valentine's party [girls' night]

I love, love, love Valentine's Day.

Have always. 

This year I decided to invite a few of my friends (all mommas too) over for a girls' night out!

We relaxed.

We ate.

We made goodie bags.

We laughed, talked and had some yummy drinks too!

FAVORS

I made truffles:

Cake Batter Truffles (white)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles (brown)

Oreo Truffles (pink)

I put two of each in a fun paper liner and

packaged in a candy box

I made Rice Krispy Heart Pops

(they were huge!)

And assembled each in a cello treat bag

with ribbon and a handmade tag

I put both the truffles and "pop" in a paper bag

(I already had a stack of these bags on hand)

and added handmade name tags to each



DECORATIONS

In addition to the decorations I already had up,

I added a couple more decorating touches...

like my red/white garland I sewed!

SWEETS

I made Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cupcakes (ahh-mazing!)

A friend made the M&M Blondies (yum!)

I also made chocolate dipped pretzel rods

(I am SO making these again - easy and good!)

CRAFT

I made up a platter/small tins full of crafty things:

scrapbook paper

(cut in smaller pieces,

and some punched out circles)

scissors

stickers

ribbons

glue sticks

even some candy dots!

I had an assembly line of yummies

for everyone to make goodie bags

for their hubbies and kids!

Conversation Hearts

Goldfish

Valentine Chex Mix

Popcorn

Teddy Grahams

Gummy Bears

Chocolate dipped pretzel rods

after they assembled their goodie bags

they each had to make their own tag!!

I was SO impressed by all the creative tags!

(these are just a few of the several made that night)

In addition to the sweets...we had veggies, fruit, cheese/crackers, taco dip, chips/salsa/guacamole and popcorn!

We had a great night!  Thank you ladies for coming out and spending a quiet evening with me at my house!  Thank you too for bringing all that you did.  

I had a blast planning this party! 

I used serving platters, bowls, etc. that I had on hand.  Anything that I bought (other than food) was purchased at Michaels and the Dollar Tree. 

All of my ideas came from pinterest...I tried new recipes this time around. 

The truffles were interesting.  Cute and fun to make...but I couldn't get past the texture.  I'd rather eat a baked cookie than dough.  Blech!  Just my honest opinion.  If you love cookie dough (I know some of you do!) try the truffles.

My favorite of the night?  The raspberry cheesecake cupcakes...I'm starting to really love cheesecake.  Just.  Like.  My.  Hubby.

I think I miss him...

Happy heart Day (almost)!



let's talk...deployment



source

If it's alright with you guys, I'm going to just talk.  Talk deployment.

For those that don't know, my hubby is currently deployed.

Six months total.

After reading that, some of you probably instantly thought "that's nothing!" or "wow, that's long."  Either way, it's time that my hubby and I are apart.

It's time that our family has a piece missing.  It's time that is spent missing someone.  It's time spent feeling lonely (at night, especially!).  It's time spent being so busy playing mom and dad to my daughter (and step-daughters when they are here).  It's time spent counting down the days; looking forward to that day our family will be one again.

No matter the length of deployment - we all feel the same while living (surviving) it.

There is good and bad that go along with deployments (just like everything in life).

The bad:  Raising Riley alone.  Adding multiple jobs to my already busy life as a stay-at-home mom.  Having to kill bugs and catch mice (you know, wear the big girl pants).  Cooking and having way too much food leftover each meal.  Constantly being reminded of Aaron's absence (his truck in the drive way; his shoes near the door, etc.)  Having no one to talk to or laugh with at night.  Simply put, missing him.

The good:  Watching whatever I want to on TV.  Eating whatever I want for dinner (cereal, anyone?)  Having full control of this household (for me it's a good...because, well, I'm a control freak!)  Mom and daughter bonding time.  Being pushed to be brave about things (again, catching mice and killing huge crazy looking bugs/spiders).  Challenging in a good way - testing myself constantly; learning what I'm capable of and what I enjoy doing (aside from my wife/mom duties).  Developing important skills - like talking to myself; going days without showering; burping out loud; and actually leaving dishes in the sink (I never knew I could do that before!).

For me, it's always best to focus on the positives.  It doesn't come natural to me all the time, trust me!  (Some of you already know this.)  But I've learned that complaining, feeling sad, being in a funk, etc. does no one any good - myself, my family, my friends.  Whereas being positive instantly makes me feel better and allows me to be the best mom and wife I can be.  Too, we all know that it could be worse.

So, I'm trying to take advantage of the time alone.  I'm learning more about myself.  I'm finding hobbies and things that I enjoy doing.  Right now, it's those little "goods" that keep me happy day to day.  And of course, I'd happily give them all up to have Aaron home!  And actually, many of those "goods" are staying - like my new hobbies, leaving dishes in the sink...  Don't worry, Aaron, I will shower more frequently when you are home.  Ha.

At the end of the day, whether my hubby is here or not I am still his wife.  And having that title alone makes me proud and motivated to keep doing what I do every day.  I do this for him and for our family.

During deployments, it's the homecoming that keeps us going.  It's knowing that this separation isn't forever.  There's excitement about the reunion.  There's hope for a better future when he returns.

I will say that deployments are easier with Riley in the sense that I am busy every day with her so much that I have to keep moving.  Amazingly, the days pass by fast.  On the flip side is that it's hard watching Riley do things when I know her Daddy isn't here to see them.  It's hard hearing her talk about Daddy when I know she can't see him right that second and vice versa.

All of this is from my point of view.  Obviously.  My husband would have an entirely different post about deployment.  He misses home.  He misses his family, his daughters.  He misses having freedom to go here and there.  He misses normal clothes.  He misses great food and great company.  For him - the days are longer and harder.

Thinking of Aaron and knowing what he's going through helps me to continue doing what I need to.  He has it harder.  He is sacrificing so much.  (I am too, but sometimes I feel it doesn't even compare!)  He truly, seriously is a hero of mine.  I look up to him in so many ways; I rely on him; I need him; I respect him; I'm so very proud of him.

We miss Daddy a lot around here but knowing we are seeing him soon helps us to keep moving.

About two more months left!  Woot woot!!


Mocha Cake

 

 

Here it is...the delicious Mocha Cake recipe!

 

This recipe is from my mom.  (Not sure where she got it!)

 

It's a great cake to whip up if you know you're having company and you want to make something homemade, but you also don't want to be in the kitchen all day!  It's so easy.

 

Also, it makes a modest 8 inch square cake - not too huge or overwhelming.

 

Give it a try!

 

 

Mocha Cake
(Printable Recipe)

 

Ingredients:

 

Cake
1 1/4 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
*1 teaspoon instant coffee
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup water

 

Icing
3 tablespoons butter
*1/2 teaspoon instant coffee
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon milk

 

* I bought a small box of Nescafe Taster's Choice instant coffee - there are individually wrapped portions inside the box.

 

Directions:

 

Cake

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease (with cooking spray) an 8 or 9 inch square (glass) pan.
• In a medium bowl add dry ingredients and combine well with a whisk.
• Add water, oil and vanilla; mix until well combined.
• Add vinegar last and stir thoroughly.
• Pour into greased pan.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• Let cool in pan, on a wire rack until completely cooled.

 

Icing

• Combine powdered sugar and cocoa powder in a bowl.
• In a microwaveable bowl melt butter, instant coffee and vanilla.  Stir together.
• Add to the powdered sugar mixture.
• Add milk and beat with mixer on low speed until well mixed.

(You may have to add more milk to get the consistency to your liking.)

 

Spread the icing on cooled cake. 

 

Eat and enjoy!

 

 

first skirt! [sewing]

My friend, Christian, came over the other night.

She's the only friend here (that I know of) who sews.

I definitely could use a buddy to get me started and keep me motivated!

She had found this really fun, and (relatively) easy skirt tutorial to try out together.

It took us a few hours - between some ups and downs; some laughs and cake...but we finally got there!

Our work station (notice the wine)

I took a picture before I sewed one pocket on

I did it; the pocket is sewed!

OK, I had enough.  Ha!
I was nervous about sewing the next pocket.  I needed a break (already).

So, Christian came to the rescue!

And, I did what I do best. 
I ate cake.
(Mocha Cake!)

Eventually...the skirt was finished!

Do you like?!

Yeah...so here's the thing.  I didn't measure right and the waist is too big.  The skirt looks a little silly on me, with the way it is now.  Christian said we can fix that.

I promise to share a picture with you all of me and my skirt - once it fits!  (It's too cold to be sporting around skirts yet anyway, so I have time.)

It looks short sitting on the table, but it's not really that short - it hits right above the knee.  The entire night, we kept saying "it looks so short!"  Ha ha.

Also, because Christian was so patient with me - she ended up helping me with my skirt more than working on her own and it got late.  She said she'd finish hers another time.  I hope to share pics of her skirt too, once it's all finished!

Thank you, Christian.  I learned a ton from you and I had fun too!  Also, a huge shout out to Andrea (another friend of mine) who sent me this amazing sewing kit that came in handy the entire night!  You girls rock.

Yay!  Here's to sewing - and friends, wine and cake!

Stay tuned for my Mocha Cake recipe...

 

love February

February is a great month.

It's one month closer to spring.

One short month (which is good when your spouse is deployed)!

A month to decorate in white, pink and red! 
(when else would you be able to get away with this?!) 

Emillie, Hannah and I made the pom pom's

I am using the same ribbon from Christmas (where I displayed my cards)...
these are playing cards that I got at Hallmark, years ago, and use them to decorate.

from Hannah

from Emillie

garland

a banner my friend, Christian, made for my baby shower (2 years ago!) that I still use

Most importantly, February is a month to love.

It's not just about Valentine's Day. 

It's not about your relationship status. 

It's about showing those you love, just how much you really love them.  Your family, your friends, your husband, your kids.

For me, it's a love month!

Oatmeal Coconut Chocolate-Chip Cookies

My mom came for an overnight this past week.

I wanted to make cookies.  (Shocker!)  And too, I wanted her to take some home.

My mom gave me this recipe awhile back.  This is only the second or third time (max) that I've made them.  I'm going to keep them as a frequent cookie around here. 

I love coconut stuff.  (My mom does too.)  But what we love most about these cookies?  There is no butter!  Yup, you heard me right.  And in place of half the oil, I use applesauce...even better!

A sweet treat when you need something, but it won't completely knock you over either! 

The hardest part of this recipe is finding unsweetened shredded coconut.  Most grocery stores only sell sweetened.  Unfortunately, I won't be any help here...my mom gets my coconut from a friend (it's made by Barnstead Pantry).  I know that Bob's Red Mill sells it too (just not sure which stores).  I would definitely suggest looking in Whole Foods, or the like.  And too, whenever you find it - buy a lot!  It'll keep well. 

Oatmeal Coconut Chocolate-Chip Cookies
(Printable Recipe)

Ingredients:

2/3 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup plus 4 tablespoons whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 scant teaspoon salt
*1 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 large eggs

* In place of 1/2 cup oil, I used unsweetened (natural) applesauce.

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spread coconut on a baking sheet (stirring occasionally) and cook until lightly golden, 4-5 minutes.  Allow to cool.
• Combine oats, chocolate chips, and coconut in a medium bowl. 
• In a separate medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt.
• In a large bowl, beat oil (and applesauce, if using), vanilla, and sugar on low speed.  Add eggs and beat until smooth.
• Stir in flour mixture just until smooth.  Do not over mix!
• Stir in oat mixture just until combined.
• Drop by tablespoons onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, spacing a couple inches apart.
• Bake for 11-14 minutes (rotate pan halfway through), until cookie edges and centers are uniformly firm.  (If you want softer cookies, take them out when the edges are set but centers are still a little soft.) 
• Cool 5 minutes and then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Three for me, please!

OK, alright.  Maybe just two.

 

Eleven

I was tagged by Jenn (Life with the Lieutenant) to do this fun (in depth) questionnaire! 

The Rules

1. You must post the rules (and link up who tagged you).
2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4. Tag however many people you want.
5. Let them know you've tagged them!


Eleven Facts

1.  I love Winnie the Pooh.

via Abby on Pinterest

via Abby on Pinterest

2.  I love anything sweet.

3.  I hate cleaning my bathtub. It's disgusting. I'd rather clean 100 toilets before my bathtub.  (Does that make me weird?)

4.  I have to tell myself to eat healthy.  With that said, I always feel better about myself when I do try harder to eat well balanced meals.

5.  I love the show The Bachelor.  And I know I shouldn't even be admitting that right now.

6.  I am a true blonde.  It is one physical feature I have always loved about myself.  (Though, it has gotten darker over the years!)

7.  I get stressed out if my dining room table (or house!) is a mess.  We load a bunch of stuff on our table because there is no where else to put it - but it makes me nuts.

8.  I have two holes in my ears and seriously regret ever getting a second hole in HS.  I just think it's silly! 

9.  Yes, I say the word "silly" more than any adult should.  Thanks, Riley!

10.  My daughter makes me happy and angry.  Every single day.  Its a roller coaster ride - being a parent!  But it's also the greatest joy, ever...in a million years.

11.  I love pink.  And white.  I wish we had more white in our house - but my hubby would move out!  (ha ha)

via Abby on Pinterest

Eleven Questions

1.  How many states have you traveled to and which was your favorite?  Umm...I counted 22.  But don't hold me to that number (it may be more or less).  My favorite?  I think Colorado.  I was born there.  Only went back to visit once in my adult life but thought it was so beautiful.  I really would love to see more of it someday!

2.  Would you be more likely to be featured on an episode of Hoarders, What Not to Wear, or Wife Swap?  Ha.  Definitely not Hoarders.  I'm quite the opposite.  It's between the other two.  I wear comfy clothes; I am not into fashion; I don't have the body for most styles out there; I don't have the time or money to invest in a new wardrobe.  So maybe What Not to Wear would love to rip into my closet!  BUT - I also am pretty extreme with tidiness, organization and routine in this household - so Wife Swap would probably love to have me too.  I could so whip a sloppy, unorganized family into shape!  Ha ha.  And they could probably help me to relax and let go of some stuff too!  I'm pretty sure Aaron would not let me go though...pretty sure.

3.  If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Two words.  Cheese pizza.

4.  Do you try to leave one or two little pieces of toilet paper on the roll so you don't have to change it?  Or are you the martyr that changes it as soon as it starts running low?  Ha, neither.  When it's low - I am (usually) the one to get a new roll ready but we finish the entire roll before swapping it out.  And it's a good balance between me and my hubby as to who changes it.

5.  What is your favorite comfort food?  This is actually hard.  Favorite?  Possibly mac and cheese.  And possibly chocolate.  You know, health food.

6.  How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?  I'd say 30.  Married, with kids.  Feeling pretty good mentally and physically.

7.  Are you brand-loyal when buying laundry detergent, or do you grab whatever is cheapest?  I've changed over the years.  I used to buy Tide.  Just because.  Then we bought cheap stuff and I hated it.  So now I buy All  (mostly) because it's not outrageous but works well!  I'm not tied to any one brand.

8.  Tea: sweet?  unsweet? hot? cold?  All of the above.  Depends on the season and my mood.  I love tea, in all its forms!

9.  Do you ever believe what your fortune cookies says? Or has one of the fortunes in your cookie ever come true?  I can't remember even one fortune to know if it ever came true.  And no, I don't believe what they say.  It's all for fun.  In bed.  (Get it?!  Ha ha.  I'm funny.)

10.  If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?  Hmm...there's a lot.  But, I have to go with Brad Pitt.  Ha.  I don't care how old he is - he's a stud.

11.  If you were forced to choose, which of these things could you live without forever: TV, Internet, or condiments?  Not Internet.  TV - only if it was cable.  I love my movies!  So...condiments it is.  They are just added calories anyway!  Maybe someone should force me to live without them. 

Eleven New Questions:
1. Favorite thing to do as a family?
2. If you had 2 hours of alone time (today) what would you do?
3. How do you handle stress?  What helps you?
4. What is one piece of advice you'd give an expecting parent?
5. What is your least favorite household chore?
6. What is your #1 hobby?
7. If you could only pick one store to shop at, which would it be: Target or Walmart?
8. What is the first thing you'd buy if money wasn't an issue?
9. How do you take your coffee?
10. When is the last time you wrote/sent a card or letter in the mail to someone?
11. If you were forced to give up one of these from your diet, which would it be?  Chocolate, cheese, or bread?

Tag!  You're It!
Lindsey @ Sassy Ms. Ginger
Haley @ just the little things
Shannon @ Welcome to Mommy World