Pinterest Attempt #6: Candy Towels & Pinterest Attempt #7: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Ah, it has been quite a long time. I've been thinking about you all though. Replaying what I'm going to write in the blog. Well today you are in for a treat, not only do you get one but this go 'round you get two yes I said  T W O fabulous reviews from my Pinterest attempts. 

Sidenote: I thought about this the other day. Shouldn't it be called web attempts since its essentially from the world wide web, but where's the fun name in that?? Nowheres. Okay let's continue read below and COMMENT don't forget to do that too! 

Pinterest Attempt #6: Candy Towels

Okay this time last week minus a day I was scrambling around getting prepared for my CIL (cousin in laws) baby shower, which was that afternoon. <> I don't know why I always wait to the last minute to do things (note this is only outside of work). But anyway, I was up that Friday into Saturday night, trying to find the RIGHT thing for her. She's having a girl...totally outside this Mom of three boys comfort zone. Anywho, so I found it -- dun, dun, duunnn -- 

The cutest little lollipop made out of a towel, stick and wrapped. I was so excited. 

But then I thought...."self, now you are doing this last minute -- is there anyway we can simplify this because you'll have to get up in a couple of hours tend to the kids, shop, wrap, etc.."

I didn't reply back but then I did start to back peddle how I could make this even more simple for me? Since her theme was candy I just made candy pieces instead of the lollipop, which I saw here. I didn't pin it for fear my CIL would see it and the surprise would be ova. But that post was for a blanket and I was trying to do towels and wash cloths so I searched and search and found this on youtube. She has perfect instructions and it worked. I just added a couple of books and a basket. Take a look at the finished product and CIL was a happy lady!

Pinterest Attempt #7 Skillet Chicken Pot Pie 

So dinner....ah I've totally lost my knack for it after Dallas J. was born -- he took all my creative dinner juicies, lol. No, but really it was a whole new world I had to adjust to being a mom to a newborn turned toddler. They really demand your attention, gone are the days where I can just be free in the kitchen coming up with a yummy meal that the mister and kids would love. 

Another issue is I was tired of hearing my husband, "Chicken again, I'm tired of chicken" oh yes people we've had no eaten plates and all that. THIS I was not use to, no, no! So this weekend I was on ..... you guessed it Pinterest and found this recipe for a skillet chicken pot pie. It looked yummy and its with chicken! But I knew with all the other goodness, I wouldn't hear any objections. Everyone loved it and we had nothing but clean plates!

So I went in head first and it turned out great. I only made a few adjustments

• Did not include 3 oz of parmesan cheese (not freshly shredded)  in the meat and veggie mix (hubs went shopping for the cheese and got the smaller one because the bigger one was $7. lol)
• 1lb bag of mixed frozen veggies
• Bisquick instead of flour
• Fresh parsley instead of dried
• Cast Iron pot instead of skillet (didn't have a skillet)

Here are my results.... 

Pinterest Attempt #5: UH OH

Hello world! It's a new year and I'm excited about the things to come. My only resolution is just to remain consistent in all I do whatever that may be. I just want to put my energy somewhere and accomplish SOMETHING. 

So I did just that finally gearing up to try some stuff I found on Pinterest. 

First, I don't know about you but I cannot stand to see clutter around the house -- especially if I didn't or my one year old made it. So I pinned this on my Pinterest board a while back. You can click here to see all my fab stuff. Also, go right to the source just go to the Just Another Day in Paradise blog to see her free printable as well as some more options for kids chores. 

So I took a stab at it and made my own. I made some simple rules around it, usually at night I do a quick clean up and if I find something that belongs to them then low and behold you have to answer to the UH OH flyer. Their task I'll come up with on the whim, something simple like lining up all the shoes, organizing Dallas J.'s toys...

Now my boys do have daily chores -- handling the dishes, which they usually switch out. They are also responsible for cleaning their rooms, bathroom, and washing their clothes. Now many households pay an allowance or pay by chore -- I'm a product of the old school a tad bit of -- you do what you are told -- and I'll feed, clothe, and shelter you! I'm not going to reward my children to be responsible for themselves because as an adult there is no payment -- other than the satisfaction of completing a task. 

Their rewards come from our words of congratulations for how great they completed each task -- its free and the highest motivator!! << Trust me >> Research motivators in the work place, monetary increases are awesome but they only push the employee a tad, but when you openly show appreciation to them it goes a long way  -- work harder, increase of pride, and ownership for their work.
.
See what people on LinkedIn are saying by clicking here. As you will see RECOGNITION is repeated over and over again.

So what are your CHORE rules in your household? 

Allowance or no allowance? 

Do you agree that recognition is the highest long lasting reward or is it monetary?

Update: Look who won the opportunity for my first UH OH task....
Jabriel (my oldest) got to untangle ALL these wires!

Latest find: Craiglist & Chances

I'm so excited! After time and time again, looking for the right one, I found it!!

Yes, just a stool you silly goose! Got this one from Craiglist for $5. It does really have a cute saying -- I kinda felt bad for not just wanting to keep it as is. 

This little stool of mine

I use it all the time

To reach the things I couldn't

And often things I shouldn't

Anyhow, when I shared my wish to purchase it with the family the response I got was...you're driving to McKinney for that!? Umm, yeah duh guys! I love how they are sooo supportive. Lol

When you see something you want, you get it. Nothings too big or too small. Trust me! Whether it's a new years resolution, nice pair of kicks, or that new position opening at your job. You can't just wait or listen to others when there is something you want. I mean you're the one with the vision right? 

So as I say many times a quote from THE bestest movie..."Go 'head honey, take a chance!"

What are YOU taking a chance on for 2014??

Weekly Rant: How Rude!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with their family and close friends. Mine went well -- I'll admit I'm new to this whole Christmas thing. No, no, no...I'm not an alien or atheist. We'll have to discuss more of THAT at another time. Till then, here is my weekly rant ---- How Rude!!

Okay, I'm from the old-school I guess. My grandmother and especially my grandfather were built on respect -- this passed down to my mother then ME! Its simple really if you think about it, you learn it as a child but why do adults grow up and forget???? Maybe they need to watch another episode of Barney!

Simple Rules: 

1. Say please and thank you

2. Acknowledge someone when you walk into a room

3. Share

4. Be kind

I mean we all know them. But the one that REALLY ticks me is ACKNOWLEDGE SOMEONE WHEN YOU WALK INTO A ROOM. I've had family members and have witnessed times where people just walk right past you without saying hello. And hey this isn't just me, my son had a recent lesson in this form of respect by my uncle -- to our family maybe not to everyone's its kind of a slap in the face.

What's funny is that this SAME thing happened to my son. He walks into an event and a person who he loves dearly-- says NOTHING to him the entire time. Not a hi, tip of the head, hug nothing. Now, if I was my son I would have said something if they hadn't, but he didn't. His feelings were totally hurt. 

People really need to understand the power of acknowledging someone -- saying hello is simple but it is also adding value to that person. You are making a deposit in their life just by acknowledging their existence. 

Eye contact = Hi! Hello! How are you! or a SMILE

So starting today, make a tiny deposit into someone's life -- its Free! 

So please share, what is your weekly rant or do you agree/disagree with my rant?

Weekly Rant: "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)"

This weeks weekly rant is brought to you by none other than my front door.....

I honestly thought I'd have nothing to rant about this week. I did however spot a lady walking into work with a total fringe skirt --- like it was right up there with Tina Turners Proud Mary! Not too interesting, huh?

So like most neighborhoods there are options, options that allow to choose where you park your car. You have your garage (which like many is filled with EVERYTHING but a car), the driveway to your garage, and on the street of your house.

Now unfortunately, where my family chooses to park was totally the wrong place! I work from home majority of the week and my family was already home you know making normal noise 3 boys make -- I will say the older ones are surprisingly way louder than the 1 year old!

Anyhow, I was twittling away making updates to some procedures when I hear a loud BAM! Now just a few minutes before this I heard our neighborhood sanitation crew, so I figured they dropped something. But it was pretty loud -- I told my oldest to see what it was. He went to the window and saw nothing, but then he went outside and....

So lesson learned. Don't park your car in front of the house. And to the guy that hit my car --- DON'T TRY MAKING CALLS WHILE DRIVING --- geesh!

I will say that I am thankful that my family nor anyone else was hurt I know a lot of people that have recently lost loved ones.

***FIRST GIVEAWAY***

So who doesn't like something FREE? Start your 2014 year off right by flipping (pun intended) through one of my favorite magazines HGTV Magazine -- full year subscription*. All you have to do is invite FIVE people to join the Furniture Flip Tips & More -- that aren't already a member, then post their name in the comment section below. I will randomly select a winner!

Not a member? Request to join the group then suggest your five people, note them in comments and you'll be entered in your chance to win 12 months of the best home magazine ever (according to me).

Whatcha' waiting for become a member and invite now!!! Event ends Sunday @ 12 AM CT. Thanks everyone #happyflipping

*Offer not sponsored by HGTV Magazine

Weekly Rant: Say, What??

So this is the first of many....weekly rants!

Okay now don't get me wrong I'm not a negative Nelly. But there are just some things that just bother the heck out of me. Things I just don't understand...things that make me say..why?

Today's Weekly Rant comes straight from a 9 to 5 I had. So we are on this conference call with people from all experience levels. The leader of the call says "I don't know what the hell" insert gasp <>

I know it's not an official curse word, it's in the bible --yadda yadda yadda. To me it's still disrespectful. Now in a normal conversation when we aren't talking "shop", you can go like a sailor. In a meeting  Beth Marie says, "no, no, no"

YOUR TURN...

What is acceptable language in meetings?

Do you feel the same way if the one saying it was a male vs. female?

Flippin'

It's been a while since I've been on the scene. I started my own Facebook page Furniture Flip Tips and More it has become my new home.

Since I've been gone...

I've started a few projects...
- spray painting my picture frames black
- rehabbing (although not started) some chairs
- removing wallpaper from my wall

 

Fell in LOVE with a few blogs, shows, & stuff...
- East Coast Creative who also have their own show called Knock it Off
Why I heart them?
They have a show that I was lucky to catch while visiting my in laws we were on the way out the door and just so happened to turn to the Live Well Network. I made my husband wait until the episode was finished. A full master bedroom redo for under $900! I was in, plus they spend so little and by looking at the room you'd never know. These ladies rock!

- Sunbeam Village
Why I heart them?
Can we say mid-centry furniture??? I must have been reincarted from the 60s because I LOOOVE that style -- chairs, couches, dressers, everything. I follow them on instragram and drool wishing they were in Texas and not California.

- Sarah Cook
Why I heart them?
The girl has taste and like me is keeping the cost down. Coupon savings. Fitness. DIY. What more can you ask for of someone! So I'm consitantly stalking her page, just trying to soak in her creativeness. You can also find her @thesayraaaah on instragram.

Learning new things...
- Use MDF instead of wood, its cheaper!
- Velcro tape doesn't work on heavy textured walls
- Fabric softner,  warm water. and scorer...my wallpaper laughs hysterically at you! muah-ah-ah
- Read, read, read, and read some more before you start a DIY

So what have you all been up to?

Catchin' Up

So, its been like forever since we last wrote, spoke, and sat down....Here is what you missed:

1. Went back to work (yay and nay)
2. Ran a 5K (YAY!) 
3. I lost my grandmother (super double triple quadruple, nay) 

For the first time, going back to work was hard. First of all I never imagined, me...Beth Marie would enjoy being at home. Truthfully, it does make a lot to sense....from the age of 17 until then I was working full-time and being a full time mother, wife, oh yes and a student. Now, when I graduated in 2009 that gave me a break from one of my jobs but as you know one can remain quite busy with motherhood and wifedom (totally not a word, I know.)

But this time being 31 as oppose to 18 & 23 with the other two, I was able to soak in motherhood deeply from the beginning. When you are a young parent I don't think we truly internalize that one day this child will be in kindergarten, going to middle school. Yes, yes, we know they will grow up but reality slaps you by surprise.  So THIS time I feel it each day with Dallas getting older doing knew things, I am excited about him hitting those milestones (rolling over, saying da-da, ma-ma, crawling, etc) but I'm okay with him holding off just a little while longer.  So, of course it was hard going back to work and I do have my moments when I shed a tear missing him. One day I just broke down (it was a Monday), his Dad graciously brought him to me in the middle of the afternoon so I could see him -- we had lunch, showed him off in the office, they left -- then I cried again! Oh motherhood. But I'm happy to report its getting better now. I have recorded videos and I look at my pictures of him at least twice a day on my cell phone. Yes, yes..my name is Beth Marie and I am addicted to motherhood. :) 

THE 5k! I don't know WHAT I was getting myself into, such a procrastination -- downloaded the Couch to 5k and didn't run ONCE. Sad, sad girl. Anyhow the day of, I was excited, pumped up....got there early geared up and ready. I thought I would start off running. Yea...smart....but anyhow I did it finished in 47 minutes. Pretty good for a big girl with no training and surprisingly --- I was not winded when I finished. But the day after talk about being SORE to the nth power. But it felt GOOD. Next run is in a couple of weeks..

My grandmother. What can I say she was an awesome woman to me.... (sorry tearing up) .. I'll have to write about that lovely lady another day....

Pinterest Attempt #5: The Ornament Wreath

This next attempt is the Christmas wreath made with ornaments. Now, after the rehabbed dresser it was refreshing to attempt something that was not so daunting. 

The tutorial was found on Pearls, Handcuffs, and Happy Hour. You can also find some other grand ornament ideas on StudioDIY.

Changes I made: 
$9.99 ornament pack found at Garden Ridge (Walmart the same amount at $15.00 - too much)
No hot glue needed (funny story about this one) 

So, as always when I get a grand idea I want to start it immediately  In most cases I move far to fast and forget something, miss a step, or like last time paint my darn carpet. This time was no different. So, I rushed to Hobby Lobby to purchase my hot glue gun - surprisingly Walmart did not even have any in the craft section. Not sure what that is all about. Anyhow, I had my crew with me (great idea right!?) a cranky 3 month old, a son in walking boots, and a pre-teen with a lack of patience. So, I let them follow me swiftly to the right section and found my one item -- the glue gun. 

I get in the car hand General the package and make my way home. When arrived home, after giving my baby boy a healthy serving of milk, I took all the items out I looked at the packages and low and behold....it was a Glue Gun HOLDER. Poor me. My lovely child General replied, "I was wondering why you only bought a stand without the glue gun." Thanks child!

Great news though, I bought awesome ornaments that were securely attached all together already so I did not need an glue gun. #Winning

Also, mine had a huge gap or as 2 Chainz says....the ceiling was missing. LOL  So, I added a bow (yes, another trip to Garden Ridge -- I'm not complaining)

Bonus: My hubby found spray paint -- red spray paint and went crazy. So I had the opportunity to dress up our mailbox too!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!!

Pinterest Attempt #4 - The Rehabbed Dresser

I've been dying to do this project since I first stepped on the Pinterest scene, the rehabbed dresser into a tv stand. The dresser I found down the street from me at a yard sale.I only paid $10 for this pine dresser. Now, I looked over and over again for a dresser on Craigslist and the Habitat for Humanity Restore but I refused to pay more than $50 for this dresser. Yes, I'm a frugal maiden. 

So my pinterestation....
The Centsational Girl  she's super talented and offers detailed information. 

Now, I made A LOT of mistakes doing this so my failure list 

Issue                                   Consequence
Painted in the house          Also painted the carpet and the wall
Let my kids help                 Primer looked crazy (but at least it was just the primer)
Bought paint unshaken      Paint looked more white than Skylight Blue

There's more but those were my major and most memorable mishaps! So, please before taking on this rehab dresser view tutorials on how to paint furniture.

So here is my end result...it looks pretty good. On to the next venture, a homemade Christmas wreath.

Leftover Makeover: Baked to Fried Potatoes

So you made a fabulous dinner...a salad...a steak...and baked potatoes.

But...you have a lot of potatoes left what to do?

Well I use them for the next days breakfast.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Cut the potatoes into slices
Place in lightly oiled (1/4 cup)oven safe pan
Season to your taste
Baked until potatoes are crisp to your liking.

I myself like a few burnt pieces. I usually serve my fried potatoes with eggs and sausage.

Enjoy!

Thankful in December

Yesterday was so rough...

My middle child was struck by a car crossing the street, thankfully he only sustained a few injuries (broken thumb and broken ankle). I'm trying not to continue to imagine what today would be like if it was more than that. Attempting to avoid the what ifs...

I was sitting at home with my little one feeding him after I made a delicious meal (fried chicken fingers, yams, baked potatoes, and mac& cheese)...it was delectable. My husband had just left to walk to the store, he asked my son if he was sure he wanted to go. His response, "Yes, walking is relaxing!" He is such a special child, can't you tell. 

Well I am there eating and I get a call. "He's been hit, hit by a car" 

All I can do is scream in terror while I hold my 3 month old son  (Dallas) in my arms. I only had on a tank top and yoga pants. I grabbed a t-shirt to wrap Dallas in and booked it to my neighbors who live a couple of houses away. 

"General's been hit by a car, he's okay I think but he's been hit" I literally threw Dallas at my neighbors and started running. My oldest Jabriel asked me if he should stay with them. I replied yes and barefooted my way through our neighborhood. His Dad calls...."WHERE ARE YOU!"

I thought I was going in the direction closest to them but I wasn't so I booked it in the other direction, by that time Casey (my neighbor) pulled up, he was honking his horn profusely  It took me a while to register that he was honking at me. I hopped in the car. Asking no questions and told him the direction to go. 

I get there. I see the lady that hit my son with her stinking car. I wanted to punch the living daylights out of her. But I didn't. 

I see General, his response. "Mommy, I'm okay, I'm okay Mommy!" I just cry and touch his face just to make sure. He shows me his hand..."its just my thumb, my thumb hurts." 

The EMS on duty says, "Ma'am he seems to be fine just minor bumps and scratches, he would be okay to just send home." 

WHAT?? I'm thinking are you serious my 8 year old just got hit by a car and you want me to just take him home! I DON'T THINK SO! 

I wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance and should have protested to do so, but I didn't. I ride in the front and I'm wondering..ummm...donde esta the sirens???

We make it there, they cut his favorite jacket and favorite shirt. Which later he admitted his shirt had a hole in the back. He told me to forget that statement --- especially since he wore the shirt with a flower to school. General Jackson...but later he was like umm Mom why would a boy wear a shirt with a flower on it? It was a feather, not a flower. (that's my General!) . I guess he was right, lol my bad. 

Anyhow his Dad makes it to the hospital and gives me his account -- he went off on the lady. Especially when she said, Ya'll shouldn't have been wearing what you had on...I didn't see him. 

No, lady you know you were speeding. He shared some other words with her that I'll leave to your imagination. Once his Dad made it I felt at ease. My superman is here and I can relax....

Thankfully, General only had a broken thumb and broken ankle.

He's still here, he's talking, he's smiling,  he's home. 

Pinterest Attempt #3 - Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups

So I saw this on Pinterest a couple of months back, saved it for days and days but low and behold I finally tried it.

Now I made this the kiddos and my dear husband loved it, me...not so much. I think my issue was using TOO much cheese. Now I'm saying this as a cheese fanatic so  I would suggest using 1/4 of the cheese stick. 

Overall I guess it was a pretty good success. Real simple recipe, you'll need the following: 

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Pepperoni (I would use the mini ones) 
Mozzarella String Cheese

*I did not originate this recipe only found it on Pinterest and tried it. Please try the recipe and let me know your thoughts!

Pinterest Attempt #2 Lemon Dream Cake

So I finally did it! 

I completed something I saw on Pinterest! 

It was an easy project, I made Lemon Dream Cake. I'm not much of a cake eater  (I tend to prefer breads over sweets) and I do not care much for frosting. But this recipe looked so appetizing and easy!

I found the recipe from The Country Cook! My kids and husband think that is great! The only thing I would change is using a 16 oz of Cool Whip with the frosting because the frosting is still rather sweet to me and my family. 

Please try the recipe and let me know your thoughts!

Pin Addict

Its it possible to be an addict but not even act on the "drug"? Well as you know I am an avid pinner, however, I am not an avid...actor. Meaning, I have not done .. well I did I did complete the coasters (almost six months ago).

So today, yes today I vow to start on my project sitting in my living room. I've got ALL the materials required. Yes, yes...yes I can! LOL

Stay tuned.

Photo Card

Sweet Simple Boy Baby Announcements

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View the entire collection of cards.

Networking...how they do that!?

I never understand the importance or how to network effectively. Generally I am an introvert who is rarely the person to start up a conversation. But where does this get you in personal life as well as professional life...nowheres!
You have to control your own destiny ...so I tried. At work we had a training for counselors (a person responsible for writing reviews and coaching another individual professionally), it was great!
Those I was set up to work as a group were experienced with this role. I role played the part of the counselor each opportunity I had. The networking piece was after the training I sent them an email thanking them for their input. They said for me to reach out to them anytime. #networking
So next inorder to keep the relationship alive I just need to use that tool ask those questions! Its that simple. Networking is recognizing a need and asking someone to fullfil it.
You also have to "drop seeds" tell people that are in  positions you want...you want their job! Seriously folks this stuff works! Friday I was dropping seeds like crazy! Because I don't want to get left behind...my work ethic, attitude is just to fierce to be in the same position for 10 years. No ma'am...not I said BMarie!
So what networking have you done lately?

Today was a good day...

Six Reasons Why

1. Got to work from home
2. Awesome Parent/Teacher Conference with the best 2nd grade teacher eva! My son is doing a good job and is third grade bound! whoopee!
3. Voted and dragged my hubby and youngest son along -- to help him learn the importance of his voice
4. Home early
5. Dinner already done (and eaten lol)
6. Close folded and put up (this weekend will be a breeze!)

So one of my favorite things to do is learn about politics, when I was little I dreamed my own dream. I was so determined to attend Morehouse College and constantly told my mother and grandparents that Dr. MLK Jr died in the 80's not the 60's. I can even remember running to that table that had ALL the JET magazines on it, to my dismay I learned that they were correct.

Another note sad face worthy was umm...You mean I CANNOT attend Morehouse College?? Where do they do that at. LOL. Anyhow, I was determined to be a civil rights activist. Not sure where that passion for that went to now that I think of it? Aaah maybe it didn't deeply rooted in me is a passion to make a change, just still searching for my place.

Kind of ironic is that my 7 year old has a similar wish -- his Christmas list included the following: suit & ties, brief case, and files. He is a go getter for sure and I want to feed that passion. So his list was fulfilled, all of these materials are necessary for him to become a lawyer. So this summer I have promised to take him to a court proceeding so he can really get excited and I can continue to feed him. Grand idea, right?

So sometimes I guess dreams do not just end with you they continue to flourish. We as parents from what I have learned need to feed as much as possible into our children. But not just feed but make sure they eat all the veggies and meat. Potential not crafted creates a lost child. You might loose yours but that's not the end of it. I guess I'll live through my baby boy .. not healthy either huh? LOL

Pinterest Attempt #1: DIY Coasters

Okay okay...I'll admit I didn't stick with the plan from last year but so much has changed!

I'm expecting boy #3 in September and my need&#160;my creativity has greatly increased.

Obsessions: Pinterest, Couponing, Yard Sales, Resale Clothing, and DIY projects

Now I will admit I'm no pro at any of these but I plan to get it down. Right now my DIY project is making coasters out of tiles. For my first attempt was using wrapping paper...as you can see epic fail
Items Need:
4x4 (tiles - only 16 cents ea. @ home depot BUT try your local habit for humanity and get them for 9 cents ea)
Mod Pod
Paintbrush
Polyurethane (instead of clear acrylic spray)
Sticky Felt
Paper your choice - scrapbooking paper, wrapping paper, or decorative napkins

Tip: its best to NOT place anything under the tile while doing this - it will stick!
Instructions: Using the paint brush spread a thin coat of modpod over tile and sides. Then place your selected paper over the tile. You can cut it to size but I found that this works best not to -after failure 1
and 2. Let dry. Then if you prefer sand down the sides to remove paper. Then apply polyurethane. Let dry. Use sticky felt to apply to back. Cut in squares to place in each corner or just cut to size the whole thing.

Now the pics you see are of my failed attempts from left to right
#1 - put the modpod ON the paper (Smh)
#2 - I'm not totally to blame my 7 yo did that one
#3 -  we almost got it right but the spray wasn't glossy enough
So later on this week I'm going to purchase that polyurethane and post the results. Fourth time the charm right?



Those that helped me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CAYp2SnJjA
http://www.lightrefreshmentsserved.com/