Polka-Dotty Place via Etsy


Whitney is a fellow blogger that I have been following for a while now. She has a very fun blog that I really enjoy reading. I don't know how I went so long before knowing about her Etsy shop, but I'm super glad I found it. I love accessories and Whitney offers a great selection of earrings that are not only adorable, but incredibly reasonable in price as well.

Within a few minutes of checking out her shop I placed my first order.

I ordered the two little earrings and Whitney was so sweet and threw in the larger rose pair. I absolutely love them all. I wore the little coral roses today and was shocked at how light they are. Also, my ears are fairly sensitive so I'm normally very picky when it comes to earrings, but I wore these all day and they didn't bother me once.

I love the size of these earrings. They are perfect for me. 
I love the bonus pair I received.

I think it's safe to say that I will be ordering from Polka-Dotty Place again. Check out the links below to Whitney's blog and Etsy shop. 
Ashley Elizabeth
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High Five For Friday


It's High Five For Friday time! This week flew by and I didn't get nearly as much done around the house as I had hoped. I guess it's good I have a long weekend ahead of me. Linking up today with Lauren at The Lauren Elizabeth for H54F.

1. Our family reunion was this past weekend and it was a total blast! I am so glad most of us were able to get together and spend some time catching up, sharing laughs and making some memories.

2. These two have been taking over our bed lately. I guess they think they own the place. It's a good thing they are the cutest ever or I might have to boot them out into Amelia's room (ha... yeah right)

3. I am becoming more and more frustrated with my little car and I'm pretty sure I need an SUV upgrade... hint hint husband! I mean really... I should be able to carry 3 or 4 Starbucks drinks without the fear of one spilling all over me.

4. I caught this sneaky little action the other day. Amelia trying to feed Rudy the bits of her lunch that she doesn't want. No wonder they get along so well.

5. Yesterday was my mom's birthday. My sisters are I really do have the best mom in the world. I don't know of anyone who is more caring, patient, loving and selfless than my mom. We are so lucky to have her for a mom. I honestly don't know what I would do without her.
Mom with my sisters and I... a little dated I would say.

 I don't think Amelia could have asked for a better Grandma. The effort my mom puts into having an amazing relationship with my daughter is incredible. 
 Nobody else really matters when Grandma Tami is around

 Mom and I this past Mother's Day

After Amelia's ballet performance
Ashley Elizabeth
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Greek Yogurt Pancakes


This recipe makes some delicious pancakes. I'm not a huge fan of pancakes, but these turn out very flavorful and fluffy instead of bland and dense. I will definitely be making these again.

Ingredients
6 oz greek yogurt (I use Greek Goddess Honey yogurt)
1 large egg
1/2c flour
1 tsp baking soda

1. In a small bowl, mix together 6oz greek yogurt with 1 large egg. This mixture will be a light yellow color and slightly lumpy.

2. In a medium bowl, pour in 1/2c flour and 1tsp baking soda.

3. Add the yogurt and egg mixture to the bowl with the flour and soda. Mix very well. This will make a very thick batter.

In a non-stick skillet, cook as you would any other pancakes. I put them on medium heat so that they would cook slower and evenly. One batch will make 5 pancakes, or two servings.
Enjoy!

Nutritional Information from SparkPeople.com
Ashley Elizabeth
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Bend Recap


I finally have a few moments this morning to share a little recap of our Bend trip with you all. We headed there on Sunday the 11th with Mark's family and stayed until the 15th. It was a lot of fun and the house we rented in Sunriver was beautiful.
 Mark, his mom Kathie, our nephew Eli, Amelia and I spent one day exploring. This is a Paulina Falls. The falls are very beautiful.
 We hiked into a volcano. It was beautiful. The entire thing was obsidian and it looked like glass all over the ground. 
 Tumalo Falls in Bend is gorgeous! I'm so glad we stopped there
 We saw some wonderful sunsets

 Mark, Amelia and I took a day and went to Crater Lake. It was so smoky due to the wildfires burning nearby, but the lake was still beautiful. I really want to go back when the sky is clear. 
 Amelia made some friends and shared her crackers with them. 
so cool!
 Kathie with her boys
 The family
The cousins

It was a great trip and I'm so glad we were able to go this summer. 
Ashley Elizabeth
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Friend Making Monday


friend makin mondays

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Questions and Answers

1. What is a typical weekday like for you? My typical weekday starts with a shower, snuggles on the couch with Amelia and then maybe a trip to Starbucks. I watch little kids during the week so once they arrive we play like crazy. If the weather is nice we walk to the park, play in the sprinkler or dig in the dirt. Nap time is generally when Amelia and I get more one on one time. Kiddos are all gone by 6 and then it's time for my family. We either hang out at home or go visit family. I try to get some sewing and cleaning done in the evening. 

2. Name one song that never fails to make you happy and one that you always listen to when you are sad. 'The Show' by Lenka always makes me happy. Amelia and I know it word for word and we always sing it together. I don't really know what song I listen to when I'm sad... I guess just mellow music in general. 

3. Did you watch the VMA's last night? I didn't watch it. I was too busy winding down and unpacking from our weekend camping trip.

4. Share at least two talents you possess. I'm an incredibly crafty person. I'm really good with kids.

5. Share one thing you wish you had the confidence to do. I lost a lot of my confidence over the last couple of years so I think I just wish I had that back in general. Things I used to do, I don't anymore (such as dancing at a wedding or bar in front of people). 

6. Tell us about one insecurity that people might be surprised that you have. I'm pretty open about it, but my weight would be the answer. 

7. If you could be the CEO of any company, which one would you choose to lead? I like companies that choose to give back. Perhaps TOMS because 1. I LOVE shoes and 2. they give away a pair of shoes for every pair sold. 

8. List at least three hobbies that make you happy. crafting, cooking and writing 

9. Is there someone in your life you wish you could say "I love you" to? Nah, I already let people know I love them. 

10. Share one cool thing that happened over the weekend. Over a year ago I started planning a family reunion/90th birthday celebration for my Grandma. Everything came together and we spent the weekend camping and hanging out with loved ones. It was a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to do it again next year. 



Ashley Elizabeth
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Guilt Free Ice Cream



If you are an ice cream fanatic like I am, then you might enjoy this guilt free version of the yummy treat.

You can create this recipe to suit your tastes, but this is how I tend to do it.

What you need:

  • frozen bananas (I use 2 when making a bowl for Amelia and I to share)
  • PB2 or a nut butter of your choice
  • cocoa powder
It is best if your bananas are cut into rounds before you toss them in the freezer. Also, the ice cream will be sweeter if the bananas are really ripe before freezing.

Put the frozen bananas in a food processor and turn on medium. You will need to stop your food processor a couple of times and push the banana pieces down from the sides. Once the bananas start to transform into a smooth texture, add in 1-2 Tbsp of PB2 and 1Tbsp cocoa powder (more or less for your desired taste). Turn on the food processor until all ingredients are well blended and the consistency of soft serve ice cream. 

It's as easy as that. Mix in a few chocolate chips, top with raspberries or even chocolate syrup. It's a really versatile way to have a tasty treat... and practically guilt free! 
Ashley Elizabeth
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On the road.... again




The car is loaded for the fourth weekend in a row! I haven't had a summer like this since 2005. Working for an agency that fights wildfires sort of puts a damper on summer activities, but this summer is the most fun. Over a year ago I decided I wanted to plan a family reunion... and I'm so glad it came together and is happening. My Grandma turns 90 on September 4th so we will not only be celebrating our family, but one of the most amazing women I know! I will surely fill you all in when we return. Happy weekend!

Family Quote - I'm trying to not be mad at mine today
I saw this on Pinterest and it made me chuckle! True of most families I'm sure. 
Ashley Elizabeth
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Ameliabug on Etsy


I have finally started to restock my Etsy shop! I opened my shop for fun a few years back when I was still working. It quickly became hard to maintain the shop along with life as a working mama, and therefore my Etsy and crafting was pushed to the side. It's taken me a while to get back into the groove of crafting, but I did it! I have to say, it's an addiction.

If you are a fan of handmade goods, please check out my shop. I will be adding an array of items as time goes on. You can always access my shop by clicking on the 'Ameliabug' button in the right column of my blog that looks like this...

Also, if you are a Facebooker like myself then you can 'Like' Ameliabug for the latest items and updates. To follow on Facebook, click here.


Ashley Elizabeth
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Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Aioli Sauce


Let me start of by saying... dinner was awesome! I have recently decided that I love shrimp tacos. I mean, I never knew that shrimp inside of a soft tortilla would bring so much joy to my taste buds. This recipe is incredibly light and full of flavor.



Creamy Cilantro-Lime Slaw

Ingredients
1/2c mayonnaise
1/2c sour cream
3Tbsp fresh lime juice
1&1/2tsp finely grated lime peel
1/2 serrano chile, minced
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/3c chopped fresh cilantro
4 cups (1 bag) slaw mix
3 green onions minced

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime peel, chile and garlic in a large bowl. Stir in cilantro. Add in slaw mix and green onions, toss evenly. Refrigerate.

Chipotle Aioli

Ingredients
6Tbsp mayonnaise
2tsp chopped chipotle chiles in adobo
2Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1tsp minced garlic
1/2tsp cumin
4tsp fresh lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Shrimp
I purchased frozen shrimp with the tails already removed so I first thawed out the amount I wanted. In a non-stick skillet I heated about 1Tbsp of coconut oil. Once the oil was hot I put in my shrimp and added taco seasoning. Cook shrimp all the way through. If you bought precooked shrimp, just make sure you cook the shrimp long enough to fully heat up.


Bringing it all together
Either corn or flour tortillas would taste yummy with this dish. I used flour tortillas and put my slaw in first. Then I added my shrimp, the chipotle aioli sauce and topped it off with a few pieces of avocado.

I am a huge fan of the shrimp tacos at the Thirsty Lion and these turned out to be incredibly similar. I hope you enjoy!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know what you thought.
Ashley Elizabeth
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta


We have been on the go so much lately and haven't had a chance to grocery shop in weeks. Today, while waiting for the little guy I watch to show up, I was scrounging around our kitchen trying to find something suitable for lunch. I decided to throw something together with what I was able to find, and it turned out pretty good.



Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
2Tbsp butter
1-2Tbsp minced garlic (reduce or add more to taste)
2Tbsp white flour
1.5c milk
0.5-1c shredded parmesan

1. melt butter in a medium sized saucepan
2. add minced garlic and stir in with butter until the garlic becomes soft
3. add 2Tbsp flour and stir until a roux forms
(Roux: a thickening agent of flour and fat (usually butter))
4. add 1.5c milk and stir until the sauce starts to bubble at the surface
5. stir in shredded parmesan cheese until melted

Cook up your meat of choice. For my dish I heated some oil and garlic and then added 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts that I had cut up into cubes. I only seasoned the meat with salt and pepper so that it wouldn't draw away from the taste of the sauce. I think this would also be really good with shrimp.

Any pasta will do for this dish. I used farfelle pasta because that is what we had on hand.

Add Ins that would taste great in here: sun dried tomatoes and pine nuts, fresh tomatoes, peas, roasted veggies, etc.

Enjoy!



Ashley Elizabeth
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Friend Making Monday - School Days






friend makin mondays

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

School Days
1.  What was your favorite subject in school?  English! I absolutely love reading and writing. I took a lot of writing courses for fun in college.  
2. Did you attend elementary school and high school in the same town? I attended elementary school, middle school and high school all in Molalla

3.  Are you still friends with anyone that you met during school?  There are a few people I still keep in touch with in ways other than Facebook. 
These girls are amazing! L to R: Briana, Sheena, Myself, Molly and Ali. Molly and I are two years younger than the other girls. 
4. What activities were you involved in as a student? Elementary school I played basketball, Middle school I played volleyball and did a year of basketball and band, High school I was in choir, leadership, ASB, soccer for one year and varsity tennis all four years. 
1992

5. Did you bring your lunch, or did you get it at school? I always took my lunch. My mom was awesome like that!!!!! 
6. Did you enjoy shopping for clothing and school supplies?  I have always loved shopping... and school was just another reason to shop so I definitely enjoyed it.  
7. Name a song or a band that reminds you of high school.  'The Thong Song' reminds me of tennis - 'Baby Got Back' reminds me of dances - 'Break Stuff' reminds me of grad night and 'I Hope You Dance' reminds me of senior year maypole. 
8. Did you like school?  I loved school. 
9. How long have you been out of school?  I graduated high school in 2003 but I've done a few years of college since. 
10.  What did you like most about school?  What did you dislike most about school?  I am a very social person so I liked all of the activities I was able to be involved with. I disliked math the most. HATE HATE HATE MATH! 
 My best friend Molly and I our senior year. We were #1 varsity tennis doubles partners and went undefeated in league matches
Molly and I during our powder puff game. Not sure what year, maybe junior. 

Ashley Elizabeth
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High Five For Friday - Bend Trip


What a wonderful week we had in Bend. We headed over Sunday afternoon to meet up with Mark's family and got back yesterday evening. Linking up with Lauren for High Five For Friday at The Lauren Elizabeth.

1. The family in Bend. Left to Right: (back row) Mark, Me, Jennifer, Gerwai, Tyler, Matt (front row) Amelia, Reece, Jessica, Eli and Kathie

2. We visited Paulina Falls in the Newberry Volcanic Monument Park. This waterfall is so picturesque!

3. We saw the most beautiful scenery and sunsets on our trip. I can't wait to go back again.

4. We spent an evening at the water park in Sunriver. I wish we would have gone there more than once. Amelia wasn't interested in going until we got there... then she didn't want to leave. 

5. Mark, Amelia and I took a day to go to Crater Lake. I had never been and Mark wanted to go. It was really smoky from the wildfires burning down south, but the lake was still breathtaking. 

A full Bend post will be up in a few days. Amelia and I are up at my mom's tonight. 









Ashley Elizabeth
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Bend Bound


We are headed to Bend for the week! 
I hope you all have a wonderful week. We come home from Bend on Thursday and then Amelia and I will be driving up to my mom's on Friday (8 hours one way)... And then back home from Colville on Saturday. So thankful my daughter is a wonderful traveler. 
See you all next week. 

Ashley Elizabeth
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Kitty Pajamas


Tomorrow we are leaving for Bend with Mark's family and staying until Thursday. I am looking forward to spending more time with all of them. Mark's older brother and his family are here from Florida and I really haven't gotten to know them like I know his family here, so I'm excited that we are able to go on the trip this year. Last year I had to work and wasn't able to take time off due to fire season.

I had promised Amelia that I would make her pajama pants for the trip. I had totally spaced it, but those of you who have a 4 year old know that they rarely forget when something is promised to them. Instead of packing this evening I finished up some adorable pants for her... because I love her to the moon and back and can survive on very little sleep. I also had the idea to let her turn one of her white t-shirts into a matching jammie shirt because it had a small stain on it. Here are a few pictures of our finished product. She can't wait to wear them tomorrow night.

I absolutely LOVE this shirt. She made it all by herself and I'm definitely NEVER getting rid of this. (she added a second heart to it after I took this)

This is the print I used for the pajama pants

 and the final product (sorry for the poor picture quality. the lighting in our living room isn't the greatest right now)
Showing off her shirt


Ashley Elizabeth
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