Spring Nail Colors

Smokey grey and bright orange. I was going to buy a mint green, but there wasn't any at the store. Even more perfect: the grey color is called Chinchilly. My emotional devotion to my beloved pet Ninners just couldn't allow me to pass up a nail polish called CHINCHILLY.


Speaking of Ninners, I've been looking for some tiny bunny ears for him for Easter. All I found was this:

Anyways, a couple nights ago I dreamed that I had a pet lion, and I had to let him go into the wild, and I woke up crying. I've also had dreams about Ninners running away. Most recently I had a dream that I had a baby. When I woke up, I walked into our second bedroom to go get him, and freaked out when there wasn't a crib in there. Then I remembered: I don't have a baby. These are the things I dream about. 

Cutest Easter Treats!

Easter is just over a week away, and I thought I'd show you these cute little nest treats that are perfect for kids, and can even be used as a centerpiece for entertaining! They're entirely edible, too!

The ingredients you'll need are marshmallows, butter, crunchy chow mein noodles (found in the Asian section of the market), peeps, and candy eggs (I used the whopper ones, because they look cuter). If you don't like the chow mein noodles, you can use rice krispies, but I like that the noodles look like twigs. 

Start off by melting together some butter and marshmallows, then stirring in the noodles, the same way you would for rice krispie treats. I don't usually measure, but I think you'll use about 3-4 tablespoons of butter, then a few cups of marshmallows, and about 2/3 of the package of noodles. 

Once the noodles and marshmallows are evenly mixed, divide into 2 or 3 balls (I did one small nest and one large one) and place in the center of a large square of wax or parchment paper.

Place into a bowl (in my case, a small bowl and a larger bowl) with the parchment paper on the bottom, then use the sides of the parchment paper to push on the center of the ball, shaping it into a nest.

Let cool in the refrigerator for a few minutes (this is a good time to clean up the dishes you've used). The marshmallow can set. Once they've set, you can remove them from the bowls. I recommend to keep using the wax paper - these buggers are sticky!

Arrange the peeps and eggs in the nests as desired! Everyone will adore them! Twigs will start to go missing from the nests, and kids (and probably some adults) will have mysteriously sticky fingers.

The Frame Wall

Hasn't this lady said enough puns about her name? No. No, she hasn't. In fact, when I had the idea to make a wall of frames, it didn't occur to me that people might think it was punny until a friend said "Oh, how funny! Frames at the Frames!" Afterwards, I looked in the mirror and glared at myself for a whole minute. Anyways, I think they look good. It's a nice, geometric accent to your wall, and it adds the decorative aspect of pictures, but you don't have to worry about matching picture themes or colors. I had several frames stacked against the wall in my craft room (aka The War Zone), and decided I should do something with them. I had to tear the backing off a couple of them, but pretty soon I had them all ready. I laid them out on the floor in various arrangements, and decided on the one below. 

I'm considering changing the paint color on my wall. Maybe something a little brighter? Let me know of any suggestions! Below are some picture/frame collages from my pinterest that served as inspiration.

Funny breakfasts

I like nontraditional breakfasts. Typically, I prefer sandwiches. I have more energy during the day if I can start off with some protein. BLTA's, turkey sandwiches, leftover casserole, and macaroni and cheese have all been seen on my breakfast plate. Here are some pictures of my latest breakfasts. At the top is a quesadilla with havarti, egg, and leftover seasoned taco meat. Then, last Sunday, there were Kielbasa sausage sandwiches with cheddar, mayo, mustard, and relish. Yesterday morning was an avocado sandwich with salt and pepper (trust me, if I had any bacon, it would have been in there). I like breakfast food, but never in the morning. What's your typical or favorite breakfast?

Braid envy

I've officially contracted the flu. Sore throat, nausea, dizziness, the works. My neck is swollen,I'm coughing and feverish, and - lucky me - Conrad still thinks I'm just the cutest thing. I haven't been feeling really well all week, and every day since Friday, he's been asking "Do you feel well enough to go see Hunger Games?" I'd go as far as to say he's actually begged. "Pleasseee?? Are you suuuuurree you don't feel well?" So we finally went last night, and it was really funny to have Conrad as my companion. He kept whispering things like "That was different in the book" and "That actor is perfect! Just how I pictured!" 

I read the books a little over a year ago, so the characters weren't as fresh in my mind. He read the first book a couple weeks ago, so he remembered everything really well. I think he was more excited for the movie than I was! Was anyone else as obsessed with her braid as I was? I've found a new motivation to grow my hair out. 

Easter baskets

Last year, my plan to put together an awesome Easter basket for Conrad failed miserably. He made me take everything back, not because he didn't like it, but because he doesn't like when anyone spends money on him. He feels that anything additional to what he needs to survive is superfluous. "Fine then!" I said haughtily. "Then I will only buy things for myself!" My brain doesn't really register superfluousness. So here are some ideas for my own Easter basket this year. 

Some exciting news!

I woke up with a sore throat this morning, probably as a result of the sliding glass doors allowing tons of freezing, humid night air into our room. Also, sometimes my retainer is uncomfortable, so I mouth-breath all night. Cute, right? Today I have tons of homework (only one more week of school after this!), and I'm meeting some friends for a pizza lunch. Maybe the weather will be sunny? 

On another note, the pillows pictured above are some lovelies I made for my etsy shop. They turned out really well. The pictures are less than perfect, but what's new? I made a hilariously disastrous attempt to sew some "Easter egg pillows," and I literally feel embarrassed when I look at them. I'm so ashamed. They look more like tear-drops than eggs, and they're sewn all crooked.  Ugh, I can't even talk about it. 

Anyway, I thought it would be the perfect time to announce some exciting blog-related news! I've asked Kiersten White (pictured below), author of the Paranormalcy series, to do an interview for you guys! If you've ever read her books, you know she's really funny and an excellent writer. She's absolutely hilarious in real life, too. She's also throwing in  free, signed copy of Paranormalcy! It's all coming soon, so tell your friends! Check out her site for tips on writing, becoming a famous author, and hilarious anecdotes. I've got a couple other giveaways lined up, too, so make sure you are following the blog so you're eligible to win stuff! The more people who follow, the more giveaways I'll have!

 

Some things I love today:

- My big, fluffy, white robe. It's the first thing I go to in the morning. Second, my computer, and third, my toothbrush. 

- That the sun is shining today. It's been pretty stormy all weekend, and a big portion of Southern California lost power for several hours last night. I'm grateful we weren't affected. Welcome back, sunshine!

- That I'm going to eat pizza in 4 hours. 

- That I actually woke up to my alarm and didn't sleep in. Sleeping in is gross. I always wake up groggy or with a headache, plus, have the day is wasted! 

- My family. I get to see them over Easter, and I'm counting the hours.  

On a rainy Sunday evening

We eat cereal in pajamas while watching X-Files. Then I try to kiss my darling, and he's distracted by the aliens and UFO's on-screen, and he keeps his mouth open, and get all slobbered on, and it's gross. And then we listen to the rain fall outside, and enjoy the rest of the night.

Some awkward pokes from the week:
- Driving slowly through directed traffic, avoiding eye contact with the person who's directing it. But then you accidentally look, and he's staring right at you. And then he salutes you. Um, thank you?
- Going in to kiss your husband square on the lips, but he doesn't realize what you're doing, and gives you a high-five instead. I've just come to terms with the fact that kissing Conrad is pretty much going to be awkward every time.
- Attending a hip-hop cardio class. Me and hip-hop? ...yikes. It was just a hot mess.
- The fact that I'm more sore today from said hip-hop class than I usually am from Crossfit.
- That horrible feeling you have right when you barefoot-kick a chair or table leg, and don't feel pain right away, but you know it's coming. And you just stand there, kind of stunned for a second, just waiting for the pain to come, and you clench your teeth. This isn't so much awkward as it is awful.
- Singing loudly to myself "Gimme one reason to stay here...and I'll turn right back around!" as I'm walking from my car to my house. Then I walk past the parking garage (which is only gated, so you can hear and see everything from it) and realize that there is someone there who heard me. And then I walk a little further and see not one, but three people on their balcony, looking at me like "yeah, you're so embarrassed right now." So what do I do? I keep singing. "You better make me change my mind!"

Share your awkward poke moments in the comments!

Veggie Pizza Appetizer

When we were kids, there were two ways my mom could get us to willingly eat vegetables: cover it in cheddar or parmesan cheese, or make this pizza. It's a cold pizza, and it's perfect as a party appetizer or even a lunch. I found myself daydreaming about it - at the grocery store, of all places - so I bought the ingredients and whipped it up. I think it's perfect for Spring! All of the ingredients are crunchy and fresh. So delicious.

Start with 1 can of crescent rolls
Unroll onto foil and pinch the seams together. Then roll out with a rolling pin slightly.
Bake as directed. Do not overcook or it will be too brittle and crackery. You want it to be chewy and bready.

While that's baking and cooling, make the spread.
Use equal parts mayo and cream cheese (I used about 1/3 cup of each and it was perfect).
Soften the cream cheese first, then mix in the mayo. It may be lumpy. Not a problem.
Mix in 1/2 pouch of ranch powder. Don't use the whole pouch - it will be way too salty.

Chop and dice preferred raw vegetables. My favorite is broccoli, carrot, red bell pepper, and chives. You could use onion, avocado, tomato, and herbs, too. Sprinkle the veggies evenly in layers, cut into squares and enjoy!

Blog crawl

I've been invited by my girl Kate to participate in a blog crawl! It's an easy one; you don't have to do multiple posts or anything.

Here are the rules:
1. Post these rules
2. Post a picture of yourself
3. Post 11 random things about yourself
4. Answer the questions that your tagger asked
5. Create 11 new questions, tag some bloggers, and let them know via facebook, twitter, etc.

Here we go!
The pictures above were taken while I was waiting for Conrad to get home on our anniversary. I was excited about my red lipstick!

Randoms:
1. I keep trying to grow my bangs out, but every time they reach a certain length, I can't stand them so I cut them short again. Then I curse myself.
2. I make fun of people who say they "like to exercise." Nobody likes it. You might like the way you feel after you exercise, but no one likes to exercise.
3. When I get sucked into a TV show, nobody sees me until I've finished it. Remember when I was into Desperate Housewives? Mad Men? 30 Rock? Of course you don't. Because I never left my house.
4. I love to do crafts. For some reason, my first try on something always turns out like the first pancake.
5. I tuck my pajamas into my socks.
6. I have monkey toes. They behave like fingers. They pinch, grab, lift, and do almost everything fingers do.
7. Herbal tea is my weakness. Offer me a cup. See how long I can resist. You probably won't even have time to blink before I give in.
8. I've been to ten different countries outside of the US. I love to travel.
9. I started a novel a few days ago.
10. I'm very easily scared or startled.
11. I love that my last name is Frame. I love that my husband gave it to me.

Kate's Questions:
1. What is your greatest accomplishment in your life so far?
Gosh, it could be a lot of different things. I would say marrying Conrad, but I don't consider that a feat, I consider it a stroke of luck. It could be that we bought a house. Or maybe that I'm almost a college graduate. Those are pretty great accomplishments. I'd have to say getting this far in life and keeping a healthy relationship with pretty much everyone I know is a great accomplishment.

2. What are your top 3 pet peeves? 
I have to name 4.
- When I have either too many covers on me, or not enough. I'm somewhat sensitive about it. Conrad's been extremely patient on some nights while I toss and turn, frustrated, trying to get comfortable.
- When the car in front of me stops or slows when they shouldn't. Actually, pretty much anything another driver does ticks me off. I'm very aggressive behind the wheel.
- Sand in the bathing suit. Sand in general.
- When Conrad kisses me really loudly right in my ear hole.

3. You're at a dessert buffet with everything sweet and delicious and desserty you could imagine. What do you go for first?
Apple pie with cheddar cheese melted on top. Every time.

4. If your life was a reality series, what would your theme song be, and why?
Probably something by the Kooks.

5. What is your ultimate dream job?
Writer. Blogger/novelist/housewife. PERF,

6. What is the funniest thing that's ever happened in your life?
That one time I had swine flu and pooped in the bed. That my husband was also sleeping in.

7. Which celebrity do you think you would/could be best friends with?
David Bowie. He's super cool. Married for a long time to a beautiful, age-appropriate woman with whom he has kids. I love when celebrities have families. Also, Kiersten White, with whom I really am friends.

8. What is your biggest fear?
The pile. Legitimately. Ever since that one time I was cleaning it, and a huge spider crawled from my bra to my hand, I'm emotionally incapable of dealing with it. My absolute biggest fear is that while reaching my arm down the leg of my pants (while cleaning the pile, not just because), a spider will bite me. So I guess inside-out pants are a pretty big fear, too.

9. Do you have any scars? If so, what from?
I have a scar on the tip of my left middle finger from where I sliced it on the meat slicer at work, but it's almost gone. My skin doesn't keep scars well, which is kind of a pity. I always dreamed of having a glamorous appendicitis scar.

10. What would your patronus be?
A Conrad. He's my protector. He also appears with the wave of a want and a quick "Expecto."

11. What would be the best invention ever?
Electronic devices that didn't electrocute you if you took them in the bath. I would literally never be without my computer if I could bring it in the shower.

New Questions:
1. What are 3 wishes you'd like granted?
2. What was a typical thought by the 14-year-old you?
3. What is your preferred breakfast?
4. Which character would you like to be cast as in any movie, past or present?
5. Describe the most handsome bald man you've ever seen.
6. Did you ever make "potions" as a kid (where you mix random household ingredients)? What might it have consisted of?
7. What is the coolest thing you've ever gotten for free?
8. When did you first become aware of your personal style?
9. What is your favorite food to make (not necessarily your favorite food to eat)?
10. Describe an embarrassing, period-related incident of yours.
11. If you were given the choice between $50,000 cash, or a car worth $100,000, which would you choose? You can't sell the car, you cheaters.

Jacie. Alyssa. Janean. Jessica. Emily. Go.