August 23, 2011

Whew it's dusty in here!

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It's been a long time, hasn't it?  

I'm bringing blogging back.  For some reason these hormones are making me super chatty!


Oh wait, I didn't tell you?


Yep.  Mr. Crafty and I are expecting!  
Our little monster will be debuting in February.  


April 22, 2011

Origins Free Cleanser Swap

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 In honor of Earth Day today, Origins is offering to swap your current facial cleaner, full or empty, for one of their full-size cleansers.  

I love their products because they're free of parabens and phthalates, and they make my skin look and feel great.


What a deal!  

Thanks Origins!


April 14, 2011

Totally Tutorials

Pin It Now! Have you seen this great tutorial site?  I stumbled across it today and it's become my new favorite site!  


Some of the tutorials are so adorable!  They've really inspired me to spend more time in my craft room...







There are TONS of tutorials to browse through here.   What are you planning to make?






I've Been Featured!

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My favorite craft store has featured me 
as their daily Featured Crafter!  

Go check out my popular wreath that they chose to feature.  :)





April 13, 2011

Photobucket is down...

Pin It Now! And it makes my blog look wonky...  Sorry!

April 5, 2011

Newest Etsy Favorites

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We have so many creative people here in Portland!  I love browsing Etsy for new Portland artists and 
supporting my local community.  



Here are some of my newest local favorites:


Lavendar Vanilla Vegan Soap by prunellasoap

Canvas Tote by NikoletteBags

Adorable! Sterling Silver Bow Earrings by TwistedDesigns

This is gorgeous!  And it would look stunning on my dining table...
Lime and Cream Platter by siriusfnord

Smitten With Myself - Yellow Flowers by PrintMakerJenn


What are your neighbors crafting in your neck of the woods?




March 2, 2011

Sewing Book Rave

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I must say that I owe much of my love of sewing 
to Amy Butler.  

It was seeing her gorgeous fabric prints and patterns that really drove me to learn to sew.  



I recently purchased her book One Yard Wonders and can not say 
enough great things about it!

It comes with 101 sewing patterns and great ideas to spivy up your home, all with color photos using her famous fabrics.  Love.

Watch out for future posts of my experiences with her patterns and some pictures!  

I purchased my copy from Amazon.




February 8, 2011

Crock Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe

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This recipe is  super yummy - and very easy! 
And if you follow Weight Watchers each serving is only 9 points.  Yay!



  •  1 package sliced mushrooms
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz canned tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 6 pieces dry lasagna noodles, not cooked
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
In a large skillet mix mushrooms, onion and garlic.  Sautee.  Stir in tomatoes and tomato sauce, salt, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes.  Simmer 5 minutes. 

In a small bowl mix 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese.  

Spoon 1/2 tomato mixture into your slow cooker.  Break 3 lasagna sheets in half and arrange over tomato mixture.  top with half ricotta mixture.  Repeat, creating layers.  Finish with last 1/3 of tomato mixture. 

Add parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sprinkle over lasagna.  Let sit about 10 minutes to firm up.  

Beef or ground turkey can be added, too.  I chose not to and it still turned out great.  



January 21, 2011

Where young people go to retire...

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Tonight is the premiere of the new show Portlandia.  
I can't wait to see how Portland is portrayed. 

This is supposed to be a sketch comedy about two locals, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, living life in bridgetown.  You'll have to check it out!

Portlandia looks hilarious!






January 9, 2011

Resolution Progress Check-In: Week 1

Pin It Now! Well it's been one week since my 2011 resolution post and I'm happy to report that I've made some progress!  


Yesterday I started at my local Bikram Yoga studio.  I was prepared to sweat, but I had no idea what Bikram would actually be like.  Whoa!  It was very difficult, but I felt amazing afterwards.  It relieved so much stress and all of my muscles felt warm and strong - exactly the feeling you want after a hard workout.  Here in Oregon there's not much opportunity to sweat, so it also did wonders for my skin.  I can't wait to go back tomorrow!


I've also been tracking my calorie and water intake.  Lately I've been bad about drinking water, so it's really important to track it so I know how much to drink and it forces me to drink more!  


As for the calories, I have a limit each day and have been very good about staying within that range.  I've been eating a lot of soups lately, which are filling, but low in calories.  I've also been eating more fiber and taking probiotics and a great pre-natal vitamin.  {Prenatals are great for ALL women, not just pregnant women}  


I think I'm making good progress towards a healthier, happier life!  How are your New Year's resolutions coming along?