Bulletin Board Makeover - and Weekend Recap!

Hi Lovelies -
I know I have been slacking lately on the posts. Starting the new job with a commute that is more than double has thrown me off my game a little.

This weekend was great. We went out for my friend Abbie's birthday on Friday night, had some beers at the Pray for Snow Party at Ten Barrel Brewing and a yummy dinner at Old Chicago. It was just enough to be a "fun night out" even though we were old and went home to bed after that.

The Pray for Snow Party must have worked because Saturday morning we woke up to snow!

Gunner's first time seeing snow!

I blame it on snow weather, but Saturday we were completely lazy. The only times I got off the couch were to take the dog for a walk and to go get take out for dinner. I know it sounds terrible - but looking back, it was sort of awesome. You need those days now and then!

Gunner likes couch days

 Sunday morning I did brunch with the girls. Then it was time to get to work!

I raked the whole back yard by myself (a big accomplishment in my mind). I still called an begged my dad to come help me bag them though. Slight set back. But now that I know the "tricks" via my dad, I will be ready for next year!

Gunner liked the raking leaves thing.

Very helpful, laying and rolling in the raked piles

Then I started on my little craft project for the week.

Bulletin Board Makeover!

Started with a boring, old bulletin board. I didn't want to damage the board itself (it belongs to my work) so I only used upholstery tacks and staples.

You will need:

• 1 bulletin board (mine was 24"x36") FREE
• 3 packs of decorative nails, any color you want, I used black - $1.99 a pack
• A yard+ of burlap, depending on your board size - cost me $4

Glimpse of the board pre-update

These are the nail packs only $1.99 each for 24

And some burlap. They have some cute printed stuff now, but I went with the classic.

 If you are smarter than me, center your board on the burlap (I didn't really get mine center).

Begin by tacking one corner in place. You want the tack to sit INSIDE the frame, NOT angled. This will make the frame pop more.

Work your way around the frame, using an item (ruler or something similar) to space your tacks. I used a tag I had laying around - it was about an inch accross.

Make sure to keep the burlap flat and taught across the board.

It should look something like this when you get the tacks in

Then flip over the board, trim excess burlap (you will want at least 4 inches around the edge) and start stapling! Pull the burlap tight on one of the long sides of your board. I started in the corners, then did the center, and then added more as needed.

I had to work around the hangers on my board

Once you have the two long sides stapled, you realize you have to do the corners before you do the rest. Just go about it like you would a present. Folding in the corners, secure with staples (or tacks).

A little blurry but you get the idea.

In a couple places I used my extra tacks to supplement the staples.

Then vioala! you have a new bulletin board!

If you can get the crease out with an iron before hand I recommend it :)

Here it is hung in my office. I think it is the perfect mix of style and country for my County Fair job!

Hope you enjoyed the little tutorial. If you make your own let me know how it goes!

TTFN Friends!
Laura

Thankful Thursday

So, for all the Thursdays in November I am going to do a "what I'm thankful for" post for the month. Similar to Facebook, which you may have seen some of mine on.

BUT FIRST...

Yesterday was day 28 of my fitness challenge, the last day! 

I did my weigh in, and I have lost 10 lbs! I am thrilled with the results.

I plan to continue to eat healthy very similar to the fitness challenge meal plans, but not so restricted.

But I did have to get myself a little reward last night for sticking to it - my first beer in over a month!

33 days without any alcohol. I did boot camp and volleyball that night, I deserve it right!?

Ok on to Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for my health.

I know that sounds cheesy, especially because I am that person that is always sick, but I mean it in an overall sense.

I am thankful that I am healthy and active enough to do so much that I love in my life.

I am thankful that I can throw a frisbee for Gunner and take him on runs.

I am thankful that I can go to the gym, work out, and when I put my mind to it, improve my body.

I am thankful that I still get to play volleyball and softball at a competitive level. (We won our first tournament game in women's league volleyball last night!)

Throw back Thursday! This is my high school volleyball team.

I am thankful I am healthy enough to do things like wake surf, bike the board walk in Nice, France, and travel.

I love boating in McCall and all that goes with it!

Nice, France, on my trip after senior year of college with Katie and Jessie.

There are so many people out there that don't have the health to do these things every day. I don't want to take my lifestyle, youth, and health for granted.

Today I am blessed and thankful for my health.

TTFN Friends!
Laura

What I am Loving Wednesday

Here's what I am loving this week!

My old, but re-found COPPER nail polish.

It's perfect for fall, neutral enough for my taste, and SHINY :)

  Spaghetti Squash.

So versatile, so healthy, so YUMMY! Had some last night tossed with garlic, olive oil and veggies and it was to die for. 

That today is the last day of my Warrior Fit Challenge!

Can't wait for my measurements tonight to see the progress I made!

Purging.

So if you didn't know, I got a new job (more to come on that). What that means is I am cleaning out my desk at CLM. This makes me really sad - but it is also a very good feeling to purge so much unnecessary documents, clutter and plain junk.

That my best friend Whitney is coming to town this weekend!

I cannot wait to see her! We plan on doing a "Pinterest" day and get all crafty (hopefully a post to come on that). Plus some catch up time is much needed, I miss her everyday, and do not call her enough to make up for it.

Can't wait to have this bear lover back in Boise!

TTFN Friends!

Laura

Tasty Tuesday - Kale Chips and Cauliflower Poppers!

Hi Friends!

Happy Tuesday! I am counting down my last week at my current job and I sort of feel like I'm dreaming. I won't really not be there starting Monday right? Still in disbelief.

But moving on.

Here are some long overdue recipes I tried during my Warrior Fit Challenge! (only 2 days left!)

Cauliflower Poppers

You will need:

• 1 large cauliflower head, cleaned and cut into bite size pieces
• Cooking spray (I used coconut oil, as it is OK for my challenge, but pam, etc will work)
• A gallon zip-lock bag
• Spices (get creative) I used:
• 1/2 TBS Garlic Powder
• 1 TBS Chili Poweder
• Dash of Cayanne
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 425

Start by rinsing and chopping up your cauliflower. They are always a little tricky. Get it into bite size pieces. Put into your gallon zip-lock bag.

Add spices to bag (again you can pick your own!). Shake contents until cauliflower is nicely coated.

Here's mine coated and ready to transfer to cookie sheet

Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Spread out cauliflower evenly. Spray a dash more cooking spray over the top.

Put in the oven and set time for around 15 min.

Flip/turn pieces over, bake for another 8-12 min, or until browned/crisped to your liking.

Golden brown and perfect

Let cool slightly. They're best when hot - but not too hot! Serve as side dish or snack. Dipping sauce (ketchup or ranch) makes them better, but less healthy. I topped with salsa as a healthy option!

My cauliflower popper and chicken dinner, topped with my fave fresh salsa

ENJOY!

Kale Chips

You will need:

1 bunch of kale, washed, dried completely and torn into "chip" size pieces (they will shrink a bit)
2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to  415 (or turn it down after making your cauliflower like I did :) )

Layout cleaned, dry pieces of kale on a cookie sheet.

My kale wasn't the freshest, I recommend a fresh bunch!

Chips pre-oil and seasoning

Drizzle olive oil evenly over kale. Sprinkle salt and pepper as well.

Use your hands to mix, rub and smoosh all the oil and seasons all over the leaves (this is the fun part!)

All greased up and ready for the oven

Spread kale back out and pop in the oven. Bake 10 minutes.

Toss/mix chips and bake another couple minutes until crispy and browned.

Let cool and enjoy!!! (They are better than they look I promise!)

My tasty snack bowl of kale chips!

Credit for this recipe here via Pinterest.

What did you think of these HEALTHY and TASTY items?

And in case you missed Gunner in his Halloween Costume:

TTFN Friends!

I have big plans for WILW and a new Thankful Thursday post for November weeks!

Laura