Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Snacking with Chobani

Fall has officially arrived and I am so excited. I know lots of people are excited for Fall, football, and the upcoming holidays. With so many events just around the corner, one thing that comes to mind is food.

Lately, I have been trying to make some healthier choices. I noticed that at the beginning of Summer, we would constantly go out to eat. Towards the end of Summer, we began to eat more at home and I'm happy to say that we have been doing a very good job.

As you may know, I have two sons. My youngest son is a bit of a picky eater so it can be a struggle to get him to eat different foods including healthy food. I will admit that I am also somewhat of a picky eater.

One thing that my family and I love to snack on are chips and dip. Chips and dip is such a easy snack and you can make it healthy by making a few small changes. One of my boys' favorite vegetables are carrots. We switched from eating chips and dip to eating carrots and dip. I also love cucumbers and dip. For parents of picky eaters, think about vegetables and even fruits that you think your child may like. Try offering the vegetables and fruits with the dip. You may be surprised that your child(ren) may enjoy the food with dip.

Chobani currently has a new collection of dips called Chobani Meze Dips. There are four new flavors: Roasted Red Pepper, Chili Lime, Three Pepper Salsa, and Smoked Onion Parmesan. These dips are made with natural ingredients. Each dip contains real vegetables. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives. Compared to most hummus brands, Chobani Meze Dips has 80% less fat and 65% fewer calories.




Have you tried Chobani Meze Dip? Which one are you excited to try? Check out Chobani for more information on their new dips.

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Currently List

Happy Tuesday! It's time for another currently list!



Watching: I love Bob's Burgers. Sunday was the season 7 premiere and thank goodness for my DVR because I didn't get to watch it.

Reading: I've been reading lots of reviews on watercolor books and products.

Listening: I'm not a huge Kanye West fan, but I really like this song.

Making: I've been working on some blog posts for the rest of this month. I'm hoping to get started on some blog posts for October soon.

Feeling: I. Need. Sleep. My youngest son hasn't been feeling well so we have been up really late. I really hope he starts feeling better...I hate when my boys are not feeling good.

Planning: The next few weeks are going to be busy so I need to start planning. There's just so much to plan like birthdays, holidays, and lots of projects.

Loving: So a few of my favorite shows are back and some will be premiering in the next few weeks.

What are you currently up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...


Monday, September 26, 2016

30 Days of Lists--September 2016--Lists 18-25

Happy Monday! Wow it's the last week of September! Can you believe it! I keep saying it over and over again, but this year is just going by way too fast. I can't believe that 30 Days of Lists is almost over. However, as promised, I will be sharing lists 18-25.



Day 18: Casting for the movie of my life...

Me: Dania Ramirez

John: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

*This was a really hard prompt. I only added John and myself. My sons are young so I don't know anyone who could be cast to play them. I may have to think about who would be cast to play other members of my family.*



Day 19: I feel in control of my life when...

  • I am on or ahead of schedule
  • I've had enough sleep/rest
  • I've had coffee
  • The laundry is done and put away
  • The house is clean


Day 20: Where I Do My Best Thinking...

  • At night
  • At home
  • On walks
  • At bookstores
  • While driving
  • When I'm alone


Day 21: Favorite Things To Make Right Now

  • Handmade Cards
  • Art Journal Pages
  • Layouts
  • Mini Kits
  • Tags


Day 22: My Kitchen Essentials

  • Toaster
  • Microwave
  • Keurig
  • Stove
  • Large Pan
  • Pots, plates, bowls, basic utensils like spoons, forks, knives
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • K-Cup Carousel
*Can you tell that I love my kitchen.*



Day 23: Compliments I Would Like To Receive...

  • You're a great artist
  • You're so patient
  • Your hair looks great
  • You are amazing

Day 24: My love language
  • Handmade cards and gifts
  • Homemade baked goods
    • muffins
    • cakes
    • cupcakes
    • brownies
    • cookies
    • pies
  • Being there/Being present
    • Listening
    • Giving attention


Day 25: Favorite things to add to my shopping list
  • Books
  • Craft/Art supplies
  • Cookies, ice cream, cheesecake
  • T-shirts and tank tops

Are you participating in 30 Days of Lists?

Thanks for visiting! 

Until next time...


*I am a sponsor for 30 Days of Lists and any purchases made using the link above will help support The Emi Times.*

Saturday, September 24, 2016

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Hello! Happy Saturday! Today I'm linking up with KrystenLindsay, and Charlotte for their weekly linkup.


1. Fall is here

2. Lucifer (the TV show)

3. Watercolor painting

4. Starboy by The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk

5. The weather

6. KitKats

7. Grey's Anatomy

8. Naps

9. My new Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Compact Set

10. Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Art Supply Haul

I love going to the art store. Normally, I got to Michaels or Hobby Lobby, but almost two weeks ago, I went to Blick Art Materials for the first time. And you guys...I felt like I was in heaven! Today, I thought I would share a few of the things that I have purchased from various stores throughout the month.



Hobby Lobby Purchases

Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Cardstock: I was running low on Distress watercolor cardstock. I needed to get some more because this is what I am using for my 30 Days of Lists mini album. I love the size of these cards. I also love that you can use either side of the card. One side is textured and the other side is not. I tend to use the smooth side a lot more.


Strathmore Watercolor Cards: I was running low on watercolor cards so I bought another pack. Even though I can make my own watercolor cards for greeting cards, I like to have a pack of Strathmore watercolor cards because it is convenient. It saves me time from having to measure, cut and fold watercolor paper. I don't use Strathmore watercolor cards often because there are not a lot of cards and envelopes in each pack.


Kuretake Gansai Tambi Starry Colors Watercolor Set: So this purchase was both a need and a want. A few weeks ago, I bought a small bottle of Golden gold acrylic paint, but then realized that I did not have any gold watercolor paint. None of the watercolor sets that I have came with a gold or silver watercolor paint so I decided to look for some. I don't like using watercolors that come in the tubes so I was a excited when I found that Kuretake Gansai has a set of gold watercolors. The set even came with a silver as well which was awesome. It was a bit pricy, but I used a 40% coupon from Hobby Lobby so that dropped the price down.


Canson Watercolor Artboards: I have been debating getting these Canson watercolor artboards for a couple of months now. I hesitated for a while because I could not justify the price or the amount. This was $20 at Hobby Lobby and only came with 10 boards. I ended up buying this and used a coupon. I'm glad that I did buy it because I plan on making a painting for my little sister's birthday. So I do consider another want and need purchase.


Michaels Purchases

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors: I wanted to try some "professional" watercolors so decided to buy a Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor set. Michaels had some really awesome sales and coupons a few weeks ago, so I took advantage and bought this set. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the Cotman series are actually student grade watercolors. I was very surprised because the colors look amazing. I also like the amount of paint that comes in each pan and honestly think that they will last a long time. This was definitely a "want" purchase.


Winsor & Newton Watercolor Brush: After reading Just Add Watercolor, I realized that I did not have any brushes that can be used for fine details so I immediately bought one at Michaels.


Royal & Langnickel Brush: I have a bottle of varnish at home and found out that it would be best to have a brush that I only use for it so I bought a large brush. Since all of my brushes that I have are either for acrylic paint or watercolor paint and I do use them for that purpose, I decided that it would probably be best that I just buy an inexpensive brush for the varnish.


Blick Art Materials Purchases

Moleskine Watercolor Notebooks: I am a huge fan of Moleskine notebooks, but have never owned their watercolor notebooks. I was so surprised to find out that Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann do not carry Moleskine notebooks. Usually when I purchase my Moleskine notebooks, I go to Barnes and Noble. Unfortunately, my local Barnes and Noble bookstore does not carry the watercolor notebooks so I either had to buy it on their online store or just try to find it in another store. I really don't like online shopping and found out that Blick Art Materials carries the notebooks. I have never been to Blick Art Materials so I was excited to check the store out and get the watercolor notebook. I bought two watercolor notebooks and they are awesome!

Have you purchased any new art supplies?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Currently List

Happy Tuesday! It's time for another Currently List.



Watching: I still love this show. It's so funny. I've also been watching the news on what happened in New York.

Reading: I've been reading lots of blog posts, emails and articles.

Listening: I. Love. This. Song. It's just beautiful and amazing.

Making: I'm starting to get better at writing a lot of my blog posts in advance and have been posting more often than usual.

Feeling: I'm super sleepy, but I am so ready to get a lot of stuff done.

Planning: I am going to work in my watercolor notebook today and I plan to try and make some cards. I have so many ideas that I want to sketch and paint. Today is definitely the day to work on that.

Loving: Even though it's gloomy outside, I'm loving the rain. We were in a drought so rain was definitely needed.

What are you currently up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Monday, September 19, 2016

30 Days of Lists--September 2016--Lists 11-17

Happy Monday! Can you believe that we are already halfway through September and 30 Days of Lists? It's been so much fun participating in the 30 Days of Lists challenge and I'm loving all of the lists that everyone is posting. Today, I'm going to be sharing lists 11-17.



Day 11: On my calendar this year...

  • Birthdays
  • Holidays
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • School events
  • Completing some Studio Calico classes



Day 12: Things that didn't seem like a good idea at the time...

  • Eating a half dozen of donuts...it was worth it!
  • Waiting to get my driver's license...it worked out ok, but I'm glad that I have it!
  • Taking a nap...it was worth it! I feel energized!


Day 13: How I Stay Busy...

  • Watching TV
  • Working in my art journal
  • Crafting
  • Social Media
  • Reading
  • Chores and errands


Day 14: My Favorite Teams

  • New York Yankees
  • Team Sam & Dean (Supernatural)
  • Team Benson & Stabler (Law & Order: SVU)


Day 15: Pets I Would Like To Have

  • Bunny
  • Hedgehog
  • Dolphin
  • Dog


Day 16: Lies I Tell Myself:

  • Only one more...
    • donut
    • cupcake
    • chip
  • You'll clean your craft space today


Day 17: My best tips for new parents...
  • Do what you think is best for your baby and your family
  • You don't need everything...trust me
  • Trust your instinct
  • Try to get some sleep
Are you participating in 30 Days of Lists?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

*I am a sponsor for 30 Days of Lists and any purchases made using the link above will help support The Emi Times.*


Saturday, September 17, 2016

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Today I'm linking up with KrystenLindsay, and Charlotte for their weekly link up.

1. Dia De Los Muertos tumbler

2. Celebrating my husband's birthday

3. Cheesecake

4. IHOP

5. New watercolor set

6. Going on a mini adventure

7. Haagen Dazs ice cream

8. Wreck-It Ralph

9. Pizza

10. The moon

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Think Happy--Blogging for Books Review

Hello! I just finished reading Think Happy by Karen Salmansohn and am so excited to share my review. 



Think Happy is such a positive book filled with fifty inspirational sayings, pep talks and amazing illustrations. There are ten different sections with five sayings in each section. Some of the sayings are related to trying something new, failures, and when you are feeling grumpy. My favorite sections in the book are "5 things to say when dealing with major challenges" and "5 things to say when you feel stressed out". This was such a quick read, but it is amazing. A lot of the sayings in the book was just what I needed to read at the moment.

I definitely recommend this book for anyone who needs to be motivated, is stressed out or just wants to read a book filled with positive sayings. I plan to read this book whenever I need a boost of positivity or need to be inspired.


Have you read Think Happy by Karen Salmansohn? If so, what are your thoughts?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Currently List

Happy Tuesday! It's time for another Currently List.



Watching: I'm so sad that I just watched the season finale of The Last Ship. This show is so freaking awesome.

Reading: As usual, I'm catching up on some blog posts and emails. I'm still reading Just Add Watercolor by Helen Birch.

Listening: Oh. My. Goodness. Lady Gaga is back! I'm loving her new song.

Making: I'm making some spicy chicken sandwiches for lunch today and am still trying to figure out what to cook for dinner.

Feeling: I just drank a cup of iced caramel macchiato so I'm super energized. However, I did get a decent amount of sleep so that has helped too.

Planning: I can't wait to work in my new Moleskine watercolor notebook. I have so many things that I want to try.

Loving: Today has been beautiful. It's a bit cloudy and I am hoping for some rain.

What are you currently up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...


Monday, September 12, 2016

30 Days of Lists--September 2016--Lists 5-10

Happy Monday! Can you believe it's already September 12? I have been having a lot of fun making my lists and have been sharing my lists on my Instagram. As I said before, I will still share them on my blog as well. Today I'm sharing lists 5-10.





Day 5: Today you can find me...
  • Home...making art and working on blog posts




Day 6: My favorite time of the day is _______ because _________

My favorite time of the day is midmorning/early afternoon because....
  • I can get my errands and stuff on my to do list done very quickly (since the kids are at school)
  • Me time (sometimes...depending on how fast I can get stuff done)
  • I can catch up on shows
  • I have a decent amount of energy during this time





Day 7: If I was running for President...

  • I would listen to people and care about their concerns
  • Have fun
  • Promote equality
  • Hand out History books
  • Talk about education and healthcare



Day 8: On My  Camera Roll...

  • Art supplies
  • The boys
  • Selfies
  • Books
  • Completed projects
  • Food



Day 9: This weekend's plan...

  • Work on artwork and projects
  • Read new books
  • Draft blog posts
  • Cook



Day 10: When things don't go my way...
  • I go for a long walk
  • I raise my voice or walk away (just depends on the situation)
  • I make art
  • I like to shop


Are you participating in 30 Days of Lists?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

*I am a sponsor for 30 Days of Lists and any purchases made using the link above will help support The Emi Times.*

Sunday, September 11, 2016

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today I'm linking up with KrystenLindsay, and Charlotte's weekly link up.

1. New art supplies

2. Auntie Anne's Pretzel

3. Mini Chocolate Mocha Chillatta

4. Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms

5. Making art

6. Positive news articles

7. Spending time with my boys and husband

8. Law & Order: SVU

9. Organizing my craft space

10. All of the ideas that I keep coming up with

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Currently List

Happy Tuesday! It's time for another Currently List!



Watching: I love watching sketchbook tour videos and watercolor videos. I love how there are so many different techniques out there.

Reading: I bought Just Add Watercolor by Helen Birch and even though it was kind of an impulse buy, I am so glad that I decided to get it. It is such a good book and I will definitely be reviewing it soon.

Listening: I love this song so much. This song has been stuck in my head for days now.

Making: I am trying to get better at blogging more often. Sure I have posted a few different posts here and there, but there have been weeks where all I really posted was Currently Lists and 10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week lists. August was a super crazy month and September is starting to look like it too, but I'm going to be posting a lot more.

Feeling: I am so ready to work on a lot of stuff. I'm catching up on lots of projects including my Project Life album. I'm so ready for everything to get back to normal.

Planning: As I mentioned before, the past month or so has been super busy and crazy. I'm ready to get back to my routine. I'm hoping that everything will be 100% back to normal in another week or so. All of this rearranging plans and whatnot has been extremely tiring and stressful.

Loving: I'm loving Just Add Watercolor, but I am also loving Think Happy by Karen Salmansohn. I received Think Happy from Blogging for Books and will be reviewing it soon.

What are you currently up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Monday, September 5, 2016

30 Days of Lists--September 2016--Lists 1-4

Happy Labor Day! 30 Days of Lists started on September 1st and it has been so much fun. 30 Days of Lists is a journaling challenge that happens twice a year. You are given a prompt for 30 days and you can complete each prompt in any way that you want. Some people make Project Life layouts, some complete the challenge in art journals, and even mini albums. There is no right or wrong way to complete the challenge which is awesome!

I have been sharing my lists on my Instagram, but do plan to share my lists here as well. Today, I'm sharing lists 1-4.


Day 1: September is for...

  • Listing
  • New season premieres
  • Fall
  • Cooler weather
  • Preparing for Halloween
  • Preparing for Christmas (yes I know it's a bit early, but I have a lot of stuff to do)
  • Making lots of cards
  • Fall Festivals
  • Lots of crockpot recipes
  • Exercising
  • CHANGES
*Also it's my husband's birthday month!*



Day 2: Don't Judge Me, But...

  • I'm not a football fan
  • I'm already thinking about Christmas
  • I hate cooking
  • I haven't read a lot of books this year
  • I don't clean my car as often as I should


Day 3: Reasons to Celebrate
  • Life
  • Halloween
  • Christmas
  • Birthdays
  • Anniversaries
  • Accomplishing your goals
  • Fall


Day 4: Recent Impulse Purchases

  • Book
  • Liquitex Heavy Body Paint
  • Potato Chips
  • Ice Cream
  • Halloween supplies

Are you participating in 30 Days of Lists?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

*I am a sponsor for 30 Days of Lists and any purchases made using the link above will help support The Emi Times.*

Friday, September 2, 2016

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Friday! Today I'm linking up with KrystenLindsay, and Charlotte's weekly's link up.


1. My son is feeling better

2. More sleep

3. Dark Chocolate and Walnut Nutchello

4. Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A

5. Grocery Shopping

6. Rain

7. Barnes and Noble

8. Think Happy by Karen Salmansohn

9. Just add Watercolor by Helen Birch

10. My boys

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Oh Hello September!


Oh September...

You're finally here and I'm so excited! There are so many reasons to be excited. For instance...

  • The first day of Fall is September 22
  • I can start buying Halloween costumes and candy
  • Cooler weather
  • Pumpkin Spice...everything!!!!!
  • New TV shows and season premieres of my favorite shows
    • Atlanta: Premieres on September 6th (new TV show and I can't wait to watch it!!!)
    • Lucifer: Premieres on September 19th
    • Grey's Anatomy: Premieres on September 22nd
  • Brach's Chocolate Candy Corn
  • Pumpkins
  • Hot Chocolate (Even though I drink it year round)
  • Leaves are changing color
  • Apple cider
  • Start preparing for Christmas - Yes I know that it's still a bit early, but I have a lot of stuff to do for the holiday season.
Are you excited for September and Fall?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...