S'mores Milkshake

We've finally started to have some cooler weather this week, but it's still warm enough to want a cold yummy drink. So why not combine summer time milkshakes and a camp fire classic-s'mores...no fire required.

Turn your oven's broiler on low and put about a dozen marshmallows on a baking sheet. They don't have to be too close to the coils or these little guys will burn super quick. They only take a couple minutes, so don't walk away.

While your marshmallows are in the oven, scoop vanilla ice cream into a blender. (As usual, I don't measure.)

Add some milk.

Resist eating them off the pan! I've done very well about that...so far...

Pile those little babies in there!

Now just blend it all up.

Rim your glass with crushed graham crackers, drizzle with a little chocolate, add a toasted marshmallow on top or just drink it straight from the pitcher. No matter how "fancy" or plain, it's some good stuff =)

Loves!

~Kels

Just a smidge of Helter Skelter

I'm so glad to not be in training anymore at work! Its been much better to really get to interact with the brides and be the one helping them pick their dresses as opposed to standing back and more or less observing. I feel like I must be doing pretty well since my brides have been so surprised that I had just started. It confirms for me that its definitely where I need to be and that I have a natural eye or "talent" for it. =)

The kids have done great adjusting to going to daycare too. So luckily we've all gotten into the groove of this whole me working thing. I think the best day was the day I got my first paycheck. It was so rewarding to finally be earning my own money after so long. The only stinky thing over the last week or two has been not getting to see my man very much at all. I'm working, he's working crazy, crazy hours, and my parents have been playing and conducting in the orchestra for the show my brother is in...so they haven't been able to keep an ear out on the kids after they've gone to bed so he and I can get a little us time.

On a totally random note, I am two pounds away from the ultimate goal weight that I set so long ago...and I really don't know how! I certainly haven't been trying to lose any after reaching my last goal mark because I was pretty pleased with it. Now that I'm here....I'm really not sure if I like it! I've even been feeling overall unattractive. Gah! There's always a catch 22, am I right? I almost feel too skinny, like I'm losing my curves..and that's not what I wanted. I cant say I've really heard any woman say, "Hmm, I think I want to gain a few pounds back." But here ya go, I've said it. I suppose it is time to go bake a cake....

Now that I'm more accustomed to the work schedule and have a bit of a balance going on, I really really hope to be able to get back into my projects and new recipes!!! I know I haven't been keeping up with I.i.O very well the last couple months, but keep checking back! Any thoughts on what you, my awesome readers, want to see??

Loves!
~Kels

Finally!!

Finally, Finally, Finally! I get to FINALLY cross off number two from my * Goal List *.

2. Get daycare taken care of and get a job


In a whirlwind yesterday I managed to get daycare picked and registered for the kids in order for my first day at Bridal Warehouse this morning. =) I'll be honest, I was totally scared about putting my babies in daycare and even broke down crying about it last night because you just never know if you've chosen the right one or not. It's just a leap of faith and a chance you have to take though. The kids really seemed to have enjoyed themselves when I picked them up this evening and even said they wanted to stay. I guess I couldnt ask for more than that right now.

As for my day, I was really anxious and excited to get in there and get started. Anyone who knows even the littlest bit about me know that a bridal shop is PERFECT for me. It'll be a while before I'm on my own on the floor, but I got to shadow a couple of the ladies today and still help clients pick and try on dresses. It will also give me a little practice in learning to do some altering on the dresses or tuxes...helping with number 12 on my list a bit.

There's a few more things I'd like to have work out- some small things, some pretty dear to me- but I'm hoping things continue to pan out and fall into place.

Loves!
~Kels

My DIY Bird Cage Fascinator

Having an affinity for almost anything vintage, head ware is something that went by the way side long ago. You look back at the women of the past and it was their hats, their fascinators that made their outfits complete and polished...and lets say it...totally fabulous! These days, yes they're making a little bit of a come back but lets be honest; it really depends on where you live and who you are. Where I live, its definitely not something you see people wearing and you'd most likely get hit with good shock or bad shock. I know you aren't supposed to care what others think of you, but come on. Who wants to be the "town freak", especially when it causes people to accuse you of trying too hard and being pretentious. (Yes, you did detect a hint of bitterness there.) But anyway! Moving on!

I decided I just had to make a little bird cage fascinator for myself. I saw other feathers when I made my * DIY Feather Headband * and then at the fabric store I saw they actually had the bird cage material. The two totally clicked and I just had to put them together. I was so anxious to see how it even would turn out I didn't even do step by step pictures. You will follow the same instructions as on the feather headband except you will want to replace the elastic head band with an alligator clip. It'll take a little while to get the bird cage adjusted exactly how you want it so be patient, play around with it. =)

Once you have your bird cage set, carefully apply hot glue to the felt attached the the feathers. While holding it in place, quickly cover the remaining area with hot glue and cover with a second piece of felt. To attach the clip, I applied a slip strip of glue to the back of the clip and pressed it onto the felt. Then with the clip open, I took a small strip of felt and glued it to the inside of the back of the clip and carefully let it dry. 

That's all! Super easy for a simple little bird cage fascinator. Now....I need some place to wear it! I've got a couple little ideas, so keep your fingers crossed that I'll get to do them and I'll post pictures asap if I do!!

Happy Creating!

Loves!

~Kels

Simple Yumminess!

Corned Beef can be an easy and simple dinner option, so definitely don't forget about it! I made some just the other day, and I was looking forward to what I was going to do with the left overs even before it was done cooking in the crock pot.

 A super simple sandwich of strips of Corned Beef, slices of provolone cheese, a little Lawry's Garlic Salt and a good hoagie bun. Toss it all under a broiler for just three or four minutes. To keep your top bun from getting a little well done like mine did that time, try leaving it out for a minute or two while the beef warms and the cheese melts and browns slightly then toss it in. And if it still ends up toasting more than you like, it's easy to take a butter knife and gently scrape off the darker areas.

Super duper easy! AND if you have gluten free bread or hot dog buns, this can work for you! Just keep in mind that when buying prepackaged Corned Beef from the grocery store that has the spice packet included, the cut of the meat will determine your cost. (Aside from the weight.) There is flat cut and point cut. Point cut is often cheaper. When you put it in your crock pot, put it fat side up so the fat will melt and trickle down and flavor the meat. Then all you do is cover it water and add the spice packet and turn on the pot! The cooking instructions on the package I got said 2-3 hours cook time...I prefer mine much longer, easily pulling apart in the pot. A good six hours or even overnight. Leftovers are easily stored in the fridge. =)

Happy Eatin'!

Loves!

~Kels