Yeung Mother Hubbard: June 2012

28 June 2012

I am still feeling Elevated...

I don't even know where to start this post... and I know... I lag, Elevate was weeks ago!

Well how about I start at the beginning... like when Summer called to ask me if I would be willing to help. To be honest, I didn't really know what I was getting into when I said yes. *note to self: when Summer calls and asks what you are doing... ask why before answering. I am totally kidding. I love that girl... even when she started selling Pampered Chef and made me go into debt, and when she decided to sell ARBOONE years and years ago and I totally broke out, and when she needed help moving at __ months prego with Munchie and I volunteered the hubs to help, and... Yea, I am a sucker... need help with something? Just ask me... I can't seem to say no. ever.

And when I "met" Jen for the first time? Oh, it was when she was on speaker phone with Summer and she going on and on about a parking spot some idiot stole from her... and then we surprised her and told her that she was on speaker phone and I was listening. I can imagine how mortified she must have been, poor Jen, sorry we Summer tricked you! (kidding) BUT at least you are still talking to us! When we actually met in person she had to teach me how to make tissue poms poms because I had never even seen them before, and she was late because she had to have a specific chocolate chip for her cookie recipe, but she taught me that there is a difference in chocolate chips and I totally understood why she needed to go to 18 different stores to find them! Want the recipe? Well, you are in luck because Jen just posted it here.

yea, these cookies have special chocolate chips!!

I met some amazing ladies because of this conference. I was shocked by the offers to help, donate, spread the word... you name it and someone offered to do it. I love that this blogging community is so generous, uplifting, kind... and that Elevate could bring some of these awesome ladies to one spot for most of the day. The "big time" bloggers and the "small time" bloggers all in one room... everyone was equal, no question was stupid, no one was out of place... we all just clicked. It was awesome... and yet I still couldn't introduce myself to you. Want to know a little secret? I am not so fond of being front and center so I was a little taken aback... Summer put me on the spot and I froze. I apologize for my lack of an introduction, next time someone give me some notice so that I can prepare myself!

The speakers... AMAZING. I could have sat and listened to their stories all weekend.

Nina from Momma Go Round had some great advice on branding... something that I really need to do since I am all over the place. My favorite quote "It is a good day when my weight starts with a one" Ah, I get it... and I love it. Nina writes a fashion blog for people with real bodies and it is so inspiring! Maybe I will do a WIW someday...

Becki from Whippy Cake can talk for hours, she is one hilarious lady! She answered questions about how to sell your brand, how to determine what to sell, advice on photography, etc... she had endless stories from her experiences! Plus, cutest hair pieces. ever.

Holly from 504 Main, well, I didn't actually get to hear her speak. I am sure that I missed something great, dang it... She is such a sweetheart and even cut her Hawaiian vacation short to come speak and hang out with us. Looking for crafting inspiration? Go check her out!

Amazing photography information from Kristine from Lucky Lime Photography. I would love to just hang out with her and have her teach me how to use a "real" camera. I mean, I love my point and shoot... but I want use a real camera, plus I want one of those super cute camera straps.

I had been blog stalking Ashley from Lil Blue Boo for quiet some time and when Summer told me that she was going to speak at Elevate, I almost fainted. Ashley writes one of the most inspiring blogs I have ever read. Her speach was so touching, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

Behind The Scenes:

Ya know this lovely piece? Well, Jen made it and I loved it... and we made her cute little prego self stand on the table and hang it up there in her pj's. OK, in all fairness, I did offer to do it for her... but she wouldn't let me and I was not going to argue with the pregnant lady.

I really wanted to take this home and hang it in my living room...

And the tissue paper pom poms... amazingly cute, but I stink at making them. I had to hide that I ripped several of them {while fluffing} from Jen. oops.

This sign was my surprise gift to Summer and Jen. I am a terrible secret keeper, so as soon as Jen arrived I made them open it. I wouldn't even let Jen eat first. Sorry, I was too excited... like a 5 year old excited. Thanks to Allison from Madison Design Studio for sending me the logo and keeping my secret! And thanks ladies for using it in your decor!

We even have our own little stepford wife in our blogging community! The very lovely Natalie from Take the Cannoli stayed late and helped clean up... she even vacuumed in her heels! I wish I had a picture... I wonder if she does that at home too?!

Attendees- Thank you for everything, you ladies are the bomb and I {heart} each and every one of you! I am proud to call you my {new} friends.

Summer- You have no idea what your friendship means to me. I am thankful that our friendship has grown in these last few years after drifting apart for so long. I am blessed to have you in my life and call you my friend. Thank you for making me want to be a better person. I love you!

Jen- Thank you for believing in me when I came on board... and continuing to do so now. Thank you for trusting me and my ideas and listening to my rambling on the phone. Oh, and thanks for introducing me to the devil chocolate chips... cookies will never be the same again. I love you to pieces. I can't wait to see where our friendship takes us.

Elevate was awesome because of our sponsors, so stop by and thank them!

Pick Your Plum, Life Created, 3 Four and Under, Our Reflection, Brag About It, Jenny's Fabric, The Twinery, Soleil Selene, JewelMint, The Shine Project, Baby Boy Bakery, Bubba's Basics, Fairly Fabulous, Cutting Edge Stencils, A Little Piece of Me, Modest Pillows, Whippy Cake, The Pleated Poppy, BradyCakes, Rags to Stitches, Vfish, Love Stitched, Little Miss Momma, Bip and Bop, Sweet Sugar Beet, Fairly Fabulous, The Foley Fam, Mica Blue Designs, Pinky's Cupcakery, Sweet Lemonade Cake Pops, Rockview Dairy, The Cupcake Social, Madison Design Studio, Plaid, Expressions Vinyl, Bon Fortune, Mindy Mae's Market.

I didn't make many pictures so I am borrowing some from Natalie and Tonya! Didn't they take awesome pictures?!?! Thanks ladies!

25 June 2012

Menu Monday {9}

Monday: Parmesan-Pesto Tortellini and Garlic Bread

via kraft foods

Tuesday: Teriyaki Turkey Burgers and French Fries

via taste of home

Wednesday: Sushi {as always}

via yelp

Thursday: Chicken Saltimbocca and Green Beans w/ Bacon and Parmesan Cheese

via eat live grow paleo

Friday: Taco Grille!

via no recipes

Saturday: Honey Chipotle Chicken Burgers and Parmesan Cheese & Corn Rice

via always foodie

Sunday: BBQ Brisket and Twice Baked Potatoes

via barbeque lovers

24 June 2012

Shoe Cutting Par-Tay

So I hadn't heard of Sole Hope until recently... actually it was when I was ~~Facebook stalking~~ browsing Natalie from Take the Cannoli's Facebook page. She had posted an evite to her "Shoe Cutting Party" so I clicked and I knew that I had to be there.

We sat and chatted, ate delicious tacos, traced patterns, and cut denim and fabric all to send to Africa so that shoes could be made and children would have the chance to wear closed toed shoes.

I live such a sheltered life... I honestly felt really bad that I had no idea that these poor childrens' feet were being infested by jiggers. These little boogers live in the sand and when they can find a warm blooded host, they will burrow into their feet and feed and lay eggs... OMGosh so sad! Just the simple simple thing of wearing shoes can help so much.

I am so glad that I was able to help and hang out with some awesome people. I even won my very own Take the Cannoli original, I am in. love. with. it.

And because I couldn't stay for the whole party... and I don't think that my pinking shears have bruised my fingers enough... I think that I will cut some more.

Thanks for hosting such an awesome party Natalie and Micah!!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

22 June 2012

How To: Add a Border to an Existing Button

So last night I finally sat down to write a post, I know, finally, right?!! Anyway, my phone started making all sorts of noise... OK I was only getting a text, so I guess I am exaggerating a bit. Surprise surprise it was Miss Jen from Delightful Deets requesting my help with something technical. AHHHH, my help?!?! I am no computer genius, what could I possibly offer? Anyway, it was something that I did know how to help with... (sigh of relief) adding a border to her button... oh, easy peasey I can definitely do that! She also asked me to tell her how to do it so that I didn't have to add a border to everything for her in the future. (not that I would mind at all)

I sent her this mini tutorial using PicMonkey so that she could add her own borders.

Jen said that I did a good job with my mini tutorial, so I am sharing it with everyone. I am actually pretty proud of myself that I figured out how to make the tutorial! LOL

Happy Friday!

21 June 2012

Ugh, The Hubs is Sick... STILL

I don't think that I have actually ever posted anything about the hubs sickness that he has had since... OCTOBER. Yea, October... ~~I have been~~ he has been dealing with shortness of breath, coughing, loss of energy, runny or stuffed up nose, among other things. Have you ever been around a sick man for a day? an hour? Try 8 months. If the illness doesn't kill him, I might. Ok, I am totally kidding about that, but I am really tired of him feeling so terrible.

via ewashtenaw.org

It's been a long time, so it's a long story... who knows how many doctors and pills later... and he still feels like poo. His current doctor is a pulmonary specialist. He has diagnosed him with Acid Reflex Disease. He doesn't feel the burn or taste the acid... or have any of the normal symptoms, so I am having a really hard time believing he is correct but we are following the protocols anyway. I even researched what the triggers are and what types of food he can eat and started to make our dinners trigger free. It is only the first week of trigger free dinners, but so far, nothing.

The hubs has gone from going to bed at 12-1 AM to going to bed at 9 PM... yep, he is in bed before me and I go to bed early! He is missing out on life... he can't ride bikes, go on a walk, ride his dirt bike, or anything else that has the least bit of activity. The littlest things have him struggling for air. He now carries an inhaler just in case he can't breathe. He can sit and watch TV and play on the computer, that is the extent of activity he can handle. He is tired of being sick and not seeing any results from the medications is on... he changed meds a week ago and these make his stomach turn, oh, great. These days just making it through a day of work is an accomplishment for him.

He is 30 going on 80 and I don't know how to help him get well. I guess I will just have to continue to medicate my husband and my dogs. Good thing I am the only healthy one in this house.

I hope that you and your families are well!

Blog Hoppin'

Welcome to the Blog Hop - Let's Have Fun #4!!

Your Host:

The DIY Dreamer

This Week's Co-Hosts:

Brag About It
Leen Machine Paper Studio
Mommy Made
Whimsical Whimsies
Yeung Mother Hubbard
The Dreamy Meadow

This week's Blog Hop - Let's Have Fun
is a PINTEREST Hop!!

If you do not have a Pinterest Account, please let me know and I'll send you an invitation.

RULES:

1- Follow your hosts.

They are the first 7 in the linky and they will follow you back.

2- Link up your Pinterest link (not your blog).
Please note that links that are not directed to Pinterest will be deleted.

3- Check out the other blogs on the list and follow some.

4- Grab the button below and place it somewhere on your blog.

This will help increase the success of the Blog Hop.

You can even Facebook or Tweet about it.

<div align="center"><a href="http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com" title="The DIY Dreamer"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d189/lexieex/The%20DIY%20Dreamer/BlogHopFun1.png" alt="The DIY Dreamer" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

HAVE FUN with the Blog Hop!

18 June 2012

Menu Monday {8}

Recently my husband was diagnosed with Acid Reflex Disease. This week I am changing my menu to try to help his symptoms. Wish me luck!

Monday: Ginger Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce and Coconut Rice

via myrecipes.com

Tuesday: Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples and Mashed Potatoes

via gorgeousgourment.blogspot.com

Wednesday: Sushi Night

via yelp.com

Thursday: Pasta Carbonara

via myrecipes.com

Friday: Taco Grille Date Night with the Neighbors

via yelp.com

Saturday: Turkey Burgers and Roasted Corn on the Cobb

via 123rf.com

Sunday: Garlic Lime Flank Steak and Roasted Yams

via rachelraymag.com

Looking for me?!?!

I am hanging out with one of my favorite bloggers Christine at The D.I.Y. Dreamer today! I seriously love this girl and I am sure that you will too!!

Stop on by and hang out with us!!

15 June 2012

My Mama's Meatloaf Recipe

There are a few of my Mama's recipes that I keep handy for my weekly menu. Meatloaf is also know as panburger at my house... and it is super easy.

I remember one night when I was in middle school my Mom had called me and asked me to start dinner for her. She told me what I needed to do over the phone, I know that I didn't write it down, but I had made my first meatloaf after that phone call.

Ingredients: these aren't exact, I don't measure when I cook... only when I bake.

2 lbs ground beef

1 small onion

1 egg

1/4 c breadcrumbs or 1/2 a sleeve of Ritz crackers

1 TBSP minced garlic because I love garlic

1 TBSP A1 Sauce

1 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce

1 c Ketchup

1/3 c Brown Sugar

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except ketchup and brown sugar. I don't use a meatloaf pan because I like the fat to drain off... so I use a roasting pan instead. (put foil on the bottom level so that it is easy to clean up) Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. In the meantime, mix the ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl. (It should be red with a slight brown tint, if it's brown add more ketchup. It should be like sweet ketchup, adjust to your liking) Uncover meatloaf after 1 hour and cover with ketchup mixture, return to oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, slice, and serve!

Are you wondering why it's called panburger at my house? Well the hubs doesn't eat veggies, so it's basically a hambuger... in a pan so the hubs calls it panburger. I am pushing the no veggies with the onions... want to know my secret? I put the onions in the food processor so that he doesn't know. He likes the taste of onion, just not the texture.

Want to know another secret? I lay my meatloaf on a plate, top it with mashed potatoes, and then I put peas on top... that is the only way that I will eat my meatloaf. Is that weird?

(I was so hungry that once the meatloaf was done... I ate it, sorry no pictures!) terrible blogger, I know. Insert your image of what my meatloaf looks like here. oops.

11 June 2012

Mani Monday {2}

This weekend was amazing. I met so many awesome bloggers at the Elevate Blog Conference but I didn't get to take pictures, so I am waiting for someone to let me steal some of theirs for my post. One of those awesome bloggers was Heather at Glitter and Gloss. I would have loved to chat with her more than the 2 minutes that I did, but it was a busy day and it was over in no time. I told Heather that I wouldn't be linking up today... but now that Elevate is over, I have a lot more time on my hands and a few hours before bed to paint. Surprise! :)

Anyway, I used my favorite China Glaze color {For Audrey} this week and my trusty Konad stamp with black nail polish.

I hope that you all had a great weekend! Happy Monday!

Come link up your mani at Glitter and Gloss and JustLove.ly!

06 June 2012

Weigh In Wednesday

I haven't done a diet post in a while but I haven't falling off the wagon yet!! Since April 9th, I have continued to lose weight by tracking calories... oh yea, and working out... 5 times a week. :) {patting myself on the back right now}

Try the LIVESTRONG.COM calorie counter to start your weight loss journey.