Look! I Made a Lampshade!

Ok, so I didn't make a lampshade...but I did give it a facelift.  We've had this floorlamp since we got married, but it didn't have a place in our home here, so we decided to use it in the baby's room.  The only problem is that the shade had seen better days (lets just say that moving is not kind to white lampshades).

So, I tracked down some cute pink fabric, made a template with newspaper, and went to town.  About 1/2 yard of fabric later, combined with some spray glue and trim, and I had a much cuter version for our little girl's room!

You Should Make This For Superbowl

First let me say that it feels so nice to be back in action.  I was recently stricken with the plague sick with the world's worst cough/cold combo.  Man, I did not leave my house (or my couch for that matter) for over a week.  Let me just say that I don't wish that illness on anyone, and I particularly don't wish being full term and sick on even my worst enemy.  Fortunately, the baby has decided to wait for me to be better before making her entrance into the world.  I was VERY worried for a while about going into labor without being 100%. 

Anyway, on to more exciting things like yummy recipes.  You should totally make this delicious cheesy bean dip for the Superbowl. 

In the interest of full disclosure, this is not my recipe.  I shamelessly stole it from another website, but that doesn't make it any less delicious.  Here it is: 
-2 cans Hormel chili with beans (I used vegetarian, but you can use any kind)
-1 block of cream cheese
-1/2 red onion, chopped
-1 small can diced tomatoes with green chiles
-1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
-pinch of cilantro
-pinch of cumin
-salt and pepper to taste

Drain Chili and diced tomatoes. Mix Chili and cream cheese. Mix in all other ingredients, except the shredded cheese. Add shredded cheese to top. Bake at 375 for about 15-20 or until cheese is bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy! 

Souper Delicious- Corn & Vegetable Chowder

Please forgive my terrible puns, but this soup really was delicious!  I know it's freakishly warm here in the Southwest, but I'd make this soup anyway, and it would be the perfect warm-up for those of you in colder climates. 

Corn & Vegetable Chowder:
-2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
-1 med. red onion, diced
-1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
-3 garlic cloves, crushed
-2 medium diced potatos
-3 tbsp. all purpose flour
-2 cups vegetable stock
-2 1/2 cups milk
-1 cup broccoli florets (more if desired)
-2 cans corn kernels, drained
-2 cups grated cheddar
-salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large pot.  Add in onion, bell pepper, garlic, and potato and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes

Add in flour and stir until completely mixed, then add milk and stock

Add the broccoli and corn.  Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender

Stir in 2 cups cheese until completely melted

Season to taste and enjoy! 

Just in Time for the Cold...

Sweet feet and little hats to match!  I whipped up these baby booties and some matching baby hats to send to a friend in California that had a baby ohhhhhh, ummmmm..... a month ago?  I promise I will become a more punctual crafter now that work is not sucking all my energy.  (Did I mention that I had my last day of work?  Yippee!)

Anywho, I made the baby booties from a pattern found in this book, and the hats I cheated as usual and used my knifty knitter.  Now they are on their way to a good home.  I hope they like them!  :)

That Darn Cat

That darn cat is not supposed to be up on the back of the couch.  He knows this, and I know he knows this because I have successfully trained him to stay off of other cushions.  He is now totally trained to stay off the back of our loveseat, but I think he is going to test the waters (and my patience) with EVERY OTHER CUSHION until he runs out of options.  You know, just to make sure I really mean it.

You Aren't Going to *BELIEVE* This!

It has been pretty chilly and rainy here in Arizona, more so than usual, but I never expected that it would actually SNOW here!!  This afternoon I peeked out the window to check out the rain that was falling and I swore that I saw a flurry, and then a few seconds later I was sure I saw another one!  By the time we made it to the back yard to get a closer look at the situation, it was really snowing!!

(Do you see the flurries?  I swear they are there!  My friend Alicia suggested that Arizona is attempting to win me over, I think she might be right.)

Nothing stuck around, of course, but it was wonderful to see snow falling outside my window, even for just a short while.

Washing Instructions

"Machine wash with like colors"

Something tells me that's not going to be an issue.  :)

Have I mentioned how much I love adorable pink baby onesies?  I think they're my new favorite.

Baby Shower

A couple of weekends ago we had a baby shower back in San Diego--  It was wonderful!!

I wish I had thought ahead and taken more pictures of myself with people, but pictures of people will have to do.  :) 

 We of course had to play the "how big is the baby belly?" game...

...which Brooke won!  And, in case you are wondering, NO she did not cheat using her own baby belly.  She won fair and square, and was seriously within about 1/4 inch!  Way to go Brooke! 

Later I got to enjoy opening all the cute pink girly things, and visiting with friends and family that we don't get to see often enough. 

Thanks to everyone who came and made the day so special! 

Pumpkin Carving 2010

The "before" shot: 

Clearing out the pumpkin guts: 

Tracing the pattern:

Carving and trying not to injure myself: 

And the finished product!  

I think it is one of our better pumpkin carving attempts.  Today, we are enjoying the fruits of our labor (aka roasted pumpkin seeds!)

Flagstaff

A couple weekends ago Brett took me out of town for a little getaway to Flagstaff.  It was very nice to get out of the desert and enjoy the mountain scenery and cooler temperatures for a couple days.  Here are some pictures from our trip: 

Relaxing by the fire pit at our hotel:

On a hike.  Lesson learned:  6 months pregnant + high altitude hiking= not the best combination. 

 Look!  Greenery and snow!!!!!

There were lots of pretty flowers on our hike:

I sure wish I could take credit for this awesome shot, but it was all Brett's handiwork: 

Too Cute Baby Skirts!

After a lengthy hiatus, my crafting mojo has returned!  This is thanks in part to finally figuring out how to work me new serger, which is amazing by the way.

My latest addiction is making these adorable baby skirts!

They are so easy, and since they were made with fabric I had on hand, and jeans that I no longer have any hope of fitting into, making them was completely free.  Can't beat that.  

If anyone feels inclined to make their own, there is a fabulous tutorial here. 

New Couches!

It's the little things that keep me going around here.  Things like new couches!! 

Our poor, tired Iowa couches had seen better days.  They were recliners, and to put it lightly they were entirely dysfunctional.  I don't think I will ever purchase another couch with moving parts.  It just doesn't end well, especially if you plan to move them...ever. 

It's amazing how new couches and an area rug can revitalize a space.  Also, as you can see from the picture, Moose is a huge fan of the giant ottoman.  He pretty much thinks it's the greatest thing ever.  Next on the agenda is finding some end tables we like that don't break the bank.  There is talk of making our own...but we will see how that goes!  More on that later. 

Something to Hold You Over

I have been such an absentee blogger.  It really is pitiful.  Life has thrown us a couple of curve balls in recent months that led to some stress/upheaval/whatnot.  It also contributed to my lack of motivation to craft/blog/etc. 

But, never fear!  It's not all bad, we did manage to get the baby's room painted (don't tell our landlord, kay?).  It's a lovely shade of lavender.  The room is still a work in progress but here is a sneak peek!

In other news, I actually look kind of pregnant!  Fancy that!  It only took me forever to start showing.  The other day I was at JC Penney buying a cute little baby outfit, and the cashier asked me who was having a baby.  Depressing.  But, it only gets better from here! 

Now, all I need is for someone to please send a memo to the State of Arizona and tell it that it is time to cool off!  Then maybe I will find my motivation and actually be able to get my craft on.  :) 

Gnome & Friends

I checked out this cool book from my local library, and just had to try out a project from it: 

I set out to make this cool gnome, owl, and raccoon for Brooke's son, Truman. 

They were a lot of fun to make.  I made them a couple months ago at the height of my morning sickness.  Turns out that embroidery is the perfect activity for when you are too sick to get your butt off the couch.  :)

The patterns for all three can be found in the Doodle Stitching book.  The only thing I modified were a few colors, and I sized down the owl and raccoon patterns so that they would be handheld size and more in proportion with the gnome. 

Check out the book, it has lots of great ideas!! 

IT'S A GIRL!!

Brett and I were both very excited to learn on Thursday that we are expecting a beautiful baby GIRL!!!!!

We love her so much already.  ♥

Now the baby crafting can really begin!