hi, how are ya?

has it really been so long since i posted? sorry about that. hope you had a wonderful Easter holiday-we sure did! i don't even know how to start to catch up on everything that's been going on! i made some super cute Easter pillow boxes for the girls at my local scrapbook store- they were pdf templates i downloaded from house of 3- i embellished them with some flowers & rhinestone brads, and filled them with cadbury mini eggs. i love how they turned out. i've been making inchies for a SIStv swap- they are fun to make, but so tiny that they're quite a challenge! i have lots to get done before i leave for the big ScrapETC event- i am getting super excited to see my friends and make cute stuff with them in Atlanta ^o^. this past weekend, ScrappyTimes had their first online cyber crop. it was tons of fun & there were some great challenges posted- head on over there & be sure to sign up if you're not a member- they're a great bunch!
this morning, Sophia taught me how to make delicious, authentic Mexican guacamole!
it is so good that i'd thought i'd share the recipe:

Flippin Good Guacamole
6-8 tomatillos
3-4 serrano peppers (more if you like hot, i'm a 6 pepper girl & it's burn your mouth off hot)
1/2" thick slice of yellow onion
1 clove of garlic
1-2 tsp salt (may need more to taste)
2 ripe avocados
handful of fresh cilantro
fresh lemon juice (not quite all the juice of 1/2 lemon)
1/2 cup water

Prep: soften the tomatillos & serranos in boiling water:
peel & rinse tomatilos, add to saucepan with serranos, add 2-3" water, bring to boil
allow to boil a few minutes (3-5) till peppers swell & tomatillo skin softens a little- don't overdo it. this helps make the gorgeous bright green color.

Directions:
Add prepared tomatillos & serranos to a blender along with all the other ingredients & go dude!
i used ice crush/pulses on mine until it was a creamy thick yummy consistency!
crack open the chips & enjoy!!
Sophia says it's delicious on a tortilla filled with scrambled eggs! YUMMMM

ok so i've been eating so much great food between Sophia's Mexican cooking lessons & Easter weekend meals & Cadbury Mini Eggs (2 BAGS dude-'nuff said!) that i have gained back some lbs. and i just feel horrible about it. so this week, i placed an order for NutriSystem. i did some research, talked with the hubs (who said: "look- try it. if you hate it, don't order anymore"-oh how i love his zen approach to life- he's my hero!) and decided to try- it certainly can't hurt. i just really need to jump start the weight loss & then stay OP on my WW online for maintenance. i LOVE the WW online plan- it works when you stick with it. but my problem is, i stop writing down every single bite of food, or have an extra bite here or there-or sometimes the portion size is big, or i go out to eat with friends & go nuts! i think i need the strict portion control, at least for a little while. then i can switch back & be OK. i'll keep you updated how it's going & most importantly- how things taste ;) prepare for funky food pics LOL!
oh & i'm thinking of dying my hair blue- it is an event color afterall- whatcha think?


pillow boxes: Easter Pillow Boxes hybrid printable, houseof3.com, heidi swapp & prima flowers,rhinestone brads, plastic sparkle flower- unknown.


for the ScrappyTimes After Easter Cyber Crop based on a sketch by Jacqueline at ST. Cosmo Cricket papers, cardstock, vintage butterflies ordered from Jenni Bowlin store, scallop punch, buttons, puffy fabric hearts, lots of pop dots
xo
-g
^o^