Wild Hair Wednesday - holiday party style

I had fun trying a new updo over the holidays. Some twisty, weaving, pinwheel stuff.

I used this video for inspiration. --> http://youtu.be/yjyEoC8Hk90

Media Monday - Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy

I've seen these guys twice since I've been back in Kansas. They ROCK!





the mandolin is my favorite part




They played with another band I love called Elephant Revival, who I happened to feature on Media Monday a couple years ago.

Mudroom Makeover

In preparing to list the house, I've been busy with home projects. Some more fun than others. This one started out not-so-fun....well, actually it ended not-so-fun too, but it IS fun!

The laundry/utility/mudroom received a much needed face lift.

From this....

To this....

Although it's dark and rainy out there, it's bright and sunny in here! Ahhh, makes me happy!

For Sale By Owner

The house is officially FOR SALE! I listed it on Zillow this past weekend and held the first open house on Sunday.

   

If you know anyone looking for a cheery home in the Wichita area, please send them my way. 749nwestridge.blogspot.com has a ton of photos, as does Zillow.

Birthday fun

My family met at Watson Park for my birthday last week. We had a picnic dinner, rode the train, pedaled boats, and soared high on the swings.

  It was my littlest nephew's first train ride and swing. I love being part of their 'firsts'.

Basketball Backboard Birthday

Quick Update: Yes, I'm still in Kansas. I have been working like crazy on the house which has given me a lot of time to think. I finally found an awesome renter, but within a week of finding her, I had processed and reprocessed the possibilities and decided to not rent it anymore. I am finishing up the projects (hopefully this week) and will be putting it up for sale. I love my little house and it makes me sad to think I won't be able to enjoy it for much longer, but I can't take it with me. I will just have to enjoy it while I can!

Today is my birthday. Funny thing, I finished fixing my tore up basketball backboard today, which I had originally painted 5 years ago on this day. My last renters must have been the firsts to really use it. It was shredded on the right side where the layup would have hit.

*cleaned up a bit*

I decided not to look at the original pics and just freehand a new 'design' on it. I didn't have all of the same colors so it's not as balanced as it use to be, but I'm calling it good.

And just for fun... here's the original design.

Other birthday fun to follow. =)

the Sunday Special - Sunflower & Almond Crust Quiche

Before going on vacation or moving, it's a good idea to use up perishable groceries. I had almost a whole carton of eggs so what better to make than quiche. Being on an alternative-to-white-flour kick, I substituted almond and sunflower seed meal.

Sunflower Seed & Almond Meal Quiche Crust

• 2 cups almond meal or sunflower seed meal (or a combination of the two)
• 2 tablespoons butter, olive oil, or coconut oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried basil, rosemary or thyme (pretty sure mine had a bit more than that)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (if the sunflower seed meal is salted, emit this)

Sift all dry ingredients then add the egg and butter/oil. Form a ball and then roll out on wax paper. Transfer to pie pan.

For the filling...

• 5 eggs
• 1/2 cup of greek yogurt 
• what ever veges are on hand: mushrooms, spinach, onions, peppers, broccoli, squash, tomatoes, etc
• shredded cheese (any kind and what ever amount you desire)

Saute veges (except tomatoes, of course). Beat eggs. Combine all ingredients. Pour mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.

Garnish with greek yogurt and homemade salsa.

Tahoe to Kansas, and BABIES oh my!

Wow this week has been a whirlwind! I moved out of my current place, filling up a storage unit in Nevada and preparing for my trip back to Kansas. Tuesday was my last day in Tahoe so I enjoyed it the best way I know how. I had a peaceful breakfast on the beach.

Checked out a new-to-me Farmers Market.

And said goodbye to friends.

Wednesday was a full day of traveling. My bestie picked me up at the airport around 10pm and we stayed up late catching up on life.

Thursday, my sister had a baby boy!! I made it to town just in time.

Yesterday, was full of baby holding, errands, and 3 home showings. (I'm in search of new renters. Fingers crossed I find the right fit.)

And lookie there, the week isn't even over yet. I better get out there and do something. haha

Media Monday - Social D

This weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with some local artists at the Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show. One lady in particular, took me under her wing and I am so grateful she did. She is such a hoot!
At one point, we were talking about music. Now keep in mind, she is 78 years old and quite ornery. She tells me her favorite kind of music is punk rock. haha. Yeah, right! "Yeah, Social Distortion is my all time favorite band." The fact that she even knew who Social Distortion was, was proof enough that she was serious.

In honor of my newest friend.


Although I did choose some of the more mellow songs, there might be some F bombs sprinkled in there.

the Sunday Special - Blueberry Bran Pancakes/Crepes

I took a little break from my usual breakfast of grapefruit and a green smoothie to try something new.

I changed up a pancake recipe and came up with this yummy healthier version.

Blueberry Bran Pancakes

1 cup Toasted Oat Bran

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Baking Powder

1 Egg

1 cup Coconut Milk 

1/2 cup Blueberry Greek Yogurt

Fresh Blueberries

Sift together dry ingredients in one bowl. Fork beat egg, milk, and yogurt in another bowl. Combine the 2 bowls' ingredients. Pour onto a coconut oil greased griddle, placing fresh blueberries in the uncooked side. Turn once. 

I also tried using half coconut milk and half water. I'm not sure what else could have caused the difference, but that time they came out super thin like crepes, and just as yummy.