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Backyard Inspirations

May 1, 2012 By 1 Comment

Hello friends! It’s all sunny and pretty here in Northern California today. Well, a little windy which is making me wheeze cause I’m allergic to all the pollens BUT it’s pretty and the temps are perfect. Of course this weather reminds me that we have to redo the backyard.We moved into our home almost 8 years ago and the backyard was all pretty and fresh a year after we moved in. Well since then we have had another child and gained a new dog. The backyard has seen better days. It’s time for some serious replanting and because of our monster new puppy dog, we will need to install new drip lines and do a few other repairs. This dog likes to chew!!! And climb. And chew. It’s a bad combo really. Thankfully we do have a dog run to keep him in once we make things all pretty again. So that he can not destroy our hard work. We are trying to make this redo nice but also do it on a dime {give or take a few hundred!} Aside from a few basic replacements like plants, new sod and planting a garden — we have a huge area to  completely relandscape. It has been a sandbox and very loved play structure but as time has gone on, the kids have become more interested in taking it apart board by board then playing on it. This is a decent sized area and we have been a little stumped. I think the general consensus is pulling up the bark and replacing it with flagstone and pea gravel. We’d also like to add a seating area with a fire pit. It’s totally going to be a labor of love {which I want done by May 18th cause I am hosting a baby shower on the 20th}. No pressure! I also want to move my garden. I have never really liked where we put it and now that some space is freeing up, the time for a new home has come!

Of course because I am planning and needing inspiration, I am all over the place looking up ideas, pics, etc. I wanted to share some of the fun things I have found with you! Maybe you will be inspired? If you can’t tell, I am really hung up on benches. I like that you can fit several people on them and they have a different vibe then your standard patio set.

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As you can see there are many options. These are just a few of my favorites I love the idea of the sunken herb garden but we may stick to some old wine barrels. I’m also thinking of creating a cutting garden so that I can always have fresh flowers {season pending of course!}. Do you have a backyard that you love? What is it that you love about the space?

Filed Under: Bee Green, The Hive

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

March 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Without the normal morning rush that weekdays bring , weekends are a good time for trying new breakfast recipes. My little guy loves coffee cake so this seemed like a fun twist on a classic. It has been officially tried and loved in our house on this chilly, rainy March morning.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Ingredients:

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 4 T butter, melted
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 T flour
  • 1 T cinnamon
  • 2/3 cups nuts (optional)

Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  •  5 T milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Directions: With an electric mixer or stand-up mixer, mix flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Once combined well, slowly stir in 4 T melted butter. Pour batter into a greased 9×13″ baking pan. In a large bowl, mix the 2 sticks of softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nuts until well combined. Drop evenly over cake batter by the tablespoon and use a knife to marble/swirl through the cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center. Place powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake. Serve warm  or at room temperature.

This sweet recipe came from Six Sisters Stuff – check them out for more recipes and fun. Happy Sunday friends!

Filed Under: In the Kitchen, The Hive Tagged With:

This Cluttered Life

February 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This post almost did not happen. Why? Because I lost my camera. In the clutter. Yes, even us super organized people get a little lost at times {I bet even Martha Stewart has her days!}. I think my worst habit is that I start so many projects at a time and then I get a little sidetracked thus the clutter. What am I doing today?

  • Taking photos and listing things on Craigslist.
  • Using Stitch Witchery to hem my bedroom curtains {OK, not really but I really thought about doing it today}.
  • Obsessing Thinking about my master bedroom redo.
  • Painting a dresser for my master bedroom redo.
  • Gathering items that I no longer need for a future {no date set} yard sale.
  • Doing laundry.
  • Making lunches for my kids for tomorrow.
  • Finishing up a few wreaths.
  • Picking a new paint color for my dining room niches.
  • Starting my new part time gig {which oddly enough is organizing paperwork for a non profit}.
  • Staring at the paperwork, birthday cards, old magazines and Cub Scout awards from last night as they sit on my counter.

Yes, really. All of that is on my plate at the moment. I have not gotten anything 100% done but I have dabbled in all of this today. I also took my youngest to a birthday party and went out to dinner with my family. I am feeling a little overwhelmed but I think I will take the advice of my baby brother {that smartie pants}. He suggested to me one time to “chunk stuff out”. What a great idea. I always try and remember this phrase. So the above? Tonight I will go through the stuff piled on my counter, finish up this blog post and finish some wreaths. That will make a good dent in my projects. Oh man, I just got sucked in to Pinterest. Sorry, I’m back now icon smile This Cluttered Life This is what happens when I go on a random search for organized kitchens. I feel like that dog in Up!, “Squirrel!!”. My focus is sometimes lacking. Wanna see what my world looks like right now? I bet you do!!

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“the counter” – yikes!

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Garage sale ‘stuff’ and niche with a sample color. I think I like it but I don’t know that I can commit, yet.

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My new job

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Tonight’s project – yikes!

Do you struggle with a heavy to do list? Adding way too many projects to your plate? Squirrel syndrome? icon wink This Cluttered Life Do you have a method to your madness? I’d love to hear it. Please do leave a comment — I love reading what you have to say.

Happy Monday friends. May it be productive and happy icon smile This Cluttered Life

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Bee Organized, The Hive Tagged With: ,

2012 – Hopes, Dreams and Goals

January 9, 2012 By 3 Comments

OK — maybe my title for this post is a little excessive. I always have hopes, dreams and goals but sometimes a fresh new year coming on the coattails of a very busy holiday season makes us reflect and think about what we’d like a fresh new year to bring. I am trying to keep it real. I mean, of course I’d love to lose 20 pounds and become debt free but is that TOTALLY realistic? Hmmm, depending on how hard I work I guess. Unfortunately I like to bake. Oh well, so much for losing 20 pounds icon wink 2012 Hopes, Dreams and Goals

A friend recently told me that she was inspired by her yoga teacher to choose a word at the start of the year and to focus on becoming that. She chose patience last year {I should probably pick that one for myself this year!} and this year she chose faith. I like this idea. It gives you something to work towards but it is not so big that you lose sight of it. Tonight at dinner we discussed goals. I have many, my hubby hasn’t really thought about it much but said he’d try to help with dinner prep more {mmm, hmmm .. heard that before!} and the kids ranged from silly to easy to lazy. My oldest said he exercise more even though he is plenty active. I think it was a much easier one then say, “I will do my chores with a smile on my face.”

I have a few attainable 2012 goals. By putting them out there — it makes me more accountable.

  • Work with our new pup, Ollie. I need to get out and walk with him, teach him basic commands, etc.
  • Meal plan and grocery shop more efficiently. Convenience becomes too easy and very expensive.
  • Budget — cash only baby!
  • Work on this here blog — I love what I do but I need to focus on growing it and hopefully making some money.
  • Grow Buffalo Hill Designs by continuing to market through Etsy and social media networking.  With this, I want to attend more craft fairs this year not only as a guest but also as a vendor.
  • Exercise. I started 2011 so well with yoga and then fizzled a few months back. I am not sure if I will go that avenue again or get outside more. Maybe both? I know it is SO good for me mentally and physically.
  • Be present. It is so hard for me to be present. I feel like I am constantly doing 5 things at once.
  • Spend more time with friends and family. Over the holidays, Steve’s sister pointed out that she hasn’t seen us in 6 months. Wow! How did that happen? She only lives 1.5 hours from here. Life gets busy but still — face time is important.

Do you set goals or make resolutions for the new year?

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, The Hive Tagged With: ,

Sweet Baby Boy

January 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I just came across this sweet poem. My boys are now 6 and almost 9 which I know is still little but they have grown so fast! My brother and his wife are also expecting a baby boy in March. I just shared this poem with her because I think it is true – and tissue worthy. Mama’s of boys, enjoy.

 

It’s 3 a.m., they’re all asleep,
and no-one’s here to see.
As we rock slowly back and forth,
My baby boy and me.
His little hand is feather light
Tucked up against my chin.
I hold his tiny hand in mine,
and stroke his baby skin.
The house about us creaks and groans,
The clock hands creep around.
He snuggles closer to me still,
And makes his baby sounds.
I love these quiet hours so much,
And cherish every one.
Store memories up inside my heart
For lonely nights to come.
All too soon he’ll be grown up,
His need for mama gone.
But until then I still have time
For kisses and for song.
Time for quiet hours like this
With him cuddled in my arms,
Where I wish he’d always stay
Protected, safe and warm.
And yet I know the day will come
When his tiny little hand,
will be bigger than my own.
He’ll grow to be a man.
But until then he’s mine to love
With no one here to see.
As we rock slowly back and forth,
My baby and me.
~Author Unknown

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, The Hive Tagged With:

My Fall Mantel

September 27, 2011 By 7 Comments

As promised, here are some photos of my Fall Mantel.

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I have had most of the items for years. The leaf wreath came from Hallmark many, many moons ago. I remember the day that I bought it and walked out of the mall … someone said, “Why is she carrying around a giant baf of leaves?” Hee hee. The adorable F A L L tealight holders are from Michael’s and the Pick Your Own Pumpkin sign was a super clearance find years ago at Eddie Bauer Home {does that store even exsist anymore?} I have the candle holders up most of the year and I just swap candles depending on the accent color I am using in my family room. I added the picture of my boys is from Apple Hill from a few seasons back. Love it! New this year is the large ‘M’ which of course stands for our last name. It is a cardboard M that I bought at Joann’s Fabrics. Then I used a Rich Espresso Metalic paint to give it a little extra pop. I also added the felt flowers that I made courtesy of a tutorial over at Jones Design Company. There you have it, my Fall Mantel complete with some dried corn and itty, bitty pumpkins.

Oh, I also just bought a couple of yummy smelly candles over at Bath and Body Works. I only pick them up when they go on sale 2 for $20. Totally worth it.

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Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds, Holidays, The Hive Tagged With: , ,

Fall into Reading and Make Memories

September 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

halloween book 300x264 Fall into Reading and Make Memories

I love books. I love reading them to my children and I love acting the part of the characters {my husband says that I am SO LOUD when I read — well hello! I am ‘acting’. Lots of animation required for this task.} Fall is my hands down favorite season of the year. I am a little obsessive and try to take full advantage of all things Fall. Several years ago, I started collecting Fall/Halloween books for the kids. A lot of pumpkins, some witches and ghosts and even one about The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything {which wasn’t entirely true icon wink Fall into Reading and Make Memories }. I have about 20 books now. I store them away from the day after Thanksgiving until September but when I pull them out, the kids are giddy for them. Even my 8 year old still gets excited and remembers his favorites but now he can read them to me. It is something I would recommend to any family who enjoys the seasons. It is a tradition that has become special in our home. Plus, it allows for a break from the everyday books that we read over and over. I know you know what I am talking about parents. Wink Wink! Yes, we also do the same for Christmas!

A few of our faves:

Miss Fiona’s Stupendous Pumpkin Pies
Scarecrow Pete {a great book that encourages a love of reading}
Pumpkin Town {fabulous illustrations}
10 Timid Ghosts
By the Light of the Harvest Moon

Do you have a special tradition for Fall? I’d love to hear it!

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds, Holidays, The Hive

Life is Like a Circus …

September 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

juggler Life is Like a Circus ...

Some days OK, everyday, I feel like a circus performer. Well more like a clown juggling balls but it’s more funny then good. I try but I drop the balls. Don’t worry, I pick them right back up and start over. I am a full time stay at home. I am blessed to have this job. It is not without sacrifice but it is very worth it. Recently I was offered a job interview through a friend. She works for some successful Etsy sellers {go ahead click here for the details on that … }. I was excited and nervous. Then I kinda panicked. The opportunity might have been perfect for me. However, the timing was not. I was feeling a little claustrophobic. Take the position and make some $$ for the first time in almost 9 years or turn it down and focus on my own business endeavors and home life? I chose the latter. Of course my hubby was at work and not available when I called to have my meltdown conversation of pros and cons. After sleeping on it, I decided that the timing is not quite right. Not only do I want to continue The Local Honey, I am also starting an Etsy business and I am one of those ‘PTO moms’.  Oh, and the home life. That would suffer. I feel active and busy in all aspects of my life. Plus I am married to a firefighter with an eratic schedule and I have two young kids. Some consistency for them is good! When I finally talked to my hubby he said, “Yeah, I didn’t know where you thought you were going to find that time”. Whew! Validation. Oh how I love validation! Now why didn’t he say that when I mentioned this possible job? Jeez! I could have eliminated all of that stress icon wink Life is Like a Circus ... So life is good but some days it truly does feel like my own personal circus. I wouldn’t trade it for anything though. Are you where you want to be? What changes would you make to be exactly where you want to be?

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, The Hive

9/11 Memorials in and around Sacramento

September 8, 2011 By 2 Comments

Dearest friends,

As you know I like to share a lot of hodge podge stuff on my blog. I always try and include humor as I do believe laughter is the best medicine. Sometimes laughter is not a part of a post though. Case in point. This weekend will mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America. As I have been reading all of the stories that have surfaced and even has I have heard Lee Greenwoods, Proud to be an American and cried — I am reminded of that day and of that time. The world felt like it completely stopped that day and I know many of us felt unsafe and wondered what was next. I did not know anyone in the World Trade Center nor did I know of anyone in the military during that exact time. I am however married to a firefighter. That in itself was such an insight to what a fearless profession he is in. It stung. I thought of all of the firefighter wives that said good-bye to their husbands that morning not knowing it was the last. All of the parents that kissed their babies for the last time that morning. The gripping fear that must have seized these souls during their last moments. We all felt this. In some way or another. It changed us.

0 9/11 Memorials in and around Sacramento

My heart goes out the people have endured the aftermath of this insanely inhuman attack. The lovers who lost their soul mates, parents who lost children and children who lost parents. All of us were affected. A lot of very innocent people. All because of beliefs and differing opinions. It breaks my heart. I am a peaceful fighter. One who believes in standing up for my beliefs but one who also believes in kindness and knows that we are all unique in our views. A few weeks back, I went to see Sugarland in concert. The most moving part of the entire concert was when Jennifer Nettles appeared on stage. With a black can of spray paint and a stretched white flag in her arsenal. She painted the word, “NOW” and within the ‘O’ she made a peace sign. Wow. Such a powerful statement. It washed over me. I had this feeling of, “Why can’t it be this easy?”. Why is there so much hate in our world? Aren’t our basic needs the same? To love and be loved? Do all of our differences have to make us hate each other? I say we take the opposite stand. Love each other and find peace.

0 9/11 Memorials in and around Sacramento

I am feeling this so deeply and wanted to share my sentiments with you. Thank you for listening icon smile 9/11 Memorials in and around Sacramento

This Sunday I will be attending a 9/11 Tribute at my husbands firehouse. I can pretty much bet that there will not be a dry eye in the house. I wanted to share some other memorial events happening this weekend in and around Sacramento.

9/11 Memorial Events per the Sacramento Bee

Friday

• Sacramento

7:30 p.m. – Diverse Americans Unite – Japanese, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist Americans – presents a memorial at Buddhist Church of Florin, 7235 Pritchard Road. At 8 p.m., participants will ring a Buddhist gong and conduct a candlelight ceremony.

• West Sacramento

Noon – A 9/11 Memorial Flag Tribute with nearly 3,000 small flags representing lives lost on Sept. 11 is at Jefferson Boulevard and South River Road. The display continues through sundown Sunday.

Sunday

• Colfax

8:46 a.m. – The Kiwanis Club of Greater Colfax presents Reading of Names Memorial Service behind the Historic Freight Depot, 1-4 Main St.

• Dixon

4 p.m. – Dixon Fire Department unveils a 9/11 Memorial featuring steel from the World Trade Center at 205 Ford Way.

• Rancho Cordova

The California Capital Airshow presents a tribute with a memorial flower drop, concluding with a Missing Man formation at Mather Airport, 10510 Superfortress Ave. A ticket to the air show is required. The cost is $15 for general admission.

• Roseville

Noon – St. John’s Episcopal Church holds a remembrance at 2351 Pleasant Grove Blvd. A special memorial flag with names of victims hangs in the narthex.

• Sacramento

5:30 a.m. – A remembrance vigil and reading of names of the men and women who died in the attacks begins at the west steps of the Capitol. There will be a moment of silence at 5:46 a.m. Immediately following, the crowd will be ushered into one of the three memorial sites on the Capitol grounds.

8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Nor Cal Tea Party Patriots, KTKZ and Fox 40 News presents a memorial remembrance at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. A free pancake breakfast for first responders, military members and their families is from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. At 9:07 a.m., a bell will be rung and a moment of silence will be observed.

2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – The Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Sacramento presents “Decade of Remembrance” at the east steps of the Capitol.

There is also a 9/11 Memorial Run/Walk which starts at 9:11am. Click here for more information. Anna Nalick will be performing as well.
Will you pay tribute on 9/11? If so — where and how?

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Bee Local, The Hive Tagged With:

Old Fashioned Thank You Notes

August 8, 2011 By 1 Comment

I have always been a lover of cards — all cards. Birthday, blank, just for fun and thank you cards. I have to say that I have no idea where I got this so called skill of sending thank you cards. No one ever installed it in me growing up yet it is part of who I am. I even worked as an assistant manager for a Hallmark store just over 10 years ago. That job was so much fun and so dangerous! A discount and layaway? I was all stocked up on any type of greeting card you can think of as well as boxes of thank you notes.

This is a fresh topic right now as my youngest and I just had birthdays at the end of July. One of my guy friends was making fun of my thank you card sending and said I should design an app {yes, I have since heard that there are several} to send a than you note on the spot. Well I disagree — I want to write a personal note, address the envelope and send it off in the mail. Who doesn’t love getting something personal in the mail? I know I do! I do get compliments when the thank you notes come from my kids. Ben can now write his own {at the age of 8} but I still write them for my little one {who just turned 6} but I have him sign them. It still makes it personal and they are aware of the sentiment of thank you cards.

This morning I came across these cute fill in the blank cards over at Jones Design Company. She has so many fun tutorials and paper goods over at her site so be sure and check it out!

fill in the blank 300x200 Old Fashioned Thank You NotesJones Design Company

How about you? Do you send virtual or paper thank you notes?

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Bee Organized, Bee Thankful, The Hive Tagged With: , ,
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