Instead of cupcakes....a rice crispy kitty.

My 2 year old daughter was given this rice crispy treat from her Sunday school/nursery teacher. I think it is a neat alternative to cupcakes. The possibilities of shaped rice crispy treats are endless. Just wanted to share with you today.

You don't always need mantel decor...Just a nice large painting!

Hey mix it up....Hang the over sized painting lower to the mantel ledge and put the fireplace decorations on the hearth instead. This allows the focus to be on the painting. This picture was taken at a Utah Home show a few years back. I didn't design this house.

I like:

• The slim delicate candles in a grouping of 4 for a change.
• The varying candle heights for interest. Nice!
• The plant fullness on the other side of the hearth
• The over sized painting hung lower to the mantel

Staci's easy fajitas

These fajitas are easy, tasty, and filling.

Ingredients:
Whole wheat tortillas
Fat free sour cream
Green peppers
Red peppers
Onions
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked in a skillet till no longer pink)
Western Family Brand fajita spice mix in a pouch (I just follow the directions on the Western Family brand spice pouch!)

Optional: A sprinkle of cheddar cheese & salsa if desired

Kill two birds with one stone!

A Mother's Day (or Grandma) present for free-The Home Depot kid workshop wheelbarrow craft on

Saturday, May 2

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Check out the wheelbarrow craft picture and detailed information HERE

**I am planning on adding a potted plant to the wheelbarrow and some paint and it's a perfect from the heart present from my kids to give Grandma for Mother's Day.**

Staci's NOTE: Our Home Depot didn't limit ages. A parent had to be present to participate. We had to sign up (ahead of time or when you get there) including our signature, home address, and child's age. We have two under 5 years old and they got a craft no problem.

It's been one of those weeks...I keep breaking stuff!!

I broke the patio glass table trying to put the umbrella in place. I am happy to report no one was hurt. It was such a mess to clean up! I used a shop vacuum for the deck. We had to pick through the grass underneath the deck and search for more pieces. My husband did most of it! What a good man. Looking at the positive- My husband took the metal frame to a metal recycling yard locally and they paid us $2.10 for the frame and aluminum pole (which was worth the most). If you have some metal to get rid of try recycling it by looking in your local yellow pages. I guess it pays to recycle and be GREEN!

Now where do I take my broken bread maker?

Easter dinner menu

My Easter meal 2009

Don't forget my profile says I am an intermediate cook. ;0)

I made:

Utah funeral potatoes

Hormel ham (1/2 glazed and 1/2 unglazed)

Steamed asparagus with a Western family brand hollandaise sauce mix

Rhodes brand white dinner rolls

Homemade Huckleberry jam

Garden fresh corn from our last summer crop (frozen)

Jellybean cupcakes

If you aren't from Utah you maybe asking yummy "funeral potatoes"?! Let me explain. Often after funeral the bereaving share in a meal after visiting the grave. There can be a lot of people and this dish can feed quite a few people. It can be very high in fat and calories. I make it with significantly less! Check it out. I got the recipes from Taste of Home's Light & Tasty Magazine October/November 2003 issue

Makeover Au Gratin Hash browns
1 pkg (30 oz) frozen shredded has browns potatoes, thawed
2 cups (8 oz) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
3/4 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 ½ cups reduced-fat sour cream
1 can (10 ¾ oz) reduced fat reduced sodium cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 ½ cups cornflakes, lightly crushed (I used whole grain Total flakes)
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine, melted (I only used spray “butter”)
1 Tbl minced fresh parsley (I used dried)

In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, cheese, onions, salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, soup, and soup. Pour over the potato mixture and mix gently to combine. Transfer to a greased 3 qt. baking dish coated with nonstick spray. Toss cornflakes and butter (or just spray “spray butter” on them); sprinkle around the perimeter. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle the middle with parsley Yield 12 servings

Nutritional analysis- one serving (3/4) cup equals 190 calories, 8 grams of fat, (5 saturated fat), 28 mg cholesterol, 492 mg sodium, 23 grams carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 9 g protein Diabetic exchange: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat

Regular Au Gratin Hash browns
1 pkg (30 oz) frozen shredded has browns potatoes, thawed
2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 cups (16 oz) sour cream
1 can (10 ¾ oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
½ cup butter or margarine, melted, divided
2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed

In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, cheese, onions, salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, soup, and ¼ cup butter. Pour over the potato mixture and mix gently to combine. Transfer to a greased 3 qt. baking dish. Toss cornflakes and add remaining butter; sprinkle over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until heated through. Yield 12 servings

Nutritional analysis- one serving (3/4) cup equals 324 calories, 23 grams of fat, (14 saturated fat), 59 mg cholesterol, 681 mg sodium, 22 grams carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 9 g protein

Simple and Smart- I am on a mission to use up what I have in my pantry. I made these simple jelly bean cupcakes with a white cake mix that I got at the after Christmas (December 26th) 50% sale at Target. I think I paid .39 for the box. I didn't use the Christmas sprinkles in the cake mix so you couldn't even tell it was from another holiday. The cake mix expiration dates are pretty long. My kids are easy to please and loved these treats.

Staci's Chicken Pockets

Staci's Chicken Pockets

4 to 5 medium chicken breasts cooked and chopped
1 8 0z package cream cheese (fat free or light) softened to room temperature
1 Tbsp dried chives
Dash of garlic powder
2 Tbsp softened butter or margarine
4 Tbsp skim milk
2 cans Pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls (16 total triangles)
1 can reduced sodium cream of chicken soup (optional for topping)


Boil chicken for 20 minutes until no longer pink. Cool and chop into small pieces. Mix softened cream cheese, chives, garlic, butter and milk in a bowl. To assemble, press 2 rolls together to form a rectangle and put in a about 3 tablespoons of filling. Bring sides up and press together to seal. Bake at 350 degrees on an lightly greased cookie sheet for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown. Cool slightly and if desired top with a gravy of cream of chicken soup diluted with milk. These freeze very well, just thaw and bake. Serves about 8.

Our yard through my camera lens yesterday.

Here's photos from my nightly walk around the yard through the lens of my camera. I am sad to see the 70 almost 80 degree temperatures go today. Now the rain is coming. Here's how my yard was doing last night.

While weeding the other day I found this egg in our mulch. The mother bird was squawking at me to get away. She still comes back to sit on it. It has been a good learning experience for the kids and I. I have no clue what kind of bird would lay an egg on the ground in the mulch. Do you?

We have lots of "wall of waters" up with exotic melons planted in them. Yes, melons already! We start our plants inside under grow lights, bring them out little by little, plant them in 70 degree weather in wall of waters, and hope for the best. So far so good. The last frost date in Utah is May 15th. Warm weather crops (with out wall of waters) should wait until May 15 to plant in Utah. We have always been wall of water risk takers-We want to eat garden foods early.

A wide row peas shown up close here. Then 3 rows of peas shown below from left to right! On the far right we have onions, beets, carrots, lettuce, and spinach in the distance. Keep in mind these are all cold weather crops and were planted, snowed on, survived, and are doing well. (Click on my garden label on the right for more garden photos from previous posts)

My husband is the gardner. He is a wide row gardner just like Dick Raymond. We follow his method of wide rows outlined in the book, "Joy of Gardening".

Here's some quotes from this highly recommend book. "Single row-skimpy harvest! Wide row-double, even triple the harvest." "Plant 144 onion in 1 square foot." "In my wide row system I broadcast the seeds in the wide bands."

Here's my husband's greenhouse experiment with bell peppers, heirloom tomatoes, and cucumbers. They are doing well in their wall of waters. They are getting big. If you have any garden questions feel free to leave me a comment.

Spinach breakfast smoothies-Kids love them!

What toddler eats spinach salads?

Well not mine! I make these kids and my 2 year old loves it!! I love giving my family "leafy green spinach" for breakfast. Try 'em. You'll be surprised!

Groovy Green Smoothie from http://www.allrecipes.com/

"A great way to get your kids to eat greens! You will be amazed by this yummy fruity smoothie. Experiment with different amounts or types of fruit and make your own."
PREP TIME 10 Min
READY IN 10 Min

INGREDIENTS
1 banana, cut in chunks
1 cup grapes
1 (6 ounce) tub vanilla yogurt
1/2 apple, cored and chopped
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach leaves

DIRECTIONS
Place the banana, grapes, yogurt, apple and spinach into a blender. Cover, and blend until smooth, stopping frequently to push down anything stuck to the sides. Pour into glasses and serve.

More recipes for spinach smoothies from http://www.vitamix.com/

Let's talk sock scrubbing!

I was introduced to this laundering soap bar product by my mother-in-law as a young bride. I LOVE IT! I scrub all my families dirty sock bottoms with it. They come out pretty clean with some elbow grease. Smiths grocery store in Utah sells it for $1.XX a bar (check your Kroger stores nationally too). The Queen of Clean lady endorses Fels-Naptha too. I have her book. I find her laundry and house cleaning tips to be VERY valuable. I love a clean house and clean white socks! Happy spring muddy sock scrubbing to you all!

Being frugal is fun when you are saving for a VACATION!

Being frugal can be fun! I am on a mission to change some of my spending ways. I am going to use up what I have in my house and to save $$ from buying more things. I have a serious case of vacation travel wander lust and I need the cash to support it. We only pay cash for our vacations. My husband is now presenting the challenge to me to see how much I can use up and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE weekly!!!

My frugal challenge for myself and to my readers is to: USE UP WHAT YOU HAVE to the very last drop. Go ahead cut open the lotion tube and use up ALL the lotion! Do this with everything in your life-USE IT UP before you feel the need buy something new. What do you do to be save for vacations? I need more ideas. Helps a frugal sista out!

Disneyland March 2009 flowers

My family and I enjoyed a wonderful trip in late March to Disneyland. Here's my middle daughter peeking over a Mickey Mouse statue gazing at the castle.

The flowers were amazing and in full bloom.
My favorites were the colorful ranunculus flowers. I want to try to grow them in Utah. I think it might be a bit more difficult but I love them.

I stopped and starred at the wild flower gardens by Pixie Hollow were we saw Tinkerbell.

Gotta love poppies.

Amazing shaped shrubs and colorful flowers!These were in California Adventure. I wish I could grow potted palm trees in Utah!

I am still dreaming of being a Southern California resident....with a season pass to Disneyland. We had a magical trip. I recommend going in late March BEFORE the Spring Break crowds.

Garage Sale season is coming!!

I have a thrifty heart. I like a challenge. I like a hunt. I LOVE a screaming deal!

Garage Sales and Rummage Sales are a hobby of mine.

I am not trying to sound corny but I know the Lord led me to these deals because I needed them. I mentioned in another post I have a lot of stuff...don't we all feel this way? Well, I really needed this stuff not all the decorations and toys I have on reserve in my basement.

Here's what I got:

A pair of Levi Silvertab jeans for my husband

A pair of Gap Denim jeans for my growing 6 year old

A pair of nice white tights for my 6 year old (she ripped her new pair on Easter Sunday already)

Two new pair of shoes for ME-barely worn! 1-Tommy Hilfiger and 1-?

AA rechargeable battery wall unit

A tall white trashcan with a flip to lid (I will use it for recycling cans in the garage)

A round table with a glass top (a temporary replacement to the broken one in my bedroom)

Grand Total: $10 for everything!!

Thank you Lord for provided me with the STUFF that I needed for less $$! I am excited to get more items I need this summer (not just more clutter).

Are you a "garage saler" too? Leave me a comment!

My beaded trimmed curtains

Before- My boring Walmart curtains

After-My beaded trim curtains

I fell in love with this simple beaded trim (with adhesive ribbon back). I found it at Walmart in their sewing area. I needed 2 packages to do my curtains. Each pack was $4.57 plus tax. I was going to add this to my lampshades (see photo) but I know my kids would pull it off in no time.


I wanted the beaded trim to hug the rod pocket seam but it the fabric was too thick for the sewing machine. Plan B- Just use the adhesive backing and put it where I wanted. I tried this for a month and it started to peel off so on to Plan C-I had to sew the trim down an inch.

I hung the rod further to the left to make the window appear larger than it really is. The window placement relative to the fireplace has always bugged me. So, I tried my best to change it with the curtain placement. I think I achieved what I was going after.

Be inspired! Put some "bling" on something in your home this weekend.

My first blog award-belated

I am honored to have received this Kreative Blog award from Lisa at Another Day Today Thank you! I am late in posting this but I am grateful-just slow. The rules are simple, write down 10 things you love and pass the Kreative Blog award on to someone else. These are not in any particular order.

I love...
1. I love snuggling a freshly bathed baby with the pink Johnson’s Baby lotion.
2. I love the summer heat, the warm breeze, walking barefoot in the sand at the beach, and lying in the sun on a sandy towel with sunglasses on drinking a cold lemonade.
3. I love to volunteer and use my talents to glorify my Heavenly Father.
4. I love jewelry, lipstick, and trendy clothes and shoes.
5. I love to sing and dance in my kitchen with my kids.
6. I love to see my kids experience new things for the first time (and take lots of pictures & videos).
7. I love being a daughter of God. I love being in worship and singing upbeat hymns.
8. I love laughing, joking around, and being with my husband, "mommy" friends, and loving family.
9. I love shopping and finding good deals.
10. I love to being creative in any way, shape, and form.

Now it's your turn! The 6 awards go to:
Erika at Celebrating-today Great ideas and insights to the art of mothering!

Toni over at Design Dazzle Her blog has so many ideas. You have to check it out!!

Mandy at At Moderation Great Utah money saving tips with coupons-Yippee more $$ in my pocket!

Jadi at Homemaking Fun She has great inexpensive tips for party planning for families and kids.

Money Saving Mom She inspires me to make freezer meals, set aside time for a baking day, and to save money!

Steph at It's all in my head- Some neat holiday gift ideas- I liked her Valentine challenge.

These blogs are just a few of many favorites. I really am enjoying blogging. Keep checking back I have lots more to share.

Blessings on your day ladies!

A rainy week decluttering mission!!

My Mom and Dad were in Utah visiting for a couple weeks. During that time my mother lovingly told me I have too much STUFF! I know it's true. They left Utah today (sniff, sniff) and I am now on a mission to get rid of some stuff! Wish me luck!

Here are some quick goals for this week-
1. I will Menu plan from our freezer and pantry. I plan to use the weekly grocery money sparingly-I will put the rest into savings. I want to only buy fresh produce and USE up what I have here in the house. UPDATE: I ONLY BOUGHT MILK AND WE HAVE BEEN EATING OUT OF OUR FOOD STORAGE!

**I have to share one tip today. BUY MEAT IN BULK and BUY after holiday kitchen items to use all year round.** Example: In early April a local grocery store had diet lean ground beef for $1.99 lb I bought about 24lbs of it!!! Here's a photo of one of two meat bags. I used my 50% off Christmas Ziploc freezer bags (purchased on December 26th in the early a.m. shopping hours). I weigh the meat in 2 lb increments and put in the freezer bags. I like to plan two 1 lb ground beef dinners when I thaw them.

2. I will go through the Easter candy. I plan on giving a lot to the Dr. down the street. (See my post on too much Easter candy). UPDATE: THE CANDY IS GONE!

3. I will dump, sort, and purge some toys from the front room toy baskets. I will put the toys in their labeled Rubbermaid containers. UPDATE: ORGANIZED AND SOME TOYS ARE DONATED AND GONE!

4. I will see if I can go to Grandma's and finish my window treatment project. I am adding a beaded trim piece to my existing curtains. Stay tuned for before and after photos. UPDATE: DONE THANKS GMA FOR THE HELP. SEE MY AFTER SHOTS!

And of course the daily chores....cooking...shopping for produce...laundry galore...

Join me and set some goals on this rainy day in Utah (or wherever you are)!

After the Easter egg hunts--TOO much candy!

Are you like me and the kids got WAY TOO MUCH CANDY at Easter? I put the Easter baskets, goodie bags, and junk on top of the fridge. Today I am going to rummage through it all. I will trash the Made in China candy. I will gather and donate the hard suckers, tootsie rolls, and the now and later candies to a local Dr. on my street. He gives them away at his clinic. Don't worry I'll keep the chocolate. It was fun to hunt for the candy but now we don't want cavities or a big bum!

A Happy spring bouquet!

I saw this sweet and simple Easter table centerpiece at church on Sunday. I love to share spring flowers with others. So “blog-land” friends here’s a bit of spring sent your way via the internet. I want to encourage you to pick a few daffodils this week, add some pussy willows, put in a bud vase, add a ribbon and share with someone you care about. Happy spring everyone.

Home Depot kid workshop birdhouses

A belated post- Here are our Saturday, April 4th free Home Depot kid workshop birdhouses. Don't forget to mark your calendars NOW for the next one on Saturday, May 2nd. The craft looks neat-wheelbarrows. I am planning on giving them away as Mother's Day gifts.

I decided to paint and/or stain these birdhouse with the kids for Father's day gifts in June. I have all the information on the Home Depot FREE kid Workshops listed HERE.

A pink valance

Simple, sweet, and decorative!

Orange is IN!

Accessorizing is a part of Interior Design!

Here are some unique and stylish dresser top items with an orange influence. I believe accessories should reflect the homeowner NOT the designer. I make an effort to include my clients in the accessorizing process. I include new items and some existing sentimental pieces to make it home.

I didn't design this room. I took these pictures for reference and inspiration when the color orange is requested. Do you remember the old yucky orange? Well, the new orange and brown color combinations are attractive with a contemporary flair. I took these photos at a home show in Utah a few years back. I think a lot of these accessories were purchased at Tai Pan Trading Company.

Window Treatments are one of my most requested designing items. They can be intimidating to some but I enjoy designing them. Window treatments are a wonderful addition to any home. I enjoy picking out patterned fabrics, designing window treatments, coordinating paint, designing custom bedding, and adding accessories to pull it all together. I thrive on a budget too.

I like this brown contemporary swirled fabric used in this orange influenced room. As a designer I have access to a few reasonable Salt Lake City to-the-trade fabric showrooms. If you have a need for window treatments send me an email. I am accepting new clients this spring.

The contemporary orange and brown bedroom
**Notice the custom bedding, draperies, and ottomans with the coordinating swirled fabric**

A cheap family outing!

Mark you calendar for Wednesday, April 29 th from 5pm - 10 pm for $.31 Small Ice Cream scoops at Baskin Robins! Our family rarely goes out for ice cream so this was fun for us last year. The scoops are small but hey do we NEED more? Go early it gets crowded.

Click HERE for more details.

I was featured by...

Toni over at Design Dazzle. She featured me on her “What color is that” Wednesday. Check it out HERE.

I love the ideas on her site for babies and kid rooms. It is right up my alley!

Happy designing and decorating everyone.

Bring the outdoors-INDOORS with a wall mural!

Home show wall muralsI like this wall mural concept for a playroom. I am hoping one day I can tackle a project like this in my basement. I love to paint and a large mural would be FUN! I wish I had more time...my kids are still very young. Some day...some day!

A silver framed vanity...add some shine and S*P*A*R*K*L*E!

A classy realistic guest bathroom from a home show.

I recommend silver framed vanity mirrors often to my clients. It dresses up a simple bathroom in an instant, much like this photo. I find the spring green wall color refreshing. Every room needs some sparkle. In this photo it is a silver basket of washcloths, a silver frame over the commode, silver hardware and fixtures, and the silver framed mirror. I believe a bit of shine and sparkle help complete a well designed room of any style.