#364 - soft silky hair

Recently, I was flipping through my recipe book looking for ways to use my really ripe avocados and found a recipe I had cut out of a Woman's Day magazine back in 2001 (does that magazine even exist anymore?)

Since being pregnant has at least one good perk (before the baby arrives) . . . amazing hair . . . I really didn't need to do this hair mask, but hey, I hate to waste food!

I mixed up all the ingredients, put it in my hair . . .

Then, this is where the trouble began . . . the hair mask was super messy . . . it looked like someone threw up on my head and in the bathroom sink. When I tried to wash it out, it was stuck . . . basically, I had an avocado egg salad in my hair...yuck!

My hair did feel great the next day, but not so good, when at work, I was still finding avocado in my hair!
That being said, after the baby is born, (when the post baby hair sets in) I think I might do it again with just the egg/lemon/yogurt or make sure to totally puree the avocado.

Have you ever done something like this? Did it work? Did it last long?

#363 - 4 ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (easy)

I've never been a huge fan of peanut butter cookies, not sure why. But, I tried these flourless peanut butter cookies since there were only 4 ingredients (ok, 5 ingredients if you count the 2 types of sugars).

We really liked them and they are so easy to make.

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (yield 24 cookies)

The Gourmet Cookbook via Joy the Baker (I made some small modifications to the directions, see below)

1 cup all-natural chunky or smooth peanut butter

1 cup sugar (1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar)

1 egg

1 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet (I don't think I did this). Combine sugars, egg and peanut butter (it will seem runny at first) until well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Add baking soda and mix for another minute.

Roll into walnut sized balls and create a criss-cross pattern with a fork. (Baby O loved doing this!)

I added jelly to some of them, but I liked them best without the jelly.

Bake for 6-8 minutes (Joy cooks them for 10 minutes, but I like my cookies on the gooey/soft side), until lightly browned.

Enjoy! Note - they do break apart easily, but since I undercooked them a little, they mostly stayed together.

#362 - baby blanket

Love this baby blanket! I think they just need to add in the word, "poop."

Here's how to make it.

*post edit - I can't believe that I just did 2 posts in a row about...you know what :)

#361 - Sunday Comic

via

Hope this isn't too crude for anyone, but it made me laugh! And don't get me wrong, I actually like when people post stuff that is a little too personal...adds a smile to my day.

*post note - this was a comic talking about Facebook, not blogs, just in case you were wondering. I really do like Facebook though.

#360 - The September Issue

The other day I did a little research for work by watching The September Issue (sometimes I think I have a pretty cool job).

If you like fashion, The Devil Wears Prada, The Hills (the first few seasons) or The City, I'm sure you'd love this documentary.

And since it was quote week, I had to share my favorite quote from the movie:

“Always keep your eyes open . . . never go to sleep in the car or anything like that, keep watching because whatever you see out the window, or wherever, it can inspire you.”

-Grace quoting Norman Parkinson - photographer

#359 - Week of Quotes - Eat More

"If you fatten everyone else around you, you look thinner."

-unknown

Since I'm not getting any skinner, (at least until this baby comes) can you all eat some of these yummy treats?

Raspberry Cake by Smitten Kitchen
Milk Chocolate Pretzel Tart by burghilicious
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting by Patent in the Pantry
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins by Mel's Kitchen
Stareos by Hostess with the Mostess
English Toffee by the Coterie
Anything by Bakerella
Passion Fruit Bars by Joelen
Doughnuts by Annie's Eats
Maple & Walnut Nanamio Bars by 17 and Baking
Tres Leches Cake or anything by Pioneer Woman
Any Ice Cream by David Lebovitz

#358 - Week of Quotes - 2 Things You Can Give Your Kids

After a long winter, Baby O was so fascinated by the sun streaming in our windows...he thought he could grab it.

"There are only 2 lasting things you can give your children. One is roots, and the other is wings."

-Hodding Carter

Also, I like what Mother Huddle has to say about raising kids:

"Raise them with respect, discipline with a gentle hand, and a few specific words “they are a gift, treat them that way.”"

more of my favorite quotes

More good parenting quotes

#357 - She Bangs (I needed a break from quote week)

In the spirit of American Idol, I just had to post this card...made me smile.

And if it's your birthday today, hope you have a bangin' one!

#356 - Week of Quotes - More Stuff

this is a picture of all the black shirts I recently got rid of...I really like black clothes...it's a problem...

"The more stuff you own, the more stuff owns you."

via

I think I get on a kick every few months to pare down all the stuff I have. Seriously, too much stuff feels so overwhelming. It's tough to get rid of stuff when you have a kid and one on the way, plus a husband that is a jack of all trades (so we have every tool, cable/cord, technical thing out there.)

Anyone have any good hints on getting rid of stuff?

*for a entry about minimalism, this post sure feels wordy...

more of my favorite quotes

#355 - Week of Quotes - Yelling

"There should be no yelling in the home, unless there is a fire."

-David O. McKay

I saw this on Krista's blog. Such a good motto to live by!

more of my favorite quotes

#354 - Sunday Comic

via

Lately, and probably until this baby comes out, I feel like this old man in the comic.

#353 - First Day of Spring

It's the first day of spring....finally!

My Plans?

~clean the house (when is this not on my list?)~

~push Baby O on a swing at the park~

~head over to Rita's for a free Italian Ice. Too bad they don't give out custard for free...that's good stuff~

~maybe help Pepe tear down the wallpaper in our bedroom~

~make crepe batter for Sunday breakfast (it has to sit overnight)~

What are you doing to celebrate?

*photo of Baby O taken last summer.

#352 - Stuff from around the web

1...cute hat perfect for St. Patty's week
2...loving this retro poster of DC
3...these little people are fun to look at
4...great advice for loving a kid (via)
5...twister game for a table cloth...might use this idea for Baby O's birthday
6...really need to get my hands on these animal cookie cutters...ikea trip in the near future?

Also, wish I had time to do this.

#351 - Martha's Green Egg Salad Sandwich

I printed this recipe off from Martha Stewart over 4 years ago and I finally decided to make it yesterday for St. Patty's day.

You could really make it any day, but I had some avocados I needed to use and I thought it was a perfect green thing to make. (plus I've been craving egg salad sandwiches)

I modified the recipe a little:

• 5 hard-boiled egg whites
• 1 hard-boiled egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon mustard (Martha used Dijon, but I'm not that fancy)
  
• 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 avocado, mashed, plus 1/4 avocado roughly chopped
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• Lettuce, arugula, and tomato slices (optional - I didn't have any of this)
• 6 slices white/wheat sandwich bread (I like wheat, Pepe likes white)
  

1. Using a pastry blender or fork, mash together egg whites and yolks in a large bowl; carefully fold in avocado. Stir in mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
2. Place 3 slices of bread on a work surface. Evenly divide egg salad among bread slices. Add lettuce greens or tomato, if desired. Top with remaining 3 slices bread. Serve.

It's pretty good and I'll definitely make it again if I have avocados on hand.
ps, see the wheat bread above...so good...store bought...for $.70...I have a post I want to do about it.

#350 - swim trunks/swimsuit

Baby O can't stop wearing his swim trunks...one day he wore them under his pants and this day he just had to put them on top of his camo jammies. He's going to have so much fun once it warms up.
And for me, don't you think this swimsuit is cute? I'll probably just stick to my same red swimsuit, cause I love red.

Not on purpose, but do you like the chopped head photos? Top photo by me and bottom photo not by me (nor is that my body.)

#349 - my orange pot of gold

This is a true story...

The orange pot above, also know as a Fiesta Carafe, came with out old fixer upper of a house. There were lots of old (mostly junk) stuff that the previous owners left in our house, but the Fiesta Carafe pictured above I thought looked really cool. Instead of throwing it away, I just kept it in our kitchen thinking someday I would clean it up and display it (you can even see it in one of my old posts.)

I never took the time to actually do a little research and see what it might be worth, until this past Sunday. Pepe googled it and the first thing that came up was this:
Wow! We had the "red/orange" one, the cork was close to perfect and we even had the creamer...sweet, we have a pot of gold....I mean orange.

Ok...not really a pot of gold, but hey, not too shabby.

So, here's the rest of the story...

The only reason we googled it and found out the value is because I knocked it off our refrigerator...bummer, why didn't I google it sooner?


Anyone want a cork in really good condition?

Just kidding...I still really like it and I think I'll just glue it back together and keep it. You think that would work?

#348 - rockstar diaries & lawgirl

Sorry, just had to share, in case you missed it.

Rockstar Diaries featured my happiness list last week and she added this beautiful photo above...gee, I wish I could take beautiful pregnancy pictures like that.

And Lawgirl featured me on her Linkey list...thanks to both of you!

#347 - cool shopping bags and business cards

via

#346 - bibs for a runny nose

Baby O has never liked bibs until recently. He wears them around the house/outside...sort of cute.

One day he was wearing one when he had a running nose and it dawned on me...(cue light-bulb) If your kid is ever sick, have them wear a bib so they can wipe their nose or you can wipe it real quick. (You probably already knew this.) It saves on kleenex ('cause I can never find one when I need one), time and the sleeves of their shirts & my clothes.

It's now a habit in our house.

Notice the cute red/white/blue bib in the upper right hand corner (wish I had a better pic)...my cousin Liz made it...so stylish.

And the bottom bib with red stains...Baby O bit his tongue...ouch...glad he was wearing a bib b/c of his snotty nose.

#345 - Peeps S'mores

We had a warm day on Sunday and decided to have a bonfire to burn our Christmas Tree - yikes...it's been way too long!
And since we had some Peeps lying around, we made Peeps S'mores.

They looked a bit creepy when we were cooking and eating them.But they were good. They had a melted sugary shell...too sweet for chocolate.

It was fun, but to be honest, I prefer a regular s'more instead.

#344 - kitchen backsplash fix

BEFORE

AFTER

SIDE BY SIDE

Before we moved into our house, we had to install a new counter top and bottom cabinets (they were rotted out) in our kitchen. We did it on the cheap because we eventually wanted to either tear down this house (I don't think that will ever happen) or do a more intensive remodel on our kitchen.

We were left with this ugly wall/backsplash (see BEFORE PHOTO), since our new counter top wasn't high enough. Our kitchen remodel is no where in site, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. Here's what I did:

Cut out pictures from my 2008 Eating Well Calendar (seriously gorgeous photos)
Famed them in some inexpensive picture frames from Target
Rested them on top of the counter (I didn't even hang on the wall)

That's it...hides that nasty gap between the wallpaper & counter and makes our kitchen much cheerier!

More details about the photo above:
~Food in photos from L-R: kiwi, orange, cucumber, raspberry/blueberry, tomato, chilis (out of photo)
~Notice the dishwashing liquid in the olive oil bottle - isn't that fancy? I learned that from my cousin Michelle...who I think learned it from Martha.
~Also, notice Baby O's silver cup (on the right side)? He got it from my parents and he loves to drink out of it.

#343 - our remodeled hallway (finally)

BEFORE

AFTER

SIDE BY SIDE

BEFORE

AFTER

SIDE BY SIDE

About 6-7 months ago (after living in our old, rundown home from over a year), Pepe decided to remodel our hallway. He torn down this dark wood wall paneling (yuck!) and we found layers of paint. The last one was a cool orange color. Unfortunately, it was all beat up and Pepe decided to start painting white over it. Just as he was in the middle of it, I had a hunch that I might be pregnant (heightened sense of smell...you know) and I asked him to stop. So, for the past 6 months we've had this torn apart, multi-colored hallway.

Then this past weekend, Pepe decided to finish the hallway. It looks amazing...we still need to paint a little more (we used "No VOC" paint - love it), but I'm so happy we (Pepe) did it.

Details (if you are interested):
VOC free paint on the walls
Crown molding
Tall baseboard
New light fixture
New light switch cover

Total cost: around $100...not too shabby...

ps...tomorrow I have another "before and after" that was inexpensive and even faster.

#342 - i'm sorry, so sorry

If you know me, you know I like to say, "sorry" a lot (maybe it's the part Canadian in me). That's why it sometimes come out of my mouth like, "soree". Anyway, this card above is so genius!

And since I'm on a mac, I decided my own version of this card, would look like this:

#341 - Canon Lens Mug

So cool! I'd love to drink out of this.

#340 - Birth Announcement #2

Oh, I really like this birth announcement/print for a baby's room.

via

#339 - mini boxes of cereal

For Christmas, Baby O (I really need to give him a new name since we cut off all his baby locks of hair tonight) got
6 mini boxes of cereal
from my parents. Do you do that "getting a box of cereal for Christmas" tradition?

A couple of days ago I let Baby O have his last box of cereal...and wouldn't you know it, he takes after me and

eats all the marshmallows*
out of the box. What does he do with the rest of his cereal? He puts it to use as dirt for his dump truck.
What a smarty pants!

*Disclaimer - while pregnant, I absolutely detest marshmallows...gross!

#338 - taco soup

 
wish i had a better picture, because this doesn't do it justice

When my parents visited, my mom made this taco soup. It really good and really easy to make. I don't even like ground beef, but it is one of my favorite meals now.

Taco Soup

1 lb ground beef (I use organic meat, cook it really well and make sure the pieces of meat aren't too big...I have a thing about hamburger.)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 16oz can corn, drained or bag of frozen corn
1 16 oz can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 28 oz can stewed tomatoes (ok, i am not a fan of canned tomatoes, but Trader Joe's uses a lining in their cans that is safer)
1 15 oz can tomato sauce (same)
corn chips
grated cheese
sour cream

*make this healthy, by draining the meat really good, add some veggies (ie: peas), skip the sour cream, skip the cheese, skip the chips, do add avocado slices to make it creamy)*

Brown ground beef. Drain. Saute chopped onion, add to ground beef. Stir in taco season, corn, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Serve topped with corn chips, sour cream and grated cheese. 8 servings.

Recipe from Jane Hunter

#337 - Birth Announcement

Isn't this a cute birth announcement? I think it could be easy to make...maybe?

via

#336 - Chocolate Crockpot Cake

I really wanted to make this the other day with Baby O. I thought it would be fun to cook with him...he's even the one stirring the batter in the photo above.

Well, we probably won't be cooking together again for a while...it was a mess and I think he had 2 time outs during the process (am I a bad mom?...no need to answer that.)

Casi, do you notice the picture of the two of us in the photo above?

Here's the recipe in case you want to make Crockpot Cake:

1 package chocolate cake mix
1 container of sour cream (8 oz)
1 cup chocolate morsels
1 cup water
4 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil - i used some smart balance oil
1 package instant chocolate pudding mix - i used half vanilla and half chocolate

Spray crock pot with nonstick cooking spray (I forgot this step, whoops!) Mix cake mix, sour cream, chocolate morsels, water, eggs, oil and pudding mix in a bowl by hand. Pour into crock pot.
Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.

I cooked this about an hour too long, so parts of it were burnt, but it sure tastes delicious! It's not super sweet, but it is really moist...and smells so good!

#335 - Spanish ring

Isn't this cute?

Some things that make me feliz:
pictures - taking them, but mostly looking at them after
swimming in the ocean - i can't wait for the summer
ice cream - anytime
talking to my family on the phone
cuddling with Baby O - when he'll let me
cuddling with Pepe - also, when he'll let me
feeling the baby kick
sleeping in
the color red
watching old/new home family videos

Also, Rockstar Diaries is doing happiness lists again...fun!