Getting Crafty

Hi all,

So I recently got addicted to Pinterest, especially the crafts and diy section. I have found some really cute things to keep me busy and off of the t.v. for a few hours a day :)

My loving and very patient husband went with me to Hobby Lobby to pick out some new craft supplies for a few of the things I want to try.

Believe me, the pile of new crafting supplies is still piled high in my craft basket- but here are some of the things I have created in the past few days....

Flower Hair Clips

I bought paper flowers in the scrapbooking section,

hair clips from walmart, and super glue

and made some new hair clips,

most of the time I attach them to headbands,

but since they are paper I have to make sure they don't go out in the rain!

Flower Belt

I used the same scrapbooking flower

with some ribbon to make a sash belt

to go on a new dress that I got from

Oh Sweet Joy!

Monogram

I found a chipboard J, some twine, and red yarn.

I used the hot glue gun to secure the beginning of the twine, then wrapped it around the J and glued the end. The yarn is tied into a Celtic Heart Knot.

Wire Words

I made this with the red yarn from the monogram heart,

and some 18Gauge jewelry wire.

Earring Board

This one is made from felt, cardboard, and ribbon.

Thanks to my sis Chels for the peacock earrings!

Stay tuned for more crafts :)

Gado Gado and the Last week of Sseko Challenge

Tonight we had Gado Gado which is an Indonesian dish. It is really easy to make, and super healthy!

Basically you can use anything you like- since Gado Gado has many different variations, but here is what we did...

Ingredients

Brown Rice

Chicken

Broccoli

Mung Beans

Cucumber

Carrots

Tomato

Lettuce

Peanut Sauce

Lime

Prep

Cook brown rice and chicken and place in fridge (or freezer) to chill. Wash all veggies, chop into bite sized pieces. Slice lime. To serve place lettuce on plate, top with rice, then drizzle with peanut sauce, then add chicken and all veggies and drizzle with more peanut sauce. Squeeze lime over top to taste.

We both loved this dish so much, we are having it again in a couple of days, easy meal to make- especially with leftover rice.

This is the last week of the Sseko Challenge so I created a few ties to spell out SSEKO...

Sparkler Tie Day 10

Hi All!

Today I created a new tie, and I named it the Sparkler... here is why:

I worked at a fireworks warehouse this summer in Denver CO called Olde Glory Fireworks. It was a really awesome experience, especially after we closed on the fourth, because we got to light off a bunch of stuff! We sold all types of Sparklers, the Neon were my favorite- so hopefully soon I can get some Neon Sseko Ties and make my own Neon Sparklers! Haha! Today I randomly threw on a t-shirt, only to notice it was my Olde Glory T-shirt!

Sparklers are my favorite firework, especially because they are very colorful, and you can make any shape or design out of them by twirling and twisting... hmmm, sounds familiar... they sound like Sseko's!

Tonight for dinner we had my Mama's Tamale 'slop', and (also my Mama's) Black bean and corn salad. Of course I forgot that my Mom has always cooked for a large family (8 of us at one point) plus friends, extended family, neighbors, and exchange students. So I made the whole thing... for 2 people.... needless to say- we have two casserole dishes full of yummy Tamale Slop! Hahah! I only wish I knew someone, a neighbor or something who could benefit from it, I guess we will just have it as leftovers! For the next week!! I want to check in with my Mom before I post any of her recipes, so I won't post it tonight- but do know that it is really easy to make, and super delicious!

Good night from the depth of the 'pan'- Lawton OKLAHOMA!

Day Eight

Thursday I had work all day- seriously- 11:15 am to 11:15 pm. I didn't get the chance to wear my Sseko's or cook :(

Friday I wore my Ssekos and made dessert because we went to a friend's house for dinner! I made apple crisp! YUM!

I wore my Ssekos over the weekend in two new styles!

Today was day 8 of my duo challenge!

I wore a new style of Ssekos to the post office and while cooking dinner!

For dinner we had my mom's teriyaki chicken, rice and salad!

Yum!!!

So we just scarfed down the last of our dessert... Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches, and now I'm writing really quick so I can head off to bed!

Today was day 3 of my duo challenge, I wore my favorite tie- simple twisted slip on with a bow. I crafted this style the day I got my Sseko's in the mail! I was so excited for everything that was attached to the meaning of that package in the mail. I purchased my Sseko's along with pairs for my bridal party to wear in the wedding... so this package meant that the big day was getting closer! I remember sitting on my roomie/bridesmaid's bedroom floor (because she had the big mirror) while we dug through the box full of fun colored straps, beautiful sseko soles, and some amazing necklaces (from the february 'love' promotion). My favorite thing about wearing my Sseko's for the first time was the idea that while I was in college, I could help another young woman get to college, simply by purchasing and wearing some amazing sandals.

As you may have seen on facebook, I went to get a pedicure today, because frankly- if I am going to be wearing these Sseko's for a whole month and taking pictures of my feet they have

to be pretty!! Haha! While getting this pedicure I had the opportunity to tell my friend about Sseko's and how fun they were to wear and style! After the pedicure the man tried to help me put on my shoes but he just kind of looked at them with a confused face. I told him that I could put them on and then he watched me and said, "looks hard." NOPE! (well maybe with wet toenails). I love the slip on styles of Sseko, because they really are easy to wear and take off (not that I don't love the tied ones).

Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich

Gallon of Peanut Butter or Chocolate Ice Cream

Peanut Butter Cookies

Mini Chocolate Chips

Place a scoop of ice cream on the cookie, then place another cookie on top, press together and roll in chocolate chips. Place in freezer for 5-10 minutes so the chips stick better and the ice cream isn't so melted.

(adapted from a Better Homes and Gardens Recipe)

Having fun tying and trying!

Good Night!

French Dip

Today is day two of my duo challenge!

I spent my evening relaxing with my hubby, my bunny, and a good book; The Help. My Sseko Design sandals were styled with Matilda's braided slip on flip flop. They were great for loafing around the house tonight! There is a picture on the Sseko Designs Facebook Page- if you haven't already checked them out you should!

For dinner we had QUICK French Dip Sandwiches and salad.

French Dip Sandwich

1 package roast beef lunch meat

rolls or buns

cheddar cheese

onion soup mix (we used lipton)

Put soup mix in sauce pan with 3-4 cups water, boil, then simmer to heat. Place roast beef on plate into microwave for 2 minutes. Toast rolls, and slice cheese. Then assemble sandwiches.

I know this is nothing gourmet but... dinner was ready in less than 5 minutes!! We both really enjoyed the sandwiches and had some left over meat, and onion soup- not sure what we will do with that yet but I'll figure it out.

Looking forward to more ties and tries tomorrow!! Good Night!

New Ties and New Tries

Today marks day ONE of my new challenge duo. I decided that I would embark on the Sseko Designs 30 Ways in 30 Days Tie Challenge, and also cook up some new culinary skills by cooking one new recipe per week day (weekends reserved for easy stuff and going out). I will be blogging about the new ties and new tries this month!

This new challenge duo was inspired by my intense need for a new hobby. Although I am not entirely sure this will be it, I am giving it a try. Also, I was starting to get rather bored of the same food rotated for dinners, I have decided that I will try some new things. I even bought a new recipe book, and have all of my mom's recipes on hand if we get in the mood for some of what I call comfort food (anything from my mom's kitchen).

So... the adventure begins...

Day One- 8/15

I am going to have to get creative with what I do in the afternoons because I work in the morning at a restaurant and I can't (nor do I want to) wear my Sseko's there! So this afternoon I ventured to the Commissary (grocery store on base) to pick up some much needed SWEET TEA, and other things for dinner! My Sseko's were the perfect thing to wear- comfy and cool- since it was 108. My Sseko's were tied with the Bohannon's Best Tie today.

The recipe I chose was out of a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook filled with 20, 30, and 40 minute recipes. I picked out Tapenade Burgers- but could not find olive tapenade in the store so I improvised/changed the recipe!

Sun Dried Tomato Burgers

-Hamburger meat (enough for two patties, we buy a large package, split it up into balls, and freeze for ease)

-1/4 cup sun dried tomato in olive oil

- large pinch black pepper

-1 clove garlic, minced

-2 slices roasted red pepper

-2 slices mozzarella cheese

-hamburger buns

Pulse sun dried tomatoes, pepper, and garlic in food processor. Add mix to meat and blend in. Cook burgers (we use a George Forman Grill) 8-10 minutes, then place cheese and red pepper on top of the hamburger and place under a broiler to melt the cheese (we use our toaster oven). Serve on buns. Add any toppings you like- we added Italian dressing, but it would have been fine without it.

Adios!!