31 Days Challenge Recap

Well, I made it to the last day of January with only one day missed in the 31 Days Challenge.

My thoughts on the challenge? I probably won't do it again. It is tough to come up with something to blog about every single day. I ran out of ideas quickly and then had to blog about things that I probably wouldn't have bothered with if I hadn't been doing the challenge.

So, from now on, I will only blog when I feel like I have something worth blogging about. I have a feeling I will have a lot more to blog about soon. With Jake leaving for a deployment, I will have more free time to craft and redecorate.

My Sweet Dog

When I'm getting ready in the morning, Diesel will come into the bathroom and watch me. Most of the time, he falls asleep. Look how cute he is.

Cookies and Cream Kisses

I love Oreos (really who doesn't?) but I don't buy them because I would end up eating the entire package in one evening. My friend brought a package of Cookies and Cream Kisses to work yesterday, and I think they taste just like Oreos! Best of all, I just pop on in my mouth and let it melt and get the taste of Oreos without the whole package temptation.

Kraft Fresh Takes

It's getting really hard to come up with something to blog about everyday...but this month is almost over and I want to finish strong!

I'm a fan of all fast and easy dinner ideas. We recently started buying Kraft Fresh Takes kits. These are found by the cheeses. There are a few different flavors available.

It's like Shake & Bake, but cheesy! Best of all, it's so easy that even Jake doesn't mind to make it. 

New Year's Closet Organizing

I got this idea from pinterest and then forgot about it...but I don't think it's too late to try it. On January 1st...or whenever you remember...turn all of your hangers in the closet backwards, so it hooks from behind. As you wear something, then wash it and return it to the closet, hang it the normal way. At the end of the year, anything that it still hanging backwards did not get worn for a whole year and should be donated or sold. I know there are lots of clothes in my closet that I haven't worn but I always think I just might need it someday. If it doesn't get worn in 2013 I'm getting rid of it.

Busy Day

We had a busy day, and got a lot accomplished. Jake worked in the yard literally all day and it is looking really good! I worked all day in my craft room and organize the closet. I have a lot of stuff to get rid of and the fabric is all stacked up so I can actually see it all again. Sorting through that closet also reminded me of all the projects that I have started and never finished. My goal tomorrow is to finish ONE of those projects and I hope to have a photo to share in my blog post tomorrow.

More Origami Owl Designs

I got another package from Origami Owl today, so I got inspired to make up more charm collections.

St. Louis Cardinals

 

University of Missouri

Sour Cream Slow Cooker Chicken

Oh no! I missed a day! I could give you lots of reasons why I forgot to blog yesterday, but the fact is...I just forgot.

Well here is what I had planned to blog about yesterday:

I found this recipe on Pinterest.

Sour Cream Slow Cooker Chicken

10 slices bacon
5 chicken breasts
1 cup sour cream
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup flour

Wrap each chicken breast in 2 slices of bacon and place in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix the sour cream, soup, and flour then pour over the chicken.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

This turned out really good. The chicken was a little dry in the middle but the sauce was amazing and the bacon added a lot of flavor! This recipe is definitly a keeper.

Essie Penny Talk

I have a new favorite nail polish color for my toes. It's called Penny Talk by Essie and it's a super shiny, metallic, pinkish gold.

 

 

All of my favorite nail polishes are Essie. The polish is so smooth and the colors are fun but work like neutrals.

Bee Burlap

I got an email from Joann Fabrics today with this beauty featured: Bee Burlap!

 

I am in love! I need to run to Joann tomorrow to grab a couple of yards. What should I make? Maybe a new pillow for the guest room?

30 B4 30 Update

Almost a year ago, I posted about my 30 B4 30 List. I'm down to less than 2 years to complete the list, so I think I'll do a little update.

1. Make a travel map
2. Get lasik (obviously a dream goal...probably will be the hardest to achieve because of the money)
3. Have a yard sale at least once a year (I had one last year, planning anothe this spring)
4. Read my fancy camera book (I've skimmed it a couple of times, it's still sitting next to the couch)
5. Try canning
6. Save $3600, that's $100 a month (Jake and I are both putting $100 a month in a joint savings)
7. Learn to do fancy makeup for events (I tried a youtube tutorial for the masquerade party and recieved lots of compliments!)
8. Run in a 5K
9. Perfect the meatball sandwich (Made some here, and I think this recipe's a keeper!)
10. Visit the Pacific Northwest in fall.
11. Have professional photos taken with Jake
12. Donate blood (with my past experiences of donating blood, this might be hard to do)
13. Learn about the stars (I downloaded the google sky map app on my phone...it's basic, but it's a start!)
14. Prevent wrinkles (I bought a cleanser/moisturizer/eye cream system and have been using it often)
15. Volunteer at least 4 times a year (got it done last year, none so far this year)
16. Do the 30 Day Shred for 30 full days
17. Start on a Master's Degree
18. Floss everyday (doing better...still not everyday)
19. Design my own fabric
20. Become a sharp shooter (or at least comfortable with a gun in my hand - definitely feel more comfortable)
21. Take a horseback ride
22. See the Cubs play at Wrigley Field with Jake
23. Learn the basics of football
24. Cut out soda (I haven't had any since I started WW)
25. Get to my goal weight (only 10 lbs. less than my current weight)
26. Have a spa day
27. Send homemade birthday cards
28. Pay off my student loan (I'm getting close and still paying well over the minimum due)
29. Piece a quilt (have it cut and ready to sew together)
30. I'm leaving this one open to be filled when I think of an awesome one!

Pop/Soda/Coke Debate

One of the first things I noticed moving to Montana, is that all of the locals call soft drinks pop. All the girls at work will ask "Do you want a pop?" I also made some friends from Texas, and they call it coke...no matter what kind of soft drink...it's called coke. I say that's silly. It's called soda! Soda is the correct title...right?

 

Well, I found this map on pinterest. The green represents the regions that call soft drinks soda, brown is pop, and blue is coke. I grew up right in the middle of that green region in the midwest...so of course soda sounds right to me.

 

My mom jokes that when she was growing up everyone called it sodie-pop, and as it turns out, she grew up right on the border of green and brown.

 

I'm interested to know what the people in the white regions call it.

 

Infinity Scarf DIY

I love the look of inifinity scarves, but the cost so much. I decided to try to make some for the girls I work with for Christmas and fumbled my way through making them. They turned out the be really long, like three wraps long, and where I attached the ends ended up really bulky. I found this tutorial through Pinterest that really simplified the process and makes the seams very smooth.

Here is one that I made for myself using a breezy chiffon fabric.

Harry Potter Prequel

I'm a big Harry Potter fan. I was super excited when I saw a link on pinterest that had this short story by JK Rowling. It's about Harry's father.

The Harry Potter Prequel, by JK Rowling

The speeding motorcycle took the sharp corner so fast in the darkness that both policemen in the pursuing car shouted `whoa!' Sergeant Fisher slammed his large foot on the brake, thinking that the boy who was riding pillion was sure to be flung under his wheels; however, the motorbike made the turn without unseating either of its riders, and with a wink of its red tail light, vanished up the narrow side street.

`We've got `em now!" cried PC Anderson excitedly. `That's a dead end!"

Leaning hard on the steering wheel and crashing his gears, Fisher scraped half the paint off the flank of the car as he forced it up the alleyway in pursuit.

There in the headlights sat their quarry, stationary at last after a quarter of an hour's chase. The two riders were trapped between a towering brick wall and the police car, which was now crashing towards them like some growling, luminous-eyed predator.

There was so little space between the car doors and the walls of the alley that Fisher and Anderson had difficulty extricating themselves from the vehicle. It injured their dignity to have to inch, crab-like, towards the miscreants. Fisher dragged his generous belly along the wall, tearing buttons off his shirt as he went, and finally snapping off the wing mirror with his backside.

`Get off the bike!' he bellowed at the smirking youths, who sat basking in the flashing blue light as though enjoying it.

They did as they were told. Finally pulling free from the broken wind mirror, Fisher glared at them. They seemed to be in their late teens. The one who had been driving had long black hair; his insolent good looks reminded Fisher unpleasantly of his daughter's guitar-playing, layabout boyfriend. The second boy also had black hair, though his was short and stuck up in all directions; he wore glasses and a broad grin. Both were dressed in T-shirts emblazoned with a large golden bird; the emblem, no doubt, of some deafening, tuneless rock band.

`No helmets!' Fisher yelled, pointing from one uncovered head to the other. `Exceeding the speed limit by - by a considerable amount!' (In fact, the speed registered had been greater than Fisher was prepared to accept that any motorcycle could travel.) `Failing to stop for the police!'

`We'd have loved to stop for a chat,' said the boy in glasses, `only we were trying -'

`Don't get smart - you two are in a heap of trouble!' snarled Anderson. `Names!'

`Names?' repeated the long-haired driver. `Er - well, let's see. There's Wilberforce. Bathsheba. Elvendork.'

`And what's nice about that one is, you can use it for a boy or a girl,' said the boy in glasses.

`Oh, OUR names, did you mean?' asked the first, as Anderson spluttered with rage. `You should've said! This here is James Potter, and I'm Sirius Black!'

`Things'll be seriously black for you in a minute, you cheeky little -'

But neither James nor Sirius was paying attention. They were suddenly as alert as gundogs, staring past Fisher and Anderson, over the roof of the police car, at the dark mouth of the alley. Then, with identical fluid movements, they reached into their back pockets.

For the space of a heartbeat both policemen imagined guns gleaming at them, but a second later they saw that the motorcyclists had drawn nothing more than -

`Drumsticks?' jeered Anderson. `Right pair of jokers, aren't you? Right, we're arresting you on a charge of -'

But Anderson never got to name the charge. James and Sirius had shouted something incomprehensible, and the beams from the headlights had moved.

The policemen wheeled around, then staggered backwards. Three men were flying - actually FLYING - up the alley on broomsticks - and at the same moment, the police car was rearing up on its back wheels.

Fisher's knees bucked; he sat down hard; Anderson tripped over Fisher's legs and fell on top of him, as FLUMP - BANG - CRUNCH - they heard the men on brooms slam into the upended car and fall, apparently insensible, to the ground, while broken bits of broomstick clattered down around them.
The motorbike had roared into life again. His mouth hanging open, Fisher mustered the strength to look back at the two teenagers.

`Thanks very much!' called Sirius over the throb of the engine. `We owe you one!'

`Yeah, nice meeting you!' said James. `And don't forget: Elvendork! It's unisex!'

There was an earth-shattering crash, and Fisher and Anderson threw their arms around each other in fright; their car had just fallen back to the ground. Now it was the motorcycle's turn to rear. Before the policemen's disbelieving eyes, it took off into the air: James and Sirius zoomed away into the night sky, their tail light twinkling behind them like a vanishing ruby.

Diesel with the Helicopter

I don't have kids so I get to show off my dogs instead. Jake got a helicopter on Christmas and Diesel absolutely hates it! It doesn't help that Jake tries to fly it at his head so he will go crazy over it. Don't judge me on how messy the house is, we had just finished opening presents and had stuff everywhere.

 

Origami Owl "Air Force Wife"

I made a few origami owl charm collages and posted them on my facebook page. I'm planning to put together this one for myself since Jake will be deploying this year.

Origami Owl Start Up Kit

When I signed up for Origami Owl last week, I bought the larger starter kit, which arrived today. Here are some photos I snapped while unpacking it.

Tote bag

 

Fortune cookies and take out boxes

 

Product box and display cases

 

Catalogs

 

Order forms, invitation postcards, and business cards

 

Product box, lockets, chains, dangles, plates, and charms.

I can't wait to start selling!

Bye Grandpa Jack

I got a call from mom today, Grandpa Jack passed away. It sounds like he went peacefully, and I can't help but think that he and Grandma are enjoying their reunion in Heaven.

Grandpa Jack was always happy and loved to tease. I never got tired of hearing jis loud, full body laugh as he told stories from the past.

It's Official

I made an Origami Owl website and facebook page.

http://maggiemayfield.origamiowl.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/OrigamiOwlByMaggieMayfield

Visit the website to place an order, and check the facebook page often as I am planning a kick off promotion!

2 Broke Girls

Jake and I have gotten into watching 2 Broke Girls, a sitcom on CBS. This show is in the middle of the second season right now and we love it so much we had to watch the first season on DVD to catch up.

The main characters are Max and Caroline. Max is a street smart Brooklyn girl who has always been broke and makes ends meet by waitressing at a diner in hipster overrun Williamsburg. Caroline is an ultra rich Manhattan socialite who's father has just been arrested for operating a ponzi scheme. She is kicked out of her townhouse, has no access you her money, and has lost all of her friends. She ends up getting a job at the same diner as Max, and the two become friends. They have a plan to start a cupcake business and each show they come up with a way to raise money for their business fund.

I find myself laughing through the entire 30 minute show. I have to warn you, it is adult humor and can be a little suggestive and not at all politically correct.

Check it out Mondays at 8.

Maybelline BB Cream

Have you heard about BB Cream? It's a new type of makeup that most makeup companies, from Dior to Maybelline, are now selling. This product is supposed to be lighter than a foundation, but have lots of skin care benefits, such as SPF 30 and hydration.

I've never liked foundations...way to thick! For years, I've used Covergirl tinted moisturizer and a thin layer of mineral powder. As Covergirl introduces new products, it is getting hard to find my tinted moisturizer. Walmart no longer sells it and Walgreens is hit or miss. When I heard about BB Cream, I decided it might be worth a try. I went for the cheap one I could get at the drugstore.

This is Maybelline's BB Cream. I bought mine at Walmart in the "Medium 120" color.

I have used this instead of my tinted moisturizer for about a week and I love it! With dry Montana winter weather, my skin has been very dry, and I've had to use a lotion moisturizer in addition to the tinted moisturizer. The BB Cream seems to be more moisturizing than the tinted moisturizer because my skin doesn't feel tight and dry by the afternoon. My skin feels smooth and still feels fresh even after work.

 

I highly recommend Maybelline's BB Cream for anyone else that doesn't like the heavy feeling of most makeup.

Weight Watchers Easy Low Point Snacks

I'm still doing Weight Watchers. Not as strict as I did it two years ago, but I'm being good about half the time...and still losing! I've come up with a few very low point snacks.

 



I made little cucumber sandwiches with cottage cheese sprinkled with a little crushed red pepper. Less than 1 point!

 

I also mixed cottage cheese with a little cumin and stuffed plum tomatoes. Less than 1 point!

 

This one is my favorite!!! Celery sticks filled with salsa. 0 points...yep ZERO!





Origami Owl

 

Have you heard of Origami Owl yet? I love it! You pick out a clear locket, chain, and a few charms to fit your interests and have a personalized necklace. You can also add stamped plates to put behind the charms as well as dangles to hang from the chain. Definitly check out the website here.

 

I just signed up to sell Origami Owl today, so if you are interested in ordering or getting a catalog...let me know! I'm thinking I'll probably buy more for myself than I'll actually sell.

Drink More Water

One of my new year's resolutions this year is simply to drink more water. I did a little research last week and it looks like the recommended amount of daily water consumption for someone my size is about 75 ounces. That didn't sound too bad to me...I thought. I started keeping track of how many times I refilled my water bottle at work...twice...and I barely drank any out of the third bottleful. So I drank maybe 35 ounces. And that was on a day that I was trying to drink more than usual.

I have an idea to try to drink more. A fruit infuser water bottle. Here is the one I got from Shopko. I am going to try the first day with lemons, and maybe strawberries another day. This bottle holds 24 ounces, so if I can drain it 3 times I'll be good! Wish me luck!

New Living Room Decor

On new year's day, Jake and I repainted our living room. We went with a mellow sage green, with the vision of a hunting lodge in my head. I love how the green turned out and it looks great with our dark brown leather and wooden furniture.

Today we hung up Jake's deer antlers, one set on each side of the TV, and plan to refinish Jake's dad's shotgun to hang between those, directly above the TV.

I also rehung the quilt rack on the largest wall with the intention of hanging a "lodge" looking quilt. I don't want to get a quilt that is overly theme-y with actual animals and pinecones on it. I just want to find a quilt that has lots of plaid and deep greens and reds.

The only one that I have found that I kind of like is this one from pinterest. What do you think? Will it go well with the theme?

Another Baby Blanket

My friend, Jen, had her baby shower today. I made another faux chenille baby blanket. Here is my original post on how to make this type of blanket.

Jen's baby's nursery is polka dots in blue, brown, and touches of green.

 

Applesauce Cookies with Caramel Frosting

Brandi had the winning cookies at my Christmas Cookie Exchange. Here is the recipe she used.

 

 

Oh my gosh...these cookies were so good! I'll have to make a batch once I'm off weight watchers.

Peppermint White Chocolate Chip Cookies

For my Christmas Cookie Exchange last month, I made Peppermint White Chocolate Chip Cookies. I got the recipe on Pinterest, linked here.

I procrastinated and couldn't find the Peppermint M&Ms at my local grocery store, so I instead crushed 6 candy canes in a blender and added them to the dough.

I really enjoyed these cookies and will be making them again at Christmas time.

2012 Christmas Decor

I'm a little late with this post, but I still want to share my Christmas decor. 

 

I went a different route with my tree this year. I usually have a hodge podge of all of the ornaments that I've collected since birth. This year, I only used red, brown, and white ornaments from my collection and added red bead garland as well as red gingham ribbon. I loved it except for the topper. I bought that snowflake topper in 2011 after Christmas because it is rustic metal and it was cheap, but I'm not in love with it. As always, we got a REAL tree, but this one we bought from the Optimist Club instead of cutting down our own. Cutting one down is fun, but it's hard to find one so perfect and full.

 



Here's the living room all decked out.

 

 

We took down all the decorations this weekend and repainted on New Year's day. I can't wait to share photos of the new living room soon!

2013 Resolutions

I think it is fitting for my first blog post of the year to be about my 2013 resolutions. I'm not one of those women who set a resolution each year, but this year I have a lot of goals that I have been thinking about recently, so I'm falling into the peer pressure and publicly setting those goals as new year's resolutions.

1. Lose weight - I've already gotten a head start on this one. I joined Weight Watchers last week. I did WW a couple of years ago and lost almost 30 pounds. This time I have a certain weight in mind that I want to get down to, which would require me to lose about 18 pounds. I'm not planning to be quite as strict with the program as I was last time, but having a healthier diet and getting a little exercise will be a big change from the past year.

2. Keep a clean house - I made a nice little list of the "chores" to do each day of the week, just about 30 minutes of cleaning each day to keep the whole house cleaned weekly. I don't expect that I will follow that list perfectly everyday...obviously there will be days when I am to busy to clean or am just not in the mood to clean...but I am hoping that I will take the initiative to complete those chores on a different day.

3. Drink more water - Seriously, I don't drink enough water.

4. Less technology - I'm certainly not addicted to technology, but I do end up checking email/facebook/pinterest at least 4 times a day...before work, on lunch break, right after work, and right before going to bed. My goal is to cut it down to checking all of these only once in the evening.

5. Save more money - I already have a set amount of money that I put into my savings accounts each paycheck but I'm going to double that amount.

6. Blog more - I'm jump starting this goal by doing the 31 Days Challenge again :)

Happy 2013!