First Finished Quilt...

Over Christmas break, my mother-in-law taught me how to sew! She bought be a pattern for my birthday and when we went to Texas we went and bought fabric and started my quilt. I haven't finished it yet because I need to send it off to get quilted!

But I decided to make a quilt for my dear friend Sarah, who is having a baby girl soon! It was a little frustrating learning how to set up my sewing machine but I got the hang of it and I think the blanket turned out cute, I think!

It started with my trying to decide what fabrics at the store:

Then cutting everything out....This was probably the worst part!

Then slowly sewing everything together...

Then BAM! The finished product!!!

I think that this type of quilt is an easy and cute starter quilt!!! It wasn't perfectby any means, but you live and you learn, right?

I already want to start another project!! We will see what I come up with:)

New Years Resolutions

This year I decided to go out of my comfort zone with planning my New Years Resolutions.

1st- No SODA. This one isn't too bad and it is healthier for me to not drink soda. I love my Dr. Pepper but know I drink too much of it and I honestly have been feeling so much better.

2nd- No SHOPPING. Now this one is hard. IF you know me, then you know I like to shop. I have decided not to buy any clothes, shoes, or accessories this year. I figured that I have everything I need and I could and should spend our money on what we actually need, if anything at all. So far I have been good and think I will stay strong the whole year. Ryan thinks it won't last long, so we will see...

so far: Steph-1 Failure-0

What are your resolutions? Have you kept them so far?

This Weekend...

This Weekend has gone by TOO fast!

Friday-Ryan worked from home and I had the day off so we got a bunch done around the house and just relaxed...before we knew it, it was time for dinner but neither of us felt like cooking so we went to Teppanyaki and got some yummy food! after dinner we passed out from a long week of starting school and working so much.---It was an overall nice day/night and wasn't too stressful.

Saturday- I woke up and finished my quilt I have been working on. I made the quilt for my friend Sarah whose baby shower is next weekend. I love it and am so happy my mother-in-law taught me how to sew! (I will post a picture once I give it to Sarah so it stays a surprise for her). After I finished the quilt Ryan and I went grocery shopping for the week. And that night we went out with our friends, Whitney and James, to Cheesecake Factory. I have been craving it for so long and it was so fun to hang out with our friends and get to know them better.

You can't go to the Cheesecake Factory and not get a cheesecake...so my choice was the Red Velvet!

Sunday- I decided to attempt Cafe Rio Pork once again...and it turned out delicious. I started cooking the meat at 7:15 am in order for it to get cooked enough and be super tender. Whitney, James and Whitney's brother and sister came over to have dinner with us. It was so much fun to have company and enjoy a delicious meal... I think that it tasted better than Cafe Rio :)

My Pork Salad

I then made Raspberry Shortbread cookies for dessert...I got the recipe from my sister in law, Tina. Ryan and I are addicted to them, which is bad because they are mainly butter and sugar.

The Delicious Cookies...

I know have to get some homework done and get a work project done by morning...It might be a long night but that's what life is about right?

Over all it was a wonderful weekend, full of food, friends, and crafts. I love weekends like these, even they go by fast, because we are able to spend time with those we love.


---On a side note---I am taking a stress management class this semester and last week we learned about breathing and tension in our body. This week I have been focusing on just breathing when I get tense or frustrated...it really has helped, so if you get frustrated or feel tense just sit up straight, relax your eyes and focus on your breath...it will really help, it has for me so far:)

Nordstrom

Today, Nordstrom announced they will be closing one of their two locations in Utah. Right now I usually go to the Orem location because it close to work and I hate driving to Salt Lake more than I have to.


I have until February 24th to shop in Orem, and then I will have to drive up north to go shopping...

I am so sad, but understand why they are closing the location. Why keep it open if you aren't making much money?

Laundry Room

Last weekend my mom came to visit Utah and we went to South Towne Expo Center. There was a bunch of cute boutiques there with Christmas stuff, food, jewelry and VINYL!. I bought a bunch of vinyl to make things for friends and around the house...

Today I have been sick so I decided to get one of my vinyl projects done...


I think it turned out cute so far.. I want to add something else in the vase on the left, but I just don't know what yet...maybe flowers?

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken










1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
4 strips of bacon, diced
4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (I used regular bread crumbs and seasoned them with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder)
1/4 cup vegetable oil


1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
2. Stir together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, and jalapenos in a small bowl.
3. Cut a pocket horizontally through the thickest side of each chicken breast, and fill with 1/4 of the cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks.
4. Roll the chicken breasts in bread crumbs to coat. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 8 minutes per side. If your chicken breasts are thick, like mine were, they can be finished in a 350-degree oven.

**I got this recipe from www.cassiecraves.blogspot.com**

Roasted Red Pepper and Basil Pesto Penne

I have been loving all of the recipes that I have been finding...

here is one that I found at: http://www.annies-eats.net/. It looks so good. I can't wait to try it.

Ingredients:
3 cloves garlic
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup roasted red bell pepper (fresh or jarred)
1 cup basil leaves
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lb. penne pasta
¼ cup heavy cream, optional

Directions:
Place garlic and pine nuts in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add Parmesan, red pepper, basil leaves, salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined. With the motor running, add olive oil through the feed tube and process until incorporated. Set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot. Add the pesto to the pasta and stir to combine. Stir in heavy cream if desired for a creamier sauce. Heat until warmed through. Serve immediately.