March 14, 2011
March 10, 2011
Happy Birthday 'Honey-Bunny'...
My Husband, James is 39 today. I'm taking him out for breakfast, buying him a Star Wars book (not coming out until the 22nd though), making subs for supper and buying him an ice cream cake. That's all he wanted.
Love you 'Honey-Bunny'!
Love you 'Honey-Bunny'!
March 9, 2011
Wedding colors....
Talked to Lauren and she added tangerine to her wedding colors, so it's AQUA, TANGERINE and WHITE....FABULOUS Wedding Colors!
She also agreed that a small cake and cupcakes would be her choice....so, look what I found from
Bratty Cakes (in CA): These are perfect!!!!!!!!!! I think I'm going to have to order the cupcakes from a local cupcakery....wonder who can replicate these???
She also agreed that a small cake and cupcakes would be her choice....so, look what I found from
Bratty Cakes (in CA): These are perfect!!!!!!!!!! I think I'm going to have to order the cupcakes from a local cupcakery....wonder who can replicate these???
cake pops...
making these for the wedding...probably in an aqua blue and a white. making the cupcake stands to display them also.
Also, going to make chocolate covered strawberries, so the plethora of cake plates I'm making will be quite handy, eh?
February 28, 2011
my recent 'crushes' (as per The Idea Room)...
1. Hello Kitty Make-Up for Sephora
2. Chobani Greek Yogurt
3. Making my own cake/cupcake stands from candlestick holders and plates
4. Hello Kitty Sneakers (I am still searching for these)
5. This DPN Roll....I want to make
6. This book I recently got from KnitPicks
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Strawberry Shortcake...
Tonight's dessert:
Bisquick biscuits:
2 1/3 cups Bisquick baking mix
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
3 Tbsp sugar
The strawberry shortcake biscuit recipe used to be on the side of the Bisquick box. For some unfathomable reason, the company has started to print the recipe on the inside of the box. Talk about not understanding your customers! If you can't find the recipe, here it is:
Heat oven to 425°F. Stir baking mix, melted butter, milk, and 3 Tbsp of sugar in a mixing bowl until soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls on to a greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 6 biscuits.
2 1/3 cups Bisquick baking mix
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
3 Tbsp sugar
The strawberry shortcake biscuit recipe used to be on the side of the Bisquick box. For some unfathomable reason, the company has started to print the recipe on the inside of the box. Talk about not understanding your customers! If you can't find the recipe, here it is:
Heat oven to 425°F. Stir baking mix, melted butter, milk, and 3 Tbsp of sugar in a mixing bowl until soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls on to a greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 6 biscuits.
February 27, 2011
bucket gardening...
This year I'm going to try growing my tomatoes in 5 gallon food grade buckets, so I can move them around to get more sunlight. If anyone can score me some free buckets, let me know, k?
links:
February 24, 2011
February 12, 2011
February 11, 2011
All About Porter...
Several People have asked me to explain the issues that Porter (my youngest son) has.
Porter Has:
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis -A rare, cancer-like disorder in which both histiocytes and lymphocytes start to proliferate and attack body tissues or organs. Treatment is by chemotherapy, and in some (Porter’s) cases bone-marrow transplantation.
Bone marrow necrosis (BMN)-Bone marrow is dyeing...will need a bone marrow transplant soon.
Pernicious Anemia- Pernicious anemia is due to an inability to absorb vitamin B-12 (also known as cobalamin or Cbl) from the gastrointestinal tract.
B-cell Dysfunction (compromised immune system…it’s broken). Gets very, very sick easily and has to be hospitalized and given IV’s/Meds.
Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia - Most people with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia have a reduced ability to sweat (hypohidrosis) because they have fewer sweat glands than normal or their sweat glands do not function properly. Sweating is a major way that the body controls its temperature; as sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body. An inability to sweat can lead to a dangerously high body temperature (hyperthermia), particularly in hot weather. In some (Porter’s) cases, hyperthermia can cause life-threatening medical problems. Porter dehydrates quickly.
Autism-Autism is a devastating neurological and biological disorder that typically affects children between the ages in 18 months to five years of age. Autism currently affects 1 in every 91 children today. It is estimated there are over 1 million people in the United States alone with autism. Autism affects each individual differently and at different levels of severity. Some people with autism are severely affected, cannot speak, require constant one-on-one care, and are never able to live independently. While others who have less severe symptoms, can communicate, and eventually acquire the necessary skills to live on their own.
Chronic Diarrhea -for over 5 years now.
His Treatments:
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)- is a blood product administered intravenously. It contains the pooled IgG (immunoglobulin (antibody) G) extracted from the plasma of over one thousand blood donors. IVIG's effects last between 2 weeks and 3 months. IVIG is given as a plasma protein replacement therapy (IgG) for immune deficient patients who have decreased or abolished antibody production capabilities. In these immune deficient patients, IVIG is administered to maintain adequate antibody levels to prevent infections and confers a passive immunity. Treatment is given every 3–4 weeks. In the case of patients with autoimmune disease, IVIG is administered at a high dose (generally 1-2 grams IVIG per kg body weight) to attempt to decrease the severity of the autoimmune diseases.
Central line (4 years now)- is a catheter placed into a large vein in the neck (internal jugular vein or external jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein) or groin (femoral vein). It is used to administer medication or fluids, obtain blood tests (specifically the "mixed venous oxygen saturation"), and directly obtain cardiovascular measurements such as the central venous pressure.
TPN- for 12 hour nightly feeds via two pumps/central line. See link: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec01/ch003/ch003c.html
Drinks EleCare – 24-28 oz. daily for nutrition. EleCare is an amino-acid-based, hypoallergenic formula that is specifically designed for infants and children with special feeding issues.
Meds-Takes a plethora
Attends Blood Cancer Clinic- for blood draws to check platelet count, liver, pancreas, bone marrow, etc…etc…
BMT- Eventually, Porter will need a Bone Marrow Transplant to survive.
Has had several surgeries: NG tube, colonoscopy, endoscopy, enteroscopy, central line (2 x’s), will need a G tube and a Port placement soon to access blood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Porter Has:
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis -A rare, cancer-like disorder in which both histiocytes and lymphocytes start to proliferate and attack body tissues or organs. Treatment is by chemotherapy, and in some (Porter’s) cases bone-marrow transplantation.
Bone marrow necrosis (BMN)-Bone marrow is dyeing...will need a bone marrow transplant soon.
Pernicious Anemia- Pernicious anemia is due to an inability to absorb vitamin B-12 (also known as cobalamin or Cbl) from the gastrointestinal tract.
B-cell Dysfunction (compromised immune system…it’s broken). Gets very, very sick easily and has to be hospitalized and given IV’s/Meds.
Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia - Most people with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia have a reduced ability to sweat (hypohidrosis) because they have fewer sweat glands than normal or their sweat glands do not function properly. Sweating is a major way that the body controls its temperature; as sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body. An inability to sweat can lead to a dangerously high body temperature (hyperthermia), particularly in hot weather. In some (Porter’s) cases, hyperthermia can cause life-threatening medical problems. Porter dehydrates quickly.
Autism-Autism is a devastating neurological and biological disorder that typically affects children between the ages in 18 months to five years of age. Autism currently affects 1 in every 91 children today. It is estimated there are over 1 million people in the United States alone with autism. Autism affects each individual differently and at different levels of severity. Some people with autism are severely affected, cannot speak, require constant one-on-one care, and are never able to live independently. While others who have less severe symptoms, can communicate, and eventually acquire the necessary skills to live on their own.
Chronic Diarrhea -for over 5 years now.
His Treatments:
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)- is a blood product administered intravenously. It contains the pooled IgG (immunoglobulin (antibody) G) extracted from the plasma of over one thousand blood donors. IVIG's effects last between 2 weeks and 3 months. IVIG is given as a plasma protein replacement therapy (IgG) for immune deficient patients who have decreased or abolished antibody production capabilities. In these immune deficient patients, IVIG is administered to maintain adequate antibody levels to prevent infections and confers a passive immunity. Treatment is given every 3–4 weeks. In the case of patients with autoimmune disease, IVIG is administered at a high dose (generally 1-2 grams IVIG per kg body weight) to attempt to decrease the severity of the autoimmune diseases.
Central line (4 years now)- is a catheter placed into a large vein in the neck (internal jugular vein or external jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein) or groin (femoral vein). It is used to administer medication or fluids, obtain blood tests (specifically the "mixed venous oxygen saturation"), and directly obtain cardiovascular measurements such as the central venous pressure.
TPN- for 12 hour nightly feeds via two pumps/central line. See link: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec01/ch003/ch003c.html
Drinks EleCare – 24-28 oz. daily for nutrition. EleCare is an amino-acid-based, hypoallergenic formula that is specifically designed for infants and children with special feeding issues.
Meds-Takes a plethora
Attends Blood Cancer Clinic- for blood draws to check platelet count, liver, pancreas, bone marrow, etc…etc…
BMT- Eventually, Porter will need a Bone Marrow Transplant to survive.
Has had several surgeries: NG tube, colonoscopy, endoscopy, enteroscopy, central line (2 x’s), will need a G tube and a Port placement soon to access blood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 7, 2011
my oldest daughter is getting married...
....In May and it's on the beach and reception is in the beach house we'll be renting in Virginia Beach. She lives in RI, so I'm doing most of the wedding prep. I think we're all so excited...the wedding is all we talk about now.
February 5, 2011
January 29, 2011
January 27, 2011
blog spotlight...
jenny 'holiday' heid: everyday is a holiday
jenny's an artist/designer from The New Jersey shore and creates such cute paintings of cupcakes and other baked goods and more. I asked her today if she'd design a cupcake tattoo for me....and she said YES!
jenny's an artist/designer from The New Jersey shore and creates such cute paintings of cupcakes and other baked goods and more. I asked her today if she'd design a cupcake tattoo for me....and she said YES!
January 21, 2011
looking at new laptops...
see LINK
I need something for my photography and standard everyday stuff, plus something with enough speed for my Etsy shop, Facebook and my Blog. Brig helped me design what features I wanted. I have the docking station and speakers already. Now I just need to decide if I need this BEFORE getting a new cell phone or AFTER....hmmm?
January 18, 2011
homemade chicken noodle soup...
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 T. minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper or to taste
- 2 quarts chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced or diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups egg noodles, wide variety
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
-----------------------------------------------
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lay out chicken breast on a baking sheet and coat with olive oil. Use a brush to coat or preferably coat by hand rubbing oil on meat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook in oven for 30 to 40 minutes making sure chicken is fully cooked. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Heat chicken stock. Simmer stock in an uncovered stock pot or similar pan on stovetop before adding other ingredients. While broth or stock is brought to a simmer, cut up chicken breast, cutting meat into medium size cubes.
Dice celery, slice or dice carrots, and thinly slice green onions. Add celery, carrots, green onions, and noodles to broth or stock. When noodles are fully cooked (8 to 10 minutes), add chicken meat and then parsley. Allow to cook for an additional 4 minutes or until meat is heated and serve hot.
January 14, 2011
fabric rosette tutorial....
from Freckled Laundry. I really love how easy she made this look.
Fabric Rosette Tutorial from freckled laundry on Vimeo.
Fabric Rosette Tutorial from freckled laundry on Vimeo.
January 13, 2011
January 12, 2011
Ten ways you can use a mason jar...
I LOVE my Vintage Blue Ball Mason Jars....and the Atlas jars and glass jars...and so on. I have about 16 Blue ones...but really don't fill them with anything right now (I leave that for the clear jars). I use the clear ones for photos, sewing kits, shells, etc...So, I thought maybe I should start actually USE these jars.
Got this info from: http://hubpages.com/hub/Ways-to-Use-Mason-Jars
1.Flower Vase: Mason jars are perfect for a quick flower vase. Cut your flowers to the length of your jar and add water. For an added touch, tie a ribbon around the mouth of the jar.
2.Drinking Glass: It's not the conventional cup, but who can resist the charm of lemonade in a mason jar on a hot summer's day? Collect an assortment of jars to make as an alternative set of glasses for your dinnerware to give a causal, summery feel.
3.Gifts: Mason jars are the perfect, yet smaller alternative to a gift basket. The holidays give the perfect opportunity for using mason jars as quick gift wrapping, particularly if your gift is food. Just drop some Christmas colored M & M's or Hershey's Kisses, close the jar, then cut a fabric circle and tie with a ribbon to attach it to the jar. Now you have a gift that doubles as a seasonal decoration!
4.Candle vase: It's simple and quick. Just set the candle in the vase and light it up. If you want to add a little seasonal flair add sand with a few shells for summer or a ribbon with a bell or ornament for Christmas.
5.Food Mixes: Have you been wanting to send a care package to that college student you know with some good home-cooked food, but don't have a recipe that will make it through the USPS? Then layer the dry ingredients into a jar, print the recipe, use a ribbon to tie the recipe to the jar, and you could even stick a little cash in an envelope to cover the cost of the perishable ingredients and the student will be thanking you soon! You can use this with soup mixes, cookies, pancakes, or even nuts and granola.
6.Party Favors: Mason jar glasses are the perfect size to use as party favors. Add some erasers, stickers, candy, or even a yo-yo or other small toy and you're good to go. Decorate it with a ribbon or sticker that goes with the theme of the party and they're ready to enjoy.
7.Change jar: Just have one sitting on the counter where you drop your keys and drop your spare change in it as you walk by. At the end of the year (or when the jar is full), see how much money you've saved!
8.Craft Kits: Use a jar to hold a craft kit for beading, soap-making or candle making, or embroidery. Just make sure you include all the supplies--or at least all the supplies that will fit!
9.Organizational Containers: Since mason jars come in varying sizes they can make great containers for organizing everything from your craft supplies like buttons, brads, and ribbon to tacks, paper clips, nails, and even bathroom supplies like cotton balls.
10.Canning: And, of course, mason jars are perfect for their original purpose of preserving food.
And there you have it, ten simple ways to use mason jar glasses today!
Got this info from: http://hubpages.com/hub/Ways-to-Use-Mason-Jars
1.Flower Vase: Mason jars are perfect for a quick flower vase. Cut your flowers to the length of your jar and add water. For an added touch, tie a ribbon around the mouth of the jar.
2.Drinking Glass: It's not the conventional cup, but who can resist the charm of lemonade in a mason jar on a hot summer's day? Collect an assortment of jars to make as an alternative set of glasses for your dinnerware to give a causal, summery feel.
3.Gifts: Mason jars are the perfect, yet smaller alternative to a gift basket. The holidays give the perfect opportunity for using mason jars as quick gift wrapping, particularly if your gift is food. Just drop some Christmas colored M & M's or Hershey's Kisses, close the jar, then cut a fabric circle and tie with a ribbon to attach it to the jar. Now you have a gift that doubles as a seasonal decoration!
4.Candle vase: It's simple and quick. Just set the candle in the vase and light it up. If you want to add a little seasonal flair add sand with a few shells for summer or a ribbon with a bell or ornament for Christmas.
5.Food Mixes: Have you been wanting to send a care package to that college student you know with some good home-cooked food, but don't have a recipe that will make it through the USPS? Then layer the dry ingredients into a jar, print the recipe, use a ribbon to tie the recipe to the jar, and you could even stick a little cash in an envelope to cover the cost of the perishable ingredients and the student will be thanking you soon! You can use this with soup mixes, cookies, pancakes, or even nuts and granola.
6.Party Favors: Mason jar glasses are the perfect size to use as party favors. Add some erasers, stickers, candy, or even a yo-yo or other small toy and you're good to go. Decorate it with a ribbon or sticker that goes with the theme of the party and they're ready to enjoy.
7.Change jar: Just have one sitting on the counter where you drop your keys and drop your spare change in it as you walk by. At the end of the year (or when the jar is full), see how much money you've saved!
8.Craft Kits: Use a jar to hold a craft kit for beading, soap-making or candle making, or embroidery. Just make sure you include all the supplies--or at least all the supplies that will fit!
9.Organizational Containers: Since mason jars come in varying sizes they can make great containers for organizing everything from your craft supplies like buttons, brads, and ribbon to tacks, paper clips, nails, and even bathroom supplies like cotton balls.
10.Canning: And, of course, mason jars are perfect for their original purpose of preserving food.
And there you have it, ten simple ways to use mason jar glasses today!
January 11, 2011
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