Bathroom Remodel

What a nightmare! We decided to re-do our Master Bathroom and also our Main Bathroom. These pictures are my impatience waiting for someone to come and do some demolition. I finally took a hammer and went at the tile. It was a lot of hard work, but it got the ball rolling!!

We have had extra floor supports put in (they were on 24 inch centers!!! now they are 12), new plywood subfloor, rebuilt the shower/tub area, refinished the cabinets, had the walls re-textured and painted. Tomorrow the marble company comes for the final measure and next week the tile guy will be here. Saturday I have someone coming to measure for new blinds. Then we replace the toilet and the cabinets and hang a new mirror and voila! Time to move on to the Main bath.... :( Can't wait to be done though!

Family Biggest LOSE-ORR Contest and Newspaper Article

This is an article done recently about my brother-in-law and his amazing weight loss story (well my entire family's weight loss saga). It's unbelievable!!! Check it out! Way to go Stephen!

Not your typical Vegas Wedding

Not exactly what you first think of when you hear Vegas wedding...but last weekend, my DH and I went to Las Vegas to see the daughter of some very dear friends get married. Hard to believe these kids grow up soooo fast. She was a beautiful bride! Congrats Rachel and Paul!

We are in business once again

Thanks to our wonderful and dedicated site manager (who has spent HOURS rebuilding our website), we are up and running again! Please let us know if you encounter any issues while on our website as once in a while we run into a little glitch!! Thanks for your patience and continued support!

Julie

WEBSITE ISSUES

I have heard from several of you who are almost as frustrated as we are that our website is down. We have been working frantically to get things up and running again, but to no avail. We have been down about a week.

At this point, you can contact me via email at Julie@CropandStick.com to place an order through email. We are still trying to figure out what to do. We can give you prices and shipping quotes and call you for your payment information when you are ready to do so. Thanks for your patience with us.

Apparently Microsoft Windows recently did an update that messed up our storefront software. We are NOT!!!! getting very good support from them and Gina's husband has been working feverishly to try to bypass the problem. Will keep you posted. Hopefully soon we will have good news!

My Girls!

With 3 hair stylists in the family it is not surprising that this is how the girls spent the 4th...not sure where Katie was!

4th of July

Dad is doing dishes.....Here is what the other men in my life did on the 4th of July!! :)

Neighbors House Fire

On the 3rd of July, our good friends and neighbors lost their home to a fire. Luckily, nobody was home at the time of the fire. In twenty minutes it was gone.

This is the back of the house. Our thoughts and prayers and best wishes are with them as they go through the next few months of rebuilding their lives.

St. George Trip and Tuacahn

I was lucky enough to be able to travel south with 3 of my sisters and my parents to St. George, Utah to attend the play "Footloose" at an outdoor ampitheatre recently. We had a great time. It was nice to be somewhere a little warmer than 60 degrees for a day or two. We even spent a lazy afternoon by the pool one day! Our good husbands took care of the house and kids for 4 whole days! It was heavenly! I guess I owe you, dear! Left to right: Susan, Kellie, Nancy and me. Just look at the red rock backdrop! It is so beautiful there. Mom and Dad! I'm not sure they knew what they were in for when they agreed to go on a trip with their wild and crazy daughters. Dad thought we were going to see "Any Which Way but Loose"you know, the movie with Clint Eastwood and the ape! I'm not sure they knew what "Footloose" was before this!

This is a picture of all of us standing in front of the St. George, Utah temple..

Studio 5 Card Group

I have posted several times about my monthly card group meetings...but this one was a little bit unusual. We did all the same things we normally do-eat, talk, laugh, exchange cards-the only difference was, this time we did it on camera! It will air in July (the 13 or 15 I think). Our group member and in-house paper crafting guru and celebrity (Sue Neal-third from the right on the top row) has a monthly segment she does on Studio Five about paper crafting, and "they" decided it would be a fun idea to talk about (and show) some of what our group does. It will be interesting to see what they end up actually putting on tv. This group has been meeting every month for 12 years! Isn't that crazy?? I think there are only 6 or 7 of the original members of the group (from 12 years ago), but it is incredible that it has been going that long, don't you think? No end in sight, either! It is a great creative outlet and social event all rolled into one.

Banana Pudding Weight Watcher Style

I recently attended a family party/picnic to which I volunteered to make dessert. You know, if you make it you will have something "safe" to eat. This was delicious and pretty lowcal! Everyone loved it.

Banana Pudding
2 pkgs. sugar free pudding (make as directed on box reducing milk to 1 3/4 cups)
1 8 oz. container fat free cool whip
1 cup light sour cream (optional)
5-6 bananas
box vanilla wafers

Mix pudding as per directions reducing milk as above. Gently fold in cool whip and sour cream. Layer in 9x13 pan: wafers, bananas, pudding mixture, wafers, bananas, pudding mixture. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Running with Ducks?

I have recently taken up jogging around my neighborhood for exercise. I started walking, but moved to jogging quickly when I realized my heart rate was only slightly elevated at the pace I walk!

About 2 weeks ago, on a beautiful spring morning I was jogging down a neighborhood street when I saw 2 ducks enter the street not too far ahead of me. I decided that if I continued at the pace I was jogging and they continued at the pace they were waddling, they would be across the street and out of my way before I reached them. Well, I don't know if you have been around ducks before or not, but as I approached they started to serpentine back and forth.....like ducks do, and not to continue on in their straight course across the street. I slowed to a walk, because they were a little unpredictable, but kept on going figuring they would continue on their merry way after I passed. Not so! They fell into step with me, the male occasionally getting under foot. I tripped on him once or twice. I turned around and stomped my foot at them, trying to scare them away (you know like you do to a cat or dog that is pestering you!) but they kept coming. I tried to run away from them, but they flapped their wings to sort of fly/walk to keep up with me!

It was about this time I noticed a lady standing on the sidewalk watching all of this, a little further on (with an amused look on her face, I might add!). I threw my arms up and shrugged my shoulders at her, to which she responded, "They're not your ducks? I thought maybe you were taking them for a walk!"

As my little entourage got closer to her, the dog she was walking became interested in my walking partners and began to bark at them, which luckily scared them off a little ways. However, the street I was on was a DEAD END. As I was contemplating how to handle the return trip without picking up unwanted company again, she suggested that I cross the park and continue on another street totally unconnected....which I did.

I'm not sure I'll jog on the same route again, but it made for an interesting morning!

Card Group Buddies For Life!

This is an amazing group of ladies (3 are missing) that I have the privilege of rubbing shoulders with each month. We meet for lunch and swap homemade cards and great conversation. Our good friend, Dana...3rd from the left...will be leaving soon on a 3 year mission assignment, so this was sort of a "farewell" luncheon. We will sure miss you Dana, but we'll pick up right where we left off when you return! Best of luck on your "excellent adventures".

MRI

I had an MRI on Monday and they determined that I have a bulging and torn disc....which basically means no more heavy, repetitive lifting at Costco. Don't know if or what they will have me do now. That still remains to be seen.

The good news is, the back can heal. The bad news is that it could take months/years for it to fully heal, and I still have osteo-arthritis which will always be a slight issue. Man, I hate getting old!

Old Age and Over-Worked Back Issues

About 2 weeks ago, on my lovely day off, I bent over to tie my shoes and something slipped in my back. It has happened before (several times). I always rest and in a day or two I am feeling much better. Well, I ended up going to the Chiropractor (twice), the doctor, the hospital (for x-rays, nothing serious), and finally a physical therapist. The x-rays show Osteo-arthritis and a possible herniated disk. I have been told to take it easy on my exercise (which is frustrating to say the least, when I am in the middle of a weight reduction battle!! 17 lbs. and counting) and I have been placed on FMLA from work.

I was able to move about fairly normally after 4 or 5 days, but am not allowed to lift more than 5-10 lbs. and "no bending, stooping or pulling" which basically means everything! And definitely not stocking shelves at COSTCO! There isn't anything there that only weighs 5-10 lbs.

I went back in to the doctor today, for some more paperwork for Costco and now he wants to do an MRI. They asked if I was claustrophobic....which I am. Not looking forward to that test....but what I am looking forward to is a more specific diagnosis, or prognosis. How long is this going to take? Will I be able to return to work and exercise the way I want to? Am I going to have pain for the rest of my life? Hopefully not!! I think probably attitude is at least 50% of the battle, right? Now if the stress-/frustration-/angry- EATING would stop, I'd be ok!! :)

Mini Fruit Pizzas

I hosted my book group today at my house. While I was looking through recipes looking for a treat to make (that also was lowfat, low cal....still doing Weight Watchers!!), I came across this great idea!!

Mini Fruit Pizzas

Pillsbury sugar cookie dough in the roll
fat free cool whip
weight watchers yogurt, fruit flavored-any
strawberries
kiwi
bananas
mandarin oranges
grapes, etc.

Slice the cookies 1/4" thick and bake. Let cool.

Mix the cool whip and the yogurt together. Spread on cookie and top with assorted fruit! Very tasty! The kids would love to make their own little fruit pizzas, don't you think?

SALE ON ATG 714

We have decided to run a sale on our most popular product, the ATG 714 from 3M (Scotch). For a limited time these babies will be only $39.95 and include a free roll of our favorite adhesive, ATG 987 1/4"x60 yd. If you've been waiting to get one, the time is now! This is our lowest price and we are lower than anyone around! Check it out! http://www.cropandstick.com/

Baked Zucchini Sticks

Baked Zucchini Sticks

Servings: 3 servings • Total Time: 25 minutes • Points: 1.33 ww points (sauce extra pts)

3 medium zucchini sliced into 3" x 1/2" sticks
1 large egg white
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tbsp grated Pecorino Romano cheese
cooking spray
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt
fresh pepper

Preheat oven to 425°.In a small bowl, beat egg whites with salt and pepper. In a ziplock bag, place breadcrumbs, garlic powder and cheese and shake well. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray and set aside.Dip zucchini sticks into eggs then into bread crumb and cheese mixture, a few at a time and shake to coat. Place the breaded zucchini in a single layer and spray more cooking spray on top. Bake at 425° for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve with 1/2 cup marinara sauce for dipping

DUMP CHICKEN

I found a website that has a bunch of "dump chicken" recipes that sound easy and yummy. Here is the one I decided to try for dinner tonight!

Spicy Sweet Glazed "DUMP" Chicken

2 tsp. minced garlic
2/3 cup apricot preserves
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tsp. tabasco sauce
1 1/2 lbs. chicken pieces (can be frozen)

Put in ziplock bag and freeze. For immediate cooking: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all ingredients into a large baking dish, turn chicken to coat. Bake until chicken juices run clear (45-60 min. for chicken pieces, or 20-30 min. for chicken breasts).

To cook from frozen: thaw overnight. Preheat oven to 350. Empty the contents of bag into large baking dish and bake until juices run clear (45-60 for pieces and 20-30 for chicken breasts).

I doubled the recipe, but NOT the tabasco. I think my kids might not love it that hot. I tasted the sauce and it reminds me of buffalo wing sauce. You could taste the tabasco, but it was not overpowering.

Nutrition information: 277 calories; 12 g total fat; 16 g protein; 28 g carbohydrate; 70 mg cholesterol; 1145 mg sodium.

*Note: I made mine with 0 pt. jam (no sugar) and pulled the skin off the chicken pieces. WW points=thigh 3 pts., drumstick 1 pt.

Macey's Shopping List

I found the coolest trick today. I was looking online for Macey's grocery store ad. When you click on this weeks circular, it gives you the option to click on an item and add it to your shopping list. Then after you have looked at the whole circular, you can look at your shopping list, add items and print! How cool is that? Check it out.

Update on "30 day Shred" by Jillian Michaels

Ok, I just wanted to let you know that I have been doing this exercise video now for 3 weeks now...several times a week. Sometimes I do it twice a day (it's only a 20 minute workout) and sometimes I do 2 levels of the workout in one session (for a total of about 40 minutes). I really like it. It's tough! I have been using 5 lb. hand weights (which isn't very much, you know) but with these exercises IT IS ENOUGH and sometimes TOO MUCH!!

I like the 3,2,1 system of 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio and 1 minute of abs repeated 3x for 1 session with a warm up and cool down. I think it keeps your heart rate up enough to burn extra calories the entire workout.

I like that there are 3 levels. I think I would be bored with just one. Each level has different exercises and increases in difficulty. If I do 2 levels of workouts, I just skip the cool down from the first session and the warm up of the second and go right on with the circuits. I also have used cardio from one of the easier levels for part of level 3 because I don't like the "rock star" jumps....they bother my knees. I figure cardio is cardio.

I love that it is only 20 minutes. It's easy to work into a busy day. Sometimes I do it in the afternoon before I make dinner. Keeps me from snacking a lot too, as afternoons are my "eat everything in sight" time of day.

I have lost a total of 8 lbs. so far (although I joined weight watchers 2 weeks ago, so the dvd can't take all the credit) but I sure think it has helped.

I'm a Grandma times 3!

Cambria Serenity was born this afternoon at 1:02. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 oz. and is 20 inches long. She has dark hair and is BEAUTIFUL! Mom and baby are doing well...and I have the other 2 grandkids at my house. Can you say "party"? I got to hold her just a couple of hours ago. There is nothing quite like it! Fresh and tiny and sweet. Congrats, Michelle!

March Freezer Dinner

BACON-WRAPPED CHICKEN

Ready in 1 hour or less

Ingredients:
12 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 cartons (8 oz each) whipped cream cheese with onion and chives
2 tablespoons butter
salt to taste
12 bacon strips

Flatten chicken to ½ inch thickness. Spread 3 tablespoons cream cheese over each. Dot with butter and sprinkle with salt; roll up. Wrap each with a bacon strip. Place, seam side down, in a greased pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400 for 35-40 minutes or until juices run clear. Broil 6 inches from the heat for 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp.Freeze these uncooked.

ATG 50 and tape

We recently came across some message boards where they were posting about this cheaper version of the ATG 714. Just for the record, it is not made by 3M. I'm still not sure who makes it. It is called the ATG 50. There were people who were really excited about it, because the cost is less and the tape was also. So, we thought...we'd better get one and try it out. We purchased one, plus some of the tape. Next we enlisted 2 "experts" to use it and write a review for us. Here is what they have to say.

The first review is from Sue Neal, a PC Pro:

Thanks for sending me the ‘other’ ATG to try out. I have to say my first impression was good. It seemed a little smaller and less wieldy than the Scotch ATG. I was also surprised by the quality of the housing, it’s strong and smooth and actually feels pretty good in my hand. The handle and trigger were fine for me and didn’t seem any harder than the Scotch ATG. I’m afraid that’s where the good ends for me.

As I started to use it I was having a hard time tracking it’s placement position as I adhered. I compared it to my Scotch and realized the tape was riding about mid-way on the roller. That is why I couldn’t track it very well. My Scotch rides right at the LH edge and I can see easily where I’m placing tape down. I opened the casing to see if I could adjust that. It seemed like I could lift the tape, but there really wasn’t really anyway to keep it there, so it kept slipping down.

In the process of trying to lift the tape up, the tape broke. It was at this point I noticed the tape was also riding back on itself. In other words, instead of feeling onto the ‘spent’ reel, it was coming back around the tape roll. Either way, I had to re-insert it. There were no visual instructions on just how to do this (the Scotch does have those instructions embossed right into the gun and it’s amazing to me, after all these years of using it, I still double check myself…showing my age!). I assumed it was filled the same way, but wow, the whole thing ‘exploded’ on me! Literally! Parts just starting popping off! Good opportunity to check out the mechanics of it though…there is a spring that is screwed down, but I’m not entirely sure why it’s there.

Lastly, I’m not really thrilled with the quality of the actual adhesive. It seemed thinner than the scotch and definitely didn’t rub-off like the scotch. I absolutely LOVE that about Scotch. It’s just a lifesaver for me. I also noticed the tape didn’t ‘cut’ off as sharply as the Scotch. There were left-over pieces I had to kind-of fold over the end. I didn’t love that.

It’s hard to give this gun an overall rating, as I’m not sure, again, if it was loaded properly. But if I took that out of the equation I would give it a B-, as it’s definitely better than the little adhesive rollers and I suppose you could adjust to where the tape rides and the poor cut-off. I would give the Scotch an A. I’ve used this gun for years now (and you know how much I use it) and have never (isn’t that amazing!) had one problem with it.

This second review is from a friend of mine, Terri Bateman who is a mechanical engineer:

So, after using the tape gun last week, I would say that I like it, especially for the price. (The ATG 50 is around $25). It does have a couple of issues, but I feel that they are minor.

The main issue with it is that the tape seems to move around back and forth a lot on the roller, making it hard to predict exactly where the tape will be on my paper. But, because the roller is only about 3/4" wide, I know the tape will go onto my paper somewhere within that 3/4" range. Therefore, for me, the tape placement issue is not really a big one, because most of the time I'm not taping anything really narrow and so I don't have to be all that accurate. If I do tape something narrow, I usually use the Tombow tape gun, because I can put the tape EXACTLY where I want it. (plus, I don't have a narrow 3m gun anyway :-) (She has the ATG 700.)

My second issue is not with the gun, but the tape itself. I do not love this tape, so it would be interesting to use this gun with 3m's tape. This tape seems to stretch out and not break where I want it to. After I roll the tape onto my paper and then let go of the trigger, sometimes the tape stretches way out and doesn't break until it is hanging way off the edge of the paper. This is annoying, but not a deal breaker. I could live with this tape, I just like 3M's better. 3M's tape also stretches out and does not always break where I want it to, it just doesn't seem to be nearly as bad.

Exercise....who me?

For as long as I can remember (which at my age isn't too far back...) I have gone to the gym to work out almost daily. I love it! I know, that's weird, but I do. You'd think I'd be really thin. Ah, well.

Anyways, since my Costco "career" started (I start work at either 4 or 5 a.m.) I haven't been going very regularly. It went from almost daily at 6:00 a.m., to two or three times a week after work or evenings or on days off, to hmmm..... not since October!! So, with the new year and all-recommitting to my old exercise routine has been on my mind. Or at least, trying to maintain SOME kind of exercise routine.

I saw an info-mercial on Turbo Jam (which apparently is like a dance party in your living room! :p). There was so much hype and freebies and "if you call in the next 18 minutes..." that I couldn't even tell how much it was going to cost. Then I saw Jillian Michaels on the Ellen show. You know the tough coach from tv's "The Biggest Loser". I have been researching her dvd's. They are rated fairly high. People seem to like them. She's tough, but effective...so they say. So I took the plunge. I spent that whopping $9.00 at Walmart for the dvd "Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred"! Here is a link to a video clip of the workout at Amazon. I would be interested to hear if anyone has tried it. I watched it (literally...I laid on my bed and watched her workout. That's how motivated I am!) She looks pretty buff, and it looks a lot like some of the things I did when I went to the gym and took some pump classes, so at least I think I should enjoy it. We'll see. I'll update you if anything of note comes from it. First, I guess I need to do more than lay in bed and watch it! Wish me luck!

Some People Have ALL the Talent!

Just look at this darling job chart! I found it while blog-stalking!! It's called Crafty Chicks and she even gives a link to download a template. She uses real pictures of her kids stuff on the chart. Clever, right? Now if I can just figure out how to scrapbook digitally enough to figure out how to use her template!!! Go check out her blog. Great ideas.

Cutest Valentines Treat Ever!

I just happened across this darling idea from Family Fun. All you need is a box of conversation hearts, 2 reeses pb cups and this printout! Talk about cute. Don't tell...I'm making them for my kids for Valentines Day!

My childhood summer vacation retreat

I just learned that a historic building in my summer vacation town burned down last Tuesday. This is a picture of the National Park where it was located. We have a family cabin there and go every summer. Pretty dramatic pictures of the burning structure, eh?

It makes me sad. When I walk around town to exercise (and I mean literally walk around the outside of the town) this was on the pathway by the lake that is about halfway. I wonder if they will be allowed to rebuild. It was built in 1911. Here is a link to the newspaper story about it.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Ok, I found this yummy and easy recipe for Mini Cinnamon Rolls made from Crescent Rolls. (Maceys had these on sale last week 11 for $10 and I stocked up.) Give it a try.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

1 pkg. Crescent Rolls

2 Tbsp. butter

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

raisins (optional)

glaze:

3/4 c. powdered sugar

1/2 Tbsp. milk (or apple juice)

Unroll crescent rolls into rectangles. 2 rolls pressed together to form rectangle. Spread with softened butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up from short end. Cut into 5 slices. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned. Put glaze on while still hot.

Another Cuttlebug Valentine Card (pocket card)

I missed card group last month, so this is my make-up card. I used the cuttlebug again with the paisley embossing folder that Matt and Kelli gave me with it. The pull-out says "Just for You".

January Card Group

Here are the cute cards from our card group on Thursday night. Looks like the main theme for the night was valentines day!

By the way, if you have never had this fruit dip, you should really try it...delicious!

Fruit Dip

1-6 oz carton fruit flavored yogurt (I used 2-4 oz. strawberry)
1/2-1 container of coolwhip topping (8 oz.)
4 oz. softened cream cheese (optional)

Fold together and serve with cut up fruit: berries, oranges, pears, apples, etc.

Valentines Card Make and Take

This was my make and take for our card group on Thursday night. I got a cuttlebug for Christmas from my son and his cute wife, Kelli (thanks, guys!!), so I had to use it for cards. It came with 4 dies that are like "stamps". I used the new scalloped edge punch from SU to scallop the front of the card and a pop up glue dot for the 3D effect. Brads are from bright flowers set (5 mm) on our website http://www.cropandstick.com/ .

New Camera

You may or may not have noticed that I haven't posted lately. Besides being crazy busy with Christmas, etc. I got a new camera and don't know how to get pictures from my camera to my blog!! I guess that better be my project for this week, eh? Then off we go again...

Frozen Potato Wedges

These were great! They cooked from frozen in about 1/2 hour. They were crispy and yummy and just right! Yahoo. I also did twice baked potatoes and froze them. They are dinner tonight! No more rotten potatoes in the basement waiting for me to decide to cook them....cook, freeze, eat whenever we want. Now, that's what I'm talking about :p