Saturday, December 31, 2011

Been a while

Things have been so crazy with the holidays.

I wanted to post today about journeys. Whether you have started a new one, or are continuing as planned, a journey can give you purpose.

I have recently started a journey, to become healthy. Not to lose weight, or look better - however if I am doing it right those things will come. This journey is about feeling better. Being healthy is the goal. I have always had an issue with food, as long as I can remember. I am always thinking ahead to the next meal, even if I just ate. When I get sad, mad or to celebrate, its always food. I am not all jello, I surprisingly have a lot of stamina and strength for the size that I am. I just get tired very easy.

Keeping up with my husband and daughter are the real challenge that is bringing about change. We did a bike ride this weekend, and I was so proud I had made it 5 hilly miles without walking the bike. That is nothing. I want to be able to keep up with them all the time.

I definitely want this time to be different. This isnt a temporary diet. This is it, no more greasy, fried, and "fast" foods. I am definitely starting this time realistically. I know there will be days I have a "bad" meal, but this will no longer be the norm. So here is my journey.

Whatever your journey is, follow it wisely - and education is the key. I will learn every day.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Ready for a show...

Hey all you in blog land - Just wanted to post that I will be at the Tacoma is for Lovers event at Kings Books in Tacoma Saturday and Sunday.


King's Books
218 St. Helens Ave
Tacoma, WA


Saturday, November 19 at 11:00am - November 20 at 4:00pm
 
Anyone interested in some great handmade items (just in time for the holidays) this event can't be beat.
 
Nothing like putting your dollars into local artists while still fulfilling that list!!
 

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Baby Reflections

Hi All!!

Tonight I had a thought I wanted to share. It's the word "simplicity". It is amazing how I can be so focused on what the next item is on the agenda and tonight I got a moment to just enjoy simplicity. As I watched Caroline and her cousin Owen dancing in the family room, I looked to my right and there was my best friend. We were laughing so hard, we both had tears streaming down our cheeks. For all of the joy I have had up to this point, it's incredible to me that a three year old and 1 year old can make me laugh til I cry. Then there was my husband  laughing nearly as hard. I love these moments because they very much make me stop, wake up and appreciate all that I have. My little girl is growing up so fast, and I really feel it slipping away.

We left our friends house, both of us cheerful. By the time we got home, Caroline had fallen asleep. My thoughts went right back to "now I will have to carry her upstairs....put her in her jammies and brush her teeth. All without waking her". We pulled in, and my husband jumped right out of the car and took care of it all. I have to say I really tend to underestimate him! After getting Caroline down, he came downstairs and said what I was feeling. We need to simplify. So the next week I will be working on how to make it simple. Going to work/being the mom and wife-all of it. Being simple.No hand kneaded bread for dinner - outfits will be set out the night before. Make things simple.

 I challenge you to take a moment each night this week and listen to the quiet. Or maybe just listen to what your spouse or child has to say. I don't mean a quick moment - really HEAR what they are saying.

It is so crazy how we forget that simple is so wonderful.

Have a (simply) great night!

Sonja

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Stuffed Shells for dinner, Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Squares as Dessert

Hi All!!

With my love of cooking and baking, it is very frequent I am asked for recipes and dinner ideas. Today I tried a few new things, and I think they turned out pretty good, so I thought I would share.

Stuffed Shells

2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 Cup diced sweet onion
1/4 Cup shredded carrot
3 cloves garlic
1/2 Cup shredded zucchini
12 Jumbo Shells
12 oz reduced fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella divided
1/2 cup shredded parmesan divided
dash salt
dash pepper
15 oz can diced tomatoes with basil and garlic
Italian Seasoning

Saute onions, carrots and garlic in oil until onions are tender. Add zucchini and cook 4 minutes more. Meanwhile, boil shells as directed on the box. Cool vegetables 5 minutes.

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/4 mozzarella, 1/4 parmesan, vegetables and spices. Fill shells with cheese mixture.

Spread 1/2 the tomatoes in a greased 13 X 9 pan. Arrange shells in a line. Add a spoonful of diced tomatoes accross the middle of each shell and top with remaining cheese. Bake covered 30 mins. Remove cover, bake additional 15-20 minutes.

And on to dessert:

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Squares

45 gingersnap cookies crushed to crumbs
1/3 cup butter melted
1 tsp sugar

1 cup sugar
4 packages cream cheese (8oz each)
1 can pumpkin
4 eggs
1 tblsp vanilla
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

In a large bowl, add gingersnaps, butter and sugar. Press into a 13 x 9 pan.

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and spice. Pour over crust.

In a preheated 350 degree oven, bake 45-50 minutes. Allow to cool 15 minutes and use a knife to loosen edges. Refrigerate until cold through.


Hope you all enjoy!!

Sonja

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

A few of my creations so far...

I wanted to share with you a few things I have made recently to show you my style. None of this is from a pattern or template, all from my own brain. I am hoping to get tutorials going so let me know if anyone is interested in seeing any of these in a tutorial. Enjoy!


A Ruffle butt onesie:


Who doesn't love lollipops?


Birthday TuTu Dress with Flower


Bustle Dress for the 4th of July




1st Birthday sign, Water bottle labels and a Zebra letter "C"


Handmade Pinwheels, Oreo Truffle pops, Zebra cupcakes & table runner with PomPoms

First Post - a little more about the blogger

I am Sonja, and this is my first attempt at blogging!! I want to start with a little info about me and what I aim to do here.

I am a working mom with a beautiful daughter. My husband and I live in Washington State, where it rains a lot of the time. We enjoy going on bike rides, checking out second hand stores and spending as much time outdoors as the weather allows. Sadly, here that is not much time! I started this creative journey when my daughter was born by making all sorts of things to make her look adorable! It has blossomed into a love of sewing/crafting/repurposing.

My goal in this blog is to connect with a community of women like myself who love to learn and create. I think it is so imporant to start with a vision. A lot of what I do here will be learning as well as crafting. I believe life gives you so many lessons, and I am here to learn and share!!

Thank you for stopping by with interest - more exciting things to follow!!