tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366005796946300322024-02-20T22:09:03.537-08:00Notes from the CastleAlyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-56868552438402364422012-08-28T18:58:00.002-07:002012-08-28T18:58:42.363-07:00Hayden's StoryThose of you who have children know that the day your child is born is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. For me and for my husband, the joy we felt upon our daughter Hayden’s birth was quickly replaced with fear. The nurses immediately noticed that she was not crying - instead she was grunting. They also were worried about her belly which was extremely distended. The nurse tried to sound as calm as she possibly could when, minutes after Hayden being born, she told me they needed to take a look at her down in the nursery. I immediately knew something was wrong. <br />
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Before we knew it, we were being told by doctors that Hayden needed to be rushed from Lakeside, where I delivered, to Baptist Hospital. Once she arrived she would be having surgery. They knew she had an intestinal blockage of some sort, they just didn’t know what kind. After much pleading with the Lakeside staff, I was released early and made it to Baptist just in time to see Hayden being wheeled to the operating room. I could not have felt more helpless.
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I will never forget the look on the surgeon's face when he came out to speak with us afterward. His expression instantly told me something wasn’t good. I went completely numb as he explained to us that what he found blocking Hayden’s intestines was meconium ileus. Not only had it destroyed eight inches of her colon that had to be removed, it was a sign of cystic fibrosis. Genetic testing needed to be done to receive the official diagnosis, but we were encouraged to start preparing ourselves for the diagnosis that would change our lives forever.
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I am not sure how many of you here today are familiar with CF and its symptoms. Ryan and I barely knew anything about the disease when Hayden was diagnosed. We found out that we were both carriers of the mutated CF gene. Therefore, we had a 1 in 4 chance of our pregnancy resulting in a CF child. Statistics show that approximately 1 in 25 people are a CF carrier. CF causes the sodium chloride channel in the cell to malfunction. This results in a thick, sticky mucus throughout the body. The mucus builds up in the lungs causing infections, inflammation and blockages. Even “healthy” CFers lose lung function every year. Lung transplants are now being done but, without an anti-rejection drug, these are only sometimes successful. <br />
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Of all the things the doctor first told us about CF, one thing stood out to me. I remember it all being an overwhelming blur of information until he told me that my precious baby girl’s life expectancy was approximately 36 years of age. That’s where my mind came to a screeching halt and I felt every part of me say “no. absolutely not. I refuse to sit back and let this disease take my daughter’s life. I refuse to let it rob her of all the life experiences that she deserves to have.” The day Hayden came home from the NICU at two weeks old, I called the Oklahoma City chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I introduced myself, told them about Hayden, and asked them to put me to work.<br />
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Hayden is now six years old and just started first grade. To say she keeps me on my toes would be an understatement! I would say that most days she is a step ahead of me with an energy and drive that I can barely keep up with! But that little girl, who has to endure hours of breathing treatments every day (and who swallows a minimum of 22 pills a day) has a strength that I don’t find in most adults. I’ll never forget a time when Hayden was only 3 years old and it was time for her annual bloodwork to be done. She was sitting in my lap when they put the needle into her arm. I immediately starting singing to try and comfort her… when I realized she wasn’t even crying. She simply looked up and me and “Mommy, I’m ok”. So I cried. I cried for two reasons: one, I was so proud of Hayden and the strength she already possessed at such a young age. But I was also crying because no three-year-old child should HAVE to be that strong.
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For years and years, I dreaded “the conversation”. The one where Hayden would figure out there was something different about her and want to know why. For years I played it all out in my head – how I would explain it to her in a way that was honest and real, but not confusing and scary. And then about six months ago, the questions began. Luckily for me, they came slowly and not all at once. Questions like “why do I take pills when none of my friends do” and “why do I have to do all of these treatments all the time?”. I explained to her that she has something called CF and that it makes her special because not many people have it. I have watched her process all we have talked about over these months and I have known more questions would be coming. The hard ones. The ones I don’t have the answers for. She asked me one just the other day. “Mom, when do I get to stop doing all my treatments and stop having throat swabs all the time? Will I ever get to stop?” My answer to that was “Sweetie, I really hope so. That’s something that mommy prays for all the time”. <br />
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But there’s still one question I fear. I know it won’t come until Hayden is older and has really begun to process what a disease like cystic fibrosis means for her life. But it’s a question that countless CF parents have had to answer and it’s one that no child should have to ask…..”Mommy, am I going to die?” I’m sure every parent’s response to that has been a comforting “no, sweetie. We are going to beat this”. But I’m also sure that, even as they answered, they were desperately praying that it wasn’t a lie.
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This disease is ugly. We still lose lives to CF all the time. Even at our own events here in OKC, it breaks my heart to see a CFer accepting an award one year, and the following year their families are accepting the award in their memory. But the main thing I gained from that phone call I placed to the CF Foundation 6 years ago is that I got to hear the message of hope. I got to see firsthand the science that will save my daughter’s life. And it’s there! The CF Foundation isn’t searching for a needle in haystack to try and cure this disease. They found it years ago. What they need now is the money to fund the science. Just months ago, the FDA approved the first drug for CF that corrects the underlying defect rather than just help with the symptoms. Many of us in the CF community call it the “magic pill”. The patients on Kalydeco, as it’s called, have seen their pulmonary function rise dramatically and the hope for the future is that they will soon be able to stop all their other treatments indefinitely. While Kalydeco is only for CFers with a certain mutation, the next “magic pill” - the one that would treat Hayden and majority of others with CF - is already in Stage 3 clinical trials. There is so much hope for the futures of those with CF. Because of the donations to the CF Foundation and the science those donations are funding, I truly believe that Hayden will grow to have a long, happy life. I know they are going to someday make CF stand for “Cure Found”. And I believe Hayden will be here to see it happen.
Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-32808845968901505562011-06-24T13:29:00.000-07:002011-06-24T14:24:34.623-07:00Hayden's 5-year PortraitsHonestly, I have no idea how we got here already.....to the place where my baby girl is five and getting ready to start kindergarten next year. I love every minute of being her momma and she makes me so proud each and every day. Here are Hayden's portraits for this year. I'm sorry but I have to say it....she's beautiful.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJqht9HiNVFPuUcbiO0SwD4cwiUrTi0xz21FaqYWNf_WTfWnsTrcf44FKSXqbCta6zPl5wXlSnPe6qfXvYW67hck8RlfCXVKHsKqHj1PcbFsOMh6qmAv5BuSbLvfPe1s7NVe4IEg_xp0/s1600/_MG_4419.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621895565334738466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJqht9HiNVFPuUcbiO0SwD4cwiUrTi0xz21FaqYWNf_WTfWnsTrcf44FKSXqbCta6zPl5wXlSnPe6qfXvYW67hck8RlfCXVKHsKqHj1PcbFsOMh6qmAv5BuSbLvfPe1s7NVe4IEg_xp0/s320/_MG_4419.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnlovAKlcrIZzpPGbMloTKSngNg9ktbkPEK4J4CWmtqaCLdVSPqZv1DL4k9hTF9ssPZ_hh21Md2WflRZfCXBa8Jvks1Bt-dCtdkqIfzzG8tmqL0j0XHQc1H3r7RsgcfYD7n24qMw7-YY/s1600/_MG_4425.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621895223695365890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnlovAKlcrIZzpPGbMloTKSngNg9ktbkPEK4J4CWmtqaCLdVSPqZv1DL4k9hTF9ssPZ_hh21Md2WflRZfCXBa8Jvks1Bt-dCtdkqIfzzG8tmqL0j0XHQc1H3r7RsgcfYD7n24qMw7-YY/s320/_MG_4425.jpg" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621894816599471106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdPdvU_rRHnW5CrN6yyH4s_mu1eRp2njYHO2WLmlLi9wWN1lMaw-9H71Zn-KPWOFU88eLKrITbH6Qg6AWpOqa2W5bJt8BrDVSsLb-iDA0jN0aC2j1pcy6DVt4K4_t269f8nqK___r_mA/s320/_MG_4427.jpg" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjVR3ZGgpaPmdizC0afiC-55CFA5Zjh_U3P9OgecpH8ftmiRRD0zDRwY7NmwumT7CTZWgtEVz6GHdcYvk3uHNPz9bEi2jRqMlLo9suoU5OpBMH9MHg0JbqPA3y3xn09QTxxqVSULWnAA/s1600/_MG_4447.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621894385661508402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjVR3ZGgpaPmdizC0afiC-55CFA5Zjh_U3P9OgecpH8ftmiRRD0zDRwY7NmwumT7CTZWgtEVz6GHdcYvk3uHNPz9bEi2jRqMlLo9suoU5OpBMH9MHg0JbqPA3y3xn09QTxxqVSULWnAA/s320/_MG_4447.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y_0Mfx51iu-XaSyeQrtJpTCRupAA0kq85gd7lZ7d6pM5VBDla-2AMWSV2KW2i3ayeeX7ntqeTXwIhJX_HbO6YW6hlMy_H4SY_ZRIHQnygCjnEzd0NX5DUKsXBpY3qNGUuznz6Hc9wcs/s1600/_MG_4382.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621893529964640578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y_0Mfx51iu-XaSyeQrtJpTCRupAA0kq85gd7lZ7d6pM5VBDla-2AMWSV2KW2i3ayeeX7ntqeTXwIhJX_HbO6YW6hlMy_H4SY_ZRIHQnygCjnEzd0NX5DUKsXBpY3qNGUuznz6Hc9wcs/s320/_MG_4382.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr91GlFYtFm6ImtRM2vMZaAlw9pOcafXrWdCZSbrXDMGoRjlv0fxsR86lBt6LSh3jpRr3mtsRO2F-Q56JwEpClpvntsO7qnGKvGwLTRA8Ak8pVcmj2I_npPlstYzB6TMVKHl3D-0ta0tc/s1600/_MG_4359.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621892405815575026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr91GlFYtFm6ImtRM2vMZaAlw9pOcafXrWdCZSbrXDMGoRjlv0fxsR86lBt6LSh3jpRr3mtsRO2F-Q56JwEpClpvntsO7qnGKvGwLTRA8Ak8pVcmj2I_npPlstYzB6TMVKHl3D-0ta0tc/s320/_MG_4359.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyKWGq8UNqPmlGOdqpiw16-j2COfZC4Sia3WG2XO6z-szBl1LfuCtNsL0zqCScHfZ0lFQt4954yMrAc6E9LME878Eyfk-MzP0FHrKU6EGR2nV7-VCDcujpsPTjWXlRsKGPNKUIvEyd7E/s1600/_MG_4328.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621889789548618770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyKWGq8UNqPmlGOdqpiw16-j2COfZC4Sia3WG2XO6z-szBl1LfuCtNsL0zqCScHfZ0lFQt4954yMrAc6E9LME878Eyfk-MzP0FHrKU6EGR2nV7-VCDcujpsPTjWXlRsKGPNKUIvEyd7E/s320/_MG_4328.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddebOvz-h8WVdwKPscDgMkLLTDRdvSPowOO8qzjVqbZW1ijMF1fFIcGx2gVqAZH2upl9OHm2iBwZxXYizxesApfYfjPtzU9nzH_TQAwz2qtniL9m62-0dh-qOwObJgNJZrsVOgLKA5gg/s1600/_MG_4321.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621889783463119394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddebOvz-h8WVdwKPscDgMkLLTDRdvSPowOO8qzjVqbZW1ijMF1fFIcGx2gVqAZH2upl9OHm2iBwZxXYizxesApfYfjPtzU9nzH_TQAwz2qtniL9m62-0dh-qOwObJgNJZrsVOgLKA5gg/s320/_MG_4321.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xMdCjAHd2SgCAUlofSwIcMhwtP0t-IYjFE-_5E2SFWJ-uV1yDnRB7i0x6VFKPMfoUBHBIGiBZqkf73soGMo9EXoynY2lLpMvCqwrBd6zhyxwyTcCjq69tY02LmNsNh1fRnLY8lG8JXI/s1600/_MG_4299.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621888892951474802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xMdCjAHd2SgCAUlofSwIcMhwtP0t-IYjFE-_5E2SFWJ-uV1yDnRB7i0x6VFKPMfoUBHBIGiBZqkf73soGMo9EXoynY2lLpMvCqwrBd6zhyxwyTcCjq69tY02LmNsNh1fRnLY8lG8JXI/s320/_MG_4299.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-65899640964985693402011-06-13T13:31:00.000-07:002011-06-13T13:37:12.147-07:00Father's Day IdeaI saw this idea on Pinterest and knew it was a perfect project for me and Hayden given the fact that she's a total ham who LOVES to pose! I bought the super-cheap chipboard letters at Hobby Lobby and had Hayden paint them aqua (I wanted her to be a big a part of this project as possible so she could be proud of herself when she saw the end result). Then we went outside and I snapped away while she did her thing. I bought a triple frame so these will be framed side-by-side to spell "DAD". I plan on sending it with him to work to be displayed in his office. He should love it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKF90EFsLUyG8RWCAwb1C3QlB6jDqV84VvyHAh7joFUzZm0jA40VTf6Urc42hGksRaCwP5LdzHAmPTXkEZx13Jo21VQWkhvcQXjOQkyCCMdphUwMuvHLmzJa3wydP_OhXRK4WppUxG3k/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617805014910739650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKF90EFsLUyG8RWCAwb1C3QlB6jDqV84VvyHAh7joFUzZm0jA40VTf6Urc42hGksRaCwP5LdzHAmPTXkEZx13Jo21VQWkhvcQXjOQkyCCMdphUwMuvHLmzJa3wydP_OhXRK4WppUxG3k/s320/DSC_0240.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHm4l-HrtqXIhEaMS_7okvqeNDPsuCBE2a_Wma2XYmoTQHmwzjzZCSOHhKG3o3vXBPG6xufIZyvGHKj8JQW7CAx8I10TkUBKWlVTaMvBP5ZgKcvpndTubqICUtkOSY-Ci5nERbyX7Ewc/s1600/DSC_0255.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617805007329308706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHm4l-HrtqXIhEaMS_7okvqeNDPsuCBE2a_Wma2XYmoTQHmwzjzZCSOHhKG3o3vXBPG6xufIZyvGHKj8JQW7CAx8I10TkUBKWlVTaMvBP5ZgKcvpndTubqICUtkOSY-Ci5nERbyX7Ewc/s320/DSC_0255.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelr955J9NeXnP4kQ_Zate_YsNM4VtTgabnWyYGctlkdC5LT5ZXxr7LifA46sbanfrFU2ftpgnD2TjfYwcyu1T1RKrt_UsE2_Mw4oMaSMEGmAEkzMspQHpzg5UKtOc729twZOTnte_UsY/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617804997060579058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelr955J9NeXnP4kQ_Zate_YsNM4VtTgabnWyYGctlkdC5LT5ZXxr7LifA46sbanfrFU2ftpgnD2TjfYwcyu1T1RKrt_UsE2_Mw4oMaSMEGmAEkzMspQHpzg5UKtOc729twZOTnte_UsY/s320/DSC_0235.JPG" /></a>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-82100019001341705942011-06-02T16:59:00.000-07:002011-06-02T17:07:33.951-07:00Sweet and Sour MeatballsI made this for dinner tonight and was reminded just how yummy it is. I thought I'd share it with you! It's made in the crockpot and it super easy. My friend, Whitney, gave me the recipe for the Hayden's Heroes cookbook.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>Sweet and Sour Meatballs</strong></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 9-10 oz. jar sweet and sour sauce</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1/4 c. packed brown sugar</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>3 T. soy sauce</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1/2 tsp. garlic powder</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1/2 tsp. pepper</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>3 lb. bag frozen meatballs</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 medium red bell pepper, cubed</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 20 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em> Combine all ingredients but meatballs and stir until combined. Add meatballs and toss to coat. Cook on low in crockpot for 7-8 hours. Serve over white rice or mashed potatoes. My family prefers the potatoes. Also, I never actually use the full bag of meatballs. For my family of three (which includes a man that eats like a garbage disposal) I probably use about 1 1/2 lbs. of the meatballs. Basically I just keep dumping them in until it looks like I have enough.</em> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Hope you love it!!</div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-4380328901298041772011-05-26T11:02:00.000-07:002011-05-26T11:39:31.727-07:00The Nursery - Some more updatesWell, the nursery is coming along nicely! It still has a long way to go (bedding, stuff for walls, more pillows, decorative stuff, etc.) but I've been working hard on it and I thought I'd show you the latest updates.<br /><br />Ok, so we all remember that this is how the room started out, right.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEr_HyQaCbocwBiwJgX8wAQ6uI6iyiJZRnqJI0E9r1n43G1q3DSrHibZK_IFF3vyAXxfFDncubPxxKRuK6xYg7CD6d_Nvg20Y28sI8_-1q-bfJhkZNx2t0f7hD8ms9sPUanCqsh_i_kA/s1600/DSC_0991.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611088766916954210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEr_HyQaCbocwBiwJgX8wAQ6uI6iyiJZRnqJI0E9r1n43G1q3DSrHibZK_IFF3vyAXxfFDncubPxxKRuK6xYg7CD6d_Nvg20Y28sI8_-1q-bfJhkZNx2t0f7hD8ms9sPUanCqsh_i_kA/s320/DSC_0991.JPG" /></a> And then I showed you what it looked like with the new paint...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kyapRAUTFS41DSKta-X56A1L6BtjB2-c0SHwcOfEjfuSHxJmtAOVyW-BoHbeM1kems20q9cQgahI0K60ZCa9nKxO5RMtIZPh77evPKNHaAAZTkShQfYVH56DOsdN0Nwo8UwoA8iyJKQ/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611088760904056834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kyapRAUTFS41DSKta-X56A1L6BtjB2-c0SHwcOfEjfuSHxJmtAOVyW-BoHbeM1kems20q9cQgahI0K60ZCa9nKxO5RMtIZPh77evPKNHaAAZTkShQfYVH56DOsdN0Nwo8UwoA8iyJKQ/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" /></a> Here are some new pics with some descriptions so you know what else I have planned. First of all, let me say that I totally realize that rug is much to small for that space. I found it at Hobby Lobby and it was on clearance for EIGHT DOLLARS so I reeeeaaalllllyy wanted it to work. Alas, it doesn't so it looks like I will have to order the original one I found <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3307790">HERE</a> for $150.00. Boo.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT_brs14Hx9V05qv8zYyP2U3Dj-MMPvngkKkXo1-8NiseIgfkcgTwzLDhFo8J9o7rzIxQjz9qj63TI5rTxE23dFbIL5ptbZLw61Ve7kXQnV_tYo2OqPGexjk0vdM5hvpw0CEMV9VMdfE/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611088407710005138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT_brs14Hx9V05qv8zYyP2U3Dj-MMPvngkKkXo1-8NiseIgfkcgTwzLDhFo8J9o7rzIxQjz9qj63TI5rTxE23dFbIL5ptbZLw61Ve7kXQnV_tYo2OqPGexjk0vdM5hvpw0CEMV9VMdfE/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" /></a> I'm horrible at remembering to take "before" photographs! I wish I had taken one of this dresser. It is a dresser from the '70s and the color brown was awful. The handles were brass. So I painted it the aqua and sprayed the handles red. I LOVE how it turned out. I ordered the polka dot changing pad cover to match the bedding and it should be here in a few days. I'm going to paint the small black picture frame I just don't know what color yet. I also ordered the alphabet letters for this wall but they will take 5 to 8 weeks to come in. I can't wait to start painting, staining and covering them!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGvQq__swzXPxPMDMtNcKZj4_c36mV2QYrcYuKmK3YrOMLZ5C2Zr-vhxHkrEUkQm0Swf6KzfjeH7tmDD_j_rEcgn4x5JTQ0y77wpORFHcCnfLcDm0kPGe9cvrUhcpk2NKFv59Yf9uKkM/s1600/room1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611088397263814082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGvQq__swzXPxPMDMtNcKZj4_c36mV2QYrcYuKmK3YrOMLZ5C2Zr-vhxHkrEUkQm0Swf6KzfjeH7tmDD_j_rEcgn4x5JTQ0y77wpORFHcCnfLcDm0kPGe9cvrUhcpk2NKFv59Yf9uKkM/s320/room1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvLikx_54w8mvTFJso4ZpzHS5Ie_VoJfLK_T6ZwWpKEQbp5h5CCr2k7vEEafaF6XVX-YnTIdtRwnJtd5xJvummLLXAiZ9bgLSbNtfQ-yECuFjV2NE3PODvqIwuvdEDIen8UZn0i0GxBk/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611088388935161378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvLikx_54w8mvTFJso4ZpzHS5Ie_VoJfLK_T6ZwWpKEQbp5h5CCr2k7vEEafaF6XVX-YnTIdtRwnJtd5xJvummLLXAiZ9bgLSbNtfQ-yECuFjV2NE3PODvqIwuvdEDIen8UZn0i0GxBk/s320/DSC_0139.JPG" /></a> Again, I totally should have taken a before pic of this lamp. It was suuupper cheap at Gordmans. I brought it home, sprayed the bottom a metallic brown color and covered the shade. The fabric has metallic leather circles on it and cost more than the lamp itself!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyqOyTISe3ywzY6Hv7CKaMZDSqlynIAfeC7VbhgipdmzDx5a0SbUr40rbNskOhGjuMDy_Q8ZiOmXCKcs4ghu-EDj21niACP7Y0TRj_sqA2CKoQkQYlGYkBht-ljLX2mXhRwM9niFTKbI/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611088386679304578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyqOyTISe3ywzY6Hv7CKaMZDSqlynIAfeC7VbhgipdmzDx5a0SbUr40rbNskOhGjuMDy_Q8ZiOmXCKcs4ghu-EDj21niACP7Y0TRj_sqA2CKoQkQYlGYkBht-ljLX2mXhRwM9niFTKbI/s320/DSC_0140.JPG" /></a> So, I got it into my head that I HAD to have red and white chevron fabric for the curtains. HAD. TO. Well, of course, I could find every other color of chevron fabric on the internet but absolutely no red. I finally stumbled upon a website called <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.spoonflower.com">Spoonflower.</a> It is the greatest thing ever! Designers (or you yourself if you want) can upload their designs to be printed onto fabric and sold. It is a wonderful place to find modern, geometric prints. I read somewhere on the website that you can contact the designers and ask them to create something for you! I found a girl that already had a grey and white chevron and asked if she could put a design up for sale in red and white. She emailed me back the next with the proof for my approval! I told her I loved it and she let me know when it was officially available to for sale. You can order swatches, fat quarters, and different yard increments. I was so happy I found the website and I was thrilled with my fabric when it came in! I found some way cheap curtain rods at Ross and painted them the aqua color to help them pop. I did both windows the exact same way.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611088377214206482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzrCD0zZibR0J-pvNflhXDIr9A4YwyiPb4AoXik8XNrrI_Bhd3hSw3RshVCkcKVVUNoPgT81_OIMLWNn-PB3e7RmrqFl8gvzvXXSj3Fbqe5yUVrszM7uNmLgldIIDAPbCOPAyUgsgjvg/s320/DSC_0141.JPG" /> You can't tell the color very well in the next pic, but the two larger pillows are a deep aqua velour from Pier 1. I made another pillow with the rest of the lampshade material. I'm going to order a pillow that matches the bedding to also go in the window. I'm still on the hunt for other small pillows to fill that space up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCahgBUl84UId6099K9-8GJwSz9Mh3Sh5fApePhbW4IxZc59xM8zEDge8nM6oPbH5oRNqldiJeGkVHjMYCPNVSTyQOUQapnA5YFl9T-XJp6ZX8-boqIUoKoDWG-TDQV0IF2WOj9JIYQfw/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611087629477063042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCahgBUl84UId6099K9-8GJwSz9Mh3Sh5fApePhbW4IxZc59xM8zEDge8nM6oPbH5oRNqldiJeGkVHjMYCPNVSTyQOUQapnA5YFl9T-XJp6ZX8-boqIUoKoDWG-TDQV0IF2WOj9JIYQfw/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" /></a> Once again, no before pic. This rocking chair is very special to me because it is the chair my Nana rocked me and my cousins in when we were babies. She just passed away in January and my Papa gave me the chair for the nursery. While the color wood isn't my favorite, I'm not touching it. I did, however, cover the cushions because they were a ratty, old, burgundy corduroy. I also made the little dog <span style="color:#ffff00;"><span style="color:#000000;">initial pillow for the chair</span>.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbyawBQ44kbfLBA970xj__-S8iGUXpXOOv3uqbVOqvPBQeAlL0t85gElj-Y7Hr7ANxA0P-7xvHKDgu9iZmUFbK1NOmQVPDC1oSCmeS-eed8oqMp6Ondd_TCTPekr69iBV5APmn7GcHtc/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611087625059364114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbyawBQ44kbfLBA970xj__-S8iGUXpXOOv3uqbVOqvPBQeAlL0t85gElj-Y7Hr7ANxA0P-7xvHKDgu9iZmUFbK1NOmQVPDC1oSCmeS-eed8oqMp6Ondd_TCTPekr69iBV5APmn7GcHtc/s320/DSC_0146.JPG" /></a> Here's a better pic of the chair fabric. It almost has an sheen to it in person.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR_q0sdZaijADyZ1H07xdMo9672zXbYS_g0G-3yWDgIMJlersImwfdAd-HQCunljxc3LbpZNlHPUX_ytciZSDVkgkMBZtGAZQqFSMryWSlJxZFPdfRZGgtcy8ow0h1hOiDWPD6pS0QGo/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611087618044057714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR_q0sdZaijADyZ1H07xdMo9672zXbYS_g0G-3yWDgIMJlersImwfdAd-HQCunljxc3LbpZNlHPUX_ytciZSDVkgkMBZtGAZQqFSMryWSlJxZFPdfRZGgtcy8ow0h1hOiDWPD6pS0QGo/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" /></a> As you can see in the next pic, I still need to find a little side table to paint (going garage sale-ing this weekend) and I need the floor lamp for the corner. I ordered a cheap one from Walmart's website that has a plain white drum shade. I will spray the base the same as the other lamp but I'm not sure about the shade yet.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUwmXIy6YEdY5U0iuq2FFyZYrimnohsIHs9aZtV63mDcoBsH_Z_ChQBOPjuGKZudsHqSW2Ep8l6oUwtDYuoG7rgBzUp45R8AniGxD0GxrEPrC4r4ivfeytzFNDI4SY4ocKWtw8bSL80Y/s1600/room+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611087610215109378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUwmXIy6YEdY5U0iuq2FFyZYrimnohsIHs9aZtV63mDcoBsH_Z_ChQBOPjuGKZudsHqSW2Ep8l6oUwtDYuoG7rgBzUp45R8AniGxD0GxrEPrC4r4ivfeytzFNDI4SY4ocKWtw8bSL80Y/s320/room+3.jpg" /></a> Obviously, I still need the bedding. The collage of prints that I showed you in <a href="http://notesfromthecastle.blogspot.com/2011/04/nursery-plans-thus-far.html">THIS</a> post will go on the wall above the crib. You can see the bedding at that post, as well. Not sure about the other wall yet. I'm obsessed with the frames at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.theorganicbloom.com">The Organic Bloom</a> and all the colors they come in, but I'm not sure if frames are what I want up againt another wall full of frames. Again, something else to figure out.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611087605598020994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIDEou0VpXu09EzHBZfOw64b62i1EpZEfDUJTak8Fc2M7ONm1lzAmpCz0z2yHVJiH4NJ9wYWEfezIveCXLVVlRYPvLF-2_n1Cvh-iyHW_Mm76PbCmUTQxbuHUStC49g9NRCWlnDLh86M/s320/room+2.jpg" /><br />So that's it for now!!! I hope you like the progress and updates! More to come!Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-79054144735569727332011-05-15T17:14:00.000-07:002011-05-15T18:27:23.109-07:0010 of my favorite drug store finds<div align="center">I talk a lot in my product posts about Bobbi Brown and other lines that are a bit on the expensive side. I realize that's not always practical so I wanted to share in this post some of my favorite things I buy at the drug store ( Walgreens, specifically). Here they are in no particular order:<br /><br />1. Garnier Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607102098643411122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJpfmbamQbUPiueobejBQTRTYmp8PTKzq10F5C4v5qWzWnX7ucfae9AJkwiYG8B9zaYVtLrZKU33hQ9zEJCbcbZwhe7WVRCkG4-ISeXbd9bA0rTUuOXlLzorR9Ap2DYkfLV71vjW3cjM/s320/alo-456_1z.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"><em>I love these face wipes. I've used all the different brands of wipes and I always come back to these. Face wipes are perfect for people like me. Read: LAZY. I'm that person that totally goes to bed with her makeup on if I've run out of my wipes. It's awful and I always pay for it later. These do a wonderful job of removing all my makeup and the smell is pleasant. It could be all in my head but, I really feel like these, combined with the next product, give my skin a really great texture.</em></p><br /><p align="center">2. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8dHVaMLWPjvoDJLkEj2japXxbBvcZd7eLw5ydzCY2unW7O7hAYQxtvIAk6GXpOwhJ74LJqYdi6CVuEvTf1xbUJYJd7yBsiAuXFuMrhiVXsCigIfzzeWNd00Rl3N7N8g5yo4BkWOqyXY/s1600/31k59E9DUcL__SS500_.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607104050678058498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8dHVaMLWPjvoDJLkEj2japXxbBvcZd7eLw5ydzCY2unW7O7hAYQxtvIAk6GXpOwhJ74LJqYdi6CVuEvTf1xbUJYJd7yBsiAuXFuMrhiVXsCigIfzzeWNd00Rl3N7N8g5yo4BkWOqyXY/s320/31k59E9DUcL__SS500_.jpg" /></a><em>I love everything about this sunblock. I love the smell and I love the feel. This is actually what I use as my everyday moisturizer. It soaks right in to the skin and doesn't leave behind any kind of greasy feel. I couldn't go without this product!</em></p><p align="center"><br />3. Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Fast Dry Nail Color</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607104948525171714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_kWTEulQMmnszbB3qzPfqESb58cZJmKJic0HSWp8PeOqkrIVKU5hESKauKysNfXsVlL3ZuDxQzGBcN2vx_zC-rdKCaIo2aj_9y1TJAetJXSfqVM-4OX645M1YgnfBslinzLps-BSB70/s320/4917_0.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"><em>Since the Insta-Dri polishes came out, I have been accumulating all the different colors. It does dry faster than any other polish I've ever tried but I also LOVE the brush! It's wide and flat with a curved tip that follows the line of your cuticle. It's wide enough I can usually get my pinkie nail in just one swipe!</em></p><br /><p align="center">4. Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607105450178977330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyaB5TuwfE_Vm9nVUSo1pxYD81Fx9Ao3QQLMLiwC7_UjTATJ5eVjsnQ7u7hJKy77-Uv2fTWNO7nAOaAAIq9yi1iZzX6Yqcbi6A0rQGOAxMi4EkJwQBCZ0tu1J48o9w_5gz6ORBR7-04Q/s320/unnamed.jpg" /></p><br /><p align="center"><em>While I can't say that this is my absolute favorite mascara (that would be Trish McEvoy's High Volume Mascara) I CAN say that it is, without a doubt, my favorite drugstore brand. I try all the new mascaras when they first come out if they claim to creat volume and I always come back to Lash Blast.<br /></em><br />5. Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607106146448731298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgv25zeCmleRe8a5xhRPUGdjR5xbZI6iLl9h9YdI9aERpsuztn-GrJeXZUsEK282Cdd7CAtHblvlYel8DuEb0EPNv9geInXGR6lzC6dQNvvZ5rw48EtNIrmGZ_bt6QGmnSybJ1emFDqE/s320/caress-evenly-gorgeous-exfoliating-body-wash.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"><em>I'm that person you see at the drugstore opening the lid of every body wash, shampoo, deoderant, etc. to check out the smell. I'm a bit smell obsessed. Smells are very personal so I can't promise you'll like it too, but I completely heart the smell of this body wash and I love that it is exfoliating like a body polish. I kill two birds with one stone that way.</em><br /><br />6. Loreal Infallible Lipgloss<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607106641523552466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAATYM3cmtsvSjcb7mKRs_N1V9mbJTebfiVWePSgUo_pB8AJbwx28I40bvNHUTIJSuQIniSRR6YMfSSuQli8zDxI1sPBmuxsT3Mh5JFzHNQvGB9xE7gn2a_KjKu6EiaM5uNDBZeJALJ0/s320/unnamed.jpg" /></p><br /><p align="center"><em>By now, probably everyone knows my obsession with this lipgloss. My personal favorite color is Sunset for everyday wear. It glides on perfectly like a gloss and then sets into a kind of liquid lipstick that stays for hours. This is one of the few lip products that I buy back to back.</em><br /><br />7. Loreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgUOZvM4673eFRzem6jChqGH4g36WEsmDAmeWZ8AwLhifq9sn65s_RXcZwLmX5QttsrXOnpwIF2JUvuFZdGTylVylCT9_2gN7dOrLCeYPRhucv_UIIzBjAqtm1lH18AzWQpZUNCs13B0/s1600/unnamed.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607107324883728098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgUOZvM4673eFRzem6jChqGH4g36WEsmDAmeWZ8AwLhifq9sn65s_RXcZwLmX5QttsrXOnpwIF2JUvuFZdGTylVylCT9_2gN7dOrLCeYPRhucv_UIIzBjAqtm1lH18AzWQpZUNCs13B0/s320/unnamed.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"></a><em>This is, by far, my favorite drugstore self-tanner. The bronze liquid is very easy to see when it goes on, ensuring even coverage, and the color can't be beat.</em></p><br /><p align="center">8. Almay Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover Pads</p><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607108026477539314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORVYaH8U8sk5R22LfEDDgdK2FgDCItHj-kt8sKMhSMaxGfAXuJVZ2aBRuzxU0GQ3XVBVeQgVr9B0bmGKVsK_0w8ESvAnTFJBizuOSdKm458r7wSbRIgoYNAOLw5l5qJ2BklX4PQkiDVo/s320/unnamed.jpg" /></p><br /><p align="center"><em>These don't burn the skin around my eyes and are very effective at removing eye makeup - much more so than liquid and a cotton ball, in my opinion. One tiny pad can remove all the makeup from both eyes.<br /></em></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center">9. Maybelline Mineral Power Perfecting Concealer Cream</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607108863296927026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnwOs5K536bw2Ldh8awHgvS7sSlLtxwr_u8_K-wZ2pUl8gSGYTC_7PP9e4oeRl5395Uz7o8wwwWzt-zYiKiTvtBdrOxLi42s0bRT_wOKKq4Wc121QCH0g2lfl9Omww82YzHvwFA7ejsY/s320/unnamed.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"><em>I don't recommend this for your "spot" concealer because typically something thicker is needed for those kinds of coverups but, for under your eyes, this concealer is perfect! You want a thinner, lighter feeling concealer for that delicate tissue under your eyes. Heavy creams will tug on that skin as you apply them and, over time, that will create bags. This one is gentle because it is liquid-like and it does a great job of covering under-eye circles.</em><br /></p><p align="center"><br />10. Old Spice Body Wash in Swagger</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5b7rLOjblLNcfyz4E9TcEiiVnK5J5_j0PYCu_9cXPk_yNaM4ad22wVpktNpP5kNrg9kXa_44pJd0FRyCSJ82247GD_IE-4N6Kzw-km5PxImFe21wumi9xHFUfNd5SDV050IngDmRI6Qs/s1600/unnamed.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607109425030478162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5b7rLOjblLNcfyz4E9TcEiiVnK5J5_j0PYCu_9cXPk_yNaM4ad22wVpktNpP5kNrg9kXa_44pJd0FRyCSJ82247GD_IE-4N6Kzw-km5PxImFe21wumi9xHFUfNd5SDV050IngDmRI6Qs/s320/unnamed.jpg" /><p align="center"></a><em>Ok, so this one is for the hubs - not me- but oh, how I love it! Every time Old Spice comes out with a new smell I have to check it out. This is my current favorite for Ryan. It makes the whole bathroom smell good when he takes a shower.</em></p><br /><br /><p align="center">I'd love to hear from you what some of your favorite drug store finds are!!<br /></p>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-64757274657637823072011-05-13T13:51:00.000-07:002011-05-13T14:28:34.416-07:00Recipes: Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole & Oatmeal Raisin Choc.Chip CookiesI've decided that, whenever I do recipe posts, I'm going to include both a cooking and a baking recipe. That way you kind of have dinner and dessert! First up is.....<br /><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole</strong></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 can cream of chicken soup</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>2 stalks celery, chopped</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>3/4 c. mayonnaise</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>2 tsp. lemon juice</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 box Uncle Ben's long grain & wild rice</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>2 cans white meat chicken</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>crushed potato chips (I buy the cheap store brand version of Lays)</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1. Cook rice according to package; add other ingredients except potato chips and place into a 8x8 baking dish. 2. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. 3. Add crushed potato chips to the top for the last 10 minutes of baking.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">My mom made this when I was growing up and it has always been one of my favorite casseroles. The potato chips on top might sound strange but it is soooo good!!! It's also quite dense so it will definitely get you and your family full!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Now for some yummy cookies!!! I found this recipe in Country Living magazine a couple years ago and they are very, very tasty!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies</strong></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>2 sticks unsalted butter, softened</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 c. sugar</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>2 eggs, slightly beaten</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>2 c. flour</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>2 c. old-fashioned oats</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 tsp. baking powder</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 tsp. baking soda</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1/4 tsp. salt</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 tsp. cinnamon</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 c. raisins</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1/2 c. coarsely chopped walnuts</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1 1/4 c. chocolate chips</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1/4 c. milk</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in eggs until well combined. 2. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients, plus raisins, walnuts and chocolate chips. 3. Add dry mixture to wet mixture and stir to combine; stir in milk. 4. Drop dough in heaping tablespoonfuls, about 1 inch apart, on a baking sheet. 5. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">I hope you family enjoys these recipes!! Mine sure does!</div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-39446352814285917792011-05-11T12:18:00.000-07:002011-05-11T12:22:18.138-07:00I'm flattered!My friend, Regan, over at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.overcupsofjoe.blogspot.com">Over Cups of Joe </a>decided to do something fun and write posts highlighting her friends' blogs. She decided to start with me! She asked me some questions - some fun and some thought provoking - and she put up my answers yesterday. Head over there and check them out! Thanks, Regan!<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><a href="http://overcupsofjoe.blogspot.com/2011/05/blogger-spotlight-alyssa-siler.html">Over Cups of Joe</a></em></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-29251026836842693232011-05-10T19:17:00.000-07:002011-05-10T19:32:16.552-07:00Drumroll please.....(Argyle reveal)Well, I'm sure that ever since I talked about my plans for Ian's nursery at the blog post <a href="http://notesfromthecastle.blogspot.com/2011/04/nursery-plans-thus-far.html">HERE</a>, you have been frantically checking back daily - sometimes hourly-to see if I've posted the pictures of the argyle walls. Not really, you say?? Hadn't really thought about it, you add?? Well, here they are anyway. I'm sure happy with the way they turned out!<br /><br />Here's what we started out with, people. It's about a far from boy-ish as you can possibly get. I had made this room into a playroom for Hayden when she was about 18 months old so I went with pink, pink, a touch of black and white, and more pink. She hasn't played in there in over a year so it had become the room where you throw random things that don't otherwise have a place, shut the door, and pretend that they aren't there. I'm really good at that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8lCuZ5_AvlF0hcLsaWVpwoctD1bIGI09lkqPLVC7nkR6uUNOvBIsvEUEvwVSGOKzreE9tWoSgh95MC3XLzgzlrrs5XeHuUza2_gIiacn5PgxR3rTrQy7UOEtlXpoqEVtIv_7BimTvEk/s1600/DSC_0991.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605277868534240226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8lCuZ5_AvlF0hcLsaWVpwoctD1bIGI09lkqPLVC7nkR6uUNOvBIsvEUEvwVSGOKzreE9tWoSgh95MC3XLzgzlrrs5XeHuUza2_gIiacn5PgxR3rTrQy7UOEtlXpoqEVtIv_7BimTvEk/s320/DSC_0991.JPG" /></a> I don't know how well you can see it, but this pic shows where I drew out my diamonds using a ruler and level.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcErk4S09GBJV7t1UU3Y9K0WOHtBmmOV7Bfsm9UXCpVFv6iOW8pVld5nQ2bAQg-NsGp-4XIpisYQhAwTAtR7JG7k0zzm8eJSge0xy1t1q6uOAqwf-5VFLr18yAIbGzKxpyi4nGoKy9YI/s1600/DSC_0992.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605277703368874466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcErk4S09GBJV7t1UU3Y9K0WOHtBmmOV7Bfsm9UXCpVFv6iOW8pVld5nQ2bAQg-NsGp-4XIpisYQhAwTAtR7JG7k0zzm8eJSge0xy1t1q6uOAqwf-5VFLr18yAIbGzKxpyi4nGoKy9YI/s320/DSC_0992.JPG" /></a> So step one was to paint all the dark chocolate paint. I hate taping off on detail work because have the time it bleeds and you have to touch it up by hand anyway. So, even though it takes me longer, I just use an angled brush and steadily paint the lines of my diamonds. There's still some touch-up work to be done but, in the long run, I think the lines look cleaner this way.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605277700236069762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEtngnjULJiVGyq01UUaGGHNiTYAoWzzBG5t3RbxcryVJ9meC16XWVsQY_Hm65kI_26ntm-55VyBpayhyphenhyphenbW_gZvIBY4xHoyip6govl-4oj7rijn4UQMqQWKrK3BtOytqZf5nkffw5zTA/s320/DSC_0993.JPG" />And here they are!!! The diamonds are in the colors of the bedding which you can see in the previous nursery post I linked above.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605277693955717490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXBzPkS6oSorSK3M-mbhl74opVILNQsZkMj5wbR849XWX29LpBzX1MWVY1PfEJzu3jLGBhDlM0riJ1HWQI7p9Erscx9G7OwOUu9tsNzZl32S-v5V5XeWuDpGKJ31BlXG4VHHoAPeF2yo/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605277691530526994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzS8c9ZnSDsbR2O86SKqmZeuR25EwqeYlo0HDaHcJy4jSOTd-vlPkKMuucndSd821qLDoeJpjLxbMtEX_na_eGFpKo6Xr1gAro_35BwzYRvDUonZ165VasH5rJ5qtJ436bi1MAZhJ7dg/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" />You can still see a touch of pink at the top of this next pic. The ceiling still needs to be painted. It will be the lemony-lime color.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605277691880123826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3nrnYFTmPJ25ZYCTX0OYcdW2eWo48WWxtYl-mNtcMTGFC7E9aAxpACsVbICwUMCc2B5MFLgr6LN-_qz-lAgNmWVtd35rnytlKZuH4SXB8TLZs-BdOTwazfa9sdalidgj0kLOI1rQvuU/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" />I'm so happy with how it turned out! My next project is to paint the dresser aqua, glaze it with Van Dyke glaze and spray the pulls red. Should be cute! I can't wait for this room to come together!</div></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-79606289249208643722011-05-05T17:18:00.001-07:002011-05-05T17:18:48.655-07:00Hayden's Heroes VideoAs the Great Strides walk benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation approaches, I wanted to share with everyone this video I put together for Hayden. It explains in more detail what CF is and what it means for those who live with it each day. I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch it. Thank you!<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=c89fe0db215424f80618fe" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=c89fe0db215424f80618fe&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt2" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Photo and video editing at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-38750195689151284432011-05-04T18:39:00.001-07:002011-05-04T18:58:39.683-07:00You know you've thought about it.....<div align="center">By now, you've probably all seen these nail polish strips by Sally Hansen at the drugstore. If you're like me, you look at them with interest every time you go to the store but you wonder to yourself, "Could I pull off leopard toenails??". Here's some examples of the patterns the strips come in.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7omd0fDQroRY8gvW-v_Co48uJiZnfn4NTDyYxrubjMKMmA6MRrVIj9HitG5JXnfEUOJisT-EreIDE6Hww5eFGU_IVfVytMlBNSFWKoz322i4w2wr0MLpEjOjPxO0hCtWn8lsPH8YO9DQ/s1600/SHCN4408_SE_35KTYKTY_CRTN_275318.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603042291728885650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7omd0fDQroRY8gvW-v_Co48uJiZnfn4NTDyYxrubjMKMmA6MRrVIj9HitG5JXnfEUOJisT-EreIDE6Hww5eFGU_IVfVytMlBNSFWKoz322i4w2wr0MLpEjOjPxO0hCtWn8lsPH8YO9DQ/s320/SHCN4408_SE_35KTYKTY_CRTN_275318.png" /></a> My neighbor has this houndstooth on her toes and it is darling. This is the pattern I'm trying to work up the courage to try. lol<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNonwP4Q-aO25On_e0Jj7cH0jIkjFMDIkz0GEw_KYZ8BXvfLoCHw8p_Y0urc1sGBMO7KYmdYjobTgi7vQunCVn5Ji9MtuJEwlnlpOIdJ-iiwqf0NAxJtnTckvLq78BgjUH7vzcKR6dSg/s1600/houndstooth.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603042282881318082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNonwP4Q-aO25On_e0Jj7cH0jIkjFMDIkz0GEw_KYZ8BXvfLoCHw8p_Y0urc1sGBMO7KYmdYjobTgi7vQunCVn5Ji9MtuJEwlnlpOIdJ-iiwqf0NAxJtnTckvLq78BgjUH7vzcKR6dSg/s320/houndstooth.jpg" /></a><br />I love how this looks like fishnet tights.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603042283398394930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfSqsgYLEB9MLJYU8Wkl0X2dpWXcMH3dMv0R9pOhsukGMVfsSL0JxeU3d_kRQY2ZaUirTFP9yRCkb0t0bzbl6pfSqRtj50TwmSaoy90DcRSco8JufOtmPlnpLbTh8FQPtVsMkDai5-r8/s320/350_Misbehaved.jpg" />If they came in small enough sizes I would definitely do this for Hayden's nails.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603042269850744402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LruQ9dxq0IJ5CEad079lSM_nbuQ5qRACsGgRJVrrVx-NNa8_xvGqZymtz2rxnc6tczJ8w7dZ3Ld7RHynFi5ZgSEAh3NHw8QzlnrUVuNUpSZWtejt2ptsPINqXNoHLxNjSar8mn_e5MU/s320/340_GirlFlower_0.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603042271098801490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJto8zcTMXjTdtbkJmEOegIgVXgnvavCmyO6VUcva9nIQ_MxY8Riq7knWuQFYYtrkYS1cWqxDHK5Lf-_GmOr-sQa_F9r4zfYrXPD7i9JIVeAA0O4m7THkRnsqgVWrQryvNZaM04j35cnM/s320/370_BootyCamp.jpg" /><br />Well, I decided I'm just not ready for any of those patterns. It's kinda like those feather extensions that are so big right now. I love them on other people but they aren't for me. So I got excited today at Walgreens when I found another brand and saw this silver pattern!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603041314841796018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C4nZedNzsoXDae_DlbrK-CQQsDb1HJZ9dqoPbLzSsgz7UwJw7j01_EmJa_Z67I5EixkX9g0xgSqq4kLqe1rMPnsPhk5CBPZMp-aUgcha55KZngLssTI8sg9_r5-cP8ukZkbcVRt9Kjk/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" />I loved the metallic pattern and, since it's all the same color, I didn't feel like it was too "crazy" for me.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603041309739693970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4PNP7CilIwlvMo-OKrqVn9X67Pbf5kxiv9D8dONYI5NVc4p7D5JNg_ChFK17CC5rg3R0jloE55Vilm2JJY2lKG7PwPo1AgwKPBil3xEQmSYQRwwHDHQc7uwJIA_lWFMQ5rHkEBudj2I/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" />They are basically like stickers. You peel one off at a time, stick it to your nail starting at the cuticle, and smooth it out toward the tip of your nail.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqCcJzDVpthmSMmYA9ikZ4wU-B4RRGW2lokxhfvcNvmuvv6sgbW52PJlwlB9O2jZuyIvbo29HLN1SubB7Dc9hvNu0g2NRHNdt4LKuVpSsBb6ijLIyKjDyc-T5JfpccD9qpYFwUsiVI_U/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603041304024307426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqCcJzDVpthmSMmYA9ikZ4wU-B4RRGW2lokxhfvcNvmuvv6sgbW52PJlwlB9O2jZuyIvbo29HLN1SubB7Dc9hvNu0g2NRHNdt4LKuVpSsBb6ijLIyKjDyc-T5JfpccD9qpYFwUsiVI_U/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" /></a> Then you take a nail file (the one that came with the packaging was worthless so I used my own) and file off the edge.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM_jmVXyWeYs4b3GrYCAlorezqVJFPOytqJfZkfP_W6Qhd6EkExNldy1zL9IHglsrL64GP5AUB8BJ5fkhJm8KubLpXOxTPCirQQwVgZX4TbmI0ff_ZAYaY6HzuYvlCdBlNNRuY9rE-88/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603041289114938786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM_jmVXyWeYs4b3GrYCAlorezqVJFPOytqJfZkfP_W6Qhd6EkExNldy1zL9IHglsrL64GP5AUB8BJ5fkhJm8KubLpXOxTPCirQQwVgZX4TbmI0ff_ZAYaY6HzuYvlCdBlNNRuY9rE-88/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" /></a> And voila!!! Ok, I realize that my toes aren't the prettiest thing to photograph but it's cute, right?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603041284151082210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M7wkrufeJLU0D_uyvbENZScng-qubNTHE1vQCBq2R5ZBCNMKejq_lTpgpl4ozlfK80oa-d4xprTM6_quOz3LRM70mnZnkAL0ExjpabLPrqv7-2FQfwVTkyTGw_nONyg1W1jJjcwts8w/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" />Maybe by the end of the summer I'll be brave enough to try the houndstooth :) I'd love to know which ones you try!<br /></div></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-88934118568314676882011-05-03T15:48:00.000-07:002011-05-03T17:14:02.924-07:00My porch for Spring/Summer!Do you remember my post <a href="http://notesfromthecastle.blogspot.com/2011/04/i-must-make-one-or-both-of-these.html">HERE</a> about how I found the perfect wreath for Spring and Summer on the blog <a href="http://kikicreates.blogspot.com/2011/02/quick-and-fun-project.html"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Kiki Creates</span></a>???? Well, I finally finished my wreath and I'm thrilled with the result!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Ta-Da!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegFH1xb6vQZ09ENpGyWeGSYd1nNTnB3vgKOrSuAY9lcywpka8wvTs4Cv4XzTk0nuAta2xa2KbOuaj0A-uxu94J6Zd9VPqAzCHc_CQnYzW-clbL2ps1oFs_EHy947nlO6Tek0V_5PQFiI/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602633652307706466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegFH1xb6vQZ09ENpGyWeGSYd1nNTnB3vgKOrSuAY9lcywpka8wvTs4Cv4XzTk0nuAta2xa2KbOuaj0A-uxu94J6Zd9VPqAzCHc_CQnYzW-clbL2ps1oFs_EHy947nlO6Tek0V_5PQFiI/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuBm8z4E-LDbRYhNzxHaQizUkOooov6Ty8zrER6cPoARpKJl57lRJyKNAyXUIP1Hk4Ux3QJtAoIuuTlcv3HLOI3WHqco8gVkQ2A_0sD5FzQd4yeKby5sudUY2AbvTdUBP3yeo8GfnYtk/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602633643508063538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuBm8z4E-LDbRYhNzxHaQizUkOooov6Ty8zrER6cPoARpKJl57lRJyKNAyXUIP1Hk4Ux3QJtAoIuuTlcv3HLOI3WHqco8gVkQ2A_0sD5FzQd4yeKby5sudUY2AbvTdUBP3yeo8GfnYtk/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" /></a>So, it's not as perfect as hers, of course, but for a first-timer making rosettes, I'm happy with it. Again, you can find her tutorial for making rosettes <a href="http://kikicreates.blogspot.com/2011/03/bowl-full-of-rosettes-tutorial.html">HERE</a>.</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">I also decided to make a pillow for my porch to match. I think it looks great next to my fleur-de-lis and my little "S" that I spotted on my way out of Hobby Lobby.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602633639287008626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs15ONWPl3VcohlRVYPLG9XNV8ovPOZ4FyzDRFtoyAa0oNunZ6e_SFdEaREv5vXPK5pq9S9sRnhq0dXRcHTmyBgN4NRTdVKwQ9-QbNDTf1nqFmgiPYrt_9U8IPpA_a9CPkv_QksSqxnIQ/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602633636413637138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybrp5vArcNIO9twCrYpHcVjLEtPfpcVO0Zwcupf_CnTRqxp6FAqK5YdSkssjMyfYS6t8LqRJcliTvJ4OD5Fx78c09YNf7yR7_Sj9acN71k63aSOZggaUhQOPB9NWqoSo1dl7ASHH-thI/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" /><br />What projects do you have underway for your porch this season?<br /></div></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-1720925308878691962011-04-29T18:57:00.000-07:002011-04-29T19:14:56.082-07:00Lipstick: Q & ASo, I finally received a question on one of my product posts and I was thrilled for the chance to do some research!! Here is the question I received:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Q.</span> I know you've posted about lipstick before, but any you recommend? I'm so fair (and unlike you don't have dark hair or eyes to offset it), and also really hate the feel of traditional lipstick...any great lipsticks for fair people that feels more like chapstick you could recommend?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">A.</span> I had to look into this one a bit since I tend to go more for the drier lipsticks just because I like to know they'll stay put. However, I have come up with a few options! I went by the Clinique counter at the mall because I wanted to look at the colors of their Almost Lipsticks. Well, much to my surprise, they don't make them anymore, with the exception of their best-selling Black Honey. Since you are a fair-skinned, redhead, that's not the color for you. I asked them if they had come out with anything else that was on the sheer and soft side. She showed me two options that I think you should check out. <br /><br />One was their Chubby Sticks. It's like a lipgloss/balm in a stick but it still has a good amount of color to it. The color I bought (well, of course I bought one for myself!) and that you'd probably want too is called Mega Melon. It draws on like a thick lip pencil but it glides on with the feeling of a balm. It's color can be sheer or you can build it up as you keep drawing. To really make it subtle, blend it out with your finger after just one layer. Even though it's in pencil form, you can roll the tip up and down so there's no need to sharpen it. <br /><br />Second is their Butter Shine lipsticks. I have had one in the past and they feel heavenly when you put them on. I think they look even glossier on than the Chubby Stick. There are a lot more colors in the Butter Shine than the stick so you'll need to go to your Clinique counter and have them help you find the perfect shade.<br /><br />For a drugstore option, Cover Girl has just come out with new NatureLuxe Gloss Balms. They give sheer color with a bit of shine and they contain mango and shea butter to make them extra soft. For you, I would recommend checking out the colors coral and cinnamon. Since they are CoverGirl, they'll be about half the price of the Clinique but you can't try the colors on before you buy to make sure they are perfect. Just something to keep in mind.<br />Happy shopping!!! I hope this helped!!!<br /><br />If you have any product questions, please ask away!!! If I don't know the answer I'll find someone who does!Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-91184568924709683162011-04-23T15:36:00.000-07:002011-04-23T16:01:56.320-07:00Scrumptious Potato Dish & Yummy Carrot CakeI have a couple of friends who post recipes regularly on their blogs and I love that......so I'm stealing the idea! I created a Hayden's Heroes cookbook as a fundraiser for the CF Foundation and it has all of my favorite recipes in it plus those of family and friends. I think that once a week I will plan to post a recipe from the book that we have tried and love.<br /><br />I thought I'd post a couple of my favorite Easter recipes. I realize that it probably would have been more helpful if I had shared these a little earlier than the night before Easter. Sorry. I have pregnant brain and apparently can't think that far ahead.<br /><br />This first recipe is for Sinful Potatoes and it is, hands-down, my favorite side dish. I could literally eat an entire 8x8 pan by myself as a my main meal. You can make it for any kind of meal - it goes with everything- but it's especially yummy with ham so my mom prepared it a lot for Easter lunches.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Sinful Potatoes</strong></div><br /><br /><div align="center">1 2lb. pkg. frozen O'Brien potatoes, thawed</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1/2 c. melted margarine or butter</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1 tsp. salt</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1/4 tsp. pepper</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1 can cream of mushroom soup</div><br /><br /><div align="center">2 c. shredded cheddar cheese</div><br /><br /><div align="center">2 c. sour cream</div><br /><br /><div align="center">unseasoned bread crumbs</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">1. Combine all ingredients, except bread crumbs in a large bowl. 2. Spread into a 9x13 baking dish. Cover entire surface with bread crumbs. 3. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">This next recipe is for a really yummy and moist carrot cake. I make this every year for Easter and decorate the top with some small turquoise ceramic eggs that belonged to my Nana.</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Carrot Cake</strong></div><br /><br /><div align="center">4 eggs</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1 1/4 c. vegetable oil</div><br /><br /><div align="center">2 c. white sugar</div><br /><br /><div align="center">2 tsp. vanilla</div><br /><br /><div align="center">2 c. flour</div><br /><br /><div align="center">2 tsp. baking soda</div><br /><br /><div align="center">2 tsp. baking powder</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1/2 tsp. salt</div><br /><br /><div align="center">2 tsp. ground cinnamon</div><br /><br /><div align="center">3 c. grated carrots</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1 c. chopped pecans</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Frosting:</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1/2 c. butter, softened</div><br /><br /><div align="center">8 oz. cream cheese, softened</div><br /><br /><div align="center">4 c. powdered sugar</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1 tsp. vanilla</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1 c. chopped pecans</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease two round cake pans; set aside. 2. Beat together eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. 3. Stir in carrots; fold in pecans. 4. Bake 40-50 minutes.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Frosting:</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Combine all frosting ingredients but pecans and beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in pecans. Frost cake once cooled.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">I hope everyone has a Happy and Blessed Easter tomorrow!</div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-70506707814582179212011-04-22T06:24:00.001-07:002011-04-22T06:44:01.303-07:00Hayden's Heroes!<u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u>Every year we have the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Great Strides walk. Nationally, this is the foundation's largest fundraiser. We created the Hayden's Heroes team in honor of our daughter almost five years ago, right after she was born. Every year we have so much fun gathering with friends and supporting this foundation that I am confident will soon find Hayden's cure. There are two different oral pills in the final stages of development right now that will add decades to the lives of people with CF. Because of these drugs, science books will need to be re-written where CF in concerned. We are so close and none of this would have been possible without donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They are the only foundation that can say they take 90 cents of every dollar donated and put it straight to medical research. If you would like to make a donation on Hayden's behalf, please do so at our Great Strides homepage here:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/alyssasiler">www.cff.org/Great_Strides/alyssasiler</a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><span style="color:#000000;">Something else I'm excited about is our Hayden's Heroes merchandise store I started on cafepress.com last year. I've added a lot of new products this year - even IPhone 3G and 4 cases. Below are just an example of some of the products we have in the store. A portion of the profits goes directly to the CF Foundation. We'd love for you to become a Hero and wear around your support of Hayden! Visit the store here:</span></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/haydensheroes">www.cafepress.com/haydensheroes</a> </span></div></span><br /><p align="center"><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fZGLX3dRkKyEgUzetpLDVHIIwE7HQuzQhRK58zID_zYZC0mcicWXYegFiBG6fBxb3O-u2c4z6Qv7gT1TnfpsVl1T11t5MXzYQDXehZqDiz1gumT1cSQBtH6ruEczF44CtmMy9UmDNS0/s1600/hh1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598398872719445074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fZGLX3dRkKyEgUzetpLDVHIIwE7HQuzQhRK58zID_zYZC0mcicWXYegFiBG6fBxb3O-u2c4z6Qv7gT1TnfpsVl1T11t5MXzYQDXehZqDiz1gumT1cSQBtH6ruEczF44CtmMy9UmDNS0/s320/hh1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFI73zz8IjUkdwp4M29mRagz2UJg4WhhYi4aphyphenhyphenf_WsfhD-YbZQTYsJoTDolPuKQYggaYiozXJV9yXIXYHPGze4xzq0J9Ya4OmYOMFbTVeXQeBabvJs7bW6BHYlRTcY7gpA6dk3_mJDY/s1600/hh2.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598398868514058834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFI73zz8IjUkdwp4M29mRagz2UJg4WhhYi4aphyphenhyphenf_WsfhD-YbZQTYsJoTDolPuKQYggaYiozXJV9yXIXYHPGze4xzq0J9Ya4OmYOMFbTVeXQeBabvJs7bW6BHYlRTcY7gpA6dk3_mJDY/s320/hh2.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GzbF_-R1BnzljwywGMorIwpPHEbekBZiCIAMIy3Ay7T3ov2C4KIHiDEFKVnXHFBDE41ywJty1LenToEiSaEPu9GqR6n16qve3lzXjDVl11L2YXcP-z0Kje5ix7-7Vq55HybiJ2dvzMw/s1600/hh3.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598398861112924018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GzbF_-R1BnzljwywGMorIwpPHEbekBZiCIAMIy3Ay7T3ov2C4KIHiDEFKVnXHFBDE41ywJty1LenToEiSaEPu9GqR6n16qve3lzXjDVl11L2YXcP-z0Kje5ix7-7Vq55HybiJ2dvzMw/s320/hh3.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIftd7Mddkg3zbM4deVFHwtz9fefMODcBjzQ1QRmvufLwDwSfdUhdXT8zOqxoK499hj9zelHgwvWdnH4mjiGTisHsqX71SCVejIOJpOOKP-MOxXoCyGqQAOuqxQ31tQ7jEbG4AKN2FHH0/s1600/hh4.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598398654549031746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIftd7Mddkg3zbM4deVFHwtz9fefMODcBjzQ1QRmvufLwDwSfdUhdXT8zOqxoK499hj9zelHgwvWdnH4mjiGTisHsqX71SCVejIOJpOOKP-MOxXoCyGqQAOuqxQ31tQ7jEbG4AKN2FHH0/s320/hh4.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmm6wwpiiu0GxWqQuRsPyGZTmeRtvSakbIyyowYN0IAf9QPUDF-xjqeDCGpNxXyKKZH8NqRMGJrwC9i2LkmsUFBV1SbdVAEKt_7yWRVKCfxQKv8No-hM5gOS_6i8AUKB7J3_o70pLgDE/s1600/hh5.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598398650900875634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmm6wwpiiu0GxWqQuRsPyGZTmeRtvSakbIyyowYN0IAf9QPUDF-xjqeDCGpNxXyKKZH8NqRMGJrwC9i2LkmsUFBV1SbdVAEKt_7yWRVKCfxQKv8No-hM5gOS_6i8AUKB7J3_o70pLgDE/s320/hh5.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZlUJMZYdJgAu70opKZLsGdJlSamO-NiaI9_IUpWudEm02AGj5ZjjQsm1cSHsST_3lUCY5Gqq9OnOB4P7DAlTQJzsllaPo_zxAL9nPtjST2joKi6mN014uNBoblVYRkxBCs8Lzl04yLU/s1600/hh6.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598398649355563474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZlUJMZYdJgAu70opKZLsGdJlSamO-NiaI9_IUpWudEm02AGj5ZjjQsm1cSHsST_3lUCY5Gqq9OnOB4P7DAlTQJzsllaPo_zxAL9nPtjST2joKi6mN014uNBoblVYRkxBCs8Lzl04yLU/s320/hh6.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9KK8XBuaGzfHdmoxPJt5SXnptHS8FC2-i5ARcRiFu60YplmCvRgoeLl-VrM1ADMz5RTvlOrN7PozOw2h0fp2xyqvVwva-8N9TZkJJpeNwBHNSDyaVCZaygwk5EhZsgzRNhFl2Dzovl4/s1600/hh7.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598398641200037026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9KK8XBuaGzfHdmoxPJt5SXnptHS8FC2-i5ARcRiFu60YplmCvRgoeLl-VrM1ADMz5RTvlOrN7PozOw2h0fp2xyqvVwva-8N9TZkJJpeNwBHNSDyaVCZaygwk5EhZsgzRNhFl2Dzovl4/s320/hh7.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XWqdlczfM7qfWYAOzalVq329CuEWsCDxn4Qu5qEuiZbO4cpTe1y7lTvpIryDZWk5AEgeGpN9IJUevc2f_VLkKeryfCqi8iRQB_wWp2WLAcRokbK0Ag1ZsKru56j1YUwI1RNK_IBk2G8/s1600/hh8.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598398634139922130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XWqdlczfM7qfWYAOzalVq329CuEWsCDxn4Qu5qEuiZbO4cpTe1y7lTvpIryDZWk5AEgeGpN9IJUevc2f_VLkKeryfCqi8iRQB_wWp2WLAcRokbK0Ag1ZsKru56j1YUwI1RNK_IBk2G8/s320/hh8.bmp" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-70574908651391807842011-04-20T09:30:00.000-07:002011-04-20T11:12:13.654-07:00To all my friends of the pasty variety...(Note: I have changed the word in my title back and forth between "pasty" and "pastey" because I have no clue which one is correct. I asked my mother how to spell it and her first answer was "Alyssa". Ha ha, mom. She then replied that it should be "pasty" and as an example she said "haste" turns into "hasty". So there you have it. If it's wrong...blame my mom.)<br /><br />If you are a fair maiden like me (make that extremely fair, in my case), then you know it can be kinda hard to find the perfect blush color. You have to find the perfect halfway mark between too much color and not enough.<br /><br />All you glowing, tan people have always made me so jealous in the fact that you can wear no makeup and have the "fresh faced" look. If I wear no makeup people ask me if I'm feeling ok because I look ill. For a pale gal to get the "natural, fresh" look, we have to actually apply makeup skillfully enough for it to look like we aren't wearing any. We MUST have color on our cheeks. Even if I wear nothing else but a bit of mascara, I will always have blush on.<br /><br />Up until this past year I have always searched for THE color. Everything I tried was either too hot pink, too peachy, or just not pigmented enough for me to bother with it. I was lamenting this fact to my friend Anthony at my local Dillards Bobbi Brown counter. He informed me that Bobbi had made a blush specifically for pale people. WHAAATTT???? How had I not known about this???? He then swept her <a href="http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/spp/index.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY22765&PRODUCT_ID=PROD14417"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Antiqua</span> </a>on my cheeks and I was in love.<br /><br />I'm not posting a pic of it because I don't think the color on the website looks anything like my actual bronzer. It's a beautiful peachy-pink with a hint of shimmer. It doesn't have too much shimmer though so you can wear it every month of the year. It doesn't scream summer, and I don't even think of it as a bronzer because it's so unlike any bronzer I've ever seen or used. It has the perfect amount of pigment so it shows up without overpowering your face. It is $33 which is more than I usually ever pay for blush but I've had it a year - using it every day - and I still have plenty of it. In my opinion it's worth it.<br /><br />If you live in the OKC area, you can find Bobbi at the Penn Square Dillards or at Balliets on the Classen Curve. You can also order it online, of course. Enjoy!!!Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-20350781855488459252011-04-11T16:44:00.000-07:002011-04-11T17:23:23.402-07:00You and MeI've never been a huge Dave Matthews Band fan. Sure, I think I owned one cd of his back in the day and I've always enjoyed the saxophone on the song "Ants Marching", but I've never tried desperately to get concert tickets and I've never even downloaded one of his songs on ITunes......until now that is. I was driving along this past week when a relatively new (I assume) song of his came on satellite radio. The words touched me and I immediately thought of my husband. It's called "You and Me". I didn't spend tons of time paying attention to the verses but the simple chorus lyrics are <br /><div align="center"><em>You and me together, we could do anything, Baby</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>You and me together, yes, yes.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">Ryan and I have been through quite a bit together. I know that there are certainly other couples that have been through so much more than we have, but I do feel we've been thrown some curveballs in our eight years of marriage. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">We have a child with a chronic life-threatening disease. Cystic fibrosis is a part of our everyday lives. There are times when it is very challenging and scary but I will never forget what Ryan said to me just hours after Hayden's official diagnoses came through. He made a decision for us that we were not going to be a "woe is me" family. We weren't going to go through life acting like Debbie Downers and feeling sorry for ourselves. Furthermore, we certainly weren't going to raise Hayden with that mindset. We were going to hold our heads high and, through our faith in God, our support from family, friends, and each other, we were going to stay positive. We were going to give Hayden as normal a life as possible while giving her every chance to succeed in a life that would already provide many challenges. I have forever been thankful that he stepped up and made that decision for our family in that very trying time. And I think that's another reason I love this song. There is a line that says:</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><em>And when the kids are old enough we're going to teach them to fly.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">Isn't that what every parent wants for their children. To raise them with such love and support that they can grow up to be confident enough to fly - to soar, even- toward their goals in life. I want my children to belive there are no boundaries to what they can accomplish if they work hard and put their minds to it.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">In addition to facing the CF diagnosis together, we have supported each other through times of anxiety and depression, the loss of a parent, the loss of many grandparents, the loss of a job and the ensuing job search, and the list goes on and on. Together we have made it through it all, standing side-by-side, loving each other more and more with every trial. I truly believe that, like the song says,........ <em>together</em>, he and I can do anything. Just try to stop us...........</div><br /><div align="center"><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7f4TItnxVOw" frameborder="0" width="480"></iframe></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-30202404202087234182011-04-07T07:46:00.000-07:002011-04-07T07:55:56.857-07:00Painted Chevron RugOk, friends. Pu-LEASE tell me you follow the blog <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com">Tater Tots and Jello</a>!!! She has some of the greatest craft and decorating ideas. EVER. Well, maybe I should actually hope that you don't follow her because, if you do, this post will be redundant. Oh well, it's too good not to share! Read her post in detail to get all the info. I WILL be making one of these as soon as I finish my <a href="http://kikicreates.blogspot.com/2011/02/quick-and-fun-project.html">Kiki Creates wreath</a>. I'm just not sure if I want to make one for my entryway or for the nursery. Hmmmmmm. Decisions, decisions. <br /><div align="center"><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/04/painted-chevron-rug-reveal-tutorial.html">Painted Chevron Rug from TaterTots and Jello</a> </div><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/04/painted-chevron-rug-reveal-tutorial.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592854932809744594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWYlh6Kovz0-5QGjdkZY9sGFM1qLujl2BzGgmDxXSK-LiZobQzEGxXw7TsVPcDm36gnB0DcF2z27z3NAZRqmzwf45R_LaMcwHgI2IjMsUTgkc6yTfDGGcM5X8gZo-XfSW5TBIHm4VXYU/s320/painted+chevron+rug+tutorial.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYoqd1HhsPFc7dZvD6yZ26ccJPnPusjFZXEA3yCzjIx1YSLHS5ViWtRaqXgfTFe6ANt_D6ZmS8K7lrl_Rpp_6FSKshbyNXGI3duCicqR4kIdzS9H0dGLEoOFoB2Gxg4-JOd5XiVE7sgc/s1600/painted+chevron+rug+by+the+front+door.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592854926847107250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYoqd1HhsPFc7dZvD6yZ26ccJPnPusjFZXEA3yCzjIx1YSLHS5ViWtRaqXgfTFe6ANt_D6ZmS8K7lrl_Rpp_6FSKshbyNXGI3duCicqR4kIdzS9H0dGLEoOFoB2Gxg4-JOd5XiVE7sgc/s320/painted+chevron+rug+by+the+front+door.jpg" /></a>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-28561383024723729392011-04-06T07:29:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:06:15.103-07:00The Nursery Plans (thus far)<div align="left">Ok, so I'm a planner. I start planning things like Hayden's birthday parties (Pink Poodle theme this summer) and what she's going to wear for Halloween waaaaayyyyyy before it is necessary. You combine that with the fact that I live for an excuse to re-decorate and, OF COURSE, I'm going to have the nursery planned at only 14 weeks into pregnancy! So when we found out a couple weeks ago that we are having a boy! (Ian Bradford. We, of course, already had that picked out going in!) I immediately started pulling together ideas. Well, ok. If I'm honest, I'd already picked out some bedding I liked a couple weeks before our ultrasound. :)The thing is, it was custom bedding and, the more I thought about it, I really didn't want to pay almost $400 for crib bedding. I knew I could use that money in other areas of the room. So this past week I started combing the internet searcing for something else I liked. I want this room to be on the modern side with dark walls and white furniture. Here is what I found and what I have come up with so far: (click on the links to visit the websites and see things in better detail)</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.skiphop.com/product/moddot.html">Mod Dot bedding from SkipHop</a></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdDPI_lSSYqZ0mnTuWbldiG2rPlROkKe_5A_OGUFu-uNUAXSIMhiiQ25og_mSrA8m211YEtry2jxiCWmsRRMENyoVJbTAIK7woeImrp0QHf9gzgg5Zhvi5DYAhyWe7ET9V35hwt1A29g/s1600/bedding.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592480089943802082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdDPI_lSSYqZ0mnTuWbldiG2rPlROkKe_5A_OGUFu-uNUAXSIMhiiQ25og_mSrA8m211YEtry2jxiCWmsRRMENyoVJbTAIK7woeImrp0QHf9gzgg5Zhvi5DYAhyWe7ET9V35hwt1A29g/s320/bedding.jpg" /></a> My plan is to paint the chair rail in the room white to match the white crib and trim and then paint the walls the color of the darkest dot. I order the fabric swatch card because in the pic I can't really tell if that color is chocolate or dark grey or a dark grey-ish brown. Whatever it is, I'll match it.</p><br /><p>Below the chair rail I am going to paint an over-sized argyle pattern with some of the other colors found in the bedding. I can't wait to get started on that project! I will painting the dresser we have the blue color and then glazing it and adding colorful knobs. Should be super cute and should stand out against the dark walls and other white furniture pieces.</p><br /><p>Ok, here's where I have been having fun.....what to hang on the walls?????? Etsy to the resue!!!!</p><br /><p>This is what I have found on Etsy to hang over the dresser. They come unfinished but I will paint all of them differently in the colors of the room. Some solid, some with pattern. Then I will hang them in a big collage. I've seen it done on an HGTV show one time and it looks adorable.</p><br /><p align="center">From the Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63150533/unfinished-alphabet-as-seen-on-saras">Bornagainfurniture</a></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592482231376563170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWiTMZpThR2_gx_ysr1fJBJhtU1yFfqbpbLILkPWYtdz8W1f4aEIluyhS1wOQ-n-uvqIcZU8lTkvHJAga_ucxJzTfli9YqWzo6XN3KaG7L49kC1sEn9q3cRAEHQeVOag5w4uOsqQxr1o/s320/alpha.jpg" /> Next is what I'm pretty sure will be my favorite part of the room once it is completed. I found 8 different modern-ish prints in different Etsy shops that I absolutely LOVE!!! They will customized to the colors in the bedding so they all match. Some will be 8x10 and some will be 11x14 but they will all be in the same modern, white frame. I am going to hang them in a collage above the crib. Here they are..... again click on the shop links to check out their other items. <br /><div align="center">From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68532411/you-are-my-sunshine-8x10-print-choose">AppleBlossomPrint</a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVstRq37l3s4EMr9JF_re2I6bTb4f6hSr0z9Bc-nLHdzrKvtmvDwGSX8JSCVirNExRyuYuZhRJmV8GfIQBrj2ITgmRAg_jwK4L4ViEq0xm0KamtDS4pj-IQS4DK5uWNdQ1zTYEHuWuU3I/s1600/sun.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592485030826611362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVstRq37l3s4EMr9JF_re2I6bTb4f6hSr0z9Bc-nLHdzrKvtmvDwGSX8JSCVirNExRyuYuZhRJmV8GfIQBrj2ITgmRAg_jwK4L4ViEq0xm0KamtDS4pj-IQS4DK5uWNdQ1zTYEHuWuU3I/s320/sun.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68405585/you-make-me-happy-when-skies-are-gray">AppleBlossomPrint <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592485020809159874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaweJGYm-065f76qJVjYhhudnsga33rjjGedHboeSVHEROzqrwM5fBsPvMOJnO3zNXIOAhxOKGPV7dofNps-9smmATh69sSGyBQ8wlKOaPIxSzzGLY3mGmDJ6XATq2LFjr7wXB9UkLGM/s320/gray.jpg" /></a></p><br /><div align="center">From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68709219/custom-first-initial-with-woodgrain">AddigailDesigns </a></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68709219/custom-first-initial-with-woodgrain"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592485017824480930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkNDSh5zb7SWaH48cVKGCR9xFEPpLQkgcDNdajJQg6bK9S-Pu-hPURiMUM5kMipqAAf1qc9Yl-3a-U8pVXQ-bPrVF6tGgr-ZTCVkxaCnFrDRN83ZD0-FTBzgYBs3k8pCn5013RLXzRx8/s320/quinn.jpg" /></a> From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57813964/supremes-baby-love-11x14">AddigailDesigns </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gN_4QsDbbX26bhVFMqX7ExkkwbVDN7YZYy-asLmk4i_0Q8PiGZELnybY8JKxhyphenhyphenvouj3ddoZLpGG9biEpLIzH84z89WY7XXOsvP6U1HcL8Q41CKvdnAOLnLH55yJNilFqbJ9-XUhcYKs/s1600/supremes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592484736358990626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gN_4QsDbbX26bhVFMqX7ExkkwbVDN7YZYy-asLmk4i_0Q8PiGZELnybY8JKxhyphenhyphenvouj3ddoZLpGG9biEpLIzH84z89WY7XXOsvP6U1HcL8Q41CKvdnAOLnLH55yJNilFqbJ9-XUhcYKs/s320/supremes.jpg" /></a>From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62040302/custom-color-i-am-a-child-of-god-11-x-14">sugarfresh</a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjTBtotdPml7Sq2FLBsyBr3NGD0_vXTZaDZKacdD0fGO14GMWvWDDlCl95X6OKo8rozSA6mqDcDWRv7_7sn9-n3w8YrnpoazWaGSuUO4yPFeKTrr7NaXo_hDEOKCl6hU6oo8ti-DsJTg/s1600/child.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592484732112439058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjTBtotdPml7Sq2FLBsyBr3NGD0_vXTZaDZKacdD0fGO14GMWvWDDlCl95X6OKo8rozSA6mqDcDWRv7_7sn9-n3w8YrnpoazWaGSuUO4yPFeKTrr7NaXo_hDEOKCl6hU6oo8ti-DsJTg/s320/child.jpg" /></a>From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70132345/new-rocking-chair-keep-calm-and-rock-on">PosterPop</a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DbqgKytETA7Hm89ojzirqWQU_lfZqA2F2DbyUFNPYEq0I6Jj3TGvVqN-P-A7gEWIv1P-qscLcnEXCGp3bu360CfCxtZXp-tP4BTZc-fsJ8fO6tVgJFs4uhieLbvu7CZBgzonTSYlQ8E/s1600/calm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592484723934385266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DbqgKytETA7Hm89ojzirqWQU_lfZqA2F2DbyUFNPYEq0I6Jj3TGvVqN-P-A7gEWIv1P-qscLcnEXCGp3bu360CfCxtZXp-tP4BTZc-fsJ8fO6tVgJFs4uhieLbvu7CZBgzonTSYlQ8E/s320/calm.jpg" /></a>From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65350496/custom-colors-name-monogram-print-8x10">AppleBlossomPrint</a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6hzId0GEt1K_AGCGywmwN4xxUUTe-1h7xQxC4TPaV3jbLc1r_J1siaQ-Cd8HV2NojHXKe4xov6F_uMzIfJOyMu0sWDtqHqa_dnLN9teyTrZ4tR84uJfCYwvpqU3OXN_k9TYxP9lthOs/s1600/george.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592484707783262018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6hzId0GEt1K_AGCGywmwN4xxUUTe-1h7xQxC4TPaV3jbLc1r_J1siaQ-Cd8HV2NojHXKe4xov6F_uMzIfJOyMu0sWDtqHqa_dnLN9teyTrZ4tR84uJfCYwvpqU3OXN_k9TYxP9lthOs/s320/george.jpg" /></a>From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60842780/custom-baby-birth-poster-style-1">Chaiv</a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIqAEopir3ZXHrpRluJn3SB4dvXxBpXwtSBOK6AB9QapFQA3uTdW5k5XvVE9EiYmeylXguvC2w8RH_-dCh6PCUYBjG5koMjvAR-Y2R1NBEwgzV8FZ6L2mb49TT_nudNVq3xbHvAqf2gc/s1600/aiden.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592484705247637586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIqAEopir3ZXHrpRluJn3SB4dvXxBpXwtSBOK6AB9QapFQA3uTdW5k5XvVE9EiYmeylXguvC2w8RH_-dCh6PCUYBjG5koMjvAR-Y2R1NBEwgzV8FZ6L2mb49TT_nudNVq3xbHvAqf2gc/s320/aiden.jpg" /></a> <br /><div align="left">So that's the main stuff so far. I need to find fabrics for curtain valances, rocking chair cushions, pillows, etc. along with lots of little details. But, considering I have until Oct. 1st, I think I'm doing pretty good on time. :)</div></div></div></div></div></div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-51171634282581902492011-04-05T15:01:00.000-07:002011-04-05T16:03:10.580-07:00Yummiest Mac 'N' Cheese Ever!Talk about comfort food!!! This recipe for homemade mac 'n' cheese is divine! I found it on Martha Stewart's website so I knew it would be good. This recipe is for a 9x13 pan but I found it made waaayyy more than our family of three could eat. The next time I made it, I cut the recipe in half and did a square pan. You could also make it for a side dish but we had it as the main course with some french bread and fresh salad. Enjoy!!! <br /><br />4 T. butter, plus more for baking dish <br />coarse salt and ground black pepper <br />3 c. elbow macaroni <br />2 (12 oz.) cans evaporated milk <br />1/3 c. skim milk <br />2 eggs <br />1/2 tsp. seasoning salt <br />1/4 tsp. garlic powder <br />2 (8 0z.) packages extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (I used the finely shredded and it was fine) <br />1 (8 oz.) monterey jack cheese, grated (again, I used finely shredded colby-jack) paprika <br /><br />Directions: <br />1. Butter a 9x13 baking dish. Prepare macaroni according to directions; drain and stir in butter until melted. <br />2. Whisk together evaporated milk, skim milk and eggs. Add seasoning salt, garlic powder, 1tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. In another large bowl, combine cheeses. <br />3. Place 1/3 of the macaroni into pan, place 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat two more times. Once layers are complete, pour milk mixture over the top. Sprinkle with paprika. <br />4. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-45 minutes.Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-37409177606553689782011-04-04T11:54:00.000-07:002011-04-04T12:06:09.340-07:00Adorable Spring/Summer Wreaths!I MUST make one (or both) of these wreaths!!! They are from the blog <a href="http://www.kikicreates.blogspot.com/">Kiki Creates</a> and are absolutely darling. In my opinion they are perfect for Spring and Summer. Now I just have to decided which wreath to copy first! If you like craft projects, you'll definitely want to check her blog out. Click on the pics to visit her blog for more details. <a href="http://kikicreates.blogspot.com/2011/03/one-more.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 249px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591804972131312994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3S9nQK8f546rkN5PRQbiPQ3NyCPJz95wFfKdWLY85pd-Dm2jaJtzyXZQ1RV_T5XCHr68WQNRq6v235tQejr2jIfhPivFSSkZj2evxk-DksV76-3OyTyhJ0mV30nsyLfnkXigljchJ3Cc/s320/wreath2.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://kikicreates.blogspot.com/2011/02/quick-and-fun-project.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591804966661274882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK6mhrQfl4lhNYAw8AHHvUu7wz5dytc7bE1oAyH1lzTya8wwutDDmaMAN8OMhGa_6Fhr4b5kAtXNHdYeylDFbvY5QoB5cyH84z8YUY6AZCoyc8xMwSKPucDBKMCy0cJfYqu6TrQcliYU/s320/wreath1.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>I'm off now to find a tutorial on how to make rosettes..........</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Edited to add: Well, I didn't have to go very far in my search. She has a tutorial right on her blog for how to make the rosettes. Check it out <a href="http://kikicreates.blogspot.com/2011/03/bowl-full-of-rosettes-tutorial.html">HERE</a>.</div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-42981598157354565262011-03-29T16:17:00.001-07:002011-03-29T17:29:21.281-07:00My new favorite products!!!Wow! What an anti-climactic return to blogging, huh? I did one post and then wrote absolutely nothing for about a week! I've really gotten out of the habit of writing regularly. I promise I will try harder from now on! <br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Soooo, I had a friend request that I do another "product" blog post. This is where I talk about my favorite purchases in makeup, skincare, haircare, etc. I have a slight addiction to makeup and I also have an addiction to telling everyone in my sight about makeup products that I reeeeeaaallllly love. I feel that everyone NEEDS to know that Loreal Infallible lipgloss in Sunset is the greatest lipgloss on the planet and that it looks good on everyone and that it really does stay on forever because it sets into an almost liquid lipstick........for example. One of my readers told me that, after reading about it on my blog, she purchased Clinque's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey and that it changed her life. Ok, so she might have been exaggerating slightly but, hey, I never underestimate the power of a good lip product. So let's get going, shall we? I have more lives to change.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">1. Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589650658659751858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzw9pKF170dJkkGeAJl1TJwKCQ44oHRTnWm0HPuzKL3Wu7XZ79cuSd5_R5zxCM7eDLK6S6CzO0sdOqF6H4hIZTtIe5RBwhwKu5UmUq64-WREl_9-F5PEzeny0OC1R_v1txdRaWdoK4po/s320/clinique.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am getting to that age where I have to use a scrub regularly. My skin just doesn't seem to have that flawless glow anymore (ok, I don't think it every really had that but you know what I mean). I was complaining to a friend who works at the local Bobbi Brown counter about how I am having hormonally-related breakouts and how I feel as though I have little bumps of blocked pores all over my face - my chin and forehead, especially. He walked over to the Clinique counter and got me a sample of their 7 Day Scrub Cream.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, I sure did run out and buy a full bottle after my sample ran out. I LOVE this stuff. It is effective but gentle. It is very important that the scrub you are using has little smooth spheres to scrub your face or you will be doing more damage. I won't name names but, I once had an aesthetican tell me that a brand rhyming with "schmaint schmives" was horrible for your skin because the apricot pieces were jagged, therefore making tiny cuts in the skin where bacteria could get in and hide. She made me promise to throw it away.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have also found a problem, though, with scrubs that don't do a darn thing. They don't have <em>enough </em>scrubbing power. That's what I really like about this Clinique scrub - it's gentle but extremely effective. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I use it every morning so my skin is fresh and free of any dead skin before I moisturize and apply makeup. I can really tell a difference in my skin since I started using it. I'm still having to deal with hormonal breakouts since I'm preggers but I definitely feel this scrub is helping to keep it in check. It is $18.50 but you don't have to use much with each wash. They must have samples at least some of the time since I received one. You might ask for one at the Clinique counter.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">2. CoverGirl Natureluxe Foundation </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 151px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589653722195231074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzlCbcmAZp6Qu3o9KtLH7fUHUb6HiADK0PbanX4TfIO14HEirjIn_UDiW1r3LMGtSmj1-xA-kP4c_8QiPE1yVrZ_j9Rg3cvzjKTaZAD1x-iBzIgo0ewfEUFELNo9M16RD-ajhU3gZOek/s320/covergirl.bmp" />I have never been a huge foundation user. I have just never liked the way it felt or looked on my face. Up until lately I've been able to get by with just some concealer and powder but, at almost 30, I'm needing a little something extra to look my best. I haven't had much luck finding something I like. Everything I've tried has either looked to heavy (I HATE the look of stuff just sitting there in my pores) or it wasn't enough to actually be worth putting on. <br /><div>So I decided to give the new CoverGirl Natureluxe foundation a try. After seeing Taylor Swift so fresh-faced and beautiful I just <em>had</em> to try it. (I am a marketer's dream!) Well, it in no way made me look as darling and precious as Miss Swift but I <em>was</em> very impressed with this product. In fact, minutes after putting it on my face I texted my bff to tell her she needed to get some.</div><br /><div></div><br /><p>First of all, I found the fragrance pleasant, but what I really loved was the silky feel it had when I put it on!! Apparently they don't call it "liquid silk foundation" for nothing! It blended perfectly and seamlessly and gave just the perfect amount of coverage - not too much, not too little. It didn't settle into my pores, which I'm a little OCD about. It also has SPF 10 for a little bonus. Since you can find it at the drugstore, it isn't a huge investment. I definitely think it would be worth your giving it a try!</p><br /><p align="center">3. Loreal HIP Shadow Duo in Electrified <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 157px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 143px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589657772200722098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_qNztVtjwhzcCDjiAycF7BGaE18TN1GK5iU1lXMXkWKya2Jiq5FhhHqWS25uzlN-nrbX2MlpICHB-n05g_5zSBcroEsHWnGZwuXfLTv8_HvjAaM6ayY5_-Hmgstd_bHuzbxbzjlehGw/s320/loreal.bmp" /></p><br /><div>Yeaaahhh, so the actual product looks nothing like this picture. I mainly just wanted you to know what the packaging looks like to help you find it easier at the store.</div><br /><div>The thing that is great about Loreal's High Intensity Pigment (HIP) line is, just as the name implies, the pigment is very concentrated. What you see in the package is what you are going to see on your eyelid.</div><br /><div>The purple side is actually a beautiful plum in person but, to be honest, I've never even used that side. The magic is in the other side. I don't even know what to call this fabulous metallic color. It's a gold-ish, silver-ish, metallic taupe-ish color. Was that helpful??? Honestly, you just need to go look at it at the drugstore. It is a fabulous shadow in the fact that it goes on perfectly, blends easily and it stays put. What I can't get over, though, is the color. I put it all over my lid up to the crease for maximum impact. You can wear it with anything because the color almost morphs based on what you are wearing or what other makeup colors you have used. I think it would probably change hues on different skin tones as well to where it could be flattering on everyone. A friend asked me the other day what eye shadow I had on, telling me she was mesmerized by it. Pretty cool, huh? Who doesn't want their eyes to be mesmerizing, for heaven's sake!</div><br /><div>Now this eyeshadow is not for the meek. You could probably get a lighter application by using your finger but this is a very noticeable, metallic shadow. I use it primarily at night. Run out and get it before your next date night or night out with the girls and bat those lashes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ok, so that's it for this post. I have some more products but I'll save them for another post. I'd love to hear your feedback if you try any of these. <em>Especially</em> if you find any of them to be life changing.</div>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-90486404692413151912011-03-13T16:31:00.000-07:002011-03-13T17:16:49.459-07:00I'm BAAAaaaaack!!!Well, hello everyone!!! It has been almost a year since I posted here and it's wonderful to be back! A lot has happened since I was last here!<br /><br />I took the year off because, on April 17th of 2010, I was crowned Mrs. Oklahoma and I needed to keep up a separate blog during my reign. Being Mrs. Oklahoma was such an amazing honor. I met so many wonderful people, had the opportunity to compete at Mrs. America, and I had the time of my life. It kept me very busy and I think my family is happy to have me back, but I will be forever grateful for the opportunites I had throughout 2010 to speak out about cystic fibrosis and create awareness for the disease. I never did quite get that blog all the way up to date (I took sooo many pictures at all my appearances!), but if you are interested in checking out what I did during my reign, you can see it all at <a href="http://www.mrsoklahomaamerica2010.blospot.com/">www.mrsoklahomaamerica2010.blospot.com</a>.<br /><br />Just four days before I competed at the Mrs. OK pageant, my father passed away suddenly. He had been in the hospital for a few months battling pancreatitis caused by a bad gall bladder. He was supposed to recover but, on April 13th, he had a pulmonary embolism. <br /><br />I was a complete and total daddy's girl. I relied on my dad so much and I never dreamed that one day he wouldn't be there anymore. Not while I was in my twenties, especially. It has been almost one year since he passed away and I still miss him so much. I miss his laugh, his quirks, his advice and his hugs. I miss watching him play with Hayden. I find myself worrying that she won't remember him as she gets older. I keep the last picture taken of them together in a frame in her room. She still talks about "Pa-Pa" every now and then. On his birthday she said "I bet Pa-Pa is having a huge birthday party in heaven!". Her comments about him always bring me joy and they remind me that he's never very far away. He's watching over us from heaven and the day will come where I will hear his laugh and will once again be swept up in one of his huge hugs. Knowing that brings me peace.<br /><br />Well, my reign as Mrs. Oklahoma began with the ending of one life and, as we found out the morning of the pageant this year, the reign ended with the beginning of another!!! January 22nd was the day I passed on my crown to this year's Mrs. Oklahoma, Megan Murray. I took a pregnancy test that morning and, lo and behold, it was positive!!!!! It was fun getting to wake Ryan up by waving a pregnancy test in his face! We are extremely excited and Hayden is beyond thrilled to be a big sister. I find <em>myself </em>thrilled that she will be five when the baby comes because I am pretty sure I'm going to need her help! I am 11 weeks and a day today so things are truckin' along with the help of anti-nausea medication and the drive-thru at Taco Bueno. Their slogan doesn't lie. It IS more bueno, my friends. It is.<br /><br />So, I figure that that's enough for me to throw at you in one blog post. I hope you'll continue to visit me as I talk about family (mainly Hayden), my favorite beauty products, and other random happenings in my life. <br /><br />Ahhhhh, it feels good to be back. :)Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-43668834610377812762010-04-20T20:48:00.001-07:002010-04-20T20:49:22.430-07:00I won!I won Mrs. Oklahoma this past weekend! I will try to keep up this blog with family stuff but please follow my adventures over at <a href="http://www.mrsoklahomaamerica2010.blogspot.com/">www.mrsoklahomaamerica2010.blogspot.com</a> !Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836600579694630032.post-53443594233186443552010-03-13T10:28:00.001-08:002010-03-13T10:28:24.367-08:00Hayden's Ballet Recital<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d5455314d5449794e544d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: Hayden's Ballet Recital" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d5455314d5449794e544d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">This <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/photo-albums/" target="_blank">free scrapbook design</a> customized with Smilebox</td></tr></table>Alyssa Silerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10720440435850717196noreply@blogger.com0