HGTV Green Home 2009

I hope all you mothers had a lovely Mother's Day! Mine was nice including a fun little BBQ with my family.  

Recently, I was going through my old picture file and came across this fabulous home that HGTV did for a green home challenge.  This is such a fun and happy home.  I love the use of orange and those stripes! Don't you love that amazing stripe wall?  I am determined to have striped walls in my home!

 

Check out this great garden where they did vertical hanging for the vine plants. I have a square foot garden that I have yet to attend to.  Maybe I'll get to it this week. I'd love to try some vertical plants this year. 

I've heard they do very well. Has anyone had any experience with them?

Hope ya'll have a lovely Monday.

Toms Shoes

I've mentioned before how great I think Toms Shoes are. 

I had to mention it again. I love these stripes, and the new Cordone style!

How cute for summer?!

Happy Things~Guest Blogger: Ollibird

Where in the world did this week go? All of a sudden it is Friday! Hello Friday! So, of course that means it is time to have another guest tell us what makes her happy.


Truth be told, I'm so crazy impressed with my guest, Alma Loveland, from Ollibird. I have NO IDEA where to begin telling you about her! We first met when I took an Illustrator class from her. Um... by the way, I am so not smart when it comes to using computer programs like Illustrator, so, Alma,I am in need of another course! She is EXTREMELY talented with graphic design and she and her husband are the perfect art/talent super-star-couple! For reals! So, that is not all... in addition to having her own business and teaching classes, she designs bags and planner paper for Franklin Covey. In fact, I get to think about her every day because I happen to own and use, on a daily basis, one of the planners that she designed. And that is not all (I feel like an infomercial now), but you'll just have to visit her site and blog to find out more about this very talented and super sweet gal!

What do you want to be when you grow up:

I have got to be honest, I really feel like I'm living the dream right now. I run my own business, set my own schedule, have a great husband and a perfect baby boy. And my husband and I even have rented an office where we get to switch off working days and parenting days. So I get some uninterrupted days of work at the office, and some work-free days of play (and cleaning and cooking and laundry) with my son. Things aren't perfect (not including a photo of my living room or kitchen or bedroom or laundry room right now... the baby's room is immaculate though, just for the record) (okay, that's a lie---it was immaculate YESTERDAY and I can clean it up again quickly once he's done napping) but we're really really happy.

Product you can't live without:

Adobe Illustrator. It's my bread and butter. I use it daily and I teach it. And I can honestly say that it has played a role in getting me where I am today career-wise and family-wise, since it was some illustrations that I did in Illustrator that first caught my husband's attention.

Favorite place you've been:

I lived in Rome for about 7 months and have a hard time planning to go back and visit, simply because I don't think I can ever catch that feeling that I had when I was there as a visitor. It would have to be a semi-permanent move. Like stay there for a year or two.

Dream vacation:

Somewhere with a quiet beach, good food, and no phone or internet. Actually, ANYWHERE with no phone or internet. It's my goal to take a wireless vacation in the next year or so.

Favorite Restaurant/Food:
I have no particular favorite per se, but I like restaurants where you can get good-quality, simple food, like Pizzeria 712 in Orem, Utah. It's not a chain, so sorry for everyone who lives outside of Utah!

Favorite TV Show:

I love Chopped on the Food Network.

Favorite movie:

Moulin Rouge. If I'm working on something, I can have that on in the background back to back and not get tired of it!

Favorite treat:

Too many to count. But let's just simplify it as "chocolate."

How do you like to relax:

It depends on the day, but right now, I'm imagining comfy clothes, a big comfy couch, and a good movie.

5 LOVES:

being a mom---seriously the BEST, being married to an artist---I get to commission whatever paintings I want, good design, of course, spending time with family, road trips.

5 HATES:

that stupid tamper-proof packaging that you can only open with scissors, as well as price tags on merchandise that don't peel off easily, causing you to have to wash the new product and scrub to get all the sticky stuff off, rancid rags, outdoor Halloween lights (especially when put up in September), Papyrus font, people who break traffic rules out of politeness

Thanks Alma!  I wish I could have a teaspoon of your talent!  

You're amazing and I loved learning more about you!

Happy Weekend one and all!   

And to all you Mother's, I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day! 

xoxo

Green Smoothies

I try to make green smoothies a couple of times a week.  I feel like it is a good way to make sure that the entire family is getting the greens and veggies we need.  The surprising part is, my children LOVE these smoothies, ask all the time for the smoothies, and help make them.  Now, the catch is getting them hooked, and then after they are hooked, they are excited to learn about the healthy benefit!  At least for now, my children get excited to learn about the nutrition they are getting from each leaf, fruit and vegetable.  Plus, each time we make it we get a different color of drink, and the kids think that is fun to play with the colors.

I have been asked by a handful of people this last week what I include in my smoothies, so I decided to just do a post on this topic.  Now, this is what me and my family do, but if you want more recipes and or more information on nutrition and Green Smoothies, you can check out my sister-in-law's site Green Smoothie Girl for the mother-load of info.

*This is different almost every day we make this recipe.  I use what I have and experiment a little.
*Make it taste yummy for kids by adding  more fruit in the beginning, and then when they are used to having the smoothies you can add more veggies.

GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPE

Add to blender :

1-2 Cups Water ( add more at the end to get consistency that you like)

hand full of ice ( I use less if I am using more frozen berries)

Puree with these items:

Ideas:

about a 1/4 whole lemon, ( I include the peel since it has nutritional value). 

1-2 Tablespoons ground Flax seed (amazing nutrition, make sure it is ground, and love the texture and nut-ish taste it adds)

Main greens I usually use:

1-2 hand full of  Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard, or other Chards, Collards,

cabbage, celery, avocado, beet greens, arugula or other lettuce.

Gradually add and puree the fruit with the greens until smooth:

1-2 bananas to add a creamy texture and sweetness

1-2 cups frozen mixed berries

other fruit to taste: strawberries, or any other berries on hand, pears and peaches, apples, oranges, apricots, mango, pineapple, cantaloupe (with seeds—very high in antioxidants!)....whatever you like!

I don't sweeten until the end because I want to see how much it will actually need. 

I like to use 1- 2 Tablespoons of Agave syrup 

or about 1 tsp. stevia (herbal sweetener)

you could also use honey or other natural sweeteners.

sometimes I like to add a little yogurt or even protein powder.

I like to make extra and save in the frig for the next day.  I'll put it back in the blender to mix it up good, or just shake it good. Just experiment and find what works for you and your family. 

Here is to more health and happiness!

ENJOY!

Jewelry Organizers

Yesterday, a few of you commented on the jewelry holders/organizers that I use.  

 Just in case you are in the market for something like them, I highly recommend these. 

I mentioned them here and bought them from here. 

You can either use them to organize your jewelry in your closet, 

or if your like me, and have a closet too small for such a thing, 

then you can display your jewelry in a nice decorative way.

On my wish list to store other random jewelry items

are these lovely boxes . 

My Nightstand + My Bedroom

Here is my nightstand that I have had for about 8 years now. 

I really wanted to get a glass nightstand, but can't really justify the purchase, 

so I decided to use metallic spray paint instead.

And here is the outcome...

I'm happy because the metallic makes the nightstands pop a little more.

 

Here are a few other pics of my bedroom.

They were taken before I painted the nightstands.

I'm still trying to find something I love to go over the bed, 

but I've been looking for about 3 years now, and just have yet to find the right thing.  

That is why I'm thinking of putting up wallpaper.  Now, I just need to find the right wallpaper.  

I know, I'm slow.

and this is the normal condition of my bed... 

my kids love to play and jump and snuggle.  

They love our bed too.

 

 

Mother's Day: Stella & Dot Jewelry

What a perfect idea for a gift for Mother's Day!  

STELLA & DOT JEWELRY

You could give your mom a gift, or hint to the family what you would like for Mother's Day.

 How about a new take on pearls? 

Every woman loves pearls, especially these new, fun and modern accessories!

or, 

for something colorful, summery, and fun every woman could use some more turquoise! 

Just so you know, an order needs to be placed by these dates to receive the gift in time for the special day.

Orders placed for standard delivery (USPS), need to be placed by 11AM Friday, April 30th.
For 2day FedEx: Orders need to be placed by 11AM Wednesday, May 5th
For FedEx overnight: Orders need to be placed by 11AM Thursday, May 6th

Fishy Condo

How cute it this sleek and modern condo for this fish? He is swimming in style!
fishcondo

Happy Things~Guest Blogger: Petit Elefant

Today, Allison from Petit Elefant Blog is answering a few questions so we can get to know her better 

and find out what makes her happy!  We met a few months back, and I have to say, 

she is very kind and happy person, plus I love her sense of humor!  

You'll see when you check out her blog, she has a great sense of humor.  

She has a lifestyle blog where she shares all her favorite tips and finds. 

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Well, what I wanted to be when I was little was either a journalist, a la Christiane Amanpour, or a National Geographic photographer.  I'm totally happy what I'm doing now, blogging, writing, taking photographs, traveling, being a mom. 

Product you can't live without?

It's this sunscreen/moisturizer called Nia 24. I seriously squeeze the last drop out of the tube, I love it that much.  It smells like heaven, is a super high SPF, and makes me feel luxurious!  

Favorite place you've been?

It's a toss up between Puerto Vallarta, Mexico {which is as close to heaven as I can imagine} and Boston, Ma.  Isn't that weird, they're so different, but I loved them both.

Dream vacation?

Bahamas, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba.  I'd love to see all those places with my family.  Spend a year just traveling, staying in little huts on beaches with my husband and kids.  In my dreams, this is where I'd go. 

Favorite Restaurant/Food?

I love really, really good Mexican.  Utah's actually pretty decent when it comes to Mexican, but there was this place in San Diego, this tiny little shack off the beach that had the best burritos ever.  I'll take Cafe Rio chicken salad any day of the week though.

Favorite TV show?

Well, right now it's a toss up between Modern Family {start watching today if you aren't already.  Hi-to-the-LARIOUS} and Vampire Diaries.  I love them both for different reasons, but I can't miss either of them.

Favorite movie?

Room with a View?  The Mission?  Ferris Bueller's Day off?  Empire of the Sun?  I have a lot of favorites.

Favorite treat?

Black licorice.  I can eat a whole bag all by myself.

How do you like to relax?

Sitting on the beach with a cold drink and a tabloid magazine.  Doesn't get better than that.  I like to run, go antiquing, thrifting, decorate, garden, travel.  

5 LOVES: movies- they're the best, diet dr. pepper, my FAVORITE, my bed--slumber heaven, my husband and kids, can't live without them, travel.

5 HATES: mean, shallow people, my forest green carpet, cold weather, fish, I hate the fact that I can't be 10 places at the same time.

Thanks Allison for sharing the things that make you happy!   I'm a lover of Dr. Pepper too! 
And I am also a fan of Modern Family, thus the post below on Julie Bowen's house.
I have yet to see Vampire Diaries.  I think I need to check it out!

Happy Day everyone!

And the Winner Is...

Jennifer Ladd

Congrats!  

You were picked by random.org and you won the fabulous
Fiesta Flags from LAMA Designs!

Hope you enjoy the fun flags.  I'm sure they spice up a party or BBQ this sumer.

  

 To everyone else, thanks for entering and thanks for reading!  

Julie Bowen + Instyle: Modern Mom

Are you a fan of the show Modern Family?  It is a new fave of mine. I think the writers are pretty original and the characters are fantastic. It is a very funny show! Julie Bowen, however, is not a new fave.  I loved her in Boston Legal, Ed, and whatever else she has been in.  Right now, I'm loving her home that was featured in Instyle Magazine in the April issue. Her sister, Molly Luetkemeyer, who started the company M. Design Interiors, designed her home. I love the surprising art, eclectic furniture and the balance between 

comfort and chic.  

 These book shelves are very entertaining.  I could spend some time observing everything they 

did to organize and style.  I especially love the pop and usage of color.
I think it is always fun to see the interior of homes that have been designed well,
and viewing a celebrity's  home is especially fun. 
Especially one that I like and Julie Bowen seems like a pretty cool, modern mom.

Shoes for Spring

 jcrew, dsw, jcrew,dsw

As for flats, I have both of these shoes, and I have to say that I LOVE them.  They are comfy and cute! For me, I need that double C.  Comfort is a must and cute is a bonus! 
And a summer, just isn't summer without the staple flip flops. Havaianas are my all time fave!

and don't forget to enter in the giveaway below, provided by LAMA! Only one day left!

Chicken Pesto Pizza

 Chicken Pesto Pizza by Our Family Treat Blog
Ingredients:

• 20 Minute Pizza Dough
• 1 Tablespoon Yeast
• 1 Cup 2 Tablespoons warm water
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar
• Set aside and let grow.
• 2 Tablespoons Shortening
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Sugar
• 3 Cups flour

Method:
Combine, and then add yeast mixture.
Once mixed well, let rise for twenty minutes.
Roll out dough and add toppings!
Bake at 375 for about 15-20 minutes

Pesto

• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1 large garlic clove
• 2 cups fresh basil
• 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pulse in food processor.
Then add extra virgin olive oil until right consistency.

Toppings:
rotisserie chicken (or two shredded chicken breasts)
mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese
sun dried tomatoes

I am such a fan of fresh pesto! I am in love with basil, so anything that included that ingredient is always a bonus. Found this yummy recipe on Our Family Treat.  They have some great recipes on their blog with a focus on Italian, which I am a complete fan of!  I can't wait to try their Asparagus Shrimp Risotto.

GIVEAWAY + Happy Things~Guest:Christine/ LAMA Designs

I'm excited to have Christine from LAMA Designs as a guest today.  She will be sharing the things that make her happy along with a fun GIVEAWAY!  I met the lovely Christine while at ALT Summit, and she is a very kind, fun, and happy person.  I love that Christine followed her heart when trying to find what she wanted to do.  "Influenced by her love for design and passion for travel, she decided she would search the world for beautiful objects that were dreamt up and created by others who shared her fanaticism for the fabulous." Then, she created a fun store to share her exotic finds with others!  LAMA Designs means Latin America in the Modern Age. Love her slogan! She also has a great blog here.

The lucky winner of today's giveaway 

will win her choice of the 

blue/green or pink/purple fiesta flags!

Add instant flair year round to any space with these cheerful fiesta flags! Each beautifully designed original pattern is the creative work of designer Pablo Ferraro. Committed to creating environmentally friendly products, Pablo uses 100% cotton that has not been bleached or treated with toxins harmful to the environment. In Pablo's words, "All our designs are handprinted and we work on a small scale to manage a local, environmental and socially responsible company." Fabulous, fun, festive and earth-friendly. It doesn't get much better than that! Length: Approximately 14 Feet

           
What do you want to be when you grow up?

I'm fortunate enough to be living out one of my dream jobs at the moment, owning my own boutique shop! Down the line, I would love to be a stylist on photo shoots all over the world. I hope to eventually make my way back to interior design and perhaps retire as a dog groomer. I have a passion for pooches and products. Put those together and you'll have the amazing dog salon I plan to open someday. I already have a name picked out!

Product you can't live without?
My iPhone for sure. I don't know what I did before I had a smart phone. 

Favorite place you've been? 

The rainforest in Ecuador. It was pure magic. I spent hours walking around with a monkey toddler. We played and ate sugar cane together. I'll never forget what his little hand felt like in mine.

Dream vacation?
Spain! I've always wanted to visit the Southern coastal areas of Spain leading down to Morocco. 

Favorite Restaurant/Food?
I grew up eating a lot of Asian food and I generally prefer it to almost anything else. Thai is a close second to Korean food. I love Korean bbq, tofu soups, and kimchi. 

Favorite TV show?
At the moment, Mad Men. Everything about that show is gorgeous.

Favorite movie?
I'm really into high brow chick flicks. The two that I can watch over and over again are Lost In Translation and Broken English. Every time I'm at home alone, I watch one of the two. 

Favorite treat?
Green tea boba. It's been my favorite treat since I was 15 years old. What is there not to love about sweet tea, tapioca, graphic cups, and giant straws.

How do you like to relax or what is a hobby you enjoy?
I love taking long walks with my dog Miles and my iPod shuffle. Music and Miles are all I need to relax. 

5 LOVES: 

Design Blogs, Technology and Gadgets, Travel, Friends/Family, Music

5 HATES:

Cruelty to animals, Cold weather, A lack of compassion for others, Complacency ,Vertical Blinds

 Enter to win LAMA's  fantastic giveaway! I think these fiesta flags are perfect for summer!

Guidelines:

*You have up to 4 chances to enter

(let me know in the comments which entries you have completed)

1. Check out LAMA Designs and find what items you love....then in the comment section leave your name, email and tell me what is your favorite piece of jewelry.

(example: Alisa at apinacoladablog@gmail Love the fiesta flags)

2. Tell your friends (through Facebook, Twitter) to come on by! Or, post my button on your blog.

Then tell me you did (example: Alisa: twitter & facebook)

3. Become a subscriber (on sidebar), or Follower (link on top bar). (example: Alisa: became a follower)

4.Do a post on my giveaway on your blog and link over to my site letting your reading know about this fun giveaway. (example: Alisa: did a post and linked to you)

*giveaway starts today, April 23rd

and ends

Wednesday night at midnight,

MST April 28th.

*Winner will be announced Thursday morning.
*If you'd rather not leave an email because of concerns with spam, shoot me an email telling me you entered so I can contact you easily.

LOVE LIST:

Deconstructed Zig-Zag Pillow Cover

 These travel posters are amazing!  I just love their designs.

I would love to have a gallery of these. Wouldn't that look amazing?

The Heads of State store also has a huge collection of other fantastic posters!  

Dear heads of state, can I put a request in for Utah?

I'm thinking that should be on your list of posters to do next. I'm just saying...

This chef set page flags would be so helpful as I'm trying to organize my recipes and
it would save time while I'm looking  for recipes in my cookbooks. 
Where have they been all these years?

These symbols in the Warrior Stamping Kit 
are amazing designs with an amazing purpose.  I especially love the pineapple design (of course).  
This stamp kit is created by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Ford Warriors in Pink. 
I think the Warrior symbol stamps are beautiful, rich with meaning and extremely powerful.

Love the packaging of the Daub & Bauble  shea butter lotion.  
There are so many great colors and designs to choose from.
And that is just on the exterior! :)
The scents are supper yummy and the shea butter lotion is fabulous.