What I've been up to lately

Here is the only picture I have of our Christmas festivities:

(Tyler, me, Dad, Mom, Erin and Nate)

We went on a triple date up to the Denver temple and then out to eat at our favorite family restaurant Olive Garden. It was Erin and Nate's last day with our family before they headed up to Boulder. I wish I were good at telling a good story of great Christmas fun, but I'm afraid I would be too boring describing the family excitement while opening presents. It's ok though because I know everyone's Christmas is the best Christmas and who wants to read all about others' Christmases anyway?? I just like to look at pictures and I didn't even take any. I did make some aprons for my sisters and snapped a photo of those:

(Laurel, Heather, and Rachel, Erin not pictured)

So there's my boring report of our vacation...actually I'm still vacationing...until JANUARY 8TH!! I know, lucky me. I love Cold Colorado and all the beautiful sights. Including our family tradition to visit Seven Falls

 

(Picture of us in front to come...)

 

I think the best present I got for Christmas was a trip to Arizona in March to see my bestie roomie Grace. 

Tyler also surprised me with tickets to see the Ballet Swan Lake put on by Ballet West in February and a new Food Processor!!! Can you believe how thoughtful he was! I know most people would think ballet was punishment, but not me!!!

 

 

For those of you who don't know....

I regularly post on this blog...and show off both my inspirations, projects, and ask for all YOUR ideas...Go there and ENJOY!

We're MOVING!!!!

This is going to be our HOUSE.

 

 

I don't know if you recognized it, but it's the house from Marley and Me. the cute movie featuring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. Tyler and I watched it and fell in love with this house and decided we wanted one just like it.

for the record we are not moving....yet. I just wanted to get your attention

On a good note, here's some family pictures from the great Rasmussen Family

 Tyler and Carissa Rasmussen, Andrew and Elyse Garlock, Mom and Dad, Brennan, Jenna, Tim, Kristin, Jace, Braxton and Ashlyn Prusse

 

 Me and Tyler

 

Don't I have just the most adorable in-laws??

 

 All the sibs

 

My niece. Mine, not yours!!

 

Social Darling Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Social Darling Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Another Great Giveaway for people that love babies!!

http://kenziepoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-holiday-gift-package.html

This is what I want from the giveaway!!!

Also, look how cute this mobile is!!!

Thanksgiving at the Rasmussen's

 

We enjoyed TWO Thanksgivings!!! It was awesome:) Our cousin posted about how she picked the table decorations on her blog here

Charm Design Bags and Totes $50 gift card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Charm Design Bags and Totes $50 gift card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Peppermint Stick Holiday Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Peppermint Stick Holiday Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

I LOVE THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAYS!

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a day for eating...and being excited for Christmas!! I spent some time this week decorating our apartment for Christmas. Since we can't have a tree this year and we won't even be at our apt during December, I decided I needed to have plenty of time to enjoy the holidays in my house

Yes those stockings I made by myself.

My beautiful and warm fire:) With a gorgeous cranberry wreath

No decorations are complete without a nativity

And I couldn't let these Anthro inspired birds pass up!!

My bird from Walmart: $2.00

Anthro's Bird: $12.00

Ok so Anthro's picture makes it look way better, but that Walmart bird is all sparkly and beautiful and at $2.00 a bird I could afford to buy 2:)

Christmas Craft for Relief Society

For all those readers who don't see our RS Blog...and anyone else who wants to vote:)
so we got a couple of suggestions for the Christmas Craft and I've pulled some fun tutorials that we could do...Please VOTE and let me know which craft you would rather do:
 1. Jingle Bell Wreath (Martha Stewart Crafts):

2. Gold Poinsetta Wreath (Martha Stewart Craft):

3. Gold Branch Wreath (Martha Stewart Craft):

4. Stockings (The Purl Bee):

5. Stocking (Me:):

6. Advent Calendar (Thrifty Decor Chick):

7. More Stockings (HowBoutOrange):

8. Ribbon Ornaments (Elyse and Andrew):

 

8.Gingerbread Houses...(MarthaStewartCrafts):

The Brass Hussy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Brass Hussy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Love the rings!!

sick

this past week I've been battling a cough...I'll be back blogging when I feel up to speed...

giveaway

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/handmade-dress-patterns-guest-giveaway.html

A hint...

Here is a glimpse of some of the projects I am working on now

ok so these are some finished ones that I ADORE and just bought the pattern:)

If you can guess what I am going to make with this---

then you will get a SURPRISE!!!

A look into my inspiration

I posted on my design blog about the new direction I am taking...and a peek at the Christmas project I've been working on. Take a look

More giveaways

Rachel from Pistachio Press is hosting a calendar giveaway on her blog this week; one winner will receive the full 12-month calendar and a second winner will receive the tear-away calendar. Both are letterpress printed and the imagery is inspired by vintage china patterns. Visit Pistachio Press's blog for more info. And Five Trees has been busy finishing adorable embroidery pieces including her latest craze, brightly coloured or monochromatic snails. Click here to read more.

Shabby Apple Dare to Design Lawn Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Shabby Apple Dare to Design Lawn Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

design space

So I've been thinking of adding some "spice" to my kitchen above our cabinets. I was thinking of putting some pretty bowls like these:

And then I was thinking of something pretty like this:

All surrounded by these:

I know it's very "fall" ish, but my colors are burnt orange, natural brown and cream soo....

Birthday

Well I've made it to 23! This was the best birthday I think that I've had in a long time...no midterms and no school, no work, and all PLAY:) My family had been in town for conference the weekend before and we had a little cake party with a wonderful surprise from my mom:

A laminator and a di-cut flower

Then the next Sunday we had bbq chicken and ICE CREAM CAKE, my fave. Ty bought me a pair of boots, which he bought online and were just the kind I liked, but when I tried them on, they didn't fit!!! I gave him a huge hug and kiss for effort:) (don't worry, I sent those back and got some that fit beautifully)!

Then I did some birthday shopping...here are some of my goods:

tank top is purple

Sunglasses are in black

Plus, Ty's fam gave me a $50 gift certificate to Hobby Lobby!!! MY FAVE!

great italian chicken recipe

I love easy recipes that I don't have to very much work:) and that Ty and I can eat for one meal. Here's another great one for the crock pot

Cream Cheese Chicken
4 Chicken Breasts (I used 4 chicken thighs and it was AMAZING)
8 oz cream cheese (I just used 4oz since I used less meat)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 packet Italian Seasoning Packet (I just used half since I had less chicken)
1/3 c water

Combine the seasoning packet with water. Put chicken in the crockpot and pour seasoned water over the chicken. Combine cream cheese and chicken soup until thouroughly combined and pour over chicken. Let simmer on high in crockpot for 3-4 hours.

I served over rice with steamed garlic parmesan green beans. YUM.

I had a boutique

Last week I participated in a home boutique and was able to make some good sales, but I also have quite a few things made not sold!!! Here are some of the items
Aprons:

Burp Cloths:

Diaper Bag Diaper Cases and Wipes Cases