Hard 8 BBQ & Sprinkles Cupcakes

If you want to take people to the best BBQ in Dallas, THIS is the place to go.  It is delicious.  Unlike some of the other places in Dallas that use a lot of smoke, they use open pit-indirect heat.  Ordering a steak at a bbq place seems silly, but it is one of the best steaks I have had in a while.  Just another reason to venture to Coppell, TX...that and there is a Dairy Queen there.  You can't do both in one visit though...you would explode!
The other fun thing to do when out and about with guests is to be close to Sprinkles for the whisper of the day.  Today was "sweet cause" for a S' Mores cupcake.  D-Lish!  If I don't do these things with you when you come to visit....take it as a sign that I don't love you very much.

Expensive Spa Day!

IV hydration, warm blankets, 3 hour nap...that is totally like a spa day to a Mom of a toddler.  So long labral tear in my hip... hello Vicodin.   2012 DRC 1/2 Marathon better get ready for WonderMom!

So strange how becoming a Mom changes how you see things.  I am very content to be waiting for surgery by myself because I want Darren to be with Trevor.  Strong as steel, baby! 

Flea Market Decor

Bunk bed ladder, $10....way cheaper than shelves.  I found all the letters and Family on clearance at Tuesday Mornings and Target. *Pictures- Trevor, My Dad and my nephew Ronin.

You could also use slim hurricane candles in different heights since the selves are not on top of one another.  This would not work in our home since I have a toddler who plays basketball, golf, football and baseball in the house!

Pinterest

It is my new obsession.  I love all the exchanges, finds and clever ideas.  It's like a good 'ol fashioned Girls Club...pre Sex and the City!  We talk about crafts, homemaking tips, design, sensible fashion, cooking, baking...It's awesome!  My PINTEREST PAGE IS HERE

My goal is to Pin as many original pins as I re-pin...that will take a lot of inspiration and creation but I can do it!

Muse of the Day

Sentiment is deeply steeped in what you loved as a child and what you love as a child is usually heavily influenced by your parents.  This painting hung in my mother's house for as long as I can remember.  The legend of King Arthur was a fairy tale for me.  The Mists of Avalon seemed like an enormous book, sitting on my mother's shelf.  When I came across an email detailing the work of a man in Australia, I was stopped in my tracks at this depiction of Waterhouse's painting about The Lady of Shallot in Tennyson poems.  I do love tales of tragedy...don't even get me started on Romeo and Juliet movie day in English class!  The real tragedy is that most of this beautiful art, on the artists property in Australia was destroyed by fires.  Check it out HERE

Saving Pennies

Poopy diapers are messy, regardless of the child's age.  Save yourself diaper wipes, mess and money by making your own rinse free cleanser.  We got this one as a gift and felt like we couldn't live without it...then I went to buy more and saw the price tag and thought twice about that!  Eco Baby sites talk a lot about cloth diapers and making your own wipes so I just adapted one of those recipes.
You will need:
1 Pump type container
1 Tbsp of baby wash
2 Tbsp of baby oil gel(see photo) 
Warm water
Add solvents then fill with warm water, this helps to dissolve them better.  Gently roll the closed container for two minutes.  Don't shake it, you're not making butter. Use and repeat, and repeat, and repeat...because poopy diapers seem never ending. 
We have used this solution for almost 3 years and it works great and doesn't irritate the skin.  It also stings less than just a wipe when they have diaper rash.

You can make your own wipes with Paper Towels...I have not done this but it looks like a great idea:
Baby Wipe Tutorial

Academy Awards 2012

I hope that the other actresses in movies this year are not set on an Oscar!  After seeing just the extended trailer, it looks like Glenn Close has her name all over that award.  Albert Nobbs

Golden Globe Nominations:
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

Glenn Close- Albert Nobbs

Viola Davis- The Help

Rooney Mara- The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo

Meryl Streep- The Iron Lady

Tilda Swinton- We Need To Talk About Kevin

2009 christmas star

Finally getting things completed...2010 will be done quickly too, just need more glue for my glue gun.  No major burns this time either!  That hot glue gun will kill you.  See my 2008 Post for instructions.

Trevors First Tree Climbing!

I can't believe Darren got far enough away to take this picture...he is more over protective than I am.

Happy 2012

New Year's Resolutions are usually pretty meaningless...but, these just happen to be happening this time of year.
1.  Deactivating Facebook- done
2.  Changing my email habits at work- done
3.  Drink more water- working on it
4.  Eat a MUCH better diet and detox from sugar- that is going to be a tough one
5.  Let Trevor get dirty- tough as well!
6.  Calling my friends and sending thoughtful things their way- very important!
7.  Craft MORE!- Thank you Pinterest!
8.  Beat this hip problem and run in the DRC Half Marathon in November 2012- please let this happen!