Snap Conference Recap Part 2 - Day 1 Thursday

I arrived at the venue Thanksgiving Point for Snap Conference at 10:30am so excited and eager.  I met up with my friend Kari from Newlyweds on a budget and we went together to check in.  I received my name tag

and awesome big fat swag bag (which I will share the contents of later).  I mean look - it is huge!

It was heavy and full of goodies.  After stowing my swag bag somewhere safe I headed back to the break room and visited with a few sponsors.  I first visited with Vinyl Outlet - they shared some fun vinyl ideas and I was happy to find out that they are local because I use vinyl a lot.  They put this fun vinyl assortment in my swag bag

Next I hopped on over to the sponsor Homes.com - I was excited to visit with this sponsor because I have chatted with them a lot on twitter - it was so fun to put a face to someone I have been chatting with.  They gave me this cute house cookie cutter

The next sponsor I visited with was Royal Design Studio - This was also very fun because I have been emailing Regina (who works with Royal Design) back and forth the last couple of weeks so it was so nice to meet her in person.  Keep a lookout this week for some fun things I have planned from Royal Design Studios.  We had fun rolling a dice to win a stencil and I won the one that I was hoping for!  Royal Design gave me this beautiful stencil - I cannot wait to use it!

There were several other sponsors there but I did not yet have time to visit with them because I needed to get to my first class. 

My first class was Blogging Basics.  Even though I have had my blog for a few years I knew that there is so much I need to learn.  This class was a panel that had Amy Anderson from Mod Podge Rocks, Cheri Heaton from I am Momma Hear Me Roar, Cindy Hopper from Skip to My Lou and Kari Sweeten from U Create.  These ladies did a fabulous job in their class.  I learned so much from this class and was able to get some great ideas and resources.

Pick your Plum gave away some fun goodies in this class like this great collection of thread

What was also so great was I saw a friend of mine there - like a friend I play bunco with every month.  And do you know what?  I didn't have a clue that she has a blog or that she would be here.  So that was an extra special surprise!  It was my friend Katie and she has a fantastic blog called The Crafty Blog Stalker I also became quick friends with her friend Julie who is still in the planning stages of her blog.  These girls are both so fun!

Dinner that night was very yummy.  For those of you that love food I took some pics with my phone - here is what we had:

*Baby Spinach salad with caramelized walnuts, pears, Gorgonzola cheese and strawberry balsamic dressing

*Marinated chicken with artichoke and tomato jus with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus

*Sweat treats like strawberries, pineapple, cinnamon bears, pretzels, cream puffs with melted chocolate

The salad was very good, the main course was super yummy -especially the garlic mashed potatoes and the dessert - Oh My!  It was to die for.

Velata sponsored our dinner and shared with us their new product that is being unveiled in May.  I was in heaven!  Velata is from the parent company of Scentsy and can you believe they have come out with Chocolate warmers?  The chocolate was so delicious!  I tried the dark chocolate, milk chocolate and caramel milk chocolate (yup you read that right - caramel milk chocolate!)  When you have the opportunity to try this make sure you do!

One of my roomies Ashlee from I'm Topsy Turvy made this fantastic cake for Snap Conference, isn't it fabulous!

I headed back to my hotel with some of my roomies and was to bed by 11pm - not too late because I knew the next day would be super busy.

Snap Conference Part 1

Summer

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Snap Conference Recap - Part 1

After all of the waiting, expectations, build up of Snap Conference I have to say that I wasn't disappointed.  With this being my first blogging conference I wasn't really sure what to expect - and it was awesome!  I had three fun filled days of learning, building connections and friendships along with being a bit awestruck by some of my blog Idols.

Sadly I did not take many pictures on my camera - I know, what was I thinking?  I think I was just a bit wrapped up into everything to think about it.  I did take some pictures with my phone on Instagram so I am going to figure out how to share those..

I had some great roomies that helped make the experience so fun!

My roomies were:

Ashlee from I'm Topsy Turvy - who made a beautiful cake for Snap!

Victoria from ObSEUSSed - I got to know Victoria more and she is such a sweetheart - we shared a bed and I hope I didn't keep her up too much :)

Kari from Newlyweds on a Budget - Kari is so cute!

Jen from Being Spiffy Jill totally cracked me up all weekend long!

I had so much fun with my roomies!  They were great.

I took some fantastic classes which I will share about in the next few days and I networked with some great people like Katie from The Crafty Blog Stalker, Julie (who is still creating her blog), Kathy from Danish Mama, Megan from Happy looks good on you, Lori from Eclectic Mamma, Vanessa from Our Thrifty Ideas, Vivienne from The V Spot - oh there are so many!

Tomorrow I am going to share some more great awesomeness with you about classes I took and the great food.

Summer

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Freedom Wood Blocks

It has been so busy around here!  My mom had knee surgery and I have been helping take care of her and then I have been cleaning the house in preparation for my trip.  I am leaving on Thursday to Snap Conference and want a nice clean house for the family before I go.

So I won't be around the blog for a bit the rest of the week so I wanted to be sure to leave you with a craft I just finished.

Over the weekend I made some cute patriotic blocks that say Freedom.  Yes, I know 4th of July is still quite a ways away but I thought these would be good to put out for Memorial Day as well - so I decided it was time to make them.  I will probably pull them out for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor day.

I am hoping to come up with some other ideas but so far this is what I have had time to create.  I have not yet added them to my Etsy shop but I hope to soon.

Summer

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Strawberry, Raspberry, Lemonade and OJ Smoothie

I have mentioned before that I am trying to get a little healthier.  Earlier today I mentioned my Homemade Pizzas that are under 300 Calories and in trying to keep in the spirit of being a little healthier I am trying to kick my soda habit, but it isn't going so well.  In my journey to stop drinking as much soda I have been trying different drinks. I have not yet been able to embrace the whole diet soda idea as it does not taste good to me. I have been drinking a tons more water and Juice (mostly orange and apple) and lemonades.  I am enjoying these drinks and found that I even like Cranberry Juice.

Another drink I have really been enjoying is Smoothies - especially with the hot summer around the corner I can see myself making a lot of these.  I like to play with different flavors and have found a recipe I really like that I would like to share with you:

Strawberry, Raspberry, Lemonade and OJ Smoothie

Ingriedients

5 Strawberries
1/4 Orange Juice Concentrate
1/2 container of Raspberry yogurt
1/2 cup of Lemonade
4 Ice Cubes (not pictured) :)

Wash and cut up the strawberries!

Put Strawberries in blender and add 1/4 frozen Orange Juice concentrate

Add 1/2 of the yogurt (I used a little less then 1/2)

Add 1/2 cup lemonade and 4 ice cubes (ice cubes are not pictured)

Blend (please ignore my pile of books behind the blender)

Pour in a glass and enjoy with another strawberry - there even a little bit left to have another glass if you want!

This turns out so yummy!  It has a nice berry flavor from the Strawberries and raspberry yogurt and has a little zing from the OJ and Lemonade.

In case you are wondering about the calories here goes:

5 medium strawberries - 50 calories

1/4 cup Frozen OJ Concentrate - 110 calories

1/2 container of Raspberry Yogurt - 85 calories

1/2 cup Lemonade - 55 calories

4 Ice Cubes - 0 calories

Total Calories - 300

Enjoy!

Summer

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Less than 300 Calories Homemade Pizzas

I mentioned previously that I am trying to become a bit healthier.  I have started walking, I will be participating in the Color Me Rad 5k (there are a few more days left of my Color Me Rad giveaway) and I am trying to change some of the things I eat and drink.

The hardest thing so far is not drinking as much soda.  I love Coke (especially Cherry Coke) Dr. Pepper - I even like Pepsi (yup I like both Coke and Pepsi).  I have not yet quite given up my soda (that has been a real struggle) but I am definitely not drinking as much.

I am trying to eat more fruits and veges - I love salads and have been eating a ton of Cuties - love em.  For meals in the morning and afternoon I am trying to eat a meal that is under/around 300 calories, and I am trying to snack smarter - some days are easier than others.

One meal I have been enjoying for lunch (or dinner) is my Homemade Pizzas.  They are a little under 300 calories for both slices and are very yummy!  So I thought I would share

Ingredients:

Thin Buns - I have used Sara Lee and Oroweat and like both
1/8 cup Sauce - I prefer Ragu spaghetti sauce with roasted garlic and onions
1/4 cup (plus a teeny bit more) Cheese - Mozzarella
6 slices of Pepperoni
1/8 cup Mushrooms - today I used canned but fresh is yummy
2 Tbsp. Olives
Salad Supreme seasoning
*note - it would probably be healthier and less calories to make your own spaghetti sauce and I do when I can but I am super busy and need something around that I can make quick.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grab your thin buns.  Each thin bun is only 100 calories open it up and you have two slices to work with.  I like the thin buns because they are only 100 calories and they are a good source of fiber. Here is a picture of the thin buns I used today - so you know what I am talking about.

Toast your thin buns.  Now don't toast them all the way - just toast them a bit so the sauce does not make them soggy.  I can't stand soggy pizza!  Now place the toasted buns on a baking sheet.  Spread some sauce onto each thin bun and then add some cheese.

Add 3 pepperoni's, mushrooms and olives.  Add more cheese on top.

Sprinkle the Salad Supreme on top - it gives a nice Italian kick.

If you are not sure what Salad Supreme is no worries - I took a picture for you.  See I am nice like that :)

Now place the pizzas in the oven until cheese is melted - about 5-7 minutes.

These are very tasty and satisfying.  The fiber in the thin buns help fill you up and you don't feel like you have been denied anything - This is yummy pizza - even my kids enjoy it.

What do you like to make that is low in calories and yummy?  Please share your ideas with me!

Here is a run down of the calories if you are interested:


Thin Buns - 100 Calories
Ragu Sauce - 22.50 Calories
Mozzarella Cheese - 80 Calories
Pepperoni - 52.50 Calories
Canned Mushrooms - 7.5 Calories
Canned Olives - 25 Calories
Salad Supreme seasoning - No Calories are listed on the label and it just a sprinkle so I am putting this as 0


Total Calories - 287.50

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Summer

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Featured on Knock Off Decor

I am excited to share this with you.  My Pottery Barn Knock Off burlap basket has been featured on Knock Off Decor!  When I found out about this it made my day!  Please run over and check out the feature!

Summer

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Color Me Rad Registration Giveaway

** The first winner did not respond so www.random.org picked a second winner!
  The winner is Entry #23 - Lindsey!!!  Congrats I have emailed you!

*Contest is now closed
*The Winner was picked by www.random.org

Drumroll......

And the lucky winner is Entry #40 Erin!!!  Congratulations - I have emailed you!


I am very excited for this Color Me Rad giveaway today!  Before I get into the details about it let me share something with you - I am out of shape!  I have been out of shape for way to long and lately have been sick of how I have been feeling and looking.  So I have started walking.  Walking in this great spring weather has actually been very enjoyable.

Several weeks ago I signed up to go to the Breathing Space retreat and I found out that Color Me Rad was a sponsor.  I was not familiar with Color Me Rad so I checked out their website.  To me this looks like a super fun race.  Color Me Rad has been so awesome as a sponsor of Breathing Space that they are giving everyone that is attending a registration to the 5k race (or walk in my case) :)  Of course I had to sign up! Just check out how fun this looks

picture source via http://www.colormerad.com/

picture source via http://www.colormerad.com/

I have been walking even more to prepare for this 5k and I just love how I have been feeling lately.

Breathing Space & Color Me Rad have given me the opportunity to give one of you a registration to a Color Me Rad 5k.  That way you can join in on the fun!  The winner of this giveaway can enter the race in Utah or in any of their other locations.  Click here for a list of the other race locations.

Doesn't this sound fantastic?  This giveaway will be done via the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway will end on Monday *April 14th, 2012. The winner will be chosen randomly via rafflecopter.  The winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond. But get this - your chance of winning a registration to the race just got better - a few other blogging friends of mine are also hosting a Color Me Rad registration giveaway. I will leave a list after the rafflecopter form of the other blogs you can visit for a chance to win!  Good Luck!

* Please note I ended the giveaway early because the Utah race is almost sold out and I wanted the winner to be able to reserve their spot

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Ultimate Blog Party

Are you ready for the Ultimate Blog Party?  This blog party has been going on for 6 years, but this is my first time to ever participate.



This party starts on April 13th and goes until April 20th.  It gives the partygoers the opportunity to meet other bloggers and companies.  There will be great prizes, twitter chats and fun!  I am planning on donating a prize to the huge prize pool - so excited!

Summer

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Second Opinions are Important

Happy Saturday everyone!  I hope you don't mind that I get on a little soap box for a moment.  I just want to share a little story with you on why getting a second opinion is important.  So often we go to a doctor or a professional, listen to what they have to say and just go with it.  It is very important to listen to your gut and if you feel it isn't right go and get a second opinion!

My moms knees have been hurting terribly lately.  She has really struggled with walking and has been in so much pain.  She thought for sure she had hurt her knee so she went to a surgeon.  The surgeon did a few tests took a look at her knees and told her that her knees were just fine.  She was a bit surprised at this news and spent the next several weeks thinking that perhaps the pain to her knees was caused from being slightly overweight and being older.

She then visited with one of her doctors and told him of her experience with the surgeon and he advised that she get a second opinion - and I am so glad she did!  Thursday my mom had surgery on one of her knees.  This new surgeon found a cyst in her knee, which he took out.  The cyst was on the underside of her knee and was causing so much pressure that her kneecap was actually fractured!  The surgeon also thought her the meniscus was torn but what he found was that her meniscus was mush - so he had to remove it and did a few things to try to promote her knee to grow a new meniscus.

I am so glad my mom went and got a second opinion, can you imagine the pain she must have been in and would have continued to be in?

I will jump off my soap box now - thanks for listening!

Summer

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Cinnamon Sugar Scones

Scones are a tradition in my family.  When I was a kid my mom would often make scones on a Sunday morning to enjoy for breakfast.  She would let us make our own scones and give us toppings like cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, honey and jam.

This is a tradition I have tried to carry on with my own kids.  However, my kids always just go for the cinnamon and sugar so I don't even put the other stuff out unless they ask for it.  So we made scones together this past Sunday and I thought I would share it with you.

If I have time I like to make my own dough but it was a weekend that I wanted to really relax so I bought some Rhodes frozen roll dough.  This is great to use when you don't have time to make your own dough.

On the back of the package there are two defrost methods.  One is a 3-5 hours defrost method and the other is a quicker 1 1/2 hour defrost method.  I didn't use either of those methods.  I knew I was going to make these Sunday morning so Saturday night I put 12 of the rolls in a baking dish and placed in the fridge to defrost overnight.

Here is the Rhodes dough frozen Saturday night.

Here are the thawed Rhodes dough Sunday morning.  They are soft and completely thawed.

I pulled the rolls out of the fridge about 7:30 in the morning and when the kids woke up around 8am we started to make our scones. I wanted the rolls to rise a bit more so I stuck them in a turned off oven with a pot of boiling water.  This really helped the rolls rise a lot more (sorry didn't take a pic).  While the kids began to shape their scones I prepped the cinnamon sugar.

There was not any measuring with the sugar - I just added a bunch of sugar to a bowl and sprinkled/stirred the cinnamon in until it had the right look/flavor.  I always have a ton of cinnamon sugar left over and we use it for cinnamon toast throughout the month.

The kids are having fun making their scones.
We even got out our Mickey Mouse cookie cutter that I bought in Disneyland to make some shaped scones.

Once the scones are ready you want to put them in a frying pan that has preheated oil in it.  I set my fryer at 350 degrees.

I usually put a small ball of dough in first to make sure the oil is hot.  You want the dough to sizzle - if it doesn't it will get to oily.  So wait to make sure the oil is heated up.  Once the scones have browned on one side flip them over and cook them on the other side.

Once they are cooked on both sides transfer them to a plate with paper towels and blot off the excess oil.

Now if I have a paper bag around I put the cinnamon sugar in the bag, add the scones and shake.  Today I did not have a paper bag so I just added the scone to the cinnamon sugar mixture in a bowl and spooned sugar over the top, flipped it over and then made sure sugar was all over the bottom.

Now you have a plateful of yummy cinnamon sugar scones!

Enjoy them!  My kids sure did!

Summer

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