Winter Favs

So cute! Check out how to get your own flannel or puffer vest monogrammed in the shop! This is one of my favorite fall outfits. Throw on a pair of jeans and riding boots and you're all set to go.

<Side Comment- Dang! My hair looks so red in this lighting! Promise it is not that harsh in person.>

Holiday Rush!

It has been a crazy one! What was I thinking starting my etsy shop just in time for the holiday rush? It has been hectic, but we've made it. The last of the Christmas orders shipped out last night. On the bright side now that I'm home I've got a helper! I think he is happy I'm home too!

In celebration of the rush being over, the first person to guess how old my helper is and his birth month in the comments below will win a free long sleeve monogrammed t-shirt. (winner pays shipping)  Happy guessing!

Can they fix it? YES! They can!!

Recently our garbage disposal wasn't working and we were dreading the 3-4 week process of getting our land lord involved. Me being the go getter I am and wanting to get it fixed the fastest way possible, I Googled how my roommate and I could do it ourselves. Not wanting to read a long explination as to how or why, I clicked on the first youtube video that popped up. We stumbled upon this guy and man are we happy we did!! Team Ellie and Savannah for the win!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEcVQVW7LzU 

Check out this youtube channel for more at home, do it yourself, fix its. Thank you Alex!! #DIY

Finals are upon us

Every year I always come back to this picture.....

...and then wonder why I haven't quit. The struggle is real people! Never give up! You can do it!

Everything is Bigger in Texas!

As if we didn't have enough to eat on Thanksgiving, just a few days later we decided we were ready for round two! So off we went to Big Lou's to experience a 42" pizza pie. It took all 10 hungry hippos to get it gone; so worth the wait though!

Tonight, I had the joy of visiting the world's largest gingerbread house with my roomies!! We had to hold ourselves back from taking a bite out of it! It was so cool, the only thing missing was a little snow.

In person you can't even tell it isn't a real house!

When life hands you lemons....

The other day I made a mistake in making one of my orders, so I decided to use the sweatshirt to make something for myself. Look the whoopsie turned out cute! +1 this post if you think I should make this one of my store products and don't forget to check out www.etsy.com/shop/shopelliebelle

Iron Quilter

Hey guys! help my mom out, vote this quilt to win by clicking the link below and +1 button when it comes up!!:)

https://plus.google.com/photos/+Missouriquiltcompany/albums/5952742715082642513/5952747074232454130?pid=5952747074232454130&oid=103099019484424951885

NOW ON ETSY!!

Check it out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopEllieBelle?ref=shop_sugg Order now to receive your monogrammed long sleeve, fleece vest, or quarter zip before Christmas!!

2 Thanksgiving feasts!! ...one week early

Today I am super thankful for all of the amazing, wonderful, beautiful people in my life! ...and it's not even Thanksgiving yet! O-Phi-A and LSF, two service organizations that I belong to both decided that tonight would be a grand feast of an event! So, in true Ellie fashion, I didn't realize both events were on the same night and committed to bringing a different dish to each. I will compare the success and the failure of my cooking endeavors below:

First, the Success:

Good ol' mashed potaters. Told by my family that I ruined the whole Thanksgiving in 2011 because of my attempt at this dish then! This time  -  I prevailed for the win. Here is my version of the recipe: 4 large some R word kind of potatoes, the smallest size container of sour cream, one stick of butter, 1/2 a brick of cream cheese and a half stick of butter. Heat the potatoes to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 23-28 mins. Strain and mash (no I didn't peel them) with the back of a wooden spoon. Add the butter and cream cheese. Once melted, add the sour cream. Scoop into a pan and add whatever funsies you want on top (mine are adorned with bacon bits, green onions and cheddar cheese) and bake at 325*F for 20 minutes to heat through. 

 

And now the Fail:

Pumpkin Butter Bars: Seriously the best y'all! Especially when made by my mother...not me. I was going to post a picture of their peril - you're welcome, I didn't..... they literally looked like throw-up! I must say to anyone who adventured to try them at our event.....you probably don't want to keep reading, but don't say I didn't warn you if you do! 

I was really excited about making these bars because I know how good they can be, and even more thrilled in doing so because it spurred a roomie outing to the grocery store (rare, but oh so fun!)! I was saddened when I got home to discover I had bought pumpkin pie in a can not and not just plain old pumpkin. The recipe specifically called for pumpkin, so I started trying out ways to thicken it up- heating it, adding syrup, boiling it. Needless to say it was very warm when I decided to give up and just make the recipe to see what would happen. No further than the first step was the futile mistake made. I added eggs to the warm pumpkin, stirred, and WHITE CHUNKS APPEARED?!?!? Yup, scrambled the eggs and I didn't even know it! Lesson learned - don't add eggs to warm substances, and ...use FLOUR to thicken things. 

 

 

New Hair!!

I have never dyed my hair before, so this was kinda a big deal, guys! My roommate Morgan was getting her belly button pierced, which made me get to thinking I was ready for a change too! Just nothing painful -lol! The luscious brown is gone, but I'm so excited to welcome in the red!!  What do you think? <Click on no comments below to let me know!>

Ps. Check out what red head Ellie is wearing!!;) First one done!!! Get one for yourself too.

    

 

Day 1

Completed my first monogram long sleeve today! YAY!! So excited to finally have my machine and to get this show on the road. Check out the shop page as I will keep posting new items throughout the week!

Hello World

Hello Bloggers anonymous! I am so excited to be entering this new world of blogging! My name is Ellie...or as my favorite youtube character, Marcel the Shell would put it, "that's what the community calls me." I am starting up my own 'monogramming/selling all sorts of crafty things' business. It is my hope that I can brain wash you all into buying my stuff.  I will also be posting anything I think is cool, crafty, fun, or just downright amazing! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy what promises to be a somewhat wild, crazy, and exciting ride!