Me Running??! I know...

Okay, most of you that know me well would not consider me a runner.  That's probably because it is one area where I am ridiculously weak.  Well, in the spirit of exploiting my weaknesses and trying to turn them into strengths...I joined my friend Paula in training for a half marathon.  A little excessive??...probably.  But, that's how I roll.  All or nothing. 
We are officially in our 4th week of training....out of 12 weeks.  We successfully completed the longest run that I've ever done in my life (yes, ever) on Sunday.  The best part about this...Paula and I have been talking about running or working out together on the weekends for years.  This is the first time its ever happened...and it was perfection!  Luckily (this could be the wrong choice of words...not sure that either of us consider our short legged-ness a blessing...), we both have unusually short legs, so we run about the same pace.  Please do not ask me what that pace is...hahaha
This is both scary and nerve wracking because it has catapulted me out of my comfort zone.  Me running 12 plus miles per week?  Shut the front door!  I secretly panic each time I walk out the door to complete a run.  But, the feeling of accomplishment that I have when I return is unbelievable.  Take that self doubt!  Amy-1, Self Doubt-0.  Boom!

Check out Paula's take on our running experience...and her other hysterical blogs!  We're considering a 'before' and 'after' picture posting after our next run.  We may need to mark that blog for mature audiences only!!

Paula's Blog!!

Enjoy!!

Amy

UNC Basketball

I realized that my posts can be quite random.  However, I want to give you a little insight into yours truly.  There is only one thing that I love more than UNC Basketball games...and that is getting to sit mere feet away from the basket during a game!!  (Okay, that was overly dramatic.  I should say that UNC basketball games are my favorite sporting event...not the love of my life! lol)  I literally had to zoom my camera out in order to include the goal in my pictures!! 
Although, I can remember being an avid UNC basketball fan all the way back to the 5th grade, I've never experienced anything like last night's game.  We went to a pregame event where the team practices where we enjoyed free food and beverages.  Its the little things folks...we were able to take our free bottled waters into the stadium.  What a victory!  They are $4 at the concession stands! teehee 
 Then....here comes the good part...we were actually able to come THROUGH THE TUNNEL that the team comes through onto the court!!  We didn't time it quite right, so we went through the tunnel along with the Georgia Tech players, but nonetheless it was an amazing experience.
We literally were on the court as the teams were practicing.  I had to post a picture so that I could share this experience!!

I had to hold myself back from singing the refrain from 'Oh Happy Day' at the end of this crazy weekend!  Yep, I said it.  Laugh at me if you must.

Still smiling,

Amy Lizabelle

Vidas de Esperanza

This weekend was a whirlwind.  On Saturday, I volunteered for Vidas de Esperanza as they held their first FREE medical clinic in Siler City.  We've all heard the old adage, "You'll get more out of giving than the people receiving the gift."  Well, it was true on Saturday.  I'm pretty sure that my heart hasn't been that full in a long time. 
My friend Anna and I checked people in constantly, at one point, we weren't even able to accept more patients.  However, we were able to book them for the next free clinic in February.  Not only have these people not been able to afford adequate medical care, but the language barrier also creates a huge problem.  Our two bilingual doctors (who worked tirelessly) actually took the time to talk to the patients and to really get to know them, their family history, as well as to examine them.  There will be even more doctors at the clinic next month and possibly even a dentist.  Everyone that came in was so thankful to have such a wonderful service provided for them and their families.  What a blessing!

While the doctors worked their magic, I was able to help give out 200 pairs of brand new New Balance tennis shoes (donated by Fleet Feet Sports) to the families that were being treated at the clinic.  Many of these children had never owned a pair of new shoes.  Most of them were wearing shoes that were several sizes too small.  Too see these children (and adults)'s faces light up when they received such an unexpected and useful gift was so rewarding.  Below is just a small portion of the shoes as they were being unloaded.

One part of the day that really tugged at my heartstrings was when a child that I fitted for shoes 30 minutes earlier ran back inside and asked me to come into the waiting area.  I went in there to talk to him and he said, 'I can run all the races in these shoes.'  He was clearly elated. 
I look forward to volunteering for this amazing organization again.  Check out their website: vidasnc.org

I could write for days about this amazing experience.  If you have any questions or would like to get involved, email me or leave me a comment.

All the best,

Amy Lizabelle

A Very 'Pinteresty' Pic!

I couldn't resist.  I mean, how many of the 'perfectly self-manicured' nail pictures have you seen on Pinterest?  I'm a little skeptical.  Some are so friggin perfect!  Doesn't everyone spaz when they paint their right hand?  Or is that just me?? 

Anywho, I did spend a fair amount of money on new nail polish colors on Tuesday night...so, I am prepared to showcase them!!  This one looks really blue in the pic.  Its actually a deep purple color called OPI Ink.  Its by far the darkest polish that I've ever used, but it is gorgeous!  I described it to my mother as wearing an amethyst on every finger!!  Now that's something that you couldn't do with jewelry because you'd look rather bizarre.  The next best thing is beautiful nail polish!!

Things I learned when taking this photo of my hand. 1) I will never be a hand model.  2) These pictures are way harder than they look. 3)  I need an actual camera.  4)  My hands are in desperate need of some moisturizing...they look like they belong to an 80 year old woman. 

Let me know what you think!!  (Not about my hands...lol)

Perfectly polished,

Amy Lizabelle

Dinner Date with Sarah!

After a rough week, Sarah and I decided that we needed to take advantage of the famed Triangle Restaurant Week before it was over.  You have to love restaurant week because it gives you an opportunity to experience places that you wouldn't normally.  I mean, how often do you go out for a three-course meal at an expensive restaurant?  If your answer is frequently, please either A) hire me or B) invite me.  Your choice.  After careful deliberation, we chose a ridiculously expensive restaurant in downtown Raleigh.  You'll have to make your own determinations on what restaurant, because it will remain nameless for the purposes of this blog.

Normally, I wouldn't blog about something like this, but the experience was noteworthy.  We called at 8:30 to see if they possibly had space for two, and they gave us a reservation at 9:00.  We were on top of the world!  We got there just in time to squeeze between tables that were placed so closely together that you had to weave around the room to get to your seat.  No worries, we were just happy to be there.  Then we sat there for 15 minutes waiting for someone to come to our table.  Finally, a young fellow appears with a water pitcher.  He asks if we'd like water.  Um, of course.  And then says, 'How is everything so far?'  I politely swallow my laughter and say....'Uh, I'm sure the water is delicious....'  This is the first of about a million snafus during our girl date.

Nonetheless, the food was bar none amazing!!!  Between the Lobster & Shrimp Bisque, Filet & Shrimp, and lastly the award-winning (at least in my book) Chocolate souffle...Sarah and I were on top of the world.  We blocked out the atrocious service, servers banging into our chairs, repeatedly being ignored when there were at least 10 servers in the dining room, etc.

My favorite part of the evening...Sarah and I were completely stuffed, but continued to plow through our chocolate souffles.  When in Rome, right??!!  Sarah had literally lifted the spoon to her mouth when one of our non-existent servers (pretty sure he was the same one mentioned above...) comes to the table and says, 'are you ladies finished with your desserts?'  I'm pretty sure that neither one of us even said a word...I think our expressions said it all.  'Back off, Bucko.' Perhaps that will teach him not to come between a woman and her chocolate.

We left feeling uncomfortably full, but happy.  If you haven't checked out the restaurants on the list for Triangle Restaurant week, you should.  I'm pretty sure the deals go through Sunday.
Here is a link to the restaurants and menus, etc.  
Triangle Restaurant Week Link

Bon appetit,
Amy Lizabelle

Easiest Art Project EVER!!!

Wait for it....wait for it.....TA DAAAA!!!!

Here is the unveiling of tonight's art project!!!  I pinned something similar on Pinterest, of course!  I decided not to look at the colors or design of the original and to let my creative genius take over.  And boy am I glad that I did!!  This is a sage green and white masterpiece!

Clearly I am excited about this!!!  I am just amazed at how easy it was...and how beautiful they turned out!  I am considering doing two more canvases of the same size for a total of four.  And then filling my friends' empty walls with them!!  That's called sharing the love, baby!!

Here's how easy this was/is....take however many canvases that you want...apply strips of masking tape wherever you think looks pretty....then spray paint the entire canvas.  Let it dry for an hour or so, then peel the pieces of tape off.

I urge you to try this...the canvases were ridiculously cheap and came in a pack of 2.  I was able to get the spray paint at my local Ace Hardware.  How much easier could this project get??!

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this!!!

Painting in paradise,

Amy Lizabelle

PS - After taking a closer look at the wall space that I was aiming to fill, I realized that I needed a 3rd piece of art.  I even decided to mix it up and use a larger canvas for the 3rd one.  I did this one exactly the same as the other two.  I made sure not to look at any of them while I was taping and I really tried to make one as 'unique' as possible.  I must say, this turned out pretty darn awesome!  I just laid all 3 out and decided on the coolest way to hang them and I'm pretty pleased!! 

What do you think?  Was the 3rd one key?!!

Valentine's Day Wreath!!

We all know how much I love the gray winter wreath that I made (if you missed it, check one of my first posts).  But, with Valentine's Day around the corner, it was only appropriate for me to pay homage to the next fun holiday!!  I am blogging this slightly prematurely because I am going to find some beautiful ribbon to hang it on my door with.  I promise to post a final picture when its hanging in its rightful place.  I just couldn't help myself...and needed to share this immediately!!

I found some beautiful versions of Valentine's day wreaths on Pinterest and oddly decided on a heart-shaped one.  I am usually not a 'heart' person, but this one is just amazing!!  I'm not sure why the red felt makes the wreath look so rich, but it does.  I can't wait for my neighbors to see it!  I put my own spin on a version of the red heart felt wreath that is circulating Pinterest.  Mine actually has 3 rows of ruffles.  One inner layer, a larger one in the middle, and a smaller one around the edge.  The picture does not do it justice!  I'm just saying...!

If you think that this is as gorgeous as I do, you'll love it even more when I tell you that a kid could make it!  You probably wouldn't want them using the push pins, but otherwise, they would be completely competent to cut a million small circles to serve as your ruffles.  The circle size doesn't have to be exact.  I didn't measure anything...I just went with the flow!!  All you do is fold the circle in half, then fold it again.  You put the pin in the bottom point of where you folded it, and VOILA....a RUFFLE!!!  Do this more times than I could count...and you'll come up with something that looks like the photo above!!!

Please let me know what you think of this!!  I know that I say this all the time...but, it is one of my favorite projects!!!  

Au revoir mon cheri!!

Amy Lizabelle


PS - I promised to post a photo once the wreath was in place...and here it is!!!  Red Felt Ruffle Wreath in all its glory!!  I'm aiming to be the most tasteful 'seasonally appropriate' house on the block.  So far, I'm the front runner!!

Wine & Design

We decided to celebrate Sarah's birthday by having a private Wine & Design party.  (Side note:  The Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake was present at this event!  However, it was missing a few slices!) If you haven't heard of these before, you should certainly check them out.  Gathering a group of fun friends, adding some wine, all the while watching a bunch of novices paint the same painting makes for an unexpectedly hilarious time!! 

The creative geniuses that we were, we decided to paint a picture of...what else?  WINE BOTTLES!!  Clever, I know.  But, it was appropriate for the occasion. 

Here's how the painting began....apparently, if you added more 'texture', yours would look more like an Italian wine cellar.  I ran through my mental rolodex of home decor and realized that 'Italian Wine Cellar' really wouldn't go anywhere in my house.  But, I went for it anyway.  Go big or go home.

 

I had to include a picture of myself awkwardly painting.  Everyone kept commenting on how nice I looked...however, they failed to notice that my hair and makeup were exactly the same as when we are dinner the night before.  As in, untouched.  (My little secret.)  Throw on a headband and I guess it will distract everyone!

After consuming lots of bubbly concoctions, here is what my inner artist created.  If you close one eye and step back a little, its not too shabby!  You  may not even notice the wobbly lines on the wine bottles!   (Courtesy of the champagne!)

Have you done Wine & Design?  What did you think?!!  They will probably be horrified to see that I have posted my 'masterpiece' along with their business name! haha  Its not representative of their true art!!

Can't wait to do this again!!!

Cheers,

Amy Lizabelle

First Pinterest FAIL....

I decided to attempt to take a photo of myself before writing this next blog post.  Hello, Captain Cheeseball.  This mostly makes me laugh because I took this on my free verizon flip phone (Yes, they actually gave me a phone for FREE!  I was so excited that I'm pretty sure that I got two!).  It's the same phone that everyone laughs at when I take it out of my purse.  Perhaps we'll call it a conversation starter??  Let's face it...there is nothing smart about it.  I did have to send this pic to my computer, so that I could rotate it...but, I don't know...it does the job.  We all know that I am the Queen of Frugality (when I choose to be...ha!), and this is just one of those places where I don't see the value in spending a bazillion dollars.

I decided to start my blog with some great Pinterest WINS.  But, this past weekend, I encountered a huge Pinterest FAIL.  I had been salivating since I pinned something called Lovely Salted Caramel Sauce.  Posts revealed that people made batch after batch because it was devoured so quickly in their household.  So, I saved the recipe for my friend Sarah's 30th birthday because she shares the same love for anything chocolate, salted, and caramel.  I planned to make the Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake...and drizzle it with this amazing salted caramel.

I really went into this with the best possible attitude.  I mean, I took a PERSONAL day in order to make sure I'd have time to make this properly before the birthday festivities began.  I quickly made the Skillet Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie.  I didn't actually taste it...(go me!!)...so, we will rely on Sarah to post how it tasted. 

Here's how it looked:

I couldn't find a proper dish for this, so I repurposed a tray (meant for martinis!) that my favorite neighbors gave me.  See how perfect it was?  Gives new meaning to pretty in pink!

What could make this more perfect?  The friggin Lovely Salted Caramel Sauce.  I mean...I sought out PINK HIMILAYAN SEA SALT for this recipe.  It seemed so easy....but, my lack of caramel making experience, paired with my tendency to over-analyze...turned the lovely caramel into a burnt tasting solid mass.  I was particularly mortified when I brought it to Sarah's house and she tried to taste some of the caramel 'sauce'.  Since it didn't come out freely, she tried to dig it out...then chisel...and I was forced to look away in mortification.  Neither of us discussed the caramel 'elephant in the room.'  This certainly took a chink out of my proverbial armor. 

I may attempt this again.  I mean, I have enough Pink Himilayan Sea Salt to make about 100 jars of this stuff...  I was even tempted to put the pink salt on my broccoli last night.  Okay, I've convinced myself...I will wait until a day where the sun is shining & everything is going my way....then I will attempt to make it again. 

If any of you make it in the meantime....please let me know how yours turns out!!!

Stay tuned for my next post revealing my Wine & Design experience!!!

Ciao,

Amy Lizabelle

Wait! This thing has a phone???!

Here is my first...fling-related post....!

The lost art of the phone call.  What can I say, technology is changing everything.  The 'smarter' our handheld gadgets get, the less human interaction we crave.  Texting and emailing is so easy and efficient, that we are losing more personal means of commuication. 

Today's technology is completely altering the dating world.  It is a rarity if a guy actually 'calls' to ask you out on a date.  Call me old-fashioned, but I wouldn't even consider going out with a guy who wasn't willing to put forth the effort to call me to ask me on a date.  A text message will not suffice.  It's an ambiguous blurb from someone that you probably know nothing about.  How are you supposed to interpret it? 

Maybe whether they call or text should be used as a tool to determine whether a guy is 'the one' or not?!!  Don't you remember the nights where you stayed up until you literally fell asleep talking to a new flame??  You just couldn't learn enough about them?  Yes...that is called the honeymoon stage and sadly, it ends...but, enjoy it while it lasts!!

Ok, now I feel like I'm on a soapbox.  Alas, I'll get off of it.

Next time you want a girl to take you seriously, use that new-fangled gadget that you tote everywhere and CALL HER!!  Boom.

Until next time,

Amy Lizabelle

A Stylish Heating Pad?? Is that Even Possible???!

Ta Da!!!!  I know that you've been waiting with bated breath for the craft that I promised last night!!  I actually made this last weekend, however I wanted to try it out to make sure that it actually WORKED!!  And it DOES!!!!  What an amazingly easy (but timely craft). 

I found a beautiful, wonderfully textured fabric on sale at Joann Fabric last weekend.  I knew I NEEDED it....(you ladies know what I mean), but I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it.  It would've made beautiful throw pillows, however I didn't think that I would be changing my bedroom colors, etc. in order to match this.  But, I was certainly tempted.  I even ran through my mental rolodex of my friends' houses to see if it would match their decor.  No dice.  So, I decided to make it into a heating pad.  It takes a ridiculously small amount of fabric, and just a little bit of patience. 

Basically, you flip the fabric to where the outside of the fabric faces each other, then you sew around the edges like you'd do a pillow.  Make sure to sew 3 sides, and just 1 inch of the remaining short side, so you can flip the fabric right side out.  You can cut your fabric to whatever size heating pad that you are looking for.  You can put rice or beans inside your heating pad, I chose rice.  You also have the option of adding some sort of essential oil.  I was impatient, and I didn't know where to find essential oil, so I skipped this part.

You can make as many sections of the heating pad as you like.  I tried to put the same amount of rice in each section, then pin it and sew it.  Hanging the heating pad over the side of the table while you pin the sections is the easiest way to do it.  Otherwise, the little pieces of rice try to sneak through and make it difficult to sew.

I plan on purchasing some essential oils and a sewing machine.  I know...can you believe that I don't have a sewing machine?  What in the hee haw is wrong with me?!  I will likely be purchasing one, soon.  Its just a tad intimidating...  Once I have all of the tools in place, I may start making these for Christmas presents.  After all, doesn't everyone need a beautiful heating pad? 

I'm thinking that these would make lovely heated or cooled eye masks.  I should've mentioned that you can heat these or put them in the freezer, customizing them for your aches!

I'm happy to add more details to the 'tutorial' section, if you'd like. 

Let me know what you think!!  Would you be happy to find one of these in your Christmas stocking???!!

For those lucky folks that have the day off, enjoy!  (I'll try to contain my jealousy!)

Amy Liz

Floral Felt Wreath, Part 2

I loved my gray felt wreath so much that I re-purposed it.  I initially wanted to put it on my front door as a gorgeous winter wreath that didn't look Christmas-y.  Maybe a transitional wreath to go between my fancy Christmas one and the one that I am planning to make for Valentine's Day...  I'm pretty sure that I will eventually end up creating a wreath for any and every occasion.

Last Sunday, I noticed that the perfectly matching clock in my living room was off by an hour.  I was so proud of how easily I changed the time & re-hung it...because I recalled having trouble hanging it before.  Well, that pride lasted only seconds before it came crashing to the ground breaking into pieces. 

Luckily my new wreath was coming along quite nicely...  Once I finished it, I decided to hang it on the wall (in place of the clock) just for photo purposes.  It was such a perfect fit for my living room, that I decided that it would remain there.  Thus created a different problem.  It was beautiful, but there was just TOO much wall space under it. 

I remedied this by taking an old frame and completely changing it.  And by old, I mean a hideous (sorry Mom) frame that I found in my mom's garage.  I don't feel terrible by saying that, considering it was a gift... : )  Another wreath (even in the reverse colors) seemed too matchy matchy and I just wasn't happy with that idea.  So, I wanted another shape.  I was ridiculously proud of the fact that I didn't get this idea from Pinterest...I came up with it all by my lonesome!  I decided to make this frame with more winter white rosettes and just a few gray accents.  

Let me know what you think about this idea...I am pretty stoked that it only involved felt, an old frame, and hot glue.  Now, I won't scare you by telling you how many of the mini glue sticks that I plowed through!!!

I am dying to hear what you think of this idea.  It was cheap and has given me lots of joy, as I mourn the loss of the most perfect of perfectly matching clocks that once resided on this wall....

Believe it or not, I'll be blogging again tomorrow about another craft that I'm excited to share!!!  Its both beautiful and useful!!  Gotta love that combo!!

Until then, sayonara sisters!!

Amy Liz

Beautiful Winter Wreath! Made by Yours Truly!!!

So....I saw a picture of a similar wreath featured on Pinterest and immediately fell in love!!  I was incredibly bummed after I went out and bought the materials to make this wreath, only to click on the pinterest photo and find that there were no directions...just a link to purchase the wreath.  After a brief moment of panic, I decided that I was just going to figure it out.  I actually rode to the Farmer's Market while cutting out my rosettes in the back seat.  That's a true crafter!!  Or a looney tune...you decide!!  I am so pleased with the way that it turned out, that I may very well post a picture of my OWN wreath on pinterest! <3  (If you aren't following me on pinterest, check me out!)

Other items that I learned today:  I have a 'cutting' face.  Apparently, I get a furrowed brow and intently concentrate when I am cutting out materials for my crafts.  And I am my own personal cheerleader while figuring out the process for my crafts.  I actually didn't realize that I talk to myself routinely while mastering the process.  I almost took a picture of the crafting process, but decided to spare you my Saturday morning, no make up, sweat pant wearing self.  Maybe next time I'll take a picture and will pretend as if I craft in full hair and make up!!! 

I would love to hear what you think about my latest crafting sesh!!!

Hakuna Matata,

Amy Lizabelle

Simple. Cheap. Easy. Delicious...And it Keeps on Giving!!!

Beans and Rice.  Did I lose you?  I know...it doesn't sound overly delicious or exciting, however it was!  This recipe is a version of one that is commonly made in fabulous South American countries.  If that doesn't make it more exotic, what does?!!!

For fun, I added some jalapenos (mainly because I love them...and who doesn't need some extra spice in their life?!!).  I also used jasmine rice to make it a little fancier.  The prep time was incredibly short and it made several meals.

Just in case you were questioning the 'Yumminess Quotient' of this recipe...all three people who ate it came back for seconds.  There was plenty left over (even after 6 servings were dished) and it made a great lunch for the next day.

Side note for those of you who pay particular attention to detail...No, I do not own an Aztec bowl.  That belonged to one of the recipients of this lovely meal.  I'm just sayin....

So, without further adieu, here is the recipe:

Classic & Simple Black Beans & Rice Recipe

Here's to good eats!!

Amy Liz

Pinterest Inspired Craft #1!!

This weekend marked my first Pinterest inspired crafting experience.  I absolutely adore crafting, however, I have never really mastered the 'frugality' of it.  My homemade crafts tend to be ridiculously expensive.  Case in point, my first felt buying experience at the fabric store was a complete FAIL(ure).  I wasn't sure what to purchase, so my inner tendency towards overkill took over and I proceeded to buy 6 colors of felt...and an overabundance of each.  I didn't realize that this project would only take 1/2 yard....and proceeded to buy 6 yards of each.  That means I basically have 36 yards of felt and only used 1 and a half to make all 3 scarves.

So...my tip to you, if you decide to pursue this craft...is to buy 1/2 yard of felt in a super fancy color.  Then, the project will cost you less than $5.  Also, invest in a pair of sharp scissors because we found that scrap-booking scissors and kitchen scissors would not cut the mustard (or the felt for that matter). 

I roped my mother and sister into this crafting journey, which began at noon on Saturday.  I arrived at my mother's house bearing 36 yards of felt and Bojangles biscuits.  Needless to say, I was well received (due to the biscuits) and we immediately began crafting.  Saturday was New Year's Eve, so my sister and I were limited on our crafting time because everyone knows that you have to spend an inordinate amount of time getting sparkly for NYE festivities.

For someone who does not know how to sew (at all)...I mean, I can't even hem my own pants, even I excelled at this project.  I would label this as a ridiculously elementary project for someone who possesses the ability to sit in one place and craft for hours.  What am I trying to say?  Its totally worth it!  I have kept my scarf in my car since I made it (so I can proudly show it off)...everyone loves it and is flabbergasted that it is handmade. 

This weekend, I plan to try another craft from my ridiculously long list.  Odds are, the next (gazillion) crafts that I post on this fanciful blog will ALL INVOLVE FELT!!!  I challenge you to join my blog and to try some of these awesome creations!!

Here's how to make it:

Floral Scarf Making Directions
Love ya, mean it!
Amy Lizabelle