Okay, if I find a good sale, I am the first person to run and tell everyone. And this outlet sale with thirty-one is no exception! My readers know what a fanatic I am for this stuff, so why wouldn't I pass these awesome deals along??!
Until the new years, Thirty-One is offering discontinued prints and items from past catalogs at SUPER CHEAP prices..I'm talking 50% is the LEAST you'll get off on stuff! No need to go through anyone else..its just an online store, and you're doing the online shopping! Easy-peasy :)
Check it out! http://www.thirtyoneoutlet.com/?cid=96828
Daniel, Kiah, Tiffany
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Discontinued prints :(
In September, I became a Thirty-One consultant and I honestly cannot say enough good things about this company. I LOVE their products and I LOVE my job! I get so excited to share the awesome deals this company offers :)
I'm soooo sad about the prints they're about to discontinue, but I am CONFIDENT that it's only because they have something better! I am going to post pictures of prints that you will no longer be able to find after January 31st, 2012. Keep in mind that its not the PRODUCT they're getting rid of necessarily, but the PRINT. And there are actually more prints moving out, and products that WILL be discontinued..these are just some of MY personal favorites! If you'd like to see the whole list of discontinued items, email me at tiffany.keaton@yahoo.com and I'll email you the list! To stock up on YOUR favorites, you can order by debit or credit card at www.mythirtyone.com/TiffanyKeaton OR shoot me an email and we can set up payment and I'll take care of the rest for you! :)
As you can see, these are great prints and surely you can understand why I plan on stocking up on them! I hope you do too! :)
I'm soooo sad about the prints they're about to discontinue, but I am CONFIDENT that it's only because they have something better! I am going to post pictures of prints that you will no longer be able to find after January 31st, 2012. Keep in mind that its not the PRODUCT they're getting rid of necessarily, but the PRINT. And there are actually more prints moving out, and products that WILL be discontinued..these are just some of MY personal favorites! If you'd like to see the whole list of discontinued items, email me at tiffany.keaton@yahoo.com and I'll email you the list! To stock up on YOUR favorites, you can order by debit or credit card at www.mythirtyone.com/TiffanyKeaton OR shoot me an email and we can set up payment and I'll take care of the rest for you! :)
As you can see, these are great prints and surely you can understand why I plan on stocking up on them! I hope you do too! :) Butter Pecan Cake Recipe
I know, I know..after my blog this week about weight loss and how to reach your goal, I'm giving more recipes. BUT, with Christmas coming up this weekend, I have a simple, delicious recipe for your dessert. It's been a hit everytime I've fixed it!
Betty Crocker Butter Pecan cake mix
coconut pecan icing
bundt cake pan
eggs
vegetable oil
water
Mix cake mix, the amount of eggs, vegetable oil and water that is called for on the back of the cake box in a bowl. Add icing and mix on low for 2 minutes. pour batter into bundt cake pan and cook on 350* for approximately 45 minutes. Check to see if its done by using a toothpick and see if it comes out clean..or press the cake gently--if it bounces back, it's done..if it leaves an indention, leave in a bit longer.
The icing as part of your batter makes this cake VERY moist and delicious! Even people that do not like coconut have enjoyed this cake!
Betty Crocker Butter Pecan cake mix
coconut pecan icing
bundt cake pan
eggs
vegetable oil
water
Mix cake mix, the amount of eggs, vegetable oil and water that is called for on the back of the cake box in a bowl. Add icing and mix on low for 2 minutes. pour batter into bundt cake pan and cook on 350* for approximately 45 minutes. Check to see if its done by using a toothpick and see if it comes out clean..or press the cake gently--if it bounces back, it's done..if it leaves an indention, leave in a bit longer.
The icing as part of your batter makes this cake VERY moist and delicious! Even people that do not like coconut have enjoyed this cake!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Growing up, there were two things about myself that I didn't like to discuss. My metabolic disorder (PKU) and my crooked pinkies. They made me different and I certainly didn't like it. However, as my relationship with the Lord has strengthened over the years, I have learned to be content with who God made me to be. My crooked pinkies I now consider cute and when Kiah inherited them at birth, it was the most precious thing I had ever seen. PKU is just part of who I am and I've become very grateful that God put me with parents that cared enough about me to manage this very special diet.
Since every baby is tested for PKU at birth by pricking the heel, I feel like it's definitely worthy to tell people what it is, and should your baby test positive for it, it's not the worst thing in the world--although I definitely thought differently at times.
Protein is made up of 21 amino acids. One of those amino acids are called Phenylalinine (or Phe for short). When protein is digested, Phe is broken down by an enzyme that converts it into something healthy--called Tyrosine. If Phe is not broken down, it builds up in the body and causes brain damage. Babies who test positive for PKU are missing the enzyme that breaks Phe down to Tyrosine. So to avoid this Phe build-up and eventual brain damage, protein has to be avoided altogether. This means no meat, no dairy, no breads, no pastas, etc. Basically, leaving fruits and vegetables. To obtain the other 20 amino acids needed for normal growth and development, a formula is prescribed from birth. It's a protein supplement, essentially.
As you can imagine, school was difficult growing up. Lunch time, in particular. My peer pressure wasn't so much placed on me by my friends..but pressure from myself in not wanting to appear different. When other people my age were tempted by alcohol and partying..my temptation was pizza, peanut butter, and big macs. I definitely messed up a lot but was quickly disciplined for it. My brain depended on it.
Today's blog won't reach or appeal to many people. PKU is rare, but it does happen. However, in this county alone, there are 5 people who have this..and if you live in this small town, you know that this number is high! If you're pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, this is worth knowing about--just in case. To find out more, you can check out these sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylketonuria OR http://www.pku.com/
Since every baby is tested for PKU at birth by pricking the heel, I feel like it's definitely worthy to tell people what it is, and should your baby test positive for it, it's not the worst thing in the world--although I definitely thought differently at times.
Protein is made up of 21 amino acids. One of those amino acids are called Phenylalinine (or Phe for short). When protein is digested, Phe is broken down by an enzyme that converts it into something healthy--called Tyrosine. If Phe is not broken down, it builds up in the body and causes brain damage. Babies who test positive for PKU are missing the enzyme that breaks Phe down to Tyrosine. So to avoid this Phe build-up and eventual brain damage, protein has to be avoided altogether. This means no meat, no dairy, no breads, no pastas, etc. Basically, leaving fruits and vegetables. To obtain the other 20 amino acids needed for normal growth and development, a formula is prescribed from birth. It's a protein supplement, essentially.
As you can imagine, school was difficult growing up. Lunch time, in particular. My peer pressure wasn't so much placed on me by my friends..but pressure from myself in not wanting to appear different. When other people my age were tempted by alcohol and partying..my temptation was pizza, peanut butter, and big macs. I definitely messed up a lot but was quickly disciplined for it. My brain depended on it.
Today's blog won't reach or appeal to many people. PKU is rare, but it does happen. However, in this county alone, there are 5 people who have this..and if you live in this small town, you know that this number is high! If you're pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, this is worth knowing about--just in case. To find out more, you can check out these sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylketonuria OR http://www.pku.com/
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Eating to a Healthier You!
Weight is a touchy subject with me. I've always been thicker than my other friends, but pregnancy--while i LOVED that special bond with Kiah--really put the pounds on me. Ignorantly I believed that once the baby was born, the weight just fell off too. It SO did not happen like that..and when I saw 2 years later that I still weighed the same as I did when I was 9 months pregnant..I knew something had to be done. Originally, I started going to the gym with a friend and I'd use the elliptical. We would tend to get competitive and didn't want to be the first one to stop so we'd quickly go 2 to 3 miles before we knew it. I also started counting my calories in my head. I tried to stay under 500 calories per meal and only 1 soda a day. I lost 25 pounds this way. Then I got stuck...for a long time. I knew I'd have to switch something up, so I started attending weight watchers with my pastor's wife and their daughter. LOVED it. Weigh-ins on Saturday mornings gave me something to work towards and with Saturday's being date night for Daniel and I, it was also a day I was a little more lax and "splurged" with Mexican for supper, and 2 sodas that day! I SO LOVED SATURDAYS!
A total of 40 pounds lighter now than I was then (Originally lost 45 lbs, but 5 lbs have crept(?) creeped(?) back in the last couple of years) ... I now have several tips to share. I still have a long way to go to get to my ideal weight, so this is as much for me as it is for my friends who want to lose a few pounds.
**Serving sizes are EVERYTHING! Take the time to measure your food!
*Invest in snack size ziplock bags. Bag portion sizes. For example..if you love Doritos and don't want to give them up..12 chips equal 150(?) calories. (If you know how to convert to points, feel free to..i did with weight watchers, but even just counting your calories makes a huge difference) Bag 12 chips, and write the calories on the ziplock bag. When you absentmindedly want to snack while watching tv, grab a baggie. You won't overeat this way!
*When in a restaurant, portion sizes are usually HUGE. Mentally split everything on your plate in half. Eat half and pause. Focus on how your stomach feels. Are you comfortably full? You don't want to wait until you feel like you're about to bust to stop..that's overeating! Still hungry? Eat a little more.
*Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes after you're done eating to feel the full effect of what you just ate. The slower you eat, the quicker you notice you feel full. You can always get a to-go box so your money isn't wasted!
**Make smarter snack choices! Thank the Lord I don't have a sweet tooth..this isn't something I struggled with, but I know a LOT of people who do. Raw veggies and fruit are my snack choices to begin with, but if you struggle...
*Take red grapes, a box of (preferably) sugar free jello (red raspberry or black cherry) and a ziplock bag. wash the grapes, add to baggie, sprinkle jello powder on top of grapes, shake baggie. Stick in freezer. Try them later...my friends with a sweet tooth say this is better than candy! I'm weird about textures so I don't like my grapes nearly frozen on the outside like they do..but they do taste good really cold!
*Opt for fat free or reduced fat dressings. Ranch dressing is INSANELY high in points through weight watchers, but italian dressing is 0 points!
*Like pizza? At 4 points a slice, it's definitely a splurge food. I make mine this way, at only 1 point a piece:
Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits (10 pack can) NOT GRANDS, OR FLAKY LAYERS
Ragu Pizza Sauce
Banana Peppers
Jalepeno Peppers
Onion
Green Peppers
Mushroom slices
(You can delete any of those you don't like, with the same 1 point value)
Flatten biscuits with your palm..pinching the edges to make the "crust"
Top with pizza sauce and your favorite veggie toppings.
Cook 8-10 minutes.
If you add cheese or anything like that, of course it would be more points. (3 pizzas=150 calories)
*As a caffeine and coca-cola addict, I am the FIRST person that recognizes diet drinks and artificial sweetners. YUCK. HOWEVER...if you make Kool-Aid and replace regular sugar with Splenda sugar..you absolutely can BARELY if AT ALL tell the difference! Drinking this is ZERO calories! Think of how many calories that leaves for your food!!! this is HONESTLY the only reason I drink anything besides sodas!
*Invest in the small 12 oz. bottles of soda if you have to have them instead of the cans. If you're like me, you feel like you have to drink the whole can while it's open and cold. My opinion is, if you stick them back in the fridge, even for just a few hours, they ARE NOT as good as when you first open them! With the bottle, you can sip on it all day--making it last! Just drink it with your meals. When you're done eating, put it back in the fridge instead of finishing the rest off. You'll be able to have it with your next meal! (As you can see, this is my biggest weakness, so I've learned all the tricks to keep soda in my diet! haha!)
And most importantly, don't deprive yourself! If this feels like a diet to you, that's exactly what it'll be and you'll gain it back! Be realistic, make it a lifestyle. Have one "splurge" day a week..don't make your whole week of hard work a waste, but enjoy it in moderation! It gives you something to look forward to all week, and it's a reward! Life's too short not to enjoy it! If you want dessert with supper, set the calories aside for it...work it in there! That's why I still get my sodas! Start off logging EVERYTHING you eat (when i stopped logging, I gained the 5 lbs back..I need to be accountable!)..you'd be surprised how many little things you just pop into your mouth while passing through the kitchen without realizing it! I was SHOCKED when I first did this!
If you need help with tracking your calories and keeping count, there's a free website called myfitnesspal.com ... sign up..based on how much you weigh, what your goal weight is, and how many pounds you'd like to lose each week you are given a calorie-intake recommendation. Mine is 1200 calories..and as you exercise, you get calories added back to what you can take in that day! If you sign up, add me... tiffanykeaton is my username :)
P.S. I got feedback on the Chick-fil-A nugget recipe I added a few posts ago.. I was told that it didn't take like Chick-fil-A chicken, but it was definitely good and easy to make! Thanks Rhonda!
A total of 40 pounds lighter now than I was then (Originally lost 45 lbs, but 5 lbs have crept(?) creeped(?) back in the last couple of years) ... I now have several tips to share. I still have a long way to go to get to my ideal weight, so this is as much for me as it is for my friends who want to lose a few pounds.
**Serving sizes are EVERYTHING! Take the time to measure your food!
*Invest in snack size ziplock bags. Bag portion sizes. For example..if you love Doritos and don't want to give them up..12 chips equal 150(?) calories. (If you know how to convert to points, feel free to..i did with weight watchers, but even just counting your calories makes a huge difference) Bag 12 chips, and write the calories on the ziplock bag. When you absentmindedly want to snack while watching tv, grab a baggie. You won't overeat this way!
*When in a restaurant, portion sizes are usually HUGE. Mentally split everything on your plate in half. Eat half and pause. Focus on how your stomach feels. Are you comfortably full? You don't want to wait until you feel like you're about to bust to stop..that's overeating! Still hungry? Eat a little more.
*Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes after you're done eating to feel the full effect of what you just ate. The slower you eat, the quicker you notice you feel full. You can always get a to-go box so your money isn't wasted!
**Make smarter snack choices! Thank the Lord I don't have a sweet tooth..this isn't something I struggled with, but I know a LOT of people who do. Raw veggies and fruit are my snack choices to begin with, but if you struggle...
*Take red grapes, a box of (preferably) sugar free jello (red raspberry or black cherry) and a ziplock bag. wash the grapes, add to baggie, sprinkle jello powder on top of grapes, shake baggie. Stick in freezer. Try them later...my friends with a sweet tooth say this is better than candy! I'm weird about textures so I don't like my grapes nearly frozen on the outside like they do..but they do taste good really cold!
*Opt for fat free or reduced fat dressings. Ranch dressing is INSANELY high in points through weight watchers, but italian dressing is 0 points!
*Like pizza? At 4 points a slice, it's definitely a splurge food. I make mine this way, at only 1 point a piece:
Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits (10 pack can) NOT GRANDS, OR FLAKY LAYERS
Ragu Pizza Sauce
Banana Peppers
Jalepeno Peppers
Onion
Green Peppers
Mushroom slices
(You can delete any of those you don't like, with the same 1 point value)
Flatten biscuits with your palm..pinching the edges to make the "crust"
Top with pizza sauce and your favorite veggie toppings.
Cook 8-10 minutes.
If you add cheese or anything like that, of course it would be more points. (3 pizzas=150 calories)
*As a caffeine and coca-cola addict, I am the FIRST person that recognizes diet drinks and artificial sweetners. YUCK. HOWEVER...if you make Kool-Aid and replace regular sugar with Splenda sugar..you absolutely can BARELY if AT ALL tell the difference! Drinking this is ZERO calories! Think of how many calories that leaves for your food!!! this is HONESTLY the only reason I drink anything besides sodas!
*Invest in the small 12 oz. bottles of soda if you have to have them instead of the cans. If you're like me, you feel like you have to drink the whole can while it's open and cold. My opinion is, if you stick them back in the fridge, even for just a few hours, they ARE NOT as good as when you first open them! With the bottle, you can sip on it all day--making it last! Just drink it with your meals. When you're done eating, put it back in the fridge instead of finishing the rest off. You'll be able to have it with your next meal! (As you can see, this is my biggest weakness, so I've learned all the tricks to keep soda in my diet! haha!)
And most importantly, don't deprive yourself! If this feels like a diet to you, that's exactly what it'll be and you'll gain it back! Be realistic, make it a lifestyle. Have one "splurge" day a week..don't make your whole week of hard work a waste, but enjoy it in moderation! It gives you something to look forward to all week, and it's a reward! Life's too short not to enjoy it! If you want dessert with supper, set the calories aside for it...work it in there! That's why I still get my sodas! Start off logging EVERYTHING you eat (when i stopped logging, I gained the 5 lbs back..I need to be accountable!)..you'd be surprised how many little things you just pop into your mouth while passing through the kitchen without realizing it! I was SHOCKED when I first did this!
If you need help with tracking your calories and keeping count, there's a free website called myfitnesspal.com ... sign up..based on how much you weigh, what your goal weight is, and how many pounds you'd like to lose each week you are given a calorie-intake recommendation. Mine is 1200 calories..and as you exercise, you get calories added back to what you can take in that day! If you sign up, add me... tiffanykeaton is my username :)
P.S. I got feedback on the Chick-fil-A nugget recipe I added a few posts ago.. I was told that it didn't take like Chick-fil-A chicken, but it was definitely good and easy to make! Thanks Rhonda!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
My favorite recipes
Okay, I figured since Daniel and I will be spending the next couple of days celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary and I wouldn't be posting, that I would go ahead and add a little more to today's entry. These are recipes that I use often. My momma is a terribly good cook and passed these on to me :)
Mexican Chicken
1-2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cans of Rotel tomatoes with Green Chiles
2 cans of Cream of Chicken
1 bag of Doritos, any flavor (I usually use the original Nacho Cheese flavor)
8 oz of shredded Mexican cheese
Preheat oven to 350*. Boil chicken on stove, until cooked all the way. Shred chicken and put in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Mix rotel tomatoes and cream of chicken in a seperate bowl, pour on top of chicken. Crush Doritos (I use 1/2 to 3/4 of the bag) and sprinkle on top. Stick in oven for 20-25 minutes (check on it at 20, don't want to burn the doritos)...sprinkle with cheese and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.
Potatoes in the Oven
Potatoes, peeled and cut into slices
1/2 Yellow or Sweet Onion
1/2 Green Bell Pepper
1 stick of "I can't believe it's not butter"
salt & pepper (or French Fry seasoning from Big Lots)
Preheat oven to 400*. Peel and cut enough potatoes to cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan (at least this much..I usually fix a little more, as these are my FAVORITE). Put onion and pepper strips on top and pour 1 stick of melted butter on top. Top off with salt and pepper or seasoning. Cook for 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender and fall apart when you put a fork in them.
Shredded Chicken (seasoned) with Tortilla Chips (great appetizer or snack)
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken
1 packet of Taco Seasoning
1 bag of Tortilla chips
Shredded cheese
Boil chicken until cooked. shred and put back in pot. Sprinkle with seasoning and add the water called for on the back of the seasoning packet. let heat for 5 minutes or until the water is almost completely gone. Put tortilla chips in a bowl, put the seasoned chicked on top and sprinkle with cheese. Let it sit until cheese is melted. Can just put the chicken and cheese in a seperate dish and use as a dip.
White Chicken Chili
1 jar of Great White Northern beans from Kroger (I find it on the bottom shelf in R.S.)
1 can of clear chicken broth
10 oz. can of pre-cooked white chicken chunks, undrained
2-3 packets McCormick White Chicken Chili seasoning packets (more packets lead to spicier chili)
Mix all of this in a pot, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to Medium-Low and let cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. SOOO EASY!
Hope you enjoy these! I seriously cook one of these every week. Never any complaints, and it fixes enough to have leftovers for a couple of days! ENJOY!
Tips/Tricks/DIY
I'm not officially a Pinterest addict, but I do find myself looking at it more and more every day. I promise not to make every post Pinterest-focused but I find these really neat tips and get excited to share them with those who either haven't heard of this site, or those who are stubborn and refuse to give in to the craze. You should probably just give in now..you will eventually :)
first and foremost, i LOVE this haircut :)
when you finish with your crib, use your crib mattress to make this little sitting/reading area! how pretty and conventional!
hehe, just liked this one :)
to keep the ice from freezing on your windshield: take a spray bottle and fill 3/4 of it with vinegar, 1/4 with water. spray the night before!
to keep the candle from sticking inside the votive holder, spray with canola spray first. easy!
got a water ring on your wood? who knew MAYO could do the trick?!
keep your brown sugar soft by adding marshmallows!
fill baggies with dawn and stick in freezer. perfect for icepacks for bumps and bruises!
need more counter-space in your bathroom?
first and foremost, i LOVE this haircut :)when you finish with your crib, use your crib mattress to make this little sitting/reading area! how pretty and conventional!hehe, just liked this one :)to keep the ice from freezing on your windshield: take a spray bottle and fill 3/4 of it with vinegar, 1/4 with water. spray the night before!to keep the candle from sticking inside the votive holder, spray with canola spray first. easy!got a water ring on your wood? who knew MAYO could do the trick?!keep your brown sugar soft by adding marshmallows!fill baggies with dawn and stick in freezer. perfect for icepacks for bumps and bruises!need more counter-space in your bathroom?More original than me and have your own ideas? Tell me about it!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Recipe
Chick-Fil-A is one of my favorite places to eat. Food is great, people are nice, and I love what they stand for! My daughter LOVES their nuggets, but since the closest Chick-fil-A is over an hour away, I am dying to fix the recipe I found for their nuggets! Lots of people who have tried it, commented below it and said that it was amazing! If you make them before I do, let me know your opinion on them!
2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour
2 TBSP powdered sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
peanut oil (is best) or canola oil
In a medium bowl whisk the egg and stir in the milk. Trim any fat away from chicken. Cube chicken into bite size pieces. Place chicken in milk mixture,and cover. Let it 'marinate' for 2-4 hours in the fridge. This will make the chicken very nice and tender. In a gallon size resealable baggie combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and pepper. Seal and shake to combine. Place about 2 inches of oil in a medium deep pot. Over medium high heat (more towards the high side) heat oil until hot. If using a thermometer let the temperature reach 375°. If you don't have a fancy gadget like most people, I always test my oil by dropping a few drops of water into it. You want it to sizzle and not pop too much. Adjust your heat if necessary. Using a fork or tongs remove cut chicken from milk mixture and place in the flour mixture. Seal and shake until nuggets are completely coated. Place about a 6-8 nuggets into hot oil and let them cook until golden brown, turning half way through once the edge of your chicken starts to turn white. About 1 minute each side. Always double check to see if any chicken you make is cooked through. I always just make a tiny cut to see if it's pink. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Repeat until all nuggets are cooked. Serve with your favorite sauce! I will let you in on a secret that only my bestest friends know...I ALWAYS eat my nuggets with honey! Always.
2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour
2 TBSP powdered sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
peanut oil (is best) or canola oil
In a medium bowl whisk the egg and stir in the milk. Trim any fat away from chicken. Cube chicken into bite size pieces. Place chicken in milk mixture,and cover. Let it 'marinate' for 2-4 hours in the fridge. This will make the chicken very nice and tender. In a gallon size resealable baggie combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and pepper. Seal and shake to combine. Place about 2 inches of oil in a medium deep pot. Over medium high heat (more towards the high side) heat oil until hot. If using a thermometer let the temperature reach 375°. If you don't have a fancy gadget like most people, I always test my oil by dropping a few drops of water into it. You want it to sizzle and not pop too much. Adjust your heat if necessary. Using a fork or tongs remove cut chicken from milk mixture and place in the flour mixture. Seal and shake until nuggets are completely coated. Place about a 6-8 nuggets into hot oil and let them cook until golden brown, turning half way through once the edge of your chicken starts to turn white. About 1 minute each side. Always double check to see if any chicken you make is cooked through. I always just make a tiny cut to see if it's pink. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Repeat until all nuggets are cooked. Serve with your favorite sauce! I will let you in on a secret that only my bestest friends know...I ALWAYS eat my nuggets with honey! Always.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
HoneyBee
I've told myself that I wouldn't blog more than once a day. I don't want to exhaust readers. However, I noticed when I made this blog, I had my full name as my display name. As I get older and have a daughter of my own, I recognize the lack of safety on the internet. As a former myspace addict, current facebook addict, and repented survey questionnaire queen...this is a giant step in maturity.
I have since changed my display to something not to be mistaken as a sickening pet name between my husband and I :) My grandpa, Herlen Lawless, and I were very, very close in my first 17 years of life. He passed away my senior year of high school from lung cancer. He was my best friend, my confidant. I don't know if anyone could ever understand our relationship, to be honest. I chose to spend the night with him and my grandma over going to friends house, to games, to parties. We called each other several times a day. We watched the original 60's Nick-at-Nite sitcom "Get Smart." Other than my husband, he is without a doubt, the greatest man I've ever known. I remember when he and my grandma were having a cabin built next to the river on the other side of Wolf Creek Dam. The workers building the cabin were cursing around my grandma. Papa told them if they used that language around Mema again, he'd fire every last one of them. And when they did, he kept his word- fired them all, and got new workers. I vowed that I would marry the boy who would do the same for me someday. And I did.
HoneyBee was Papa's nickname for me. When I was in the hospital following a serious car accident in 2006, 2 wonderful friends got me a carebear with a honey bee on its chest because they know how very special this man will always be to me. This nickname is my favorite. And while I promised to keep this blog light-hearted and fun, I just wanted to share the story behind HoneyBee. God bless.
I have since changed my display to something not to be mistaken as a sickening pet name between my husband and I :) My grandpa, Herlen Lawless, and I were very, very close in my first 17 years of life. He passed away my senior year of high school from lung cancer. He was my best friend, my confidant. I don't know if anyone could ever understand our relationship, to be honest. I chose to spend the night with him and my grandma over going to friends house, to games, to parties. We called each other several times a day. We watched the original 60's Nick-at-Nite sitcom "Get Smart." Other than my husband, he is without a doubt, the greatest man I've ever known. I remember when he and my grandma were having a cabin built next to the river on the other side of Wolf Creek Dam. The workers building the cabin were cursing around my grandma. Papa told them if they used that language around Mema again, he'd fire every last one of them. And when they did, he kept his word- fired them all, and got new workers. I vowed that I would marry the boy who would do the same for me someday. And I did.
HoneyBee was Papa's nickname for me. When I was in the hospital following a serious car accident in 2006, 2 wonderful friends got me a carebear with a honey bee on its chest because they know how very special this man will always be to me. This nickname is my favorite. And while I promised to keep this blog light-hearted and fun, I just wanted to share the story behind HoneyBee. God bless.
Here's some things I've pinned on my "corkboard" on Pinterest. I know not everyone is a part of this site, but maybe when you see some of these awesome, cheap, alternative ideas, you'll jump on the bandwagon. If you do, add me!
Use Pringle can and craft paper to make a cookie can!
Oil drip pan as a magnet board for toddlers! CHEAP!
Made out of cereal boxes taped together. Awesome desk organization!
letter from a craft store, wrap in garland and lights
Finished with your bread? Use these to label your cords!
Kleenex box stores grocery bags!
Use Pringle can and craft paper to make a cookie can! Oil drip pan as a magnet board for toddlers! CHEAP! Made out of cereal boxes taped together. Awesome desk organization!letter from a craft store, wrap in garland and lights Finished with your bread? Use these to label your cords! Kleenex box stores grocery bags!Hope you got some good ideas! I'm currently trying to go through a can of pringles, cereal, and a box of kleenex!
Monday, December 5, 2011
My favorite things!
As a married mom, I've decided to use this blog in a different way than my old livejournal account. It was very personal, in-depth, and bared a lot more than one should on the world wide web. This blog is going to be much more light-hearted and geared more towards beauty, health, fitness, crafts, organization, and mommy-hood. Feel free to comment and share anything, as long as it's on-topic :)
So, on to my favorites:
*Thirty-One gifts! I LOVE purses, wallets, and bags to help me stay organized! Thirty-One provides all of this! My current favorites in this seasons catalog are the: Large Utility Tote (great to carry groceries in, use as a mobile toy box, and to use as a laundry hamper when pulling things out of the dryer!) Also love the Skirt Purse. As OBSESSED with purses as I am, I love how this comes with leather detail, and you can change the look of the purse by simply changing the skirt! Its like having a new purse every time you change the skirt! And one last shoutout to the Organizing Wallet! Lots and lots of room for cash, cards, change, etc. And it comes with a detachable strap to wear across the body-great for shopping! Check out their online catalog at www.mythirtyone.com/TiffanyKeaton . You can even place your own order there by credit or debit card! They're always running great deals!
*Biggest Loser workout DVDs! You've seen it work on the show; this brings the same workouts to your living room! Plus, you have REAL people showing you the workout, not some size 0 model that makes my goals seem unattainable!
*Weight Watchers! I had lots of success with weight watchers and their point system! however, it got pricey, so I started using MYFITNESSPAL.com as an alternative. I don't lose quite as quickly or as consistently as weight watchers, but it still has good results!
*Facebook. I just can't get into the twitter craze. I'm a wordy girl, and those limited statuses are NOT for me!
*Imdb.com- Check out a movie before you watch it. Typically used for parents who want to monitor what their kids watch (forewarns of sex/nudity, violence, language etc) but Daniel and I use this for our own morality in movie choices.
*Starcasm.net- For someone who loves to read magazines, but refuses to pay the prices for them..I love this site! Online magazine at its best :)
*Oil of Olay foundation (the one Ellen endorses) KNOCKOFF! - I loooved the Oil of Olay version of foundation (round compact with foundation, white swirls). Goes on smooth, it's lightweight, and almost $15! After a bit of aisle searching in Walmart and Kmart both, Maybelline has the exact same thing for nearly half the price! Even looks similar with its round compact look.
*Pinterest.com--wishing I was crafty, but recognize that I am not..this site offers great recipes, craft ideas, organization tips, diy decor, etc.
If you use or like any of the things above, tell me about it!! :)
So, on to my favorites:
*Thirty-One gifts! I LOVE purses, wallets, and bags to help me stay organized! Thirty-One provides all of this! My current favorites in this seasons catalog are the: Large Utility Tote (great to carry groceries in, use as a mobile toy box, and to use as a laundry hamper when pulling things out of the dryer!) Also love the Skirt Purse. As OBSESSED with purses as I am, I love how this comes with leather detail, and you can change the look of the purse by simply changing the skirt! Its like having a new purse every time you change the skirt! And one last shoutout to the Organizing Wallet! Lots and lots of room for cash, cards, change, etc. And it comes with a detachable strap to wear across the body-great for shopping! Check out their online catalog at www.mythirtyone.com/TiffanyKeaton . You can even place your own order there by credit or debit card! They're always running great deals!
*Biggest Loser workout DVDs! You've seen it work on the show; this brings the same workouts to your living room! Plus, you have REAL people showing you the workout, not some size 0 model that makes my goals seem unattainable!
*Weight Watchers! I had lots of success with weight watchers and their point system! however, it got pricey, so I started using MYFITNESSPAL.com as an alternative. I don't lose quite as quickly or as consistently as weight watchers, but it still has good results!
*Facebook. I just can't get into the twitter craze. I'm a wordy girl, and those limited statuses are NOT for me!
*Imdb.com- Check out a movie before you watch it. Typically used for parents who want to monitor what their kids watch (forewarns of sex/nudity, violence, language etc) but Daniel and I use this for our own morality in movie choices.
*Starcasm.net- For someone who loves to read magazines, but refuses to pay the prices for them..I love this site! Online magazine at its best :)
*Oil of Olay foundation (the one Ellen endorses) KNOCKOFF! - I loooved the Oil of Olay version of foundation (round compact with foundation, white swirls). Goes on smooth, it's lightweight, and almost $15! After a bit of aisle searching in Walmart and Kmart both, Maybelline has the exact same thing for nearly half the price! Even looks similar with its round compact look.
*Pinterest.com--wishing I was crafty, but recognize that I am not..this site offers great recipes, craft ideas, organization tips, diy decor, etc.
If you use or like any of the things above, tell me about it!! :)
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