Happy May 5th!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  I had to work this morning, two communion groups & individuals all before noon!  Whew-wee!  Those things are hard work, so it got me thinking about relaxing, and having a lil' Mexican inspired celebration.  Not that salsa and tequila have all that much to do with Mexican heritage, freedom, or the the Battle of Puebla where they defeated the powerful French army.  But I suppose they have more to do with May-he-co than my go to alcohol - whisky, or my go to snack - cheese.  I always enjoy make (and eating!) themed food.

I love green salsa, but since this was my first attempt I was afraid to only make the verde kind.  Plus who doesn't like regular tomato salsa?  

This recipe is called Tomatillo Salsa Verde.  I have been a little out of my head lately, and I just realized I never read the directions.  Apparently, I was supposed to roast or boil the tomatillos, opps!  Oh well, it still tasted good.  

This recipe is called Fresh Tomato Salsa.  Both recipes I found on SimplyRecipes.  When I'm looking for a specific recipe I google image search the name of the dish, and pick the best photo that has a recipe with it.  I use a similar technique when buying cookbooks, because if there is any book you should judge by it's cover it's definitely a cookbook.  :) Besides Joy of Cooking, if a cookbook doesn't  have great photos to accompany the recipes, then I wont be buying it.  

The verde salsa had the perfect amount of heat for me.  I recently went to an authentic taqueria, ya know, authentic in the way that the menu is in spanish, they also rent DVDs and CDs, and I get funny looks for pronouncing carnitas wrong.  When the lovely lady was bagging my food, she stopped to ask if I wanted salsa, and I could tell she definitely did not expect me to pick the green kind.  It usually has a little more kick to it than regular salsa, but the spiciness is lighter than hot salsa.  I love dribbling it over some melty enchiladas.  

AND I spent the rest of my day hanging out with our new ... DOGGIE!!! YAY!  We inherited him from my Great Aunt.  I never knew her all that well, but my Grandad had reconnected with her in recent years, and back in December her health turned for the worst.  She's been in the hospital since, and it doesn't look like she'll be coming home.  Before her health declined she had asked my Grandfather, when the time came to find her pup a good home.  It's a sad circumstance to become a dog owner, but we were happy to give the little guy a home, and keep him out of the shelter.  Plus isn't he just so darn cute!?!

He came with the name Scooch, but that's not really our style.  His new name is Moose.  Mostly because he makes crazy noises when he gets excited especially on walks.  Kind of like a goose really, but we didn't think Goose would make a good dog name.  It mostly makes me think of goosing someone, thus that name was decidedly not a winner.  Though moose rolls right off my tongue, and we can call him Moosie.  Plus it's obvious that I like naming my pets after other animals (ie. our recently passed cat's name was Cricket, ya know the bug, and bugs are animals right? awe, I miss crick, she was a sweet kitty ... )  

Anywho, hope ya'll are having a great weekend, and happy DIYing, chris!  

P.S.  See I told you I haven't been with it lately, I totally forgot it was saturday, thus missing Saturday Blogger Love.  Ut-oh, how about tomorrow?  Silly me ...

Fun Friday Fascinations #4

Since I decided to continue posting my internet finds on fridays, I made a cute lil' banner. 

I had a lot of fun making this guy.  I could tool around in GIMP all day making silly little patterns and graphics.  Well I'm not sure this is advanced enough to be considered a true 'graphic', but let's not put our snob hats on, and instead let's bask in the glory of my newbie GIMP skills.  I'm in love with Miss Tina's Fonts and Brittany Murphy's fonts.  Makes me want to get into creating fonts!  Anyway on to my Fun Friday Fascinations!  Trying to get inspired to get back into DIYing everyday, I hit the internet hard, and came up with some lovely gems.  

This painted rug idea is genius.  I found this great tutorial on The idea Room.  I've found tons of different patterns people have been painting on their rugs, but this damask stencil adds an extra level of sophistication.   I love patterns, and I wish everything I own had some sort of pattern on it.  

Similar idea as the rug, but Love Maegan applied lace and some fabric pens to a pair of white pants.  I'd love to try this out on some cloth napkins.  OR you could be super daring, and try it on a couch or an accent chair!  

I always enjoy cuddling up with a good book, and this book igloo by Miler Lagos would make the perfect reading nook.  Throw a quilt and some pillows in there, and the only way you'd get me out is with some food. :)  

I haven't dyed my hair in ages, and ever since I started reading Kaylah's blog I've been pining over her colorful locks.  I'm not allowed to dye my hair fun colors because of the strict dress code at work, but the season is ending, and this cute dip dyed look might be the perfect way to jump back into dying my hair.  I found this great tutorial on how to dip dye  your hair over on Oh So Pretty Diaries.  

I need a new pair of prescription glasses badly.  My current glasses fall off my face whenever I look down.  I love the color of this pair of glasses by BonLook.  They are called Urban Dandy, and the color is Tortoise Havana.  Plus I love what BonLook represents, reading their 'about us' page makes me want to buy a pair of their glasses right now.  

This Mint, Cucumber and Lime Crush drink by Sweet Paul looks extra refreshing.  When Aaron and I were on our honeymoon in New Orleans, I had an alcoholic drink that had cucumbers and basil in it.  I was obsessed with it last summer, and I haven't seen in around since New Orleans.  I'm not much of a drinker, but all this stress of house hunting makes me want to knock back a few and relax.  

Have a great friday ya'll, and happy DIYing, chris!

Handmade Card

Trying to stick to my goal this month on posting more DIYs, so here is the birthday card (with envelope!) I made for Aaron.  I've made a variation of this before.  I got the idea from The Ultimate Cardmaker, which is a fantastic book on card making.  If you have any interest in cardmaking this book is a must buy.  This book will generate enough inspiration for years and years of card making.  

The book suggest using teabag folding papers.  I had never heard of that type of paper the first time I made this card.  Of course I googled it, and so I decided to cut origami paper into 1.5 inch squares.  

Step 1:  Cut origami paper into 1.5 inch squares.  You'll need 7.  

Step 2:  Fold the squares in half both ways.

Step 3:  Fold the squares on their diagonal.  

Step 4:  Pinch the middle in, and flatten into a triangle.  

Step 5:  On one side fold the the triangle arms under, making a square in the middle.  On the other side fold the tips that are sticking out back.

Step 6:  Make seven of these little guys.  For some reason only six made it into this photo ... opps.  

Step 7:  Now start attaching the seven squares together.  Begin by folding half of the top square back, and apply a quick drying glue.  Weave the next piece in by placing the triangle flap over your glue splotch, and press the top flap over the piece you placed over the glue.  

Step 8:  Keep repeating this process.  I found it was best to layer moving in a counterclockwise motion.  

Step 9: This is what it should look like before you slip in the last piece.  

Step 10:  Place the last piece the same way you did the other pieces, and then glue the other side in, but layer on top of the first piece.  

Glue the paper medallion down on a long card.  I made my card by folding some handmade paper in half, and taking a couple inches off the bottom.  I glued some twine and yarn under the bottom to make it kind of look like an award.  In the book they use ribbons, and I did that the first time I tried this, and it looked awesome too.  

When all the ribbons or string/twine are in place hot glue a button to the center.  Now you're card is complete.  I stamped 'happy birthday' across the top, and wrote a little love note on the inside.  

Now for making an envelope.  Once you learn this technique you can make an envelope for any handmade card, no template necessary.  

Step 1: Get a piece of scrapbook paper, and trace the card in the center of the paper.

Step 2:  Measure the width of your card, divide that number in half and then add a half inch.  Measure that distance away from the long outside edge.  Draw a line, and then using our ruler angle in from the corners.  For the short ends, measure 2.5 inches up, and draw a line, and then angle in from the corners again.  

Step 3:  Cut the envelope out.  If you wanted to line the inside of the envelope now would be the time.  

Step 4:  Place the card face down over the center, and fold the bottom flap up.

Step 5:  Fold the sides in.

Step 6:  Run a line of glue down both edges of the bottom flap, and smooth the side flaps down.  Then add a line of glue to the right side flap edge, and smooth the left flap over it.  

Step 7:  Now glue the top flap down.  You could also use a sticker to close it, or if you are into wax seals that would be super awesome.  

Step 8:  Finish off by stamping 'happy birthday' on the front of the envelope.  Now you're done!  

Hope ya'll liked this DIY, and happy DIYing, chris.

April Wrap-up

Here is a look back at April:

For Nom Nom Monday's we had Bacon Mac & Cheese, Mini Pastel Cupcakes, Vegetable Tian, and Cheesy Thyme Mashed Potatoes.

My One Year Wedding Anniversary was on the 16th! I did a series of posts on How We Met, our Wedding Stationary, our Wedding Cupcake Toppers plus a Pinwheel DIY, our Wedding Decor, the Wedding Ceremony Decorations, our Wedding Guestbook, some Wedding and Honeymoon (New York & New Orleans) photos, and ended it with our Mini Wedding Anniversary Staycation.  

We celebrated Easter with some dino dyed easter eggs, a cute outfit post with bunny plushies, and  we hung out with some cute doggies!

Sadly we had to say goodbye to our wonderful kitty Cricket.  I still miss her everyday.  

I posted a couple outfit posts including my wedding anniversary present, what I wore on our mini staycation.  I also posted another Photo an Hour, and more pictures of me from my previous years.  

Not much on the DIY front this month.  I'm sorry, that seems awful to go against my namesake.  I was DIYing just nothing blog worthy.  I did manage to sneak this awesome dog brooch in at the last second.  Plus the awesome Pinwheel DIY I posted as part of my wedding anniversary series.  

Hope ya'll had a fantastic hump day, and Happy DIYing!  I promise there will be more DIY's this month, chris. 

Happy Birthday, Aaron!!!

Wow, May really snuck up on me.  Since yesterday was Monday I didn't do an April wrap-up, and I'm going to skip it again, because ... today is Aaron's BIRTHDAY! Yay, Aaron!  I love him bunches!  I'm happy to be with him for another birthday, and I look forward to many more in the years to come!  

Aaron's mom makes a fantastic cake, any kind - she can bake it.  So of course Aaron has a favorite cake recipe, and it's yellow cake with chocolate frosting.  It's mostly about the frosting, Melinda (my mother-in-law) has the most amazing frosting recipe.  While we lived with them out in California (where Aaron's from) she taught me how to make a sheet cake with her fantastic frosting.  For the first time, I attempted to make a layered cake.

I think I did pretty dang good for my first time.  I also attempted those cute 'happy birthday' banners too.  I've been seeing them around the internet a lot, and they were easy to make.  Plus we only had one candle, but I did have all the stuff to make the bunting.  

I've made cake from scratch before, but usually red velvet, so the yellow cake from scratch was another first.  My mom told me I should enter a contest with my cake, but she usually likes everything having to do with chocolate.  :)  Everyone agreed it was good.  I thought it was a nice creamy flavor, and very moist.  Definitely different from my usual Duncan Hines box mix.  Another baking tip Melinda taught me, Duncan is the best box mix, and I totally agree.  

On a similar topic I also worked on my May calendar today.

As usually with my LARGE family there are a lot of birthdays. Happy B-day Aaron, Happy Birthday Chris Helmerson (my brother on the 9th), Happy B-day Regina (my cousin on the 16th, and Happy Birthday Michael (another cousin on the 18th)!!!!  Plus we can celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day.  I like how Cinco de Mayo's day turned out.  

Here is the top of my May calendar. 

Until tomorrow, Happy DIYing, chris. 

Cheese Thyme Mashed Potatoes

Happy Nom Nom Monday!  For today's recipe I made Cheesy Thyme Mashed Potatoes.  This was the largest amount of mashed potatoes I've ever made, and they turn out really tasty.  My mom even said that next year for Thanksgiving, I should bring the mashed potatoes!  

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

- 10 medium sized russet potatoes

- 2 tablespoons of milk

- 3 heaping tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese

- 4 heaping tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese

- 6 cloves of garlic (minced)

- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme

- 2 tablespoons of salt

- 2 tablespoons of salt

Directions:

Halfway fill a large sauce pan with hot water.  Place the pan on the stove on high, add the salt, and bring the water to a boil.  While the water is heating up, clean off the potatoes, and partially skin them.  I skin the potatoes so they are left striped.  I like to leave a little skin on, I love the texture it creates in the final mash.  However, I have had mashed potatoes that have way too much skin in them, so be carefully not to leave too much on.  Then chop the potatoes up in half inch chunks.  Once the water is boiling drop the potatoes in.  Cover, and lower the heat a little, let the potatoes soak for twenty minutes.  When they are soft, drain the water off, return to the stove, and heat on low for a minute to cook off any excess moisture.  

Now add in the milk, butter, both cheeses (leave a tablespoon of each for a topping), garlic, and thyme.  Mash the ingredients into the potatoes until you have a creamy mashed potato mixture.  Scoop the cheesy thyme mashed potatoes into a serving dish, and sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top.  Place the potatoes in the oven, and let it heat up to 215ºF.  In five minutes or when the cheese is melted over the top the cheesy thyme mashed potatoes are ready to serve.  

These were the best mashed potatoes I've had in a long time!  I'm always up for a cheesy thyme!  The thyme added a lovely flavor, and complemented the cheeses nicely.  Everyone loves mashed potatoes in my family, and this is a nice change from the classic mashed potatoes we devour.   Does your family enjoy mashed potatoes?  Do you add anything to your mashed potatoes?  Happy DIYing, chris!

Dog Brooch Make-over

We went to a dog show today, because I love doggies.  I want one soooo sooo sooo bad!  I feel like I've been waiting forever for the right time to get a puppy.  We saw so many cuties today, but the waiting continues, cause you can't buy dogs at dog shows.  Or at least not the two I've gone to. 

When I got home I was inspired to work on my doggie pin DIY.  I've had this dog pin since I was a kid, so I thought it was time for a little make-over.  This DIY is easy as pie, and faster than the road runner!  I used acrylic paint and a small wooden stick, a toothpick would work too.  I keep small tin lids to use as paint trays.

Working from the bottom up, I carefully made polka dots on the little pin.  I made dots in a straight line, and worked my way up, off setting the next line from the previous.  

The paint dried in minutes, and I was able to put it on for some pics!  Actually I haven't taken it off, because I think it's so cute!  

Hope ya'll had a great weekend, and happy DIYing, chris.