Design an Owl

SO I had a suggestion from a wonderful fan, Brina, to have a contest of ideas for new owls. So without further ado, here it is.

Please put in the comments what type of owls you would like to see created. This contest will stay open until April 3rd at Noon (PST).

The winner will receive free owl/s (you will need to pay shipping charges) for the completed first owl/s. The winner will be selected by myself and husband, I have to determine how to make them. :)

You must be a member of my blog to win. Pass this along to anyone who would like free owls for a good imagination!

Randomosity

So here are some random facts about me:

1. I love funky socks. Toes socks are my favorite. Any fluffy, bright or unusual socks will brighten my day!

2. Bubbles are the shiznit! My favorite evening activity in the summer is sitting in the backyard blowing bubbles. They are a huge stress reliever.

3. I have naturally curly, very thick hair. I love it long, but it is so much easier short. And the only person who has ever cut it right is a lady in the small town of McGill, NV. This is where my Grandparents use to live. Population like 300 or something. She was amazing!

4. I love to yell. Not sure why, but I LOVE being loud. I laugh loud, talk loud, yell very loudly. You can hear me down the block. :)

5. I am a damn good mother. I am not perfect, I totally screw up. But I love being a mother and I am good at it. I am not their friend, but I am always here for them, and they know that.

6. I Love Lucy is my Sunday morning staple. I get up with Tin (my 12 year old) and sip my coffee and enjoy an hour or so of Lucy. Makes any Sunday a good one.

7. Animals have a soft spot in my heart.

8. I have a hard time sugar coating my words. I like to tell it how it is. Sometimes it hurts people feelings, but hey, don't ask if you don't want to know. Even if you don't ask, I will probably still tell you. LOL

9. I have a contagious laugh. Many people have told me. I usually do not laugh alone, and most of the time everyone is laughing at me...LOL.

10. My Man is my Best Friend. Yes, we are besties...he even told me this morning.

11. I buy more fabric then I think I will ever use. Ok, well, I doubt that, but I do have ALOT. I have been told I could open my own fabric store. I do not see this as bad though! :)

12. I like to yell, did I say that already?  WHAT?! :)

Meatballs

Awwwww Meatballs! I love em. My family loves em. Honestly how could you not?! I love taking the time to make fresh home made ones. You can mix them in with Spaghetti sauce, or serve them with Mac n Cheese! The possibilities are endless.

This is the easiest recipe in the world. You can also improvise also with whatever you have in your cupboards. This is the basics.

1lb of ground pork
2 large eggs
1/2 cups of bread crumbs
1 1/2 packages of Ritz crackers
1 Tbsp of Garlic (if you want)
Salt and pepper (about a tsp each)

Put the pork and the bread crumbs in a bowl. Then crunch up the Ritz crackers over the top.

Then add the eggs and the garlic and spices.

Knead the mixture together with your hands. It should feel lightly slimy (because of the two eggs). If you would like to add a couple more crackers you can, but the sliminess is good for moisture!

Preheat Oven to 350°
Next roll out 1" balls of meat! The kids LOVE to do this. Ok, well they love to do the first 2, then they are over it and you are stuck doing the rest. (Also, maybe one day I should buy new cookie sheets. Ha, these are looking there age.)

Cook on 350° for 50-60 minutes. Then they will look like these beautiful balls!

Take them off the pan and place on a plate with a paper towel. Then you can use them for whatever! I usually freeze most of them. Then I can take them out as needed. Perfect for the meal night you do not want to get to intense.

ENJOY!

Special Lunch

So I try to surprise my man everyone once in awhile and meet up at his work and go to lunch. Especially when I have days were I am sick of being at home with the baby, or I just need a little more TLC then normal (see it really is for me, but I will pretend it is for him).

Today I went to his work and surprised him. Then me, him and Mr. Too Hotty (our 10 month old) went to lunch. We sat and talked and just hung out. It was fun, and a wonderful break from our hectic week.

As we were leaving I told the cashier I would like to pick up the tab for the couple in the corner booth. Now, I am not sure if you all do this from time to time, but I LOVE doing it. It is the thrill of them not finding out until you are gone!! I have done this MANY of times, so now it doesn't shock my dream babe anymore, he just smiles.

I love doing this for a couple of reasons:
1. It makes me feel like I can give something to someone. Maybe they were having a bad day, or a good day. Hopefully this will make it a little better.
2. I believe people will pay it forward. I have a lot of faith in people that when something good happens to them, they might step out of their comfort zone and do something good for someone else.
3. The thrill of them not knowing until they ask for the check and we are long gone!:)

Now I have had waitresses ruin it and tell the people while we are still paying and they get up and thank us over and over or say it is not needed. That pisses me off. LOL I like it to go incognito! I have also had waitresses ask if I pay for their dinner, which I reply with a half laugh and say sorry no.

This couple today knew nothing. It just makes me feel blessed that we can still afford to do this from time to time. I have had a very blessed life the last year or so (not without it's ups and downs believe me). I feel like it is good to do something unexpected and out of the ordinary for others. And it makes me feel good inside. :)

Breakfast for Dinner Casserole

You know there is those nights you totally want breakfast, dinner style. Well this recipe will even work for the picky eaters (my husband). I have learned that casseroles are a must at least one night a week. This is a new one that has been a huge hit in my abode.

4 medium to Large Potatoes
1lb of ground pork
1 fresh red pepper
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
6 eggs
1tbsp Minced Garlic
Salt and Pepper

Peel and shred the potatoes into a bowl. You can use frozen if you like, but I love the taste of fresh potatoes. Crack and put all 6 eggs in separate bowl. Dice up the red pepper and place in separate bowl.

Melt  the butter in the microwave for 45sec to 1 minute. Pour over the shredded potatoes and toss to coat all the potatoes in the butter.

Preheat oven to 350°

Spray casserole dish with Pam and layer the bottom with the potatoes.

Add the garlic and the salt and pepper to the eggs. Also add the cheese.

Mix the diced red peppers and fold it all together.

Oh.....HAHAHAHA Make sure you cook the pork!
Take the cooked pork and place it on top of the shredded potatoes.

Pour the eggs and cheese mixture over the sausage and potatoes.

Place in oven at 350° for 50-60 minutes. To make sure it is done, stick a tooth pick in the middle. It should come out clean.
 

This is what it should look like!

ENJOY!

When you know life is real

Have you ever had one of those moments, hours, days, weeks? I just had one. Where you connect with everyone and everything around you, and realize how real life is. I know that sounds stupid, but how many of us just go about our days and not take the time to look around, or talk to someone different. My night was just turned upside down, and my soul as a mother cries.

I waited for my husband to come home from his model airplane club and the kids were already in bed. I talked to him about his day and what not, and told him I was gonna jump in the shower and go grocery shopping. I like to do this late at night (11pm tonight) because it gives me a chance to decompress and not compulse buy (which is what I tell myself, when the real truth is sometimes it SUCKS taking a 10 month old into a store will a million people!).

I head out the door and drive to the store. As soon as I pull into the parking lot I see this pink jacket with a girl inside with the hood pulled over her head. She is sitting on the concrete with her head on her knees just looking out into the parking lot. First thought, "Where the hell are her parents?!" So I watch 1 couple walk into the store and the a clerk walk out of the store, no one saying anything to this girl. I grabbed my cart and walked up to her. She looked up at me and I figured she was about middle school age.

"Hi honey. Are you ok?"

"No. I am lost. I figured I would sit here in the light until I saw a security or a police office drive by and then I would have him help me."

(WHAT????) *Is what I was thinking.
"How long have you been out here?" (It is now 11:20ish pm)

"When the sun went down. I am not sure. I got lost in the dark."

"Ok, well what is your parents number and we will call them and I will take you home."

"I do not have parents. I am staying at a group home."

(My heart just fell onto the floor.)
"What is the group home called? We can call them and bring you back."

"I am not sure but the ladies name is ________. And the name of the foster center is _______."

"My name is Renee. What is yours?"

She tells me.
Ok so now the heart inside me has broken into a million pieces. I don't know if she is lying (which totally didn't seem like it) and she is a run away or what. So I did the smart thing.

"How about we call the police and have them come help us out?"

She looked at me and started crying and said yes. She said she has been sitting here ALL NIGHT WAITING for someone to help her. So I called and they said they would be out as soon as they could.  So I asked her if she wanted to help me shop, and she said sure.

So as we are shopping I am asking a million questions, how long have you been here, where do you go to school, do you have siblings. She would answer them, shyly and had a hard time looking at me, but she did answer them.

An hour went by and I was done shopping and standing there talking to her and some of the store clerks (they found out what was going on when I was outside initially talking with her). There was still no police officer.  I didn't know what to do, but I sure didn't want to leave her in the store at midnight (even though the store is 24 hours). I called the non-emergency number again and they said they got very busy and will be out soon. So I sat and talked to her. Very smart, articulate girl. Didn't smile much, but can't blame her.

Finally the officer showed up. I gave her a piece of paper with my name and number on it and told her if she EVER needed to talk or go to coffee or anything, to call me. She said she would. Then she gave me a hug, YES A HUG, and said that was the first time someone has taken her grocery shopping since her mother died 3 years ago.

I got into my car and sat there and cried for at least 10 minutes. As I cry now writing this. Then the questions flood in. Why did no one else go up to her? Why did no other person even see if she needed help? Why didn't she just stop someone and ask for help?

There are times in our life people come into our world and help us, and there are times we go into theirs and help them. I was ment to be there tonight. I hope to hear from her tomorrow and many more days and weeks and months and year from now. I hope that we will have a ever lasting friendship, and I hope she knows that not everyone has given up on her. Cause I wont, I never will. I am a Mom. I will never give up, on any kid. No matter if they are mine or not.

Favorites from St Patty's Day

I woke up in the mood of St. Patty's Day green! I needed a fresh Green bright outlook on my day. So I hit Etsy. I love all these little finds! I hope you enjoy them as well.

Apple Green Cotton Fabric Messenger Bag

Grass Green Cotton Scarf

Annabelle Ruffle Rosette

Embroidered Shamrock Necklace

Green Sling Baby Carrier

Pistashio Green Bolero Scarf Shawl

Printed Memories

So my little man is almost 10 months. I cannot believe it. Every time I think of doing a hand print or foot print time goes bye, and I don't get to it. So today after his second morning nap I decided to do it.

I used a thin (.6) piece of Chip board. Then I spray painted it grey (was going to use on a different project, but that was kaput). You should use finger paint, but I had none so I just used this. I just made sure I washed the paint off immediately!

He loves to flip things over. So this picture was very difficult! LOL

I painted his hand and let him pat the paper (usually babies hate to have cold slimy stuff on their hands). If you want to use a spare paper for then to do that I would suggest to. But I like that he made a big blog of handprints. :)

Then I painted his foot and put it on the paper. Feet are 10 times easier!!! Sometimes they like to wiggle their toes though. But he was a good boy!

 Then I just added how old he is at the top. You can paint that one if you are good at that. I have chicken scratch, so these were perfect!

See, after I feed him him cleaned him up and gave him apple slices, he could care less! :) Babies are resilient!

Baby Jar Cakes

My guest post on:

Do you have a million baby jars laying around your house like me. You wash them but can't find the heart to throw them in recycle? Yeah me to. So I have been seeing all these "Mason Jar Cakes" and thought, "Hey, since I am on a diet, I could totally do it in baby jars and maybe justifiy a small treat every once in awhile!"

So I decided that this is what I would do on a Saturday afternoon. 

First gather your cake mix and all ingredients. If you want different colors, use food coloring. You will need a spray oil to coat the jars. I washed the jars by hand with the bottle brush, then ran through the dish washer on "Sanitize" mode.

Start by spraying all the jars with cooking oil. This will make them not stick in the jars. Once they are done they will slide right out of the jar!

I divided the cake mix into three bowls and added food coloring.

 Add batter to the half way mark in the jar. I did some slightly over halfway and it mushroomed out the top! LOL

Line them all up on a cookie sheet. I used the temperature for the 13x9 pan (350 degrees). They cooked approximately 30-35 minutes.

About 10 minutes before they are done take all the lids and put them in water and boil it on the stove. This will seal the jars.

Once the jars come out of the over the cake should look something like this!

 Take the lids out of the boiling water with tongs.

 Lay them on the top of the jars

With a rag, twist the lids on the jar.

*WARNING*
The jar and the lids are super hot!

 Flip the jar upside down and clean up your kitchen! LOL We went and watched Ghostbusters!!
Soon you will hear, POP POP POP coming from the kitchen. That is the jar sealing!

 Then I went and printed out some labels for the jars! Would be great for party favors or wedding favors.

You can store the sealed jars in a cool dark place (like pantry) for 8-9 months. I have heard up to a year, but I am not sure it would ever stick around my house that long!

You can also freeze them. We always freeze the ones that didn't seal right. They will stay good in the freezer for about 5 months.

Hope you liked this handy trick!

Sofia Bella Couture

 I Would love to introduce a very passionate woman. She started her company from the ground up and promotes local handmade artist's within her company. Please visit and join her blog and Facebook.

Wisdom is the deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to apply perceptions, judgements and actions in keeping with this understanding. 

Beauty refers to psychological factors such as personality, intelligence, grace, politeness, charisma, integrity, congruence and elegance.

With these two attributes, any woman can conquer the world.  And that is what I hope to teach my daughter. 

Welcome to Sofia Bella Couture!  My name is Brandice and this is my story!

On February 1, 2011, Sofia Marie was born.  She was 6 lbs 12 oz of pure perfection.  My life changed forever.  Sofia gave me wings to fly and with those wings I took a leap of faith, trusting that my new found wings would help me soar.  Just like that, the concept for Sofia Bella Couture was born.

Sofia Bella Couture offers unique clothing and accessories for infants, toddlers and children.  To maximize your shopping experience, you must first understand the Sofia Bella Couture concept.  We do not aim to carry cookie cutter clothing options.  Our goal is to provide you with one of a kind options that you will not find anywhere else around town.  We do not mass produce sizes, fabrics or patterns.  Often times, each piece is the only one of its kind.  If you find a particular piece that you would like to order in a different size or color, it is possible that we can custom order it for you.  We carry some national lines but our forte is showcasing the talent and quality craftsmanship of local vendors as well as developing our own Sofia Bella brand. 

We have a brick and mortar retail location in the MoDiv Retail Incubator located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids!  We also sell through our Facebook page, Facebook auctions, Etsy and soon we will be selling through our e-commerce site.