Bucket List #35

So I was reading over my bucket list and I realized that a have BUILT SOMETHING! Brent and I built a Bar to put in our home when we moved away from school. Brent definitely did most of the math and design but the actual building we did together. His dad is a mechanical engineer and has lots of wood carving equipment. We cut, sanded, glued and nailed everything together over a period of a few weeks. It was a fun project and I'm glad we did it. But I don't really see myself doing that much more these days.  other than the fact that the saw scared the crud out of me, It's messy and hard to maintain a weather free atmosphere where we live. We don't have a garage to keep things or store them while in the process of building.

All in all I enjoyed the task it self and it was very rewarding to know that other people can appreciate your handy work.

Here is a picture of Brent's Bar. 

It has a "P" on the top but it has faded. We will probably cover it with a liquid plastic but we dont have the space to do it where it wont get all over our floors.  

 Bucket List #35 Complete. 

The plastic finish looks something like this. Brent built this high night stand table for me as a proposal gift. 

Whats on your Bucket List? 

Shadia <+><

Sticking to it.

Today I tried on a pair of snow ski pants I bought in march. I have worn them one time and today I could not get them on! Ugh so disappointed. I have wavered in healthy eating too.
Which I'm not so proud of...I need to find that band wagon an get back on for good!!

I've been to a crossfit..loved it but not cheap!

I want to try yoga but I don't know if it's enough cardio.

And every time I try to run I get bored after a week.

There has got to be something out there that is inexpensive and fun!?...

But I also can't do anything that requires video game console. Not enough room in my apartment or motivation when I'm cooped up.

Any ideas readers?!
Leave a comment!!

Bean Sprout Stir Fry

Today I was roaming the pantry for dinner possibilities when I came across the Water Chestnuts I bought last trip to HEB. I decided that I could whip up a simple and quick stir fry recipe.

Bean Sprout Stir Fry 

Ingredients:

One can of water chestnuts - chopped 

One can of baby corn - cut in 1/4 inch pieces

Fully Cooked Medium size Shrimp - about 15 

2 Handfuls Fresh Bean Sprouts

1/4 brocoli head

1/4 cauliflower head - 

1/2 medium sized Yelow Onion - chopped

1/4 cup of soy sauce

4 tbl spns extra virgin olive oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions: 
* Start by heating up a wok or deep frying pan w/ 2 tbl spoons of extra virgin olive oil
* Add the Chopped onion and bean sprouts when pan is hot ( they can cook longer b/c the are kind of bitter and hard)
* Drain water chestnuts and baby corn - then add to pan
* Chope the stems off the broccoli and cauliflower then tear into small pieces and add to mixture in pan.
* add your last 2 tbl spns of olive oil and mix well.
* add Salt and Pepper to taste
* lastly add the Soy sauce of your choice - La Choy is naturally gluten free!
** I used fully cooked frozen shrimp since i was in a hurry but you can grill chicken or use sausage too. its up to you! - add now.
**let fry for about 5 minutes or until the veggies are slightly tender.

You probably shouldn't add the shrimp until the end if it is already cooked. you just want to warm it up enough because if it cooks too long it gets tough.

This recipe can be changed to match your own personal preference of taste and texture but this one really hit the spot. Veggies can be swapped out or traded as you like. Have fun cookin'! 

treat yourself to something different once in a while. 

Shadia <+><

# 33 Complete!

This year was a great time of holidays and celebration. I have some wonderful opportunities to create lovely meals for family and friends and we decided to put our family strength to the test. 

Thanksgiving 2010 was held at the Phillips Home here in Good 'Ol Uvalde, Tx. 

We had both sides of our families present, including my dad who flew in from Missouri just for the weekend! It was beautiful. We had our Christmas Tree put up, lovely paisely table cloths and gorgeous centerpieces to add a touch of holiday charm.  

Technically we all brought different things to eat but Brent and I were loving the Hosting. We Deep-Fried the turkey and had a yummy Greek Salad and much more. We had so much leftovers from what everyone brought, we had to redistribute and send it home with family. :-) 

I know it says cook thanksgiving all by myself. But let's face it. Thats never going to happen because i love spending holidays with family. We wont probably ever be just the two of us on thanksgiving...Christmas is a Totally Different Story. Alone time. yes. 

Well i guess thats one more thing down in this roller-coaster we call life. 

Bucket List #33 Complete.

What's on your Bucket List? 

Shadia <+><

CrossWall Decor

CrossWall decor can seem like a simple art but everyone needs to know some basics and where to start. 

  Start with large crosses in the center and continue to work outward. 

Keep your materials similar to maintain a style/look. 

Here is my dining room CrossWall. I tend to stick with wooden and rod iron crosses. I like the rustic look that you can bring to any home with out being over the top. 

Keep in mind that you don't have to use all the crosses you own on your CrossWall. It will grow as you receive gifts and find/make them over the years. I love seeing this beautiful wall that was fun and easy to create. Have fun! 

Shadia <+><

DIY NYE Party

Anyone having a hard time deciding on plans for new years? The crowds are crazy if you go out and you end up spending too much money on things you don't even really enjoy. Sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands and plan the party yourself! 

Here are a few ways to make the most of your New Years Holiday. 

Family Fun Block Party - Designed w/ Kids in Mind

Use Sparkling Cider in place of champagne so that kids can take part too.

HEB sells party plastic champagne glasses that everyone can use! Cheap and easy to jazz up- add stickers or different colored ribbon on the bottom to designate who's glass is who's. 

DIY new years hats etc. - or wal-mart has party packages with hats and noise makers. 

Board, card and dice games - set prizes for each game winner  

Fireworks - if you live near a cold-a-sac, invite neighbors and volunteer the idea that everyone share the show! Give everyone a chance to light up the sky.  

Do finger foods like pizza rolls and bagel bites. This will limit the mess and makes prep time a snap! 

If you decide on a block party, coordinate with moms and dads around the neighborhood. Each family can bring something. 

Food Ideas: begal bits, pizza rolls, Fruit, chips, scooby snacks (chex cereal mixed with chocolate, peanut butter and sprinkled with powdered sugar. YUM! 

21 & Up Party :-)

 Have a 'Key Bowl'- anyone who plans to drink must give up keys either to the host/hostess or to their designated driver. If you plan to host, be prepared to keep a few friends over night. Better safe than sorry is my motto.

Champagne or my personal favorite, Botega: Petalo Moscato Spumante, also known as, a sparkling wine. Imported from Italy. 

Lighting, if done right, can give a party the right mood to bring everyone out of their shell. String up some white christmas lights around the perimeter of the room, use low light lamps and set out candles in darker areas. 

Karaoke! who doesn't love to watch other people make a fool of themselves, its a great way to liven up a party where the guests might not know each other. 

Photobooth! if you have a computer or a camera and tripod - grab everything prop style you can think of and put it in a box near the photo booth. Hang a black sheet over a wall as a backdrop. You can FB, email or tweet the photos so that everyone can share!

Games w/ Incentive : win a bottle of liquor or fine wine

Play a game where you have to name everyone at the party by a certain time in the evening. This will get your friends to mix and mingle faster. Once everyone is acquainted they will have more fun! 

Dress Code: set a dress code based on the style of party you wish to have. Formal, Semi-formal, or Casual. Personally i prefer the semi-formal because you can be comfortable and still get a little snazzy.  

I could go on forever with ideas, but that's all for now. Happy Hosting. 

Be safe and Happy New Year!!

Shadia Phillips 

Everything Scarves

Scarves!!! I love them! Accessorizing an outfit can come as easy as adding a beautiful scarf. You can substitute a scarf for a necklace or just wear it for warmth. Whoever said that fashion isn't function, has clearly never met me. 

I have this thing for dressing up a casual outfit when I have limited resources. My husband and I travel a lot , especially recently. We moved to a remote area of Texas therefore we travel to see friends and family. So being able to mix and match outfits has become a familiar recurrence. 

Scarves can be beautiful and functional, you just have to know what to do with them. 

From my own closet ranging in color and size and formality...

 When dressing up a casual outfit for an evening out, or just warming up for the holidays, ask yourself one thing..."to add or not to add? a scarf, that is. 

Be comfy and cute!