it all started...

... back in October.  in Phoenix AZ.  after a long hike on a warm evening that left Brandy and I in the mood for something cool and yummy... nothing other than delicious frozen yogurt.
we had the babies with us, giving me no choice but to give Beck his VERY FIRST bite and allow him to enter the wonderful world of fro-yo.  and of course he Loved it... which I was secretly hoping he would, so that it could be a fun treat we share together, giving me an excuse to stop and get it for myself.  :)

so since then we have made several visits to various frozen yogurt places while we're out and about running errands, our latest being to a new place called yo joy.  and if you're from Indy, I would highly recommend it.  it's in a strip by the Target on Michigan and I think it's my favorite of all the local fro-yo joints.  try expresso with vanilla and pumpkin. :)

beckham's face of delight after enjoying his frozen yogurt.  he actually waved his arms in the air while saying "mmmm" after every bite, which I couldn't catch in a photo but was quite funny and cute.

pizza goodness #2

friday night found us enjoying homemade pizza again.  we made a couple different kinds...

a typical pizza "chad's" :) - sausage, peppers, provolone, mozzarella:

a slightly more unique pizza "mine" :) - chicken, feta, and tomatoes:

I have been really enjoying pizza topped with arugula or salad lately so this one got topped with arugula  after it was baked. (I like to put a little olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper on the arugula)

some things I like to do when making homemade pizza:

1. make homemade pizza crust!  it's always more tasty that way.  I have gotten dough from trader joe's and whole foods that is the best substitute for homemade if you want a simple option (cheap too - its only $1 at TJ's).  the dough is by the produce section and can be frozen, which is helpful.
2. bake the pizza crust until it starts to brown before adding the toppings.  I find this is the best way to get a thin, crispy crust.
3. season the toppings as you go, whether it's sauted veggies or chopped fresh tomatoes.  a little salt, pepper or garlic will really enhance the flavor of the pizza.
4. add chopped fresh herbs/greens to the top of the pizza whenever possible, after it is baked.  cilantro, basil, arugula, and green onions are our favorites.
5. be creative with the sauce.  use spaghetti sauce for pizza sauce (if I'm not up for making my own :) ) - I think it has more flavor than jarred pizza sauce.  we like things spicy, so adding some hot sauce to marina or bbq is tasty.  I also like to mix pesto with marina for a combo sauce.  using just olive oil and garlic for more of a flat bread pizza is a great sauce option too.
6. try to use whatever you have on hand for the toppings and cheese - no grocery store runs unless absolutely necessary!  it's a fun challenge and a great way to come up with unique pizza creations.
7. think ethnic - greek, thai, mexican...

diaper bag clutch

I'm one of those people that likes to be crafty or repurpose things, but just does it here and there and never really for anyone else.  and I can't always think of how to do something myself, so if I have a picture or tutorial, I'm much better off.

enter:  the world of pinterest.

after seeing a tutorial for a diaper bag clutch on pinterest, I decided it was time to dive into the world of DIY gifts... and make mom proud by finally using the sewing machine she got me 3 (gasp!) christmas's ago (yes, of course I have a pile of clothes I intend to repurpose with my sewing machine, maybe I'll now have the motivation to tackle it!).  I followed this pinterest tutorial and it really wasn't too hard.  since it was the first time I've sewed in years, if you have any sort of crafty bone in your body you'll be fine. :)  I like this clutch b/c it's a fun way to hold a couple diapers and wipes in a diaper bag or purse.
.. and I should mention that I did have a little help from my sister amber (the moral support was much needed), so it wasn't Quite a solo project.

the materials:  an old shower curtain for the outside fabric, a couple fabric scraps for the inside fabric, and a bird cut out of an old tank top

take one.  of course I was going to make a "practice" clutch before making the one I intend to gift.  the curve of the flap wasn't so great the first time and I got a little over zealous and accidently sewed the bottom of the clutch. :)  I think I'll keep it despite it's imperfections and sew the button on the flap, making it a finished work. 

take two.  although I kind of wanted a break after first one (which it didn't really take that long to sew, maybe 1/2 hr), I'm glad I jumped into the second right away b/c I think it helped in improving from the first time.  

I actually accidently sewed the material on inside out so that the "duller" side of the fabric is showing, but I decided it looked good enough to not make a third clutch!  it's actually growing on me and I think I might prefer the softer look.  accident success!

I'm curious to see the feedback I get from the recipient.  if it's positive enough, maybe I'll make another :)