You say it's your birthday....

Today, my husband turns 40. 

First off.... have you ever noticed how men don't age the same way as women?  I swear, he looks more like early thirties.... so. un. fair.

Aaaanyway.... What can I say about the guy who took a chance on the new girl in high school home room?  I guess, technically, I sought (stalked) him out.... but, once he responded, my shyness took over.  I was so insecure in thinking that he wouldn't really want to date me....  Remember those days back in high school?  The days when you were finding your way....

I'm not meaning for this to be a trip down memory lane.... I just still sometimes can't believe that he picked me.... 

He's my best friend.... my confidante.... the father of my children.... and the person I can trust with my life....  He's funny (like crazy funny, and I love that)....

Happy birthday, hunny.... I love you so much.... we love you so much....  I hope your day is full of happiness and great memories; and that you can see this milestone as the beginning of a great new chapter in the book of YOU....

xo  ;)

RE-FURB, RE-CON, RE-PURPOSE: hood removal

I can't say that I love the look of a hoodie or hooded sweater; but, last year I was enticed by the quarterly half price sale at one of my favourite thrifty shops....  I was coaxed into purchasing this sweater for the low-low price of $3.00....

A great deal, I know.... But, was it?  Really?  I hate wearing it....  It's the hood.  It screams teenager to me.... and we all know, a teenager I. am. not.

Anyhow, I've been meaning to remove the hood for a loooooong time, and have finally gotten around to doing it.  So, here's what I did....

I took the thrifty, hooded sweater.... Trimmed off part of the hood, being sure to leave the ribbed band intact....

Re-pinned it back into place, starting from the centre out....

Being sure to mitre the corners....

Sewed it into place with a straight stitch, then went over it with a zig-zag to hold down any unfurling edges....

AND, VOILA! 

I like it so. much. better.

Have a great day  ;)

HOW-TO-TUESDAY: marshmallow pops

Just wanted to share a super easy and super fun little treat that can be dressed up in so many different ways.... The Marshmallow Pop.

Here's what you'll need:
- marshmallows
- skewers, popsicle sticks or treat sticks
- melting chocolate
- decorating sugar, sprinkles or other candies

First, skewer marshmallows.

Melt chocolate.  I generally use my microwave for this.  Heat melting chocolate at 50% power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each increment.

For the next step, I like to remove the stick from the marshmallow and dip it into the chocolate, then replace it into the marshmallow.  It will harden into place helping to keep the pop intact.  Then dip the marshmallow into the chocolate.

Decorate as desired.

Allow to cool.  Pour rice or dry beans into a container and insert the pop sticks into it to keep them upright to dry.

If you're giving the pops away as a treat for a birthday party or class party, wrap in sucker bags and tie with a nice ribbon.  These are the ones I made for my little lady's birthday party last Sunday.... I had fun making them, and I can't wait to make more for other holidays, birthdays or a special treat any day!

Think of all the possibilities!  Check out these fun and tasty treats!

http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/128879/Marshmallow-Pops/detail.aspx

http://kitchenrunway.com/marshmallow-pops/

http://maddycakesmuse.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-marshmallow-pops.html

http://bestfriendsforfrosting.com/2011/10/winter-snowman-marshmallow-pops/

Have a super fun day  ;)

I'll return....

Hi folks!

I will be back later today for this week's installment of HOW-TO-TUESDAY.... Just trying to get back on track from a very busy weekend....

Thanks!

;)

Baby no more....

My baby girl turned 3 at 12:05 this morning.

She is my little ray of sunshine.... and now she's 3.  A bit difficult to take because I know she's my last.  Tough to swallow because she's no longer a babe or toddler.... she's school aged.  Yes, school for my little lady begins at the ripe old age of 3.

I thought that being the Mommy to my two boys was the best thing I had ever done in my life....  but, being a Mommy to two boys and one fiery little girl, well, it's even better than the best feeling I've ever had.

She brings so much to our family....

She's funny,

She's beautiful,

She's my companion when everyone else is away.... she is one of four people in this world who I care for more than life itself....

Some people think that winning the lottery will solve their problems and bring them the happiness that they seek.... my husband and I feel otherwise - we're already rich.  We have the love of our three children, we have our love for one another, and we truly cherish the time we have together....

Strip away everything else, and you'll find it's the relationships you form that enrich your life in the most important ways....

From the moment the pediatrician said, "It's a girl!"  I knew that our lives were forever changed....  we had the girl that we never knew we wanted so bad.... both our boys from that moment on were older brothers and protectors.... and a whole new world of emotion melted our hearts and flooded our home.

Hammy-girl, I hope this day brings you all the happiness you deserve.  Mommy and Daddy are so proud you, and are so fortunate to be able to snuggle you tight every. single. day.  We love you, Bug.... to the moon  xo  ;)