Midweek Mix Tapes

PRESS PLAY, LISTEN WHILE YOU READ!



So, I am insanely into music.
Headphones in, way too loud to be healthy...
Tuning out the world. Tuning out the worries.
Letting it all go for just a little while. :)

There is a lot out there in the world that can really cheer me up.
That can calm me down. A lot out there that I enjoy, greatly... music is #1.

(Gather around! story time!)
:)
Junior year of high school I had to write an english paper for my dual credit class. Not a big deal, of course, except for it was the last paper of the semester and the paper was worth a large portion of our grade.
So, I wrote about the Taste of Chaos Tour that I had recently went to. This paper was amazing! I was so proud of it. It was insightful, creative and poetic.
I sent the paper in on time.
Now for the weekend, YAY!

This is where it gets embarrassing and cringe-worthy.
So, Monday I come back to class to check my email and find that I had an Email from my professor.
Email says basically... I can clearly see that you have sent me a rough draft and not the actual paper. Please send me your final copy before the end of the day or I will be forced to grade this paper. (sent on Friday and the day I read this email, you remember, is Monday)

Open the attached document that I sent her to make sure she's emailing the right person.
I had saved the paper that was suppose to be turned in under the same name I saved the rough draft and sent the wrong one.
*What my paper looks like from memory.

_________________________________

Date

Taste of Chaos

blah blah blah

Write intro

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH

It was amazing.

Then you might want to talk about a band. 

BLAH BLAH BAND BLAHH

Talk about another band.

Talk about WHATEVER BLAH

Then, talk about your favorite band that you saw. 

(at that time it was Saosin)

And conclusion. BLAH BLAH. THE END! 

________________________________

:O
And no joke... I made a fake paper with far more blah blah's than I typed here.

Kill me now... aaaand all of that spaced out to three pages!!!! UGH!

I got a C for the class.. which is nice on her part because that paper was poop.

I sent her my real paper so she knew I wasn't an idiot.. and I asked her to read it too because I was so proud of it!... She thought it was a fantastic paper but she still didn't let it count for my grade. I cried.

HAHA! Sucky-ness.

FAV!


Well, thats all I have for tonight.. GOODNIGHT!! :)



~A

Movie Madness

My mother-in-law is my movie date partner! We will wait in line for 6+ hours to watch a Twilight movie. We'll sit in the blazing hot theater, we'll go twice in a row if the movie is good. We love movies.

I've been reading about upcoming movies and am pretty excited about our future movie dates to come and thought I'd share. That's not saying that we won't be seeing others, these are just the ones that won't be missed for sure!

Snow White and the Huntsman
Opens June 1
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron & Chris Hemsworth
In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.

Bel Ami
Opens June 8
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Christina Ricci, Uma Thurman & Kristin Scott Thomas
A chronicle of a young man's rise to power in Paris via his manipulation of the city's most influential and wealthy women.

People Like Us
Opens June 29
Starring: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde & Michelle Pfeiffer
After his father dies, a man discovers the existence of a sister he never knew.

Savages
Opens July 6
Starring: Blake Lively, Salma Hayek, Benecio del Toro, Taylor Kitsch, & Aaron Johnson
Pot growers face off again the Mexican drug cartel.

Lawless
Opens August 31
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman & Guy Pearce
The Bondurant brothers become bootleggers in Depression-era Virginia.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part II
Opens November 16
After the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.




Les Miserables
Opens December 14
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway & Amanda Seyfried
An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel.

The Great Gatsby
Opens December 25
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan & Joel Edgerton
A midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into the Gatsby circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.


I know there are some I'm super excited about for next year, but I'll wait til next year is a little closer :)

~C

DIY Picture Frame

Supply List:

• Piece of wood any size. I used an 8x10 wooden plaque from Hobby Lobby.
• Paint, any color
• Scrapbook stickers
• Modge Podge (I used the glossy one)
• 2- Foam paint brushes
• Picture (I used an 8x10 picture and just trimmed it down a little so it would fit perfectly)

Directions:

• Paint the wood any color and let it dry.
• Next, when the paint is dry, paint modge podge on the painted wood.
• Carefully place the picture, making sure it isn't crooked.
• Paint modge podge all over the picture and more on the sides of the wood.
• Apply a few coats of modge podge and let it dry completely.
• Add stickers.

Now you are ready to go! My piece of wood came with a hole to hold a nail already in it, but I just sit mine on my nightstand table.

~C

Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut Cream Pie~

1 - 9" pie crust, baked

3/4 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. flour

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. salt

2 1/2 cups milk

4 egg yolks

1 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup flaked coconut

Whipped cream

1/3 cup coconut, toasted

In a medium sauce pan, combine sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt.

In a bowl, combine, milk and egg yolks until well beaten.

Stir milk mixture into sugar mixture.

Place over medium heat, stir constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a full boil. (It will look like pudding when its ready)

Once its boiling, continue stirring for one minute. 

Remove from heat.

Stir in butter, vanilla and coconut. 

Place custard in a bowl and chill for a few minutes. 

Pour custard in a baked pie shell, cover with plastic and chill.

Serve with whipped cream, topped with toasted coconut.

~C

Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie

Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie~

1 - 9" pie crust, baked

1 - 14 oz. can blueberries, in water

1/4 cup sugar

3 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

6 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Whipped cream

Combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and cinnamon in a medium sauce pan. Heat over medium heat and mix until thick. 

Set aside to cool.

With an electric mixer, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla. 

Spread cream cheese mixture in a baked pie crust. 

Top with cooled blueberry filling.

Serve with whipped cream.

~C

French Silk Pie

French Silk Pie ~

1 - 9" pie crust, baked

1 cup butter, softened (use butter, not margarine)

1 1/3 cup sugar

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted (melt in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn)

2 tsp. vanilla

4 eggs

Whipped cream 

Cream butter and sugar in an electric mixer.

Add melted chocolate and vanilla; mix.

Add in eggs, one at a time, beating each egg for 5 minutes on medium speed. 

Pour into prepared pie shell and chill for 2 hours.

Top with whipped cream.

~C

Pie Crust

Pie Crust~

Made in Pan

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 tsp salt 

1 1/2 Tbsp sugar

Mix all three ingredients in pan.

Then add:

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 Tbsp milk

You can stir with a spoon, but I use my hands to mix it all til well mixed. Then press out to fill out in pan. 

Bake according to directions of the pie recipe being used. 

If you are making a pie that doesn't need to be baked. The crust just needs to bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. 

Make sure you prick the crust gently with a fork before baking so it doesn't bubble.

~C

Thankful for my soldier!

When my little brother joined the Army a few years ago, things like Memorial Day started to mean alot more to me. I'm so thankful to all the soldiers past and present that have given their lives (even just their daily lives) to serve our country. It fills my heart with pride seeing him in his uniform. I'm so proud of him.

Happy Memorial Weekend!!

~C

The A&C Chronicles: Part I

• 6 minutes ago

  C~

  • You know what I like to do when people annoy me? I google it and usually the sites that come up make me feel better 
    There is a certain someone that drives me flippin crazy on facebook complaining all the time... So I googled, why do people whine so much?
    And it brought me to a site- how to handle chronic complainers! LOVE it!!
• 
  

  4 minutes ago

  A~

  • Hahaha helpful? What does it say?
• 
  

  3 minutes ago

  C~

  • Eh i don't like the solution...
    It's saying to be nice basically
    and use empathy
• 
  

  2 minutes ago

  C~

  • ummm... no thanks. I'd much rather be like STFU no one cares how much you miss so and so... but since I can't.... the googling helps
• 
  

  about a minute ago

  A~

  • Hahaha EFF that! Next time they complain just send them this..
    
    
    
    
    
    

    

    
    

    Annoyed C

    
    
• • C~
    BAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA
    thanks for that. i seriously just spit water all over my computer screen.
    that is greatness.
• 
  

  a few seconds ago

  A~

  • 
    Hahahaha
    I don't think that will make them stop though...
    HAHA!
    
    

Irish Potato Casserole - My Favorite!

8-10 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 clove of garlic

8 oz cream cheese, softened

8 oz sour cream

1/4 c. butter melted

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

paprika

Boil potatoes and clove of garlic, until potatoes are tender; drain.

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add potatoes, garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, butter, salt and garlic powder until well mixed.

Transfer to a casserole dish. (You can refrigerate at this point to bake later if necessary).

When ready to bake, sprinkle with paprika and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Warning- these are amazingly good. You won't be able to stop eating them : )

~C

My Baby, J ~

So if you aren't already a parent, I just have to say you are missing out. My baby is absolutely amazing. I love everything about him. I could stare at him forever.

Sometimes when he laughs he snorts. I love chasing him and it making him laugh hysterically. He loves to read books before bed and play in the bathtub. He will eat anything and everything all day long. He's super good at making a mess, especially if I've just cleaned up... I'm trying to learn how to be okay with his room being a disaster. Its hard for me; I do admit that I try and clean up every ten minutes sometimes, but I'm working on it...

He loves his dad the most at this moment, but I'm positive that someday he'll love me the most ;) or at least equally.... haha!! I guess his dad is pretty cool so I'm okay with him wanting him the most for now :) 
Aww M, he's crying, he wants you...
M! He's got a dirty diaper, he wants you.
I'm eating dinner can you just take J, he wants you :)
HAHAHA! I'm using this to my advantage.

So the mornings are pretty crazy for us. M goes to work really early, he leaves the house around 6:30 so then I set my alarm to 7:10 and I usually snooze until 7:20 :) I have to snooze at least once, I can't help it.
Then I sing J a song until he wakes up (he wakes up smiling with his eyes closed... I think its because he loves me so much, he's so happy to wake up to my voice, don't worry I'll keep telling myself that). Then I turn on the TV to Nick, J's favorite would be Bubble Guppies, but he also enjoys Team Umizoomi and Blues Clues. He only likes the songs and will bounce up and down to the music and then go off to do his own thing when the song is over. So then I just give him breakfast to eat on his own... (this morning he had blueberry waffles) haha don't judge me it's clean in the room and bathroom :) Then we run around like banshees getting dressed and packing lunch. J helps pack lunch by throwing each item into the bag! It's his favorite part!!

I hope I never forget all the little things about him that make me smile. I hope I never forget how it sounds when he says mama or laughs. When he smiles with all four of his teeth clenched together to make a "cheese" face. And especially, his kissy face.

Well I just wanted to share a few of my favorite things about my baby. He's crashed out at the moment. Oh, and obviously he literally does crash all the time. He was running down the hill at our house the night before last and fell on his face and scratched it and his arm :( my poor baby!!! I hate him getting hurt more than anything!!

I better go make dinner!! Chicken tacos!!

~C

I Suck at TV!

I absolutely love watching shows... but I'm really bad at finding shows I want to watch... I usually rely on everyone else to tell me what shows to watch and then I'm stuck watching them on Netflix, which I've found is actually way better because then I don't have to wait when there are cliffhangers : )

I'll start with my favorite, Grey's Anatomy!!! I am fairly new to the Grey's world, but love it all the same. I started watching it when I was on maternity leave in 2011 and I probably didn't move off the couch for months. When I went back to work, I'd rush home and watch 3-4 episodes every night! I was addicted. Here I am all caught up and dealing with a cliffhanger... I should start counting down how many days til the next season starts! Can't believe they killed Lexi... I'm still pouting about that!

And of course, Grey's led to watching Private Practice.
I really want Sam & Addison to be together even though A doesn't agree with me ; )
And I'm so heartbroken for Amelia and I miss Dell!!

I actually found this show on my own and I love it. Parenthood and again I'm dealing with the in-between of episodes...Some episodes don't suck me in, but over all I love it so much!! I want a big family someday like they have! I just love all the different dynamics each character bring to the table!

Okay, so the next three shows are somewhat embarrassing. Do not laugh at me. : )

So, I was bored with all my shows being off air and so at the beginning of the year I started watching Gossip Girl (if you haven't seen it don't even think it because I was thinking it too.... seriously, Gossip Girl??) By the way its super action-y and packed with scheming and always has something going on... I just finished the last Netflix season in the middle of the current season and so I know have to wait to watch it because its not online anywhere... unless I want to buy every episode on itunes or something and no, I don't want to do that. But A likes it too, thanks to me, haha!! Can't wait to see this current season! I was left with a pregnancy test! Need to know what happens next!

Like I said, no judging me for the next two. I love watching shows about moms and babies. I absolutely love TLC's A Baby Story and all those shows. I cry every single episode when they see their baby for the first time. Can't help it, its my mom emotions coming out. I also love love love all remodeling homes shows or finding a house shows... I'm not going to list those because those I just watch if they are on.
M has most control over the TV, when he gets home he starts with watching game shows like Deal or No Deal and Baggage, and then we end up watching Cops or World's Dumbest Criminals or something awesomely amazing like that...  : |   You now see why I have a blog to keep me entertained hahahaha. Okay I'll admit the shows now... : )

16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom... okay are you happy now?! I'll quit being embarrassed!

That's about it for me... I probably forgot something important but I can't remember. I'm good at not remembering haha!

~C

Serena (feat. Jennifer Garner & Alfred Molina)

So, I just happened to stumble across this short film.
I'm not too sure what the other videos are like but I enjoyed this one! Watch it! ;)



Watching this makes me really want to watch Catch and Release tonight. I think I will make it a movie night with Z!

~A

My not so interesting life.

So, today I wake up and decide, hmm maybe I should sleep just a teensy bit more. 

Bad mistake número uno... every time. 

Little did I know that I wouldn't be able to find my car keys when I try to leave for work. 

So on my way today, I have a confession to make, I am one of those girls who attempts to put on makeup while driving. Please don't cuss me out. I am an insanely cautious and fantastic driver. Never been in a wreck before... 

Well not counting the time my hood flew up and shattered my windshield. But that wasn't the cause of irresponsible driving so that actually doesn't count. 

Any who, I forget my make up and I'm at work looking like a homeless woman. 

So here I am and I decided I will give you a nice inside scoop into my life. 

Trust me this won't take long and will be a hoot and a half!

I love TV shows!!

I don't have an active cable company providing me with my shows so I rely solely on the interwebz!
So, even though one of my shows comes on a certain day I have to avoid all Internet, I need to steer clear of anything that will spoil it, until I can watch it the next day. Or if I just can't wait I have to resort to drastic measures! ;)

That's me on that laptop screen that you can't see skyping with C to watch the finale of Grey's Anatomy.

HAHA!

Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do! ;P

So, Wednesdays I make sure to watch Tuesdays showing of...

New Girl is my favorite TV show this year!! It is HILARIOUS! and I love Zooey! 

I swear if I ever have a girl I'm naming her Zooey. 

and of course I can't miss...

Makes me cry like a little girl but, boy oh boy I love this show!

Fridays are designated days to watch Thursdays showing of..

I can't live without my Grey's Anatomy. 

I have been a strict loyal fan since their very episode.

Although, the season finale made me insanely sad and mad.

Poor Lexi! :'(

I'm not a total TV hog, I let Z watch at least one of his shows! ;)

I then have my beautiful Sundays and Mondays off from work that I cherish dearly by avoiding the cleaning that needs to be done and sleeping all day! ;)

And to wrap up on Mondays I watch Sundays showing of..

This is again one of my FAVORITE shows this year!! :)

I am also a whole season behind another one of my Favorites because I love to buy the whole season and watch it with Z and that is..

CRACKS ME UP! and I LOVE IT!!

If you don't watch any of these shows, then I demand that you do. Your life will thank you. 

"But blah blah blah you need to go be adventurous outside and socialize" you say. 

Well, this is what makes my week that much more enjoyable, so I think I will continue to watch them until they are no longer there for my viewing eyes. Which, of course, I hope is never!

;)

HAHA!

~A

Work. Work. Work.

Working at Kate Jones has been a huge creative inspiration! My boss is insanely talented and always giving me tiny ideas here and there from what she has in the store.

Seriously, there is no way you don't think about curling up into that bed.

Wouldn't this just look amazing above a bed?

My brain is going on a creative overload right now it might just jump right out of my skull.

I want to capture this feeling in a bottle. 

Sharing this small moment in time is a great way to keep me going for another hour of work.

Once I get home, its on!

I have quite a few things I need/ want to do.

Frame a few posters that I have lying around.

Paint a few tiles with a lace overlay that I will use for coasters.

A few ideas that I need to sketch out for paintings later on.

and a few more things that I know I will stop putting off for a later time.

Oh and if you're wanting to feel inspired as well go ahead and check out the blog of Kate Jones. 

Kate Jones at Home

~A

Pretend Millionaire (Home Edition)

Pretend Millionaire isn't a game.

To make this time worthwhile you have to believe you actually have cash to throw away. For some it might be hard to put yourself in that state of thinking (like me, my money tree has been withered for a long time now but I'm still looking for my watering can). 

For others it may not be hard at all. 

You may actually have money to throw away. 

Lucky bi...scuits.

Pretend millionaire:

What I do in my spare time.

When I'm bored.

When I'm sad that I'm broke.

Or when Z is talking on the phone... Again.

Welcome to what would be my lovely home. Haha!

;)

I would give Z's right arm for that house!

haha!

This would be my living room! :)

Watch out, don't let my sparkly chandeliers blind your eyes.

This would be the kitchen

Actually, I wouldn't mind settling for their entire home and leaving you to oo and aw for a while, but now that wouldn't be too fun, now would it?

This amazing kitchen belonging to Jill Sharp Brinson stylist, Designer and Creative Director for Ballard designs and Rob Brinson, Atlanta based photographer, is pretty dope. And them being so creatively inclined you can just imagine what the rest of the home looks like.. Well actually there's no need to imagine you can check it out here.Design Sponge Sneak Peek

Now, onto what I would make my bedroom.

And also what would be the guest bedroom and bathroom

I secretly take naps on lazy Sunday afternoons in this bedroom! ;)

Ah, I could go on and on for hours with this. Snuggled up in a warm blanket with a glass of wine. Oh the life, with my fake millions! ;)

I can just feel my stress disappearing.

Eliminating every thought and feasting my eyes on someone's beautiful hardwork that they were so kind to share with the world.

Next pretend millionaire I will be using the phrase shut up and take my money. Many times. As I'm sure you will be too! Haha!

~A

Sources:Mansion, Living Room, Bedroom, Second Bedroom, Bathroom

Thorn in My Heart Series

The Thorn in my Heart Series by Liz Curtis Higgs is one of my absolute favorites!

Two brothers fight to claim one father’s blessing.

Two sisters long to claim one man’s heart.

In the autumn of 1788, amid the moors and glens of the Scottish Lowlands, two brothers and two sisters each embark on a painful journey of discovery.

Jamie and Evan McKie both want their father Alec’s flocks and lands, yet only one brother will inherit Glentrool. Leana and Rose McBride both yearn to catch the eye of the same handsome lad, yet only one sister will be his bride.

A thorny love triangle emerges, plagued by lies and deception, jealousy and desire, hidden secrets and broken promises. Brimming with passion and drama, Thorn in My Heart brings the past to vibrant life, revealing spiritual truths that transcend time and penetrate the deepest places of the heart.

The Scottish Lowlands, October 1789.

A year has come and gone since Jamie McKie fled for his life, arriving at Auchengray in search of sanctuary and a bonny wife. Young Rose McBride, as fair a lass as any in Scotland, dearly loves her handsome cousin—but so does her older sister, Leana.

Determined to have Jamie all to herself, Rose puts in motion one desperate plan after another, enlisting the aid of Lillias Brown, a wise woman—a wutch, some say—still keen on the old ways. Impetuous Rose ignores the cruel whispers that travel up and down the parish hills, never dreaming of the tragic consequences that await her.

Her sister, Leana, clings to her hard-won sense of peace and assurance by a slender thread of faith. Day and night, Leana’s hours are apent caring for wee Ian and praying that her future will hold more promise than her past.

Jamie McKie is busy making his own plans to return home to Glentrool and claim his inheritance. To do so means facing Evan, the brother whose blessing he stole, and Alec, the father whom he ruthlessly deceived. It is a perilous journey that will test the depth of his courage, the strength of his sword, and the tenacity of his vow to honor Almighty God, no matter the cost.

The Scottish Lowlands, Summer 1790

Jamie McKie is determined to return to his ancestral home in Glen Trool and claim his inheritance—a harrowing journey that will test the depth of his courage and the strength of his sword. Haunted by a shameful past and wrestling with an uncertain future, Jamie must outwit his devious Uncle Lachlan and confront the two men he most fears: Evan, the brother whose inheritance he stole, and Alec, the father whom he blatantly deceived.

Jamie faces a perilous journey of the heart as well: Two sisters each stake a tender claim on his affections. Quiet, gentle Leana is the mother of his firstborn. Her spirited younger sister, Rose, is expecting his second child. Honor and duty prevail but not without heartache, as Jamie prepares to fight for all he holds dear.

Glen of Loch Trool. Spring 1808

Davina McKie is a bonny lass of seventeen, as clever as they come and a gifted musician.
Unable to speak since childhood, she is doted on by her belligerent younger brothers, Will and Sandy, who vow to protect their silent sister.

When the lads are forced to depart the glen, Jamie McKie intends to brighten his daughter’s summer by escorting Davina to the Isle of Arran. Her cousins make her welcome at the manse, and the parish delights in hearing their talented fiddler.

But when she catches the eye of a handsome young Highlander on Midsummer Eve, sheltered Davina is unprepared for the shocking events that follow.

A timeless story of passion and revenge, of lost innocence and shattered dreams, Grace in Thine Eyes explores the sorrow of unspeakable shame and the gift of immeasurable grace.

I couldn't put these down!! When you get finished with these she has a few more good ones too!!

~ C

J's 1st Birthday

Who knew a first birthday party could be so much work?! Thank goodness I had lots of helpers!!

 It was quite a spread! We had fruit, english muffin pizzas, mini croissant & hot dogs, star shaped  peanut butter & jelly sandwhiches, pretzals and of course, cupcakes!!

 Owl cupcakes!! Love them! And don't forget the owl pinata.

 Lemonade and water to drink! 

 Owl favors, consisting of bubbles, crayons, coloring sheets, and stickers!! 

Too bad he won't remember it but I took lots of pictures to show him someday :)

~C