tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4057886339129774512024-03-13T16:02:44.144-05:00The Little Things In LifeI think in the end, it's all about the little things in life that make it good. The little things are easy to overlook but they are often the most precious.Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.comBlogger577125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-29838195231701165332012-05-13T18:33:00.001-05:002012-05-13T18:39:37.649-05:00Carter Soccer 2011I'm behind. Understatement of the year. Better late than never?
Here's a recap of Carter's soccer from LAST YEAR :)
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He's a lot better this year, but still working on controling those emotions! I have visions that some day he'll be that player in the dugout that throws a temper tantrum kicking and throwing equipment all over the place.Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-20307080785059370212012-03-18T14:11:00.001-05:002012-03-20T18:12:00.754-05:00Meal Planning (week of 18 March 2012)Sunday - Chicken enchiladas<br />
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Monday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/philly-cheese-steak-sandwich-recipe/index.html">Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches</a><br />
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Tuesday - Prosciutto wrapped chicken (Real Simple recipe) + asparagus<br />
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Wednesday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/meatloaf-muffins-with-barbecue-sauce-recipe/index.html">Mini Meatloafs</a> and mashed potatoes<br />
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Thursday - Breakfast - pancakes and sausageGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-86238652464080622882012-02-27T19:25:00.000-06:002012-02-27T19:25:30.267-06:00Meal Planning 26 Feb 2012Sunday - Grilled steaks (how awesome is it that we are grilling in KC in february)<br />
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Monday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/fettuccine-with-quick-ragu-recipe/index.html">Fettucinne with Quick Ragu</a> + Garlic Bread<br />
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Tuesday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/maple-glazed-chicken-recipe/index.html">Maple Glazed Chicken</a><br />
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Wednesday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/ragu-stuffed-peppers-recipe/index.html">Stuffed peppers</a> with leftover ragu from Monday<br />
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Thursday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/salisbury-steak-with-mushrooms-recipe/index.html">Salisbury steak</a> with butter noodlesGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-15428989008944976292012-01-08T11:12:00.000-06:002012-01-08T11:12:21.705-06:00Meal Planning (week of 08 Jan 2012)Sunday - Chicken with roasted vegetables (from this month's Cook's Country)<br />
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Monday - Greek chicken pitas with <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/kicked-up-tzatziki-sauce-recipe/index.html">tzaziki sauce</a><br />
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Tuesday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/roasted-corn-quesadillas-recipe/index.html">Roasted corn quesadillas</a> + Guac<br />
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Wednesday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/fettucini-alfredo-with-zucchini-ribbons-recipe/index.html">Fettucinne</a> + salad<br />
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Thursday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/semi-homemade-cooking-with-sandra-lee/tangy-pork-sandwiches-with-spicy-slaw-recipe/index.html">Slow cooker barbecue pulled pork</a> sandwiches + beansGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-82859801506044351222011-11-27T12:02:00.001-06:002011-11-27T12:03:55.265-06:00Meal Planning (Week of 27 Nov 2011)Ugh, I have been eating whatever I want and even tough I'm running 20 miles a week the scale shows it. Maybe I didn't need to have a cheeseburger, bratwurst AND hotdog at the tailgate yesterday. Time to plan some healthy meals.<br />
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Sunday: Going to try making this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-meat-loaf-recipe/index.html">meatloaf recipe</a> with turkey instead of beef and individual sizes so they will cook faster. We'll see how this goes. + a bag of steamed veggies with rice<br />
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Monday: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mustard-roasted-salmon-recipe/index.html">Mustard roasted salmon</a> + couscous with tomato, cucumber and feta<br />
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Tuesday: <a href="http://gruvemomtimes.blogspot.com/2011/09/chicken-artichoke-and-spinach-calzone.html">Chicken, artichoke and spinach calzone </a>(from cook's country) with marinara sauce<br />
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Wednesday: Chicken Picatta <br />
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Thursday: <a href="http://ourpandemoniumparadise.wordpress.com/2011/09/16/two-recipes/">Prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin with herb pan sauce</a> (from cook's country) + steamed veggiesGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-3032866338380835222011-10-11T21:39:00.001-05:002011-10-11T21:41:42.254-05:00Our new deck!Old deck gone. You can see the old patio and bricks they had.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_mxTlV8T7g/TpT8sSXJ13I/AAAAAAAACbM/FmPk1gOBCLg/s1600/deck1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_mxTlV8T7g/TpT8sSXJ13I/AAAAAAAACbM/FmPk1gOBCLg/s320/deck1.jpg" /></a></div>Patio and bricks gone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omzc2bATz5c/TpT8sboNQ9I/AAAAAAAACbU/-YcbMLz0xMU/s1600/deck2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omzc2bATz5c/TpT8sboNQ9I/AAAAAAAACbU/-YcbMLz0xMU/s320/deck2.jpg" /></a></div>New patio.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-yPuWyRM9Y/TpT8so_tlQI/AAAAAAAACbk/eR8i7FjbLzg/s1600/deck3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-yPuWyRM9Y/TpT8so_tlQI/AAAAAAAACbk/eR8i7FjbLzg/s320/deck3.jpg" /></a></div>Deck going up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-lIeEFat_c/TpT8tFgiePI/AAAAAAAACbs/sHVnM3occd8/s1600/deck4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-lIeEFat_c/TpT8tFgiePI/AAAAAAAACbs/sHVnM3occd8/s320/deck4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skUfDdr-v9E/TpT8tWoxq1I/AAAAAAAACb4/eWemlntdSf8/s1600/deck5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skUfDdr-v9E/TpT8tWoxq1I/AAAAAAAACb4/eWemlntdSf8/s320/deck5.jpg" /></a></div>Done!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZUGk0l-qhg/TpT81cXMFZI/AAAAAAAACcI/SJgb3_S3XMg/s1600/deck6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZUGk0l-qhg/TpT81cXMFZI/AAAAAAAACcI/SJgb3_S3XMg/s320/deck6.jpg" /></a></div>Arbor with end cuts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAVXCwU1x2o/TpT81Q3_jgI/AAAAAAAACcU/y2Al8sfFgqs/s1600/deck6-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAVXCwU1x2o/TpT81Q3_jgI/AAAAAAAACcU/y2Al8sfFgqs/s320/deck6-5.jpg" /></a></div>Ta da! We ate breakfast lunch and dinner on the new deck on Sunday with the beautiful weather we've been having!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmSj8-5d-tU/TpT81kO2vEI/AAAAAAAACck/IV9QZdNQ19o/s1600/deck7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmSj8-5d-tU/TpT81kO2vEI/AAAAAAAACck/IV9QZdNQ19o/s320/deck7.jpg" /></a></div>We are still going to have the concrete stained and have some landscaping to do but other than that it is awesome!Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-31190763718084742242011-10-11T09:22:00.000-05:002011-10-11T09:22:51.378-05:00Meal Planning (Week of 09 October)Sunday - We grilled on our new deck (pictures coming soon) to celebrate my mom's 59th birthday<br />
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Monday - Anna had a cheerleading clinic so I fed them Subway<br />
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Tuesday - Steak Salad <br />
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Wednesday - Lasagna Rollups + Garlic bread<br />
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Thursday - Homemade Pizza<br />
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Friday - Anna is performing at the football game so we will probably eat something quickGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-9831765277470630532011-10-04T21:26:00.000-05:002011-10-04T21:26:00.608-05:00Louisburg Cider Fest - ReviewOn Saturday I was looking for something to take the kids to, to spend some time with them since I'd been gone the previous weekend to the wedding and one night during the week for the soccer game for work.<br />
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I had heard about the Cider Festival in Louisburg Kansas and my parents decided to join me and the kids for an outing.<br />
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I would not recommend making the trip. First of all, it is located right next to a wastewater lagoon. So it smells. Like a pig farm.<br />
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Next, it is a little confusing because one side has a pumpkin patch and hay rides and you can pay $8 per person plus more for the pumpkins. The other side of the lagoon has Cider Fest. Cider Fest is just a bunch of small tents in a row of locals selling their MLM businesses like Pampered Chef, Watkins Spices, etc. We tried to wait for the balloon guy but he was MIA. We started to wait in line for face painting until I realized it was $10 a face. We listened to a blue grass band while my parents waited at least 15 minutes in line to get hot dogs because there weren't enough food vendors.<br />
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Finally, if you want to be surrounded by bees order a cup of cider. We walked through the cider mill but no one was there explaining the process and really it just looked dirty and unsanitary and I really didn't want to try any cider after that.<br />
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We left.<br />
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We stopped by the Arts Fest at the Overland Park Arboretum on the way back. We should have just gone there instead. We arrived at 3 and it was going to be closing at 4. Luckily it lasted until more like 4:30 so the kids were able to make several crafts and get a hay ride. It was only $6 per person so it was a little cheaper.<br />
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Not a very fulfilling weekend but lesson learned. No need to go to Louisburg. Johnson Farms is wayyyy better.Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-13682635506383090122011-10-02T22:21:00.000-05:002011-10-02T22:21:37.762-05:00A Month of Dinners - Days Three, Four and FiveDay three of a month of dinners which I started last week was <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/pork-chops-roasted-beets-00100000066434/">Pork Chops with roasted beets and oranges</a>. I confirmed that I do not like my oranges hot. The kids confirmed they don't like beets. Again I felt like this meal needed a starch so I also made some couscous. The pork chops were actually fine. Thank god. So everyone got to eat something. The kids referred to it as steak and dipped it in A1.<br />
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At this point I feel like I have to write that I promise, my kids really aren't picky eaters. They usually try everything, they even like salad, brussel sprouts and soup. I swear I didn't say anything to discourage them on the beets. By this time they had started complaining about dinner. They were forcing themselves to eat it because they know they don't get dessert without eating a good dinner, but even I was having a hard time encouraging them to eat something that I know doesn't taste good.<br />
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Strike three and I'm annoyed.<br />
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Wednesday I ended up having to go to a soccer game to entertain a client. I believe Kevin made the kids pizza rolls. I'm sure if you asked them it was the best meal they ate all week.<br />
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Day four of meal planning was <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chicken-potatoes-bacon-cabbage-00100000066432/">Chicken with potatoes, bacon and cabbage</a>. My first clue should have been that the chicken was only seasoned with salt and pepper.<br />
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I now know that I do not like cabbage cooked in three tablespoons of apple vinegar and a tablespoon of whole grain mustard. I must say that my meal did not even closely resemble the picture.<br />
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I wasn't having a very good night. I had gotten some unexpected news at work. Kevin was not in a good mood. I burnt the bacon because I was busy chopping cabbage, so I had to do that part over. It tasted better when I mixed all three items together, but of course the kids wanted to eat them separately and alone they were not good.<br />
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I believe this is the night Carter commented "Mommy, you used to make good dinners." Yes, yes I did.<br />
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At this point I had one recipe left. <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/dinner-menus-00100000066454/index.html#7">Tortellini with squash, mushrooms and fontina</a>. How badly could they screw up tortellini I thought. Tonight I felt compelled to use the produce I had bought so I peeled and chopped the squash and mixed it with the mushrooms and started roasting them while I waited for my water to boil. I could smell the mushrooms and to be honest, I don't really like mushrooms. The more I checked them the more I knew no one was going to eat them. I turned the oven off, pulled them out and dumped them down the garbage disposal. <br />
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Then I made garlic bread, a salad and added a jar of pasta sauce to my tortellini. Carter told me it was the "best meal ever" although to be fair he has said this many times over (just not in the past week ha!).<br />
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So that was that. We are now back on track. I am done with this Real Simple plan. I'm convinced none of the recipes were tested by working moms or on kids.<br />
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This week's meal plan:<br />
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Sunday: Tortellini with salad and garlic bread<br />
Monday: Turkey tacos with homemade guacamole<br />
Tuesday: Pasta with leftover chicken apple sausage<br />
Wednesday: We are hoping our new deck will be done and we are grilling ribeyes + potatoes<br />
Thursday: Grilled barbecue chicken + sides ?<br />
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And I think we are going back to the Cook's Country Recipes we were using more frequently months ago. I may even pay for access to the site so I don't have to keep the magazines piled up.Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-41028236713511988872011-10-02T21:53:00.000-05:002011-10-02T21:53:18.132-05:00Carter Plays Royals BaseballThis summer every night Carter asked to go outside to play baseball. Every night. I must have pitched a thousand balls and Kevin must have played hours of catch.<br />
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Anna took these videos so we could capture Carter announcing himself as each Royals player when he bats. You can see me pitching in my work clothes and Baxter helping to fetch the balls (he is handy that way... except when Carter hits them past the invisible fence line).<br />
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He says he's going to be a baseball player when he grows up. If it comes true I'm sure this video will be played more later than it will now.<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29937785?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-54015607728829171552011-10-02T17:56:00.000-05:002011-10-02T17:56:20.160-05:00Cooking with Carter (Real Simple's A Month of Dinners - Day Two)Day two of <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/dinner-menus-00100000066454/index.html">A Month of Dinners</a> from Real Simple was <a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2011/09/20/tomato-soup-roast-beef-sandwich-recipe/">Tomato Soup with Paninis</a>. Carter chose to help me make this meal. I edited 45 minutes of video into 9 that I've named "Cooking with Carter." I personally think his commentary on the whole meal is hysterical. He frequently breaks into song. If you can get past the fact that you have to stare at my mid section for most of the video (and that's not my best section) and all the crap on my counter in the background, then I think it's worth it.<br />
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If Real Simple's goal is "taking back dinner" then mission accomplished because Carter and I definitely enjoyed cooking together.<br />
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Unfortunately the reviews of the meal weren't as good as the reviews of making the meal. Several times Carter exclaims "This HAS to be better than last night" and while Kevin and I agreed it was an improvement over day 1 the kids did not agree. They didn't like the sandwiches grilled - they claimed they were burnt. They weren't burnt but it's clear they prefer their sandwiches cold and if I was going to make cold sandwiches this meal would have been a lot faster and simpler to just make some turkey or roast beef sandwiches. The soup was ok but not as good as Nordstrom cafe's tomato soup and so I would just recommend picking up a jar of that and heating it at home to go with some cold sandwiches if you wanted to make this meal. Or go with simple grilled cheese. Way faster and easier and everyone would have liked it more.<br />
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Strike two.Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-74722214999897170372011-09-25T21:17:00.008-05:002011-09-26T08:02:35.635-05:00The WeddingMy cousin's wedding in Estes Park was one of the best weddings I've been to. Of course it had this gorgeous backdrop<br />
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And she was beautiful<br />
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It had a few firsts for me.<br />
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The first wedding I've been to where the bride didn't walk down the aisle to the typical wedding march. The first wedding I've been to that didn't have a flower girl or ring bearer. And the first wedding reception I've been to that had a surprise flash mob.<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29584301" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/29584301">Surprise Flash Mob at Wedding Reception</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/carainkc">Cara</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br />
My cousin made all of the centerpieces which were very personal (she works in the film industry)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TuVQ3-zaKg/Tn_fy6HYIoI/AAAAAAAACas/My5alYy6NQw/s1600/IMG_0913%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TuVQ3-zaKg/Tn_fy6HYIoI/AAAAAAAACas/My5alYy6NQw/s320/IMG_0913%255B1%255D" /></a></div><br />
In addition to those paper flowers she also made all of the ones in this wreath<br />
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Not to mention the 100+ cupcakes she baked (the pumpkin with cream cheese icing was my favorite). She put Martha Stewart to shame.<br />
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I wore a new dress by Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique. I had never bought this brand before. I ordered it online and it arrived the day before we left. Luckily it fit. I originally <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/suzi-chin-for-maggy-boutique-faux-wrap-cotton-blend-dress-petite/3155585?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=3896">found it on Nordstrom's</a> but then found it for <a href="http://www.bluefly.com/Suzi-Chin-aster-pleated-sateen-v-neck-dress/SEARCH/311680901/detail.fly">half the price on Blue Fly</a>. Ahh, the benefits of shopping on the internet if you have the time to find what you want and then search for it for cheaper. I don't think I have anything in this color but I decided I really like it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iVyQ5rbVHs/Tn_jGZwYMuI/AAAAAAAACbE/6WxGqmaVmrQ/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iVyQ5rbVHs/Tn_jGZwYMuI/AAAAAAAACbE/6WxGqmaVmrQ/s320/IMG_0912.JPG" /></a></div><br />
All in all it was a nice weekend getaway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dv3eYN349-U/Tn_gTG0zkLI/AAAAAAAACa8/IYLU3-wSTws/s1600/IMG_0909%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dv3eYN349-U/Tn_gTG0zkLI/AAAAAAAACa8/IYLU3-wSTws/s320/IMG_0909%255B1%255D" /></a></div>Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-73522052135538629002011-09-25T20:46:00.002-05:002011-09-25T20:50:37.076-05:00A Month of Dinners - Day OneWith my recent traveling I picked up the latest Real Simple magazine that touted it's Month of Dinners on the cover. I followed a similar article nearly 10 years ago that I loved so I was excited to try this one.<br />
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As soon as we got back from our trip to Colorado today I grabbed the preprinted grocery list and headed out. Day one is <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/salmon-green-beans-bok-choy-00100000066427/">Salmon With Gingery Green Beans and Bok Choy</a><br />
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Real Simple is <a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2011/09/19/salmon-green-bean-recipe/#comments">blogging about it here</a> as well.<br />
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I would not make this recipe again. Granted I bought frozen salmon and I think that was my first mistake but the fresh salmon had all been cut up and only had ends left over that didn't look appealing. And I think I overcooked it. I drowned it in soy sauce in order to eat it. The kids wouldn't touch the vegetables. And I thought it needed a starch so I made a box of rice which was the only thing anyone ate.<br />
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Let's hope <a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2011/09/20/tomato-soup-roast-beef-sandwich-recipe/">day two</a> is better!Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-20326050337055779142011-09-23T18:38:00.000-05:002011-09-23T18:38:19.064-05:00Hello from coloradoI am writing this on kevin's iPad from Estes park Colorado. We are here for my cousin's wedding tomorrow. We are staying at a motel that only has 6 rooms but it has been updated so it is actually really nice.<br />
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We walked around downtown before our room was ready. It is perfect for women in their 50's who want to buy another cloth patterned bag and bear decorations for their guest bedroom back home that has a lodge theme. <br />
<br />
It reminds me a lot of lake Tahoe... Earthy, outdoorsy, organicy. I am not one with nature. I have allergies and my asthma is bothering me a little bit with the altitude. I forgot an albuterol inhaler somehow and our rental car has had a smoker in it. As much as they tried to mask it by vacuuming and air freshener I noticed it immediately. I like to look at the mountains I just don't feel the desire to be in them. All those family vacations when we used to drive for hours remind me of how carsick I can get. Hence the reason I prefer to fly everywhere. But only on large planes. Those small ones make me super sick too. Ah I'm such a high maintenance traveler. But I'm good once I reach my final destination.<br />
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I got an hour nap in. Much needed sleep after the recent conference at exacthtarget and no catch up since. Looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow!Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-62095881874818451682011-09-19T20:51:00.000-05:002011-09-19T20:51:34.501-05:00September Meal Planning (week of 18 September 2011)Sunday - leftovers from company picnic<br />
Monday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/chicken-fried-steaks-and-creamed-pan-gravy-with-biscuits-recipe/index.html">Chicken fried steak </a><br />
Tuesday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/30-minute-southern-classic-country-captain-chicken-recipe/index.html">Country Captain Chicken with White and Wild Rice</a><br />
Wednesday - I can't remember now...<br />
Thursday - Corn Chowder from Help My Apartment Has a Kitchen<br />
<br />
Last week I was in Indianapolis so Kevin was on his own all week with the kiddos. I imagine they had frozen pizza, chinese food and take out pizza.Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-51842978916767362752011-09-05T18:44:00.000-05:002011-09-05T18:44:17.970-05:00Meal Planning (Week of 04 Sep 2011)Sunday - Kabobs + Salad<br />
Monday - <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/taco-soup-recipe/index.html">Taco Soup<br />
</a>Tuesday - Steak Salad<br />
Wednesday - Brats + sides <br />
Thursday - TBD<br />
Friday - Eat OutGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-29757583394427761612011-08-21T11:34:00.000-05:002011-08-21T11:34:26.895-05:00Meal Planning (week of 21 August 2011)This week I have some traveling for work so we need quick and easy dinners.<br />
<br />
Sunday - either homemade or frozen pizza<br />
Monday - cheeseburgers and/or hot dogs and/or brawts + chips and dip<br />
Tuesday - tortellini + garlic ciabatta bread or salad<br />
Wednesday - BLTs + fries<br />
Thursday - Tacos or taco soup? still decidingGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-36814926858966145182011-08-14T12:03:00.000-05:002011-08-14T12:03:00.709-05:00Meal Planning (week of 14 August 2011)I only have to plan 3 meals this week due to weekday activities.<br />
<br />
Sunday - Stuffed shells with bruschetta<br />
I have a secret ingredient when I make bruschetta: cream cheese. First I mix up a can of petite diced tomatoes with basil, red onion and olive oil. Slice a baguette, brush with olive oil, spread a layer of cream cheese, top with the tomato mixture and toast in the over until warm. Deliciousness! I buy the frozen V's shells, top with a jar of sauce and mozzarella and bake. Easy peasy so I can do a little work on the bruschetta.<br />
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Monday - Eat on the go<br />
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Tuesday - <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/grilled-chicken-corn-salad-00100000062807/index.html">Grilled chicken and corn salad</a><br />
<br />
Wednesday - Royals<br />
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Thursday - <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/turkey-taco-salad-00000000008203/index.html">Turkey Taco Salad</a><br />
<br />
Friday - Eat OutGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-49883421300338627102011-08-07T17:46:00.000-05:002011-08-07T17:46:00.516-05:00Meal Planning (week of 07 August 2011)Sunday - Spaghetti with meat sauce + salad<br />
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Monday - Order pizza<br />
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Tuesday - Fajitas + Guac (using steak we had frozen)<br />
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Wednesday - Greek chicken pitas + hummus (I have greek seasoning I add to chicken, top with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives except for kevin. Then I'll make a tzatiki sauce with plain yogurt, cucumber, garlic and a little citrus in the food processor)<br />
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Thursday - TBDGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-6809314530240543662011-07-31T14:53:00.000-05:002011-07-31T14:53:53.267-05:00Meal Planning (week of 01 August 2011)Sunday - <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/ravioli-roasted-zucchini-10000001038766/index.html">Ravioli with zuchinni</a> + salad (we have zuchinni from the garden)<br />
<br />
Monday - Homemade tomato soup (made Sunday, served cold) + Grilled cheese sammies (we have LOTS of tomatoes in the garden)<br />
<br />
Tuesday - <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/salmon-with-brown-butter-almonds-green-beans-00000000029608/index.html">Salmon + Green beans</a> + couscous (we have salmon in the freezer from when I bought extra when it was on sale)<br />
<br />
Wednesday - <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/grilled-buttermilk-chicken-recipe-00000000034987/index.html">Grilled buttermilk chicken<br />
</a> (we have chicken thighs in the freezer) + tomato-mozzarella salad<br />
<br />
Thursday - Royals gameGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-30197139467517346712011-07-25T21:38:00.000-05:002011-07-25T21:38:07.141-05:00iPhone 3GS Stolen at Gap Kids at Town Center Plaza in Leawood KSSo I had a little drama this weekend. Anna, Carter, my mother-in-law and I were shopping at Gap Kids. Carter was in the stroller and I had parked it kind of out of the way so I could look at the sale rack on the girls side of the store. When I turned around from the sale wall I noticed a guy standing at the table of girls knit capris. He was tall, thin, dark skinned, maybe Indian, short black hair. I noticed and thought to myself, that's weird that he doesn't have any kids with him in here.<br />
<br />
Then Carter needed to go to the bathroom. He had been in the stroller playing a game on my iPhone. I took the phone, pushed the button on top to turn it off and sat it right on top of the stroller. My MIL and Anna were still shopping right around the stroller so I didn't think anything about it. I took Carter to the bathroom in back. We talked about the game he was playing on the phone.<br />
<br />
As soon as we came back I noticed it was gone. So was that guy. But I just couldn't believe someone would steal my phone. So we used my MIL's phone to call it. Nothing. I looked around. We checked the bathroom but I just knew I had left it on the stroller. I actually went outside and looked around for that guy.<br />
<br />
We came back in and I asked them to call security. They brought me the number and I used my MIL's phone to call mall security. I asked the Gap lady about the security cameras.<br />
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"Oh those don't actually record anything." Apparently they are just for looks. Helpful.<br />
<br />
Mall security came and then Leawood police came and I filed a report. Then we walked down and around the corner to the ATT store and had them turn off my service. I went to Apple after that but the only way to get a new phone was to use my upgrade. I didn't want to waste my upgrade on the iPhone 4 when the 5 is rumored to come out in September. I went home empty-handed and actually went phone-less for 48 hours.<br />
<br />
Which seemed like a long time. I realized how addicted I am to my phone. I use it to check the time. For the calculator. To check my calendar in the morning to see if I need to dress up. To check the weather. It seems so cumbersome to boot up the laptop to do these things, ha!<br />
<br />
So today at work while I was still complaining about having my phone stolen and beating myself up for leaving it on my stroller with some creepy guy there who was probably scoping out little boys, my boss mentioned that there was an extra iPhone 3 somewhere. It makes a funny buzzing noise but it works. Awesome.<br />
<br />
So tonight I am syncing my laptop with this borrowed iPhone until the 5 comes out and I can use my upgrade. Perfect. Made my Monday a little better :)Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-40910109027258892662011-07-25T21:23:00.000-05:002011-07-25T21:23:40.570-05:00Meal Planning (week of 24 July 2011)I realized I should mention that while I plan each week's meals, things don't always go according to plan. Things frequently don't go according to plan. I will switch days around, or insert a take out meal if the day gets bad. Sometimes there are bad days if you know what I mean.<br />
<br />
For example, last week I forgot I had to go to Colorado and back on Tuesday so I didn't get home until around 6:45 that night. Since I left the house at 4:30 am I didn't start the pork in the crock pot :) So instead of pulled pork sandwiches on Tuesday Kevin made the kids hamburgers. That meant we didn't have sliders on Wednesday. Instead I made BLTs and the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aida-mollenkamp/aidas-corn-tomato-and-avocado-salad-recipe/index.html">corn tomato avocado side</a> from Tuesday's plan. I think we had the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/parmigiano-and-herb-chicken-breast-tenders-recipe/index.html">chicken parmesan</a> earlier in the week rather than later. Bottom line - we didn't have the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/garden-bean-salad-recipe/index.html">grean bean side</a> at all and we didn't have the pulled pork sandwiches until yesterday (Sunday of this week)<br />
<br />
All of the recipes were okay. Would I make any of them again? Probably not. I find that with most recipes I make. They aren't bad. They just aren't amazing. At least they are something different.<br />
<br />
I had high hopes for the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/semi-homemade-cooking-with-sandra-lee/tangy-pork-sandwiches-with-spicy-slaw-recipe/index.html">pulled pork</a>. It was good but it was hard to pull it. Kevin said that meant it probably got too hot too fast. The coleslaw was good on the sandwich but I wouldn't eat it by itself. With a tablespoon of tobasco it tasted too much like tobasco by itself to me.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
This week's menu has already had an adjustment :)<br />
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Sunday - those pulled pork sandwiches planned for last week<br />
Monday - planned steak salad (leftover from steak with Kevin's parents when they visited on Saturday) but I had to go to an appointment and didn't get home until after 7. My mom picked up and fed the kids and Kevin made frozen pizza for us<br />
Tuesday - will actually have the steak salad<br />
Wednesday - Chicken enchiladas + guac<br />
Thursday - spaghetti with sausage sauce<br />
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Friday we always eat out. Saturday we usually grill with friends. Those are my standing weekend meals :)<br />
<br />
What are you eating this week? Do you have any great sites you use for recipes?Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-79148966198993458732011-07-17T15:18:00.000-05:002011-07-17T15:18:49.843-05:00Meal PlanningI think I will start posting my meal planning recipes as a blog entry on Sunday and then keep it on the side of the blog to follow along for the week. This could be a recurring Sunday post then and I could follow up on recipes from the previous week. I'll try it and see how it goes :)<br />
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Sunday<br />
Steak Salad (using leftover grilled steak from late last week)<br />
<br />
Monday<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/roasted-corn-quesadillas-recipe/index.html">Roasted corn quesadillas</a><br />
<br />
Tuesday<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/semi-homemade-cooking-with-sandra-lee/tangy-pork-sandwiches-with-spicy-slaw-recipe/index.html">Pulled pork sandwiches</a><br />
+<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aida-mollenkamp/aidas-corn-tomato-and-avocado-salad-recipe/index.html">Corn tomato avocado salad</a><br />
<br />
Wednesday<br />
Sliders + <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/garden-bean-salad-recipe/index.html">Green bean salad<br />
</a><br />
<br />
Thursday<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/parmigiano-and-herb-chicken-breast-tenders-recipe/index.html">Chicken Parmesan</a> but I will use some breaded chicken tenders I have from Schwanns to save time<br />
<br />
----<br />
Found and saved for later<br />
BLT Pasta side<br />
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/blt-pasta-salad-recipe/index.htmlGirly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-74022220517349383682011-07-12T21:45:00.003-05:002011-07-12T21:47:22.043-05:00Annual BFF Outlet Mall Shopping TripEvery year Candi and I make a spring trip to the Osage Beach outlet mall in Missouri. It takes about three hours to get there from KC but is so worth the road trip. It's also good for 6 hours of girl time in the car! This year's trip was captured on video. Let's just say we're good for the economy.<br />
(note: the beginning is dark because I'm driving. and it's so early the sun isn't up. no, i'm not holding the camera while I drive :)<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/26356291" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/26356291">Annual BFF Outlet Mall Shopping Trip</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/carainkc">Cara</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br />
(includes the Starbucks video clip at the end. if you watch this version there's no need to watch the stand-alone version in the following post)Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405788633912977451.post-43758140122223804082011-07-11T22:05:00.002-05:002011-07-11T22:05:55.580-05:00Starbucks - Beloved Cake PopCandi and I were headed back after getting up very early for our annual BFF road trip to the outlet mall where we shopped till we almost dropped. It was time for a pick-me-up... we may have been a little slap happy.<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/26253633" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/26253633">Starbucks and the beloved cake pop</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/carainkc">Cara</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Girly girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430518471840942451noreply@blogger.com0