Feel Good Friday!

via amazing inspirational quotes

Made it to Friday! Gonna do some rump shaking! Oh yeah, dancing my bootie off!

Mr. Foot (Biggie as his friends know him) does not do any kind of rump shaking. He is much too sophisticated for that. I can tell he is a gentleman because of his bowtie and pipe.  Mistress T has some mad stitching skills! 

Remember last year when I bought some sidewalk chalk? Do you remember the "no poop" zone I made for Pete? Well this year I am going to fancy up the "no poop" zone with a chalk spirograph. You're dying, right? I know, I did too.

Who needs a picture of a cute animal? BABY JACK RUSSELL!

Okay, I gave you Big Foot, a spirograph and a puppy, what more do you want? Well, I'll take two of these..just kidding OMP (kinda, no...I'm kidding...kinda)

 Alright, I have to go give OMP kisses for the cowboy picture. I hope everyone has a rip roaring, bronco riding, rump shaking good weekend! Later taters and gators!

Live out your imagination, not your history.

~Steven R. Covey

Crafty McCraft-A-Lot

Stitchy, stitchy, stitchy! I have been stitching like a crazy lady! I am in a tea towel swap with some of my awesome friends. I am so excited to have my towel crisscross around the world and be stitched on by some of the greatest fiber artist out there. Seriously, you guys! I'm dying!

I stitched this up for my friend Tara and now her towel is on its way to New Zealand. The towel travels better than I do!



Remember the cross stitch I did for my friend AlwaysInspired? The alphabet gnomes? Her father-in-law made this beautiful frame. It makes me so happy that I was able to stitch this for her and to be a part of a family heirloom



I'm not just stitching things up, here are some close-ups of my Elmer's projects for the latest Craftster video. These mousetrap paperholders are so easy to make! I took of the hook on the trap, painted them and then added a few little doodads. Super duper cute and easy!

My big project for Elmer's was this clothespin wreath. The circle is an embroidery hoop and I cut a piece of cardboard in a circle, about an inch bigger than the hoop. I glued the circle to the hoop. I covered the clothespin and the hoop with decorative (washi) tape. The best part is I have my hoop already made and I can change out the clothespin as I see fit or as the seasons change. I have a cute red and white stripe tape that would look great for Christmas.

Whew! I have been busy and that's just what I've made in the past couple of weeks! I can't wait to show you what I am doing for the next Craftster video! I better get back to the craft cave aka, the couch. What? Don't judge!

Meh...

via http://tesaen.tumblr.com/

Do you ever have those days that are just kind of "meh?" You know, those days where nothing is really wrong but you are just kind of "meh." I was having one but I knew I had to work myself out of it. I think it started with a pity party I was having. I was thinking about how I was when I was younger. I was cuter, I didn't have a care in the world...which led me to think about being creative and how, when I work really hard on something, I think it's awesome and people are less than impressed. This then led me to feeling sorry for myself and questioning  my creative juices, my looks, my life and then I just sat down in tears and whined, "meh."

I knew I had to get out of this funk. I allowed myself a little whining,  had some cake at my pity party and then picked my my presents and began to unwrap them. I first started with my looks.

I told myself, yes, I am not the same as I was 10 or 20 years ago. I will never be that person again. I now dye my hair a little more, I have a few more pounds on me and I now see laugh lines around my eyes. All of these things remind me of the life I have led and the laughter I have shared with friends. I will never be that 20 year old, staying up until the sun comes up. I now get up at that hour and take care of a furry family (OMP included). I will never be the pretty young girl again but I am an experienced woman. I don't get the looks I used to but you know what, I have now learned that my self worth is not determined by the attention of another. I am comfortable and confident in my skin and with myself and although I won't win any beauty contests, I'm happy with who I see in the mirror.

I decided to tackle my feeling of inadequacy in the creative department. Here's the deal. I make cutesy stuff and that will never change. Some people just aren't into cute stuff and that's okay. I don't like everything I see either. I looked at a piece I did recently and the lines were crooked-my first thought was to throw it out the window and start over. I wondered how people could do this project so easily while I couldn't even cut a stupid straight line. UGH! I just wanted to cry but I still put it out there. Even though my lines are a little off, I am still trying stuff. I'm still creating. I may fail at a few things or be a little off but I'm trying.

Last, I looked at my life as a whole. This is a big challenge because it is so easy to find the fault and the "things I don't have" instead of focusing on the things I do have. I do have a loving caring wonderful husband, I do have three little dogs that make me smile and giggle, I do have a beautiful house and good friends. I do have the ability to communicate, an education, my health. I have so much to be thankful for and yet, I find myself slipping into sadness and focusing on the negative. I finally decided to just breathe, to just feel and be thankful and allow myself to be in bliss

After reassessing my attitude and my "meh," I started feeling better. Instead of focusing on everything that I perceive is wrong with my life, I decided to embrace it.  My body has carried me through a lot of amazing adventures, my creativity allows me to express how I want to see the world and my life is pretty blessed.

What do you do to get out of your funk and remind yourself of the good in your life?  Do you allow it to weigh you down or do you rise above?

(See what happens when I don't write for two days?)

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Today is Earth Day! Yahoo! Earth! The pups are having a great time celebrating Earth Day.


Let's plant a garden!



Compost is your friend, even if it is stinky! You can make your own from scraps of veggies and fruits and clippings (just no seeds!)


MOM! You didn't smash the yard debris down enough! Let us help you.



After the garden is planted, it's time to relax in the sun. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Saving the Earth is hard work! We'll just play ball and let mom and dad pull the weeds. BTW, mom, you missed a spot.

Happy Earth Day everyone! Get out there and do some planting! Be kind to nature and love one another or else Lola is coming after you.

Salivating Saturday

For some reason, I have a love for food that isn't pretty but is dang good. Chicken fried steak-ugly as sin but I can not resist it. Gooey cake-not the prettiest but it is delish! So, when I was cruising Pinterest and found this recipe, I knew it fell into the ugly food, yummy in my tummy category.

Lime Cilantro Chicken is easy to make, can be frozen for future use and did I mention that it is SOOOOOO good. The recipe I used was from the What's Cooking Chicago blog (her recipe was adapted from the Food Network). I did make one minor change but it was only because I didn't have the ingredient on hand.

Lime Cilantro Chicken 
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (do not include stems)
2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons sliced, toasted almonds
3 tablespoons chopped, fresh garlic
1 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup water
In your  blender, mix together the cilantro, olive oil, almonds, garlic, lime juice,Parmesan cheese, salt and water on low speed until mixed thoroughly

For the chicken
cooking spray
2-3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in bite sized pieces
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup cilantro lime pesto
 Season chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a skillet sprayed with cooking spray, saute chicken over medium high heat and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and put into a bowl. Toss cooked, seasoned chicken with the pesto.

We made tacos with them, using corn tortillas but I think this would be so good on a salad maybe with some blueberries or strawberries on top.

Now, for the freezing part. Just make all of this ahead of time and put into a freezer bag. You don't have to worry about the pesto because there isn't oil in it. It's either water, like I used, or chicken broth, like the original recipe.

There ya go!  The chicken may not be the prettiest, in fact, it kind of looks like a leprechaun's diaper exploded, but trust me-it is some of the best chicken you will ever have and against red and yellow peppers or a mixed green salad, it is beautiful!

Feel Good Friday!

Everyone's Friday should be filled with tutus, good friends, yummy food and a side of OMP. Mama is tired! See you guys tomorrow for more awesomeness. I promise.

Good Night!

Elmer's Master Craftsters

 
I recently had the opportunity to work with Elmer's and Xacto on a project for Craftster.org. I got to work with some very cool products and some seriously amazing crafty peeps.

First up is Cackle. Holy moly! She is killing me with such beautiful projects. Her paper cutting project in breathtaking.

I'm sure you have seen jillybeans around the internet. Her work has been featured in many crafty blogs.These pumps are off the hook crazy!

Oh my goodness! LimeRiot not only is just about the sweetest and cutest girl in the whole world but she is crazy talented. Seriously, can I be her when I grow up? Her driftwood houses are so stinking cute.

Okay, you need to run, not walk over to OopsICraftMyPants! I LOVE her! LOVE! I need this monster. Help me Rhonda, it's adorable.

Stifflersmom and I go way back. Her sense of style and puppy dogs is impeccable. Did I mention she can craft the pants off of anyone. Not that I have seen this happen, but I've heard rumors. These flying pigs would look great in my kitchen.

Last but not least, it's me and my silly video!


Make sure you check out all the other projects on the Master Crafster Elmer's and Xacto board. You will be blown away!

Oh! My Tummy!

At home with OMP.....

Me: The five year old part of my brain says that eating all the taffy is a good idea. The forty-one year old part of my stomach says not so much.

OMP: Which did you listen to?

Me: Which do you think?

OMP: I'll get the Pepto.

Ohhh....it's gonna be a long night. 

Tie One On Tuesday

April 17th, tax day, a day for tears in your beer or popping the cork on a bottle of champagne.

No one wants to see the tax man coming to their door, the tax man cocktail on the other hand...I'll take two!

The Tax Man
2 oz. gin
3/4 oz. dry vermouth
3/4 oz. sweet vermouth
Juice from half an orange
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Combine all ingredients and shake with ice cubes.
Strain into a chilled glass

Ouch! You just found out that you owe the government 20 thousand dollars in back taxes? That is a bitter pill to swallow.

The Bitter Pill 
 1 1/2 oz. aged rum
1/2 oz. Fernet-Branca
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1/2 oz. fresh egg white
Ice cubes
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass.
 If you are scared of the egg factor, you can substitute with soy milk.

Look at you! Got money back on your taxes! Well then, you are buying! You big ol' money maker!

The Money Maker
1/2 ounces pear-flavored vodka,
1/2 ounce green melon liqueur
 juice of 1/2 lemon
Mix with ice in shaker, serve in chilled martini glass.

There ya go my little dividends! A few drinks to lighten the blow or celebrate the extra cash.  Here's to a pain free tax day!

Cinnamon Roll Belgium Waffles, You're Welcome!

Did you know that I never sleep past 6am. I haven't slept past 6 in years. I blame the dogs. They get me up and once that happens, I can't go back to sleep. So, I'm up at 6am on the weekend, playing on the computer, drinking a cup of tea and conversing with my east coast friends. I also catch up on Pinterst in order to figure out what I'm gonna make for dinner that weekend.

This morning, I decided to treat OMP to some cinnamon roll Belgium waffles from a recipe I found on the Pinterst from the blog A Hens Nest. Now, this recipe is super duper complicated so pay attention!

1. Get out your Belgium waffle maker, spray it with cooking spray (like Pam...not like me, the cooking spray Pam)

2. Go to the fridge and get out your can of cinnamon rolls.

3. Place the cinnamon rolls in your waffle maker. Close the lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Until they are golden brown

4. Drizzle icing onto the waffles

5. Give to your sweetie and let the praise begin. Don't forget to eat some too!

These waffles are SUPER sweet. I would drizzle the icing instead of putting it on like you would a regular cinnamon roll.  You can also freeze them (without the icing) and warm them up when you want a little treat.

Enjoy!

Mercury Glass

I have been dying to make mercury glass. I think it's just about the coolest thing ever!

For the project I needed:
Mirror glass spray paint (I found it at Michaels and it was kind of expensive 11.99)
A spray bottle with 1 part water, 1 part vinegar
Glass to spray paint
tissue

The directions I found online said to paint the inside of the jar. I did that and got absolutely no results. I followed the directions on the spray paint but nothing worked so I spray painted the outside and it was perfect! I sprayed 5 layers.

Between each layer, I waited about 5 minutes

Once all my layers were on, I took the vinegar/water mixture and sprayed the jar.

Wait about 20 seconds and then rub to distress with a paper towel or a tissue. Basically you are popping the water bubbles.

The final result! I now want to change everything into mercury glass! I love that this photo got bombed by OMP and a tiki.

A Little Stitchy Goodness

I have been a stitching machine lately! I started this piece earlier this year and I just finished the top part. I have moved on to the bottom and hope to have it done by the end of April. As she is right now, her body is a foot long and a foot and a half wide. I believe she is going to be close to two a half feet to three feet long!



After getting permission from Sunny Buick (who is AWESOME!) I stitched this up for my good friend Digital Misfit.


Yep, that's my stitchy world right now. A little cross stitch, a little embroidery and a whole lot of love!

An Open Letter to Cracker Jack

Dear Cracker Jack,

Do you see the picture above? DO YOU SEE IT? It just happens to be the worst Cracker Jack prize in the history of your company. The paper said it was a pencil topper. My pencil broke the flimsy paper. That, sir, is hardly a pencil topper. It is a piece of paper with a hole in it. How dare you insult me with your crappy prize.The pencil part of the paper doesn't even match my actual pencil! The colors aren't even close!  You should be paying me to take that horrible thing off your hands. 

While we are at it, can we please discuss the image on my (insert sigh) "pencil topper". What in the hell is it? Are they suppose to be bees? Flies? Wasps? I'm not even gonna get into what I think they are doing. Let's just say, shame on you for putting such images on a kids' prize. 

Why do you hurt me so? I remember the days when I would open up my box of Cracker Jacks and find the coolest prizes ever. I would make charm bracelets out of the charms. I would play pinball on the little pinball games. Your tattoos are the reason I am surly like a pirate and not like a caveman. You made it so kids could live out little adventures with a small toy. Now, oh Cracker Jack, now you just make little children cry. Do you like hurting little kids and adults? When did you lose your love for the job? Do you need a hug? I need one after that crappy pencil topper. 

I'm giving you another chance Cracker Jack, but only because your popcorn is so good. Please restore my faith in humanity.  Give us back our charms, whistles, pinball games and tattoos. I beg you, Cracker Jack!

Thank You in Advance,

Pam 

Tie One On Tuesday

Have you guys ever had a Sonic Drive-In Cherry Limeade? It is a little slice of heaven. I am not even kidding! A little slice of cherry limeade heaven.

Recently while I was cruising around Pinterest I found a recipe for the Sonic Cherry Limeade. Well! I knew I had to make it! Here is the kiddie version and my own adult version of the of this yummy drink.


Sonic Cherry Limeade (Thanks to Top Secret Recipes)
1 12 oz. can of Sprite
1/4 cup pure cherry juice (for the kiddie version, get the tart cherry juice)
3 lime wedges
Fill a glass with crushed ice (about 1/2 to 2/3rds)
Pour Sprite, cherry juice into the glass
Squeeze limes into the mixture and stir slightly.


Adult version of Sonic Cherry Limeade
1 12 oz. can of Sprite
1/2 cup pure dark cherry juice
3 lime wedges
1 shot of gin
*If this is too sweet, change the Sprite for tonic
Fill a glass with crushed ice (about 1/2 to 2/3rds)
Pour Sprite, cherry juice into the glass
Squeeze limes into the mixture and stir slightly.

Now go!  Make it, take it to the masses and be praised for the gods and goddesses you are!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

It's Easter at Casa de Pedersen and I keep looking for the Easter Bunny...Mama needs her chocolate!

Could this be the Easter Bunny?

Or this?

Nope, I think we found him! Funny, he's a little shorter than I imagined.

Happy Easter from Pam, OMP and the pups!

Feel Good Friday!

 via ivory lux tumblr.
Oh my lordy! It's Friday! I am ready to make this weekend amazing and beautiful!



I'm pretty sure I just died and went to heaven. This needlework is AMAZING, like I might just pee my pants amazing. Hanging by a Thread stitched this wonderful piece of work up. For us stitchy nerds, she stitched this up with silver passing thread and couched down with one single cotton thread. Check out her blog for more on this piece and other great works of art.

I would get this pillow for Pete, but he can't read. BTW, I really want to give credit to the person who stitched this, so if you know, please let me know. They are brilliant and deserve recognition.

This camper makes me miss our little vintage Ruby. One day I will be a Sister on the Fly! How can you not love a cowgirl caravan?

So very very true...add a little mud and you have a lover dog.

Alright my silly little beasts! OMP is walking through the door and that means some smoochy smooches and I was promised a night out on the town. Wish me luck! I might be able to stay awake till 8:00! Have a great weekend.

Every object, every being,is a jar of delight

~Rumi 

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Know all those April showers I've been talking about? Well, it's the perfect time for planting and because I love you so much. I teamed up with Craftster and made this awesome video on making seedbombs. Check it out and bomb the world with beauty!

Tie One On Tuesday

C'mon parents, you can level with me, you need a little cocktail to get through that Easter egg hunt coming up this Sunday. It's okay, we won't judge you. You're among friends. As a matter of fact, I will help you make up  cocktails to get you through the day.

Raise you hand if you like peeps? Again, we won't judge you. Now, raise your hand if you want a peep cocktail. That's what I thought!

Where's My Peeps Cocktail

2 ounces fluffed marshmallow vodka
1/4 ounce vanilla syrup

1 ounce light cream (not heavy whipping cream)

Pour vodka, syrup and cream in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and serve in a chilled martini glass, Serve with a peep on the side. 

Little girls in pink and white dresses are just too cute for words unless they are dive bombing, kicking and punching their way to that hidden Easter egg. For those little princesses, you need the Pink Torpedo. 

Pink Torpedo (via yumsugar)

 2 cups vodka, chilled
1 1/2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Limoncello
One bottle sparkling wine or sparkling water, chilled 

In a large bowl, stir together the vodka, two-thirds of the sliced strawberries and the granulated sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature until the vodka turns pink, about 6 hours.

Fill glasses with ice. Strain the vodka and divide among the glasses.

Add a splash of limoncello to each glass and top off with the sparkling wine or sparkling water. Garnish with the remaining strawberry slices.

Who doesn't love eating the ears off the chocolate bunny rabbit? You know you love it but then you feel guilty cause the bunny no longer has ears and just sits and stares at you until you eat that candy eye. Here's a chocolate bunny with none of the guilt (unless you have about six of them, then....yeah, you might feel guilty)

Chocolate Bunny Cocktail

1 tsp Cherry Liqueur

2 oz Brown Creme de Cacao

1oz Vodka

1 tsp Chocolate Syrup

Shake vodka and Creme de Cacao with ice. Strain over ice in a cocktail glass.

Pour chocolate syrup and cherry liqueur on top, as a float.

Ahh....don't you feel more relaxed? No more screaming, no crying, no kicking-and that's just the guy in the bunny suit. These beverages will relax you will the chaos known as the Easter egg hunt unfolds around you. You're welcome! 

April Showers

April showers bring may flowers so what do may flowers bring? Pilgrims! Hey, your five year old would think that's funny! Fine, here are some movies about April...whatever, just check them out while I work on my jokes.

The year is 1969, the movie is The April Fools starring Jack Lemmon as hardly happy married man who meets the beautiful Catherine Denevue who happens to be unhappily married to his boss. She wants to move back to Paris and demands that Jack come with her. Do they leave together? Do they live happily ever after? Rent the movie and find out.

When I first saw April Fool's Day as a teenager I had no clue what was going on. It may have been because there were cute boys in the row ahead of me and I was more concerned and boy #3 with his OP shorts and summer tan than with any stupid movie. Years later I watched it and again I wondered what was going on-this time I blame OMP and his cute butt in wranglers. Where was I, oh yeah, movie...I thought this movie might have a typical 80's horror movie plot but it doesn't. It has twist and turns that will make you wonder till the very end who is the good guy, who is the bad guy and who is the dead guy.

April ushers in springtime weather, unless you live in my neck of the woods....only 3 more months of rain! Guess I better pop some corn, snuggle in with the family and watch these fab April movies. 

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

As you know, I am a huge fan of the canine kind so when I heard that Toshiba was putting out a Petbook I just knew I had to have one!

It is the first of its kind to offer bark to text technology.

Did I mention that it is 100% organic rawhide. It will last for days!

With slobber guard, cleaning is quick and easy (does not apply to other "accidents", Pete, I'm looking in your direction)

Be the first on your block to get one. Lola is already enjoying hers.