Longing for Summer.

I live in the beautiful Pacific NW, where it rains about 364 days of the year. Don't get me wrong, it is absolutely gorgeous, but I am starting to long for summer to get here. I found this recipe for a strawberry pineapple cooler (non alcoholic), it looks so refreshing, and if summer doesn't show up soon, I might just go ahead and make it beforehand.

Pictures and recipe found on:

http://www.mommag.com/local/tri-cities/2010/6/16/summer-pineapple-strawberry-cooler

Ingredients

• 1 12-ounce can frozen pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
• 1 6-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
• 4 cups cold water * 1 liter club soda, chilled
• Ice cubes
• Fresh strawberries (optional)
• Short (6-inch) wooden skewers
• Assorted fruits such as halved orange slices, halved lime slices, orange sections, raspberries, strawberries, sliced kiwifruit, and mint sprigs

Directions

In a large pitcher combine pineapple juice concentrate, limeade, and water. Chill for at least 30 minutes. To serve, transfer fruit juice mixture to pitchers; add club soda, ice cubes, and fresh strawberries.
Serve with Fruit Swizzle Sticks, if desired.
Makes 14 (6-ounce) servings.
Fruit Swizzle Sticks: On short (6-inch) wooden skewers, thread assorted fruits and mint sprigs. Make-Ahead Tip: Up to 24 hours ahead, prepare the juice mixture and chill well. Proceed as directed.
Sit back, soak up the sunshine sipping a sweet drink and enjoy summer.

Late night crafting.

I have been getting more and more into creating things, such as a wreath made out of book pages, antiquing old furniture to give it a newer look, etc. Last night I decided to make felt flowers and put them on headbands. They turned out so cute!

I just wished I had a little girl to put them on, I don't think my husband appreciates me putting them on our 2 year old son to see how they look on...haha. Have you been doing anything crafty lately??

Ciao, 

Nicole

If you are interested in my headbands, please feel free to check out my Etsy shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NHoytCreations

Easter Come and Gone.

So it's Easter night, and I am proud to say I have officially survived another Easter. Despite the staying up until 2 am in the morning the night before preparing things, the allergy attack, and a few unnecessary comments from the peanut gallery, it was a success!!

Woke up early and got the boys around for church, service was only an hour long, then rush home to put the finishing touches on my dishes that I was to bring to my grandma's for lunch. Cleaned the house and relaxed while the boys searched for where the Easter Bunny stashed their baskets. Loved hearing the sounds of my children squeal with delight once they found them and when my 5 year old found his basket saying "FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!" (thanks grandma for teaching him that...lol.) 

Loved the sound of children playing, searching for Easter eggs, and visiting with cousins and family that we don't get to see as much as we would like. These are the things that make all the hustle and bustle of holidays worth while.  Below are a few photo's of our day! How was your Easter???

Ciao,

Nicole

Peep S'mores!

Found this super cool s'more recipe (if you can call it that) on Pinterest. So naturally, I had to try it out. They were as tasty as they were awesome! Even if you are not a fan of peeps, you have to admit they add a lot of fun coloring to the old take on s'mores!

Ingredients you will need:   

Peeps (bunnies or chicks)

Hershey's chocolate squares

Graham crackers

 Directions:

1. Place peep on fork or skewer and roast over stove top until desired. (you can also put all ingredients together: graham, choc square, peep, and zap in microwave).

2.Place between chocolate square and graham, top with another graham.

Hope your Easter is  as fun as ours will be!!! 

Ciao,

Nicole

If the shoe fits...

Went shopping with my mom and sister tonight. My mom saw some shoes her employee was wearing and apparently they are FABULOUS! So naturally we set out to find these shoes...lol. We came up empty handed, but we will stay strong and head out tomorrow to go in search again. I love shoes, I am a shoe-a-holic. 

'Hello, my name is Nicole, and I am addicted to shoes. I own 113 pairs.' 

I know, I know. It is ridiculous to have THAT many pairs. Putting on the perfect pair of shoes can be magic. They can change your mood. I love wearing heels. They instantly make me feel sexy. 

I mostly own heels, naturally, since they make me feel sexy..lol. But I do have a pair of grey converse to throw into the mix as well as some of the ugly ugg looking boots. (You know the boots that are so ugly they're cute?)

How many shoes do you own? Which ones are you favorite?? 

Below are my favorites.

Happy Shopping! 

Ciao,

Nicole