Scrapbooking in 2012

I’m still deciding on what I want to do with regards to my family scrapbook for 2012. I am vacillating between doing an all-digital album and doing what I’ve done the past two years – a combination of Project Life pages and digital pages tucked in between. That’s worked pretty well so far and I’m thinking that may be what I do again.

I like the way those albums have turned out… I get to have the ephemera of everyday life along with the pretty scrapbooked pages all in one place. But they are BIG albums – take a lot of space – and I’m wondering if maybe I want to do an all-digital solution this year. The book will be smaller if I do a digital book, but I’ll lose that touchy-feely stuff.

I have time, though, to think it through. Last year, I was in the same dilemma, so I just gathered all my stuff, as usual, and then when I finally made my decision (I think it was in March) I just had to order the Project Life supplies and get started.

I’m thinking I’m going to go with the same format as the last two years. I like being able to include the kids’ school work and miscellaneous things from our days – brochures, calendars, church bulletins, and the like.

Right now, I’m focusing on finishing the 2011 album!

And my December album. That one will be all digital pages – but I’m putting them in an 8.5×11 book with page protectors. The 8×8 December album last year was just too small for my tastes and 12×12 seems a little overkill for one month’s worth of memories. I found a red 8.5×11 album in my stash that I had purchased for another project, so I’m going to use it.

I’m hoping to show you some pictures from that album later this week and then I’ll have everything printed up all nice & pretty over on scrappingsimply.com. I love their processing (and pricing) and prefer the finish to what I get on my printer at home.

As far as other scrapbooking projects for 2012?

I’m taking Move More | Eat Well over on Big Picture Classes. So far, I love it. Loving the project, the inspiration and the camaraderie of the message boards. Lots of folks doing the same thing I am – trying to get fit and eat right.

Other than that, I have no big plans for scrapbooking in 2012. As busy as life is right now, that’ll probably be all I can handle… unless the irresistible project happens to present itself.

One never knows…

Scrapbook Tuesday (thoughtsalonglifeshighway.com)
Journal Your Christmas – are you in? (thoughtsalonglifeshighway.com)
More Scrappin’ (hooray) (thoughtsalonglifeshighway.com)

What I’m Reading Right Now (2011 Recap)

I’m reading a great book right now- it’s a monster (700+ pages!) but it is so good I don’t even mind the fact that it is quite a project to read. I’ll share some thoughts about it in an upcoming post, but I thought that today I’d share a recap of some of my favorite reads from 2011.

You will recall I do a monthly “What I’m Reading Right Now” post. You can check those out for more detailed reviews of the books.

Here are my top five favorite books for 2011: (in no particular order)

The Cupcake Bakery Mysteries. These were sooo cute. I am looking forward to #4 in the series.
A Discovery of Witches. This was an awesome book. I believe there is another one coming out for this series, too. Can’t wait.
The Peach Keeper. I love anything by Sarah Addison Allen. She is such a talented writer.
Juliet. Romeo & Juliet reinvented. Very engrossing.
Prayers for Sale. This one was so, so good. Great characters, great story.

And one more for good measure:

Game of Thrones (I’m reading it right now, but started in 2011, so it counts, right? REALLY good. More on this one soon.

What about you? What were your favorite books in 2011?

Are you planning any good reads for 2012? I’m hoping to read the next installment of Game of Thrones and I’ve got these books on my to-read wish list on my Nook:

Does the Noise in my Head Bother You? Steven Tyler
After watching him on Oprah’s new show, I’m very curious to read this one.
Secret Daughter
This one looks very intriguing. A story of two women – the one who gave up a baby girl for adoption and the adoptive mother.
The Secret Cardinal
To satisfy my adventure-story needs.
John Adams
The story of the second president. Sounds really good.

Well, that’s it for now. I’m sure I’ll be adding more books to my wish list…

I’d love to hear from you on any suggestions you may have!

I did it!

So, if you have read my blog for any amount of time, you are aware that I had gastric bypass surgery in 2010. (you can read the whole back story here)

One of the things that led me to this dramatic change was an increasing awareness that I wasn’t able to do all the things I wanted to do – I found myself, one Saturday, all alone at home while my family went on a hike together.

A hike I wanted, desperately, to do, but knew that, at my size, I probably couldn’t do. (or at least, if I even attempted it, I’d embarrass myself and my family with my huffing, puffing and bajillion stops I’d have to make)

It was then that I decided that things had to change.

And soon. (you can read that story here)

The last two years have been an amazing journey. I have been through so many changes, inside and out, and I really feel like a completely different person.

I still struggle with my eating (and why I eat) and have to maintain a constant vigil on what I put in my mouth – that will never change. (and I don’t really want it to. It keeps me aware and reminds me of why I did what I did.)

However, one thing that I haven’t attempted yet was that hike.

And I did it.

On New Year’s Day.

What a fitting way to kick off a new year.

I didn’t wake up thinking “today is the day I’m going to hike that mountain.”

I hadn’t really even thought about it.

But, as life sometimes does, things just worked out to where that is what I found myself doing on Sunday afternoon.

I had mentioned to SuperMan that I wanted to go for a walk and why didn’t we take the kids hiking. He suggested the mountain we live on (or next to, depending on your geographical opinions) and I said sure.

It wasn’t until we were walking the trail that I realized WHAT I WAS DOING.

HEY! (I thought)

I’M WALKING THIS TRAIL! THIS VERY SAME TRAIL I WAS SO STINKIN’ AFRAID OF TWO YEARS AGO!

OH.MY.GOSH!

And not only did I walk it… I did it pretty quickly and with only a few stops along the way to catch my breath!

I was so excited!

I can’t begin to tell you the sense of accomplishment and “full-circled-ness” that I had as we reached the top of the mountain that afternoon. As I stood there looking out over the valley I marveled at the fact that I had actually accomplished something that had so intimidated me two years ago that I had hidden at home in shame. I was overwhelmed and humbled at the thought of the journey I’ve been on – and reinvigorated to go the next stage of the journey and KEEP ON GOING.

I sat there on the rocks and just marveled at myself. I had no idea, when I started this weight loss journey two years ago, if I really COULD do this. I feared I’d have the surgery and still be a fat failure. As I sat there I realized I am a stronger person that I sometimes give myself credit for. Stronger and more determined.

It felt SO GOOD. I am PROUD of myself. And that is a nice feeling.

I still have some weight to lose. I am still not where I want to be. I got a little sidetracked last year when I hit a size and thought “wow! THIS is cool.” and then promptly quit doing a lot of the things I was doing.

But, I’m reinvigorated and re-motivated. I’m ready. I’m willing. and I’m most definitely able.

The mountain may not be Everest, but it seemed that way to me two years ago. It might as well have been Everest for the insurmountability it seemed to have to me. Now, the mountain represents something entirely different to me.

It represents accomplishment. It represents do-ability. It represents a strength I didn’t know I had. And it will remind me of the things I can do even when I think I can’t.

2012 is going to be even better.

Just wait.

Pinterest is dangerous

I could spend hours (and sometimes do) looking at Pinterest.

The creativity and ideas are just stunning…

The trick, though, is to not get bogged down in LOOKING and use it as a springboard for DOING.

Today I took advantage of a little free time and did just that.

I found this pin:

And I thought that the cover would be really nice for my bible.

I followed the link to the blog where there were some samples (so pretty!)

And then I remembered the fat quarters I had in my drawer that were originally going to be napkins but Big Girl and I decided they were too pretty to be napkins. So, they were just waiting to be used…

Hmmm…

I wonder if they’d be big enough for a bible cover?

I pulled up the website where this project was and tried to figure out how to make it without spending money on a pattern. I mean, it’s basically a rectangle, right? How hard could it be?

So, I fiddled and pinned (and called Mom to talk it through) and finally figured it out.

It fits perfectly!

If I’d had a little more fabric, I would’ve made the insides a little longer, but I think it is good enough.

Now, I wonder what else I can make that I find on Pinterest?!?

My newest obsession (thoughtsalonglifeshighway.com)

The mischievous elf

Christmas is over and the decorations are all put away until next year…

and Jingle the Elf has gone back to the North Pole to hang out with Santa and the other elves until it’s time for him to come back to visit us next year.

I thought, though, that I’d share with you the final exploits of Jingle’s visit to us…

I think he really outdid himself this year. I’m beginning to wonder what next year will bring – the more he is with us, the more mischief he gets into.

You can see what I mean:

There were “snow angels” on the kitchen counter (in my flour)

And lights in the hurricane lamps…

A little fishing expedition in the fish tank (that, thankfully, yielded no fish)

And a date with Barbie (he has a thing for Barbies, I think)

Played games with the critters…

And ate some kisses… which he ate and shared with the girls.

Reading Christmas stories…

Flying with the unicorns in Little Bit’s room…

A zipline (!) in the family room…

He watched some TV and took over the remote control…

Loved on Little Bit’s snowman…

Did some hanging around (while we were gone to Ammi’s no less – SuperMan reported nightly on his activities from the night before)

We came home from Ammi’s to find he’d set up a swing set of sorts in the living room…

The girls were pretty amazed to find this whirling around in the living room. I wonder what the housekeepers thought when they came that day?

And the final night was quite a blowout party, apparently, with the Barbies and some New Years’ Eve type décor (complete with strobe lights and disco balls)

Oh my.

Tiny game of Uno… so funny!

So, while the girls are missing Jingle this week, I can’t say I’m sad to see him go. There were quite a few messes to clean up and I’m thinking next year, Jingle needs to bring his own clean-up crew!!

My newest obsession

I think I have found a new love… and the coolest part about it is that there are no calories involved!

I’ve discovered a joy in sewing.

Really.

I never thought of myself as anyone who would enjoy sewing – as a matter of fact, I have traditionally come up with sewing projects and then tried to coerce my mom into making them for me… to her credit, that rarely worked and she usually just coached me along and made me do them myself. But I was always very intimidated and afraid of ye olde sewing machine and shied away from any projects I saw.

Until recently.

Then I got this harebrained idea to make non-calorie-coma-inducing Christmas gifts and I started to search for an easy project.

And these were born.

My girls helped. They were the stuffers and turner-right-side-outers. It was a fun project and everyone seemed to be pleased when they got them for Christmas.

I also made some placemats.

I figured sewing a rectangle couldn’t be that difficult, right?

My finished product:

And they looked nice on my table for Christmas dinner!

Now, I’m considering some new projects for the new year…

I want to make some cheerful napkins to use (I’ve forgone paper napkins in favor of cloth – so much easier (and cheaper!) to use) and I’m considering some other projects that I’ve stumbled across on Pinterest:

How cute is that?

And that!?!?

And mug rugs for my tea cups. So cute!

And if I get really ambitious:

Oh my.

This could be dangerous…

Have you got any great pins on Pinterest?

Let’s follow each other!

Share some ideas!

Weekly Menu Plan

Well, I’m a day late, but that is because I took a little vacation from blogging to celebrate the holidays with my family. I’m sure you can understand.

The girls really enjoyed their Christmas goodies…

We had a very nice Christmas – very peaceful and relaxing – which was nice after the whirlwind trip to my mom’s to see my brother and his family. That was an AWESOME trip, but very tiring. The girls and I are looking forward to a quiet week this week at home. They have asked to not leave the house all week. (LOL) I’m sure that they will change their minds by mid-week, but right now, I’m enjoying being at home and having some down time.

The week’s menu is pretty simple, too. After all the rich foods of the past couple weeks – sweets, party foods, Christmas dinners (three of them!) and the like – I’m ready for something simple.

SuperMan asked specifically that we have no beef this week! He is “meated out” he said. So I’m trying to focus on poultry. Of course, I’ll be sprouting feathers before the week is out!!

Here’s what we’ve got going on this week:

Monday: Salmon Croquettes & Cheese Grits (pizza for Big Girl who doesn’t like fish) (follow the link for links to cheese grits recipes, too)
Tuesday: Turkey in the crock pot (repurposing the leftovers with a creamy base) and rice & veggies
Wednesday: Fajitas/Tacos
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken & Rice (trying a new recipe)
Saturday: Chili – we’re having a little get-together with some friends & I’m taking chili to share
Sunday: Chicken lettuce wraps (PF Chang’s style)

Hop on over to orgjunkie.com for more menu ideas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Here’s to all of you – thank you for visiting my blog this year, for replying to my posts, sharing your thoughts and kind words, for caring about following my silly stories about my family and for trying out my recipes.

It’s such an honor to know that you care and that you enjoy reading my ramblings…

Merry Christmas to all of you
from all of us.

Best-Ever Banana Bread

We’re hanging out at Grandma’s this week, so I’m revisiting some of my favorite holiday recipes and sharing them with you.

Every one needs a good banana bread recipe.

Seriously.

Everyone should have one.

It’s not rocket science to bake and it tastes so good.

And, it’s a great, easy to make, gift at holiday time.

My mom and I used to bake thousands (or so it seemed) during the holidays when I was growing up. She’d use these cute little mini-loaf pans and mini-muffin pans and we’d bake banana bread for what seemed like days. And then we’d give it all away.

Because that’s what we Italian women do. We feed people to show them we love them.

It’s how we do things.

Anyway, I had my great-grandma’s recipe that Mom and I had used for years – my whole life, I think – and I never strayed from that.

Then, I found a recipe somewhere browsing on the web that claimed it was the “best banana bread ever” and I thought I should at least give it a shot and see how it compared to Grandma’s recipe.

Well, all I can say is I hope Grandma forgives me.

It really is the best banana bread I’ve eaten. And when I bake it I can’t seem to keep it around long enough to give it away. My family gobbles it up.

So, if you want a really good banana bread recipe to add to your recipe book, here you go. I’ve altered it just a teeny bit from the original with the addition of some flaxseed meal to make it a little healthier. I like the nuttiness it gives the bread, even if you leave out the nuts the recipe calls for (Big Girl doesn’t like the nuts so this is my compromise)

You can leave that out (the flaxseed) if you want. It doesn’t affect the texture of the bread if you do.

BEST-EVER BANANA BREAD

Ingredients:

4 whole, overripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup turbinado sugar
1 whole egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1 pinch salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp flaxseed meal
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Put the peeled bananas in a bowl and mash with a wooden spoon or potato masher.
Add melted butter and mix together.
Add sugar, egg, vanilla.
Sprinkle baking soda, salt & cinnamon and mix together with banana mixture.
Add flour and combine.
Finally, add flaxseed and pecans.
Pour into well greased loaf pan. (you can use one 4×8 loaf pan or 3 small loaf pans)
Bake for one hour (the large loaf pan)
Cool on a rack before serving.

(if it lives that long – mine always “mysteriously” has a slice cut out of it (or two or three) before it cools)

World’s Best Oatmeal Cookies

I’m visiting Mom this week – so I thought I’d share some of my favorite cookie recipes with you while we’re away.

And this is one of my family’s favorites.

I have it on good authority (as in everyone I’ve ever baked these for) that these are the best oatmeal cookies you will ever eat.

I will also confess and tell you it’s not my original recipe. There is a gal that cooks for the scrapbook retreats that I used to go to and this is a modification of her grandma’s cookie recipe. I tried them there and absolutely fell in love with them. There are no oatmeal cookies to compare.

These are a chewy texture cookie. Not crunchy, but not gooey either. Just right.

You start the cookies the day before you bake them. I think the overnight soak in the brown sugar and oil is what makes these cookies so chewy and good.

I used the blueberry flavored Craisins in the batch I made this year. I thought they were particularly good, although I’ve used raisins and plain Craisins in the past and they were good, too.

A couple more tips – you really do have to use the parchment paper that is called for. And you really do need to let them cool thoroughly before you move them off the paper. If you don’t, the cookies will fall apart. Trust me, I’ve tried it and had disastrous results.

Ok, here’s the recipe. Do let me know if you try them and what your loved ones think of them.

WORLD’S BEST OATMEAL COOKIES

Ingredients:

4 cups oatmeal (not instant)
2 cups brown sugar (I have successfully substituted 1 cup brown sugar Splenda blend)
1 cup oil (I have used safflower, vegetable, and canola)

Instructions:

Mix these together in a large bowl or zip top bag. Store in refrigerator overnight.

The next day, transfer to a mixing bowl and add:

3 well-beaten eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup craisins
(optional) 1 cup chopped nuts

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper-covered cookie sheets. They do not spread much so you can fit them relatively closely together.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Slide parchment paper off cookie sheet and transfer to cooling racks. Let cookies cool completely before removing from parchment paper.

Stores for at least a week (if they last that long!) in a sealed container.

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BEST-EVER BANANA BREAD

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WORLD’S BEST OATMEAL COOKIES

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