Thursday, September 22, 2011

More baby legwarmers!

Ok, I've gone and gotten out all of my baby legwarmers.  It will be a few weeks before they are all on etsy, but I have them all up on facebook!!!  $13 including shipping in the US.  Out of the US will be a little more, so if you are interested and live elsewhere, contact me and I will call the post office to figure out shipping!!!

www.facebook.com/thisandthatcreations

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

My Facebook Page

I am trying to expand a little bit, and have set up a facebook page.  Slowly but surely, I am getting many items listed on it.  Please stop in and "like" my page.  I also take orders through facebook :).

Here is the link
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thisandthatcreations
Hope you are all having a wonderful day :)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Baby Legwarmers

Hey everyone! Sorry, I've been gone a few days, I got so busy I literally had no time to sit down :).

Just wanted to share that I am starting to put my baby legwarmers back in my shop again :). They are really cute, and are great for a large age range of children, from babies, to crawlers, to toddlers and even beyond! Here are the two pairs I have listed right now, and I will add a couple more over a short time period!!!! Thanks for looking.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61237762/shoelace-rockstar-legwarmers

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58554258/camo-baby-legwarmers


And here is my shop.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/thisandthat879
Have a great day

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Blog Hops

So I have been meaning to do this for ages, but today I joined my first blog hop :).  Two of them actually!!! Here are the buttons if you would like to join as well, and if you are just joining my page from the hop, please leave me a comment and let me know, and I will definately follow back :). 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend



Amazing burn remedy

The other day I was at my moms house, and making some flowers for my sisters hair for a wedding she is going to attend.  (check out my shop soon, and they will be in there :)).  I was using my moms hot glue gun, and accidentially burned my finger.  It hurt was excruciating.  Oh my burns are the worst pain!!! I desperately went online in search of something to ease the pain.  I tried everything I saw.  Aloe, HA, I dunno who that REALLY works for.  Toothpaste, did nothing.  Vinegar, well it worked as long as there was ice in it! The only thing helping was keeping my hand in cold water.  And since I was fixing to have to drive home for 2 hrs, that wasn't going to be an option much longer.  Then, I read on some site that the burn center at parkland hospital in Dallas uses onions.  Hmmm, couldn't hurt to try.  I mean seriously, what was in going to do, make it hurt worse?  So I went and chopped up an onion and put it on there.  Seriously, instant relief!!!! It really worked.  Now my problem was if I took it off, the pain came back, but it did take a few minutes before it really was back to excruciating.  So, for the next 30 minutes, I held an onion on the burn.  As long as it was on there, I was fine.  Anyways, long story short, by the time I was about 30 minutes from my house (I burned myself at about 11, and it was now about 3), I could take off the onion, and there was no pain.  NONE! It was totally gone.  I could even bump my finger on things, and there was no pain! I am totally amazed.

So, next time you burn yourself, put a piece of onion on it, it really works!!!!!!!!!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Featured Artist: Note Cards and Photos by Theresa


Today I would like to feature my Mom’s online shop: Note Cards and Photos by Theresa.  Mom started taking pictures of things like flowers, birds, landscapes, etc. about two years ago.  Before that, she exclusively took pictures of family members, especially her grandchildren.  But as the kids started getting older, they don’t really want to stay still long enough to have their pictures taken- at least not as often as Mom would like to do so.  Since my Dad’s hobby is gardening, my Mom naturally began taking pictures of the lovely wildflowers that my Dad grows.  Then she branched out to taking pictures of the bees, butterflies and hummingbird moths that like to hang around their flowers.





Dad and Mom also love watching the birds in their backyard.  They put out hummingbird feeders in the summer and other bird feeders the rest of the year.  This year, because of the drought, they put out two bird baths.  The water has brought many new birds to the yard, which became the subject of many photos.


There is also a lake two or three blocks from my parent’s house.  This also gives my Mom a wonderful place to take pictures.  She has been taking pictures of the summer residents of the lake.  However, she is really looking forward to the Fall when many migrating birds arrive.


Mom and Dad also like to travel to different cities in Texas and other states.  Last year they flew to California and drove my sister’s car back to Texas.  On the way, they stopped at Yosemite, Mariposa Grove, Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon.  If you would like to read the whole story, you can go to my Mom’s blog where she has written a three post story about the trip home.  It is located at chatterfromtexas.blogspot.com



Most of Mom’s pictures and note cards are located on her website: Note Cards and Photos by Theresa .  However, a few are in my Etsy shop:  This and That Creations . Mom sells photos and also makes note cards from any of the photos that she takes.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Super fast and yummy snack

Ever want something to snack on, but just can't figure out what. Here is one of my favorites. Its really fast and you can just throw it together. And its so good!

Cream cheese, salsa.

Thats it. pour the salsa on the cream cheese. Eat with either crackers or chips. Its so good. And you can choose how spicy you would like it to be :).

Have a good one!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Yummy fall dessert recipe

This is another recipe from kraft.  The cutting the apples was kinda a pain, but omgoodness this was so good and totally worth it! So here it is!

Nilla Apple Crisp

8 cup granny smith apples (I actually used the pinkish colored ones since my store didn't have granny smiths, and it was really good)
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar (divided)
2 tsp cinnamon (divided)
1/3 cup quick cooking or old fashioned oats
1/4 softened butter (they call for margarine, but I don't use margarine, so I just softened up some butter)
25 vanilla wafers
cool whip (or vanilla ice cream would be amazing as well)

preheat oven to 350
cut apples into thin slices.  put in bowl, and toss with 1/4 c brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.
combine oats, rest of brown sugar, rest of cinnamin.  mix well til makes crumbles.  I threw the vanilla wafers in this mixture, and used a potato masher, and then mashed in all together at this point.
our over apples and cook 30-35 minutes until apples are soft.
serve warm or cold and top with cool whip (or my suggestion of vanilla ice cream)

oh, this dessert was amazing.  Perfect for fall/winter.  Almost like an apple pie :)

try it, you won't be dissappointed with this one

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Why

Ok, maybe its just me, and I am easily offended, but why do a lot (not all) doctors think they need to be pushy, and that their opinion is how I should raise my child.  I was with my step daughter at a dr appt for her, and I happened to mention how I am trying to night wean my 2 yr old.  And its difficult.  Shes persistant, but thats ok, I am working at it. 

This dr asks me if shes in my bed, and I said yes.  I believe in co-sleeping.  To me, babys can't defend or do anything for themselves, they can't even talk.  Why would I want to put her in a totally different room from me? What if something happens and she can't cry? I wouldn't know anything is wrong.  Thats just how I feel.  I like her in my bed, and I am not forcing her out yet.  Shes my baby. 

Anyways, this dr gets all cranky at me and says "your never going to get her weaned if she is in your bed".  I just got quiet, and kinda shot her a dirty look.  Did I ask your opinion? NO.  I have had a lot of bad experiences with doctors in regards to my daughter.  I don't even like to talk about it.  I am really picky about who I want her to see.  I am picky about vaccinations, and there are some I don't think that she needs to be given.  And doctors, and some other people criticize me for that.  Isn't that my right as a parent to make these decisions?  Why do I get odd looks from people when they find out I still nurse my 2 yr old? What is wrong with that? Its good for me, and good for her.  I don't judge other people, and don't push my opinions on them how I think they should raise their kids, and don't criticize them for what they do and don't do.  I don't feel that is my right to do that. 

To me, I feel people have been brain washed.  They think that drs are really smart, and they are doing what is right.  They don't look into facts, or info on what medicines or vaccines they are getting, they just do it because the dr says its best.  But its not always best.  There are a lot of times it actually hurts worse.  They just say to do it, because they make money from the drug companies.  At least thats my guess.

Ahhh I just don't get it all.  I will quit griping so much, and will post a yummy recipe tomorrow, because I am more than sure you all are sick of hearing so much of my opinions and whinyness!!!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Yesterday, when I was writing my September 11 post, I had my music playing on a random playlist from pandora.  This song came on, and it really made me think.  The lyrics just kinda fit with what I was saying yesterday. 

Glorious Day (living He Loved Me) lyricsSongwriters: John Mark Hall;Michael Jr Bleecker

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a Virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He

Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He

Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

'Cause living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He's ascended, my Lord evermore

Death could not hold Him
The grave could not keep Him from rising again

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my beloved one bringing
My Savior Jesus is mine

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day, oh, glorious day
This is a song that we also sing at our church.  I don't know why it hit me so hard yesterday, but it did.  I felt I should share the lyrics. Jesus loves us all so much, and he went through so much suffering for all of us.  Its amazing.  I can not even imagine.  The pain, suffering, humiliation he had to endure.  And for me? (and you and everyone) But Why me? I am a sinner.  I am not a good person.  I made this happen to him.  I  feel so ashamed.  I feel terrible. I don't even know how to put all my thoughts into words. I guess now, I should just repay him as best as I can by being the best, most loving, caring, and kind hearted person I can be. To show everyone love as he showed for me. 

Just my thoughts, sorry, I don't know what made me post these lyrics, or my thoughts, but I felt I should, so there they are.  Hope I am not offending anyone and their beliefs, that is not at all what I am trying to, and I am open and resepectful to whatever it is you choose to believe.

Hope you all have a good day

Sunday, September 11, 2011

September 11

Well, as I am sure everyone knows, today is September 11. 10 years ago today (wow, I can not believe it has been that long) America was forever changed. I remember being in school, and was walking back from the bathroom. I heard someone in the hall talking about the attacks on the north east and thought they were talking about another country. I got back to my geometry class, and they came on the speaker, and told everyone what happened. It seemed unreal. It was scary. I didn't know what to think. I don't think we did much else in any of my classes the rest of the day but watch the tv.

So many people were affected by the attacks. A lot of great lives were lost. Its sad, and I just do not see how someone can hurt innocent people that they do not even know. Don't people think of other peoples children, and how hard it is going to be for those children to grow up without a parent/parents. And the people that love them. I mean these people did nothing wrong. Most of them probably did not even know about how serious the conflicts our country had with these people were. Yet they, and their familys are the ones who had to suffer. I just don't get people. Why can't everyone just get along, and leave other people alone.  I mean, really.  I am sure those people that were in on the attacks thought "Americans hate us", or whatever they thought.  But how can they be so general.  I don't even know them.  How can I hate them.  And how can they hate me?  Just because I live in a certain place?  They hate me?  They don't know me. I don't hate them.... I can't hate someone I don't know.  I wish I could understand peoples ways of thinking, even if just for a moment.

Lets all say some a quick prayer for those lost, but definately never forgotten. For those who gave so much time, strength and effort to help. For the familys of people lost. For the children who lost their parents. For the husbands/wives that lost their other half.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Water!

Ok so does anyone else hate water as much as I do? I've been trying really hard to keep up with drinking a lot of water, but its just so BLAH, and I can't stand it.  Lately, I've been adding some cold fruit to my water, and it gives it just enough of a flavor to make it tollerable! Some of my favorites are frozen raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, some cold orange, lemon or lime slices.  Thats just a few things though! Then possabilites are endless, and I know that little bit of added flavor helps me drink a lot more, plus, when my water is gone, I eat the fruit as well, which is an added benifit!

Try it out, its awesome!

Friday, September 9, 2011

New and Different Spegetti

Yup, another kraft recipe. This is a great alernative to the "traditional speghetti", yet it is still spegetti, which most kids love. It is also a good recipe to sneak in some vegis for those picky eaters! (which luckily for me is something I do not have to deal with, as my 2 yr old LOVES vegis, and will eat anything green on her plate before anything else....heck she even calls broccoli "brocci-awesome!). Ok sorr to get off track!! Haha. Here is the recipe. Hope you enjoy and are all having a great day!
If you decide to try it, tell me what you think also!
Tomato and Spinach Pasta Toss
penne pasta
1 lb italian sausage out of casing (I used all natural breakfast sausage with some fennel seeds and italian seasoning)
1 pack spinach leaves
1 cans italian diced tomatoes
mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese
italian dressing
cook pasta.
while cooking pasta, brown sausage
add tomatoes, dressing and spinach to meat and cool until the spinach wilts. Add mozzarella cheese and cook til cheese melts.
drain pasta and pour sauce over pasta. add parmesan cheese on top
Another great thing to this recipe was how quick it took. Literally about 20 minutes max, maybe 15 minutes, and dinner was on the table. This is a great one for those super busy nights with sports and dance after school!!!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Some new recipes

First off, I would like to say hi to all of my newest followers over the last week.  I am so excited to be growing, and am almost half way to my 100 point of holding a giveaway.  Please continue to spread the word about my blog,and I know we will be there soon!

A few months ago, mom gave me a stack of kraft magazines she had sitting around.  I tore out all the recipes, which was a TON, and each week as I make my grocery list, I have been making different recipes from the magazines.  Some have been a huge hit, some a major flop!! I am only keeping the ones we like, and figured I would share them with you all as well.  Over the next week, I will give a new recipe each day.  They are all kraft recipes, but some have been changed very slightly by me!! Also, all my recipes are pretty inexpensive to make, and usually make enough for more than one meal. 

Todays recipe is Steak and Potato Stir Fry.  This was kinda like a really hearty stew! We all, even my two year old really enjoyed it, and it was very easy!

Ingredients:
serlion steak cut into thin strips
1 TBSP oil
2 cup potatoes cubed
2 cup carrots chopped
1/4 cup water
2 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cup onions
1/4 balsalmic vinaugarette

cook meat in oil until brown..  set aside and add potatoes and carrots to water in skillet and boil and then  Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
stir in onions and mushrooms dressing and meat. 
cook for about 5 more minutes or until everything is warm and consistent temp.

This was definately very loved, and can't wait to make it again! Hope you enjoy it as well

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

I love these products, and her system!

I don't know if anyone has heard about a website called flylady.net.  A friend showed it to me about a year ago now.  I kinda tried but not really, and figured I'd never be able to keep up with everything she says to do.  Well, I finally hit a point, where I was like just forget it, I'm going to try it.  She sends out "testimonials" from people if you sign up for the e-mails, and I must admit they are really encouraging.  So I tried, and things got better, but not perfect.  After reading a lot of the testimonials, I have to say I was interested in trying her cleaning products.  Yeah, they are kinda expensive, but if they work, and last, well I guess its worth it.  So I tried a few.  And I LOVE them.  Been using her water bottle (that does not leak or sweat, and really does keep your drinks cold, even if you leave them in the hot car all day), and her purple rags (omg they are seriously amazing, nothing else cleans like them, especially on glass with just water), and her dish brushes (wow they actually last). 

I must admit also, lately I've tried so much harder to keep up with all her "routines".  And everyone in my house has noticed how much nicer our house always looks.  It even helps me get up earlier.  I know my 2 yr old enjoyed that we actually got up early today, and went to the park.  She even told me as we got out the car "mom i am so excited".  That alone is worth it all!!!! But as an extra reward for myself, I bought a bunch more of her cleaning products.  I have close to everything she sells now to clean, and have really loved them all.  I thought it was great when I got all excited when they came in, and my 14 yr old step daughter told me I was a "nerd because I was excited to get cleaning stuff".  HA.  Soon after looking at all of it, she wanted to "try them"....so I told her to.  Now how often do you see a 14 yr old running around ASKING me and LOOKING for things to clean........ guess mom isn't so much of a nerd huh!!!!!

If you get a chance, look through her shop and get some stuff, you won't be dissappointed!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Labor Day

I hope everyone had a great labor day weekend! I know I was pretty productive, and got quite a bit of stuff done around the house that needed to get done, so that extra day of having everyone home to get out was definately nice!!!  But, at the same time I am happy everyone is back to normal today, and I can continue on with the "normal" life of everyone being at work/school, and me getting my housework done!!!!

Anyways, I am out for today, but I am going to ask a huge favor.  Down near austin there are some MASSIVE fires burning really bad.  I know one family who is pretty sure they lost there house.  And unfortunately this is something that 100s of people down there are having to deal with. So please say a little prayer for them that it calms down, and for them.  I know it will be so hard having totally lost so much. 

Friday, September 2, 2011

A favorite item from my shop

Well, I thought I would share what seems to be many peoples favorite item from my etsy shop.  I personally love this necklace. Its super simple, and goes with every outfit!  These beads are made to be worn either as a super long strand, doubled, or even tripled.  And I definately know I get comments on them every time I wear a pair!
Here is a link to my shop if anyone is interested in stopping in to get some for yourself :)
www.etsy.com/shop/thisandthat879

Also, I am thinking once I get 100 followers, I will host a giveaway and give away one of these necklaces to one of my followers. So if you can pass this along to everyone you know, hopefully we can get a giveaway very soon :).  Thanks for the help.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Hello September!!!!!!

Well, as I am sure everyone knows the Texas heat this year has been pretty brutal! Its just way to hot out there! But I am hoping that now that September is here, that the temperatures will start to drop, at least a little :) Forecast is saying that by the beginning of next week, it should be in the lower 90s, which is a big relief compared to the 107-110 degree days we have been having.

I am also excited because well, Fall is my FAVORITE season.  I love the cooler air that is not to cold, the changing leaves, halloween, thanksgiving, and the yummy foods and treats I love to cook.  Oh, and my favorite part, spending the day with the windows open :).  I LOVE the way the fresh air in the house feels.  Ahh I can't wait!!!!

Next week, if the temperatures do start to drop, and it is not 100 degrees, I am going to start my fall decorating in the house!  ***That is after I declutter at least a little more, because well, its SO cluttered and bad right now***.  But I will try and update every step of the way!!! Hope everyone is having a great day!