What I wore- shopping in my closet

That's right I hit jackpot.....

Where do you ask? Well, let me tell you, MY closet!! I was really thinking that I needed to clean out my closet and start over. Do you ever get that feeling? I have heard that you wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time.

For me I think I wear 10% of my clothes 90% of the time. Since I have been joining back to WIWW I have really been trying to not duplicate outfits every week. I am sure you have noticed my love of solid t-shirts, considering u have been wearing them like crazy!! They are just so dang comfy!

As I have been feeding my new pinterest addiction I have found some much needed style help. So, with iPad in hand I headed to my closet to see what lay in the dark depths that kinda looked like some of the cool clothes on pinterest.

So here are some of the new outfits I found!!!

Wednesday, took Mr. E to school and then had a little mint play date. It was all fun until the little friend got stuck to industrial velcro. Poor thing got her pony tails stuck in a bouncy house. It took us five minutes to get her unstuck. At one point she said, "I'm gonna be stuck here for ever!". Truly a brave little four year old!






Thursday, went Goodwill shopping for fall kiddy clothes. Found some good Stuff for Mr. E, but not much for Miss C.















Friday, Mr. E had school again! Then the hubby came home after a long week away for work! We were all glad to see him. The kids hadn't seen him in almost two weeks due to our Wisconsin trip.









Saturday, this was a busy day filled with a 1st birthday celebration and then a pool party with friends from church. The kiddos weren't able to squeeze in a nap, but they managed to be fairly civil to us that evening!









I made the flower pin to add more red to my red and turquoise outfit.









Sunday, we went to church! After naps the hubby told the kids we would go to the park and play. We haven't been in a while and the kids had tons of fun. Mr. E loved the swings, could swing for hours!! Miss C loved the slides. She asked to do the monkey bars one time, but that was with me holding her. I remember doing the monkey bars in elementary school and getting blisters. I have the calluses to prove it!








Monday, Mr. E had school and then both kiddos went to my MILs for the day. I meet a friend and we did a little bible study. Hopefully this will become a weekly routine! Picked up the kids and had dinner at Culver's. I had the mocha chip custard for dessert! So not on my diet, but very tasty indeed!









Tuesday, I had plans to run errands today, but that just didn't pan out. I started working on my last classes and then we played outside.









That was my week! Sorry for the detail if you are just coming to look at the clothes, it is okay if you skip over the rest! Hope you had an amazing week and I look forward to finding more "new outfits" in my closet because it is way cheaper than going to the store!!

Amy

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Linkin to http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2011/08/what-i-wore-wednesday-34/

What's for snacking Wednesday

I guess you could make a meal out of this, I am sure I could. It probably wouldn't be considered the best meal, but it is definitely a tasty treat! Oh, and it is a great way to add some veggies to your diet!

So, now that your curiosity is peaked i guess I should tell you what this wonderful snack it's.....Zucchini Bread.

My grandmother brought me some zucchini this summer. One of my favorite things to use it for is zucchini bread. I have seen and tried several different zucchini bread recipes and this one is my favorite. It sweet, moist, and delectable.

Here is what you will need:

3 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup oil
2 cups zucchini grated
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
Chopped nuts (optional)

Heat your oven to 325 degrees. Then beat the eggs until frothy. Stir in the sugar, oil, zucchini, and vanilla.




Combine dry ingredients.



Stir into zucchini mixture until well mixed. Add nuts if desired. I didn't add them this time, but they do add a nice crunch to the bread.



Pour into 2 well greased bread pans.



My favorite thing to use is the spray with the flour added in.



Bake for 1 hour. Cool 10 minutes in pan, remove to wire rack. Cool thoroughly before slicing.



If you aren't going to eat both loaves immediately then wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them moist.



Enjoy!

Happy Baking!!

Amy


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I'm back

Sorry for e blobby break, but last week was my last week of summer.

Even though Mr. E has been back at school for two weeks I am just getting back to school. This is my last semester of my Masters program!!! I am ready to be done with school! Having a legitimate summer break has not helped matters.

As you can tell we have gone on a couple of summer trips and had some fairly productive crafty time. Now I'm not ready to give it up!!



I am feeling a little overwhelmed with school because I have an assignment due next Monday. This assignment will carry across all three of my classes. I have a week to pick a problem that I will research, conduct a research project, and then write about. I feel like I am jumping into deep water with a small float.

I have done some basic checking on the Internet to find info on e different ideas I have had had. I just can't seem to formulate the right problem. I am going to be able to meet with a former teacher this week and get some guidance.

*** the problem has to pertain to my field of expertise- math.

So, the good part is that I only have to pick one topic and it will work for all of my classes. It will be a lot of work, but it all goes together and will be over in 3 1/2 months!

In the mean time I hope to keep bring creative, it truly is a stress reliever for me. At least most of the time. We all have those craft fails and stubborn stitches that give us a run for our money!

For now I am not gonna stress and enjoy my afternoon! Watching the kiddos on this...


Hope you are having a great day!

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Where in the world is...

NOT Carmen San Diego, but Amy!

Sorry 90's tv throw back!

Okay, so last week my hubby took me to the Drum Corp International Championships. It was my birthday present!

For my fellow band geeks, we had awesome seats! We set in the 7th row on the 45 yard line. It was so fun watching all of the Drum Major salutes up close and personal. It was also interesting to see the color guard uniforms. They were all so different and unique. Some more different than others b

Not the best picture, but here we are!



The next night we didn't have such close seats. But when it comes to band competitions being far away can be a good thing. We got to see all the formations and general marching effect this night.

It was cool to see all the bands march in for the awards ceremony. Here are all 12 of the finalists.



This brings back so many memories from my high school band days! One of the bands even performed some of the same music we did! The English Folk Song Suite. I promised my husband I wouldn't embarrass him by directing!

It was a nice little get away for us, and a wonderful birthday present!

Thanks honey!!

Amy


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Things to Try Thursday-Fly Bags

I know, catchy title right?

Well flies are a problem at my house. Fortunately not inside the house, but outside.

Let me explain. We have cows. Explanation done!

For those of you who aren't familiar with the bovine species, well any mammal beside human (most humans), they live outside and attract flies. Even though my husband diligently sprays the cattle for flies there is still a large majority that hang out near the cows. I think you can figure out why!

Anyway, the flies decided my back porch is a cool, awesome, marvelous hangout! And for some reason believed that it was their own personal outhouse, minus the door with the moon cutout.

I am sick and tired of having little black specs all over EVERYTHING that is outside!! These specs have been left courtesy of the flies.

I searched online for ways to get rid of flies. There are some very useful tips for keeping flies away from outdoor gathers, but I needed a more permanent solution.

We have tried a similar solution in the past, fly bags.

I found significant hard core research, okay a you tube video of a guy and a kid. They explained the the water in ziploc bags makes the flies look bigger, and they think it is a scary bug and fly away. Makes since, but not sure how they really know. Anyway, if you wanna get rid of flies from an outside area here is how ya do it.

Take a wire hanger and separate the top.



Using wire cutters, cut the hanger in three pieces.



Fill a ziploc bag with water. Add a penny. The copper has something to do with this equation, I'm just not sure what! Guy didn't explain this to the kid in the you tube video!



Now take one end of the hanger and punch through the top of the ziploc bag. make sure both ends of the hanger are curved. This keeps the bag on the hanger, and the hanger on what ever you choose to hang it from.



Now hang these suckers up!



I have a large back porch, it is the full length of our ranch style home, so I used twelve fly bags. I really have noticed a difference in the flies. Now if it will only cool down a bit so we can enjoy our fly free space!

Happy Fly Chasing!

Amy


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What I Wore Wednesday

So this week I didn't do so good with the pictures. I was out of town and just didn't document each outfit.

I know you are completely devastated :)

Here is what I did manage to pull together and record on film ( not really film, but you know what I mean).

Thursday I had my kids the majority of the day. That afternoon I dropped them of with my MIL. I headed out of town for the weekend with my hubby.



Friday, we left one hotel in one city just to go to another hotel in another city. This was the packing and getting ready to leave the first city.



The next two days we were enjoying ourselves at the Drum Corp International Championships. We had a blast!

We drove home on Sunday and picked up the kiddos from my Mom. I was shocked at the minimal crying at bashing of teeth from my two angels as I told them it was now time for them to come home. I truly believe my kids would leave me in a heart beat to go live with my Mother!

Monday was spent running errands and taking Mr. E to his pre-school open house.



Tuesday I didn't get a picture because I spent the entire day in gym clothes. Rightfully so since I went to the gym twice! I also packed for another trip this weekend!

Something I realized last week was that my armpit is in every photo. Sorry for making you all gaze upon the underside of my arm all the time, come this fall it will definitely be covered up and your eyes will get a break!

Happy Wardrobe Raiding!

Amy

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What's For Dinner Wednesday-Apple Pie

I love pie, well I love anything sweet. Apples are definitely a good sweet treat We have an apple tree in our back yard and I love cooking with them. The apples aren't ready yet, but making an apple pie increases my anticipation for all the yummy apple dishes I can make this fall!

Let's make a delicious, scrumptious, mouthwatering apple pie!

Here's what we need:

Filling
6 cups thinly sliced apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon all spice

Crust
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

We need to start by peeling the apples, this is the most time consuming part for me! I used 8 medium red apples.



Add the sugar, slour, spices, and lemon juice. Mix well. I added a little more flour to my mix. The extra tablespoon of flour makes the filling stick together and not as runny.



Now to make the dough for the crust (double crust, one for the bottom and one for the top)

Start by putting the flour and cold pieces of butter in a bowl. Mix them with a pastry mixer, or by hand (that is the messy way). Blend together to get the butter worked into the flour. Add the water, one to two tablespoons at a time. Mix until all the flour forms a ball. Separate the dough into two balls. Roll one ball into a circle the size of your pan on a floured area. The butter crust is easy to roll out, I actually just pat it out to my desired circumference with my hands.



Transfer the crust to the pie pan.



Pour the apple mixture into the pan. I had to press the apples down to get them all in the crust.



Roll out your second crust and place on top if the pie. Pinch the seams together to seal the crusts. Cut a few slits in the top to allow the steam to escape while baking.



Cover the edges with foil and bake 375 for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for 20 more minutes.

Take the pie out and enjoy! Especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Yum! Yum!



Happy Baking!

Amy

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The hollow hideout

My kids started making a "hideout" the other day. There is just something about kids, blankets, and small openings.

I found my kids playing under a table in my dining room.



Don't they look comfy?

Thus table was my Great-Great Grandmothers. So it is pretty old!! I Wonder if she ever thought about her future generations and how their lives might revolve around her table.

I am sure she didn't envision these adorable faces playing under the table. I love that I have heirloom pieces, and I hope to pass them down to many more future generations!







Here's to a little bit of history!

Happy Day!!

Amy


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Makin' It Monday-Pincushion Ottoman

Remember that old brass flower pot I found at a thrift store?

It wasn't that attractive, and I had plans to make it more appealing!






I had seen a tutorial for an upholstered bucket ottoman at Killer B design. I thought this was an awesome idea and knew immediately it would be a great outside stool/storage piece for my sister-in-law.

So, I spray painted, glued, cut, covered, and sewed to end up with this...






My SIL has some black lockers on her screened porch, so I thought that would be the perfect color for the pot.

I new she loved red, and I had some great red fabric that fit the bill perfectly. Come to find out she just got some cushions that are red with some black and white polkadots.






This turned out to be a great birthday present for her, and hopefully a functional one too!

Happy Crafting!

Amy


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Thrift Find Friday- Belvah Purse

The other day whole perusing my local Goodwill the other day I found a new purse.

I really like quilted purses, and this one just called out to me.



I love the color and the pattern. I like the purple and orange colors mixed together in the paisley pattern.



When I got home I decided to look up the brand name and see what I could find out about the purse.



Belvah makes quite a few quilted purses and diaper bags. Most of the bags are one color and a tote bag style. I like the hobo style of this bag. It actually holds a lot of stuff! From what I could tell this bag retails for around $30, and I got it at the bargain price of $3.

Happy Thrifting!

Amy




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Things to Try Thursday-Flirting the Issue Shirt

I made myself a skirt for Easter. I like for us to wear matching outfits for Easter, well at least matching colors.

I made my skirt using a tutorial from Anna Marie Horner

The other day I decided to use some of the left over material from my skirt to make a skirt for Miss C.

I only used two rows of elastic for Miss C's skirt. I was afraid any more would make the waistband too long.



After I finished the skirt I decided to make her a matching hair bow.



Here we are I. Our matching Mother / Daughter outfits. I am sure she won't let me do this forever, but I am gonna enjoy it while it lasts.



This is a very easy tutorial to follow! I love the way the skirt hangs, it is nice and flowey.

Happy Sewing!

Amy

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What's for dinner Wednesday-Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole

This is a yummy recipe!

It is good to take to large gatherings or to fix for picky eaters!

My kiddos love this dish, I never hear a peep of complaint at meal time. I usually do hear some fussing, so this gives me a nice break!

You are gonna need:
1 cup uncooked rice
1 cup cooked chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup or more cheese whiz
1/2 cup milk
1 medium onion
1/2 stick butter
1 package broccoli cooked and drained

Sauté onion in 1/2 stick butter.



Mix the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.



Add the onions, stir together, and then pour into a casserole dish.



Bake uncovered 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.



This is a wonderfully cheese dish. I know you are gonna love eating this dish!

This is really a simple fix! If you try it out I would love to hear what you think!

Happy Cooking!!

Amy


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