Camp

Oh man. I've been dreading writing this post because then it means that summer is almost over.

 As some of you may know, I went away for the summer to work at a summer camp. This journey has been filled with every emotion, some good and some bad, but I wouldn't trade this summer for anything. I got dirt in places dirt doesn't belong and I met bugs, no one should meet! I found friends that will never leave and learned things that shouldn't be taught in books. I missed home like crazy and I cried more then once. I laughed so much my face still hurts and I hugged so much my arms got longer. I learned that life is more then a desk and this computer and I found beauty in little things.

I did things that I didn't think I could do.

I slept under the stars, just me and a sleeping bag. I went 5 days without a shower. I lived in a tent for 3 months. I lived with bugs! I canoed (I thought I was to fat to canoe, but I'm not and I DID IT!). I got a bullseye at archery! I faced my fear of the dark. I caught a snake. I went skinny dipping with skinny people. I lived freely and didn't care what I looked like. 

Sleeping unit. The kids slept in cabins, we slept in tents!

The view from my tent.

campfires!

 I met some amaizing people this summer. I made some life long friends in the oddest of situations. I gave some good advice and learned to get along. I had a sholder to cry on and people lent me theirs a few times too. I made friends with people from around the world! I found solice and familiarity with these crazy people and I learned to let things go a little more everyday. This journey was made special by the people that I surrounded myself with and I feel privilaged to have had the chance to have them in my life, even  if just for a few months. 

counselor fashion show! I was a french tourist!

This summer has been so special in so many ways. Thank you to all the people that helped me through it and thanks to all the great people who were there along for this crazy ride. This opportunity was priceless and I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. Except for maybe the food! The food was gross.This has defiantly been the most unique, fun, weird, hardest, rewarding jobs I've ever  had!

To the dreams of summer and the magic of camp, this summer will always be held close in my heart. To the keepers of time and the holders of memories, let this moment be remembered always. To the great people that graced it's dirt filled paths, thanks for making my life a little brighter.

Off to Camp!

Alright y'all, the time has come. I leave early Friday morning and to be honest, I just don't feel like I have enough time. I have been running all day today, getting the house in order and the minute I stop is when I remember something else I need to do before I leave. Here are few things I need to do...

-Pick up the living room and dining room (which have become a staging area for packing)

-Finish packing

-Do a load of Laundry

-Make an address list of people to write while at camp

-Finish my medical form information

-Remember to grab the rug on the side of the bed to take with me

-Mop the Kitchen floor

-Stop and deposit money in the bank

Those are just a few of the things I need to get done. I will be back in two weeks and get 2 days off and then I'm back on for another 8 days. I will be trying to do some posts when I'm back for my days off, but I'm not sure how crazy things will get. If I don't get to post as much as I would like, I'm sorry. I truly appreciate all of you and thank you for sticking with me in my absence. This is an exciting time for me and I'm going to experience things I never have and do things I didn't think I could do. I already have and I haven't even left yet! 

Alright, I need to get my butt in gear and work on that list! I hope you have a great summer and I'll be back soon!

The Birthday Boy Fund

The Birthday Boy fund project is something that is near and dear to my heart. It's a charity that my husband developed to help trans people get top surgery. The initial development is to help him reach his goal of getting top surgery by his 30th birthday, but once that goal is met then others can apply and so on. He has come up with some great fund raise ideas (like a big girl beauty pageant, beer raffles, Photoshop contests, and even a hokie pokie-a-thon!). Surgeries for trans people are particularly expensive because it's not covered under insurance and few doctors will do them, so showing some support and checking out the site means a lot. Feel free to send him and email and he would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. 

Birthday Boy Fund

Jim and I have be together 4 years and have been married for 2 of those years. He is the most caring, funny, creative and smart dudes I know. When most people think of transgender people, they think of men wanting to become women, but in Jim's case he was born a women and has become a man. In the LGBT community Jim would be known as an FTM (female to male). FTM is the most "politically" correct way to say it. Calling someone a lady dude, she-male, "it", or just ignoring it and calling an FTM "she", will be received as hurtful and or mean. Sticking with FTM (or male to female MTF), or just trans is the most universally excepted and appreciated. 

Top Surgery is a procedure were they remove your breasts and give you the chiseled chest of your dreams! There are some Youtube videos you can check out. 

Now I know this is a very Liberal topic and not everyone is going to agree with Jim's cause, but to me this is something that I think should be talked about openly and hopefully if you support this cause, please feel free to contact one of us, or post a link to his blog. Getting this charity out there for people to see is what we are trying to do and we appreciate all the help we can get. 

Vlog Sunday: Vintage Hair for everyone!!!!

Saturdance! Cher Llyod

Cher Llyod was a contestant on the British X Factor. She made some really great song selections on the show and even though she didn't win (I think one directions won), I have made sure to follow what she did after. She recently released an album in the U.S., but this is my favorite song and video by her and I think it's adorable. This video is actually the inspiration for my crazy hair! Have a great y'all. I'll be doing a video tomorrow for real real, not for play play!

The Dog days of Summer!

 I haven't talked about the animals in a while! 

Lucky is doing awesome. He keeps Frank in check and is the official food watcher over-er. He guards the food from the cats and makes sure that no one can take his feast. Lucky was a rescue dog that had been abused by multiple owners. His first owners beat him and then his second owners had children with disabilities and the kids were to rough with him, so we took him home and the rest is history. It's been 2 years that we have had him and he was very skidish when we got him and he would cower at almost anything. Since he has lived with us he has become less afraid and more open and playful. He loves car rides and visiting friends and is always well mannered. He is 100% more social and friendly then when we got him. We love him so much and he and Frank make a great team! P.S. I get asked all the time what kind of dog Lucky is and to be honest we aren't quiet sure. We know that he is wire hair Parson Russell (part of the Jack Russell family), but he has brindle spots and we aren't sure what else???

Frank or Frankenstein, is getting so big! He will be a year old in August and we think he's done growing. We acquired Frank on a whim. Jim and I were in Santa Cruz for out Anniversary last year (September) and my best friend sent me a picture of him. She was at the flea market and they had puppies and I told her to get me one and I would surprise Jim. Well Jim knew I was up to something and I told him and he was so mad! He said "I agreed to another dog, and the only thing I said was, no puppies, and Chihuahua, and you got us a Chihuahua puppy!". Well I really hadn't thought of that. I just saw cute puppy and said yes! When we got back home and went to my best friends house to pick him up, Frank waddled right over to Jim and it was love at first sight. I will say that we got really lucky, because I don't normally like little yappy dogs and Frank is not yappy and has almost no behavior problems. I really think that Lucky and Frank keep each other in line.  

 We have 2 cats as well, and we love them too, but our dogs are a huge part of our lives. They go with us on road trips and come with us almost everywhere. I will miss them very much this summer and I don't want to be cliche and say they are our dog children, but they kind of are! Here are a few more random pictures of the boys!

 Have a great day and talk to you soon!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Hey everyone! It's Sunday again and it' totally snuck up on me. We had a friend from out of town this weekend, so I will be doing my Vlog tomorrow, like I did last week. Thanks everyone for being so patient and I appreciate all of you.

The Gossip- Saturdance

I find huge inspiration in Beth Ditto and Hannah Blilie. Not only for body acceptance aspects but as a gay fat chick, it's hard to find someone like you. In no way to I think I'm nearly as talented as Beth Ditto, but I admire her attitude and I feel like I'm similar in that way. I have no problem talking about being gay or being fat. I don't really have a problem talking about anything if you ask, but fat gay chicks are defiantly a minority and I get excited when I find one. I'm including two videos for you today. One of an awesome Gossip song and one of the band talking about being young and gay. Have a great day everyone!

Lazy day OOTD

This was a casual kick back day and I figured I'd show you what I wear when I'm being lazy. Also I'm pretty sure this or a variation of will be my go to look this summer at camp. It's comfy, and easy to move in. I don't feel self conscious in it and without trying I kind of look like Hunter S. Thompson. I totally wasn't trying to, but when I was editing these photos I realized that I kinda look like a more feminine version of Hunter S Thompson from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. I feel like if I do, I'm gunna work it!

Top- Target (ages ago)

shorts- JC Penny

leggings- Target

Shoes- Blowfish

Hope everyone is having a great day :)

Here is a blooper! I see all the cool kids doing jumping shots, so I tried! I think I need to prefect this a little more before I post a real jumping shot! Oh well, I got off the ground at least!!!!

Easy Hair For the Fancy Girl on the Go!

This is my play on the traditional Swiss braid!

This is a great style for dirty hair. If you can keep a secret... I only wash my hair once a week. With the colors I use the more you wash the faster they fade.  Don't worry I still take a shower daily, I just wear a fancy shower cap. I also use a lot of dry shampoo  and I'm lucky to have pretty thick hair, so my hair doesn't get super oily. When I don't feel like doing much or am in a hurry, this is a quick go to hair style that I use frequently. 

Start with brushed hair. 

 Next Take a section from were you want to start. If you have a side cut like me, I start from the top of the back side of the shaved part. If you don't have a side cut, start at the front of your head were your hair is parted.

Seperate your chunk of hair into three sections and start to french braid. If you are unsure how to french braid check out some videos on youtube. That is what I do when I need to know how to do something!

Continue to braid following the curve of your head. Follow and try to stay close to your hair line. 

Once you reach the nape of your neck on the opposite side of were started, pin to secure. It took me 3 bobby pins. 

Tease the front of your hair... real big!

 wrangle your hair and smooth down and pin how you like to normally wear in the front. I chose to just with my standard pouf in the front. Gather the remaining hair on the one side and braid into a side braid. and you are done!!!! Congrats :)

Thanks everyone for stopping by :)

Monday is the new Sunday! Vlog time

As promised. Monday is the new Sunday. Here is the Vlog I owed everyone. I hope you all have a great night. If you have a minute, my friend Anna is starting a travel blog, to chronicle her adventures from England over to the U.S. to work at summer camp. Up and Away is super cute and totally worth checking out!

Vlog-less Sunday...

Hey guys I know today is Sunday Vlog day, but I've been a bit busy, so I will still be doing a vlog for you, but it will be tomorrow. So Monday will be the new Sunday. I hope y'all are having a good Mother's day and I will see you tomorrow!

Saturdance- Against Me!

With the recent news of lead singer, Tom Gabel coming out as trans. I thought we should celebrate him and his awesome new transition. Here's to you Tom.  Happy Saturdance!

P.S. Amanda I think this makes you a lesbian now!!!! Welcome to the family!

Naked in my bathing suit!

So I know I'm not the only one who feels self conscious in a bathing suit. It's something I have struggled with for a long time and for many years I refused to buy a bathing suit. In all honesty I feel more comfortable being naked rather then wearing a suit. I would wear shorts and a tank top to swim in and while I will not be wearing an itty bitty two piece I have decided to through caution to the wind and embrace the idea of a bathing suit.

I like to think that I dress well. I try to wear things that flatter my body, but I've come to a realization that even if I'm wearing the cutest, most flattering outfit, I'm still going to be fat. No matter how well something is draped or ruched, I'm not going to look like a skinny mini. In all honesty I don't want to. I dress for myself and wear what makes me feels good and what I think looks good on me. So with that being said I bought myself a two piece bathing suit. It's fashionable and doesn't look like my grandma gave it to me!

So to fully declare my body acceptance I am showing the world me, naked in my bathing suit.

I'm not wearing any makeup, no hairspray, no body shaper, this is me and my body in my swim suit and I couldn't be more happy!

 Top- Target

Bottom- Torrid

Glasses- CoastalContacts.com

This really is a big deal for me and a huge step forward in my self image. I truly hope this gives a few of you some courage to do the same.

I have to mention that blogging has helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin.Being able to share my thoughts and feelings towards body image, life's trials and tribulations is huge!  Knowing that others are reading and that I'm not the only one that feels that way is life changing. It helps seeing other bloggers like, Amy over at Vanagon Champion , and Rachele at the Nearsighted Owl, be advocates of self acceptance inspire me to do the same and share more. If you haven't had a chance to check them out I totally suggest that you do!

Thank you everyone for coming and checking out my little life hurdle. I feel so great about this and I totally give myself a gold star! 

2 Questions Vlog

Thanks to Elycia from LoveElycia and Rachele from The Nearsighted Owl for starting this fun Vlog game. I think this tag is a great way to get to know bloggers and maybe make a few new friends along the way! I look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with! Happy Sunday!

Make sure to go check out Rachele's  Vlog...

 The Nearsighted Owl

Saturdance!!!!

I warned y'all! 

Most people know Kimbra from the Goyte  "Someone I used to know" song, But Kimbra is an awesome singer with a unique sound. To me, she almost sounds like one of the great jazz singers from the 50's and 60's. I love her quirky dance moves and toe tapping choruses. This is defiantly a great lady to listen to while driving! Enjoy and you'll see me tomorrow.... Vlog Sunday!

Summer Camp and Cats From Outer Space!

With camp being less then a month away, I figured I'd fill you in on what I'm doing this summer...

I will be working for the Girl Scouts of Northern California at a summer camp. My position title is Program leader of visual arts. What that actually means is that I'm a supervisor of arts and crafts. I'm pretty stoked on being able to hang out with kids, craft and get paid for it! I will be in wrangling 8 to 16 children (depending on the week) and also 2 assistant program leaders. Most of the program leaders are younger (18 or 19) and have been campers at the camp before. This is my first year doing this, but I'm sure this won't be my last. 

I will be living in the woods from the beginning of June until the end of August. I will live in a tent. I was told that I could bunk with the girls, but from what I remember about camp, it's staying up late and giggling and I don't mind the girls doing that as long as they aren't super loud or crazy, but I would also like to sleep and have my own little space. So tent it is! My one requirement for my tent is that I can stand in it. I don't want to feel super cramped in whatever I'm living in for the summer, so I found a 6 person tent and it will be my little tent mansion! 

Here is my check list for camping supplies that I still need! 

I have some clothes shopping to do as well. Most of what I own is dresses and that won't work this summer. I got an awesome pair of water/walking hybrid shoe. I'm pretty excited to wear them all summer. I was looking at them online through REI and they were $85 bucks and then one day Jim and I were wondering Ross and I found a pair for $30 bucks and I knew that were to be mine!!!! I also have been looking at a pair of Blowfish shoes for my everyday around camp shoes. I also stocked up on fun t-shirts, I went on threadless and they were having a massive sale (all their t-shirts were 10 bucks) so I snagged 5. I am super excited about my celestial cat shirt and will soon be rockin' it all summer. I'll grab pictures. I need shorts super bad. I'm pretty sure that my typical summer outfit will be slip on canvas shoes, leggings, shorts on top, tank top, awesome t-shirt, and a cardigan.  

Here is the list of clothes I'll be bringing...

I'm also looking forward to being the hang out chick. I'm pretty sure that I'm the only married one there and one of the oldest, but that just means I'm gunna be the awesome fun chick that everyone wants to hang out with. A lot of girls are coming from out of the country, and making them feel welcome and included is something I'm normally good at. My house is usually the place were everyone hangs out at so I'm guessing that this summer will be no exception. We work 8 days on and then will get 2 days off and if you don't have anywhere to go you can stay at camp or go with a friend, so my house will hopefully be the party spot for crazy camp counselors just like me!

Well tomorrow is Saterdance, so put on you dance pants and get ready to shake it! I'll be back with a vlog for Sunday. Talk to y'all soon!

P.S. Here is Celestial cat!

Real life, real talk. Give me your baby.

So I normally try to do some light hearted posts in between long rambling blogs but getting back into the swing of things I am pushing myself to share more aspects of myself rather then just what I'm wearing or baking. 

Jim and I have been discussing the thought of having children for about a year now. I was always one of those people that didn't want children. I have a difficult relationship with my mom and I don't talk to my Dad. I have this horrible fear that I will end up like my mother and for that reason I avoided the thought of having children. Within the last year I reevaluated my thoughts on this and realized that I can use my bad experiences as lessons when it comes to how to raise a child and I think that Jim and I both have a willingness to love and nurture.

Jim and I can not have children together. I'm not even sure I can have kids. I've had lady issues for years and Jim is not able to at all. I'm ok with that and while I think the experience of being pregnant would be exciting, I wouldn't be devastated if I missed out on it. I think that going through a donor and me having a baby would be easier and less costly, but if I am not able to, we would be happy to adopt. I also feel that if we desire to have more then one child that if I was able to get pregnant, I would only do it once and then we would adopt after that. 

I've been doing some research about adoption and here is what I've come up with. If we want the experience of raising a child from birth, then we need to be rich. Looking online they tell you that doing and independent adoption is less costly, but with that the mother chooses you and reading more into that, the mother's choice is usually with someone who has money because they want to know that their baby will have more then they would be able to give them. Now we aren't rich, nor do I think we ever will be. We sometimes struggle and sometimes we don't. We have never gone without and I know that if we had a child, we would do everything to make sure they were cared for and then some. In no means are "Well Off" though and that's what concerns me. Adopting from the state is more affordable, but children in state programs are usually older. We have been looking at children ages 4 and under. I personally want all of those toddler memories and all the late nights of feedings and bonding. 

We thought about fostering children, I know that I would be devastated if a child I grew an attachment to went back to a home that wasn't fit for them. We live in a town that is highly effected by meth  and I would be heart broken if some child get taken away from our loving, safe, and nurturing home and went back to their tweaker mother/father. For that reason we avoided perusing that route. 

At this point we aren't sure what to do. We were talking to another couple in a similar situation that said that they get mad that they can't have a "mistake". We joked that they should give babies out, like people do outside Wal-Mart with free puppies! I know what they mean though and honestly I've thought that way too. There are people that have unplanned children and we just want to opportunity to one in general.  So many people have children for wrong reasons, I've heard women say that they just had another kid so they could have more welfare money or food stamps. It hurts to see people that should not pro-create, popping out kids left and right, especially when you want one so badly. I know that we could give a child a great life, we want to raise our child to have an open mind and to make smart decisions. We want to give a child the opportunity to do things we never got to, like playing sports, going to amusement parks, taking trips and going to lake or park. I never go that and I would love to provide that for another living being. I don't need a million dollars to do that.We are so open minded and  our willingness and wantingness to share that and create that in another human being is a crazy idea to me, but it's totally true. I know Jim feels the same and it's amazing to see him with Mr. Cameron. I know he will be a great father someday and I hope that someone will be willing to take a chance on us, even though we aren't millionaires! 

Thanks everyone for letting me vent a little. I feel better that I have gotten this out. If anyone has some advice for me, please send me a message we both would like to hear what y'all have to say!

Welcome back me!

Hey Everyone. Life has been insane! It's been good and bad, and everything in between. Since I've been gone I've gotten a few more followers (thank you!) and doubled the amount of views. I remember one of my lasts posts was talking about how I hit 1000 views and a week or so ago I hit 2000. It took 6 months to get to 1000 and only another month to get to another 1000. It amazes me still that anyone actually looks at my little slice! I know it's Sunday, which usually means Vlog day, but my camera is dead and I just wanted to get something up for ya'll!  My birthday week vacation turned into a month of no blogging and while it was nice not to have to plan things and worry about making sure that I took enough pictures, I totally missed it and couldn't wait to pick up were I left off. So much has been going on that painting my nails and wearing makeup hasn't been the first priority. 

     My Birthday was awesome. I love going back to Sacramento to visit and I have a great time. Turning 27 wasn't anything crazy, but we did alot of fun stuff including, I bought my first Luchador mask! I'm pretty scary now, so don't mess with me!!

    I've been doing a lot stuff for Oh SweetHenry. I've been a cutting, beading, gluing machine! We now have the Etsy store as well as we are selling in a couple shops locally. I've been working hard on creating a brand for Oh SweetHenry. I want there to be a cohesive look when you buy something from us that it's packaged properly and has a signature style. 

 A couple of weeks ago the pipes in our house backed up due to tree roots in the pipe. We had to dig up the driveway and replace the pipes. It was a week long process that wasn't pretty. Thanks to our great friends who lent us their restrooms and laundry facilities! We also had some amazing friends helping us dig and repair, that was a huge help. 

     I enrolled in school to start classes in the fall. The community college were I live offers a program called :Baking for entrapanurs , which is exactly what I need! Perfect!

     I'm helping a friend out who is in hair school. I'm going to be a hair model for her first fashion show! I'm excited and a little nervous. I don't want to fall on my face!

 Tiny Mr. Cameron came home last week. (If you missed that post, my closed friend in Sonora had a baby 2 months early). He is doing great and is up to 4 pounds now! Last week was the baby shower, so a few of us went to set up early and make sure everything ran smoothly. Cameron came home Monday Jim and I have been over there a couple times this week. We made them dinner one night and Emily called the other day and asked if I would come over so she could take a shower! Her husband is out of town for a couple days (always perfect timing!) so I'm on call right now! 

     The huge news that I waited to tell you guys is that I have been hired by the Girl Scouts to work at a summer camp this summer. I'm going to be a lead councilor (supervisor) of arts and crafts. When I got the job offer I was amazed that I get to play with kids, craft and I GET PAID for it!!!!! I'm going to write a whole post about camp stuff so I won't go on much further about it now. 

P.S. These are pictures from my instagram, which you can follow me using the name Elocininabox

I just wanted to update everyone on what's been going on with me and why I've been M.I.A.  I'm excited to be back and I have lots planned! Thanks for sticking around and being patient. I luv you all!

Break time

Hey everyone. I've started a million blog posts and get stuck after 3 sentences. It's been a long couple of weeks and I'm going to take this week to just be me and enjoy my Birthday weekend. I'm sorry for being lame, but I promise I will be back with vengeance after this trip. Thanks everyone for your understanding.

Vlog Sunday- Birthdays, Babies, and Bad Weather!

Saturdance

Robyn is one of my favorite artists and anyone that knows me, knows that! I love the idea of using clear tubing as textile and it's super cool how they use it in this video. Happy Saturday y'all. It's snowing here. We are trying to get to the hospital to visit a friend, but we are waiting for the storm to clear first. We will see what happens.

Brain Scramble

Hey everyone. Sorry for the ill planned blog posts and lack there of. This week stuff around the house has been all sorts of out of whack! It started this past weekend when I got in a fight with my best friend over miscommunications. Both of us hurt each others feeling and things got out of hand real quick. Then On Sunday I went to go film my video and my camera died half way through the darn thing in a place were there was no turning back, so that was a fail. Monday I had to take Jim to the E.R. . He had hit his knee on the dog gate and it swelled up all huge and turned purple. The doctor thought he broke his knee cap. Thank goodness he didn't, he did manage to hit it so hard that the joints filled up with blood and they gave him this fancy knee brace thing. That same day I got a call for an order for 10 hair flowers that I sell in my Etsy shop. Of course they need them by Friday. I am not complaining at all about this, in fact I'm super stoked about it. But with all of this going on it still makes me a busy gal. Then with all of this going on the kitchen sink clogs up and and it's been 2 days trying to fix it. Our house is so old that we have cast iron pipes so we can't use Draino or anything like that to fix it. I had to do the dishes in the bathroom sink last night. That sucked real bad.  I also have made the decision to get strict about meal planning and setting a budget for food. This has led to us trying new recipes and Jim is helping alot with it. We have started sharing cooking duty and cleaning up in the kitchen. I love that my partner is crime is there even for the poopy stuff too. :) Tuesday night I made Lasagna cupcakes. They turned out even better then I thought they would, and the best part is they were simple and didn't take long at all! Last night I made Cornmeal and chive waffles with a friend egg and salsa. Now I'm usually not one for savory breakfast food, but this was awesome. I made the salsa myself . I honestly was pretty impressed with myself. All of the recipes I mentioned in this post I found on Pinterest. It's been raining since Monday here and it's not supposed to let up until Next Monday. My best friend and I made up, if you were wondering. We are both hard headed and I'm sometimes super sensitive so that combo doesn't always work out so well. It doesn't help that we live hundreds of miles away from each other, which is one reason why I think I took this fight so badly. I miss my two best friends very much and it's hard not being able to just hang out with them, it's a whole planning process. It's been more then a year since I've seen either one in person. That is far to long.

I'm sorry this is so jumbled and all over the place. That's kind of how I feel right now. Well I have a busy day of crafting and plumbing, so I will check in with all of you soon.

Salsa making adventure

Creamy Polenta with Meatballs.

I know that I normally stick to baking posts, but I thought I would mix it up and write about dinner this time. When we stayed with friends in Sacramento, they made us this awesome recipe and when we got home I had to try it myself. It's fairly simple and easy to make. Although this was my first time cooking polenta. I leaned that you need to look for the fine grain kind when doing creamy polenta. We did not do this and our was a little gritty. It still tasted great and would make it again, it was just "different" this time. Lets get started.

Meatball Ingredients:

1lb. Ground beef (you can use turkey/pork or a mixture if you like)

1/4 medium yellow onion

tsp garlic (I use pre-chopped)

dash of pepper

dash of salt

dash of red pepper flake

1/8 cup Parmesan cheese 

1/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs

1 egg

Preheat oven to 350F degrees

 

 Mix all the ingredients together and shape into balls. I made 12 meatballs and it worked out great for us. We had enough for that night and then lunch the next day. In a pan brown all sides of the meatball and then stick in the oven for about a half hour.

While your balls are in the oven (ha ha) you can start your polenta. 

Polenta ingredients:

4cups chicken stalk

1 cup polenta (not the instant kind)

1/2 cup milk or cream

3 Tbsp butter

mozzarella cheese

salt and pepper to taste

  In a large saucepan bring the chicken stalk to a boil and then whisk in the polenta and butter. Let cook for about 15 minutes on medium heat, stirring frequently. The polenta will start to thicken, add in the milk and desired amount of cheese and seasonings and cook for another ten minutes.

 

 At this point your going to need marinara sauce. I just used a can of pre-made stuff and added some onions and seasonings. Heat that for about 5 minutes and then your ready to plate!

Here it is. It turned out super yummy and will totally make it again. I don't think my photo does it justice, but it really was great. I served this with a side salad and both of us were stuffed. 

Have a great day y'all.

Saturdance

Ok I know Tegan and Sara are super cliche, but I love them and have for a while. So much so that for about a year I listened to nothing but them! Most of my friends now hate them because of that! Well this one is for Halley. One of my dearest friends. I love you and thanks for taking me to see T+S. One of the best days ever!!!!

Homemade detoxifying mask- DIY

With all the fun I had last week on  our mini vacation my face was feeling a little under the weather. Not to mention this winter has done weird things to my face. I chose all natural products that had healing qualities. I know this sounds all new age hooey, but this was my first time trying it and I was pleasantly surprised. Here's what I put in it and why...

Oatmeal- sooths the skin and moisturizes

Honey- has natural anti-biotic qualities

Sugar- the small grit isn't harsh and helps remove dead skin

Baking soda- Helps to clear up break outs, but can dry skin out

lemon- the citric acid helps problem areas and will lighted scars and imperfections

Measurements

5 Tbsp Oatmeal

1 Tbsp Honey

1 Tbsp Sugar

1/2 Tbsp Baking Soda

The juice of 1/2 lemon

 You will also need a coffee grinder or food processor to grind down the oatmeal. You don't want this to be chunky. Also I hope that you know that you should be using plain oats, not any fancy flavor. While peaches and cream is great for breakfast, not so great for your face!!!!

Once you have ground your oatmeal add all the ingredients, making sure to add the lemon last. When you add the lemon juice it will bubble up and look awesome. When you stir it the bubble will dissipate. If it's a little watery add some more oats until it's thick enough to put on your face.

Next you want to make sure your hair is pulled back. Once that is done, go ahead and slather the stuff on your face. Now I'm not going to lie to you, it feels like your rubbing cookie dough on your face. I also took the liberty to taste it and it tastes like wheat thins. Once it's on your face rub it in and then let it sit for 10-15 minutes or until you feel it start to harden.

 

Sexy, I know right!?

After you wash your face your face will feel super soft. I waited a couple of days to post this because I wanted to make sure that it didn't dry out my skin and it didn't. You also may have some left over and you can save for a week-ish and use it again if you like. I would avoid doing this everyday because it will dry your skin out if you have normal to dry skin. I recommend doing this once a week as a way for your face to recuperate from all the makeup and air pollutants. 

I hope this has helped and I hope you give it a try. 

See ya soon!