Domino Clock

Howdy!

My dear friend and neighbor had her 91st birthday on Wednesday this week

She was born November 21, 1921 and has really lived! I can sit and listen to her stories all day and never get bored.

She loves to play dominos so when I saw a domino clock on Pinterest I knew exactly what I was making for her birthday gift.

I bought this wooden plate and marked the center to get a hole drilled.

 

 

I had to enlist help from the men folk in my house because I had never used power tools before and found myself quite intimidated by the drill. I was sure I was going to put a hole in everything in front of me lol. I have no idea what drill bit was used to make the hole look like this, but I am very greatful that my uncle made my clock piece fit in the plate.

 

 

I painted the plate brown, to match her kitchen.

 

 

I then glued on the dominos I had chosen to mark the hours.

 

 

I puffy painted "DOMINO TIME".

 

 

 Then I inserted the clock works , a battery, and set the time.

 

Here is my sweet friend opening her gift. 

 

 

 

I had so much fun making this and totally want to make a pizza clock next. My neighbor loved the clock and said her birthday was one of the best days since I came over to celebrate with her. She made a wonderful lunch and we ate with teh fine silverware. It was fun!

I adore ths woman!

 

xoxoxo!

Lily Bean

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

xoxox!

A very full Lily Bean

now... time to plot for some shopping, wrapping, and decorating

Induction to PTK (wearing Butterick 5209 view B)

Hi everyone! I have had a very busy last few weeks and the next 2 weeks should be crazy as well.

I only have 2 more weeks of learning and then it's FINALS week

eep!

I am a bit scared... which is not normal for me.

I have a lot of information to keep in my brain!

 

2 weeks ago I had my Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society induction ceremony. It was a wonderful night. I felt like the best dressed there wearing my dress! The chapter president announced that only 4% of the student population at my college were eligible for invitation to the society

4%!!

4% and I made the list!

I feel amazing and know my hard work is paying off. I just need to keep working my booty off to hold this status until graduation. I'm even planning a PTK tattoo if I am able to graduate decorated.

 

So I was FINALLY able to wear the dress I started months ago.

Here I am in Butterick 5209 view B

 

 

When we were inducted, they gave us a white rose and we lit a PTK candle for the symbolic significance of becoming a member.

 

 

 

 

Here is the best picture I could get of my PTK pin

 

I was very sad all week leading up to the ceremony. I wished so badly that my aunt was able to see me. I wished she was at the ceremony crying tears of joy because I have made her proud.

I did everything I could to not fall apart. On the Friday of the ceremony my family urged me outside to see an amazing rainbow. I was overwhelmed with the feeling that my aunt was smiling down on me and sending a sign that she is with me and is proud. I have never in my life seen a rainbow so bright and never seen one that you could clearly make out each color from red to purple. This image really does not do it justice, but I wanted to share with you all that my aunt was with me not only in my heart and the ink in my skin... but in spirit. And she made sure I knew she was!

I am off school and work until Monday but was given plenty of homework to keep me busy.

Guess I better get back to it

xoxoxox!

Lily Bean, Smarty Pants

My Personal Cookie Challenge

Howdy! In case you haven't noticed, I am a bit obsessed with cookies right now.

I have decided that I want to challenge myself to a new cookie recipe ever weekend this baking season.

I have already made plain chocolate chip, peanut butter, and strawberry oatmeal cookies.

Do you have any cookie recipes you would like to share?

Something you have made? Something you found on pinterest?

I have come across a ton of recipes but would like to know if my readers have any suggestions.

Feel free to comment a link or recipe if you have any ideas.

I look forward to trying them all out, one cookie-baking weekend at a time!

xoxoxo

Lily Bean, Cookie Monster

Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies... Oh My!

Hey there! Well I am a bit slammed with home work and work this weekend but I did make some time for a fresh batch of cookies.

This weekend I made Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies

 My family had mentioned this recipe to me and wouldn't you know it! The strawberries came on sale this week. Lucky me!
You will need:

2 cups finely chopped fresh strawberries

(For me a 1 lb package was 2 cups when chopped)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup regular rolled oats
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a small mixing bowl combine your strawberries with 1/4 cup white sugar and toss gently. Set this aside for later

In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. whisk these all together until they are mixed well. Then add your rolled oats and mix well. Set this aside for later

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup white sugar together. Then add the egg, milk, and vanilla and continue beating until smooth.

Mix in the flour mixture a little at a time. Be sure it is all mixed well and then add in the strawberries. There will be water gathered at the bottom of the bowl. Avoid adding in as much as possible. Do not use a mixer at this point. Use a spatula and fold the strawberries in (so they stay chunky and don't turn to mush).

Drop by the teaspoon full onto a cookie sheet and pop in the over at 375 for 10 mins.

Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 mins before transferring to a cooling rack.

Enjoy the yummy goodness!

xoxoxox

Lily Bean

19 Months to go (Paper Chain Countdown to Grad)

Wowwie! I just realized it is already November 1st!

That means I get to tear another ring off my paper chain!!

I was already in my comfy, cozy bug PJs when I realized haha

Only 19 links left!

 

I did make it for some candy clearance this morning but did not find any Cadbury "Scream" eggs. I got a bag of Wonka mix, milk duds, Krabby Patty gummies, and tootsie pops all for about $7

 



Another thing I realized just now is that we are 3 weeks from Thanksgiving

ONLY 3 WEEKS!! Whoa! That means 3 weeks from tomorrow is Black Friday. (Probably my absolute favorite holiday ever! You all know how I love to shop for bargains.)

What are your Thansgiving plans?

Still not sure what is happening here but I will probably make my cranberry applesauce and take a stab at my first pumpkin pie. (Is that smart to try for my first time on Thankgiving day??)

More importantly though I will plan my black Friday attack.

And on Black Friday I will become a Christmas Elf

After shopping I always turn on my favorite Rankin/Bass claymation movies and sing along while I wrap gifts. When my movies have all finished I put on my Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas CD and decorate the house.

The Christmas lights are already hung on the roof. When we had to go up to close off the AC units last week I took advantage and fixed up the lights.

I think there's only 4 weeks left in this semester! Time sure flies when you are having fun =P

xoxoxoxox

a very excited Lily Bean, Christmas Elf