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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Hello, my name is Lindsey and I'm a "Blog Lurker!"

Lately I've been more of a "blog lurker" than a "blogger." I am in total awe of the creative women and wonderful blogs out there. It's a hard feeling to describe, but when I login to catch up on the latest posts written by these women my day instantly perks up! I know I do not get much traffic (if any) on my blog {partly to do with the fact that I don't post much}, but I want it to be known that I truly enjoy reading every one's blogs SO much. Subscribing to these blogs is like having an indispensable subscription to a magazine! I have gotten so many wonderful ideas, learned new things, and discovered how much I really love to craft.
I consider the 'Blogging World' as my safe haven. I go to it when I need a break from screaming kiddos, when I'm bored at work (Ssshhhh), and in need of some inspiration. I have to say, I'm a bit modest about posting anything because I feel that I don't have 1/5 of the creativity that these other ladies exude. My hope is to one day be able to share tutorials of my own and share what makes me happy. Until then...I will continue to be a "blog lurker" and work on posting comments so you know how much I love reading your wonderful blogs. I know I get excited when someone reads something I have posted!




Monday, September 27, 2010

I'm feeling HOT HOT HOT!


What is up with this weather?! 108 degrees in Fall? Over the weekend I pulled out all of my favorite Fall recipes hoping to bake a delicious treat to kick off my favorite season. My husband immediately said, "I hope you aren't planning to bake any of this. You'll heat up the whole house!" Ugh! Such a buzz kill....

So instead I burned my baked apple pie candle wishing the smell was actually a real pie in the oven! Oh, and I should mention that we took family pictures on Saturday outdoors in 105 degree weather. Mr.G wasn't too happy about that one either. But I must say we looked good dressed in our Fall fashions {a.k.a long sleeve, HOT clothing} Can't wait to post the pics when they are ready. I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself for being on top of my game and getting Christmas pictures done early. All you moms out there know how stressful family pictures can be!!! Everyone have a great week {if anyone actually is reading this LOL} and have a Happy HOT Fall ;)

Here is the recipe of the apple pie I was going to make. I got it from my MIL and it is delish!



Dutch Apple Pie with Oatmeal Struesel

1 (9 inch) pie shell
5 cups apples - peeled, cored and sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup butter



Directions
1.Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Fit pastry shell into pie pan and place in freezer.
2.To Make Apple Filling: Place apples in a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine 2 tablespoons flour, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well, then add to apples. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3.Remove pie shell from freezer. Place apple mixture in pie shell and dot with 2 tablespoons butter or margarine. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil lightly on top of filling, but do not seal.
4.Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
5.While filling is baking, make Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, oats, and lemon peel. Mix thoroughly, then cut in 1/2 cup butter or margarine until mixture is crumbly. Remove filling from oven and sprinkle streusel on top.
6.Reduce heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until streusel is browned and apples are tender. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excess browning.

Viola! Add a BIG scoop of vanilla ice cream and you will be in heaven :)



*Photo Courtesy of All Recipes



Thursday, September 9, 2010

Jenna's First Day of School!

Where did the time go? Kindergarten ALREADY?! I'm not really sure why I have been dreading this moment. Jenna is completely ready to start school. I know she is going to excel and learn all sorts of new things. Guess a part of me is sad that the "baby" years are over (and I may be a tad bit over protective!)

Jenna,
I am so proud of you. I cannot wait to hear about all of the wonderful memories you are going to make at school. I will be here to listen about your good days and bad. I will wipe away your tears if your feelings get hurt, and make sure you know how loved you are each and everyday!

Love,
Mom


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Summer!!!




Boy this summer flew by! I can't believe it is September already. As usual, I neglected my blog...oh well :) I have to say this summer felt a little bit odd. Here's why:


1)Uncharacteristically cool weather (until NOW)
2)School starting August 11th
3)Not one BBQ/pool party!

This is not to say that we didn't have fun...its just not our typical summer! With Jenna starting Kindergarten the middle of August(EEKKK!), we had to cram all the fun stuff in early. The highlight of the summer was going to Balboa Island for a week.



Just as a side note, Balboa Island holds such a special place in my heart (sigh). My Mom and Aunt starting renting a beach house for a week when I was 6 years old. Some of my best childhood memories were on that island. When all of us kids starting growing up and the cost of beach rentals skyrocketed, we stopped going. Fast forward 5 years....who would have thought that we would return with my own children. They had a blast. I'm looking forward to making it an ongoing family tradition :)














♥ lindsey Pictures, Images and Photos

Monday, June 14, 2010

Money Making Mamas!

My recent job change has really put my life goals in perspective. I CANNOT imagine myself working in social services for the rest of my life. Everyday I think, "There has to be more to life than just working to pay the bills."
Don't get me wrong--I am very lucky to have a job in this horrible economy, and even more lucky to actually be able to pay my bills! But without dreams, where would goals come from?
I don't know about you, but I am constantly trying to find a way to be at home with my kids and still earn income. I know, I know... me and every other working mom out there! LOL But, Nevertheless it's my dream and I'm going to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
I have some business ideas floating around my head, but I am no self proclaimed entrepreneur! So, on my lunch break last week I headed over to Barnes and Noble to get a better grip on how to even go about starting a business. OK, well I know just as much about starting a business as trying to pick out a book to start a business!!! But alas, I found a book that seemed to have my name written all over it!





Really, the book is awesome! I'm learning all kinds of stuff. If anything, it outlines how to make a business plan and walks you through each step. It also gives little autobiographies on regular moms who are now self made millionaires! Let me know what you think!!!! Have any tips? Please share the wealth :) Happy Monday!





♥ lindsey Pictures, Images and Photos

Friday, June 11, 2010

Balance

Balance?




People always ask me, "how do you balance working full time, being a mom, being a wife, daughter, cook, housekeeper, bookkeeper, professional shopper, blah, blah, blah.."



The truth? I DON'T! Here's my idea of balance:




Being a wonder woman and super mom doesn't make you a better mom. I'm all about working smarter, not harder! Life is hard enough. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband who's not afraid to step up to the plate and help out. If I didn't have his support, I'd look like this {Which does happen anyways on rare occasions}!




Bottom line: Don't be afraid to solicit help! Create a system that works for you. Here are some tips that I try to follow:
  • Stick to a routine. (You're kids will depend on it!)
  • Divide and conquer {If my hubby cooks dinner, I'll clean up. We divide bath duty too, but that only works for an even amount of kids!}
  • Make time for yourself! (This, I'm not so great at, but getting better!)
  • I write EVERYTHING down. If it's not written, it doesn't exist!
  • Learn to let go of the little things.....*SIGH* No, my house isn't always clean and on rare occasions the kids don't always get baths.
  • Ship them off to Grandma's every once in a while for some adult time

Being a working mom is about finding balance. Some days you have it, some days you don't. When I'm on top of one area in life, then I'm deficient in another. I'm horrible at returning emails and making phone calls to friends. In this stage of life, it's all about SURVIVAL!


cute quotes Pictures, Images and Photos






♥ lindsey Pictures, Images and Photos

Friday, June 4, 2010

So many posts....so little time....

Well, what can I say? Life has been a little busy, but when isn't it?! The last 4 months have gone by quickly....I always have ideas swirling around my head on topics that I want to "blog" about, but the ideas never seem to make it here.

{my phone has already rang twice and I'm telling myself I probably should take a shower while the kids are sleeping but I MUST keep blogging LOL!}



Anyways, here's a quick update on the home front. In April I got another position within the County that I work for doing something VERY different than my last job. I will spare you the details~ lets just say that I'm working with a very difficult and undesirable population of people! Changing jobs is always stressful, BUT change is GOOD :)



We have been doing a lot of work to our backyard, and I'm happy to say that we are pretty much done! It looks so beautiful. Can't wait to have lots of BBQs this summer. I will probably do a separate post on that ;)



That brings us to May ....oh how I LOVE May. A month that holds such a special place in my heart! Both of my sweet little munchkins celebrated their birthdays. {Don't ask, I'm not sure how we managed to plan that one. August must have been one happening month! j/k}



Jaylie turned 1 May 13th. I seriously cannot believe she is 1! I love her personality. She is so petite, yet feisty! My beautiful Jenna turned 5 May 28th. In light of our new house and both girls' birthdays, I HAD to have one big party!!! BUT the party deserves it's own post too, so lets just say it was a SWEET affair!



So most March, April and half of May were spent planning and plotting, I mean preparing, for the girl's birthday party. Nothing like a big event to get you motivated. That,my friends, is how/why our backyard got finished. My husband said there was no way we were going to finish everything by the party. I don't know who he thought he was talking to! When I'm determined, I'm DETERMINED! LOL



So, I've really not meant to neglect my blog, but as you can tell life as usual has gotten in the way. This is a true testament to the chronicles of a working mom. Some things just have to take a backseat. Stay tuned for the party and home improvement posts :)



Thursday, February 11, 2010

"L" is for Love and A Loooong weekend!




Two reasons to celebrate: 1) Valentine's Day is near 2) It's a 5 day weekend for me!!!

We are going to have a Valentine's Day party on Sunday with family and friends. While I realize this may not be the most romantic affair, it will be spent with the ones we love. And hey, that's what it's all about anyways right?! My husband belongs to the "Valentine's Day is a made up holiday by card companies...." blah blah blah.

Ladies like to feel appreciated and loved...and I feel that it is a much needed holiday! Besides, I love the colors and decor!

With the economy the way it is we thought it would be fun to have a party at our house. We'll be serving steak and lobster, along with some yummy sides! For desert, I am going to make cupcakes to go along with the FABULOUS cupcake toppers and printables I received for FREE from TomKat Studios! (see pic above) http://www.tomkatstudio.blogspot.com




Friday, January 22, 2010

Leaving for Vegas

Las Vegas Pictures, Images and Photos

My husband and I are going to Las Vegas this weekend for his birthday. This is a much needed get-a-way for the both of us...BUT...I am sad to leave the girls. I have never left Jaylie overnight. I know they will be in good hands with my mom. I really wish this yucky rain would stop!! Traffic ought to be horrible! Oh well, I know once we get there it will all be worth it. Happy 26th birthday babe! Glad we finally get to do something nice for it.(He always gets short changed because of Christmas!LOL)Everyone have a wonderful weekend =)







♥ lindsey Pictures, Images and Photos