A little Belly Update

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of yes, that's right baby number 2 is a GIRL and we are so excited!!

Well here it is, the baby bump has arrived!! I am not 20 weeks 2 days and feeling great!! I am finally over the all day sickness and I have regained my energy! I'm looking forward to the rest of the pregnancy, well maybe not the point where I can't see my feet but the end result will be worth it!


xoxo

Vacation = Hospital Stay + Exciting News!!

I know I have been really bad about keeping my blog up to date, but I have a good reason. Yes, I know that is what all us blogger in a rut say, but I really do!

On July 27th I became very sick and was in horrible pain all night long. Finally after hours of being sick I felt some relief and finally was able to get some sleep. I was leaving the next day for a very fun family vacation. My dad was turning the big 6-0 and the whole family had a planned trip to see my sister's new house she had just purchased in Huntington Beach, along with many other adventures in So Cal. This was a trip I had been looking forward to all summer, and I didn't want anything to get in the way. On the 28th I thought it would be best to make an appointment with my doctor just to make sure everything was OK since I still wasn't feeling myself. After some time at the doctors office I discovered that I needed to have some test run however, with our flight leaving early afternoon I couldn't get the test done before we needed to leave. I know silly right, well being the stubborn person that I am I thought it was nothing and would soon go away so we all boarded the plane.

After the short plane ride the pain seemed to increase and I knew something wasn't right. We arrived at my sister's new beautiful home at 8:30PM and at 10:29PM I was checking into Huntington Beach ER. After hours of test I was admitted to the hospital at 3:00AM only to discover that I would be going in for emergency surgery! Yes, that's right what I thought was something minor and would go away was not going anywhere without surgery. About 9:00 AM on July 29th (My Dad's Birthday) I went in for an emergency appendectomy. The doctor's thought it would only be a little infected however once they where in they discovered it was just hours from bursting. So I guess you could say I'm not the best at judging whether or not something is serious or minor.

Unfortunately I missed out on a great concert with the family, trips to the beach, and of course the wonderful shopping. I did celebrate with everyone on Saturday, however I was pretty low key. This will not only be a family vacation that I will never forget but it will also be a birthday that my dad will never forget!! Happy
60th Dad!!

Oh don't think the excitement ends here . . . .

While in the ER we not only found out I would be having emergency surgery but we also found out I was pregnant!! Yes that is right I'm due April 7th. So for the past 13 weeks I have been not only recovering from surgery, preparing for the beginning of a new school year, starting a new school year, but I have also been dealing with ALL day sickness!! It has just been in the past week that I am starting to feel better so hopefully I can get back on track with blogging!!

We are all very excited and Miss Ava is super excited to finally be a big sister!! So stay tuned for all the excited that this adventure brings! I'll keep you posted!!

No Bake Granola Bars~ Tasty Tuesday

This is a super yummy treat that the kids and adults love! I think the best part is my little one loves to help make this healthy, yummy snack!




What You Need:
2-1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup PLANTERS NUT•rition™ Antioxidant Mix
3/4 cup PLANTERS Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

Make It:
LINE 13x9-inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides.

COMBINE first 3 ingredients in large bowl.

MICROWAVE remaining ingredients in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min.; stir. Add to cereal mixture; mix well. Press onto bottom of prepared pan.

COOL 30 min. Use foil handles to remove dessert from pan before cutting into bars.

Today I'm joining these great blogs:

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Diamond in the Stuff

Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta~ Tasty Tuesday

This is a great, light and easy dinner the whole family will love!



What You Need:

1/2 lb. angel hair pasta, uncooked
2 tsp. oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups milk
1/2 cup (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
1 large red pepper, cut into strips
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Tbsp. pesto

Make It:


COOK pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 7 min. or until done.

STIR in milk and cream cheese spread; cook 3 min. or until cream cheese is completely melted and sauce is well blended. Add peppers, Parmesan and pesto; stir. Cook 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

DRAIN pasta. Add to cream cheese sauce; toss to coat.


Today I'm linking up with these great blogs, check them out and join the fun!

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Diamond in the Stuff

Fashion Wednesday

Well It's been a while since I have done fashion Wednesday. It seemed that after having emergency surgery I didn't really get dressed in clothes that were presentable for a while but now I'm back to work and getting dressed every day! So here are a few photo's of what I wore this past week.


Pink lace top- Old Navy
Shorts- Old Navy


Mustard colored dress- Nordstrom
shoes- Macy's


Navy dress- Target
Belt- Local Boutique
shoes- Steve Madden shop

Today I'm linking up with these blog parties, come join the fun!

The Pleated Poppy
No Model Lady
Momma Go Round

Frosted Peanut Marshmellow Crispy Squares~ Tasty Tuesday

These have always been my all time favorite treat! With school back in session what a better way to treat your kids after a long day at school than with one of these squares.



What You Need:

1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 pkg. (10 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows
1/2 cup PLANTERS Creamy Peanut Butter
5 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup PLANTERS Salted Peanuts
1 cup BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks
1 cup butterscotch chips

Make It:

MICROWAVE butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 45 sec. or until melted. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave 1-1/2 min. or until marshmallows are completely melted, stirring after 45 sec.

STIR in peanut butter until blended. Add cereal and nuts; mix well. Press onto bottom of greased 13x9-inch pan.

MICROWAVE remaining ingredients in small microwaveable bowl 1 to 1-1/2 min. or until completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 30 sec. Pour over cereal mixture; spread to cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chocolate mixture is firm.

Today I'm joining these great blogs, check them out for some great inspiration!

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee CraftsA Diamond in the Stuff

Apple Walnut Chicken Bake~ Tasty Tuesday

We are back in full swing with school and work which means dinner menu's. This is a very yummy yet fast recipe that the whole family loves! I hope everyone at your house loves it as well!



What You Need:
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 large apple, chopped
1 cup PLANTERS Walnut Pieces, toasted
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup KRAFT Honey Dijon Dressing, divided
6 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.)
1/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Make It:
HEAT oven to 375ºF.

PREPARE stuffing in large saucepan as directed on package. Add apples, nuts, raisins and 1/4 cup dressing; mix lightly.

SPOON into 13x9-inch baking dish; top with chicken. Brush chicken with remaining dressing. Cover loosely with foil.

BAKE 35 min. Top chicken with cheese; bake 10 to 15 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF).


Today I'm joining these great blog parties, check them out!

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Diamond in the Stuff

It's Back to School!

Well, its official my summer vacation is over and its back to reality, work! I do consider myself very lucky that I have such a wonderful and rewarding job, it does make going back much easier! I am very excited to meet all my new students, I love the first day of school photo's, new outfits, and all the fun that a new year brings!

I'm however sad to see my days at home with my little peanut come to an end. This has been one of the best summers at home with her. She is at such a fun age and I love our special time together. Today is a big day for her as well she will be going to her new school for a meet and greet, luckily I have such a wonderful mother who will be taking her. I can't believe my little baby will be starting PK on Wednesday, time has flown by! She will always be my little peanut!

So as you can see today will be a lot of fun first's for our family, stay tuned for a recap of today's events!

Happy Monday everyone!

S'more Cupcake~ yummy!!

I love s'mores and it seems ever since our bon-fire on the beach I have been craving them like crazy. I stumbled upon this great recipe at Just Drink a Coke. Thank goodness she shared this yummy recipe from Chef in Training! This is on my "To Do" list for this weekend for sure. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water and my tummy grumble. Check out Chef in Training, you won't be disappointed!




Happy Friday and hopefully a weekend full of yummy baking!

An Outfit for Peanut!

I just love the way this little skirt and matching bow turned out! It was super easy to make and I think she looks adorable!





Today I'm linking up with these great blog parties:

Brandy's Crafts: Gluesticks
Paisley Passions: Thrilling Thursday
Somewhat Simple: Strut Your Stuff
A Glimpse Inside
Fireflies and Jellybeans: Show off your Stuff

BBQ Chicken Salad~ Tastey Tuesday

My summer is almost over and I will have to get back into the swing of work again. I love a nice fresh salad anytime especially after working a long day, I want something yummy and fast. This is one of my favorites!




What You Need:
3-4 Boneless, skinless Grilled Chicken Breast(Cut into strips)
1/2 cups KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce
8 cups torn salad greens
1 large tomato, cut into wedges
1 cup croutons
1/4 cup KRAFT Ranch Dressing

Make It:

After grilling the chicken place chicken and barbecue sauce in a large skillet on
medium-high heat 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

COMBINE remaining ingredients in large bowl; top with chicken.

Today I joining these great blog parties:

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Diamond in the Stuff

A simple Dress

I finally took some time from playing outside with my little peanut to come in and do some much needed sewing. Yesterday, I made this cute little dress for my peanut to wear and I think it turned out adorable. I didn't use a pattern I just used a dress that my little peanut already had to trace out the size and Ta DA~ A cute, simple, carefree sundress!



Today I'm linking up with these blog parties. Have a great day!


Branys Craft Blog: Gluesticks

Paisley Passions: Thrilled on Thursday

Somewhat Simple: Sturt your stuff

A glimpse Inside

Fireflies and Jellybeans: Show off your stuff

Turtle S'more Cheesecake Mini's ~ Tasty Tuesday

I love S'more's and I know that I am not alone. After finding this recipe I have been dying to try them and I must say they are GREAT!!



What You Need:

3/4 cup HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp. sugar
3/4 cup Mexican caramel spread (dulce de leche), warmed slightly, divided
1/2 cup coarsely chopped PLANTERS Pecans, divided
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 jar (14 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Creme
1/2 cup JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
2 Tbsp. HERSHEY'S Chocolate Syrup

Make It:

MIX graham crumbs, butter and sugar until well blended; press onto bottoms of 10 paper-lined muffin cups. Spoon 1/2 cup caramel spread evenly over crusts; sprinkle with 1/3 cup nuts.

BEAT cream cheese and marshmallow creme in small bowl with mixer until well blended. Add 2 Tbsp. of the remaining caramel spread; mix well. Spoon into muffin cups; top with marshmallows.

DRIZZLE with chocolate syrup and remaining caramel spread; sprinkle with remaining nuts. Refrigerate 3 hours.


Today I am joining these great blog party's:

Not Just A Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Silly Little Sparrow
A Diamond in the Stuff

Fashion Wednesday!

I have been enjoying my summer vacation and my little peanut and I have been swimming like crazy! I have managed to take a few photos of what I've been wearing but I've definitely not been as good as I was before summer break! I love taking part in Wednesday's linking Fashion party's. So here is a little of what I wore this past week!

Juicy Couture Dress- Gift
White Tank- Nordstroms

Flip Flops- Costco I love them!!

Tan shorts- Old Navy
Peach Ruffle top- Old Navy
Flip Flops- Costco


Today I'm linking up with the following blogs:

The Pleated Poppy
Momma Go RoundNo Model Lady

Come join the fun!!

We've gone banana's ~ Birthday invitations

This year for our little peanuts 4Th birthday we did a monkey theme! It was so much fun putting together all the little details for her party. I had so much fun making her invitations! I went to the local Michael's Craft store and purchased some card stock and monkey stickers. I already had a brown stamp pad and markers. Using my decorative scissors I cut the edges of the lime green card stock and then using my brown stamp pad I inked the edges. Next,I used scrap booking tape and attached the lime green card stock to the bright blue card stock to give it a framed look. Then using the computer I printed out all the important information. Finally, my peanut and I added the monkey stickers and drew the vine with a green marker. There you have it a simple, fun, and I think very cute invitation to her monkey party!




I think our final count was 28 invitations made!!



Today I'm joining the following linking party's:

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar bee Crafts
A Silly Little Sparrow
A Diamond in the Stuff

Just a little something & maybe an etsy shop soon!

I've been having so much fun making all kinds of hair accessories. I just started selling a few at a local salon and I'm thinking about selling my hair flairs and some of my crafts through etsy. This however, totally scares me, what if I don't sale anything. I love the blog by Little Miss Momma about the sleepless nights that she went through when deciding to start her own little etsy shop. Click here. I think I'm ready to do it but then again we'll see! For now I'll share with all of you a few that I have made!







Today I'm linking up with these blogs


Making the World Cutter

Sew Chatty

Keeping it Simple

Craft o Maniac

Twin bed becomes an outdoor bench!

Well I have been trying to get back into the blogging scene and I haven't been doing well. Don't get me wrong I love blogging but I have been busy working on many projects, playing with my peanut, and enjoying my summer. Unfortunately, by the end of the day I am too tired to blog but I'm trying to blog early in the morning so we'll see how it goes!!

Here is a little project that I finally completed. This was an old twin bed frame that now has a new purpose, an adorable outdoor bench!! I used the headboard for the back of the bench and then cut the foot board in half to use as the two sides of the bench. I added a little plywood and some old wood scraps to make the seat frame, a little fresh paint job and there you go a beautiful new bench.

Of course I had to make some cute little pillows to place on the back.

I think it looks great on our back screened in porch!

Today I am linking up with:

Show and Tell Saturday at Be Different Act Normal

Fashion Wednesday!

OK so I have been really bad at blogging lately and I'm so sorry, please bare with me!! I thought that once summer was here I would be able to blog like crazy however, that has not been the case. Between trips to the park, play dates, swim lessons, Dino camp, and just having fun I haven't blogged much but that is about to change. As of today I'm getting back on track and what a better way to start than with fashion Wednesday!!
I love linking up with Momma Go Round, The Pleated Poppy, & No Model Lady for fashion Wednesdays! Of course with all the triple digit temperatures that we have been having I have spent at lot of time in my swimsuit but I do manage to get dressed in real clothes every now and then!

My Peanut & I

Skirt- Handmade with love
White Tank- Target
Belt- Forever 21
Shoes- Diane's

Check out these great blogs and join in on the fun!
The Pleated Poppy

No Model Lady

Momma Go Round

Happy Birthday Peanut!!

Its hard to believe that it has been 4 years ago that God blessed me with the most precious gift, a baby girl. Today my little peanut is 4, I can't believe how quickly time has passed. I can still remember hearing her first cry, giving her her first bath, listening to her first giggle, and many more firsts. She is no long a baby but a beautiful, spunky, smart, loving, caring little girl and I treasure each and every moment I have with her! I'm looking forward to watching her continue to grow however I wish at times there was a pause button!!

Happy Birthday little princess, mommy and daddy love you so very much!!

Philly Cheesesteak Burger~ Tasty Tuesday

This is one of my husband favorite burgers and I must admit I like it too!

What You Need:

1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large sweet onion
1 sweet red pepper, seeded and sliced
1/2 pound button mushrooms, sliced
12 thin slices provolone cheese (about 6 ounces)
3/4 pound whole-wheat Italian bread, cut into 6 pieces and sliced in half horizontally Pepperoncini

Make It:

1. Form ground sirloin into 6 equal-size patties and refrigerate.

2. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add onion and cook 5 minutes over medium
heat, stirring occasionally. Add pepper and mushrooms and cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until tender.

3. Heat gas grill to medium-high or coals in a charcoal grill to medium-hot. Lightly coat grill rack with oil or cooking spray

4. Grill burgers for 3 minutes per side, covered, or until internal temperature registers 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Turn off heat and place 2 slices of cheese on
top of each burger. Cover and wait a few minutes until cheese melts.

5. Place burgers on Italian bread with onion and mushroom mixture spooned over top. Serve with pepperoncini, if desired.

Today I'm linking up with these great blogs, check them out!

Not Just A Housewife
A Diamond in the Stuff
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Silly Little Sparrow

Firecracker Cupcakes~Tasty Tuesday

With 4th of July just around the corner there are all kinds of great recipes to make for a fun family & friends celebration, but this is one my daughter loves helping with!



Firecracker Cupcakes

What You Need:
1-1/2 cups BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut, divided
4 drops each: blue and red food colorings
24 yellow cupcakes
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
24 red string licorice pieces (4 inch)

Make It:


PLACE 1/2 cup of the coconut in each of two separate resealable plastic bags; set remaining 1/2 cup coconut aside. Add blue food coloring to coconut in one bag and red food coloring to coconut in second bag. Seal bags; shake until coconut is evenly tinted.

SPREAD tops of cupcakes with whipped topping. Sprinkle with red, white (uncolored) and blue coconut as desired; press coconut gently into whipped topping to secure.

INSERT licorice piece into top of each cupcake for the firecracker's fuse. Store in refrigerator.


Well there you have it a fun and yummy treat that the kids can help with! Hope you are having a great Tuesday!

Today I'm linking up with these great blogs:

Not Just a Housewife
A Diamond in the Stuff
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Silly Little Sparrow

Root beer sherbet

If you love root beer and are looking for a yummy treat, this is one you must try! You only need a few ingredients and it's super easy to make (Her 7 year old daughter made it without any help). Head over to One Ordinary Day and check it out!

Hope all of you are enjoying summer as much as my little peanut and I are! Until later, stay cool and keep blogging!

A shirt refashion for the Peanut

One of my little Peanut's shirts was getting too short so it was time to make it into something useful for summer! I cut the long sleeves off and added some fabric to make this sweet little summer dress!



This great project cost me less than $5, can't beat that for a new little dress!

Today I'm linking up with these great blogs:









Happy Crafting!!

Oreo Cheesecake

It has been rainy and cold which is not our typical weather in May and June. Unfortunately I seem to be able to find comfort in many sweet desserts and this one is great! I guess I will be running a few extra miles next week, but it was worth every bite!



What You Need:

1 pkg. (16.6 oz.) OREO Cookies, divided
1/4 cup butter, melted
4 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

Make It:


CHOP 15 cookies coarsely. Finely crush remaining cookies; mix with butter. Press onto bottom of 13x9-inch pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.

BEAT cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Gently stir in COOL WHIP and chopped cookies; spread onto crust.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm.

This is so easy and yummy, luckily the sun it out today so hopefully I won't have to result to eating more sweets, then again a little won't hurt, Right??

Today I'm joining these great blogs:

Not Just a Housewife
A Diamond in the Stuff
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Silly Little Sparrow

Summer Vacation is just one meeting away!!

I'm counting down the hours till my summer vacation officially begins. Yesterday was the last day of school and all the students are home most likely still in bed and yet my job is still not done. I'm heading back to work today for one last teacher in-service training of the year! Yes, I wish I was home today have a picnic with my little peanut, playing on the tire swing, or taking a trip to the park but I guess that will have to wait one more day!! I'm so excited to be home with my little peanut and finally have some time to get started on my craft "to-do" list! So I guess I will have to wait another 9 hours before my official summer vacation begins!!

Here are just a few of the items on my "to-do" list, what do you have on your list?

Chain-wrapped Rosette by Miss Lovie

Ruffle Flower Tutorial from Jessa Jill.

Pink Cuff Bracelet by Pocket Full of Pink



What do you and your family have planned this summer?

Tasty Tuesday~ Sweet Chicken Kabobs

I love summer time for so many reasons and bbq'in is one of them! I would have to say that these sweet chicken Kabobs are one of my favorite grilling recipes.



What You Need:

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (1-1/2 inch)
1 each red and green pepper, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce
3 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

Make It:

HEAT grill to medium-high heat.

THREAD chicken alternately with pineapple and peppers onto 8 long wooden skewers, using 2 skewers placed side-by-side for each kabob.

MIX barbecue sauce and juice concentrate; brush half evenly onto kabobs.

GRILL 8 to 10 min. or until chicken is done, turning and brushing occasionally with remaining sauce.


Today I'm joining thses great blogs:

My little Peanut & I are featured!!

I was so excited this morning when I logged on to find my little Peanut and I were featured on Rebecca Hickey's Photography Page. She is a great photography from Yuba City who has taken Photos of our little Peanut throughout the year! I just love her work, she is so patient with the kids and does a great job capturing special moments. Head on over and check out her great work!!

Bows, Bows, & More Bows!!!

Yes that's right a little princess can't ever have enough hair bows, right?? I have been having so much fun trying different bows and I love the fact that I can work on them while watching a movie with the fam!! With school just about over, 4 days from being over, but who's counting I'm going to have so much more time to craft away!! So here are a few I made last night, I can only imagine how many I can make once summer vacation is here!!

Today I'm joining these great blogs: