So WHAT Wednesday

I am linking up for Shannon's SO WHAT Wednesday.

SO WHAT if Madison had to be picked up from school early today because she wasn't "feeling well".  We have a girls night planned tonight... and I am pretty sure we are still going when she wakes up from her nap.  I think she just has a cold.

SO WHAT if I really think the Duggars are pushing their limits with all of these children.  I think most of us (me excluded.. obviously) would have 19 children if we didn't use any sort of birth control or natural family planning.  I still BAWLED my eyes out watching the season finale of their show when they went to the doctor to find out the gender of their baby only to find out it had no heartbeat.  Finding out the baby inside of you has died...SUCKS... whether you have no kids... or 19 kids.

SO WHAT if I had every intention this week of starting the Hunger Games... but haven't even picked up the book.

SO WHAT if I haven't made reservations for Easter brunch yet... or bought anything for Madison's Easter basket... I think I need a trip to Target for the Easter basket stuff.

Happy Easter {FREE} Printable 5x7

While decorating for Spring I realized I needed one more piece to finish my fireplace design.  So I created this 5x7 printable, printed it at home, framed it, and it definitely was the last piece I needed to complete my decor.  You can download a copy of it for free below.  You can print it from your home printer or upload it to CVS, Walgreens, or Costco.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up for Miscellany Monday today.

~Madison is going on Friday to see the Hunger Games with the book club at school.  She is super excited to go.  I think I am going to start reading the books too.  I have become such a slacker when it comes to reading... but I want to see what all of the hype is.

~I ALWAYS work Monday nights...except for tonight.  So when Madison comes home we are going to Panera (we haven't been in awhile) for an early dinner and grocery shopping.  I typed up my grocery list last night on the computer and sent it to our new wireless printer.  I love how easy that is. I am looking forward to it.   I also plan on making this Starbuck's Iced Lemon Poundcake tonight.

~We have decided to go out for an Easter brunch. I need to choose a place to go ASAP and make some reservations. 

~Let's just say we are running out of time for a 2012 baby... this month was another disappointment. Yet, I know it could be way worse.  It just stinks when you did everything right and didn't get the results you were hoping for. So after a brief meltdown yesterday, I have picked myself up and we will keep on trying.

~ I started two new crafts this weekend... I am hoping to finish them soon so I can share them. 

Things That Make Me Laugh

I cannot help but laugh when I see these... so funny... and so true. I thought today would be a good day to share as I could use a few good laughs today.

Source: someecards.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Love on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Love on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Betty on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Love on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Love on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Jeana on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Sara on Pinterest

Pinterest Inspired Clothespin Frame

This lovely Pinterest pin inspired me to create my own version to add to my gallery wall in the hall.

Source: pinkpaislee.com via Maxine on Pinterest

This is the one I created.  I used an old frame, some cute little clothespins I found in the $1.50 bin at Michaels, some twine, and some Instagram photos I had printed through Postal Pics.   I actually wrapped the twine around the brads in the back of the frame and then added a little glue to secure them.  I think it probably could use a few more photos, but overall I love how easy it was to do and how it looks.

I am linking up to Shine on Friday.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I am linking up for What I'm Loving Wednesday.

My New Wall Hanging 

Barn Owl Primitives sold some of their designs to a company who made them into canvases to be sold at Home Goods stores.  I looked at two Home Goods in Rhode Island, two Home Goods in Massachusetts, and had my mom look at two in Virginia... until I finally found this beauty last weekend on my trip to New Jersey.  It is hanging in our entry way and I am in love.  It is huge... almost 5 feet tall.

Cooking

Yesterday I made this Kevin & Amanda inspired breakfast casserole for my husband...except I used bacon, green peppers, and onions instead of sausage. It was so easy to make.

I made these brownies using my secret homemade brownie recipe.  I scooped the batter into lined cupcake tins and inserted a Dove Promises in the center.  They turned out fabulous.

Source: recipes.sparkpeople.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I made this for dinner last night.  Except I used a pork tenderloin and I threw it all in the crock pot.  It turned out great.

Girls Night

Since my husband is working a different shift and I am off of work tonight, I am taking this tween of mine out to dinner and to a few stores (most likely Barnes & Noble and Michaels).  When we get home I need to work on putting up my spring decor.

Tastefully Simple Products are 20% off!

Years ago I sold Tastefully Simple products.  We really enjoyed so many of their items.  I was thrilled when I discovered a coworker, Kirsten, of mine sold their products. I am currently hosting an online party for her.  The BEST part about it is she is offering 20% off until March 30th.  You have to order directly through her to take advantage of the discount, not through the website. 

Simply go to her website, figure out what you want to purchase, and then email her your order and contact information.  Be sure to tell her Melissa sent you. She will then reach out to you with your total and to make payment arrangements.  So now is a great time to stock up on some of their great items.

Some of the things I am ordering are -

Nana's Apple Cake $6.99 now $5.59. This cake is seriously so tasty and easy to make.  It is one of my husband's favorites.

Bountiful Beer Bread Mix Value Pack $15.69 now $12.55 for 3 packages of the mix.  This is one of my daughter's favorites.  I tried making it homemade once... and I couldn't fool her.  She knew it wasn't from Tastefully Simple.



I would love to know your favorite Tastefully Simple product, so I can also try some new things.

Miscellany Monday

It is time for Miscellany Monday.

1. Madison and I drove to New Jersey (only 4 hours away... not bad) to visit my friend, Erin, and her family for her daughter's christening.  We had a fabulous time and I cannot wait to share some photos and to tell you about our trip and the yummy food and cupcakes I made for the brunch Erin and her husband hosted after the church service.  My only complaint... the trip was so easy and so much fun... I am kicking myself for not having gone sooner. 

2. Today I went grocery shopping.. at 1:30 PM... without having any lunch.  It was a bad idea.  I went with a meal plan and a grocery list... but ended up with so much more.  I didn't really stick to a budget today... and that really goes make grocery shopping so much more fun. A few months back when we were on a tight budget, I couldn't always get everything I wanted.  So it was nice today to fill up the cart with everything we needed... and some other things I would normally pass up due to cost.  I am loving that the grocery store has whole pineapples for $2.99! What a bargain.

3. My husband is temporarily working the 12-8 shift.  The pros are - more money for this shift and mornings together (although I am usually working... but it is from home).  The cons are - not being able to eat dinner together as a family and him not being able to spend much time with Maddie in the afternoons.  It is nice to know it is only temporary.

4. I will share that one of the things I made over the weekend was my Cheddar Ranch Cheeseball.  It is one of our family favorites and so easy.  So today I picked up the ingredients to make it. It is super simply - one 8 oz brick of softened cream cheese, 1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 envelope of Hidden Valley Ranch dry seasoning salad dressing mix.  I throw it all in my Kitchenaid mixed on high.  Then I line a small bowl with plastic wrap, scoop the mixture in, wrap it with the plastic wrap and mold it into a ball.  Chill for two hours and then serve with Wheat Thins (it really tastes the best with those).  I promise you this is so easy and a BIG hit whenever I make it to bring somewhere.

5. The weather has been AMAZING!! I am so thankful.  I love not needing a coat, not looking like an idiot wearing my beloved flip flops, and having the windows open.  Hello Spring! I am working tonight on getting my spring decorations out.

SO WHAT Wednesday

I am linking up with Shannon today for So WHAT Wednesday.

SO WHAT... if I took the chicken out just a bit too late today to be thawed out in time for dinner... my plan worked and my husband took us out for pizza.  I will make chicken tomorrow.

SO WHAT... if we started watching Downton Abbey last night via Netflix purely because I read on other blogs about how great it was.  We watched just one episode.  So far... so good.

SO WHAT... if some days I do better that others in my attempt to give up diet soda and caffeine.

SO WHAT... if I no lie... have about 5 books I need to read... and about 10 magazines.  I just haven't been into reading lately.

SO WHAT... if I am super happy for the new season of 16 & Pregnant to come on.  It should make me mad or sad... but it doesn't.  I cannot stop watching.

SO WHAT... if tonight at dinner I was CONVINCED I was having a hot flash... which cued panic... and I immediately told me husband early menopause would mean we would have to look into adopting a baby right away.

SO WHAT... if I did ONE day in the March photo challenge on Instagram.  Oh well...

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up with Carissa at lowercase letters for Miscellany Monday.

1. After some recent rough times, I am happy to say things are way better than they have been in a long time.  It feels good to be so happy again.

Source: graphicshunt.com via Amanda on Pinterest

2. Madison and I are traveling to New Jersey this weekend for my friend's baby's christening.  I am helping her with the food for the brunch and making the cupcakes - strawberry with cream cheese frosting and white with vanilla butter cream.  I am also make some super sweet pink and white toppers for them.

3. I was off during the day today (and I am never off on Mondays) and it was GLORIOUS.  I think I am going to request more Mondays off.  I did have a meeting at 9am this morning, but afterwards I folded laundry, watched Real Housewives of Atlanta, went to CVS, went to the grocery store, and picked up a sandwich for lunch from a local bakery.  The weather was beautiful, my windows were rolled down, and I thoroughly enjoyed my morning/afternoon off.

4. I am learning to let go of a family relationship I hoped would be more than it has been.  I am tired of the pretending and the fakeness.  Letting go is bringing me peace about the situation. 

5. I am excited to try out PicMonkey now that Picnik is closing.  Has anyone else used it? What are your thoughts?  I cannot wait to try it out.

Floral Canvas Art - The Great Pinterest Challenge

I love how this turned out.  It was another super easy Pinterest inspired project.  I started by painting an 8x10 canvas with black paint.  Then I gathered up some scrapbook paper that I already had and cut out a circle for the center and a bunch of petals.  I made my arrangement and then used some tacky glue to stick everything down.  Once that was finished, I covered it with a layer of Mod Podge. 

 

This project was inspired by this pin

http://itsdoable.squarespace.com/blog/2012/1/23/its-doablethe-flower-wall-art.html#comments

I am linking up for the Great Pinterest challege {HERE}, but I couldn't get the button to work.

Photo Strip Canvas - The Great Pinterest Challenge

Here is my photo strip canvas.  This was super simple to make.  I used a 4x12 canvas, black paint, Mod Podge, and three photos I took with Instagram and had printed with the PostalPix app.  First I painted the canvas black.  Then I trimmed my photos.  I used Mod Podge to adhear them to the canvas.  Then I added another layer of Mod Podge.  It is now hanging in our entry way next to our closet.  I have another one in the works for my mother.  She currently has three grandchildren, so I am making one with a photo of each of them.

I got my pinspiration from here -

Source: manditremayne.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I am entering the Great Pinterest challenge {the button wouldn't post properly}
 

SO WHAT Wednesday

I am linking up with Shannon today for So What Wednesday.

So what... if I waited until almost 9 PM to do my So What Wednesday post... it has been a busy day.

So what... if this morning after eating this Cinnabon cinnamon roll cake for breakfast two days in a row I threw the rest in the trash so I would stop eating it for breakfast.  It is THAT good. 

So what... if my husband needs to go to the DMV tomorrow... and they only take cash and check.  We never have cash.  I used my last check today.  Since I rarely use them, I didn't realize I was quite out.  And... well we may have some more, but our guest bedroom/office/storage room (where they probably are) looks like a bomb went off inside of it. I just ordered a new box.

So what... if I have stopped complaining when my husband plays stupid video games.  Madison likes to watch him and it gives me free time to buy random stuff on the Internet or watch trash reality TV in my bedroom.

Blog Roundup

I read most of the blogs I follow from my phone through my AppGReader app.  When I read something I am interested in going back to or commenting on, I star it, which leaves me with a HUGE folder of starred items.   Here are some share worthy reads I have come across lately....

This post about weekly food prep by Iron Bowled Over has some handy tips for preparing meals in advance for ease during the week.  I will definitely be following some of her tips.

 

 

This post with lots of tips for using Pinterest by Grass Stains would come in handy for any newbie pinners.

This post which includes an Instragram Cheat Sheet by Fat Mum Slim where I learned some things I didn't know about using Instagram.

This post that shared a recipe for a Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake by Six Sisters Stuff.  I made this on Friday.  I subbed a yellow cake mix for the homemade cake and omitted the nuts.  It was a big hit with everyone and is excellent.

Source: sixsistersstuff.com via Melissa on Pinterest

February Photo Challenge - Instagram

I participated in this February photo challenge. I have already started the March one.  I will say that some days I forgot to do it or just didn't do it, and had to play a bit of catch up.   I just picked some to share below.  I am mom2maddie99 on Instagram if you would like to follow my feed.