Recipes | Black Beans and Rice

I found this budget friendly and great lunch idea from a health magazine a few years back. At first I was a little hesitant about trying it because I'm not big on black beans, but at the time I was willing to try anything that would save me money. After adding a few spices and extra veggies it became one of my favorite meal for lunch that gets me full without feeling bloated in the end.

What You'll Need:

• Brown Rice
• Can of Black Beans
• Choice of Spices (I used chopped dry onion and garlic powder)
• Can of diced tomato* or Salsa

This makes a lot so it's perfect to refrigerate and heat up for lunch during the week.

1. Start by cooking about one cup of rice (usually yields 3-4 servings after cooked) according to instructions.
2. Strain any extra water out and put back in the sauce pan, set burner on low and return it to the stove top. 
3. Strain the black beans and mix into the rice.
4. Add in your spices; I usually guess the amount, but I'd say I use about two teaspoons of dry onion and teaspoon of garlic powder.
5. If you want to keep it simple strain the chopped tomatoes in with everything or to spice it up mix in about 1/4cup salsa. 
6. Mix well and let sit for a minute or so until everything is warmed up.
7. Finish with a little bit of sour cream.
8. Enjoy!

*if you don't like pieces of tomato in your rice feel free to use tomato paste instead

New Years Resolutions

Save More Money. I'm generally good with money but sometimes those few trips to the store (i.e Walmart) tend to add up at the end of the month. I want to manage my money and find a way to save more. My three major things I'm saving for is a down payment on a car, new and bigger television, and another tattoo as a graduation gift to myself this summer. 

Have More Faith. As a Christian when times get tough I look to God to give me the strength to get through it all, but sometimes I just stress myself out. I'm a very critical person who likes to know what is ahead and plan things out, so when it doesn't I panic and get overwhelmed. I need to remember that God is there for me when things go wrong and that I don't have to go it alone.

Read More. The only time I read any more is when I have to do a book report for class and even then I find myself missing just reading for fun. My grandmother lent me The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo plus the next book The Girl Who Played with Fire so I'll kick off with those. I also have a stack of books I got when my friend Casey and I would visit the used book store downtown that I would really like to read. 

Get Back On Track. I need to get back on track when it comes to eating healthy and exercising. I was doing so well at school but now I need to make a plan that works with  my life now instead of back then. By doing so I can be more focused and more likely to stay on track. 

Do More for the Blog. I would love to do more articles or more posts in general. Maybe take more photos, write more personal post and do more style/outfit ones. Also it'd be great to work with other blogs to do articles on my blog that way I can share some of my favorites with you and get my blog out in the world a bit.

Work On Craft'n Bettie. There is so much I want to do with my little etsy shop! There are a lot of pieces I'm bringing in and some going out for good, but the most part I found what I want the store to be and I want to stick with it. I also want to expand it an add accessories such as vintage/upcycled purse, hair accessories and other fashion accessories. Maybe even later in the year start making my own metal charms but that's a different story.

Thrift More. I don't go thrifting nearly as much as when I was a teenager and I really want to get back to checking out stores regularly. Now I know I mentioned saving more and how can I save if I spend it going to thrift stores? Well I don't buy junk and I'm really good at saying no when a piece is cheap but would just be put in storage or it being what I want and out of my budget. In a way it'll keep me from spending too much on the vintage pieces I want like a mountain/forest paint by numbers or a mid century credenza.

Finish Projects. Last but not least I want to finish some of my projects like decorating the bedroom and the vintage wall in the living room. I got some of the small ones done before Christmas but I want to get the big projects done before the summer time!

I'll be working on New Years Eve and so will le boyfriend so we don't have anything major planned. It might just turn out like last year, a few mike hard lemonades, pizza and sitting in the drive way watching fireworks. What are some of your resolutions or plans for the new year? Feel free to link them!!

Holly Jolly Christmas

As much stressing out that I was doing before Christmas yesterday was the total opposite! Even though we had to go to two different places that day and us running late in the morning it was a great day. I still have some family and friends to visit for the holidays but the last few days were filled with plenty of food, sweets and family time.

Friday I spent basically all my time baking sugar cookies until I went to work then came home and finished decorating them. I tried my hand at homemade frosting again (my first time was a bad experience) and it turned out so well. On Christmas Eve we went to my great Grandma's for Christmas dinner as always. It was fun and we all had a good time. Then Christmas day started with church service and then lunch at my Grandparents. Instead of turkey we did things a little different and had everyone bring in BBQ from where they lived in NC. After opening presents we headed down to Dustin's Grandparents for Christmas dinner and had turkey and all the fixin's. We hung out and listened to everyone play guitar, including Dustin, and just talked. It was a great day and I am kind of sad to see it over but so excited for next Sunday! I hope everyone had a good day :)

p.s- more pictures to come!

Holiday Wishes!

A Christmas morning from long ago

I'm going to be uber busy baking and working until Christmas and just wanted to take some time to wish everyone a  Happy Christmukkahwanzaa and hope everyone has a safe time! Well I guess I need to roll up my sleeves and make some sugar cookies :)

Catching Up

One thing that sucks about having your friends live far away is when they live in a different state. Luckily my friend Casey extended her visit here and I got to do some catching up with her in our old "stomping ground"...The Waffle House.

We spent basically all our time there when we were sixteen; talking, drinking coffee and eating hash browns. We all would load up in my tiny car and hang out for a while before going to the Good Will or the Habitat Store. 

We met some interesting people there and collected a bunch of interesting stories. Oh to be a teenager again!

As per usual we found an interesting pairing near the book section at Good Will and found a bunch of sequined sweater/cardigans. 

It was so nice to get to hang out with Casey again and get to just sit down an talk (which is why I didn't take so many photos). I hate she lives so far away but I'm so glad she likes her new home so I'm happy for her! 

Vintage Finds

This isn't a vintage find that I stumbled upon  but more of a gift from my Mother. I did find one of these guys at the thrift store for $1 but he needed to be repainted and it would have cost too much to get his other half. My Mom found these on one of her finds and was going to give it as a gift. She noticed one of the tales was missing so she gave it to me early instead.

As you can see I've yet again moved the antique wall around. I had a paint by numbers, which was my first, but it was winter theme and I just want a neutral one either mountain theme or in the wood kind of feel to it. If anyone is interested in a paint by numbers swap let me know! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Feel That Vibe

I bought this dress last week on a trip to the mall with my dear friend Desiree. I tend to hold back on major spending for myself such as clothing asides from simply things but I had some extra money after paying bills I thought it was time to pick up a dress or two. Pacsun was having a sale buy one get the other half off so I couldn't resist and picked up this lovely dress and a beautiful green one.

 

Dress: Black Poppy Boho Dress,Pacsun

Necklace: Gifted

Shoes: Dollhouse Oxford Flats, Rugged Warehouse

Tights: Walmart

Sorry for the poor picture quality but my camera was being difficult.

My First Craft Show

Earlier today was my very first craft show! Like I mentioned before my boyfriend's co-worker, Martha, invited me to share her table at the Christmas Craft Show at a local church. 

She makes wonderful purses, small bags, guitar straps anything that involves sewing. 

It was a neat experience and though I didn't sell as much as I wanted I did sell somethings. 

A lot of people liked my jewelry but next to me was a very experienced jewelry maker that had a table full so my little pieces were kind of overwhelmed by that. I know next time to be prepared! 

I have a lot of Christmas/Holiday jewelry left so I'm going try and put that up on the site by Monday so don't forget to check it out.

Vintage Finds

Another project and homework done and now a book report and two exams to go! I stayed up über late, well basically stayed up until morning then took an hour nap before going to school, to put the finishing touches on a business plan. As soon as I came home I went to bed and I'm not going to worry about starting things until tomorrow.

Anyway I wanted to share my vintage find from the end of last month. I went to Goodwill to find pieces for my witch costume but did not find much except for this wonderful embroidered photo for $2.

I haven't figured out where on my vintage wall collage I was going to put it so it's hanging where an old photo was. I think it'll go great with the two embroidered duck photos I got and when I find a non-winter theme paint by numbers I think all the colors will come together!

Also wanted to share my chalk board media center mural for Halloween before I change it out for Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll be back to my regular posts in two weeks!

Autumn Blog Party!!

Today has been very busy day...actually you could say that about this whole week. Today I woke up went straight to work, ate lunch, met some people for a group project, came home and just continued to work on a debate for class tomorrow. I do have a little bit of time so I thought I would fill you in on this awesome event.

Laura has an splendid blog called Blue Eye Night Owl featuring  owls, music, photography and all kinds of lovely things. She had a Autumn Blog Party earlier today with some amazing tutorials, projects and giveaways. Go over and check out my Zombie Cake tutorial and all the other amazing posts featured today. 

Sorry I didn't have time to fill you all on this sooner, but I have been so over whelmed with projects. My November calender is basically filled up with working on them plus getting ready for my first craft show so I apologize for my absence and will soon return to normal blogging during my school break.

Vintage Finds: 10/22/11

I have been fighting a cold this week but today I felt a bit better so I decided to check out this new thrift store that is located in the old thrift store I use to get good furniture (say that three times fast). They don't have as much stuff compared to the one before but they recently open it's understandable. They had great prices for huge pictures and even had a beautiful globe for $7. I was trying to spend less than $5 so I had to say no the globe but if I go back and it's still there then I'm getting it! Anyway back to my vintage find...

This carpet bag cat purse for only $1 :) There was a beautiful one with horses on it but the purses didn't have prices and I didn't want a huge surprise if they were more then a few dollars each. I might change a few things on it but it's huge and has plenty of space to put my junk it in. I like cats if you couldn't tell.

Well I need to finish another paper and then open for work. Hope you all are having a good weekend!

D.I.Y | Mini Pompadour

(I couldn't resist posting Johnny Depp as Cry Baby)

I've really been wanting to do some sort of hair tutorial so I thought I'd share my way to do a mini pompadour. It's perfect for those days you don't have time to wash your hair or if you want some awesome volume. I have bangs now that I just push to the side but I have done this before with shorter bangs just the puff isn't as tall.

 *Note: I was trying to take pictures while doing my hair plus it was late so ignore my tired face and awkward photo angles.

Supplies:

• Hair brush
• Plastic Hair Comb
• Bobby Pins
• Hairspray
• Hair Putty (if your hair is clean run a little bit through bangs)

Step 1: Take a portion of your bangs and little bit of hair to create a small pony tail.

Step 2: Take the pony tail and twist it.

Step 3: After you have twisted the pony tail lay it down and don't let go of the pony tail.

Step 4: While still holding the pony tail down take the comb with your free hand and press it in. I like to gently push the pony tail then put the comb right behind the twisted part of the hair.

Step 5: If the pompadour isn't how you would like it just grab the pony tail piece and redo it.

Step 6: Once you have it like you want it take a bobby pin and put it on the extra hair left over from the pony tail. This helps keep the extra hair stay in place and not fall to one side.

Step 7: Spray all  over to keep everything in place.

There you have it the mini pompadour! Just a helpful tip is during the day make sure to just push the comb every now an again. It won't come out but it keeps the pompadour from going flat!

D.I.Y | Jewelry Display

I'm taking part in my first craft show at a Christmas Craft Show this November and wanted something to display some of my necklaces. I looked in different stores but either I couldn't find the style I wanted or the style I wanted was way too much. I finally decided I was going to make my own and though it was a bit challenging the price of supplies was half the price of any fancy one at the store.

Supplies:

• 1-5/8 36"- Dowel Rod (You'll need it cut into one 10" piece)
• 1-3/4 36"- Dowel Rod (You'll need it cut into two 13" piece)
• 1-1x3x2 Board (You'll need it cut into one 12" piece)
• Water Based Wood Stain
• Acrylic Paint 
• Clear Gloss Spray Paint *optional
• Masking/Painters Tape (preferably with the thinner width)
• 2 Foam Paint Brushes
• Ruler
• 1 1/2" Wood Screws
• Sandpaper

Tools:

• Electric Drill- with drill bit and screw option
• Screw Driver *optional

You'll want to go to the hardware store and pick up the two dowels and board. If the store offers wood cutting let them know what sizes you need or you can buy a hand saw and miter box to cut at home. I picked out oak wood because it's has a beautiful natural grain but it is really hard to drill and cut.  

You'll want to go ahead and stain your wood dowels and board using the foam brush; let dry. Then take your masking or painters tape and tape out a zig zag or another pattern on the wood base. 

Take the other foam brush and paint over the top of the board and let dry. It took me about two coats of white to get the brightness I wanted.

Now here comes the math and measurement part.

You'll want to mark where you'll drill the holes in the dowels and where on the board you'll place them. You'll need to mark both entries and make sure everything lines up, it's kind of like doing a dry standing of what it's going to look like. I was in such a rush to get it done and didn't do as great of a job marking and measuring which made it take much longer to finish.

Once you finished this take your drill bit and drill the holes for your screws. Make sure you don't make it too big or too small for the wood screws. 

I found it easier to start with the base board and screw the 13" dowels into place. Then take the center piece and screw in each side. 

If you want a glossy finish use the clear gloss spray and let dry. 

There you have it! Your own jewelry display where you can show case your necklaces and jewelry.

Also I'm trying to save up for this Christmas Craft Show so I can buy supplies for jewelry and packaging. I had a enough to kind of kick start buying supplies for holiday pieces and packaging but I still need to purchase a few more items to make necklaces and also boxes to put jewelry in for customers. With that said all proceeds from Craft'n Bettie will go to help my efforts  :)

-Amber

My First Blog Award: 7 Things

I've only been part of blogger for maybe a year but I'm still a little new when it comes to awards and what to do. So with that I'd like to give a big thank you to the two lovely ladies that gave me this award: Melissa (Simply, Melissa Ashley) & Bree (The Art of Being Cool)!!

Now that I know what to do (rather than just being excited my little ol' blog got awarded something) here are the rules:
1. Say "thank you" with a linking post2. Write 7 things about yourself3. Give the award to 15 other blogs4. Inform them about it!
Even though I've already told you a lot of things with my 21 Things series I still have a few things unknown about me:
1. I'm allergic to pineapple as long as I eat it. So I can cut it but I can't consume it or anything that has been in contact with the pineapple juice.2. I have the odd "talent" of crossing my big toe with my "index" toe on my right foot only.3. I taught myself how to do the Elvis lip, not because of him, but I wanted to teach myself how to do something I couldn't before.4. I love to read though I don't do it as much because I get so involved with the book nothing else gets done. I just can't put a good book down!5. I'm a big sucker for paranormal shows/documentaries.6. I can't roll my tongue. I tried to learn how when I was younger but to no avail. My friend Laura tried to teach me Spanish and I tried to mimic the sound when she rolled her words but it sound horrible.  7. I have a tattoo :)
Now to pass the torch to 15 different bloggers!1. Katie from Hazel and Mare2. Kirsten from Studs and Pearls3. Crystal from Windshield Diaries 4. Laura from Blue Eye Night Owl5. Jamie from Found and Made6. Rachael from Talk2TheTrees7. Julianna from Ce Soir On Danse8. Kaisha from Far From the Mocking World9. Annie from Wattlebird10. Rebekah from Bird and Feather11. Hannah from Of The Great Perhaps12. Molly from Velvet Tangerine13. Amy from Green Eggs and Hamm14. Lily from Little Birds15. Katia from Kitty Snooks
Again thank you Melissa and Bree for including me in this!!
-Amber

Business Casual

Before I start my article review for class I thought I'd share what I wore to class. My school has a dress code and it's business casual though I managed to sneak my diy oxford tennis shoes past my teachers today. I might not get so lucky next time so I changed to my black flats. 

My poor owl lost his eye in class but I kept it so I can fix it later

Outfit Connections

Outerwear: Classic Knit Blazer Forever21

Top: Seashore Bliss Blouse Ruche

Pants: Khaki Jeggings Walmart

Shoes: Black Sequin Ballet Flats Forever21

Necklace: Owl Pendent c/o my Great Aunts Antique Shop

Glasses:  Brown Oversized Frames Walmart

Alright it's time to read that long article and get to writing. Thank God I get to sleep in tomorrow morning :)

-Amber

I'm back!

I had my Mom's wedding this weekend and being the maid of honor I had a lot to do but this week I'm back to normal and will have regular postings :)

-Amber