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random wednesday post.

March 13, 2013

i am taking a little road trip today for one night.
i need a change of scenery!

those snow days were fun but i am over being inside.
i am ready for green grass. green trees. camp fires. dinner on the porch. morning coffee outside in the sunrise.

we had just enough time yesterday and things were quiet so i said "anyone want to paint with me?"

they did.

it was relaxing and much needed.

then we took off to annie's soccer game where she scored a goal!

then went to walmart with talby and realized at the checkout i had left my wallet at home.
and a friend came to walmart and paid for my groceries for me….

she was awesome.

this was view on my run today.

i walked a half, ran one mile, walked a quarter, ran 1.5, walked a .25, and then ran 1.25… then walked .25 again.

wasn't that an exciting recap?!

AND about the shop.

i think for my sanity's sake…. because of spring break, my little trip and LIFE….

it's going to open on wednesday March 20.

and it will be awesome.

alright…. i am out of here.

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Prairie Jenn - And love that view of the road…looks like home to me:)

Erica - Used this tutorial today with the kids. http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/2013/01/watercolor-for-elephants-tutorial.html
While I was doing it, I thought it was right up your alley. You may have been the one who pointed us to the tutorial in the first place–can’t remember how I found it. 🙂

Necole @seriouslysassymama - Oh I would love to take a road trip. Just me and some antique shops. Maybe this summer. Knowing me though, I will probably take my girls.

Tracy - I’m so confused! Did you have a snow day yesterday?? If so, where’s the snow?

Angie - Enjoy that mini trip my friend. Sometimes just a change of scenery can make all the difference in our moods!

Tiffany - I hope you and Kimberlee have a fun mini-roadtrip! Thanks for sharing those painting pics. Olivia was begging me to paint last night, but it just got too late. That would be a perfect project for her!
Good luck with the re-opening of your shop!

Lori Austin - That last picture seems to be saying it’s spring…..can we hope?!
I’ve had a good friend come pay for my groceries at Wal-mart before also.
Aren’t we thankful for friends?!
Enjoy your day away.

Tiffany - Run, walk, run, walk…. Still circling those on the couch, including me, ha! Keep up the good work. Enjoy ur day off – hope it rocks like Craft Weekends only with you do the relaxing and crafting and being inspired. Enjoy it.

Emily - I want to paint with you! In fact, I just might pick up some watercolors this weekend. Inspiring!

Gina - Your girls made some pretty pictures!! Have a fun get away!!

tara - can’t wait to see your shop!!!
it’s going to be awesome….full of COLOR!
and way to GO on the walking/running…so impressed!

CathyC - OK, where is this trip, that I’m sure is awesome…..

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Imagine my delight when daughter #2 was able to fit into our rainbow hoodie that I’d bought for daughter #1 a couple years back. She wore it to gymnastics last night and looked adorable as she ran her first few laps…then she got HOT. 🙂
March 20th will be a good day for you for sure!

jack - Have a great trip!

angela - March 20….on my calendar!!!!

Lindsay - Ditto on being so over snow days!!!

Lisa - I am so ready for nice weather too. I live in the high desert of Oregon and we have THE best summers! Cannot wait! 🙂 And I am really, REALLY hoping I get one of those adorable sweatshirts for my 6 yr old. Love those!

Heather Simnitt - You are a tease, Meg! I was so hoping this was the “random post” telling me to visit your shop and do some serious SHOPPING!
There was something about yesterday, my girls and I sat for 2.5 hours and did a couple of really cute crafts I found on Pinterest. It was so relaxing and I really didn’t want to stop to do the run to ballet class. Oh well – it was fab while it lasted!
Have a lovely getaway!

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it’s monday right?

March 11, 2013

**************************************************

it FEELS like a monday.

i knew i had to run this morning and the first thing i thought when i opened my eyes was “NO.”

but i did it.
two of my buddies were there and we ran five miles.
the middle felt good and then suddenly i said “HOW ARE WE NOT DONE YET!?!”
i just wanted to be finished!

but i feel so good now!

we are still running in 20 degrees.
we have every bit of us covered except little bits of our faces that our masks don’t cover.
we wear two or three layers on top, pants, heavy socks, gloves, a neck guard, a hat and sunglasses.
and we are freezing!

i can’t wait for warm weather!!

this summer i would LOVE to be MEG’S SUMMER OF SHORTS.

it’s been a long time since i have worn shorts.
i owned one pair last year.
and i didn’t like wearing them.
so if i want to WEAR them then i will have to DO SOMETHING about this… like more exercise.
but all this fun workout gear makes the thought of that more bearable.

these pictures are all from DicksSportingGoods.com.

i was just doing a little dreaming… motivating… smiling this morning.

what keeps you motivated to exercise?

what is your FAVORITE form of exercise?

What should i do to get my body ready for shorts?

i would love to hear what you think!

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Stephanie - What keeps me motivated is a race & a training plan! Right now I am training to run a marathon (first time ever!) I am following Hal Higgon’s plan mostly but tweaking it to better fit me. Yay for you for running in 20-degrees! 🙂

Bobbie - I take ACE, appetite control and energy. It helps tremendously with losing weight and maintaining your weight when you reach your goal. The ingredients are all natural so it’s safe too. I also play some softball in the summer but that is about it. I hate running!

Alisa - Crossfit!!

Lindsay - ok. i TOTALLY hear you about the “summer of shorts”. half the problem is that the shorts on the market are TOO SHORT! and since i’m tall, the shorts are even shorter (or so they look).
i’ve found a really cute pair that i like and are completely manageable…i ran a half-marathon in them, quite comfy. and i think cute!
http://www.zappos.com/adidas-womens-speedtrick-2-in-1-short-tech-grey-zest
and above all else…remember that GOD gave you legs that are strong and capable and beautiful even if they don’t look like the people wearing all these “booty shorts”
and squats. my trainer has me doing about a bizillion squats every week. i have muscles i’ve never seen before!

Melanie - weight training! gotta tone those muscles. (i too never wear shorts)

Cheryl E. - WHAT?!?!? i”m not the only one who HATES (and thus refuses) to wear shorts? I don’t care if it is 95 degrees outside, I will not wear shorts. BUT, I am tryng to get over it. Trying…. trying….trying……
Maybe we should just be happy with what God gave us, huh?

Jenn A. - Squats and Lunges will help a ton! And I agree about fake tan!

Tracy - Power yoga can really tone your legs and you can do it home. Just go to yogadownload.com. Get a friend to do it with you. It’s fun!
If you want to wear shorts, wear them!! No one cares what your legs look like…they’re too worried about how their own legs look 😉

Eryn - Just remember, it’s always harder to restart so don’t give up now! 🙂 Push through the pain and your body will thank you. I HATED running with an absolute passion last year and while it’s definitely not my favorite now, I can manage to finish a 5k in a semi decent time and I’m proud of that! All this motivation makes me wanna go for a run now! Keep up the good work! 🙂

Kari - So funny! I never wear shorts either. Ever. My kids are old enough now to ask me why. Maybe I should make this a goal too – I am starting a FAST diet program tomorrow – a family from Omaha started it – they have lost a bunch of weight together. I think at this point I need some accountability – turning 40 and eating too many carbs has caused me to put on a few pounds in the last 6 mos and now none of my clothes fit! Having a job where I sit most of the day doesn’t help either….
Good luck! Kari

Becky - Fake Tan – top tip for wearing shorts – brown legs ALWAYS look better in shorts – so get the fake tan out and get the shorts on – you’ll look awesome – also all that exercise and healthy eating advice is worth listening too as well !!!!

Leah J - I’m very impressed with your dedication to running! It sure helps to have running partners to get you out there! I was also going to say, like the above commenter, that slimming down mostly depends on our diet, 80 % vs. 20% exercise! Put those 2 together, and you’ll be rockin the shorts by summer! Sigh…. Now if only it was as easy as it sounds.

Melissa - I love to swim, though I think I could use some helpful friends like yours. I struggle with making time to do it. Just recently started back again and I am only able to swim about half of what I could just a couple of years ago. Goals help keep me motivated so I’m shooting to be able to swim a month-long marathon in May. 26.2 miles in 31 days.

Tiffany - Sorry I can’t help you out on this one. I suggest having more kids. I burn off everything I eat by chasing after Henry. 🙂 Good plan, right?! 😉

Nikki - Insanity!!! I hadn’t worn shorts since my oldest was born (she’s eight) and last Spring I did Insanity and the muscles came right out! Everything *lifted* lol. I started with Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred, though, which I feel made me more ready for something crazy like Insanity. I give these two programs credit for turning me into a workout lover 🙂

Carrie - You know it doesn’t matter, if you want to wear them, wear them!! Honestly! You are in great shape from exercising so wear the shorts! But if you want some extra crosstraining, Jillian Michaels can kick some butt! Her yoga workout leaves me shaking sometimes.

Jeana - Oh and I second…third the lululemon recommendation!!

Jeana - I set a goal to buy 2 new pair of j crew shorts for the summer as my reward for working out enough to look good in them ha! I love Pilates and eating well, minus a major sweet tooth, lots of water and I just started running…I want to keep it up. Good luck!

Krista - I dream about little running shorts and skorts too…. I bet you’d rock them if you tried! Keep it up, you are an inspiration!

stephanie - Have you ever been to lululemon? The only thing nike i buy anymore are my shoes.

Kimberlee Jost - Great question on what keeps someone motivated. Loved reading these answers!
I could use a little fountain of motivation these days.
I would say that knowing that I will spend 50 percent of my summer life at the pool come June has a lot to do with it.
I echo Amy and Taryn—you have awesome legs. You should show them more. 🙂

amy jupin - you listen to me, missy!
you have GREAT legs.
flaunt the heck out of those things!
i do not want to hear any of this capri business this summer.
put on the dang shorts!
that’s an order!
(xoxo, heehee)

Heather Simnitt - Squats and lunges can really tone your booty and legs, but it also causes a “bulk up” effect in my legs, so I keep that balanced with running and pilates. I really found that last year my legs were just finally starting to look really good toward the end of summer when I had been wogging (walking and jogging) with a friend three mornings a week and then doing Jillian two days a week. During the winter I alternate running on the dreadmill and doing Jillian’s kickbox fast fix. I’m sure I haven’t lost a stinkin’ pound because even though I eat fairly healthy overall (drinks 48 oz of pure water a day, veggies with 2 meals, greek yogurt for lunch, etc) I seem to always give in to a sugar craving most days after dinner. I’m learning to indulge moderately – a couple of Dove chocolates after dinner seems to do the trick. I’m sure you’ll be just fine donning some shorts this summer – all this running has GOT to be producing some rock hard quads and hammies, right?

Liesl - I agree about the shorts–I only wear Bermuda’s that cover the majority of my thighs! I’ve added Zumba to my walking routine along with cutting out snacks after dinner and eating more fruits and veggies. I’m trying to listen to my stomach instead of my eyes. You can do it Meg!

Amy Petz - My new energy level keeps me motivated. I don’t like how I feel when I don’t work out. Hiking is awesome. Zumba is my go-to, but only with the right instructor. I Zumba 4 days a week and hike 2 days. I am at a point where I think I need to incorporate weights, but don’t know where to start.
You look great and should wear shorts! Love the inspiration you provide!

Jen - This is going to be my summer for shorts too! I just lost 30 pounds and have ten to go. I bought a fun pair of shorts Saturday when I was at Goodwill dropping off all my “fat clothes”! I’m looking forward to wearing them!

Roganne - I really like the insanity DVDs except that every time I finish a workout I wish I could reach into the tv and slap Shaun t in the face! But it feels so good after! (And by after I mean several days after!)

Tracy Fisher - thank you for motivating me! -tracy

shar y - Under health and fitness, Pinterest has tons of exercises for toning. But, I think you are looking very fit!

Alice H - ZUMBA!!! Do it! Before I had my last baby I was down to my lowest weight since my older babies and my body was in such great shape! I was eating better and doing Zumba at least 4 times a week. It was amazing!! I then started doing Step and Body Pump 2-3 times a week.
You just need to wear shorts!! I bet your legs look better than what you give yourself credit for!!

Kristin S - I didn’t wear shorts for 10 years. Ten!
But I started again a few years ago around age 40. Backwards, I know.
But I was also running and running makes my legs look good so I ventured out.
I haven’t been allowed to/able to run since May 5th last year due to injury after injury after injury. My legs look awful and my body is fluffy.
No decision on whether or not shorts will be on my legs this year. Guess I need to decide soon…. spring is close.

Amber D. McNabb - Too funny, last year was the first year ever that I refused to don a pair of shorts. I seriously need to get off my fanny and do something about this. Thanks for the inspiration!

Stephanie C - You need some Lululemon in your life!!

Taryn Jost - All i’m gonna say is, Megan no matter what, you have ALWAYS had great legs. You WILL totally rock those shorts! Love ya!:)

Katie Beth - I seriously just sat down after a treadmill run…like I am still sweating and breathing hard. I am not someone that is ever excited to run, but the feeling when I am finished is what keeps me going. It is much better than adding up the days since I have ran and thinking about how much harder it is going to be next time. I am just now able to complete the 5K on my treadmill without a break to walk, and I am super proud of that accomplishment. My husband and I are doing the Color Run, Kansas City in June! I do hate treadmill running, but I hate being freezing cold even more. But bring on the Spring! I can’t wait! I have some new running shorts to break in!

Beth - You really are dedicated and should feel great for running in that insane weather. I’m in my last week of training for an 5k and even down south in Sweet Home Alabama, we’ve had some wild – cold and rainy – weather. It’s so easy to want to make an excuse. But I can’t complain since you’re running in 20 degree weather. Wow! Happy running!

Angela A - What keeps me motivated to exercise: trying on pants and putting on my swimming suit in the middle of winter to play at Great Wolf. And what keeps me motivated while exercising is definitely music.
My favorite form of exercise is swimming but mostly I left weights and run. And I am just trying to not eat the empty calories. The yummy ones. Sigh.

Leah - I am totally in love with Pure Barre. It’s a Pilates/ballet type exercise. It’s painful but amazing! I lost all my baby weight right away and totally owe it to going to the barre before and during pregnancy. Can’t wait to go back. Have to start getting a little more sleep first;)

Moriah - I totally needed to hear this post today. Thanks. Just started running(today) and I am thinking “why on Earth and I doing this, I hate it.” Thanks for the inspiration!

RunStandStill - What keeps me motivated to exercise: The payoff – losing weight, looser fitting clothes, more clothing options (a fit body looks better in more styles) and just taking care of my health. Also, like you, I need GREAT music on my ipod to exercise.
What is my favorite form of exercise: I have to constantly mix things up – a cardio session, weights, throw in a spin or zumba class, walk outside with a friend. I like variety.
What should you do to get your body ready for shorts: In my experience, I can’t do it all with just exercise. I’ve heard that diet is 80% of weight loss success, and I believe it. I can undo the benefits of my exercise session with one bag of potato chips. Suggestions include drinking loads of water and meals focused on healthy protein and veggies. Since a person can’t ‘spot lose’ the extra weight or fat, losing overall pounds and lowering body fat helps legs look more toned and lean. I also think adding weightlifting/toning to an exercise routing is very beneficial, for multiple reasons.
Best of luck – you can do it! You will rock those shorts, mama!

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saturday.

March 9, 2013

i have been working on blog stuff… shop stuff… craft weekend planning.
it's been more of a working week than i wanted.
oh well.
it's pretty great work so i will stop complaining.

i was planning out the next set of pillows to be made for my shop.
i have a lot more fabric than i knew….

they are going to be SO CUTE!!

coming SOON in the shop… LOTS of PRINTS.
8 x10s and 11x14s…

also in the shop…. BIG CANVAS WRAPPED PRINTS!! woo-hoo!

i have rainbow hoodies….

and bunting….

and pillows and MORE pillows.

and even some vintage stuff….

i will be SUPER HAPPY to get it all up online for you.
it's coming VERY soon.

like… days away.

so exciting!!!

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ok… i TOTALLY forgot to tell you about how you can be a part of Jess's Joyful Life Library Project.

here are words from Jess on her blog:
———————————————————————————————————————————–
Cora1-tiff

————————————————————————————————————————————-

SO…. there is only one more day to donate and be able to be entered in her MAJOR AWESOME GIVEAWAY!

Read all about the details for Cora's LIbrary and the entire Joyful Life Project HERE. AND HERE.
it's really special.

and i am so slow… i am going NOW to purchase my books to donate.
🙂

please join me.

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Courtney - I’m excited for your shop! I’m super excited for your shop! I wish you had prints that were 4×6 or 5×7 though.

tara - can not wait til your shop opens. the end.

Michele - When? When? When? Anxiously awaiting news of the shop being open!

Stephany W. - where do you buy your beautiful fabric? i love all of it!

Gina - I refuse to make my own bunting because I know that anything you make will be ten times better! Can’t wait!!

msmith3030@woh.rr.com - I am so excited for the shop! Congrat!
Melissa

Beth Anne - So are you saying that I can buy my own Watercolor canvas photo?! Because I seriously want to steal yours every single time it shows up in one of your photos!
So gorgeous.

Kristina Abel - Well… there goes my tax return!!! I’m buying a new couch and NEED some of those pillows for it and my bedroom. Chip chop… can’t wait!!!

Julie - Can not wait for the shop! I was just thinking of sending you an e-mail to ask if you would ever consider selling prints of the paint box. Yippee!

Sarah - CanNOT wait for the shop!!!!!

Jaime ♥ Raising up Rubies - Meg! all of your product is just so so beautiful! makes a crafty girls’ heart go pitter patter 🙂 heehee ♥ Happy Monday!

jack - Can’t wait for the grand opening!

Rachel - Ohmylord… pompom trim. I’m a goner!
Love all the color – I needed this smile for today!

Stephanie - Please tell me the hoodies are in adult sizes!!!

Sarah@ This Farm Family's Life - I so want one or two or three of those rainbow hoodies. Love the gumball machine canvas. It looks like the gumball machine looks 3-D.

Janelle - I was one of the lucky ones to get a rainbow sweatshirt for my daughter during your last sale. The little squirt lost it at school. I was heartbroken! So torn now…should I try to get her a new one? Or teach her a lesson about responsibility?!

Adrienne s - So so so EXCITED!! I was just fawning over your bubble gum and paint print thinking about emailing you about them. Anxiously waiting for the shop to open!

Barbara (WA) - I laughed aloud when I saw the photo to accompany “i have a lot more fabric than i knew….” 🙂 Please give us a heads up when you have your new things on etsy. I am eyeing that barn photo. Thanks!

Su@TheIntentionalHome - too excited about the canvas wrapped prints and the larger 11 by 14 prints. . .love the bubblegume machine and the watercolors and the globes. . oh me. . .such a teaser of a post. . . I hope I do not miss the sale this time 🙂 Blessings on your hands and creativity as you work. . .

Katy Jo - SOOOOOO excited for the shop to open! Who needs paychecks??? Cause all of mine is going to that wonderfulness!!!

erin - oh em gee. i am pumped!!! i have been looking for something comparable to your canvas prints for almost two years. i have even emailed you about them! i really, really, really hope i’m able to get them. thank you so much for having an amazing store!

beth k. - I have missed your sales in the past due to work or other obligations, so am excited to do some shopping this year. 🙂 I am new to this, so was wondering how you pay for it? Sorry if this is a dumb question, just not sure. Thanks!

notmothert - can’t wait for the watercolor paint set canvas to hang above my daybed, and a few of your pillows!

Lisa M. - Can’t wait for your shop to open! So much fun stuff!

Linda - SO excited for your shop! Last time I was on vacation and totally missed everything. Can’t wait!!

Sarah Wolfe - Oh, and very excited about the prints especially. What a great idea to sell them 🙂

Sarah Wolfe - You’ve been busy! Please don’t tell me you’re sewing all that in your spare time or I’m gonna feel really lazy 😉

missy - Oh how I wish to have all the source info for your yummy fabric choices!!!!

Mrs. B. - I really want one of your prints or canvas pictures for the red brick wall in my kitchen…

Heather Simnitt - Can’t wait until you open up your shop……plans to make several purchases!

Tiffany - My, you have been busy! You will have one of the most happy etsy shops ever with all of those goodies!

Felicity - Oh my, I can’t wait to get my hands on a rainbow hoodie! Are they in adult sizes?
Xx

Organic Aspirations - Lovely!!

Chrissie Grace - I can’t wait for that watercolor print! I’ve been drooling over it forever! 😉

Kristin S - Yea for shop additions!

jamie - i so need an 11×14 of the bubble gum machine and paints! you’ve been a busy girl. on a totally random side note: the hubs ran his second 5K last weekend. first one in the freezing cold snow. i was so nervous. he said it was super hard to catch his breath, he coughed A LOT after the run, and he was very tired and sore all day. his first 5K was in much warmer weather {thanksgiving in alabama}

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hi.

March 7, 2013

our neighbor got more chickens.
they are growing and getting bigger out in the barn.
the door is locked to keep them IN so all we can do is look through the window like looking at a baby in the hospital nursery.
but i have been watching what they are doing raising these baby chicks into ladies.

for when we get ours.

this spring? summer?

i hope.

i am not sure i am able to say this…. but i think it will at least help motivate.

it's seven weeks and two days until my Half Marathon.
geeeeez.

i went out this morning.

17 mph winds doesn't sound like much.
umm…. YEAH IT IS!

redonk.

and none of music was good. i was just skip, skip, skip.

but…. i am so glad i went.
pretty much what every runner says ever.

THIS BRACELET is for sale from Everyday Icing Accessory Auctions and 100% of the proceeds go to Compassion International.

Every Icing is a facebook store.
sounds crazy doesn't it?

crazy awesome.

they list items every week and to purchase you "Like" their page and then write SOLD under the product.
leave your email address in the comment section or message them privately.
and that is it.
once it's gone…it's gone.
THE SHIPPING IS ALWAYS FREE.
they will bill you and mail your product out.
pretty cool.

they give 10% of their profit on everything to Compassion

BUT FOR THIS BRACELET…..100% of the proceeds go to Compassion International!!

it's only available today and tomorrow.
so you have to hurry.
i got one.

i bet they will go fast!

thanks Kimba for sharing this with me!

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Andrea@KnittyBitties - I got that shirt for Christmas … I feel like I have to force a smile as I run past people :). Now I want it in Aqua & and the RUN tee too. Are you training for your first half? What day is it? I’m training for my first (YIKES!) May 19th … just days before my 36th birthday. Happy Running to you! XOXO

Hollie - I got my first chickens last Spring and found a chicken tractor on Craigslist. I’ts been awesome for me and so much fun to go out every day and collect my eggs. You should get them sooner rather than later 🙂 You absolutely need chickens!

Prairie Jenn - Raising chickens is really pretty easy, and I bet your girls will love them:) We just got a dozen chicks this week, and my girls are so happy!
Way to go on your training…running in 17 mph wind takes a degree of dedication that I just don’t have!

Kameron - I had one of those runs the other day. i need to revamp my playlist. When conditions are not good and then the music doesn’t carry you, it makes for a rough run. Good luck on your training!

Sarah - Is it wrong that at first glance I thought that shirt said rum happy? I can tell it is Friday! 🙂

Tiffany - I’m signing up for a 5K color run! I couldn’t help but think of you! 😉

Laura H - Good luck on your half marathon! I only do 5k…so fun! This year my whole family is doing the color run here in Chicago for the first time! Can’t wait! We are going for a “Blue Man Group” kind of look! HA! Have you ever seen them? You would love it!

jack - Oooh chickens! You’ll be ‘proper country’ then!

ann - You go girl! I am cheering you on for your half marathon. I’ve never owned a chicken…what an experience to live in the country! Pretty bracelet, too!

Denissa - I would LOVE a bracelet but I don’t have Facebook..boo 🙁

Lee Ann - Buy the chicks now! 🙂 They’re so fun. And if you wait too long (like fall) it sometimes takes them longer to lay – and then you’re just feeding these little things for months and not getting anything in return. I just keep mine in a rubbermaid tote for a few weeks – gives you plenty of time to figure out something more permanent. This is the first year in a long time I’m not getting chicks…..but I may get turkey babies soon 🙂

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - You made that chicken look adorable…although at first glance I thought it was a pigeon. Guess I should study my birds a bit better, huh? 😉

Lauren - Oh I love the chickens! So fun!

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color blast.

March 5, 2013

BOOM.

how did you like that?!

a BLAST of color for your day.

how is your creating coming along?

i made one thing for two days.
and it turns out that even when i WANT to be creating all day…. i remembered i actually have things to do.
like work… oh yeah… i have a job.
dang.

but i still made time to be creative and will keep at it all week.

and i ran on monday and tuesday!

can i make it tomorrow too?

i think i can.

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Stephanie Wilson - Your pictures are the perfect eye candy for Monday. Thank you for your blog, it inspires me everyday.

Charity - Oh my. Where did that fabric map come from? Have we seen it before? Will you please tell us how to make one…so I can make it this weekend!? Thanks for all the color!

Hollis - I agree with Stephanie! Where did the “you are my sunshine” board come from?? I am in love!!

Stacy - Loved the blast of color! =)

kristin - I’m not sure how you manage so much wonderful color without it ever looking tacky, but you do! You really, really do have a gift. Thanks for sharing!

janelle shultz - i think this is one of the prettiest posts i’ve ever seen in my whole life! amazing collection of pictures & can i come live there 🙂 ?

Whitney - This made my day! I want to hide in your craft house forever. I can’t wait until we have a house that I can decorate with cheerful, happy colors and rainbows!

Lori - Loved it!

Amber D. McNAbb - WOW! Definitely a much needed burst of color! And I really need that mirror. Where did it come from? Did you make it?

Emma Kate - These pictures are GORGEOUS! They make me so happy!

emily - love love love the fabric map! such a great idea for a map!
would you be willing to post where it’s from? or how you made it? would love to try! (emphasis on TRY – still a new crafter!)

Katy - happy happy happy! 🙂

Julie - Yeehaw! I think I’ll pin every pic so I can look at them again. You and I are color soul sisters. I dream of winning the craft weekend lottery someday. And love the map with flags – so cute!

marnie - What a darling blog. We were drawn in by the image of the Wonder Dog. We’re getting our first doodle this summer! Our first dog ever! Your blog makes me smile…and we love the LORD too!
We’ll be back for more smiles.
Peace from Virginia.

Shelly Clark - Can I say that your photos just make me happy? I mean, it can be a photo of a mug on a counter, and it will make me smile. I think I am the most colorful of all my friends, but then I look at you, and your home, and I think, wow, my life is so plain. Thank you for bringing the sunshine every single day.

stacie - thank you, thank you, thank you. i needed that color blast! i’m so so ready for spring and this last month of pregnancy with gray days is hard!! xo, stacie

Katey Deasy - I see someone from my city on your pin map came to Whatever Craft Weekend!!! I wonder who it is!!!!!!! Been on the list since the list first begun. I know I will be get there one day and I can’t wait! Thanks for the awesome colors today. Sure needed it.

Shelby - This brought a smile to my face! I miss the craft house and as I was scrolling down I was remembering every bit of that weekend. It went way too fast!!! You inspire me!!!

sara @ it's good to be queen - happy, happy, happy, happy, happy. 🙂 thank you so much. I am grinning from ear to ear. color is so happy!!!!

kerry - Awesomeness!!!!!!! That totally made my day! x

Shannon - I love it! Color Color Color it’s pure happiness!

Sarah@ This Farm Family's Life - Awesome color to a gloomy snowy day. Thank you!

Gina - Awesome photos!! I want to live in these photos! Have a great day!!

Tracy - This post certainly brightened up my day 🙂

Danielle - Beautiful! I love your eye:)

Anj - Thanks meg!! Cheerful, colorful, uplifiting and definitely inspiring creative juices… definitely needed that today!! Good job! 🙂

Linda - Thank you Thank You thank you for the beautiful world of color!!!! I really needed it this morning! This is what make this my favorite blog. It somehow always manages to feel like a great big hug!! Thanks again for what you do for a total stranger! Have a sunshine day!

Jen - Thanks, that was fun! I loved the color blast, it’s a great pick-me-up for a snowy cold day. I don’t always put that much bright color into my home, so I like to see it virtually and enjoy it that way!

Gretchen - You took me to my happy place. Thank you!

Jeannine - This post is so inspiring! I want to spend all day drinking coffee and creating.

sally - A job? Did I miss something? Or are you talking about raising your family and keeping up your home…which IS a full time job?! 😉 I love all the color!! Makes me want to add some to my neutral/white house. 😉 🙂

Mary Jo - The fabric map is awesome!

happygirl - That blast of color is just what I needed on this gray, rainy day. 🙂

Stephanie - I’m a “save the best for last” kind of girl. In my list of morning blog reading, yours is always last. This type of colorful post is what I love to see just before starting my work day. Lovely and inspiring. Thank you!

Seriously Sassy Mama - I love the fabric map. What a great idea.

jeannett - this made me so happy!
love all of your color.
miss you!!!

Melissa - Love all the color! So cheerful especially in the dead of winter and blahness

Mary - happy!!!
i need to come to that happy place like, stat!
xo
🙂

deb - Thank you and please continue to blast away! We just received another 8 inches of snow, on top of the 15 inches we already had on the ground. This was the perfect antidote! You have such a gift to see the “ordinary” in such an extraordinary way.

Jackie - All of that color makes me smile!

Lisa M. - What awesome, amazing color! What’s even more amazing is that it all came from the Craft House, right? I’m sure that makes for a very inspiring weekend for all your crafters! I especially loved the gumball machine picture with the globe in the background.
And yay for running! My business and my husband’s business has been so busy there has been no “me” time, so running has been put on the back burner 🙁 I am going to do 5K in April (nothing compared to a 1/2 marathon, I know) so I need to get out and start running again!

Beth - LOVED it! Meg, your blog is so inspiring. Thanks for the time you put into it. Loved this blast of color. I will go back to this post again and again. Have a beautiful day! You brightened mine.

Lorraine - It’s wet and completely gray here!!! I NEEDED THAT COLOR BLAST!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
You are making me crave bright, fun and happy colors!!! I tend to go for the warm and creamy tones of life, but you are changing me!!!! :))))) I like it!

Allison - Love all the colors. So much better than the 11 inches of snow outside of my window.

Lori H - It is sleeting outside my window so the color is so welcome this morning!

Connie - Here in our home, we refer to your blog as “Color Therapy” and it is always good! Thanks for sharing your color 🙂

Gina - You can! I know you can! I have been reading your blog for a long time and I have witnessed your determination.
I love the color blast. Amazing photos that just made me happy. Enjoy your run!

Kate - I loved every second. Have I ever told you you are the MOST colorful person I know 🙂 Hugs!

jack - This cheered me up on a dull and grey morning here in England!

Jessica - Loved this post! so happy and cheerful 🙂

Patty - Gorgeous photos. Love, love, love all the color!

roganne - I NEEDED THAT. your creativity is so inspiring that i want to craft right now! also…you need to come and decorate my home. those colors are so uplifting my heart is shouting with joy!! thank you.
p.s. i love your style.

Penny - Not sure if my previous msg came through. I didn’t put in the right blogspot name. It’s pennysuzie.blogspot.com. PS

Penny - Beautiful color! I cannot wait for spring. It’s nice to see at least a couple of you out there are still blogging! I was re-visiting an old magazine, which I do a lot, Flea Market Style, Summer 2010. You were one of the blogs listed, and I am just now finding you. I hope this comes through from my blogland to yours. I can’t wait to come back for more beautiful color! Thank you, Penny

Robyn Farmer - I loved it! You always cause me to question my loyalty to all white and neutrals.

Lisa - Is that a map made out of fabric!!!??? LOVE IT!

Tiffany - I love your creative eye and all those blasts of color through your craft house. YES, I got to craft today! It felt so good! Thankful for a snow day and a little one that took a 3 hour nap. Now Olivia has a new pouf pillow for the reading area of her room. Super cute, and it felt so good to create!

Heidi of Operation Organization - LOVE! i’ll move right in! 😉

Stephanie - I love the “you are my sunshine” board…did you make that or is it a “find”?
Love your happy home 🙂

Shannon - I loved all the pretty colors in this post! Thanks Meg for the burst of color today 🙂

Lori Austin - Happiness!

Kristin S - Can I just move in to the craft house? Pretty please?

Stephanie Talty - Wowza!! LOVE all the color!
Thanks for spreading some cheer on my Tuesday evening!

phyllis - Happy shots!! Pinned the top one. Thanks 🙂

Heather Simnitt - The USA quilt. Love. Like envy love. Like if it wasn’t a horrible sin I’d be plotting a way to steal it from you.

Diane - The map! That fabric map! Did you make it? Will you tell us how?… Or where it came from?

Laura H - Booya!! Getting up off the floor now!

Kathy - um, can I come live at your house? or can you teach me how to inject my house with a big ‘ol blast o’color like this??!! =)

Helen Wall - Love this! Especially your USA quilt thing. Why have I not seen this before? Love your happy craft house!!

tinaehb3 - I loved the color blasts 🙂 I’m trying to knit a scarf. Only my second project since trying this….it’s definitely going to take me more than a day 🙂

Angela A - Thank you! I love your blasts of color! That’s what brought me to your blog. I worked on a quilt and finished it today. I have another one waiting behind it, but I think I need to add a few blasts of color at my own house, and work out a better system to take quilt pictures outside. And go to work.

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instys.

March 3, 2013

two weeks of instagrams….

Seis

how did your week go?

are you ready for monday?

i have not been running but tomorrow is the day to start back up.
it is TIME.

we went to lunch after church and it was the best lunch the seven of us have had in a VERY long time.
the food was good but it was the first time in a loooong time that there was no fighting, whining or complaining from anyone.

it. was. BEAUTIFUL.

it was the kind of hour that can pull you through months of disappointments.
a shimmering glimmer of hope.
ahhhhh.

thank you lord for that lunch!

my little girls have been playing upstairs now for several hours together and it is so nice.
i love when they get lost in their make believe world together.

i am going to create this week…. i miss making things.
so i am doing it.

i am going to make something everyday this week.

i don't know what just yet but…. SOMETHING.

monday – friday.

you should too! you and i will both feel awesome by saturday.

ready… set…. GO!

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Tiffany - Oh how I wish I could create each day this week. Heck, I’d be happy for one day! My fingers and toes are crossed for a snow day tomorrow. That would be my perfect chance!

Kori - ha. all i’m making is space…going through closets and selling stuff on craigslist and getting ready to jump on the garage sale bandwagon in order to feel less controlled by stuff come summertime!
your type of ‘making’ sounds like more fun though. 🙂

Jenny - Darn it…. I meant blog admirer!

Jenny - I am just a bog admirer, but I would love to see what you make every day.

Judy P - THANK YOU, for your blog!!!! It really makes me happy every time I read it! :0) I love rainbows, and I love all the beautiful pictures, ideas, EVERYTHING I find here!!! You are SO inspiring in so many ways….thanks so much!! Judy

Tanya H - Must have been something in the air…across the nation, haha. My kids spent yesterday getting along planning surprises for my birthday. There was NO fighting the whole day! YEAY!

Kelly - Love the instagrams! I am with you…going to make something everyday this week (besides dinner haha!). It’s been three weeks of no creating… on a trip with the hub… all the packing and unpacking and planning for leaving kids at home, plus one kid birthday… so no creating… and that’s not good for the soul! It’s time to get creative 😀

Tracy Fisher - Enjoy your CREATIVE week!
-tracy

Alisa - I am making these this week and adding candles. I love candles. have you made them before?
http://www.ahappyplacecalledhome.com/home/2011/8/28/grape-jelly-and-salsa.html
Have a good time!
Alisa

Laura H - Great pictures! Today I am off from school( I am an aide) and I have decided to make one of those banners out of fabric scraps that you see all over Pinterest. Mine will have a “vintage” feel! LOVE your blog! You make me want to put all my colored pencils/ribbons/paints into glass jars and spin around the room in all the prettiness. It’s a sickness….I know

Heather Simnitt - Replying to self here – forgot to mention that I am really liking your hair in these photos….maybe it’s the longer swept bangs?

Heather Simnitt - Well, I won’t be creating anything this week. Hubby is off all but one day (crazy ER schedule) and we are going to do the lessons with the girls, clean out shelves and caulk and paint trim and get this house totally in order before it’s time to start working in the yard. We’re also heading to the Truman Museum in Independence since we’re studying the presidents right now and just wrapped up on Truman last week. Presidential museums are so very cool!
So, maybe I will be creating, now that I think about it. I’ll be creating space in my home and beauty in freshly painted trim! 😉

molly - my two older girls (8 and 5) played together all weekend. it was glorious. it makes my hear so happy. they even slept together last night. i am with you on this create something week! i take your challenge!

Jackie - Hope you will be sharing all that you make. I will be creating to. Have several projects that I need to finish. It is just so cold outside, and some require painting that would be better done outside. Maybe warmer days are on the way. Have a blessed week.

Bree - As with the previous comments.. I think I’m going to take the challenge too! Oh my.. 😉 How I miss creating! (No ones fault but my own!) Thank you! Have a blessed week!

Su@TheIntentionalHome - Would love to see what you create everyday 🙂 And I think I am going to do it too. Yesterday, my daughter and I painted a cute canvas together. . .today I will create too. . it does make me feel better. . I feel more connected to The Creator when I create

kerry - love the poster Meg! ‘Life does not have to be perfect to be Wonderful!’
Oh how I live for those peaceful hours……we’re struggling at dinner time at the moment – how I long for the hours they don’t fight, whine or complain!
Best I get creating to calm myself down 🙂
Have a great week,
Kerry x

Jack - I agree with Julie – a great challenge for this week! Love the ‘cheer up’ t-shirt too!

Brooke - Great idea! Does making your enchiladas count? Ha! Because that is on my TO DO list, for sure. They look soooo yummy! We have been in craft mode here lately……it is so much fun to keep crafting when ALL the supplies are spread ALL over the table. Making one more craft always sounds way more fun than picking it all up and putting it all away! 🙂 Show us what you make.

denise@victory rd. - i would like to feel awesome. what could i create?
yeah, for girls playing together sweetly, and for 1 hour of a happy lunch with your family.
thanks for reminding me to delight in the little things today.

Amy K. - I’m in! If I count one project in two parts, I’m on a good roll with two days in a row already… it has been tooooo long!

Elaine - Sunday evenings are hard for me…I struggle to get organized and wrap my head around preparing us all to venture back out into world. I love the weekends when we have a slower pace. But, you have inspired me to embrace it and put a smile on my face. Monday is coming, whether I am ready or not, might as well step up and take control! Happy creating…have a wonderful week:)

Stephanie - I am not on IG, but I enjoy looking at yours.
Love the pic of your kids at the table.
Your feet are like half the size of your husband’s. are his that big, or are yours that small?
Making something everyday this week…..hmmmm….might inspire me to clean up my sewing closet.

tara - love your instagram shots all in one post…
i usually catch all of them on IG, but it is so cool to see them all lined up.
I’m telling you, I love IG….I’ve been able to get to know some fellow bloggers so much better than I’m able to through blogging. love it.
kudos for making something everyday. do you think i can count making dinner and making beds everyday count? yeah, probably not, right? 🙂

Jaime ♥ Raising up Rubies - Yay! I’m with ya! Makin’ something every. single. day. Thanks for the inspiration girl! ♥

Jenn - I think we will do just that!
Thanks for inspiring us to create:)

Terri - I’m thinking of making a fabric wrapped word this week like the ones that you make during craft weekend. Can you tell me what gauge wire you use please? I’m always so impressed how they turn out. It’s fun to see the words that people choose too. I haven’t decided on a word yet. Oh……. Love you blog!!!!!

Southern Gal - Love the pictures. Those family times make life easier. Are you just now taking down your Christmas tree?

angela - you just inspired me.

Rebecca - Your cheary post makes me want to conquer Monday!

Cheryl Jaeger - We’ve had 6 snow days in the past two school weeks, so I have been in my sewing happy place for an extended time. I don’t want it to end (back to school tomorrow), so I’m going to work on something creative every morning before the kids wake. I mean it!

Debbie S. - I have set a goal to cook dinner every night this week. Which would be seven nights more than last week :). And I love your Instagram photos…I just downloaded the Walgreens app and had a huge stack of Instagram pictures printed. Yay me!

Julie - I think I need to set myself that goal – to make something everyday – whether it be crafting or baking something yummy for my kids. There is something to be said for that feeling of personal satisfaction when you have achieved something.

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enchiladas…of a different kind

March 1, 2013

i am not talking about THESE spicy green sauce enchiladas today.
but… have you made that recipe?
it is probably my favorite meal ever…so so SO good!
we have it at craft weekend often and so many of you have made that recipe.
it’s DELISH!

(goes perfect with a margarita)

today i had another recipe i have been making forever that i want to share.

we call them Sour Cream Enchiladas.

pretty creative name, i know.

these are the ingredients you will need….

i hope by now you are used to my generic food brand choices.

as long as my kids eat it then i am not going to worry about brand names.
EVEN when the generic name is Nice ‘n Cheesy…..

i call it Velveeta in the recipe below.
i don’t want to confuse you if were looking for the Nice ‘n Cheesy. HA!

NOTE: this recipe can be made with chicken OR ground beef.

today i am showing the chicken dish but we make it exactly the same way when we use the ground beef.

first you cook the chicken (or brown the ground beef)
i usually just cook chicken in the crockpot in the day and shred it up when im ready to cook dinner.

add the cheese, soup, the evaporated milk and the sour cream to a seperate bowl.

then microwave for 5 minutes.
it melts all together and is a cheesy cream sauce.

*** you SHOULD add the can of Rotel here but my family is picky and half of them don’t like the Rotel. ***

add one cup of the sauce to the chicken (or beef) and mix it around to coat the meat.

pour a small amount of the sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 pan… just enough to cover the bottom
and this way the tortillas don’t stick to the pan.

(question: is this the most monotone set of photos you have ever seen? the lovely golden kitchen at the farm house is the same color as cheese sauce….)

fill tortillas with chicken/cheese mixture, roll up and place side by side in the pan.
(my pan is actually 10×13 so it’s a little bigger than usual)

now here is where my family makes meals confusing….
i pour the cheese sauce over HALF the enchiladas and THEN i add a can of Rotel (spicy tomatoes & green chiles) to the sauce because my kids don’t like spicy food.

then i pour the rest of the sauce with the spice over the other half of the pan.

i HIGHLY suggest you put the Rotel in from the very beginning but if your kids are picky like mine and you still want to eat spicy food then it’s worth it.

Bake it for 30 minutes at 350 and the top is bubbly golden brown… but not crispy on top.

This meal is super yummy.

and cheesey.

and very delish when you serve it with black beans and rice…and salsa on top.

but my kids don’t eat that either so i just made myself some broccoli instead.

and i realize now that i spelled “spicy” wrong in the recipe.
whoops.

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Melissa - Good. Good on ya. Sheesh.

Melissa - I love that you use generic and processed foods….shows real life. Not everyone can cook name brand, organically, fresh food all the dang time. And if you can, well then goon on ya…but don’t bash the ones who don’t for whatever reason. Everyone is trying to fight the good fight. As moms and women let’s lift each other up, and not tear each other down. That’s all. I’ll step down off my soap box. 😉 🙂

Judy - YUMMY!!! What do you put with the chicken to cook it in the crockpot??

Julie S - Is the Kroger brand Velveeta as good as actual Velveeta? I tried a store brand years ago and it definitely wasn’t the same. My family loves chicken enchiladas. I may have to try this recipe.

Debbie Smallie - Made these tonight…everyone loved them 🙂 Used a rotisserie chicken from Sam’s..saved me time and for $5-ish it didn’t break the bank. YUM-O!

Suzanne G. - Thank you, Meg! I know what we’re trying in our house this week. We also use Great Value brand from Walmart and my family can’t tell the difference.

Tanya H - http://dinnersandthings.blogspot.com/2011/03/sour-cream-enchiladas.html this is my version, haha, very close! 🙂 This was my favorite dinner growing up- often for my birthdays!

kellyk - I read your blog on occasion and always bite my tongue. I am guessing buying generic brands is to save money or to support a large family, understood. I am also guessing that using processed foods is done for the same reason. But please, substitute actual tomatoes and peppers for the rotel and use actual cheese instead of processed cheese food. Your kids will thank you for it! The single most important thing we can spend our money on is the food we put into our (and our kids’) bodies.

Laura H. - I just made something similar to these yesterday. I have three kids. One won’t eat anything “weird” like this, one will eat anything as long as it is “meaty”, and one is a vegetarian(like me) I made some with chicken, and some with black beans. My hubs will eat anything! I must say now that my kids are teenagers and can drive, they are hardly home for dinner. Getting harder and harder to plan meals. LOVE your blog!
Have you ever made monkey bread and called that dinner? Is that weird? Am I weird? I serve fruit along with it. There, now I feel better!

Tiffany - Mmmm… Sounds good! Thanks for sharing!

stacy - Both recipes sounds good. I looooove enchiladas. A lot. The more sour cream & cheese, the better. Thanks for sharing.

jody - Thank you. Other families w picky eaters like mine…I think this is so great – I am laughing bc I do the SAME thing!! my kids don’t like spicy & they would not eat beans if their lives were at stake!! Really, sometimes I feel most important resource Moms have are IDEAS FOR SUPPER – bc everyday I dread it!!!!! And I can NOT make another chicken nugget!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Kimberlee Jost - I used to make these years ago—
rich and good. Totally forgot about them!

Sarah M. - I put my rotel in the blender and then it just adds color, no texture. So Yummy!

Deanne - Too funny….I just finished getting out the ingredients to make this recipe
for our church carry-in meal on Sunday and then sat down to look at your blog. The only differences between your recipe and mine is that I use green chiles instead of Rotel and mushroom soup instead of chicken.

Lori Austin - Yummo! We will be trying this. Thanks!

jen - thanks for sharing! i love finding new, quick & easy recipes! i’m meal planning tomorrow (wild saturday night for me!) and this will will be added to the week! thanks!

Jacci in Ohio - You’re the cutest. And I love seeing your golden beige dinner in your golden beige kitchen 🙂 I love that you’re always “this is me” and that’s that. Thanks for the recipe!

Katey Deasy - Oohh looks really kid friendly. Thanks!

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