Jump Start & Cool Art

I was inspired today. I've been meaning to get back to my very neglected blog, but just didn't have it in me, but today, TODAY I was inspired to write about this totally awesome and creative find (yes - I said "totally awesome").

I was visiting by BFF while in Florida and we decided to check out this adorable little town called Celebration. It's a beautiful place, almost too beautiful..sidewalks everywhere, friendly people, gorgeous architecture and gardens, cute shops and LOTS of yummy places to eat..even kids playing in the town center fountain. Unbelievable (and a bit Stepford, but in a good way).

Lucky for us, they had a little Farmers Market and some craft vendors set up today and we ran into this great lady who creates custom art made from photo's of architectural details found at Disney. BFF & I quickly decided that this was the answer to our months long question about what to get for a recently wedded friend..we spelled out her new last name with the photo's and voila..instant custom gift!

It was surely a lucky moment for us, and you can be lucky too, she has her site online! Check it out here: http://www.wdwalphabets.com/

Have fun creating your own custom art..and don't limit yourself to names - try words like LOVE, HAPPY, DREAM....you get the picture! :)

Mmmmm, macadamia's!!

Just tried this new recipe for mahi-mahi and I had to share....

....it's wonderful and SUPER easy!

Really, it is...you must try it :)

Macadamia Crusted Mahi-Mahi

2 nice size filet's of mahi-mahi
4 limes
4 T. butter, divided
1/4 c. finely chopped macadamia nuts
1/3 c. panko (japanese breadcrumbs)

Juice 4 limes, and then marinate mahi-mahi in lime juice at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat over to 350. Melt butter, then add 2 T. of the melted butter to a shallow baking dish. Place mahi-mahi in dish, brushing each side with the melted butter that is in the dish. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small mixing bowl, add the remaining 2 T. of melted butter. Mix in chopped macadamia nuts and panko. Spoon the mixture on top of the fish, pressing it lightly to form a crust.

Bake until fish is opaque in center, about 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness of your filet's).

Enjoy!!

Snow fun!!

Well hello there!

We've finally been blessed with some snow here in VA! This is the first big snow that T. remembers...heck it's the first big snow I remember in a LONG time! Unfortunately T. was sick with a nasty fever and some sort of respiratory goop...but was finally able to get out and enjoy a little bit of winter's glory. He enjoyed it, but this warm weather loving kid of mine is looking forward to the 70 degree weather forecast for Saturday & Sunday. Got to love VA!

Here's the back yard...Oakley could not wait to get out there, but once I opened the door he stood there...waiting for me to go with him. Big chicken. When he finally took the plunge and stepped out the door he was hooked. Turns out he loves water of the frozen, fluffy variety just as much as good old water.

T. taking a turn on "the ramp" - built by mommy & daddy....who it turns out are bigger kids when it snows than the actual kid. T. after his plummet into the ditch..I mean "Snow Bowl" across the street.

Oakley...tunneling for heaven knows what reason. Spazz.

And finally...T. taking the last trip down the "Ice Luge Track" in the front yard.

Today most of it melted away...which is ok I guess, since it will be 75 this weekend! YAYYY!!

Quick and Easy Baby Gift

Well hello there!

It's been a long time since I posted...call it a mid-winter funk. I've been meaning to get to some tutorials, and had the perfect opportunity to do so with a baby shower gift that I whipped up this weekend. So here goes my first try at a tutorial...

Ribbon Tag Blanket Tutorial


What you will need:



15" x 15" fabric (front)
15"x 15" fabric (back)
scraps of ribbon (each piece about 5" long) - as many as you want around the perimeter of blanket



1. Cut out a 15" x 15" piece of fabric for the front (I like flannel) and a 15" x 15" piece of fabric for the back (I like plush fleece or minky).

2. Lay the two squares on top of eachother, right sides facing.

3. Take a piece of ribbon, and fold it in half.



4. Next, line the cut edges of the ribbon up with the outside of the fabric. Sandwich the ribbon between the two layers of fabric, and pin in place.

5. Continue folding ribbons, sandwiching, and pinning all the way around the perimeter of the blanket....spaced however far apart you like. For this blanket I spaced them about every inch and a half - but eyeball it..there is no need for precision here.

6. Once you have pinned the ribbons all the way around, you're ready to sew. Sew almost all of the way around, using ~ 1/4" seam allowance. ...leaving about a 2" gap, so that you can pull the blanket right-side-out.

7. Once you have pulled the blanket right-side-out through the 2" gap, close the gap and pin into place.

8. Using a zig-zag stitch, close the gap..and continue with the zig-zag stitch all the way around the edge of the blanket.

9. Ta-Daa!!! You're done. Baby gift ready to go..all in about 30 minutes. :)

Hopefully this tutorial makes sense - I would certainly appreciate feedback if it's not so I can make adjustments...and improve future tutorials!! Thanks!!

Happy New Year!!

I almost forgot!! Happy New Year everyone!! :)

Faux Girl Scout Cookies

Tagalongs anyone? My lovely neighbor Lori introduced me to these delicious treats at our pre-Christmas Cookie making marathon, hosted by our other lovely neighbor Diane. The recipe is so awesome I had to share!!! Trust me, you will like these.

Step 1: Gather up some Ritz crackers, peanut butter & chocolate candy melts.

Step 2: Make peanut butter filled Ritz sandwiches...you know, the kind you've made 100's of times for snacks...

easy, right!

Step 3: Melt your chocolate according to the directions (I used Wilton Candy melts and melted them in the microwave at 50% power).

Step 4: Dunk those sandwiches! I used a fork to flip them over and scoop them out - I also wiggled them (very scientific, I know) back in forth a few times while on the fork to get the excess chocolate off.


Step 5: Lay them on a wax paper covered cookie sheet...then chill until hardened. (~15 minutes)

Step 6: Enjoy your Faux Girl Scout Tagalongs!!!

P.S. - I had some leftover chocolate, so I added about 10 Mint Truffle Hershey Kisses to the chocolate, melted them all together..then dipped single Ritz crackers and made Thin Mints!!

Double Yum!!! Sorry Girl Scouts...I couldn't wait until Spring for the cookie orders.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Merry Christmas (belated)!! We've been a bit busy with the marathon of family get-togethers...and then the Wii...and then the beautiful day today. I was able to finally get my new kayak out on the river to give it a try - I LOVE it and can't wait for spring!! Here are a few shots from Christmas morning....

On your mark, get set....go!!!!!!!

Oakley waiting patiently for his brother to help him open his gifts...

Pokemon! I can't believe it!!! (Who knew that a $15 pack of trading cards would be such a hit?)

Wii!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!