Things you should know about me if we're gonna be BFF's (LINK UP)

I had so much fun reading other people's lists I thought to self, "Self, lets do it!"

Cheesy, I know.

Such a follower I am.

So....without further a do; My list - if you're so lucky to be my BFF:

(origin is from here)

1) I'm not married, however, have been with the same man for 8 yrs (and counting), we have a 2 yr old together (named Lucy) and we are happy.

2) I'm catholic - so the topic above is totally against my beliefs. Oh well. I think God loves me anyway.

3) I'm from Minnesota. 21 years in Minnesota landed me with an accent that has YET to go away - I've been in Arizona for 9+ yrs.

4) I love my accent.

5) I generally don't like people. No, I love people. I'm very social however, I really hate doing "stuff". Every once in a while - a good plan with some good people is ALWAYS a good time...and I can talk and talk and talk and talk (extrovert here) - but something about staying in the comfort of my own home, comfy clothes, my daughter, my Wader - makes me MUCH more happy than entertaining. So sue me.

6) I'm a repulican, pro-lifer. Need I say more?

7) I have a cat and I hate - no DESPISE cats. I once wanted to hire the cat-serial-killer that was on the news in Phoenix here a couple months ago. 

8) I met my best friend, Danielle, on myspace. - She stalked me - for the record. She's awesome.

9) I listen to talk radio all day, every day.

10) I'm a middle child - to two wonderfully beautiful amazing sisters.

Wanna join in on the fun? Go to the link above! Can't wait to read more!

Epic.

In other news, it'll reach record highs today in Phoenix. Boy do I miss the snow (sometimes)

Happy Monday!

photo courtesy of startribune.com

Wordless Wednesday

For more 'Wordless Wednesday' posts, click here.

Jersey Shore Circa 1910 - Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday - Shorpy Historic Photos



Parties

Mrs. A in the Cove posted this:

Which brings me peace because I'm putting together a birthday party for a little girl named Lucy who turns 2 tomorrow...yep, that'd be my daughter. 2. Already. *SIGH*

Now, if only we could have wine and nuts at the park where the party will be held. I wouldn't be stressing!

Enjoy your Tuesday!

XOXO,

Jules

Gwyneth Paltrow - Country Strong - CMA Awards 2010

I'm in love with this performance....it shows her innocence, nervousness and what a true star she really is! What do you think?

Hair, I Want THIS Hair!

How STINKIN' cute is this hair? If I were 110 lbs, I'd give it a try. I think it's absolutely adorable, flirty and CUTE!

-Hope you all have a wonderful hump day -

images courtesy of msn

Wordless Wednesday

Halloween 2010

See more 'Wordless Wednesday' posts by clicking here

Today, I Love My Home State A Little More.....

My two reasons you ask?

Moss. Twins.

Moss is going to be wearing purple by Monday night against the Jets

Twins will be BEATING The Yanks. Tonight. Yes, yes they will.

Go get 'em guys!

Happy Wednesday!



Wordless Wednesday

My 'Tiny Dancer', Lucy

Christmas Wish List #3



Darling. $18.00 - Click HERE to purchase

How's This For A Blog Post:

Sometime this year, we taxpayers will again receive another 'Economic Stimulus' payment.

 

This is indeed a very exciting program, and I'll explain it by

using a Q & A format:

 

Q. What is an 'Economic Stimulus' payment ?

A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

 

Q.. Where will the government get this money ?

A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money ?

A. Only a smidgen of it.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment ?

A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a

high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?

A. Shut up.

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. economy by

spending your stimulus check wisely:

* If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will

go to China or Sri Lanka .

* If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the

Arabs.

* If you purchase a computer, it will go to India , Taiwan or

China .

* If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico ,

Honduras and Guatemala ..

* If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or Korea .

* If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan .

* If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go

to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.

Instead, keep the money in America by:

1) Spending it at yard sales, or

2) Going to ball games, or

3) Spending it on prostitutes, or

4) Beer or

5) Tattoos.

(These are the only American businesses still operating in the U.S. )

Conclusion:

Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard

sale and drink beer all day !

 

No need to thank me, I'm just glad I could be of help.



Christmas Wish List #2

Pretty!

$6.95 for pendant only.

Check the rest out HERE

Christmas 'Wish' List

Ultimately these posts are for my main man, Wade.

But why not share my "hints" with you as well......

Item #1 on my Christmas List for Santa:

Adorable, isn't it? And for $10.00, we won't be breaking Santa's bank.

Want one? Go HERE.

Lucy - 22 Months

You're beautiful baby from the outside in

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again

Go on, take on this whole world

But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

 

(My Little Girl, Tim McGraw)

 

(Payson, Arizona | Labor Day 2010)

AWESOME GIVEAWAYS OVER AT....

Texas Monkey!

She's doing an amazingly awesome "Blogmania" giveaway over at her blog.

Check it out! Your chance to win $250+ worth of party planning goodies is just a click away!! Plus, her blog is a GREAT time waster. I, one day, spent about 2 hours on her blog. (such a slacker, aren't I?)

Some of her sponsors for the giveaway include: Two Savvy Sisters, her very own 'Texas Monkey Boutique', Crazy for Tutus, Letter Block Shop and much much more!

Enjoy & Good LUCK!

To follow her blog, click here.

To follow her on Facebook, click here.

Texas Monkey, THANKS for this awesome giveaway! You ROCK!

Do You Remember?

September 11th, 2001? Where you were? What you were thinking?

I do.

And I will remember tomorrow. I hope you do too. Do something for those victims and for our armed forces serving for our freedom today. Do something.

God Bless you, God Bless this country & God Bless our FREEDOM.

You Will Always Be My Sunshine

Dear Lucy Patricia (aka: Lucy Lu, Lu, Baby, Poopers, My Lucy-girl),

I love you. You are the sunshine in my day, everyday. I love being your mother. I never knew LOVE before you. I love when you say (in your "sad" voice) "maaama". I love it when I say "Close your eyes" - you wince at me and pretend you're sleeping.

I was feeling like a very proud mother this morning and wanted to let you know this.

Keep bringing the joy you bring into our lives everyday. You are truly angelic. I am so very lucky.

Love you baby,

Your maama.

Pina Colada Muffins & Lil' Smokies

This past weekend my friend Jaime had an "around the world" potluck girls night IN.  (which basically means we all picked a country and brought something related to that country and their food)

It was a blast! I picked the good ole' U.S. of A. and picked the following recipes:

Pina Colada Muffins - Recipe Below - These were to DIE for and I don't even like coconut!

Cocktail Smokies - a potluck classic here in the 'States' - Recipe Below

Little Smokies Recipe

Two Packets of Hilshire Farms Lil' Smokies

1 and 1/2 16 oz bottles of your favorite BBQ sauce

Your crockpot

Place all ingredients in crockpot - set on low for 6-8 hrs and Enjoy - Easy Peasy!

Pina Colada Muffins

Ingredients

· 1 cup dried pineapple

· 2 pieces dried pineapple, for garnish before baking

· 1 cup dark Jamaican rum, optional

· 2 cups all -purpose flour

· 1 teaspoon baking powder

· ½ teaspoon baking soda

· ¼ teaspoon salt

· 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

· 1 cup sugar

· 2 large eggs, at room temperature

· 1 cup sour cream

· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

· ¾ teaspoon finely minced orange zest

· ¾ cup sweetened coconut flakes

Directions

Place the pineapple in a small saucepan and pour the rum over it. If you are not using the

rum, pour in 1 cup water (preferably spring water). Bring to boiling, the allow the

pineapple to cool in the liquid for about 30 minutes. Drain the pineapple. (If you are

using rum, after draining, either discard it or reserve it for another use.) Pat the pineapple

dry with paper towels, reserve 12 pieces, and roughly chop the remainder and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly butter the TOP of a 12-muffin pan. (This is to

ensure easy release of muffins after baking.) Place paper liners in the 12 muffin cups.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it is very

creamy. Gradually add the sugar and beat well, until the mixture turns light. Add the

eggs, one at a time, and beat until the mixture is well combined. On low speed, mix in the

sour cream, vanilla, and zest until completely combined. (Mixture will look curdled.)

Gently stir the flour mixture, pineapple, and coconut into the butter mixture, stirring only

until completely combined. (Batter will be thick.)

Using a 1/2-cup measure, measure a scant 1/2 cup batter into each paper liner. Top each

muffin with a reserved piece of pineapple. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the muffins

are puffed, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out

clean. Gently remove muffins from pan. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Lucy's Almost 2.

Say WHAT!?

Yep, the little peanut that I had almost two years ago in November - has yet ANOTHER birthday coming up.

(make it STOP!)

I've been throwing ideas around for her 2nd birthday party bash - whether or not we were actually going to have a party (because last year I vowed to only do the 1st, 5th, 10th, 13th, 16th, etc bashes) BUT now that it's getting closer to her big day - I can't possibly skip her 2nd birthday! No way! What was I thinking?

So, as for ideas and themes - I was thinking a "Balloon Birthday Bash" since my crazy girl is an absolute NUT about balloons!

I stumbled across THIS cake today while blog-stalking.

Adorableness!

For more ideas go to the original post here.

Wordless Wednesday - Back to School

Adorable!

Have a little neice, friends kid or daughter going back to school this week or next?

Look at what I found for YOU to give to HER!

CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE!!

And the best part? They are on Sale! Check them out at Jcrew.com by clicking HERE.

Breakfast Tart

I think I have a man at home that would devour this heavenly goodness:

I've discovered a new website dedicated to the finer things in life. You can visit The Jewels of NY here. You won't be sorry.

Yum, I want that breakfast tart RIGHT NOW.

Recipe includes:

Spring Breakfast Tart
serves 2

1 sheet puff pastry dough
1 strip of bacon, cut in lardons (optional)
3 asparagus spears
1 teaspoon oilve oil
1/4 cup creme fraiche
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons gruyere, grated
2 eggs
salt and pepper to taste
egg wash
*arugula flowers

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Thaw the puff pastry dough according to the package instructions.
Place asparagus spears on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season wih salt and pepper. Scatter lardons on another baking pan and bake both asparagus and bacon for 10 minutes.
Place the thawed puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into approximately 6 1/4-by-9 1/2-inch rectangle. Place the dough on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a paring knife, score a border 1/2 inch in from the edge of the dough. Using a fork, prick the center of the dough and brush the border with the egg wash. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Par-bake pastry dough for 8 minutes, using a fork to prick any air pockets.
In a small bowl stir together creme fraiche and thyme. Salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the creme fraiche mixture evenly on the center of the pastry dough, keeping the border clean. Sprinkle with gruyere cheese and then scatter the lardons. Crack the eggs onto the tart, spacing them 2 inches apart and then place the roasted asparagus spears. Bake until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still soft, about 10 minutes.
Garnish with arugula flowers and serve immediately.

Leg Warmers - Must Haves For My Winter

I am getting leg warmers this fall if it kills me.

How stinkin' CUTE are these ones I found on Etsy?

I need them. How cute would they look with leggings?

You can check out the rest of the items on her page here.

Wordless Wednesday

Arizona Monsoon

Photo Courtesy of Azcentral.com

Mother Nature, thanks for the rain last night!

More about wordless Wednesday here.

Need To Wake Up?

Is your child waking up at 5 a.m. (like mine), have a hangover or just LOVE your coffee like me?

I picked up VIA ready-brew ICED coffee at my local starbucks and OOOOOOOOOHHHH my GOD! Instant WAKE UP.

Beats my office coffee. Thank GOD.

Enjoy! Happy Thursday my fellow coffee drinkers!

Book Page Canvas

I'm in LOVE with this idea from Little Birdie Secrets.

Except, I think I'll do sheet music for Wade's "office" (a.k.a. our computer room and Lucy's drawing room) It needs alittle womanly touch.

Check out her tutorial here.

New Daily Deal FOR BABIES!

I'm addicted to woot.com, dailydeals.com and NOW: BabySteals.com. A deal a day. AWESOME!

Check it out here: Baby Steals

Todays deal:

Save Food From The Fridge

Probably the coolest thing I've ever seen. EVER.

For all you science nerds, wood lovers, and modernists…check out the “Save Food From The Fridge” by Jihyun Ryou.

Confetti Yogurt Pops

Doesn't that look delicious!

And it's HEALTHY! I know my Lucy Lu will love this!

Recipe:
cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 cup assorted berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, chopped strawberries)
5 pretzel rods, halved, or 10 baked snack stick crackers

Directions:

1. In a large bowl gently stir together the yogurt and fruit. Spoon into 4-ounce ice-pop molds or 3-ounce paper cups. Cover molds or cups with foil; use a sharp knife to cut a small hole in the foil and insert cut side of pretzel rod or snack stick. Freeze until firm. Remove foil and mold or cup before serving.

2. Store for up to a month. Makes 6 pops.
More Like This

Recipe and Photo courtesy of Parents.com

Charity

Another AWESOME find on Etsy.com

'Button of Hope'

***100% of the proceeds of this item will go directly to the American Cancer Society to help others battle and hopefully defeat cancer.********

So, look cute AND help a wonderful cause.

Go ahead, purchase one! I am!

Wordless Wednesday: Thunder & Lighting in Arizona

Will it actually storm today? Photo courtesy of here.



Want more Wordless Wednesday? Go here.

Another Fabulous Find On Etsy.

CUUUUTE!!!

y o r k t o w n . r o a daccessories . houseware hand-dyed linens . repurposed leathers

Shoedazzle (July)

Here's last months (this month, actually) purchase from Shoedazzle.com:

Do You Like Peach? Do You Like Mango?

My new addiction:

Yep, Crystal Light + Metabolism (since I'm old and my metabolism is non-existent) Peach Mango Green Tea GOODNESS.

You have to try this out - Not only is it good, it gives you the "pep" of coffee (which I'm trying to give up) - which is what I've been longing for in a drink OTHER THAN my other addiction: Coffee.

I now have a pack of these in my purse, in my desk drawer and at home. You can find them at any grocery store for $1.88. Sweet!

Enjoy! Happy Friday!

Simple.

$14.00

I've been eyeing this love necklace for the past week and I think I need to have it. Now.

$25.00

These designs are simple. elegant. beautiful. DECENT priced!

Check out The Mustard Seed Co here. You won't be sorry.

I'm Having A Craving

For this:

Watermelon Agua Fresca

(did you know: Agua Fresca means "fresh water")

Recipe includes:

2 cups cubed and de-seeded chilled watermelon
1/2 cup chilled water
1 1/2 tbsp sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of watermelon)
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Blend the above ingredients for 8-10 secs. If you want a smooth drink, strain. Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.

photo and recipe provided by sailusfood.com - THANK YOU. Looks SO refreshing. YUM.

Total Solar Eclipse

AMAZING photos from the Eclipse across the southern Pacific Ocean on Sunday.

Check the rest of them out HERE.

Imagination Avenue in Scottsdale

I recently found this "gem" while being a newbie on Scottsdale Mom n Kids and I must try this out this weekend with my little (bored) Lucy.

Arizona summers is like Minnesota in the winter. You are stuck inside, bored with a toddler. NO fun.

Check out their website here for 5 hours of fun INSIDE.

It's Hot

I would like to be here...it looks cool, quiet and peaceful. It's 7:50 a.m. in Phoenix and it's already 95 degerees with about 60% humidity.

Stay cool Phoenix and Happy Friday.

Not-So-Wordless-Wednesday

This is due to my lack of posting lately. .....

I MUST have this shirt:

To shop the rest of their listings, go here to IslaNewYork.

Adorable! Sigh.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, at this time, I'll be on a plane with this little tiny dancer:

Now, this could either go realllly well (she has a thing with people and making them smile and laugh til they want to cry) or it would go really horrible (she has a thing with being a toddler and a terror when she's tired)

If the latter happens, it will all be worth it to see my mom, sisters and my dad (and everyone else in between)

I am so beyond excitement I may burst. Its been almost TWO years since I've been home. My home. In Minnesota. (Yes, I still call it home even though I've lived in the desert for almost 10 years - wow, scary).

I'm a lucky person to have such an amazing family AND extended family. I thank God everyday for that.

Minnnneeeee here I come!

Wish us luck!

Quotes By Me

I know I was raised right when I hear myself typing out these words of advice:

Other: "My life is not fun"

me: "well - do you think your mom and dad had a fun life with all you kids? probably not - you need to remember who we are living for"

me: "That pretty little girl that giggles uncontrollably at your tickles - remember that when you think you're bored"

me: "you have accomplished a lot in that day after she goes to bed"

My parents raised me well and now I can pass that onto my precious angel, Lucy.

I love my job as a Mom.

Wordless Wednesday

{I'll be HERE in a WEEK!}

(Photo courtesy of http://picsdigger.com/domain/eivia.com/)

Mornings Like This

My daughter, Lucy likes to wake up with the birds at 6 a.m. almost every morning. I don't know where she got that habit from because her Dad and I are sleepers. Probably from MY DAD who always awoke at 4 a.m. - Which I never understood. Crazy people.

This morning, Lucy decided to sleep in until 6:35 a.m. - which gave Mom (me) time to get showered, blow dry my hair, make up on AND dressed before I even had to wake Wade or her up.



I love mornings like this. Especially when they are on a Friday.



(I will keep out of this story that she was up crying bloody murder from 11p.m. to midnight)



Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend!

Recipe Fix: Mediterranean Wrap

How good does ^ look? YUM!

Ingredients Include:

1/2 cup(s) water
1/3 cup(s) couscous, preferably whole-wheat
1 cup(s) chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup(s) chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup(s) lemon juice
3 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoon(s) minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
1 pound(s) chicken tenders
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup(s) chopped cucumber
4 10-inch spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps or tortillas

Directions
Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in couscous and remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Set aside.

Meanwhile, combine parsley, mint, lemon juice, oil, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Toss chicken tenders in a medium bowl with 1 tablespoon of the parsley mixture and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Place the tenders in a large nonstick skillet and cook over medium heat until cooked though, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a clean cutting board. Cut into bite-size pieces when cool enough to handle.

Stir the remaining parsley mixture into the couscous along with tomato and cucumber.

To assemble wraps, spread about 3/4 cup of the couscous mixture onto each wrap. Divide the chicken among the wraps. Roll the wraps up like a burrito, tucking in the sides to hold the ingredients in. Serve cut in half.

YUM & Healthy!

Nutritional Value:

Calories
479
Total Fat
17g
Saturated Fat
3g
Cholesterol
67mg
Sodium
653mg
Total Carbohydrate
49g
Dietary Fiber
5g
Sugars
--
Protein
34g
Calcium
--

Info courtesy of delish.com (msn.com)

Oh My Heavenly Goodness - Ice Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

Picky Palate posted the most amazing sounding recipe this morning - Ice Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies - DELISSSHHHH!!!

You can check out the recipe (and TONS of amazing pictures) HERE.





Ice Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies



2 sticks softened butter
1 Cup granulated sugar
3/4 Cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 Tablespoons pure vanilla
Heaping 1/2 Cup vanilla ice cream (frozen from container)
4 Cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 bag chocolate chips
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add in eggs and vanilla until well combined. Add in ice cream until combined.
2. Place flour, baking soda and salt into a large bowl; mix. Add to wet ingredients along with the chocolate chips; mix until just combined. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop dough onto a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until cookies are cooked through. Let cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve with a marashino cherry on top
3-4 dozen cookies