Pink Antlers

Embroidery Giveaway

2012-02-26T11:53:00.000-05:00

Yuck & Yum.

2012-02-21T20:11:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, I decided to do a little cooking.
I found this low-cal Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin recipe on Pinterest.
I won't even share it with you.

Because, they WEREN'T good! I took a bite out of one, and threw it, and the other 11 away. I get sad when I see them in the trash, but they tasted like cardboard & baking soda mixed together with a little mushed banana. Yuck!
I wish I hadn't wasted 3 bananas on these, because I'm sure I could have found some high-calorie Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins that would have been delicious! Bummer.

But, while these were baking, I did make a tasty Egg Salad.
Hilary has been bringing egg salad to lunch every so often recently, and it got me craving it.
When I think of egg salad, I think of my dad's cousin, Selena. I could be way wrong, but I think she used to make it when she served lunch at church. And, that's the only time I think I have ever eaten egg salad sandwiches (I'm not a huge fan of eggs). But, Selena's egg salad sandwiches, that I probably had only once a year while growing up, is a very random craving I get.
I didn't have her recipe, but I combined a few recipes I found online.

Can you tell that my favorite color is green?

Ingredients included:
-hard boiled eggs
-mayo
-yellow mustard
-dijon mustard
-purple onion
-paprika
-dill weed
-salt & pepper

I even treated myself to croissants & bacon! Yum!

So, 2 thumbs down for low-cal Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, and 2 thumbs up for Egg Salad Sandwiches (not quite as good as Selena's, but I'll work on it!)

Oops!

2012-02-18T23:33:00.000-05:00

Embroidery

2012-02-17T20:43:00.000-05:00

I've had a few request for embroider projects after my mom framed her last year's birthday present.

So, I pulled out a few hoops I had on hand, and had a lot of fun creating different frames with fabric, stamps, buttons and beads.

And...it's time for another Pink Antler Give-a-way. Comment on this post, and you will be entered to win an embroidered piece of your own!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Claire's Book

2012-02-16T18:26:00.000-05:00

You may remember that my little sister, Claire, won Pink Antlers first give-a-way.

Well, her prize is in the mail, on the way to Manhattan, Kansas.

Here's what she's receiving:

Supplies: journal, washi tape, embroidery floss, book pages, and type writer print (sketched on my Cameo Silhouette)

For my studious baby sister, who is a freshman in college.

Today.

2012-02-14T18:58:00.000-05:00

Happy

Valentine's

Day!

Love,

Pink Antlers

Tonight, Petunia and I are ordering take-out Indian food, pouring a few glasses of wine, and watching last nights episode of 'The Bachelor'!

I hope you all had a great Tuesday, and remember, as Josh Groban sings..."You Are Loved"

And, if you are a Josh Groban fan, as we are at Camp, check this out!

Jimmy Fallon, Josh Groban, Jake Gyllenhall, Trisha Yearwood, and campers from each Hole in the Wall Camp around the world, are performing live at Lincoln Center in New York City. April 2, 2012. All proceeds go to The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps.

Tickets on sale now! (Box office tickets start at $35.) Click here for more information.

Weekend

2012-02-13T10:31:00.000-05:00

I spent my weekend here. At my table. It was lovely alone time, and there were great movies on TV for perfect background noise. You know, movies you have seen a dozen times, so you don't need to watch them, but you can listen and still know exactly what's going on, like..."Stepmom" "Miss Congientality" "The Notebook" "Pretty Woman".

I also ran 8 miles. 3 on Saturday, 5 on Sunday, and was up and running before work this morning. Training is paying off, and I'm starting to enjoy it...a little. Hope I didn't just jinx myself. There is still 60+ days until the half, and many-a-miles to go!

I am going into Boston tonight (we are hosting a group interview at Harvard), and I hope to run into the Cambridge Paper Source, so that this week I can finish some of the projects spread across my table...and then I'll share them with you!

Happy Monday!

Valentine

2012-02-11T23:47:00.000-05:00

While browsing blogs last week, I came across this Valentine.

I loved the simplicity, and the 'coin' roll design.

Just print out the handy pre-made sheet {found here} of valentines onto kraft colored paper or cardstock. Cut each rectangle out and roll it around package of BreathSavers candy. You can secure the wrappers with tape or glue. Then crimp in the ends like you would do with a roll of pennies.

If we work together, act like you've never seen this before when it appears in your mailbox on Tuesday!

Snapshots

2012-02-10T19:50:00.000-05:00

Sketchy

2012-02-08T21:37:00.002-05:00

For Christmas, I got a Silhouette CAMEO. It is an amazing machine.

"The Silhouette CAMEO™ is an electronic cutting tool for personal use. Like a home printer, it plugs into your PC or Mac® with a simple USB cable. However, instead of printing it uses a small blade to cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric and more up to 12" wide and 10 feet long. The machine also boasts a quiet motor and the ability to register and cut printed materials."

At first, I admit, I was not completely sold. My paper was tearing when I tried to take it off the mat and I couldn't figure out the rollers.
But, I gave it some time (and ordered a scraper & spatula to delicately remove the paper off the mat) and now I LOVE it. When I ordered a scraper & spatula, I also ordered sketch pens.
So, instead of a blade, you insert a pen, and it sketches your design!
Check out my first sketch project.

I'm slightly obsessed. You can sketch anything! And, some of the designs you can buy ($0.50) through Silhouette, are perfectly, extra 'sketchy'; like this bike. Love.
I have lots of plans for my Silhouette. And of course, I will share them with you; the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Frito Snack Mix

2012-02-07T20:42:00.000-05:00

The last weekend in January, I invited a few long-time Camp friends from Boston, NYC & New Haven to come to Vernon for the weekend. We had a great time hanging out at The Mansions, and playing lots of Boxers & Briefs and Scattergories.

Before they came I made a Fritos Sweet Snack Mix. I remember munching on this as a child, particularly while we drove to Colorado for family ski trips. It was a huge hit for back-to-back game nights!

Fritos® Sweet Snack Mix

A wonderful combination of sweet and salty!

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups brown sugar
2 sticks butter

1/2 cup Karo® syrup
1 box rice Chex®
1 bag Fritos®
1 can peanuts or mixed nuts (I used peanuts)
1 bag M&M's®

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients (minus the M&M's).
2. Bring sugar, butter and syrup to a boil.
3. Pour caramel mixture over the mix and stir.
4. Spread in two 9x13 cake pans.
5. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes, stir and bake another 8 minutes.
6. Pour in brown paper bag to cool, mixing every so often to keep from clumping together. 7. Once totally cool, add M&M's.

Jess, Haley, Sarah, Claire, Christine and I at Max Burger in West Hartford.

Thanks for making the trip to Vernon, ladies...let's do it again soon!

A travel read

2012-02-06T21:18:00.000-05:00

I made it back safe and sound from Dallas.
It was an interesting trip there, with an emergency landing due to a left-wing malfunction. Scary.
But, once I got safely to Texas, it was truly a fantastic weekend catching up with friends, and just...being us. It felt so good.
Now it's time to pop some popcorn, and get ready for Episode 6 of The Bachelor.
But, first, I wanted to share a book that I finally started.
I bought The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson (a favorite author of my Dad's) before I went home for Christmas, but didn't read it.
Today, when I was on my way back from Texas, I finally cracked it open.

"A touching and emotional read. James Patterson is mostly noted for his thrillers, but he knows the romance genre too. Not to mention that he throws in a few twists along the way. The characters feel like real people with real problems. They are people I truly came to care about. The storyline flowed beautifully from page to page. I couldn't put this book down. I wanted to know what would happen next. It's a fast-paced story with realistic characters. I can honestly say I will miss these characters very much." (Yvonne, SocratesBookReviews)

I concur and highly recommend it.
Any suggestions on another good read?

Sneak 2012

2012-02-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I am boarding a plane to Dallas, Texas.
Six of my sorority sisters and I are getting together for a mini sneak.
Each year during college, our pledge class took a 'sneak'.
The idea of Sneak is to not tell anyone you are leaving town, and 'sneak away' for some serious sister bonding time. Before you leave, you prank the sorority house, and then head out for a weekend o' fun!

Freshman Sneak: Kansas City, Kansas *can't find any pictures!*

While our whole pledge class is not getting together, it is so exciting to think of spending 3 days with 6 of my best friends from college.

I've got our sneak party favors packed and my liver prepped...peace out Connecticut!

Zuk, Amy, Meetz, Liz, Mon & Case...I can't wait to see you tomorrow!

First Day of the Month

2012-02-01T23:01:00.008-05:00

Happy February 1!

(and Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law)

I love the first day of the month. And one of the reasons is {nerd alert} turning the calendar.
If you know me well, you know I have a thing for 'desk supplies'. Paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, paper clips, binder clips, calendars, envelopes, address stamps, staplers, tape dispensers...well, really anything you can find in the 'office' or on a 'desk'.
When I was younger, a secretary at my dad's work had a file drawer in her office where she would 'recycle' things to. I would go in and empty the drawer, taking home treasures that I would use in my pretend office and secretary play.
My dream job for much of my childhood was to be a secretary. Well, actually, I wanted to be a secretary in the morning, a teacher during the day, and a nurse at night. Phew.
I do feel like I have the best of all 3 of those in my current job. As in most jobs, there is office work, and I make sure I always have a supply my favorite pens, colored binder clips, and beautiful file folders.
And the appeal to being a teacher & nurse, was to aid, help and work with children.
So, like I said, I think I have the best of all 3 of my 'childhood dream jobs' in my current job. Funny how life works out.

But, back to flipping the calendar. I love calendars and think they are so fun; they are beautiful AND practical.
Here are 6 of my favorite and most useful calendars.

This one sits on my desk at my apartment. I use the wooden box, and silver clip as shown in the 3rd row.
{from Anthropologie}

My mom & I picked up this calendar at a little paper shop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire last year. It hung in my bedroom.
Now that 2011 is over, I can send out 12 beautiful postcards!
{by Linda & Harriett}

This perpetual calendar sits on my desk at my apartment. I write my to-do lists, travels, and all non-work related plans here. I like that you write in the dates yourself. If I scribble something down sloppy, I can re-write the week & when I'm out of town, it doesn't take up a page!
{from Paper Source}

This is my #1. It sits on my desk at Camp. I love the size, the kraft paper and the simplicity. It is perfect for penciling in meetings & summer staff interviews, as well as writing fun plans and events in big, bold colors.
{from Paper Source}

I love the vintage design of this kitchen calendar. I received this for Christmas, and it is a perfect addition
to my kitchen.
{from Anthropologie}

This calendar hangs on my bulletin board at Camp. I love the fun, kind of random designs. You never know what you are going to get when you flip over to the next month! Also, there are guide lines on the back, so you can cut & fold these pretty designs into file folders or pillow boxes when the month is over!
{from Paper Source}

Well, who knew each of my desks need at least 2 calendars, but I appreciate the fun designs & beautiful art this useful & practical 'office item' adds to my day.

And, each first day of the month, I love going around 'flipping my calendars'.

It's like checking off a whole month of to-do lists!

It brings both a sense of accomplishment of the past month, and a sense of excitement for the month to come.

'Carving Pink Antlers' Comment Winner

2012-01-30T20:44:00.001-05:00

Watch your mail, little sister!

January Girls' Night

2012-01-29T13:39:00.000-05:00

In December, a few gals from Camp and I officially/unofficially started having ' Girls' Craft Night'.

As they approach, the men in the office pretend they don't care they are missing out, but we know they are super jealous. When we skip off to craft night, they try to get all manly and go have a beer at Midway.

Last week, Peach hosted, and taught us how to decorate yummy sugar cookies with royal icing.

Something I would have defiantly been too scared to try on my own.

We went out for sushi, then "The Man Cave" @ the Smithson's got a dose of pink, sugary & girly gossip action. (Thanks for sharing your space, Jeff!)

Look, he cleaned the bathroom so well, we stopped in for a drink!

Ready to outline, pipe, flood & fill!

Petunia, getting her sprinkle on.

Pink Antlers.

The baker & cookie decorating master, Peaches.

Ellen started a Valentine trend.

Sarah Jo, flooding away.

Success!

Thanks for a fun night, ladies!

Next month: Petunia, hosting her favorite craft...wine tasting!

Adding wall color

2012-01-26T21:46:00.002-05:00

I live in a 1 bedroom apartment at "The Mansions". I moved here October 15, 2010. It's a cozy little apartment, that I love.
I have put a lot of personal touches on it, but one thing that bothers me is all the white walls. While my art collection has grown (which helps the stark walls), sometimes I wish I could add just a little color.
It is in my lease that I can not paint, so I started thinking about ways to add non-permanent color to the walls.
Have you seen the craze of Washi Tape in the craft world? You can find it lots of places. I got some of mine here on Etsy. Well, I have a little collection that I love sticking on all sorts of things. There is multiple uses for it. I should do a whole post on that.

Well, I thought Washi Tape would be an easily removable way to add color. I chose to try it on a small piece of wall that is the edge of a half-wall between my kitchen and dining area.

(please excuse the greenery that is lying there waiting to be put away)

I picked 3 color-coordinated rolls of washi tape to use. I debated between a design (like chevron), different lengths of stripes, or top to bottom stripes.

I went with top to bottom strips, letting some wall show in between.

When I started I thought I might need to get out a pencil and level; but, it was actually pretty easy to keep straight (enough) lines.

I put excess tape on both the top and bottom, and then used a knife to make for clean lines.

This is the view I see when I walk out of my bedroom. I like the little splash of color it adds.

And the best part; when I'm sick of it, I can just pull it off!

Check it out...BirchBox

2012-01-20T20:36:00.001-05:00

For Christmas, my big sister gave my little sister and I a gift that we will receive each month this year. How fun is that?

At the beginning of each month, we will receive a BirchBox in the mail. In each BirchBox is 4-6 deluxe samples of beauty care products. Samples come from companies like Nars, philosophy, kate spade, stila, Wei & more.
Click here to see a list of all participating brands.
February's box arrived this week.
It included; Befine Night Cream, Juicy Courture signature fragrance, VMV Re-Everything: Eye Serum, Zoya Nail Polish, and a Larabar mini bar.
A little card is included that explains each product. If you want to order the full-size product, you can from birchbox.com.

It is so fun to look forward to each month, and to try out the products.
Thanks, E!

Carving Pink Antlers

2012-01-18T00:31:00.000-05:00

When I was coming up with a name for my blog, I wanted it to be something that I could carry over into a "brand" for things that I do. I've got big dreams.

So, this weekend, I carved a stamp that I can use on the back of cards and other projects.

I was first introduced to carving stamps when I was living in Boston, conveniently just down the street from the Paper Source store in Brookline. My roommate Jess, and I, went to their 'Carve Your Own Stamp' workshop to get the basics. It was fun, and something I haven't done enough of since.

So, I dusted off my ole tools, and within about 20 minutes, had an antler stamp to be dipped in pretty pink ink.

This is how I did it...

Found my image. I took the antler image that I used to create my blog header, and scaled it down to the size I wanted, then printed it out.

(I forgot that I should mirror image it, but luckily, it doesn't really matter for these antlers.)

Gathered my tools: A pencil, rubber block, #2 V shaped cutter & #4 U shaped cutter.
If you're interested in this tool pack, you can get it here--> at paper-source.com
Well, the Ikea pencil is not included.

I traced & colored in my image with a pencil. You need to push hard, because you want the lead to transfer from the paper, to the rubber block.

Then, I simply placed my piece of paper, image down, on top of the rubber block. And using a popsicle stick, rubbed over my traced image.

Reeeadddy to go.

It was time to start carving away! Whatever is left raised, will take the ink! I used the #2 V shaped cutter, because it is smaller and the V shape worked best in between the points.

Along the way, I inked it and stamped it out several times.
This gave me a good idea of the progress.
Pieces that you think are carved deep enough, may not be.

Carved a little, tested a little.

After the 'around' area (such technical terms, I know) was clean, I made final touches, like making the points more pointy. Then, I cut the excess rubber off around the design, and super glued it to the back of a stamp that I already had. Now it's a double sided stamp!

Next is the best part...trying it out for real.

It fit perfectly on the back of a card I made.

It had been a long time since I had carved a stamp. The idea always intimidates me; once you carve something away, you can't get it back! (like how the second point from the middle on the left is barley attached-oops) But, it's homemade, and I'm excited to add a Pink Antlers touch onto things I make.

This card went out in the mail to a reader-friend out there! Was it you?

Would you like to see something with a Pink Antlers stamp on it show up in your mailbox?

Comment on this post for a chance to win a treat made with pink antler love.

Zoku Pops

2012-01-16T18:53:00.000-05:00

In my stocking, for Christmas, I got a Zoku; 'The Quick Pop Maker'.

The patented Zoku Quick Pop™ Maker freezes ice pops in as little as seven minutes right on your countertop without electricity. Quickly make striped pops, yogurt pops or (for the first time ever at home) flavored core pops.
{www.zokuhome.com}

I couldn't wait to try it out.

While I was home sick this weekend, I thought it was a perfect excuse...to aid a sore throat.

I searched online for recipes and decided to make Strawberry Lime Pops. (A strawberry puree & limeade layered pop)

First, you must freeze your Zoku for at least 24 hours.

(Sidenote: See that Frozen Tangy-lowfat frozen yogurt? LOVE that stuff. It's the most-like the Tart FroYo that you get at places like Pinkberry or Berryline or Orange Leaf, that you can buy in the grocery store. Yum.)

Back to making ice pops...I pureed 10 oz of strawberries, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of lime zest and 1/2 cup of water.

Then, I took the Zoku out of the freezer, and got out the sticks.

I have a single Zoku. They also come in a duo, and triple pop makers.

When your mixture is ready, insert the pop stick.

And pour in the mixture. My recipe called for 3 layers: First the strawberry puree, then limeade, toped off with more strawberry puree.

You let each layer freeze completely (takes about 5-7 minutes) before adding the next.

I was planning on adding the third layer, after the limeade, but i accidentally filled it up with just 2 layers.

7 minutes of sitting on the counter. No plugging in, no putting back in the freezer.

You can literally see it freezing before your eyes.

Then, I took the 'super tool' and twisted it on, and the pop pulled right out.

Then, you slip the little drip guard on the bottom, for a non-sticky hand experience.
(To prevent the strawberry mixed in the with the limeade on the side - from bad pouring - I started to use a funnel when pouring in the different liquids.)

You can create up to 9 pops before needing to re-freeze the Zoku.

It's so easy, and fun.
And, I was actually shocked when I tasted my first Strawberry Lime Pop.
It was seriously delicious.

They do have this handy storage case for sale online, but I think a plate will be fine...well...until my Zoku designer pops start taking over NE Connecticut.

Also for sale online are Zoku tools, that will aid you in making some pretty fancy pops.

Like.....

The Core Pop

The Fruit Pop

The Layer Pop

The Angle Pop

The Stencil Pop

Character Pops!

And Chocolate Dipped!

You can find recipes online, create your own, or use the Zoku quick pops recipe book.

Check out all the Zoku products here!

I think I'll try some yogurt pops next.
Who knew popsicles could get so homemade & fancy?

Weekend view

2012-01-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

This was my view all weekend...from my couch...eating soup & toast, downing water, blowing my nose raw & watching lots of HGTV.

I have been fighting a cold since I got back to Connecticut last Saturday. I kept thinking I would kick it, but on Friday, it sent me home achey and pukey from work to sleep for 16 hours straight. I woke up and was finally able to breath out of my nose for the first time in a week! But, a sore throat and hard core sinus pressure continue to keep me down.
While talking on the phone with Petunia tonight, I realized I have not been in face to face contact with a single human since Friday at noon. Lame. But, I kinda love it! I think it's healthy to be a hermit every once in a while. And, I did check a lot off of my to-do list.

The winter temps finally set in on New England this weekend; I think my body will be in shock when I step out in below freezing weather tomorrow! Yikes.

baby k

2012-01-13T19:47:00.001-05:00

This Christmas, my family got the best news ever!

We found out that my oldest sister, Erica, and her husband Travis, are expecting a baby in early August!

I couldn't be more excited. The night they told our family, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about baby k (Kellenberger), and about becoming an Aunt for the first time. It made for an extra special Christmas.

Erica is a 5th grade teacher in Overland Park, Kansas.

This week, she told her students.

All things baby stand out to me now. Here a few of my favorites via Pinterest.

Boy or Girl? As soon as they can, they are going to find out. I think it's one of each.

Happy.

2012-01-12T23:15:00.006-05:00

Last year, for my mom's birthday, I embroidered her this. I gave it to her still in the hoop, with the extra fabric trimmed and tucked behind.

She recently had it framed at Hobby Lobby, and it is now hanging on a gallery wall of art in her new sitting room.

I love making her gifts. Out of everybody in my life, I feel like she appreciates my art the most. I guess that's part of being a mom. Appreciate your child's art; cute or not-cute. There has absolutely been a lot of not-cute art I've made. Still, today, if I don't take my time, and get lazy, it turns out sloppy. For the above project, I used fabric that I already had. I wish I had gone out an bought a thicker fabric. I like using up the stuff I already have on hand, but see how you can see the color of the thread tied behind? My guess is that it was really cold and snowy that day, and I didn't want to leave my apartment for thicker, nicer fabric.

While I am my biggest critic, my mom is my best. She has always said it is worth it to take the extra time to be neat, clean and thorough during projects. We both believe in coloring outside of the lines, but there are always things like; wipe the paint off your hand (so it doesn't get on the project later), iron the hem line, clean the stamp, don't mix the glitter, measure, cut straight, buy thicker fabric if that would work better, be patient (let the paint dry before you start trying to do something else to it), that do make a difference in the final product.

I admit, neat, thorough and practicing patience doesn't always happen, I do always think; 'what would my mom say, or do, if she was working on this'. Projects defiantly turn out better when I think of it her way.

Her 48th birthday is coming up in February...I can't wait to start brainstorming gift ideas!

Christmas 'Thank You' cards

2012-01-11T22:46:00.012-05:00

For Christmas in 2010, I received a sewing machine from my Grandma Wenger. After Christmas, while I was still in Kansas, I spent 2 afternoons with her trying to learn all the tricks of the trade. When I got back to Connecticut I couldn't wait for my first project.

I have been a paper & pen lover all my life; all kinds of paper (notecards, stationary, journals, calendars, etc.). And pens, that's a separate post.

My favorite store is Paper Source.

So, my first sewing project was to sew...onto paper. Thank You notes.

I used fabric that was printed like a piece of loose leaf paper (with cute little birds on it). It was a big & beautiful tag in a sweater I bought at Anthropologie.

I clipped it out (successfully, without ruining the sweater) and cut it to fit onto a four bar folded notecard that was the color, chartreuse.

I then used my large letter stamps and red ink to stamp out my gratitude onto the fabric.

I cut hearts out of a red plaid shirt that I had ruined with bleach.

Then, I took it to my sewing machine & simply stitched them on.

The first one has a weird crease in the top corner and an odd fold above the heart, but it gives it character. Aren't the birds cute? I wish I could find this fabric to buy.

I had a little bit of the fabric paper tag left, so I created a horizontal strip.

After the tag was used up, I cut out a piece of cream colored, canvas looking fabric. It was super easy to stamp onto.

My lines are not perfectly straight, but lucky for me, I don't think it really mattered for this project!

Those were for Christmas 2010.
This year before Christmas I found this gift tag on Pinterest. I replicated them by free hand cutting the 'chick' bodies out of fabric and glueing them onto a card. Then, with a fine-tipped black marker, I outlined the chicks, gave them legs, eyes, beaks and then turned them into reindeer by adding antlers. I made a gift tags, Christmas cards, and then Thank You cards with these little guys on them.

I have always enjoyed making cards and working with paper. Growing up, my 2 best friends and I had a card company called MRM Stamping Co. (Mallory, Ragan, Morgan). We set up in my parent's basement and would spend hours upon days stamping and creating invitations, bookmarks, cards & more.

Thank you family members, neighbors, & friends who fostered our creativity by always politely complementing and purchasing our little creations.

15 years later, I hope you still enjoy getting them in the mail!

Whole Foods & Cucumber Salad

2012-01-10T21:38:00.002-05:00

My friend, Petunia, just gave me my first full introduction to her friend, Whole Foods.

(She actually made me verbally introduce myself to the store when I walked in; a short bio of my life & all)

I had been before to grab a few things, but had never actually grocery shopped there.

It was a lovely experience, just like she said it would be.

I was having such a great time that I almost started scooping and bagging my own granola and nuts, before I remembered that I don't really like granola or nuts all that much.

I had been warned that Whole Foods has the potential to hurt your bank account. While it was a little more expensive than I typically spend at Stop & Shop for the items I bought, it wasn't as bad as I was prepared for. My total was actually probably less than I would have spent that day at Stop & Shop...because they don't carry Diet Dr. Pepper...and I was fresh out.

So, while I won't solely grocery shop at Whole Foods (it is a 20 minute drive into West Hartford...and they don't have DDP), I will be visiting more frequently; especially if I acquire a taste for nuts or granola!

In the car, on the way, Petunia had told me about a simple & yummy cucumber salad recipe that she found online. So, obviously, I bought some cucumbers that day at Whole Foods and tried it out.

Adrienne's Cucumber Salad

What you need:

4 cucumbers

1 small white onion

1 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup water

3/4 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon dried dill, or to taste

Serves: 8 (I cut the recipe in half, and it was right on 4 servings)

Thinly slice the cucumbers and onion

Combine the vinegar, water and sugar in a sauce pan over medium-heat. Bring to a boil.

Combine the cucumbers & onion in a bowl, and pour the liquid mixture over the top.

Stir in the dill. (I actually didn't have dill, so I used salt, pepper & garlic powder-still delicious)

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

I had four yummy meals with this cold cucumber salad:

1. as a side with a veggie burger

2. as a side with a turkey sandwich

3. on top of pasta

4. on top of toasted bread & cream cheese

They were all delicious.

Next time I might add a little feta, tomato, avocado & grilled chicken to make a salad meal out of it.

YUM.

Vacation is OVER

2012-01-09T20:46:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, April 15th, I will be running in the NYC More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half Marathon.

Today is registration day! I am so thankful for my co-workers & friends, who I will be running with, to inspire and encourage me...and to make sure I didn't/don't bail.

The thrill is to get as many women of Camp to run in the 1/2 marathon as we can; to make it an alumni event for all ages. (With high hopes to get our picture in the alumni newsletter!)
Some of us are runners; have ran a marathon before, or a 1/2, maybe a few 5K's, or go on runs weekly and enjoy running. Some of us have thought about running a 5K (but didn't), have thought about going on weekly runs (but don't), and think maybe someday we will enjoy running (but probably won't).
I am in the later, 'some of us'. But, we are all looking forward to new running shoes & matching outfits!
If you haven't signed up, and want to, it's not too late.

For training, I am going to use this Beginner's 1/2 Marathon Training Schedule from fitsugar.com.

Training officially begins the week of January 23rd (12 weeks out from race day), but I need to start running now...you know...since I can't remember the last time I ran more than 1 mile. (Don't judge me, Pete McBride)

At work we've been sharing a few motivational pictures from Pinterest.
Here is my favorite.

13.1...YIKES!

Cotton Bowl

2012-01-08T17:58:00.008-05:00

This past Thursday, my dad, mom, sister Claire, 90,000 KSU & Arkansas fans, and I headed to Dallas, TX to watch the 2012 Cotton Bowl.

It was so fun driving Southbound and seeing the highways and every rest stop swarmed with PURPLE.

5 episodes of Parenthood later, I headed out to catch up with girlfriends, while mom, dad & Claire went to dinner with a friend of my dad's.

Monica | me | Molly | Casey

Friday was game day!

Claire | Mom | Dad

We arrived at Cowboys Stadium at 1:00 to get our fair share of tailgating in before 7:30 kick-off.

Dad | me | Claire | Travis (big sister's husband)

Lot's of whiskey was pulled. Excuse me, Ancient Age bourbon.

I wish I could still spend every game day with these girls. I can't believe it has been 4 years since we graduated from KSU. We've obviously matured as nicely as the bourbon.

Ready for kick-off!

The Band Perry sang the national anthem ... goosebumps!

K-State didn't come home with the trophy, but I still couldn't love my alma mater more.

Spending time with family & friends in 73 degree Texas weather the first weekend of January & watching the Cats play in Cowboys Stadium, couldn't have capped off my Christmas vacation better.

A Look Back

2012-01-04T18:26:00.017-05:00

A look back through my iPhone photos at some of my favorite moments from 2011.

(note: due to taking these pictures on my phone they are not top quality, but they captured the moment nonetheless.)

In February my mom and my little sister, Claire, came to see my new apartment in Connecticut and to go on a weekend trip to Vermont with the family I used to nanny for in Boston. My family had met the Roffman's on a few occasions, including the previous summer when they came to Kansas to see where I grew up and to meet all of my family. We were excited to all be able to get together again, this time in New England!

We skied at Sugarbush Mountain, visited the famous covered bridges and barns of Vermont, and made a tasty stop at the Ben & Jerry's factory!

In February The Program Team went to the ACA conference in San Diego. We took every opportunity we had to be outside and enjoy the sunny, warm weather.

I flew from San Diego to Carefree, Arizona. My mom and Claire met me there. We enjoyed a few days in the sun with my Grandma and Grandpa Wenger who stay in Arizona each February.

In April I turned 25. My mom came to Connecticut to celebrate. (For living 2,000 miles from each other, have you noticed that we still see each other A LOT?! It's great.) We spent my birthday at The Spa at Norwich Inn and visiting small towns along the coast.

That weekend we also made a trip in to Boston and ~~laughed~~ marveled at our painting skills at The Paint Bar

Each year I look forward to the opportunity to create invitations for the annual Wengerville Easter celebration. This year, I put my new sewing machine to use and stitched bunnies to the top.

My friend Lily joined my family in Sabetha for Easter weekend. A tour of Sabetha isn't complete without being dressed head-to-toe in camo and heading out to Amaroogie for shooting time with Grandpa W.

In May the little sister graduated from Sabetha High. It was a quick 24 hour trip home, but a nice get-a-way before the craze of Summer.

Summer brought me to my sixth summer at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. I spent as much time as I could at my favorite program area...The Boathouse.

My cousin Maria and Aunt Shari came to volunteer for a session at Camp. On our day off I took them on a quick, but beautiful, summer tour of Boston.

At the end of the session we went up to Vermont and visited the Simon Pearce glass blowing factory. A must see! We also stumbled upon a maple sugar farm and went VT cheese tasting!

Fourth of July weekend I flew home to Kansas and surprised my parents. They were surprised to say the least! It was so fun. I wish I could surprise them like this every time I came home!

It was a perfect, relaxing weekend hanging out with the people I love most.

Mid-summer we had a mini staff outing to Matt's Outback Paintball. First, and probably the last, time I go paint balling.

In June, Steven threw another amazing birthday bash at 39 Strathmore. This year featuring Ke$ha. I had glitter in my eyes for weeks. It was great to be back partying in Boston with my old roommates.

In July, I got married! Just kidding. Staff prom was themed "Little White Chapel; Wedding in Las Vegas". Ben and I enjoyed all the drinks people bought us to celebrate our wedding night.

In August I survived my first hurricane! Irene swept through the East Coast and left us powerless for days. It looked a lot like tornado damage to these 2 mid-western girls.

After the whirlwind of summer (& Irene) my friend Bryan and I took a road trip to Columbus, Ohio to visit our friends Tim & Jill. The 4 of us worked at Camp together in 2007. On the drive out we stopped in Hershey, PA to tour the World of Hershey Chocolate! Then, we were happily surprised by our host & hostess waiting on the porch for us in true Camp fashion...beneath a bed sheet Welcome Banner. It was such a fun weekend that needs to become a tradition!

It was not possible for me to take a vacation during the summer which really pained my Dad and I's scuba diving itch. So, in September, I met my parents in Key West and we enjoyed touring the Keys....

...adding to mom's shell collection...

....and marking off dive #10 & 11 in our books!

I then traveled home with them to witness my high school friend, Sam, say "I Do". It was a blast to catch up with childhood friends and to dance on a few hay bails!

In October I took my first trip to Maine. My co-worker Ellen's family has a house on Moose Lake. Despite the cold October weather, we couldn't pass up a little water skiing.

We also visited Acadia National Park where I savored my first taste of Popovers.

Later in October I went to NYC to visit college friends. Molly flew in from Dallas for her birthday and Elise graciously hosted us in the City.

Halloween weekend left Connecticut in 17 inches of snow and without power. My apartment re-gained power after 7 days, but many were out for much longer. I am so thankful to be able to retreat to my house on Camp, which is backed up with generators, during these crazy storms!

My friend Molly lives in Dallas and November was the perfect opportunity to escape the snow, catch up with Molly (before NY we hadn't seen each other since graduation), and watch the Cats play! I flew in to Dallas and then we drove to Austin for the game.

Back to Kansas for Thanksgiving in November. I love being able to spend each Holiday with my entire family.

In December I hosted my first "Girls Craft Night". We made mason jar snow globes, gift tags, pom pom garland and ornaments. I have some very crafty friends!

I left all of my supplies out for the next 2 weeks and became quite addicted to making ornaments.

The first weekend in December Camp hosted approximately 750 of our besties for a Holiday Party! We tested the photo background out the night before to make sure it looked festive enough!

For the past 8 months my parents had been living with my grandparents while our home was being remodeled. I got back to Kansas right on time to help them move back in. It felt great to be back on Lakeshore Drive just in time for Christmas!

Wow, it was a good year! I am so thankful to always be surrounded by such amazing people, to have a job that I love, and to have a loving family to come home to.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-03T21:28:00.008-05:00

This blog is a long time in the making. I have created, deleted, wrote, re-wrote, changed fonts, changed titles and changed colors; but today is the day, the now, the right on time. I am so excited to enter the blog writing world! I hope you enjoy reading and continue to follow along.