Disney MAC 2012 Villains line

EEEEEEKS!!! I'm so excited that there is going to be a new Disney MAC collaboration & this time unlike 2010 the ladies look amazing & couture!

 The release date is August at the online store (Disney Store) & September in the Disney stores. Ladies of Utah we now have one in City Creek.

They are going to have large variety of products & prices from $12.50 up to $79.50.

Per the release they will have in their beauty line a 3 pack lip gloss set, a 6 color eye shadow palette w/ eyeliner, a 6 color nail polish assortment, compact mirror & cosmetic bag.

For the home & office they are including ceramic mugs, stationery sets & exclusive character lithographs.

Have no fear there will be clothing & accessories. The collection will include six beautiful fashion tops inspired by each one of the villains; complete w/ rhinestone detailing & foil technique. There’s also a fashion sequin tote bag, wallet, silk scarves & the Disney Villains Designer Dolls. The dolls are $79.50. I was hoping for $19.95. The hubs thought they would be $100.  They are limited addition AND amazing, but damn they are expensive.

As much as I love the line, I am a little sad that Ursula and Queen of Hearts apparently had the bypass surgery.

So what do you think of the new line?

Scuba diving = death?

Alright, I'm deathly afraid of water! Although I took swim lessons growing up I never did jump off the high board.

Now I can swim, but I get scared and panic when I can't see what's below me. (blame Lake Powell, minnows, catfish and the movie Jaws)

Now my hubby knows water isn't my friend but yet he seems to plan water activities. He got us a deal on Groupon for an introductory scuba lesson. Although he's certified it's been years since he went diving and he wanted the practice and is going to get re-certified.

We got the Wee One, The Hubs, Itty Adams, MeShell and myself a pass. I guess if I'm going to drown I want my friends close to me. We listened to the instructor, took a test and got our gear and headed to the pool. Us girls had to put on extra weights because of our boobs and their buoyancy.

The breathing wasn't hard for me although others had issues with it. I couldn't figure out how to clean out the water from my mask while underwater, but it turns out I was doing it wrong once corrected it was easy peasy.

Now I'm going to be honest, it wasn't that bad. Being underwater and being able to breath was surreal. I went to the deep end, but I didn't ever go to far from the wall. (still nervous)

I had a blast and would for sure would do it again.....in a pool. The ocean, not so much.

Birthday camping trip

We had our 2nd annual birthday trip for Itty. Although I had an amazing time with Itty, Dirty, The Hippies & the Hubs the weather didn't seem to agree with us. It rained the whole weekend.

However when life gives you lemons make sure you surround yourself with the right people. We had a blast! We played games, ate tons and had a couple of drinks.

Another bad part to this camping trip was no fires were allowed because of all the damn wildfires. I completely understand, but it was still sad news.

Oh yeah, because we were so awesome the ranger gave us her personal cell number and will give us a free camp stay!! :)

(sorry for the lack of photos, this was all I had on my phone)

Paintings

My friend MeShell & I were at Michael's the other day and we decided to get some paints, brushes and canvas. Luckily for us we came across a set and it already had the image drawn out for us. Win-win!

We painted and had a few bottles of wine and talked about life, men, friends and food. (It was time for dinner)

Anyways for my 1st oil painting EVER I think it turned out ok.

Mine

MeShell's

Follow the leader

On Sunday we went to the Farmer's Market @ Wheeler Farm. We had a great time walking around and viewing the different vendors. ALSO they had an alpaca! We all know how much I looooooove alpacas.

Before we left we decided to walk around the farm and came across this goose making these honking sounds. He was standing all by himself and then out of the woods came all these Canadian geese. Once they were all out of the woods they proceeded to follow the honking goose across the road and into the pond. It was a funny and odd site.

YAY for Sangria!!

I would have to say Sangria is my favorite, FAVORITE drink. The recipe below is my fave go to, but I like to mix it up once in a while and will soon post my white citrus recipe.

Things you'll need:
- 2 bottles of red wine
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 cup OJ
- 2 shots orange rum
- 1 cup Brandy (apricot or blackberry)
- 1/2 cup grape raspberry juice
- Fruits (sliced oranges, limes and lemons or whatever you would like)

Mix all ingredients together - Use the ends of the fruit to add extra fresh juice in the Sangria - Add sliced fruit and let sit for 24 hours. Serve and enjoy!

NOTE: You can use any type of red wine, even the cheap stuff works here. I actually like the Wild Vines or Arbor Mist when making sangria's. Any type of juice will also work, however if you follow my recipe you'll be extremely happy.

Pistachio Cranberry bark

I had some friends over recently and knew we would be drinking wine. I wanted to make a yummy little treat and dark chocolate is a great pairing with wine.

Things you'll need:

-1/2 cup chopped pistachios
-6 oz Craisins
-2 Hershey Special Dark bar (or bag of Special Dark chips)

Break the chocolate bar up into pieces and nuke for 30 seconds & stir, then nuke for 30 more - Stir in nuts & craisins - Pour out onto a foiled cookie sheet and stick it in the freezer for a couple hours - Remove and break up into pieces.

It was a great success!

Churro Cupcakes

I was having a mini-fiesta the other night and wanted to make a yummy dessert. My hubby LOVES churros so I wanted to make something along that line.

After a little trial and error I totally got it down and they were delicious.

Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk (Whole/Vitamin D)
1 1/2 t mexican vanilla
1/2 cup Land O’Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread
2 Eggs

Start by heating the oven to 350° - Put cupcake wrappers in the pan - Combine flour, baking powder & salt in large bowl; and then set aside - Combine sugar & 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar butter spread in large bowl - Beat at medium speed. Make sure to scrap the bowl often - Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each egg - Reduce the speed to low & add the flour mixture, alternately with 1/2 cup milk &1 1/2 t vanilla – Beat well until mixed well.

Scoop into cupcake paper & bake for 14 to 16 minutes - Cool for 5 minutes in the pan & then remove to a wire rack.

Cinnamon Frosting:
8oz cream cheese, room temp (do not use fat free-low fat)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp – (1 stick)
1 t mexican vanilla
2 cups confectioners’ sugar - sifted
1/2 t ground cinnamon

Using an electric mixer, beat butter & cream cheese on medium speed until smooth - Add vanilla - Gradually beat in powdered sugar & cinnamon until well blended - Beat on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, until smooth & creamy.

If the frosting is a little runny/thin, beat in additional powdered sugar & cinnamon.

Great with a side of dulce de leche ice cream

3 ingredient crockpot chicken tacos

Here's a yummy recipe to make in the morning before work or on the weekend. Made them for girl's night and I think we ate like 5 each. Leftovers are easily warmed up or can be used in a chicken tortilla soup.

Things you'll need:

1 envelope of regular or chicken taco seasoning
6 skinless chicken breasts
1 16oz salsa jar

Place all ingredients in a crock pot, stir to mix the salsa & seasoning together - Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours – Once you’re ready to serve the chicken will be easily shredded with a fork.

Serve with tortillas, sour cream, homemade guac, tomatoes & shredded cheese. This is also a great recipe to be used in chicken tortilla soup.

NOTE: The salsa I use is Arriba! Fire Roasted Mexican Chipotle salsa (medium heat). I also add in ¼ cup cream cheese but that’s optional and not needed.