Bolt From the Blu

Cotton Candy Go-gurt

2012-01-18T13:21:00.001-08:00

They say blogs are dead. Mine's not dead, maybe sleeping. Bought these on accident. Soooo good. I don't love yogurt, it's ok sometimes. But, this stuff is yummy! (Found at Macy's)

Rosy Cheeks

2012-01-11T21:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I lost my passion to post there for a little while (ok, long while), but my passion has been re-ignited by a chubby little bumpkin. My baby girl is 4 months old and Santa Claus brought her one of these and it is just the sweetest little doll, worth every penny.

Kodak Playsport / Wusthof Paring Knife

2011-06-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is what PBTB's getting for Father's Day. Arrived yesterday, not a minute too soon.

Oh, and this....he wanted some "good" kitchen knives, which turned into knife. Forged knives are expensive! We'll be making any plural form of them, no more buying.

French Terry Knicker

2011-06-17T11:29:00.001-07:00

I like these so much I bought 2 pair (different colors, of course). Great addition to my (now very pregnant) Mommy uniform.

Logan

2011-06-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

My nephew has ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). I'm campaigning to get some letters/encouraging items to him to cheer him up through his upcoming bone marrow transplant. Please Help. Read about Logan here. My e-mail phoebeab@msn.com.

Swim Kids

2011-06-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

I needed actual swim lessons for the kids, you know, not just playtime. PERFECT. Half way through it and awesome results. Swim Kids. Not cheap, however.

The Peanut Butter Solution

2011-05-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

I must be the only one to have watched this movie. I've been trying to figure out the title for my entire adult life. When I asked people if they remembered a movie about hair growing out of control, I got weird looks. I was a little haunted by it, remembering it being 'scary'....oh, our perceptions as kids :)
PS, my guru brother figured out the title from the most vague description ever in about 10 seconds.

Slow News Day

2011-05-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

If you want to check out what I've been knitting, hook up with me on Ravelry, under the name Prinsessp (no typo, with an "s").

Mold Muse

2011-05-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun making cabochons for jewelry this Mother's Day. These silicone molds are awesome.

Motherhood Matters

2011-05-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

LOVING everything about this campaign.

Currently Naartjie

2011-04-26T09:40:00.001-07:00

I don't always love Naartjie, especially not for my boys. But, I'm really not impressed with too much else out there right now. I am really liking a few items, especially if they're on sale. I don't pay full price at their prices.

Everywhere has these bubble shorts, but I love them (especially with tights underneath). And even more so now that I can buy girl things.

And even a few things for my boys.

Phoebe's Revolt

2011-04-23T08:57:00.001-07:00

My aunt Carma gave this to me when I was a little girl. I just came across it the other day. I can be stubborn just like the girl in the book, however I would have never argued with ribbons and bows when I was a kid. One of the greatest things about having children is discovering their little personalities....can't wait to see what my baby girl will be like.

Food Coloring Paste/Gel

2011-04-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

I was informed by "W"s pre-school teacher that gel/paste food color is the best to use for easter egg dyeing if you want those vibrant colors. We used these and they turned out beautifully and I really like that you don't get a smudge spot where the dye rubs off on the bottom when you sit it out to dry. The pinks wouldn't dissolve in the water/vinegar for some reason, hence our spotty egg.

Smaka Cheese Slicer

2011-04-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of cheese slicers. One problem, most of them are poor quality. I've bought expensive slicers and believe me, no matter what the cost, if they're 2 pieces (wooden handle), they will eventually break. So I snatched this one up at IKEA. It's great and cuts thick slices. They also make my favorite grater.

MCP Premium Fruit Pectin

2011-04-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

All pectin is not created equal. Don't waste your time with other brands. I promise if you use MCP, you will never use anything else again for freezer jam. Just one hitch...it's almost impossible to find. Amazon was sold out, but is carrying it again now. The only local place that I have found is Winco for an amazing $1.98 a box, enjoy!

Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)

2011-03-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

My mom used to make this dish a lot when I was a kid. I made it the other day....yumm...with this recipe. Except the sauce. I used this (GRÄDDSÅS). (Oh, and no onion and I just used ground beef, do you get the idea I don't like onions? That's because I don't) Served over jasmine rice cooked in the rice cooker. Also commonly served with noodles, mashed potatoes and/or a side of lingon berries.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

2011-03-08T07:45:00.001-08:00

If you are interested in being self-reliant....you should read this book. If you're not interested in being self-reliant, but you think gas prices are too high...you should read this book. A gift from my Mother :)

ON Slouchy Canvas Sneakers

2011-02-23T13:29:00.000-08:00

My birthday's coming up. I want some of these in every color. (so cute in person, and that is red, not pink)

Deruyter Chocoadehagel Puur

2011-02-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

I went to an island named Curacao (part of the Dutch Caribbean) when I was a kid, maybe 8 or 10. My parents went there for a swim clinic (my dad was a triathlete). Mostly what I remember are packs of wild dogs, almost getting drowned, Papiamento (the language, mix of spanish, english, & dutch), but I also remember hagel puur (bread (not toast), butter, choc sprinkles). Apparently, this is a pretty common breakfast choice in the Netherland Antilles/Holland. I just had some today, yum.

Pastries on Main

2011-02-11T21:27:00.001-08:00

If you haven't been, GO. PBTB and I got our standard test, an eclair (his) and a danish (hers) just before Christmas.....delicious. I ended up buying gift certificates for Christmas gifts.

Cobalt Embroidered Toss Pillows

2011-02-10T20:12:00.000-08:00

Every time I see these pillows at Target I wish I had somewhere to use them (especially the white one). Yesterday I saw they were on sale for $15. Somebody please....buy them!

The Story of Ferdinand

2011-02-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

My boys request this book at least every other night. That, and it's adorable to hear them say 'Ferdinand'.

Homemade Mayo

2011-02-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

PBTB's cousin made us BLT's with homemade mayo on our final day in Albuquerque. It was soooo yummy. Still thinking about it. He gave me a rundown of the ingredients, which I combined with something more concrete from one of my cookbooks.

Basic Mayonnaise

1 egg or egg yolk (cousin Dave used 1 egg and 1 egg yolk)

Dash cayenne

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (cousin Dave used about 1 Tb Dijon mustard)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 Tb lemon juice, white whine, or other vinegar mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with water (cousin Dave likes to use lime juice)

1 Tb finely chopped onion (completely optional, used by cousin Dave, but not in my recipe)

1 Cup olive oil or other neutral oil (cousin Dave uses vegetable oil)

Combine all ingredients except oil in a blender. Add oil extremely slowly to start with (just a drop and then into a thin stream) and then gradually add more as the mixture emulsifies.

Linen Kids

2011-02-07T20:53:00.001-08:00

Dang!, I love finding stuff like this on Etsy.

Corner Bakery Cafe

2011-01-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

Ya, it's a chain, but it's sooooooo good. It's a rarity that I'm indecisive about what to order on the menu, especially for having too many good things to choose from. My favorite food is a sandwich and this place has THEE best tomato mozzarella basil sandwich. (I scratch the bell peppers) They have a new location at Fashion Place, much more convenient than Foothill.

FRED M-Cups

2011-01-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

These nesting doll measuring cups were one of my favorite gifts....from my mother, of course :)

Zara Kids

2010-12-28T10:49:00.001-08:00

I have this sweater that I just love that I bought about 10 years ago in Las Vegas. It's from Zara. Thanks to a convo with my Aunt from SoCal, I learned that Zara has a kids line. Not only are the clothes awesome (H&M awesome), they are modestly priced (not necessarily cheap). Very, very excited about this.

Giant Fleece Ball

2010-12-27T15:26:00.000-08:00

I can't think of too many things more fun than a giant fleece ball.

SLAC~If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

2010-12-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

We went to see If You Give A Mouse A Cookie today at the Salt Lake Acting Company. It was awesome. If you want to introduce your children to theatre early, this is the place. We had three children, 3 and under, with us and it held their attention. We had season tickets to a children's theatre a couple times when I was a kid. I still remember seeing The Secret Garden and The Snow Queen, great memories.

No Accounting For Tastes

2010-12-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

I inadvertently chose 2 books by the same author (Aileen Fisher) on our last visit to the Library. I know I post A LOT of children's books on here, but these may just be my all time favorites, seriously. I had to find them used to get my own copy, they're out of print.

No Accounting For Tastes and Filling the Bill

Kid Friendly Nativity Script

2010-12-14T08:48:00.001-08:00

I'll be using this Christmas Eve. I bought props and costumes already, here.

Pageant Classics

2010-11-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

Bet you loved these as much as I did. (here and here)

mabo

2010-11-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

I was drooling over a jumper worn by one of the kiddos at "W"s pre-school. Turns out her mom started a children's clothing business. Some mommies just amaze me.

The New Way Things Work

2010-11-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

Another one my brother had when we were kids. This would be the perfect gift for anyone. Except those who already own it, of course.

Common Bath

2010-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is what I've put together for the common bath. Found here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

Cardboard Safari

2010-10-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hello inspiration. I've missed you.....Don't worry you aren't seeing double. I really did post twice today. I might just even make it three ;)

This is my current favorite etsy shop. I can't decide which trophy I want for the boys' room.

Animalia

2010-10-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

This book was published when I was a kid and I remember my little brother getting it one year for Christmas. It will be under our tree this year for "W".

La Di Dolls

2010-10-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's nostalgia, but I love these things. Just had to toss mine. Found it in the bottom of the toy chest ruined from the flood. So not looking forward to unpacking.

I Heart Henleys

2010-09-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Thinking about building our family pics around these....

Headbands for the Cure

2010-09-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

My brother's girlfriend was sporting one of these, so I asked her where she got it and then ordered my own.

Duktig

2010-09-14T22:32:00.001-07:00

I haven't abandoned you. It's not that I'm too busy. I have just lost my inspiration. I will get it back, hopefully sooner, rather than later.

However, this is awesome!

Matilda Jane Trunk Show

2010-08-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

Wishing I had a girl or two right about now. My cousin is having a trunk show for Matilda Jane over the next couple days. Click here for more info.

School House Electric

2010-08-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

I saw some icredible pendant lights in a children's boutique in Bel Air, MD. I asked where they got them. School House El ectric, affordable too.

Mini Donut Maker

2010-08-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

I saw a red one of these at Macy's. I want it. This one's cool too, it's just not red.

Halloween Costume Ideas

2010-08-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

Do you know what you/your kids are being for Halloween? I've always known what I was going to be no later than January 1. That is, until I had kids. It seems they have their own opinions, who knew? I've always made our Halloween costumes. That is, until I just might be finally convinced that it's cheaper to buy one than make one. I'll get back to you on that. I found the most awesome website for home-made costume ideas. This is the first year I've been impressed with the commercial selection of costumes. I REALLY want to be a family of Garden Gnomes, but "W" has other very specific ideas...for everyone! Someone please steal that idea from me. I also LOVE this dutch girl costume and the smurfs, of course.

Jarritos Pineapple

2010-08-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

Do you ever order Jarrritos Sodas at mexican restaurants? "W" likes the pineapple kind. I found them for 63 cents a piece @ Winco. I bought a whole case for his birthday party.

United Colors of Benetton Toddler

2010-08-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Really wishin' Benetton Toddler collection had a website store. Instead, I'll just add it to my "must see" list for Cali.

Andy Quaglino

2010-07-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

I bought these for the boys' bedroom. (prints, of course, on stretch canvas) "W" cannot wait to get them on the wall. I found them at the Tooele Arts Festival, of all places. I'm so excited about this artist. It was like he read my mind about what I was thinking for their room. Too bad I couldn't afford an original, 30"x40", amazing.

EuroBobble

2010-07-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

These things are awesome. "W" went in one in the mall today. He had so much fun and wanted to go again. I think I was near hyperventilating just watching him.

A Vintage Affair

2010-07-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

I bought this book today at B&N. No recommendation or anything. But it must have been destiny, the main character's name is Phoebe and she loves vintage apparel. I kinda want to get a Nook or a Kindle...anybody else have one? Do you like it?

I'm a little torn, because there's so much beauty to appreciate in the actual books.

Animals Are Beautiful People

2010-07-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

We stumbled upon this movie at a kids' consignment store today. It's from the maker of The Gods Must Be Crazy. "W" could not get enough of it (right up his alley)...he cried when we had to turn it off to go to bed. Not only that, it was very educational.

Smithsonian

2010-07-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

These are the most incredible museums/institutions I've ever been to and I believe they are all free. You could easily spend multiple days in each of them. I only made it to the Zoo, Air & Space, and Natural History, just wish we'd had more time to visit them all.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

2010-07-10T20:44:00.001-07:00

Something like this would be perfect in Utah. We would be there every weekend. I get tired of seeing the same old, same old at theme parks. This place was anything but ordinary, just wished it hadn't rained the first half of our visit. (They change the pattern of the corn maze every year, this is a picture of last year's)

Blue Gingham @ Target

2010-07-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is what my boys wore on the 4th this year. They looked so cute! :-P to anyone who thinks I'm lame for dressing them alike.

Priceline Name Your Own Price

2010-07-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

I admit, I've always been a little nervous to use the Name Your Own Price feauture on Priceline, no matter how many people told me how great it was. Maybe I was just scared of the commitment. But, I used it for the first time last night and I'm hooked. I got a 3 star hotel in Jersey City listed at $149 a night for $115. Can't wait to try it again.

Swim Ways Power Swimr

2010-07-01T18:17:00.001-07:00

After buying numerous flotation devices, it's confirmed that this is the only way to go. They hold your kids up, but don't restrict movement like arm floats. I've been using them for both my kids (15 months and almost 3), different sizes, of course. It appears that my almost 3 year old will be able to swim without a floater by the end of the summer.

Neutrogena Wave

2010-06-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

This is a challenge. If you're anything like me, the minute you became a mother, you stopped taking as good of care of yourself. I stopped wearing my retainers (now my teeth aren't as straight), I stopped cleaning my face as often (because I rarely put on make-up), I used to do sit-ups and push-ups nightly (now....ya, right!), I stopped getting regular pedis (this is a necessity in life isn't it?), I don't floss nearly as often as I should. It's deeply affected my morning and nightly routine. The other night at GNO, someone mentioned that the reason men's faces stay looking younger is because they shave and it exfoliates their skin. That's all it took for me. I was going to start exfoliating every night (I know I'm a freak...ONE COMMENT!) Which led me to this. I love this little thing. I even bought nail polish and painted my toes a bright sunshiney yellow. So, I challenge you mothers, committ to giving yourself 10-15 minutes a day for a pedi, for a facial, something spiritual, whatever it takes to make you feel beautiful. DO IT!

Bomboy's Home Made Ice Cream

2010-06-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

We ventured over to Havre de Grace today, had delicious crab cakes (best view EVER)....and then, the.BEST ice cream. It's home made.....I don't remember the last time I saw a mom and pop home made hard ice cream shop. I had Salty Dawg (choc-covered pretzels in vanilla). And then, I almost cried when I saw the girl lock up Bomboy's home made candy shop across the street. Gotta go back.

Silver Dophin Sticker Activity Books

2010-06-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

"W" has spent hours and hours with these sticker books. I got them at costco for $7.99 a piece. By far the best money ever spent on the kid. The last road trip and airplane trip we took were a breeze.

Creature ABC

2010-06-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

I picked this book up for the boys at Sandpebble in Friday Harbor. I haven't been this excited about a book in a long time.

They also had this book. Almost got it too.

Basics @ Children's Place

2010-05-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

I've got to look out for my cronies who have boys. It just doesn't get much easier to find cute boy stuff. My pic of the season, Children's Place (Sale!). Old Navy and Target had a few good singles, but didn't make the cake.

PS...These camo shorts are really deep/dark colors and they look AWESOME with a neon green or orange.

Pear Soft Serve

2010-05-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

I think I may be making a few more trips to the IMC these days. I went yesterday for a Dr. appontment. My mom bought "W" some Pear soft serve twisted with chocolate. Mmmmmmmm! Heaven.

Earthbox Motel & Spa

2010-05-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

PBTB and I went to the San Juan Islands for our honeymoon, 10 years ago this August. (that makes us sound really old doesn't it?). Last year we found out some of our very dear friends were getting married in Friday Harbor this June. We were determined to get back there and made it a date.
Fast forward to the present, PBTB was supposed to be out of town for work, we were trying to get our house completed by June 30 for the tax credit, etc. But, like I said, we're determined. A little finagling at work, entirely giving up on our tax credit.......I just booked us a one night stay at the Earthbox. Excited doesn't even cut it.

Martha's Encyclopedias

2010-05-15T23:39:00.001-07:00

I've missed you too, but you may not be hearing from me as frequently over the next few weeks. Busy, busy, busy around here, but I'll have lots to report when all is said and done.

I allowed PBTB to completely ignore me on Mother's Day, he was busy working on the house, as always. He's forgiven, after buying me both of Martha's encyclopedias. They are AMAZING. They make me want to "check out" for a few weeks and immerse myself.

Pago

2010-05-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Artisan.Local.Farm Fresh. Pago offers the link from farm to table. This would be a great Mother's Day gift.....or request, you know, whatever's necessary.

Hypertufa Planter

2010-05-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Making these today for Mother's day. I can't wait to see the end result.

Operation: Hi Honey

2010-04-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Wives of servicemen deserve so much more than this. I just don't know how they do it, but I love this idea. Canvas on Demand will send a free stretched canvas to moms and wives of deployed soldiers.

"Other" Books by Maurice Sendak

2010-04-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

"Where the Wild Things Are" (the movie) kept us company while it was a rainy few days last week. Which brought us back to reading the book multiple times a day. Look at these other books by Maurice Sendak. I better add them to my collection, as well....In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There.

Creatology Wooden Puzzles

2010-04-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

I found these on sale at Michael's for $1 and $2. The least expensive I can find them for online is $5. My boys are too young to enjoy putting them together, but I'm going to use them for decoration in their new bedroom. PS They make everything from dragons to dollhouses.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

2010-04-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever visited a ReStore? They are great. ESPECIALLY if you are remodeling or building a house. I went to the one in Orem yesterday. This is where they sell their surplus building materials, so they have a little bit of everything. From paint (mostly already mixed, 5 gallons $20) to deck screws to tile to plumbing and electrical supplies. I even saw carpet and cultured stone.

Green Dog

2010-04-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

I know ya'll know Green Dog at Macy's, but their latest Boys' line hit the spot. These places go in waves. The detail (print under the polo collar, twill tape lining on the button-ups) on these shirts is the best I've ever seen for these prices. (sorry about the small photos, blasted Flash Player ;)

Urban Chicken Farm

2010-04-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

We bought a chicken coop yesterday. I am so excited, mostly for fresh eggs. My coop is slightly more basic, but I found some pics of fantastic designs. Now, I just need to add chicks. I'm considering a Maran (dark brown eggs), Ameraucauna (blue & green eggs), Brahma (large breed), Black Sex Link, and maybe a Silkie and a Cochin, just for fun. This is all new to me, but I've been learning a lot about how to care for them and what to expect. To find out more about urban chicken farming, click here or here. PS, for those of you who know that I'm terrified of roosters, especially aggressive ones that chase you while you're out for a morning jog. There will be no roosters in my coop :)

Cricut Cake

2010-04-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

I had no desire to buy the original Cricut.....this however, very cool. Of course we can't cut in on our traditional angel food cake frosting for birthdays. But this is way beyond cakes.

Knit Dresses and Shrugs

2010-04-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

My Mom made my two nieces the cutest Easter dresses and shrugs. Don't they look adorable?

iPhone Art

2010-04-07T19:46:00.001-07:00

My little bro has taken up iPhone art. This is all done with his fingertips on his iPhone. I think I'll print them on small stretch canvas and put them in the boys' room. PS, you get to look at them sideways, cause I can't for the life of me get them to turn.....must be mac/pc breakdown.

Custom BD Invites

2010-04-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'll just spotlight my awesome family and their abundance of talent this week :) I always "make" my sister create custom birthday party invitations for my boys. It's her contribution, since she can't make it to the party :) The circus is still my favorite.

Custard in a Half Shell

2010-04-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

My SIL made this for PBTB and I for Easter. It was DE.LIC.IOUS. She blew up a balloon and dipped it in dark chocolate shell and then made a custard to go inside. With a little caramel for the yolk. She's got awesome ideas.

Jumpin’ Banana Gobbles the Money Monster Bank

2010-04-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

YES! I finally found ET a bank. You have no idea how impossible it is to find a cute, unbreakable bank of decent size. I've been searching since before Christmas.

Wild Harvest White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

2010-03-29T18:30:00.001-07:00

I wish I could say I only serve my children fresh homemade food. Of course, that would be a lie. This, however, is dangerously delicious and has almost half the
amount of fat of Kraft m & c.

Dantoy Crocodile Rocker

2010-03-27T09:25:00.001-07:00

Another sharing toy.....This one's for Easter. Not sure that I love having a child so close to a holiday. Seems like overkill. At least it's not Christmas.

Toy Boats on Etsy

2010-03-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

I was having a hard time finding some toy boats (looking for mototboats, not sailboats). I ended up with some great things from Mama Made Them and Times 3 Toys on Etsy. The wooden boats are coated with beeswax and can go in the water, very cool. I didn't get the bus, but I love it.

Jurassic Sand

2010-03-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

This sand is incredible. They have it at "W"s pre-school. You can get it wet and re-use it over and over and it never clumps, just goes back to normal. There's no dust, you can vacuum it, and it won't scratch surfaces. I got this sand table to store some in.

Anchors Away Water Play Table

2010-03-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

With "W", I wanted all the sleek looking toys. Turns out, he didn't really like toys for a long time. ET loved toys really early, but I learned his favorites are the common toys you purchase at generic stores. Not very fun for me, but you should see his face. I'm trying to teach the boys how to play together. So I've been on the hunt for sharing toys for ET's first bd. Originally I was looking at a sand/water table, but decided it most definitely would become a mud table. So we're getting separate tables. With a boat theme for the party, this was it. (best price Toys R Us, sold out online, but found one at WVC store.)

Utah Olympic Oval

2010-03-13T23:11:00.000-08:00

"W" had so much fun ice skating in St. George, we took him again at the Olympic Oval. This place is the perfect place to take the family. They have walkers for young kids and the best part, they let you bring your stroller on the ice. So, ET got to go too! It was a great family activity.

Wooden Books by Kid O

2010-03-12T22:32:00.001-08:00

I saw these today at the Tutoring Toy. I think they're awesome.

Childcraft Encyclopedia

2010-03-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

Can you tell what's still very much on my mind? Just looking into how much my Childcraft Encyclopedias are going to be to replace, ouch, but so worth it. Wish they would have stuck with the illustrated covers though.

Gooey S'more Bars

2010-03-09T16:18:00.001-08:00

The only thing better than getting a letter in the mail is having a friend show up unannounced on your doorstep with goodies. Especially when you've had a really bad week. Thanks, Sam, we're still enjoying. They literally put a twinkle in PBTB's eye.

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup butter (soft)

2 eggs

3/4 t vanilla

3 1/2 cups graham crackers crumbs (this is appx. 3 pkgs)

1/2 cup flour

1/8 t. salt

2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup mini marshmallows

1 cup marshmallow creme (7 oz.)

Heat oven to 350. Grease spray bottom and sides of 9x13x2 pan. Beat sugar butter vanilla and eggs until fluffy. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, flour and salt. Reserve 2 cups of mixture- press the remaining mixture in the pan. Sprinkle and press slightly chocolate chips over crust mixture. Drop marshmallow creme by tablespoonfulls over chocolate chips. Wet back of spoon to spread evenly. Sprinkle w/ marshmallows. Sprinkle reserve graham crumb mixture on top and press lightly. Bake 17-22 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. cool for 30 minutes! So Yummy!

Copy Crafts Quiet Book Patterns

2010-03-08T21:57:00.000-08:00

Back before I had children, I had ambition. I made some really cute quiet books for both of my nieces (only had 2 at the time). I had long forgotten about them until I found one floating around at one of their houses. I'm determined to make some for my boys. I found the.perfect.pattern. Aren't these just to die for?

Madame Alexander

2010-03-04T11:29:00.001-08:00

As a child, on very special occasions, usually Christmas. I would receive an 8" Madame Alexander doll. My grandmother, mother, sister and I used to peruse Hammond's toy store and ZCMI for our favorites. I was always looking for limited edition, my sis wanted pairs and of course we both liked the royalty. On our wedding day, we each got our last and final in a wedding dress. These dolls have a very special place in my heart. I saw some for a very good price at Tuesday Morning in St. George last week. (Around $30, usually close to $100) So many favorites. Better selection here.

Dixie Igloo

2010-03-03T16:45:00.001-08:00

I know we don't need to drive 5 hours to go ice skating, but it sure is a nice addition in St. George. "W" loved it. FYI, only open Thanksgiving-March.

Osaka Japanese Bistro (St. George)

2010-03-02T17:50:00.000-08:00

I was a little worried about taking the boys out for sushi with us. But, all went well and it was delicious. They can go on our repeat list.

Antonio Melani "Simon" Dress

2010-03-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

I LOVED your answers to my "question" post. Thanks to all who participated. If anyone else wants to participate, feel free, but you won't be entered in the drawing.

I have 2 more weddings this year. Remember this dress? I found another one that I absolutely adore by Antonio Melani. I really need to wait for it to go on sale.

Question 4 U

2010-02-20T11:36:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow just happens to be my 2 year blogiversary. This blog is all about what floats my boat. I'm very aware that what I would buy isn't necessarily what everyone else would buy. I want you to know that I don't buy a lot of the stuff that I post, however if I was sitting a little prettier, I probably would. I also want you to know that I do not surf the internet looking for things to post. I post what makes me happy that day. If nothing makes me happy, no post. If I'm too busy to notice what's going on around me, no post. But today I want to hear about what floats your boat. I want to hear about your splurge/skimp list. I'm going to list 10 items that I skimp on and 10 items that I splurge on. I want you to do the same. You can either e-mail me phoebeab@msn.com or leave it in the comments. The items can be specific, but I'm going to leave mine vague. As incentive, I will randomly draw names of those who participate and knit them something spiffy. Just so you know, I'm giving myself 6 months to finish it. (I have a lot to knit these days and I don't want to feel rushed) You have until next Saturday at midnight, a whole week!
SKIMP
1. Any maintenance for myself (we're talking haircuts/dyes, nails, tanning, pedicures, etc.) I get my haircut twice a year and that's it for me, the rest is non-existent
2. Clothes for myself or PBTB(this used to be somewhat of a splurge, but we've transferred that energy to our kids)
3. Fast food or junk food (luckily PBTB and I have no interest in potato chips and soda and the only fast food we eat is pizza)
4. Holidays for PBTB and I (holidays are for the kids, right?....at times we just don't do anything for each other)
5. Jewelry/Flowers....PBTB knows I would much prefer fresh cut flowers to those from the shop and costume jewelry is all I can justify. I don't like it long enough to pay much for it.
6. Movies (We go to the movie theatre once a year and it's usually for "W", when we do rent we usually get a free rental. We prefer watching movies at home)
7. Cable TV (PBTB and I have both decided we will never pay to get cable or satellite)
8. Pets (we used to buy lots of toys and expensive food, but now we have kids:)
9. Travel (I love to travel, but usually only go places we can drive, but, at least we go)
10. Gadgets and Cars (PBTB and I are not the techy type, never have the latest phones, TVs, etc and recently not the best cars)
SPLURGE
1. Activities for the family (quality time is my love language, so I always seem to justify it, swimming, museums, any and all)
2. Crafts for myself (I've spent ungodly amounts on yarn and dabble in everything I can think of, PBTB has spent even more on tools for his furniture making)
3. Birthday parties FOR KIDS and holidays, including toys (one of my favorites)
4. Halloween costumes (I usually know what we're going to be in January and spend more making the costumes than I would have buying them, oops)
5. Gourmet candy or pastries (not junk food right? has the word "gourmet" in the title :)
6. Clothes for my kids (I'm kind of a fashion junkie in my own little world. With less money, I'd rather splurge on my kids than myself)
7. Second hand items (I love DI and KSL.com) If I want something and can't afford it, this is where I head
8. Home improvement items (when we have a house, that is.......inside/outside, you name it)
9. Furniture (We usually buy items that we really like and keep it forever, or PBTB builds it, but materials end up costing quite a bit)
10. Name brand sundries and some food items (I like to buy good diapers, nice make-up, nice shampoo/conditioner)

Roy's

2010-02-19T22:03:00.000-08:00

I first ate at Roy's in Florida about 6 years ago. I ate there again in Hawaii about 4 years ago. I need to go there again. Either California this summer, or a trip to Vegas are in order. I cannot rest until I've got my fix. If you don't like fish now, believe me, you will.

I Am Not A Paper Cup

2010-02-17T14:06:00.001-08:00

The Duchess bought one of these for my little bro for Christmas. I don't know why I love it so much.....I don't even use travel mugs. A few brands are available. I used to carry this brand at my store, who claim to have made the original. But, the Duchess got hers at Target. I think this will be a great gift for "W"s teacher for Teacher Appreciation, she drinks coffee. I know, not 'til May, but I can't resist.

Give & Get Disney

2010-02-16T13:23:00.001-08:00

I know it's kind of cliche', but I would like to take my boys to Disneyland. I was holding back, because they're so young and it's expensive and they probably wouldn't remember. But, today at "W"s pre-school I saw a flyer for this Give & Get program.....I'm in. All you do is sign up for an approved volunteer activity, donate your time for 1 day (a lot of programs allow children to come along), and you get a free day at Disney.

Recovery Buddies

2010-02-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

I ran across this project on ravelry yesterday. It struck me, what a brave and generous girl to turn her illness into good for others. If anyone you know is recovering from any type of addiction or mental illness, fill out the form here and she will send them a recovery buddie. If you are a knitter yourself, you can knit a buddie for the project, pattern here.

Coconut M&M's

2010-02-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

Picked some of these up at the Go-fer last night. They should really consider these a permanent addition, yum. I love coconut.

Chocolate Covered Mini Oreos

2010-02-11T09:17:00.001-08:00

These are so tasty. I thought they would be too chocolatey, but they're not. Picked some up at Sweet Lizzie's yesterday for a V-day gift for PBTB. Buy them online here.

Acme Heartmaker

2010-02-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

I ran across this website that will create an image of a candy heart with whatever sentiment you like. :)