Book Review: Big Red Barn

We went to the bookstore this weekend looking for new books for Siena. I was sure that the bookstore would have a nice selection compared to the superstores that I normally shop at.

Well, I was very disappointed. I kept comparing each book to books that I had as a child. In the end, I did find one book that had a great story with good illustrations.

Big Red Barn
By: Margaret Wise Brown

This book has a couple lines per page just enough but not too much that it loses Siena’s interest. In addition, the book rhymes, which I really like. This book teaches colors, animal sounds, and opposites within the story where it’s NOT just saying “this is a red ball” with a picture of a red ball. And Siena seems to really enjoy the book.

As a side note, Big Red Barn is by the same author as Goodnight Moon, but I have to say, in my opinion, Big Red Barn is far superior.

I will try the bookstore again to see if I can find additional books for Siena, but in the mean time, I guess I will be forced to read her my books from when I was a child – yes I still have them.

Layout: 7.17.10

Supplies used: October Afternoon, Tim Holtz, Echo Park,

Bazzill, and American Crafts.

Inspired by this layout

The Meal my Dad Missed

I offered for my dad to come over to dinner, since my mom is out of town. But he ended up not coming over, that's ok more for me. But I'll try again tonight to give away the yummy dark chocolate cake.

BBQ Chicken Pizza on the Grill

It's my new love! And my best one yet, although there is a huge hole in the middle of my pizza.

You HAVE to have all the ingredients ready to go BEFORE you put the dough on the grill because it will go fast.

Ingredients:
1 package of canned pizza dough (you could make your own but this works good and it's easy)
BBQ sauce
Cilantro, chopped
Chicken, cubed
Mozzarella Cheese, grated
Onions, chopped

Preheat the grill, spray with cooking spray (like Pam). Unroll pizza dough and cover with some olive oil.

I turn the grill down low so that the dough doesn't burn.

Keep checking the dough to make sure it gets grill marks but doesn't burn.

Turn all the burners off but one and flip the dough over. Pile all your ingredients on and then turn the other burners back on low and close the lid so that it cooks and melts the cheese. Keep checking it.

Oatmeal Fruit Salad

Another really easy recipe!

Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 - 2 cups of fruit (anything in season or can of fruit cocktail)
1 packet of cinnamon swirl instant oatmeal

Mix everything together.

Dark Chocolate Cake with Butter cream Frosting

This one I cheated on and had help from Duncan Hines.

Layout: Cousins

I try to get a layout done a day, on days that I am home with Siena. I "reward" myself during Siena's naps after I do laundry, clean, prep dinner, etc.

Below is a layout I completed using mostly October Afternoon products.




Inspired by:

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/gallery/member/56856-melanie-brewin/1655035-about-a-bull/?c=t

Ribbon Book

I made my daughter a book of ribbons for her to play with and chew on, since she loves to put every tag (like toy and clothing tags) in her mouth.

I took a piece of fleece and using my sewing machine (that I've only used for scrapbooking) stiched on loops of ribbon in different sizes and textures. Then I stitched two pieces of fleece together with the ribbon tabs on the outside. Below is the results...

Planning 1st Birthday

I am in the process of planning my daughter's first birthday party. I want it to be extra special, since her birthday is only 3 days after Christmas.

I chose my color palette of blue, red and white. I first fell in love with this color palette from this blog I am in love the shirt and tutu the little girl is wearing! (Which reminds me I need to contact my husband's cousin and see if she can make a tutu for me) And then this blog confirmed the color palette for me. I love the polka dot cake...too cute.

Well now that I know the color scheme and my daughter's outfit. I guess next up will be the menu and decor.

Getting Organized with Baby on the Way

Since I am 21 weeks pregnant and I know that once baby comes I am not going to have as much time to scrapbook I want to be caught up by the time the baby makes it's appearance. My next issue is that my house is on the market, so I have to keep my scrapping room "clean". And my scrapbook desk is usually a disaster especially when I am in the middle of a project.

Well I came up with a solution and it seems to be working so far. I created my own scrapbook "kits". As I have time, usually at night while I am watching tv, I create/sort my "kits".

Below is a list of steps I used:
1) Take all photos and seperated them by layouts and put them in 13x15 "ziplock" bags
2) Write titles and journaling for each layout and add to the bags
3) Look through scrapbook magazines/online galleries to find layout ideas and place in the bag
4) Go through stash and pull pattern paper and cardstock and add to the bags
5) Optional...add emellishments for each layout to bags (especially helpful if you are the type of person to you buy a specific embellishment for a layout and then forget about the embellishment until after the layout is created)

Now the next time I want to scrapbook I can pull out a "kit" and everything is right there. And if something interrupts me (hopefully someone wanting to look at the house!) I can put everything back in the "bag" and hide it away until next time.