How to Turn Old Jeans into a Pencil Skirt

A couple of weeks ago there was a house up the street that was giving away all their garage sale leftovers. I gleaned several pairs of jeans in my size, but there was one pair not quite worth saving for the Fall. I got onto YouTube and used this video as a guide for converting those jean into a fun pencil skirt. So, I got a cute skirt for FREE!

Here's the video:

Jesse Fishing With The Kids

As I lay in the camp trailer huddled under mounds of covers and reading my Kindle, I enjoy hearing the children talk and play with Jesse outside. On this particular trip I caught a cute series of pictures of them fishing. This is the treasured dad-time activity, plus it is so exciting to actually catch something.

Bear Lake

My new favorite place is Bear Lake.  Called "The Caribbean of the Rockies" for its beautiful beaches and blue water. It reminds me enough of Roatan that I am able to ignore the freezing water and relax on the beach. (Still missing island life in the Caribbean- probably always will.)

Ashley writing in the sand...

The boys looking through binoculars at a "pirate ship" (really just a jet ski- I had to blur our their little bums)...

Jesse wading through the water (so handsome!)...

Of course there are no pictures of me because I am behind the camera. No complaints though. This was during a camping trip and I can assure you I looked quite fine with my smoke saturated hair and scruffy camp clothes!

Indian Tikka Masala

Just had to share this fabulous recipe. The secret: Lots of cilantro!

Chicken Tikka Masala

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 an onion chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Garam Masala
• 2 Tablespoons Turmeric
• 2-4 teaspoons sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons salt, to taste
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Saute the chicken and spices. Add the tomato sauce and let simmer 10-20 minutes. Stir in cream and heat just a little (don't let it boil or it will curdle). Top with lots of cilantro. Serve with basmati or jasmine rice and naan.