Laura Bee Designs

Thanks to the Yarn Queen, you all you get a bonus post, even though I am in the height of my insanity.  I gave up carrying a purse with the arrival of "W".  I use cc holders and don't ever have cash, it just works for me.  I was in need of an update.  My dear Mother, picked one up for me from Laura Bee Designs, while visiting in Seattle.  It was supposed to be a birthday gift, but she was too excited and I got it early.  I absolutely love my "coin purse" that I will use as a cc holder, but the bag she bought herself is incredible.  (And they do custom orders)

Moving Day....or, Week?

We are in the height of moving. Sorry, no bolt today, and posts might be sporatic to non-existent for the next week. See ya when I see ya.

Fetal Studio

Patience is not one of my strong points. I like to know the sex of my babies (and everyone else's babies, for that matter) as soon as possible. My SIL finds out this weekend. Fetal Studio is running a very good special. Gender determination from $59. It's normally, $79 or more. (printable coupons on their website)

ModBe Swim '09

A much anticipated release. It would be hard to match last year's awesome vintage ensemble, but I think they did a pretty good job. To tell you the truth, these swimsuits fit so well and cover so good, I wouldn't really care what color/pattern they were.

Boomwhacker Tuned Percussion

I know, 6 months early, but this is definitely going on a contender list for "W"s birthday. It's a little pricey for Easter. Speaking of birthdays, it's my 1 year blogiversary today. Is that cakeworthy? I'm gonna say, yes.

Francesco Pittau

I'm gonna go out on a limb and post about some of my favorite books. Hopefully you don't judge me. These books look harmless enough, teaching kids manners and such. But, once you start reading them, you may be more concerned about the bad ideas they could give your children. Being slightly warped, I think they're hilarious. The artwork is some of my absolute favorite.

Maternity @ Old Navy

I have a really hard time purchasing maternity clothes, hard to justify. If I do buy them, it's dresses or hoodies for some reason. Ok, it's hoodies all the time for me, I would prefer to live in them. My washing machine ruined my favorite hoodie the other day. The public pool ruined my favorite swimming suit. I am in the mood for some new clothes, pregnant or not. I LUV the bright, vibrant colors of these two maternity dresses. The only thing that would be better about that hoodie is if it came in white. My very favorite.........the umbrella, bring on the rain. (I don't have to worry about that fitting)

Utah Mama's Handbook

(This was supposed to be yesterday's post, but for some reason I wasn't able to access any secure websites for about 24 hours.)

Another item that I used to sell at my store, it's kinda like a happenings book, but focuses on things for moms and kids. The book is great, but, I also really like the calendar feature on their Today's Mama, website. There are lists of things available to do with your children, every day going on around the valley. And, if you don't live in Utah, they have other handbooks listed on their site for other cities/states.

rachel ann austin

With the Duchess in mind. My sis has an obsession with maps, as does this fantastic artist. She does paintings, jewelry and more. Paintings are named for the underlying map.

McCormick Spaghetti Sauce Mix

Another birthday tradition. Along with our Angel Food Cake, we always have spaghetti for birthday dinners in my family. Except, my little brother, he's requested steak the last few years. He's gone astray.

Anyhow, this is another department that I am a bit spoiled. In the sense that I refuse to buy marinara sauce in a jar at the grocery store or ordering it at pretty much any restaurant.
It's pretty basic, so you can add your own special touches (mushrooms (use fresh only), sausage, olives, whole canned tomatoes, etc.)

1 lb. ground beef

1 package McCormick Spaghetti Sauce mix (powder packet)
Other optional ingredients, mentioned above
worcestershire
red wine vinegar

parmesan cheese (use Kraft brand only, or fresh), (There are just some things that you just shouldn't buy generic)

Ingredients mentioned on packet, as follows
6 0z. can of tomato paste
2 1/4 C water
1 Tbsp. butter

1 8 oz dry spaghetti, I usually make more because I like leftovers

In a frying pan, brown 1 lb. of lean ground beef, season as desired

Follow directions on the McCormick powder packet
Add meat and other ingredients of your choice
Add worcestershire and red wine vinegar to taste
Prepare spaghetti noodles as listed on package.
Sprinkle parmesan on top.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Do your pocketbook a favor and don't buy pre-made chocolate covered strawberries. You can make a whole batch for the cost of about 5 pre-made berries. And, they're so easy, it's not too late to start now.

Melt a package of milk chocolate (or chocolate of your choice) in a double broiler, rinse and dry strawberries, dip away.

There are hundreds of variations, drizzling white choc, dipping in sprinkles, but they're so good plain, why waste the extra effort?

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Five Love Languages

For all those who don't read fiction, which is me a majority of the time. I bought this book as a recommendation a few years back. It's really good. I also bought the Children's version. They discuss the different ways to communicate love and how to determine each person in your family's "love language", so that they feel loved.

Free Valentine Love Coupons

I found these free coupons on a newly launched scrapbooking website, House of Three. Easy, Peasy.

Clip On Magna Doodle For a Valentine

I'm using one of these clip on magna doodles to write "W" a valentine. (It would also work to ask someone to a dance or propose marriage, although somewhat cheesy)

Gilgal Gardens

So, I didn't pick the best day to blog about this, but just keep it in mind for when their isn't a blanket of snow covering the ground.

If you've never been to Gilgal Sculpture Garden. It is worth the visit, very interesting!

Whenever I Hear...

I was so excited to see this book at our local LDS bookstore the other day, Latter Day Book. I sing this Children's Hymn to "W" to get him to go to sleep. I didn't know it came in book format.

Homestyle Fluffy White Frosting Mix

It's the last of the box frosting mixes. It's our family tradition. We haven't been able to find them in stores for over a year now. The Yarn Queen finally broke down and bought a whole case online.

February has more birthdays than any other month on both sides of our family. Almost daily. This may sound strange to some of you, but in my family you don't get to pick your favorite birthday cake on your birthday. We all get the same. Maybe it's because that is our favorite. Not only are these cakes delicious, they are beautiful. I am the master froster in the family.

Angel Food Cake w/Almond(Vanilla) Frosting

1 box Angel Food Cake mix, prepare as directed on box (do not make one from scratch, they are a lot of work and they don't taste as good, do not buy one already prepared from the store, they are just gross)

Frosting:

With electric mixer, combine 1/2 box of homestyle fluffywhite frosting mix, a small carton of whipping cream, and almond (or vanilla) extract to taste (a few drops).

Color with food coloring of your choice.

Frost cake with a small 1" metal spatula, (not the kind you flip burgers with)

We like to make the cake have "petals". Apply a dollop of frosting in layers, do not spread.

Cover and store in the freezer. Cut cake with a bread knife after running under hot water.

(PS, if anyone sees this frosting in the store, call me immediately)

Wolf Mountain for Family Skiing

If you've ever thought about taking your kids skiing, but decided it was too much money. You should try Wolf Mountain. They have family night, where everyone in the family can go for $10 each. Or, if those days don't work for you, it's only $12 for children 12 & under on weekdays from 4-9 PM (Kids 5 & under ski free always). Or, if Tuesday works, you can ski all day for $10. It's a little more of a drive, but the scenery is beautiful.

Inkheart

I didn't think you wanted me blogging about Sprite or Saltines yesterday, so sorry, I missed another day.
PBTB and I like to read children's fiction. I think this is next on our list, before the movie comes out on video.

Southwest Airlines 3-Day Sale

I missed the last sale, so I was so excited to see they were offering it again. These prices are half of what I normally pay to go see the Duchess. That makes me want to fly somewhere even though I wasn't planning anything. The sale only lasts until Thursday, but if you need to fly somewhere before March 31st, you can't beat it.

Swimming Lessons @ Pratt Aquatic Center

Since Punxsutawney Phil has predicted 6 more lovely weeks of winter, it's time to beat the mid-winter blues. I feel extremely lucky to live so close to such an inexpensive community pool, especially after talking to the Duchess about how much the pools in Seattle cost. "W" and I are starting mommy and me swimming lessons this evening at the Pratt Aquatic Center. Eight 45 minute sessions for $22.50, lots of other classes available, including swim aerobics.

(This is a picture of "W" a year ago at our mommy and me classes.)