PoPpYcOcK GoSsIp

Maternity Chic

2011-04-11T12:33:00.000-06:00

FINALLY! There are some cute things at Old Navy for Spring/Summer.

What do you think!?!?!?

Beautiful Day

2011-04-11T11:30:00.000-06:00

It is a beautiful day today! I woke up to sunshine. It feels great. I love Spring days. Spring makes me feel strong, vibrant, and in control. It's time to get ready for the baby, decorate my house, and just enjoy sunny days.

Fabric!

2011-04-06T13:39:00.000-06:00

I finally have the urge to sew again. It's been a while but I am so excited to get started again.

These swatches will be either framed or stapled onto different sizes of canvas to place above our bed so that it gives the illusion of a headboard. I think if I frame them I will use white frames. Thoughts?

These are for the baby! I think the Aqua owls will be best for a blanket and the gray owls will be made into bibs. :)

Yay for projects! I am so excited! I have been in a crafting funk lately. I guess the crafting funk was good because it allowed me to start my yard for the season.

My Sanctuary

2011-04-06T10:20:00.003-06:00

April showers bring May flowers. Well that is all well and good but in my yard March snow storms bring April beauty! If you don't believe me look for yourself!

This is Yoshi. We named him that due to being a flowering Japanese something. Not sure what his real name is but he is Yoshi and his brother in the corner is Mr. Robot-o. Notice the buds!!! He's getting fancy!

This is a Lilly I planted last year. I was so worried it wouldn't come back but here it is. It's hanging out with a couple Crocuses and tulips.

I have no idea what this is. It comes back every year even though we have hacked and hacked at it. We have sprayed it and it still comes back. If it is that determined we decided (and there isn't much we can do at this point) to keep it. It has yellow spongy flowers come late Spring early Summer.

Say hello to Mona Lisa. Yes, that is it's name. There are multiple types of them. This is just the yellow one. I bought purple, faded pink and white, white, red, and light purple.

This will be a orange Tulip. If you look down inside of it there is a bud! YAY!

More Mona Lisa's.

This lovely mix will greet you at our front door! Some come on over and bask in the beauty of the Robinson yard.

I also planted snap dragons, poppies, and pansies yesterday. I'll take more pictures as they flower. Steven mowed the lawn and fertilized and I planted flowers and baptized them in Miracle Grow. I also picked out all the pesky weeds that just won't go away.

When do you start weeding and planting flowers? I like to start early with Spring flowers that will come back the next year. I only enjoy them for a short time but next Spring the yard will be more vibrant than it was this year. I buy summer plants around Mothers Day. After Mothers Day I just prune and play.

What are your gardening rituals?

Sunny Southern Utah

2011-04-05T21:09:00.000-06:00

It is no secret that Steven and I have a 3 year plan. To have school loans paid and done with (or at least close) and to move or buy a vacation home in St. George. We love it there. It would be the perfect environment to raise our child (and future kidlets).

Things we love about it:

*The Warmth-some would say it is unbearable but I LOVE it.
*Golfing- there are great courses there and close by in Mesquite Nevada
*Sand Hollow- perfect for our 4 wheeling adventures and since there is a lake there you can always cool off!
*Canyons- Zions and Snow Canyon are so close. You could hike daily if you wanted. Or bike.
*Lack of snow-This year they received a few inches but that is very uncommon.
*Nevada- Mesquite and Las Vegas are not far.
*California-LA is about 4 hours from Vegas.
*Squid- he could sun bathe his little heart out!
*Gardening- the gardening season is much longer there. I could have fresh tomatoes much longer than I have here!

Southern Utah really is our perfect place. Here are some pictures from our trip this weekend. It was a blast!

Seriously! 66F at 0930!

The arcade in Mesquite Nevada.

My super swollen feet caused by 90F weather.

These nests are all over the place. This was one of many nests we found in this bush while we were hiking.

Beautiful snow canyon.

Snow canyon before the sun went down.

145 Days Left

2011-04-04T13:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited for the baby to arrive! 145 more days! Yikes! So with a baby due date (August 27th) comes a giant To Do list. We have so much to do!

-Build Crib, changing table, and dresser
-Buy baskets for changing table
-Buy a shelf for the baby room
-Hang the hooks up in the guest bath (if we just do this then the guest bath would be DONE)
-Buy a comforter set for our room
-Find cute sheet for baby
-Shampoo carpet (we are going to finish the RV pad this year and just do hard wood next year)
-Buy a vacuum that works.
-Plant a garden
-Hang the mirrors
-Finish the sitting room
-Buy and put away all Christmas presents so it's done

The list goes on and on. Did you have this many lists when you were preparing for baby? Am I overly 'nesting'?

Does anyone else love fresh raspberries and dill pickles? Oh just me...?

I Can't Get Enough

2011-03-31T11:55:00.000-06:00

Of these GORGEOUS flowers. I love them!

Dear Lima Bean,

2011-03-30T10:20:00.000-06:00

Your heart was beating perfectly again! 158 beats per minute. Have I mentioned that we love you? We get to see you in 4 weeks! Actually see you! Okay so not in person but at least we get to see you on the computer screen. We don't want to know if you are a girl or a boy. We figure you are perfect no matter what you are. In our eyes you can do no wrong.

Daddy laughs hysterically when you kick my belly button. I find it extremely uncomfortable but I do love that you are giving your daddy such a good laugh. He loves you too. He is so excited to see you. He is going to be a great daddy. He is going to teach you lots of cool stuff. Did you know he can flip a pen in his fingers? A skill I have yet to conquer. Did you know that I hope you get your daddy's handsome eyes. They are honest and they tell stories. Words are pointless when he is around. His eyes give him away.

Your dad likes to tease me on how big you are getting. You are the size of a sweet potato. FYI sweet potato's are delish! So, I was wearing your dads t-shirt last night and he was asking me to please not stretch it out! I totally blame you for the expanding gut, just saying. I really do love every inch of my belly because you are in it.

I think I am going to miss you being inside my belly. I love you. Squid is excited to meet you too. He lays on my belly every chance he gets. I really do think he knows you are in there.

All three of us love you! We can't wait to meet you! Stay safe in there please.

Little Maven

2011-03-24T09:59:00.000-06:00

I will be purchasing our little Lima Bean's clothing on this site. I love her style. The clearance section is fantastic too! You should check it out if you have your own lima beans at home!

{LITTLE MAVEN}

Yes, the line is from Tori Spelling. And yes, you do know I think she is fabulous!

My Happy Moment

2011-03-23T13:25:00.000-06:00

Everyone should have at least one happy moment a day. A moment when they are most themselves with their fave activity, music in the ipod, or just your happy thoughts. My happy moment today was out in my yard. I put Squid in his play pen and planted 24 beautiful pansies around the budding bulbs in my flower beds. Normally I would drown out the sounds of life with The Ataris, Taking Back Sunday, or Lilly Allen (yes my top 3 at the moment-don't judge), but today I listened to Squid meow at blowing leaves and the wind. It was amazing. It was my moment. I was in the dirt making my life a little more beautiful with 1.5 have my fave people in attendance and one on my mind. I had Squid and my baby safely tucked inside of me enjoying the weather and awesomeness of the day. On my mind I was thinking about my amazing husband. The one who has sacrificed so much for the things we have. The only one that could give me my beautiful family. He said yes (reluctantly) to adding Squid to our twosome and he has given both of us #4. Our lima bean!

So this was my happy moment. I was lost in beautification, nature, Squid, baby, and Steven.

When was the last time you had a happy moment?

SC Johnson: Scrubbing Bubbles, Plegde, and Glade

2011-03-23T08:18:00.003-06:00

I am participating in the Buzz Agent campaign for SC Johnson's Scrubbing Bubbles. I received a package yesterday with a bunch of cool cleaning supplies. I have already used some of it. So far I am pleasantly pleased.

I have used the Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel. It 'goops' to the side of your toilet and is supposed to last 6 weeks. I'm excited to see how it does. So far it smells great. The glad candle smells awesome too!!!

Happy Birthday Squid

2011-03-23T08:05:00.001-06:00

My little man is now a year old! I can't believe it. I remember going to pick him up. I had the laundry basket lined with blankets and a towel for the trip. I didn't know how else to transport the little guy.

So I get there to pick out a kitten and all the kittens are running around chasing each other. They were all SO cute! Squid came up to me! He tried to walk on my feet. I think he picked me!

I brought him home in the laundry basket! He talked the whole time and stuck his little paw out the slants. He was adorable!

Steven and I thought he was a girl! So we named him Cricket. He was Cricket for a whole week before we realized he had man part! Oops! Sorry Squid. We still love you and hope we didn't mess you up too bad!

So now he is the biggest cat out of the bunch he came from! He jumps on the fridge, sleeps on top of the cabinets in the laundry room, plays with straws and teases the dogs next door from the window.

So happy birthday Squid. I hope this next year is as good to you as the first one was. We think you are pretty fantastic!

Xoxox- Mom and Dad

Food Storage

2011-03-20T14:32:00.000-06:00

We are starting to work on food storage. We have always had 72 hours worth of supplies but with a lima bean on the way we figure it's time to be responsible and ready for whatever we have to face as a family.

How many of you have food storage set up and ready? What do you have? How long will your storage last you? What do you do with baby food?

Wednesday With Squid: Snuggling the Baby

2011-03-16T14:08:00.000-06:00

This crazy gato loves to snuggle against the baby. I wonder if he can hear it in there? Cats have super sonic hearing so maybe he can...? Maybe he senses it? Maybe he loves it because he can tell Steven and I love it. . . ?

Spring Love

2011-03-16T09:49:00.000-06:00

Bulbs!

These are my first bulbs of the season! This is a white Crocus. The tulips are 2 inches tall and growing every day! Pretty soon they will be blooming and I'll have some pretty orange Tulips in my yard.

Lima Beans Bed

2011-03-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ignore the pink. The pink does not mean we think the baby is a girl. The baby is still a surprise. Don't get your hopes up. ;)

Check the link! We LOVE it!

CLICK HERE TO SEE CRIB

Color Winner.....

2011-03-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Aqua & Gray!!! W/ small green details!

Pretty Pregnancy

2011-03-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

I want some cute pregnancy picts. I have a killer teal wall and an awesome avocado green kitchen we could use as backgrounds. What did you ladies have done? Any suggestions for some at home picts? If the snow would quit our yard would be great too. I think the rock retaining wall would be nice as a background.

My neighbor said she would do some but she is thinking later when I'm huge. I still have family photos we are having done but the awesome Audrey this spring so I can get some then too. I'm just a little anxious to get some done now so I can have them around the casa.

How do you pose while preggers too? Nothing looks flattering. The wrong angle makes me look fat not preg.

Dear Amazon.com,

2011-03-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

I am so bummed. 6+ years with you and you totally break my heart. Season 6 of One Tree Hill came like this...? Call me crazy but this is no way for a product to show up on your steps???

Netflix

2011-03-06T18:24:00.002-07:00

How many of you use Netflix? Do you enjoy it? Waste of money or worth it?

Ikea

2011-03-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

I am going to Ikea with a freaking awesome chick! Hopefully I will come home with lots of goodies! Wish me luck!

Crushes

2011-02-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

A friend from high school posted a cute blog today. This is her blog. Check it out. She posted all her 'crushes'. So my crushes are as follows:

My Radical Husband.

Mr. Fuzzy Nuts. Aka: Squid.

Our Lima Bean.

My TV crushes:

My Movie Crush:

My Celebrity Crush:

My Candy Crush:

What are your crushes? Leave me a message or link me to your blog! I'd love to see what your crushes are!

xoxox- Cassy

Hunting

2011-02-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Not the kind of hunting you are thinking. This is of the retail sort. Nothing against hunting-I enjoy going with my hubby in the fall but this is my kind of hunting. I am a hunting machine when I get a great idea for the house. So here are some of my ideas.

I am hunting for these. I have some great ideas for some old windows and frames. Both inside my casa and out.

Something else I am so wishing I could change...I really hate vinyl fences. We have vinyl. Not by choice but we are stuck with it. I wish we could do a wood fence. I love how the wood ages over time. I love that you can nail things to the fence. I love how sturdy wood is.

Vinyl cracks and breaks all the time. It freezes in the winter and makes big gashes when it is hit.

So next time....if there is a next time, we will have a wood fence. Vinyl has zero personality.

Mr. Rad

2011-02-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

My Mr. Radical.

If our baby is a boy I really really really hope that he is just like his dad.

Migraine

2011-02-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Mommy Friends,

I have had and increase in migraines while being pregnant. Mostly the increase has been all during the second trimester. I can't even function.

Did you have these same problems? Do you know what to do with them?

Life As We Know It

2011-02-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Steven bought me this movie, a candy bar, and binkies (he's a softy. How cute is it that he bought the baby it's first binkies?!?!?)

So we watched this the other night. It was SO cute! I recommend you rent/buy it. It was so cute!

They fell into parenthood so they were taking one day at a time. I think even though we get to start from the beginning it will still be similar to what they went through.

I can't wait to be a mommy/daddy combo. I think we are going to be awesome.

I Want To Make This

2011-02-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

So cute right? I could just lengthen the dress and the tops look super easy. What do you think? If I put the belt right beneath my bust I could wear this as maternity right?

Baby Appointment #2

2011-02-15T13:07:00.001-07:00

Everything is going as it should. The baby is still our little surprise-We could have gone and had the gender ultrasound but we voted against it.

Are we crazy for not finding out? I think it is going to be wonderful!

P.S. I am 12 weeks 4 days.

Pretty Frame

2011-02-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

All I needed was an old frame, hot glue, my printer and some old fabric. I think it's cute!

Before & After

2011-02-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

This is for you Melissa! A little sneak peak into a corner of my casa.

Remember this pillow?

This is what it turned into today. A little hot glue and safety pins made it beautiful. I only used pins so I could change it out as I felt the need.

This dresser was given to me by my Gma Janet. When Steven and I were first married we re-finished it. New hardware, new stain. I think it looks amazing.

Chicken Marsala

2011-02-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

{Chicken Marsala}

o 3/4 cup butter, divided

o 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

o 4 portobello (or a couple handfuls o f baby bellas) mushroom caps, sliced

o 1 clove garlic, chopped

o 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided

o 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef (chicken or vegetable)broth -->I use Chicken

o 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine -->you can buy this at any grocery store

o kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste--> I use regular salt

o 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded to 1/2 inch thickness ---> or chicken tenders

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2. Melt 1/2 cup butter and heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the mushroom slices in the skillet until tender. Remove from heat, cover to keep warm, and set aside.

3. Melt the remaining butter and heat the remaining oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the garlic until tender, then gradually whisk in the flour. Increase heat to high, and pour in the beef broth and Marsala wine. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Mix in the mushrooms, reserving remaining butter and oil in the skillet. Cover saucepan, remove from heat, and set aside.

4. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and dredge in the remaining flour. Over medium heat, reheat the remaining butter and oil in the skillet used to cook the mushrooms. Cook the chicken 2 minutes per side, until browned. Arrange the chicken in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, and cover with the sauce and mushroom mixture.

5. Cover baking dish, and bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken juices run clear.

I just cook the chicken through and finish it all in the skillet. The oven is just one more step. Sometimes I serve this over mashed potatoes or pasta. Either way it's good!

* I use Baby Bella’s instead because I buy them in bulk and always have them in the fridge.

Baked Zitti

2011-02-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Baked Zitti

I don't really have a fancy recipe for this. It is pretty simple. I throw sketti sauce in the slow cooker. Sometimes I make it from scratch and use real tomatoes and sometimes I use canned and dress it up some. It is whatever you like. So I brown some ground beef ant throw it in with the sauce as well. I usually sprinkle it with garlic powder or garlic salt for added flavor. I let that cook all day till about 45 minutes before Steven gets home.

I use a casserole dish coat the bottom with olive oil then mix the cooked Zitti in with the sauce and beef. I then mix handfuls of Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan. I then beat 1-3 eggs (depending on the size of casserole dish I use). I mix the eggs with the zitti mix.

I bake the whole thing at 350 till the cheese is brown and bubbly. Then I serve up with some garlic bread and a salad.

Not fancy but tasty.

What's for Dinner?

2011-02-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight:

Baked Ziti

Friday:

Chicken Marsala with a green salad

Saturday:

BLT's with Avocado on Wheat Bread

Tuesday:

Egg Foo Young

Terriyaki Chicken

That is as far as I can plan since I have to work. Not bad for the days I will be home right? On the nights I work we usually do something easy or eat leftovers.

If you would like recipes let me know. They aren't anything fancy but they tasted pretty good!

Fabric Addiction

2011-02-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

I'm window shopping some cute fabric. Some for the baby some for the casa. I just love fabric!!

Unisex Colors

2011-02-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

These are some colors I am considering for our little surprise baby.

Thoughts?

The Rat's Verdict Is In!

2011-02-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

There will be an early Spring this year! As I posted in an earlier post here I am so very excited for my bulbs to come up!

I can't wait for green grass, colorful flowers, stuffy noses from the pollen and taking Squid out in his play pen while I garden! It will be awesome!

Lets just hope that damn rat was right!

My Lemur...

2011-02-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Do you see the resemblance? I do! I call him Lemur Kitty because his tail is always up like a Lemur. It's adorable. Plus he has a wild side to him. He jumps on everything! So what do you think? Distant relatives?

Realization: Making Room In the Kitchen for Baby

2011-02-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

I just realized I need to make room in one of my cupboard for baby stuff! AHHHHH! I finally have my kitchen flowing the way I like it and now I have to change it. Dang! So I guess I will remove my cute glasses and unecessary (never used china) dishes to the basement in boxes. It shouldn't bother me because we have never used the stuff but I do like seeing it when I open my cupboard. It's cute. I'll get rid of my cocoa mugs too. I only need two. One for me and one for Steven so that will free some mega room.

I am totally stressing over this. Weird right?

So baby cups/bottles go with grown up cups and baby dishes will go with grown up dishes? Or does the baby stuff need it's own section and stick all baby stuff together?

How do you ladies do it? Pictures would be appreciated! I would love some visual aides to help me! Post a blog about it or email me. If you are willing to share how you organize I will give you my email. Please help!

My First Gift

2011-01-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

A guy at work gave me a $15 gift card to Baby's R Us. He's so sweet. He is one of my top 5 CNA's at work. He works hard, is sweet to his patients, he tells me things I need to know (pt having a fever, low saturation, in pain....)(some CNA's do not do this). 

He also LOVES babies. If he could settle down he would have a baby ASAP. He is so sweet! He wants babies so much that I feel bad answering his questions about how excited my hubby is and how Steven has already picked names and 'if it's a boy he's getting a dirt bike at his first birthday' or 'if it's a girl she is getting a pink four wheeler at her first birthday'. 

Yeah, my husband is the best! So cute! 

Well anyway, I was blown away by my coworkers kindness and excitement. It is refreshing when you meet people that are genuinely happy for you and are genuinely nice people down to their core. 

Besides your spouse when was the last time you were blown away by the kindness of someone?

Strollers...?

2011-01-27T16:14:00.002-07:00

Attention mommy friends! I need help picking out a Stroller. I want something light weight, totally cute, comfy for baby, and can hold my 'bag lady' crap. Other than that I have no idea what else to look for. Please ladies, help!!! Emily you said you were my go-to mom! HELP!

Meanings

2011-01-26T11:46:00.001-07:00

I planted bulbs in the fall for the spring. I am hoping they come up and look beautiful. I was researching the meaning of some of the flowers I planted and am going to plant this year. I found it really interesting so I will share it with you!

ALLIUM
Prosperity

CROCUS

Cheerfulness, gladness

PETUNIA

Resentment, Anger, Your Presence Sooths Me

POPPY

Eternal Sleep, Oblivion, Imagination

TULIP

Perfect Lover, Frame, Flower Emblem of Holland

ZINNIA

Memory of an absent friend

SNAPDRAGON

Deception, Gracious Lady

PEONY

Shame, Happy Life, Happy Marriage

ANEMONE

Forsaken, sincerity

I Wish...

2011-01-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a million dollars to spend on fabric. Beautiful, colorful, inspirational fabric. I bought some today from Fabric.com. I wish I could have bought more than I did but oh well. Here is what I bought today.

This is for the 'girl' quilt I am making. If our baby is not a girl it will still be a super cute quilt to hang on to.

These black and white swatches are for the quilt I am making for our King Size bed. I think It will be super cool to make a block quilt with all different black and white squares. Maybe I'll add strips of bright green or teal in it to add color. I might just save the color for the throw quilt and pillows.

Thoughts? Feelings? Suggestions?

Prenatals

2011-01-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

I have been taking these since BEFORE we found out I was pregnant just to play it safe since we were trying. I really really really hope these help my hair grow. I miss my LONG hair. Like mid back LONG hair. So....Here's to our baby and it's health and my hair! ;)

To Do:

2011-01-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

-Make a black and white quilt for our bed

-Make burp cloths

-Make unisex baby quilts

-Buy shelves

-Hang Shelves

-Buy nightstands

-Find a super cute dresser for the babies room

-Put the doorknobs on the doors

Just some things I am trying to put together. There is a ton more but if I can get a few things done a month I'll be ready in no time!

Family Love

2011-01-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

Can I start by saying....I'm the luckiest woman in the world? My in-laws and hubby painted my whole house (almost) all weekend while I was at work. Can you believe it? I can't. they are insane! Our house looks amazing. They did a great job! Who does that? Who comes to your house and paints it for you AND cooks dinner AND does the dishes???? My mother-in-law does.

Seriously luckiest person ever!

Dear Baby,

2011-01-20T14:22:00.003-07:00

Needing To Pee

2011-01-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

So within the last few days I have had to pee a lot more. Am I starting this next stage? The pee a lot stage?

If so I was already a mega pee person. I get up in the middle of the night a lot pre-pregnancy. So this should be fun!!!

Good news is my chest cold is finally starting to go away. It sucks. I hate being sick.

Hooter Hugger

2011-01-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Remember this???

Well that turned into .... THIS!

My very first Hooter Hugger!!! I think I did a good job. What do you think? Super cute eh?

We Are Pregnant!!!!

2011-01-18T18:06:00.001-07:00

We first found out December 20th. We were (and still are) so excited! We heard the babies heartbeat today. It was amazing. I have never heard anything as awesome.

We are keeping the sex of the baby a surprise!!! Go ahead and place your bet but we won't know till our gorgeous baby makes it's appearance.

Colorful Laundry Room?

2011-01-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have Knotty Alder cabinets in my laundry room so the paint color has to look well with them.

Attention Whore

2011-01-18T09:59:00.002-07:00

We were out of town this weekend. I think he missed us.....He won't leave my side!

WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE OF?

2011-01-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

I just posted a poll on a few things I could blog on more often. Please vote. Multiple answers are just fine.

Is it just me or can you not see the title of the poll? I can't.....

Quick Meals

2011-01-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

TURKEY BAGEL

Whipped Cream Cheese

Jellied Cranberry (Sometimes I use my homemade Jalapeno Jelly instead)

Turkey Lunch Meat

1.Toast the bagel. 2. Smear the bagel with cream cheese and craberries. Add turkey and place top of bagel on sandwich.

VEGGIE SANDWICH

Tomato-sliced
Light Mayo
Mustard
Vinegar or Sweet Vinegar
Cucumber
Red Onion
Black Olives-sliced or chopped
Spinach
Avocado-mushed up and salt and pepper to taste
Sprouts
Artichoke Hearts-Seasoned kind not plain. The plain kind is gross.
Slice of cheese- I like mild/new Cheddar from the Cheese factory or Gouda.

Use bread, bagel, or wrap. Spread mayo and mustard. Place cheese, spinach, tomato, onion, artichoke hearts (I slice or chop them to make the sandwich less bulky), sprouts. Mix the avocado and black olives (sliced or chopped) and top off the sandwich with that.

De-lish! Promise! I love these in the summer.

FRUITY JELLO

Jello of Choice

Fruit of Choice

Make jello as normal. Place fruit inside jello after it has been in the fridge for a while so that the fruit floats in the gelatin instead of sinking to the bottom.

*I like to use canned peaches with obviously peach jello. Or strawberries from my garden that I keep frozen for things such as this. Raspberry has to be my fave though....

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

X 1/3 cup fresh lime juice

X 1/2 cup olive oil

X 1 clove garlic, minced

X 1 teaspoon salt

X 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

X 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

X 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels

X 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced

X 1 red bell pepper, chopped

X 2 tomatoes, chopped

X 6 green onions, thinly sliced

X 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

X Place lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small jar. Cover with lid, and shake until ingredients are well mixed.

X in a salad bowl, combine beans, corn, avocado, bell pepper, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.

X Shake lime dressing, and pour it over the salad. Stir salad to coat vegetables and beans with dressing, and serve.

I like to use this as a filler for a Quesadilla instead of on salad. Try it! You won't be sorry.

Supplies For Work

2011-01-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yep I am excited for a O2 monitor. I'm a nurse and a total nerd. Oh well......

Covergirl

2011-01-12T09:43:00.001-07:00

Proactive

2011-01-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

I started using Proactive. I am 24 years old and break out like a nervous 16 year old boy. It's horrible. The painful blind zits and the nasty black heads have me wishing I didn't have to go out sometimes. I started proactive 4 days ago and I am already almost clear!!! I should have taken a before picture but I was not sure this stuff would really work. 

I notice my black heads have shrunk to have their normal size and zits are getting 'zapped'. It is so awesome! 

Has anyone else used this product before? Did you have success? If I keep going like this in another 4 days I will have the clearest face I have ever had! 

Next self improvement will be my teeth! I totally want adult braces. If you have seen my smile lately you know I have a shark tooth that is in need of taming. 

Feeling good about myself makes my whole outlook change. I have never had skin like this before and that makes me feel beautiful in every way!

Online Shopping

2011-01-10T13:51:00.001-07:00

I'm glad my laptop does not have a credit card slider. I would be sliding it all the time!!!

Flemmings Chipotle Mac and Cheese

2011-01-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

Servings: 8-10

Servings Size

Update

1 lb pasta (cavatappi or curly)
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 cup onion, 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
3 cups half-and-half
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon white pepper (ground)
3/4 lb smoked cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 lb cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder (chipotle chili powder)
3/4 cup panko (chunky bread crumbs)

Change Measurements: US | Metric

Directions:

Prep Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and pasta and cook for 8 - 9 minutes
Drain pasta and cool under cold running water. Pasta should be slightly firm. Toss drained pasta in oil and reserve.
Melt butter in a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 4 - 5 minute.
Add flour and cook 1 - 2 minute but do not brown.
Add cream, half and half, kosher salt and white pepper.
Bring pot to a simmer. Cook until sauce is thick, about 5 - 6 minute Blend cheese into sauce and add cooked pasta.
Pour pasta and sauce into a 9 x 12" baking dish. Reserve.
In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add oil and chipotle chili powder. Heat for 30 seconds, until pan starts to smoke. Remove from stove and stir in bread crumbs.
Sprinkle bread crumbs over the pasta and bake for 15 - 20 minute until golden. Cool slightly before serving.

I found it online and we made it for Christmas. It was awesome!

Toni I posted this mostly for you and Jake! It's time consuming but it is awesome!

Craft Teasers

2011-01-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pieces I am working on. I hope you like drooling over the beauty of my bounty!! I'll post the finished projects soon!!! XoXo

What projects are you working on? Anything good?

The Year of 5's

2011-01-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

Wow. I was facebook stalking some friends and family today. I haven't done that in a while so I thought today would be a good time for it. Facebook stalking and Greys Anatomy re-runs on Lifetime. Sounds good doesn't it? Well during my stalking I realized SO many of my friends and family have 5 year olds. Their children are all turning five within months of each other. This must me the year of the 5's.

Just a strange occurrence with everyone on my FB.

Wireless Printer and Tax Preparation

2011-01-04T12:53:00.002-07:00

I am trying to print out all our tax info and any sort of invoices that can be used for a write off. This process is so time consuming. :(

2010 Recap

2011-01-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

Our 2010 Update:

Bought and moved into our house January 1st. We love it! It is a lot of hard work but it is our piece of heaven.

*(this is the MLS picture. We have done a ton of work with the yard)

We adopted a crazy kitten/cat named Squid. He is a handful and so much fun. He likes to sleep on my neck and he hates when I give Steven attention over him. He is a super protective fur ball.

(He was a cute little kitten)

(We call this his awkward teenage stage)

We have another niece! Her name is Mae and looks like a perfect mix of Veronica and Josh. She is always happy and has a super bubbly personality. Her big sis Savannah loves her to pieces too!

We went to Zions this summer with the Cleverly clan. It was so fun! We saw some huge bugs and beautiful waterfalls.

We also went on an adventure to Yellowstone! It was a blast! We started at St. Anthony Idaho and then went through Yellowstone all the way and then took a l5 hour drive the rest of the way home through Jackson and some pretty cute no-name towns.

We also went to Vegas! We love the Vegas!

Oh....and I almost forgot....Our house almost burnt down due to the 'awesome' Machine Gun Fire. . . . Yeah....really awesome.... :(

Christmas 2010: The Loot

2010-12-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

We didn't take many pictures. It's my fault. I forgot my camera was in my purse so instead of looking there I looked other places and couldn't find it. :(

Steven and I have so much fun when we open Christmas. We save all year for this day! Christmas is way more special to us than our anniversary. Weird I know but that is just the way we are.

Squid got a fort. I got a TV! Steven got a kick ass four wheeling helmet and golf club! Oh and those sexy jeans compliments of the Radical Steve-o.

Have you ever had an exciting secret that was SOOOO hard to keep. I do. . . .

Blu-Ray!

2010-12-28T08:40:00.001-07:00

I love my new blu-ray! It is kinda weird to get used to. The picture is awesome! Time to buy more Blu-ray DVD's!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T20:10:00.001-07:00

Mine was fantastic. How was yours?

Going To The Gym

2010-12-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

I am going to head over to the gym. I have a new movie on my iPhone so it should be fun on the Elliptical today!

Wish me luck. I'm going to the gym in a snow storm....

Sunday Secret

2010-12-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have a secret blog that I rant out about my workouts, insecurities and weight gain/loss. Today I will tell you a secret from my secret blog.

When I am working out on the Elliptical/Bike/Treadmill the space inbetween my fingers sweats. To the point of it dripping down my arms. My wedding ring does fit a little 'looser' now that I have been working out.

Weird right??? Yeah I think so to.

Merry Christmas 2010!!!

2010-12-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Sitting In My Robe

2010-12-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Today is going to be a lazy day. I had one day off in the last 8 days! I have worked my A$$ off the last few days. Yesterday was a horrible day at work. People were coding, others were on hospice and dying, family members were flocking in non-stop, charts needed auditing, Medicare paperwork needed to be done, the fax machine was throwing up more work for me to do, doctors needed to be called, CNA's needed a swift kick to the ass while others needed praise for their good work, call lights were going off, pain pills were needed, enemas were being requested, my feet were aching, and everyone wanted to ask me questions.

All of it was worth it at the end of the day when I was told I AM one of the GOOD nurses.

It was also worth it at the end of the day when I saw my super awesome husband and super hyper Squid.

They make it awesome!

I really do love my job. I have moments of stress but I really do love it. I have patients that I absolutely love. I have awesome nurses that work with me. We all work as a team. I am never alone with my fellow nurses at my side.

The administration just turned over. I never thought there were any problems with the last set of admins but after the switch I can feel a good change coming. Not only that but I feel like the things I have to say matter. They actually matter!!

I still want another part time job. I have a lot to learn. If I could get a PRN or part time job somewhere else I think I could learn things at hyper speed!

There are so many different things I learn everyday at work that I never knew about when I was in school.

Possible Resolutions and Goals

2010-12-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

I NEVER keep my resolutions. I try, but it never works. This year I have a few things I would like to try and do.

Here are some of them:

Make a Vintage style 1920's dress. I think it will be a a huge accomplishment but I think I can do it. I would have to do all the stitching by hand.

I would like to finish painting my house! That include the whole upstairs walls, ceilings, doors, molding and garage doors, and front doors.

I would like to put up a glass security door so Squid can look out at the happenings of the neighborhood.

I would like to try and start on the basement.

I would like to rip up the carpet and put in Walnut flooring.

I would like to finish the quilt I am making my Gma. She loves my quilts and I really want to finish this one. I am hand stitching memories into the squares so it is taking a lot of time.

I would like life to settle down.

Do you have a list of things you would like to have done in 2011?

Christmas Tree

2010-12-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up our family would load up and drive (what felt like forever but I'm sure it was less than a hour drive) to a Ma and Pa tree farm. We would run around for hours until we found the perfect tree. Dad would cut it down and tie it on top of the 'Yellow Submarine' <--a yellow Volvo station wagon.

I loved the smell of the fresh tree. It would make the whole house smell like pine. Now I have a pine scented candle to create that illusion. It is not the same.

I remember the cats would drink the water out of the water pan/tree kickstand.

Now we have a fake pre-lit tree. I have sold out for ease of work.

Hopefully when we have kids we will chop a tree down for them. At least a small tree so they can experience the awesomeness of picking out a tree.

Blog Name Poll

2010-12-08T09:06:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to vote on the blog names!!! :)

Elliptical

2010-12-08T09:05:00.003-07:00

I love the Elliptical at the gym. LOVE IT! I feel amazing after I use it. What is your favorite thing to do at the gym?

My Secret Blog

2010-12-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have a secret blog. . . It's called Poppy Seed Muffin Top. I started it as a diary of my weight loss adventure. It is completely vulnerable and raw. I love it. I keep it a secret for that reason. I'm not sure if I want others to read about my biggest fears and insecurities. Not only that but I posted my weight!!! Yikes! I hate scales but I had to do it so I could gauge my improvement.

What would you do? Would you post it for help and support or would you be afraid it would be read by others and mocked by those you know???

Nativity::The Start of My Collections

2010-12-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

I have wanted a nativity for a while. I never buy one because they are so expensive but last night my Mother-In-Law gave me a cute nativity that she made herself. Now that I have a cute nativity I kinda want to collect nativities. Some people collect snowmen and other santa's. I like to collect Willow Tree angel ornaments but I may have found another thing to collect!!! We'll see eh???

I love all things Christmas!

Temple Square

2010-12-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

First off I just want to say congrats to Melissa! I know how much she wanted this baby!! I hope your 9 months are amazing and exciting!

So last night we went to Temple Square with my Brother and his cute little estrogen filled family. Sorry Josh! I really hope the next one is a boy for your sake!!! ;)

If you are around the SLC area you know that we were in a giant cloud. The fog was so bad we couldn't even see our neighbors out the back door. The fog made for a beautiful night at Temple Square with the lights and temple. Our camera died after only one picture so here are the only two pictures I have of the night.

I am so bummed I didn't get any pictures of Savy or Mae Mae. The girls were so cute! Mae was bundled up in blankies and Savy was in her 'rainbow bright' jam jams.

So as I said here are the only two pictures I have. . . . Poor quality...yes...but it was done with my iPhone.

22 Days!!!

2010-12-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

Steven and I save all year to spoil each other at Christmas and even though we save all year we still sneak and go over budget. It is ridiculous but this is what we wait for all year. I can't wait for him to open his presents Christmas morning. He will be so excited. I could just sit and watch him have Christmas and never get one single gift. It is so fun!!

I hope to go to the Temple to see the lights soon. We have gone every single year since we have been together.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I Believe

2010-11-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

I believe that every single one of my prayers are heard, and I believe that not getting an answer is the answer.

I believe that jewelry should only be allowed to be purchased by a man that is pure of heart. Something that beautiful should only be given in a beautiful loving moment.

I believe that I am a good person despite all my faults each and every day.

I believe that I do not deserve my beautiful wonderful handsome sexy husband. How I tricked him into loving me I will never know....but he is the best thing in my life. I believe without him I would not be who I am now.

I believe that I will be a very good mom someday.

I believe that Steven will be an amazing father that teaches life lessons without words but with the look in his eye. He will be the one to teach them things that they will remember forever and teach their children someday.

I believe that the group of friends Steven still has that he grew up with are all good fathers, husbands, and friends. I believe that they will always be there and so will Steven for them.

I believe that wasting a day in front of the TV with popcorn is not a waste if it refreshed and reduced stress. I believe if you sit in front of the TV every day wasting time it is no longer therapeutic.

I believe everything should be handled in moderation. Too much of a good thing is never good.

I believe that the summer of KremCaLaMiky was my summer. At that time of my life it saved me.

I believe Squid is a perfect personality for our family.

I believe knocking on wood will work.

I believe a four leaf clover is lucky.

I believe breaking a mirror or walking under a ladder is very bad luck. But I also believe that if you walk under it while working all bad luck is voided.

I believe smoking is the most revolting thing you could do. It stinks but if you want to kill yourself that is your business.

I believe Shredded Mini Wheat's are meant to be eaten soggy.

I believe that snow makes the ugliest things beautiful.

I believe a lot of things....What do you believe in?

Christmas Cards

2010-11-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Yep, it is that time of the year again. If you want a Christmas card please send me your address. You can leave it here in the :: example[dot]something[at]emailplace[dot]com :: method. You can email, call or text me as well. Thanks!!!

A Few Things That Make Me Say ::HOLY CRAP::

2010-11-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

The woman at Walmart in the cut off shorts and mullet.
A recipe for Meatloaf that called for crushed Cheez-It's.
My cat when he jumps from the floor to the top of the Fridge.
The way some 13 year olds dress.
The pile of laundry in my bedroom, hallway, laundry basket and laundry room floor.
The amount of junk mail in my mailbox.
The price of 'cheap' furniture.
The speediness in which some women have kids. I don't think some women wait that recovery 6 weeks to have the humpity humpity again.
The drunk driving skills of my neighbor.
The amount of carbs some people can eat and never get fat

What makes you say Holy Crap?

Snow!

2010-11-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

My favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas. I would watch it on my grandma's lap every Thanksgiving and then every day till New Years. Excessive I know but I LOVE THIS MOVIE. I had a crush on Bing Crosby. I thought he was a stud. Weird? Yes. My favorite song from the movie is 'Snow'. It is when they are on the train on the way to Vermont with the 'sisters'.

Gets you in the mood for Christmas doesn't it? This is digging a little deep but maybe their deep need and search for snow in Vermont to save the Inn was where my deep love for the snow came from???

What is your favorite memory as a kid during the holiday's? Make a post about it and link me to it. Leave a comment too of course. I love to hear about others traditions.

17 Things I am Thankful For

2010-11-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

I guess I am behind in the 'thankful' posts so I am going to catch up.

I'm thankful for my super sexy lover (yes I mean my husband!)
I'm thankful for Squid-he fills our house with hair and fun.
I'm thankful for cable TV.
I'm thankful for my house. We worked really hard for it.
I'm thankful for feminine hygiene products. (honestly what a life saver)
I'm thankful for my old yet reliable car.
I'm thankful for sunny mornings.
I'm thankful for fun family memories.
I'm thankful for hard work, it always teaches you a lesson.
I'm thankful for pretty things.
I'm thankful for my grandparents-they are the most amazing people
I'm thankful for fall leaves and all four seasons. (I grew up in CA. I didn't get the seasons)
I'm thankful for Target.
I'm thankful for DVR.
I'm thankful for the first snow fall of the season.
I'm thankful for my nieces and newphews
I'm thankful for the blessings in my life-I don't think I deserve it half the time.

"The Runs"

2010-11-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is totally random but when I saw Squid running around the house frantically it jogged a memory.

When I was young we had a cat named Lucy. She was wacky. She would run around the house in a frantic manner just like Squid was earlier. I thought when someone had 'the runs' it would be like when the cat ran around. So I was terrified of 'the runs'.

Totally ridiculous eh?

Christmas Shopping

2010-11-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

I almost have everything done. I ordered almost every single present this year. So much easier than going to the store. I have everything done for Steven!!! Exciting eh?!?!? How has your shopping gone?

I think I Want one of These

2010-11-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

I have the full melting version but I want a wall version for the kitchen or my bathroom. I think it would be cute!!

Before and After

2010-11-09T11:01:00.001-07:00

Much better eh? This is our front room. I think I might put a sofa bed in here and some cute lounge chairs. Maybe something like this????

Sister Wives

2010-11-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

So Has anyone else seen this show? I'm totally glued to it. I am SO grateful that I am not them!!! I could never be in that type of family. I really do understand why they love it and that it is their way of following God. However, I feel that this type of lifestyle is wrong and should not happen in these modern days. There was a purpose for this 120 years ago but not anymore.

I am so grateful and so in love with my husband. I am so glad I am his #1 and ONLY one.

Coffee vs Cafinated Soda

2010-11-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

When you can justify yours I will justify mine! Until then....Quit judging and shut up!

Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.

A Little Something For Myself!!

2010-11-03T16:46:00.000-06:00

Saucony's are my fave shoe! I just ordered these from Zappos! I can't wait to sink my tootsies into them!

Being a Girl

2010-10-26T11:20:00.000-06:00

Sometimes being a girl really sucks. I contemplate pregnancy just to be free of my monthly gift for a while...but then I think about the aftermath of that decision and decide 4 days of hell is better than the alternative.

Rain

2010-10-24T17:18:00.002-06:00

Rain is a fresh start. It washes the old away and creates a clean slate. I love when it rains.

Witch Balls

2010-10-20T13:47:00.000-06:00

Witch Balls are free blown glass spheres, with 3 to 5 strands inside for collecting evil spirts and the like. Each one is unique with color, strands, bubbles, and size. The size is about that of a grape fruit. Witch's Balls were very popular in 18th century England, but their actual origin is thought to be much older. For well over 300 years hollow glass spheres have been hung in windows to ward off witch's spells, evil spirits and ill fortune. Hanging these decorative balls in the window is thought to tantalize evil spirits which may be threatening a home's tranquility. The evil spirit is mesmerized by the ball's reflective beauty. When the spirit touches the sphere it is absorbed and trapped in the web-like strands of the glass inside the ball.

I bought these balls in St. George. I love them! I want more so I can scatter them in the back yard. Maybe even hang them in the dining room window...?

The Ultimate Example

2010-10-19T11:26:00.000-06:00

These are my Grandparents. Bob and Janet. I love them.

I remember when I was little I was helping grandpa wash his car in the driveway and I got soap in my eye. He was so gentle and paid close attention to every tear I shed. He was so careful and let me cry as long as I needed. He just held me and let me spill my guts because getting soap in my eye was the worst thing to ever happen in my life EVER at that point.

Ever since I can remember I would lie across my grandmas lap at night to sleep. As I grew she still held me - my limbs would just dangle over the sides of her recliner.

This weekend my grandma fell and broke her hip. My invincible and perfect grandma was hurt. I dropped everything to go see her. She is more than a grandma to me. She is my best friend.

She knew before I did that I would marry Steven. She saw the love we had and said it was just like her and my grandpa.

This weekend was a giant slap in the face. It was a shocking realization that they will not be here forever and they can break. It kills me.

We lived with my grandparents for a while when I was young. They made a perfect home for my parents, me and my brother. I have a million memories at 2810 Westbranch Drive.

Grandpa has not left her side through this whole thing. Its an amazing example of love. I was blown away by the devotion and love they radiate.

Grandma is doing well and Grandpa is tired but doing well. I love them both and I am who I am because of them (and of course my parents).

Wednesday With Squid: WTF?

2010-10-06T14:39:00.002-06:00

I have no idea what possessed him into sitting like this but he was totally p'd off when I woke him up to take the picture. Can you see his bug eyes??? What the heck is up with that!?!?!

Anthropologie

2010-10-05T17:06:00.000-06:00

Dear Anthrogologie, 

    I would like you to put a wider variety of door knobs on your website please.

Thanks, 

  Cassy

Rainy Day

2010-10-04T10:56:00.000-06:00

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. - John Ruskin

Wednesday With Squid: Late Entry

2010-09-30T15:44:00.000-06:00

I was making dinner and he was anxiously waiting for me to turn around and leave the food unattended. I could see his evil plan brewing so I watched him carefully. He saw there anxious the WHOLE time. 

Other than the look of total mischief on his face he is a total stud sitting there isn't he?

Mascara Review

2010-09-28T16:58:00.000-06:00

This stuff sucks. I feel like the rubber nubs do not assist with application at all. I think it hinders. The nubs are too little to help saturate my eyelashes at all. The mascara sticks in between the nubs and then when you try to put it on it doesn't even apply. SO....I will be getting a new mascara ASAP.

Any suggestions?

Squids Christmas Wish List

2010-09-24T15:26:00.000-06:00

An outdoor enclosed play pen for trips outside in the back yard.

A Kitty Tree House!

I think Santa might be okay with the Play pen but I am not sure if the tree house would fit in his sled. . .

Cuteness By Cassy

2010-09-24T09:15:00.000-06:00

What do you think? A friend of mine wants a pink one so I am going to do some experimenting with pinks and clips. Cute though eh? I went home sick today from work so If I get any energy-not likely I might get crafty....Doubtful. I feel like crap-o-la.