gift but these could definitely be made for gifts. It’s a little bit of a tear jerker so get ready…as my Best Friend and I say…get ready for MeeMaw tears.

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As you know…this year I lost a very precious friend in a boating accident. We have spent this year learning how to live without her and how to live a life after losing someone like that.

My Best Friend and her family have had a very hard time with it, and this is the first holiday season for their family to face…without their sweet Erin. Not only is it the first holiday season without her… but it is was also her first birthday without Erin. There’s such big holes in such a joyous season when you have lost someone you love.

To capture a little bit of Erin’s spirit for Lorie to keep with her daily during the holidays, I made her a birthday gift….a little photo charm with Erin’s picture. She can use it as a necklace charm, a photo frame to put somewhere where she will see it daily and she can use it anywhere. Anywhere she needs to feel close to Erin.

I used a simple charm from Hobby Lobby and printed the images to fit. I decorated it with a few embellishments and attached it with twine to a piece of scrap book paper to give to her.

It was a simple gift….with BIG LOVE. If you or someone you know is going through the same thing….this is something that is so meaningful to capture their loved ones love and spirit for them.

You could add beads and make it a necklace or add ribbon and it could be hung as a little picture. There are unlimited possibilities for this little craftie!

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Okay lovelies…I’m off to tackle laundry and homework!!!
Love and hugs!!

XoXo

Christmas Love Day Two: Homemade Gifts–DIY Advent Calendar, Paintings and Pet rocks

2011-12-02T11:14:00.002-06:00

We are having VERY COLD weather today in West Texas and it is super perfect for a warm cup of coffee and a little crafties. I told you yesterday I would show you my Christmas activity countdown Advent calendar….

This is it:

It’s very simple. I found it HERE.

I printed it and glued it to a piece of poster board. Then I used ribbon and burlap to jazz it up a teeny bit. Then, I wrote in all our activities for the month with a pen. Easie peasie!!

Today we are making homemade gifts for my brother’s Christmas package that my Mom will be mailing today. He’s serving in the Army in Afghanistan and we want to make sure he gets his Christmas goodies in time for Christmas.

Jaxon painted him a picture…..

And we have a few rocks he also painted that we made into PET ROCKS! Too cute!!!

First Jaxon painted our rocks with all kinds of paint and glitter paint. He has sooooo much fun painting rocks. He wants to paint every rock he sees now.

Then I hot-glued googlie eyes on and added a few feathers for a snazzy hair-doo on one.

I originally wanted to make these into pet rock turkeys, but with my random health issue that popped up we didn’t have time to get them done. Next year we so are! What divine timing though…it turned out perfect for a gift for our Uncle Josh!! He will love it too…these rocks are from a hiking trip we did with him when he was home on leave this Summer…so they are even more SUPER SPECIAL.

You could do SOOOO many things with these. I left them in as much as the original state Jaxon painted them…but I can’t wait to try them again as he gets older to see what he creates!

These are a cute, frugal and sentimental gift the any one would love. They can be used as paper weight at the office, a decoration and a reminder of your LOVE!
I love that these are virtually free too…if you have paint…and rocks…you are SET!

Happy gift-making!

Love and blessings!

P.S. Don’t forget to leave a comment on THIS post about Head & Shoulders to win a $50 Visa gift card courtesy of BlogHer!

Christmas Love–Day One

2011-12-01T22:41:00.001-06:00

Remember how I told you we are celebrating each thing big and small each day for December? Well can you believe --- it is already December 1st! My goodness!

The first small way we are celebrating around our house is getting out our Christmas mugs. Here are mine from my little collection:

Hot cocoa, coffee and soup are so much more special in a Christmas mug!

My Mom bought us this DEEEEELISH hot cocoa mix. My word…it’s heaven. She even added a bag of mini-marshmallows to make it even more special!

It’s perfect for Christmas.

And look how sweet and cozy it looks in my vintage Santa mug that was $0.95 at the thrift store.

You don’t have to buy new stuff….right now the thrift stores are packed with holiday stuff! Go see what goodies you can find to spruce up your house for the holidays.

I like mugs for soup too. My big ‘ol Christmas mug is PERFECT for soup. Especially potato soup after oral surgery. Aaahhhhh….so soothing.

And thank goodness I have stocked up my freezer with all my frozen crock-pot meals. I had fresh, homemade soup ready to go during my recovery time. It’s the little things. And that was something that made a difference in a bad day…and a great day for me this week!

Did you make your Advent calendars yet? It’s not too late!

We made one! And each day I’ll be sharing what we are doing that day!

I’m also doing the Jesse Tree Advent Calendar from A Holy Experience (www.aholyexperience.com). If you sign up for the daily emails --- which I love and use for daily inspiration and guidance – you can get the free advent calendar to use this season. Love it. You will too!

I will show you how simple our calendar is tomorrow and show you some of the things we will be working on to have meaningful holidays around our little casa.

Hugs and love!

With grace…

2011-11-29T15:05:00.001-06:00

I survived my day yesterday! Whooohooo!

Being here….

was not exciting…or fun. In fact there were moments I was sure I might pass out. When I was sitting in the awful chair…hooked up to the stat machine…my heart rate kept going up and down. They really shouldn’t leave oral surgery tools out for you to see…or the sound turned up on those machines….so you can literally HEAR your anxiety. Ha ha ha h!

I did have a funny moment. The mural on the wall…you know the ones meant to relax you…ha ha ha ha…looked like Walden Pond! So because I have spent so much time learning about Thoreau in my grad class this semester…I tried to imagine I was at Walden Pond when the needles were being jabbed in my jaw! It didn’t really help…but I did laugh about it later!

I really am so blessed that I was able to even have medical attention yesterday. Single Mom budgets aren’t exactly equipped for major medical problems…thank GOD I have such a supportive circle of friends and family. I couldn’t not have made it the past 2 weeks without them. And Dr. Gilbert was just precious. He did some extra helping too. Love him!!! And what a blessing!

If you need an oral surgeon in the West Texas area ---- there’s just no comparison! Yes --- I took pictures of his business card and texted them to the people I know need to know him! Ha ha ha!! He’s that amazing!

And you know my best helper was there too….waiting on Mamma!

This was before we left……

In the waiting room…..

And after the day was over on our way home….

If I had a picture of myself….I felt the same way! Worn out!!! My Mom helped soooo much. She even bought me Jason’s Deli Green Chili Corn Chowder…my favorite…and so soothing at the end of a day after oral surgery! It was perfect!

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This entire ordeal has really made me look at my heart and at my life. Funny how God does that right? If you won’t stop….he’ll find a way to make you STOP and listen.

The holidays are my worst time of the year. I seriously dislike them. I used to love them…but with a broken family now…it’s not easy. Jaxon’s Dad and I have really started to work well together balancing his time with both sides of the family…but even though we do all we can…there’s still that twinge of pain…knowing this isn’t how you meant it to be. It can be a really big hole of negativity that I fall into and this year I’ve made a conscious effort not to do it.

We have SO MUCH to be thankful for…we are so blessed. Our life isn’t picture perfect…but we are blessed. Last year I really struggled with the whole Christmas gift issue. It was all I could do to keep a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. We weren’t suffering by any means…but I couldn’t shower Jaxon in gifts like I wished. This year…will be the same…if not harder. But this year my heart has grown. Our Advent calendar this year will be to celebrate the little things…to celebrate our life…and our blessings. It might only be hot chocolate in a Christmas coffee cup…or a craft we make together…or a free parade. No matter how small our little holiday celebrations might be…we are celebrating our blessings big and small….and not in materialistic ways.

I saw this video today [[and bawled my eyes out]]…and it solidified by intentions for Christmas this year. Not once…have I ever been homeless. Not once did my son not have a safe home, or a warm bubble bath, or warm, home-cooked meals. We have more than we really deserve….and we will share our blessings this season and be grateful for all that we have.

Before the holidays get you down…or you allow that Mamma urge to feel guilty about not getting every single thing you think your kids want…watch this video. It will put everything in perspective.

God is so good. We are all so blessed…and this is the time to celebrate that goodness…and share our blessings with everyone we can!!

XoXo

Happy Monday!

2011-11-28T09:55:00.002-06:00

My goodness gracious – is it really the last few days of November? Where in the world did the month go? I can’t believe we already experienced Thanksgiving and are well on our way to Christmas. I hope you had a very BLESSED and MARVELOUS Thanksgiving!!

You may have noticed I have been out of pocket for a few days. I had a health issue pop up and it has really kicked my keester! I’m having oral surgery today so hopefully I will be back to normal ASAP! This time last week I looked like this….and the swelling was down at least 50% by this point! It’s soooo fun looking like Cyclops! LOL! NOT!!!

I ended up in the Emergency Room and I was NOT a happy camper. Not only do I NOT want that bill…but I severely dislike hospitals, doctors and all that jazz. They scare me to death! It was a good shock to show me I need to take better care of myself. I always put by self and my health behind everything else. And isn’t that completely opposite of what we should do? After all in an airplane they tell you…in case of an accident…put your oxygen mask on first…then your children! Umm…I have put everything above myself including my health…and to not have to experience that again…my main goal for 2012 is to prioritize myself in ways that I need to!!
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In order to get my lovely ER picture off of my phone, I had to clean off the pictures files from my phone and upload them to my computre. 1,333 pictures later and it’s clean. Goodness!!!! I love seeing all the funny ones I’ve taken over the past few months and thought I would share!!

I see this face frequently….

This boy and his horsies….

See what I mean….

My new feather earrings from a few months back…Jax saw me posting this picture and said “Mamma you preeeeddddeee.” Awww…made my day --- especially considering how I’ve looked lately! LOL!!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha……love him!!

Morning coffee on my little cottage porch while staying at the Antelope Lodge in Alpine [[for class]]….

Facebook video chatting with my brother --- who’s in Afghanistan [[he’s in the Army]] right now – love him!!

Jaxon checking out the Pecos River --- on one of our trips home from Alpine.

Horse lights…perfect for a horse lovin’ little boy…

We made a huge road and bridges for his cars…

He loves Lola as much as he loves horsies….

Helping me put up our Christmas tree!

He has a little tree that is his with all his special ornaments on our kitchen table. He loves it!

He was trying to avoid going to bed…by jumping off of the fireplace…oh little boys.

He’s the BESTEST little helper-and if I’m washing dishes…he’s washing dishes. Too stinkin’ cute!!!

Hope you have a MARVELOUS Monday!

**Don't forget - you can leave me a comment HERE to be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card courtesy of BlogHer! Yahoooo!

Hugs and love from me and my sweet Jax!!!
XoXo

Head & Shoulders review! Super FUN!

2011-11-21T08:50:00.004-06:00

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Head & Shoulders.

Hello lovelies! Hope all is well in your worlds!

I wanted to let you in on a secret. I just might be addicted to the new line of Head & Shoulders. Yes, this is a paid review, but seriously, I’m in love.

Not only do I have an uncontrollable mop head at times, but with all this hair, my scalp can get itchy, especially in the winter months. With the cold months creeping up on me, it’s time to start thinking about these lovely locks.

I always look for shampoo or conditioner with tea tree oil or something “tingly.” I have issues with peppermint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, etc. If it’s tingly and minty feeling, I LOVE it!! I actually prefer to use minty shampoos, conditioners and soaps year-round. Tingly soaps are like a cup THIS BIG of coffee in the mornings.

If you haven’t already tried it, I dare you to try a minty shampoo and conditioner on a Monday morning when you are pootered out and not too sure about starting another week in the grinder! I promise you will be REFRESHED and ready to ROLL!

I’m warning you though. It can be addicting!

I really feel like Head & Shoulders follows through with what they promise in their new collection. They promise to ease three common scalp and dandruff problems: dryness, itchiness, and sensitivity. With 84% of surveyed scalp issue sufferers concerned about these issues, Head & Shoulders has combined the effectiveness of their HydraZinc formula to alleviate these conditions leaving your hair beautifully flake free*. (*Visible flakes with regular use. Up to 100% Flake Free.)

Some shampoos and conditioners tout “minty” ingredients and may smell a little “minty” but do not actually feel very tingly or even refreshing. This does!! And if you are a “minty” soap addict like me, the feeling needs to last even when I’m done showering. This lasts so long; I actually wait as long as I can to dry my hair, so that I can revel in all the “tingly” goodness. Ha ha.

I am also a big judge of conditioners. If you have hair resembling a horse’s tail, not all conditioners are created equal. Watered-down conditioners will not work for my Medusa hair. This conditioner is like a handful of thick, creamy hair-loving goodness! It works marvelous for course-thick hair!

Just look at this thick, creamy goodness:

If I can comb my hair easily after washing it, then a conditioner WORKS. And this stuff, is MARVELOUS!

Woooohoooooooo! See–no matted–tangly–MESS!

I’m 100% in love with the Head & Shoulders new collection. I’m so glad I had a chance to review the new collection. I will be using it from now on!

Pretty hair = a HAPPY Mamma!

Have you thought about how you will change your beauty routine this season yet? How do you change your beauty routine in the colder winter season from the warmer seasons? Leave me a comment to be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card, courtesy of BlogHer.

--------------------------------------------------

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a)Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b)Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c)Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d)For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 11/21/11 - 12/22/11

Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Want more great tips for winter hair care? Check out the newest “Looking Your Best” post in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com.

Yahooo! My Vintage Pearl necklace came in the mail today!!

2011-11-17T10:39:00.001-06:00

Oh my goodness!! Remember like almost a year ago when I told you I had finally won a blog giveaway??? Ha ha ha…or maybe it’s been so long ago you don’t even recall that little diddy.

Well I did win…and I looked at all the goodies over and over…and couldn’t make my mind up. Then…my mind forgot. And lo’ and behold…almost a year has gone by…and I finally remembered I had a gift certificate… made up my mind and ordered a SWEET NECKLACE!

I’m SO in LOVE with it!!!

I’m so BLESSED to have won! I would never be able to buy myself anything extra like this…and I love it so much!!!

It was like getting an EARLY Christmas present!! Pretty sweet!! If you haven’t looked at The Vintage Pearl before…you really should. They have such amazing handmade jewelry. I love it all!

Hope your week is going AWESOME!!

XoXo

Cake Pop Recipe!

2011-11-15T14:41:00.001-06:00

Oh yummmmo! Have you discovered cake pops yet? I’m sure you have! They are all the rage lately. From Starbucks, to local bakeries, cake pops are everywhere! And they have a PRETTY price too!

I have tried them at Starbucks once, but after the whopping prices, it’s just not something that gets on my priority list. We have a very teeny budget, and $20 for a dozen of those goodies aren’t practical in single Mom land! BUT…thank goodness for awesome Mammas like Pioneer Woman…who have made their own and shared it with the world!

I saw her recipe (found HERE) and I thought…omgeeeeee….I can so do this! For maybe $5?? Oh YAY!!!

So are you ready to make your own too? It’s SUPER fun for kiddos too! Jaxon LOVED helping!

Here we go!!!!!

This is all you need to make your own cake pops! Shut up! Isn’t that nutzo! Who knew!

You can mix and match flavors if you want! I wanted chocolate cake with vanilla outside icing stuff! LOL!

Mix and bake the cake as directed on the box. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or wax paper. Allow the cake to cool completely. Grab your little helpers and start crumbling the cake with forks. I just left our cake in the pan we baked it in…you could use another bowl if you wanted.

Jax thought this part was SUPER cool!

Add in about 3/4 of the container of frosting and mix well. For extra gushy, moist cake pops add the whole container.

I tried to get my little model to help show off the icing container…notice there is already chocolate on his face.

Once he realized that the container was chocolate icing…it was all over…all he wanted to do was lick the spoon!

Combine cake and icing until it looks like this.

It’s a chocolate mushy mess! LOL!

Next, I used a soup spoon to scoop out even amounts of the cake mixtures. You could use a melon scoop too…I just don’t have one!

Place cake balls on your lined cookie sheet. Once done shaping cake balls, place cookie sheet in freezer. Allow cake balls to freeze 20-30 minutes until hardened.

Melt almond bark in the microwave. I zapped mine for 1:30 minutes and just stirred until it all melted. The heat will eventually melt the entire bowl until is smooth.

Use a fork to hold your cake ball and spoon melted bark on your cake ball. Try not to roll the ball in the bark, believe me, I learned the hard way and had CAKE FLOATIES! LOL!

If you are going to decorate your cake balls, now is the time! Sprinkle with decorations and place back on cookie sheet to harden.

To make cake pops with popsicle sticks, I stuck the sticks in the cake balls, and spooned the melted bark on them. I placed them in an upside down strainer to harden. ((saw that idea on Pinterest! Yay!))

Then we proceeded to taste test. And by we…I mean ME because Jaxon thinks they are weird and won’t touch them! Ha ha ha ha!

They are sooooo DEEEEEELISH!

We added a few holiday sprinkles to a few to show how caaaa-ute they would be for CHRISTMAS! Love it! [[I’ve been fighting putting up my Christmas decorations since November 1st. Ha ha ha. This is the first year I am making myself wait until after Thanksgiving. Who knew it would be so hard! LOL!]]

If you think about it…homemade cake pops are a cute and inexpensive…handmade gift!! There are sooooo many possibilities with these!! We already sent some to Granny and PaPa’s house.

You could make them for your kiddos’ teachers….for neigbors…for friends!

What YUMMY FUN!

Here’s the recipe! Click the image to enlarge!

Have a BLESSED day!

XoXo

Texas Cotton Fields…

2011-11-14T15:54:00.001-06:00

We have been having such a BLESSED time lately. Nothing out of the ordinary…but just some special and BLESSED days. It’s still sheer chaos most days trying to get the old to-do list done…but the days are just sweeter! I think it’s because it’s FALL! Fall days are always SWEET!

And speaking of sweet…I have to tell you about a SUPER SWEET senior photo session from last week.

This guy…was a baby when I was in high school and I used to babysit him and his sweet sister. Talk about feeling oooooooooooold! He’s a SENIOR now! Oh my gravy!!

His Mom wanted part of his session to be in their family’s cotton field at the perfect time when the cotton was perfectly white and poofy! I loved it!! When the time was right…me any my little side-kick Jaxon went out to meet them in one of their fields.

And because they are soooooo sweet. Guess what Jaxon got to do while we did our session???

Isn’t that the sweetest thing ever!! He was in HOG-HEAVEN as we Texans like to say. It made my Mamma-Heart SO HAPPY TOO! What a sweet thing to do for a little boy who LOVES tractors!!

Tooo sweet!!

Hope your week is off to a MARVELOUS start!

XoXo

I was featured today!

2011-11-11T21:01:00.001-06:00

It makes my day when others enjoy my crafties or project ideas. Isn’t that point of blogging…to share all our God-given creative gifts and ideas with each other! I think so!!

Lately my homemade finger paints have been everywhere. It’s such a BLESSING! I never knew such a simple project would be so fun for so many Mammas!

Today that post was featured on Sew Mamma Sew’s

Click the box to visit the post and find some amazing art project and gift ideas.

While you're there…check out the daily lists they are putting together for HANDMADE HOLIDAYS this year.

I adore it!!!!

I know you will too!!

Have a BLESSED weekend!

I’m in LOVE with my CrockPot!

2011-11-10T10:34:00.001-06:00

I can be such a slow learner sometimes. I have seen MANY Mom’s praise their CrockPots…but do you think I listened? Oh no…I like to make things 10-times harder! LOL!!

Lately with my schedule and work-load, I’ve been in search of things to make my life easier. The sock-bun hair do…in love. Saves so much time. Cooking with my CrockPot. Omgeeeeeee. My life simplified times 100!!! I only cook with it lately. And I looooooooooooove it!!!

I’m learning to freeze food too! My Mom bought me a surprise deep freeze awhile back. A little one – and it’s PRECIOUS and PERFECT! I had no idea the amount of food we were wasting…and how much money I would save with a freezer!

When I cook…most of the time my picky toddler doesn’t like it. Soooo…I can’t eat it all! And it would eventually go to waste! Now…I freeze it! And I have meals out the WAZOOOO ready to go in my freezer.

Now factor in my CrockPot….and I’m in cooking bliss!

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For example, this morning Jaxon and I whipped up a stew in less than 10 minutes.

This week after grocery shopping…I cooked the WHOLE thing of my ground beef. Then I divided it up into small freezer baggies with about 1-pound of meat in each baggie. (( HELLOOOOO another light-bulb moment for me! Cook your meat ahead of time = LESS WORK later!!))

Then I chopped up a few potatoes. These babies MADE my day! Purple POTATOES…LOVE THEM!!!!

My helper had fun too! He loooooooooves to help in the kitchen!

I let him add the carrots.

Love his JOYFUL heart!

I also let him add the salt, pepper and dried onions. ((I always used dried onions because they don’t go bad as quickly for me!))

LOVE it!!!!

Here’s my recipe-click image to enlarge!

Hope you have a BLESSED day!

SOCK BUN hair tutorials!!

2011-11-08T15:31:00.001-06:00

As promised lovelies here is how I learned how to get my hair like this….without a curling iron…and without much effort at all.

Can I get a halleluiah!!! Because if I don’t have to spend 30 minutes tackling my FRO then perhaps I might be able to use that time elsewhere….like coloring with Jaxon or reading a book to him. Or just breathing and taking a break! LOL!

First - watch this tutorial which will show you how to make the sock bun and how to wrap your hair with it.

Then watch this and she will tell you how to use the SOCK BUN to make GORGEOUS CURLS!!

Why in the world am I 32 and barely finding out about this?? This is for my beauty routine…what the CrockPot does for me in the kitchen! Loooooooooooooooove it!!

Happy happy HAIR day!!!

XoXo

Happy MONDAY!

2011-11-07T10:12:00.001-06:00

Good morning and HAPPY MONDAY!!

Hope everyone’s weekend was SWELL!! Mine sure was! I had a MARVELOUS last weekend class and enjoyed every second of it. My presentation was a HIT and it made my day! My professor actually told me that I taught Thoreau better than she did. I could have cried. What an honor…and what a HUGE COMPLIMENT!!! I’ve had classes with her since I worked on my BA…she’s doesn’t say anything unless she means it. SO I knew…she meant it…and I really almost cried!! I had a moment when I was doing my presentation that I was like “Oh yes…teaching college…is where I want to be someday!!” It was awesome!!!

And don’t you know God had a few blessings up his sleeve for me while I was there too! I had the MOST AH-MAZING photo session opportunity. A dear and precious friend just happened to be in a neighboring town…for the weekend. Lo’ and behold her boyfriend PROPOSED TO HER!! She saw that I had “checked-in” to Sul Ross State University on Facebook and emailed me if it would be at all possible to drive over and do their engagement pictures where they were staying so they could capture the moment of their engagement weekend.

I almost fainted. I’ve been DREAMING about doing a session at the GAGE HOTEL in MARATHON, TEXAS! It is a GORGEOUS place!! Of course I screamed with delight…and we set up the session and after class on Saturday evening my Mom and I drove over to meet them.

It was the BEST photo session experience I’ve ever had I think!! I am such a cynic about love and marriage…you know my track history…and seeing these guys so in love just made my day. It made me a believer again!!! Robin is a precious, precious person…and a single Mom who works her fingers to the bone to make a beautiful life for her precious kiddos. God sent her such an amazing man in David…and you could literally FEEL the LOVE between them. I just had to share a few of their pictures with you!!!

Don’t you JUST LOVE them!!! Aaaaah!!!

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I also discovered a LIFE-CHANGING hair tutorial. Oh…my….goodness!!!!! I can’t wait to share this with you tomorrow!! If you have LONG hair…and like me…haven’t heard about curling your hair with a SOCK BUN…just wait!!! It is the BEST thing I’ve ever seen for having INSTANTLY BEAUTIFUL hair in the MORNING!!

Here’s a teaser….I had this hair…this morning…without a curling iron…and by barely doing anything to my hair….REALLY!!!!!!

Come back tomorrow and I will show you how!!!

Have a SUPER BLESSED day!!

XoXo

Crafting and Blogging can totally help you get through GRAD SCHOOL!

2011-11-04T16:16:00.001-05:00

Hi friends!!

I just have to say…I have the BEST blogging friends a bloggin’ Mamma could ask for!

I will have a better grade on my Thoreau research project because my dear and sweet Kat…all the way from New Zealand pointed out my TYPOS before I turned my project in!

Halleluiah Kat – THANK YOU BUNCHES!!! You saved a me from a few points off on my grade!!

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Also…I’m realizing that having blogging craft supplies and a glue gun on hand…totally makes Graduate School final projects easier…..

I did this project earlier in the semester. We had to use Thoreau quotes with imagery that represented his thoughts.

And thank goodness I do a little photography…I was able to use my own photos. And…the funny thing…all the leaves are from a center-piece from a Fall wedding I shot the weekend before. Pretty funny right!!

Here’s some stuff I hot GLUED and PAINTED today for my final project presentation. These are samples of what students would do for their lessons.

This is a sample artwork lesson visual in response to a selection of Thoreau’s imagery. (( I did this VERY FAST so don’t judge me for my painting LOL!!))

This one is a Nature Board project students would do after a nature walk…and I HOT GLUED everything!!!

I totally cracked up when I was gluing the objects…I glued rocks on…and thought to myself…I’ve reached a new crafting level…I just hot glued ROCKS for a project! Ha ha ha ha ha!!!

This all probably sounds like some crazy stuff if you are just randomly reading my blog today!

I did my end-of-semester research project for a Thoreau Seminar class as a Teaching Unit. I did not want to do a boring 20+ page research paper, and since I taught and have plenty of experience writing lesson plans and units…this was PERFECT choice for me!!

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I actually just finished everything….all my assignments are done for this weekend. It’s a little surreal…If I added up the hours of reading, studying and work put into this class…goodness. Not to mention the other 2 have as well.

But this one…will be done this weekend! And I made it!!! One down…two more to go!!

Wooohooooooo!!

Have a SUPER BLESSED weekend!!

XoXo

I think I can…I think I can…I think I can!!

2011-11-03T17:04:00.001-05:00

Oh my word!! This weekend is my LAST weekend class in Alpine for my Thoreau seminar…and I am feeling the PULL and PUSH of all the work to finish up class. By tomorrow evening….I will be here…

but without my side-kick who LOVES the “horn-cow” as he calls it on campus….

He will be with his Daddio for the weekend and having a large time I’m sure.

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I on the other hand, will be working my hinooooskie off in class…with this final research project….

GOODNESS!!!

I’m busy making the final pages for my project!! It was waaaaaay more fun than the boring 20-page research paper option!!

But I keep thinking of things to add! LOL! I hope that helps my grade!!

Here’s a few sample pages from my Thoreau teaching unit!!

OH my goodnes!! These are the more FUN pages of the project. Putting the entire unit into a document and notebook is another story. It’s almooooooooooooooost done though!!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew

Then I will just have my other 2 online classes to finish out and I will have SURVIVED!!

One semester down…3 to go!!

One baby step at a time LOL!!!

Hope your week has been AWESOME!!!!

XoXo

Toddler Fall Painting Craft

2011-11-02T09:02:00.001-05:00

Happy middle of the week!!!
If you are looking for a sweet Fall project to do with your munchkin, I have something that will make your day! Jax had a BLAST making these!!

All you need is paint in a few fall colors like brown, orange, yellow and/or red, paintbrushes and paper!
I initially had the BRILLIANT idea that I would have Jaxon make a handprint tree and paint the leaves with fingerprints. And yes he did eventually do that, but I had to just let him do his thing and he made a few extra pieces of art work.

This little boy is SUPER serious about art time. What was I thinking that I would tell him how to do his art? LOL!
He first made what he said were pumpkins….

Isn’t that the sweetest thing ever!!!

After his pumpkin masterpiece was completed, he practiced making fingerprint leaves. He thought that was pretty swell.
I helped him paint his hand brown, and we made a handprint tree like this:

Then I let him go-to-town painting all his leaves!

Love it!!!!
Here’s his PUMPKINS -

And here’s his fingerprint Fall tree -

This was an easy, cheap and super FUN craftie to do with Jax. He LOOOOOVED it and Mamma LOOOOOVES his artwork!!!
Hope you have a BLESSED Day!!!
XoXo

Happy Halloween!!♥

2011-10-31T09:45:00.002-05:00

Whooo hooooo! We are still ALIVE! Jax and I made it through the flu-cold-junkorama sickness of the past week. Goodness! I have not been that sick since I taught school! You know teachers – you always get the WORST colds and FLU! Or at least I always did…even despite my GALLON SIZE GERM-X bottle and LYSOLING everyone’s desks all the time. LOL.

We are doing MUCH bettah!!! Well we still cough like a lung might come loose…but goodness…I can handle a COUGH!

We had a SUPER BUSY weekend and had SUCH a GREAT time!!! I had some AH-mazing photo sessions. I get so emotional just talking about them…and looking at them. God continues to bless me beyond all imagination. I am just in awe!!!

Here’s a few teasers from the weekend:

Can you tell it was a FUN-filled weekend!! Taking pictures is so NOT WORK for me. It’s just a blessing of FUN!!!

I have LOT’S more to share with you this week! Jax and I did a FUN painting PROJECT! And I’m on a MISSION to get my little CASA back in order after a LONG semester of graduate school and WORK. Uughh! I thought I would BLOG it so I would be DEDICATED to finishing it! I also want to chat about Mamma Weight Loss ideas this week too! Goodness…what else can we throw in the pot to chit chat about! LOL!!!

And speaking of chit-chatting. I pretty much have the BEST friends in my blog readers. I can’t even begin to express how GRATEFUL I am for all of you who commented and emailed me while Jax and I were sick last week. To me – that is what blogging is all about. The sweet friends from all over the world that you bond with and support on our journeys! Love y’all and THANK YOU so MUCH!!!

Hap-hap-hap-HAPPY Halloweeeeeeeeeen!!!

Hope your week is MARVELOUS!!!
XoXo

How our week is going....

2011-10-26T15:48:00.000-05:00

Jax and I have both been a little under the weather this week. Well more like...we have been completely sick as can be.I did a cheerleader photo session on Monday and could barely talk! I think we are on the flip-side of the worst though...so THANK GOODNESS!

We've had the vaporizer on non-stop, the nebulizer going every 4 hours for breathing treatments, and all the other "cold season" things going in full gear! Not fun!
Hope you all are having a MUCH SUNNIER week than we are!!
XoXo

Bow-making crafties for my photography studio!

2011-10-25T10:35:00.001-05:00

Happy TUESDAY! Hope your day is GRAND so far. I just wanted to share a few pictures of some bows I made for my photography studio. My wish is – to have a LARGE collection on-hand of bows and hair-goodies for clients to choose from for their sweet pea’s sessions! Here’s a few I whipped up to get started….

I made these for a TWIN one-month old session I had this past weekend.

Here are the sweet GIRLS with them on -

Here are the rest of them…..

Bows are SO FUN to make!! Have you made any pretties lately!! I’d love to see your pretties too!!!

Have a SUPER day!!

XoXo

We had a little visitor!!

2011-10-24T07:13:00.001-05:00

There are some things that I have not anticipated happening with my little journey as a Mamma. One of them being…the joy my little boy would experience when seeing our first turtle in the backyard!! We had so much fun playing with our little visitor. I’m not sure if he did or not…or she…but we sure enjoyed it!

Jaxon was completely mesmerized and kept saying “Mamma…look a TUR-TUR!!

He looooves animals. He will sit and look at his animal books for hours. And don’t even get him started on all the animals Diego rescues!

What a big TUR-TUR too!! It’s actually one of the biggest ones I’ve seen in my life – in West Texas. I’m sure it’s drought related though sadly. I’ve heard that even the native turtle population has been greatly hit by the lack of rainfall.

My neighbor actually found the big guy – and then he escaped to our backyard. After meeting my dogs he/she has re-thought that escape and returned back home!

But not before I could do a little photo shoot! LOL!

I’m so glad that Jaxon get’s to experience things like this. There’s only so many pictures that you can look at…but seeing REAL animals is priceless. And in our own backyard…love that!

Maybe you too will find some animals in your backyard today!!

Hope you have a BLESSED beginning of the week!!

XoXo

I’m hosting a Fall Holiday Card craft party!!

2011-10-23T09:15:00.001-05:00

If you are in my neck of the woods…like West Texas…then you might be interested in mingling!! I’m hosting a craft party to make Fall Holiday Cards! It’s going to be SUPER FUN!

I always make homemade cards every year and I don’t think everyone realizes not only how cute they are…but how inexpensive and easy it really is!!

Soooo….Saturday, October 29th if you want to join us leave me a comment or email me at easiepeasie@hotmail.com. It’s $15 to attend – but that’s for all of your craftie supplies! We will eat, laugh and make crafties! Soooo much FUN! I am limiting it to 10 people because oh my word…my casa is LITTLE! So sign up early!!

Hope to see you!!!

Have a BLESSED Sunday!

XoXo

I finally mastered fish-braiding my hair!

2011-10-22T23:00:00.001-05:00

Hi – hi – hi !!! So I’m 32 and I finally figured out how to fish-braid my hair. I know, I know… that’s pretty silly and maybe not even relevant to some. But for me…I’m so super stoked!

This tutorial is what finally helped me!!

image via: A Beautiful Mess

I’m going to do my own version and share! Can’t wait!!

Have a GREAT rest of the weekend!!

XoXo

To carve…or not to carve?? Tis the question!!

2011-10-18T08:45:00.002-05:00

Are you carving your pumpkins this year?? I always try to do some pumpkin crafty with Jax and this year, I’m totally thinking NO CARVING. It’s a mess…and the insides are kind of stinky. LOL! Plus…I don’t care how much Vaseline you slap on them…they still get funky and wilty. Well mine do anyways. They go from happy faces…to creepy looking faces! Ha ha!!

I’ve been compiling a few ideas I’ve found and am pretty excited to find some cute NON-carving ideas!! Thought I would share just in case any of you are on the fence about carving this year too!
Super cute YARN idea!

image via: Two Shades of Pink

Hmmmm….totally love these!

image via: Woman’s Day

This might not be too hard?? If you can line up the doily right! I probably would SMUDGE it! LOL!

image via: Better Homes and Gardens

I totally love all the DECORATIVE tapies that are available now. This would be easy! But you would probably have to add some adhesive – I’m just saying…masking tape sometimes POPS up! Maybe modern masking tape sticks better??? LOL!

image via: Real Simple

I really LOVE Meg’s pumpkins and I think we are totally going the PAINT route! Jaxon LOVES to paint and I think he will LOVE doing this!!!! And well…so will MAMMA! LOL! Just look how HAPPY all the color is! LOVE IT!!

image via: Whatever

Hope your week is going SUPAH!!!!!
XoXo

Get Crafty with Cleetus!

2011-10-15T14:35:00.003-05:00

Have you seen these? Oh my word...hilarious!

Have a GREATweekend laugh!!

XoXo

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Calling all BRILLIANT women!!

2011-10-14T14:29:00.001-05:00

Have you seen this? Can I get an AMEN!!!!!!!!
Let your light SHINE!!!!
I so LOVE this!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Fall Traditions–taking pictures of your munchkins!

2011-10-13T17:12:00.001-05:00

Hi lovelies!

How are you?

GREAT I hope!

I wanted to take a minute to talk about a FALL tradition we do around our little casa. Remember how I told you about my 4th of July picture tradition with Jaxon in July? Well…I also do a FALL picture tradition with Jaxon too. It’s WAY fun and I really look forward to it each year!!

All you need to do is grab your babies and find something FALLish to use for a prop or backdrop. Maybe there’s a pumpkin patch in your area? Make it a family date to visit! Most offer free admission which is GREAT for the ol’ budget!! I did Jaxon’s first two years at the pumpkin patch, this year I took him to a YUMMY rusty old truck…and lugged a pumpkin along. Super easy…and SUPER cute!

Here’s all of his FALL pictures so far!

I just had his most recent one printed and was looking at how I wanted to frame it. I almost cried actually…it’s so crazy looking at how much your baby has grown!!! Goodness!

I also chuckled a little bit after my sad moment…my photography skills have grown so much!! YAY!! It’s neat to see how you grow in our technique and skills too!!

Here are some of his sneak peeks for his session. He was being a BIG STINKER too. Don’t let the smiles fool you….I had to work HARD for them!

This is a new “a la carte” item I’m doing for my clients too! And I LOVE it!!!!! Capturing our babies personalities with their session. WAY FUN! And you wanna know why he’s laughing so hard…because I had to JUMP up and DOWN over and over to get him to LAUGH! You have to WORK it for the SMILES! LOL!

It’s time to plan your baby’s fall pictures!!! Find a photographer in your area [[if you are in my area– give me a shout!!]] or get your camera out…and GET CREATIVE!!

Have a BLESSED day!!

XoXo

Way CAA-UUUTE bumped ponytail tutorial!

2011-10-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

You know I'm always on the hunt for tutorials on how to be a PRETTY MAMMA! I found this way CAA-UUUUTE tutorial for an easy bumped ponytail tutorial. I may be a dork...but I always wondered how to do those cute styled pony tails...mine just look flat and drab! I love this!! Let's try it out and see how CUTE our PONYTAILS can be!!

XoXo