"Easy" and "No sew" Gold Polka Dot Burlap Curtains

Sometimes I really enjoy doing DIY projects.  Sometimes I don't.  This is was certainly the latter.  After I made what felt like a million different trips to JoAnns and Michaels and spent two of my days off working on these curtains, I had second thoughts about this project.  At that point I was thinking I should have just ordered those curtains I found online because this is taking way too much of my time and energy!

But, alas, I pressed on.  And I made some dang curtains!  Please learn from my mistakes if you attempt these.

Pumpkin Pork Enchiladas

A couple of years I was in the mood for something chicken and pumpkin for dinner.  I searched on the internet and found this Pumpkin Chicken Enchilada recipe from Gluten Free Mommy.  Since then it's been my favorite enchilada recipe.  I started to experiment with this recipe and found that I like it even better with shredded pork!  This recipe is easy to make, fast, delicious, flavorful, and not loaded with calories like normal enchiladas are.  If you wanted to mix it up, instead of doing enchiladas you could make it into a layered casserole and swap out the pork for chicken!  Its very versatile!  I used up the rest of a pork loin we had the night before for dinner.  I got to use up boring leftovers in a new and delicious way.   It's a win-win for everyone!  

My 1500 Square Pixels of Fame

Have you ever thought that there is more to life than being really, really, really ridiculously good looking? Cue voice dripping in sarcasm.  

Remember this boy?  Well, said boy took me to the sunday morning session of General Conference.  He's a real catch.  Behold, our 1500 square pixels of fame:

photo credit

After our celebrity sighting of Elaine S. Dalton, we too became celebrities. There we were, minding our own business, waiting to get into the conference center when--BAM!--out pops a man with a camera who starts snapping us like we're Lady Gaga. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm used to the paparazzi being all up in my face, but never before have I been featured by such a fine publication as the Ensign. After our photo stalker left we mused about the distant possibility of our photo actually being included in the final issue. When we first saw the photo we were surprised, but then we thought, "No surprises here!" If you need evidence of that just let your eyes wander a little bit to the north (they'll probably do that naturally). This flattering portrait falls on page 100 of the conference issue. It serves as a lovely accent to Elder Kevin S. Hamilton's talk entitled "Continually Holding Fast."

Be sure to "hold fast" by picking up this month's edition of the Ensign.  That way you can feel not only the warmth of the Spirit, but also the warmth of our smiles.

How to Paint a Glazed Ceramic Lamp Tutorial

I bought this lamp at Target over a year ago for $10 on clearance. I liked the shape and color, but I didn't really know where in my house the deep plum color would work.  And my husband vetoed it in the bedroom because he doesn't like it.  So, it sat in a closet in the guest room.  It turns out you can spray paint over glazed ceramic, and it's pretty simple too.  You just have to follow these steps...

Beautiful Home Tour

Have you ever wanted to go up to those beautiful homes and knock on the door and ask the owners if you could peek inside?  Well, I'm happy to tell you that I'm planning on doing just that.  I'm kind of scared and I hope I don't get the cops called on me, but I'm planning on doing a new series every month on the blog where I'll feature beautiful homes in my area and show you how why they're so awesome.  I'm hoping to save enough money so I can get my nice camera this Christmas so I can properly capture the beauty and style of these homes to ya'll.  I'm going to start in 2014.

DIY Leather Baby Moccasins

A couple weeks ago I was cleaning out my closet and came across an old reddish orange suede skirt I used to wear in high school.  I kept onto this skirt for so long because it's such a classic piece and had a hard time getting rid of it.  I couldn't remember the last time I wore it and tried it on.  I wasn't surprised that it didn't fit.  I was thinking of all of the things I could do with the skirt.  Make a pillow, leather bows for Amelia, and then it came to me!  I could make Amelia some suede moccasins.  Check out how they turned out!

Gourmet Spinach & Artichoke Grilled Cheeze With My Main Squeeze

Hello y'all!

It's been awhile, so I thought I'd offer an update on my crazy life, and an easy new recipe!

Missing home?: Nothing a Dirty Diet Coke won't fix!

"Happy Fall Y'all!"  is what my neighbors wreath says right now.  Most of the other front door decor says "Roll Tide!"  Where am I?

Sometimes I forget how well I seem to have acclimated to it here in the south.  Then I see things that quickly remind me I am far from home.  But, that's what makes it fun living here, I like to take in all the southern charm.  We'll be here for at least 4 years, I might as well enjoy it, breathe it all in.  Who knows?  Maybe Andrew will take a job here one day.  I know we would prefer to live by family, but we'll see.  

The fall season is sometimes the hardest for me to be away from home.  I'm not sure why, but I think it's because I love Utah in Autumn so much.  I love when the cooler, crisp air comes in and the leaves fall.

All my sweaters sit in vacuum packed bags, and I can't even wear my Frye Riding boots this year because they were already a struggle to get off, and now with my prego sized feet it's nearly impossible.  Not to mention the fact it's still too hot here to wear them.

 For the mean time, I find a good cure for being homesick is to do something that reminds you of home.  Last week, we had the missionaries over for dinner and I made "Cafe Rio."  A Utah original.  It wasn't the same, but it helped.  And, I think the very green, just graduated from high school missionary appreciated the reminder of home.

Something else that is hot at home right now.  I introduce to you my friends, The Dirty Diet Coke.

Easy Quinoa Salad with Sesame Lime Dressing Recipe

I don't know about you but I sometimes get in a lunch rut.  My husband has been feeling the brunt of this rut (so sorry honey).  I LOVE peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but when you make them almost everyday you tend to go a little cray cray. 

At the beginning of the year I was able to lose the 35 pounds I gained from having Amelia in 2012.  It wasn't easy, it was a lot of work of waking at times no one should have to wake up at to go to the gym, eating the right kinds of foods and eating the right size portions.  

Makeup Basics: How to properly clean your makeup brushes

I know you've been reaching for that powder or blush brush every morning and you've been thinking, "Ew, I really need to wash this!  No time now, I will do it later."

Well, now is a great time to de-gunk those fluffy little friends.  Makeup build up on brushes can contribute to bacteria, break out, and uneven makeup application.  No thanks.

I recommend washing your brushes about every other week.  Let's be real though, some of them probably only get bathed monthly.  But, some of them on the other hand I wipe down after every time I use them (i.e. my Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner).  If not, the product builds up on the brush and I want that baby to stay nice and thin.

Here's my quick guide on how to properly clean your makeup brushes.

Ultimate Beauty Giveaway: The Busy Girl's Guide to Makeup from Girl Loves Glam!

I'm so happy to announce my bosom friend McKenzie, has published her own beauty book!  I'm so excited for her!  It's been over a year in the making and am so proud of her.  She's one of the most down to earth gals and I love her style.  She's so eclectic!  

Anyway, I'm so happy to let you know that you have a chance to win a copy of her book, a $200 Sephora gift card, $25 gift certificate to The Ribbon Retreat, and a 14 piece makeup brush set!  Don't worry, there's three chances of you winning prizes in this giveaway.

This book, giftcards, and make up brush set is a great way to start the fall!  Make sure you check out McKenzie's guest post she did on our blog about a chalkboard folding chair while the three of us sisters vacationed.  Scroll down to learn more about McKenzie and how to enter to win these fabulous prizes!