Make Your Own Skinny Jeans :)

            Being an Army wife sometimes comes with the loss of luxuries! lol

Recently I came to a roadblock and had to get creative to make my current wardrobe fit my needs. I bought some boots from Aldo before the big move and now that it's getting pretty chilly here, I wanted to put them to use. Unfortunately, our PX is rather small and EXTREMELY limited. (especially when it comes to anything 'fashionable') SoOoOo it was time to brainstorm! My regular jeans were NOT going to work with these boots.. and I did NOT spend over 140.00 on boots just to leave them in my closet. I have some boot cut jeans and some flares... but neither fit smoothly in my boots. They all wanted to bunch up or my boots wouldn't even fasten..

Since I can't find skinny jeans at our local store (and don't have a car to explore much further)  it was time to get modifying! After a little cutting and sewing, my boots can now be warn and I have a chic new pair of custom skinnies!

First, I put the jeans on inside out and pinned down the leg to fit my desired shape...

Then, I sewed a straight stitch down the outside of my legs and tried them on to check the fit. 

Perfect! Now I trimmed the excess and ran a zigzag stitch over the outer edge to keep the jean fabric from fraying or coming undone. Flip them inside out.. pose a little in front of your mirror and BAM! You've got a nice new set of skinny jeans! 

Not to mention the awesome fit since they are made FOR YOU. ;0)

And the problem is solved! My boots close completely and there is almost NO bunching! 

Guess we'll give them a trial run this weekend... Hi haters :0P

Ok! Time for you to get chopping! Let's see what you come up with! Jeans can be modified into over a million and one new things. .. so the possibilities are endless! 

Have fun! 

--Steens

Part 2.... Zee Drive To My Haus!

So I stood there, bags in hand, waiting for my romeo... No sign of him or Ashlee in site! 

After about 15 mins or so I started to get a bit panicky! I searched through my bag for my Ipod and opened up my contacts application. "Maybe I can try and use the pay phone to call Mike's new cellphone?".. I browsed around for the nearest phone. 

There were two of them.. sitting off to the side looking ridiculously scary lol. 

I didn't have any German money yet so I figured I could use my debit card. 

I lifted the handle and fumbled around with the buttons. I couldn't find an "English" setting.. so I guessed around with the German selections.  I finally came to a screen and dialed the number.... "beeeeep..... beeeeeeep.... beeeeeep" CRAP! I must have done something wrong because there is NO ring! (** NOTE--- I had NO clue at the time, but in Germany the phone 'beeps' instead of 'ringing', so in actuality I was most likely calling and being connected to Mike before I hung up! LOL.. The things you find out AFTER the fact! *sigh* ) I slammed the phone down and took a deep breath.. 

NOW WHAT?! I decided to go stand right out front. I figured just incase they searched the airport and gave up looking for me, they might make a last ditch effort and circle the outside. 

Not even 10 minutes after waiting outside I see Mike walking up! HOOOOORAAAY!! My hubby is here to save me!! :0D 

He grabbed my suitcase and we headed to the car for my very first autobahn experience! 

VrooooOooOoOm! Off to my new hometown-- Baumholder! I was in a daze as we zipped around on the autobahn.. A trip that would have take hours back home could be accomplished in a small portion of that time! The roads are so orderly and the traffic just flows. Everyone follows the rules and you get to your destination so much quicker! 

Oh, and did I mention the cars?!! A Euro car lover's dream!!!! VWs.. Audis.. Porche.. BMW.. Mercedes.. etc.. new and old.. and the "old" were SOOOO well taken car of.. *heavenly!* lol

AHHHHHHH... speeeedy .... This takes some getting used to for sure!

Only a little bit of a drive and we had arrived! 

DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUN! 

**Beautiful Baumholder Germany! **

Now the journey really started! My next few posts will recap a bit of what I've done so far! 

Any questions about the trip or PCS.. PLEASE feel free to email me (Chris18036@hotmail.com)  or leave a comment! 

--Steens <3

Backtracking.. The Journey to Baumholder Part 1

My bags were packed and I was ready for the long flight! I don't think I could contain my excitement, but along with that came the jittery nerves of the unknown! It finally hit me that within a few hours I would be flying halfway across the world, by myself.. and I had no clue what the heck I was doing! Luckily, I have some idea of the way things work and I'm not afraid to bug people.. so in the long run, I got to Frankfurt in one piece! (Luggage included lol)

Here's a picture of Rascal being "emo." He just chilled out by my stuff the morning I was leaving.. I guess it gave him some kind of weird dog comfort lol

I only brought one large suitcase and one smaller suitcase with me. My carry-on was my laptop case with all of our hand carry (important) documents. I know the military lets you take.. like.. 10 suitcases.. about 100 lbs each or something, but when you are alone.. or flying that far.. lost baggage in a  foreign country is NOT fun! (Less you bring.. less you  can lose!) I decided to rough it for a bit before I left to Germany and sent all of my clothes and extra stuff ahead of time with my unaccompanied baggage. It was so worth it to be able to move quickly and gather my one or two items. Especially after a LONG (exhausting) flight! 

Grandma and mom.. doing some laundry the morning I left.. 

The family before I left... Oh how I miss them! 

On the escalator!

Mom, dad, and me! <3

Ok, back to the flight! lol... 

So I boarded the first flight from Fayetteville to Charlotte.. I hate small planes!! The flight was quick.. and bumpy. I don't think I've ever had a bump on a flight quite like that. There is always the normal turbulence, but our plane had some sort of "bang" and then dropped for a second or  so... My heart stopped and I started praying to God for everything in my life! lol.. The person behind me karate kicked my seat back and we were wooshed right back on track again. *sigh* 

I arrived at the airport in Charlotte and began searching for my next gate. Once I figured out where I was supposed to go, I sat down and enjoyed being ALIVE! 

I glanced around at the group sitting with me and tried to pick out who was German and who was American.  No luck with that... UNTIL they started speaking! I was amazed... and little did I know I would soon have to learn to communicate with these people or epically fail at life for the next 3 years. 

"PREBOARDING CALL!" <-- One of the attendants was now at the desk.. I was a little confused because we had about two hours  til our flight, but I noticed everyone slowly shuffling up to the desk so I observed and followed the flow. They had their passports out.. so I scrambled around in my back and got out my paperwork and passport. 

*My turn* She asked to see my passport and how long I was planning to visit Germany... 

I told her the good stuff and showed her the proper documents and she stamped me on my way!

I sat back down for about an hour and then boarding began... 

The plane itself was plain amazing! I walked in and down the isle to my seat to get settled. Not even a minute later my seat-mate showed up. She was a little old lady.. (I believe maybe Polish) We smiled and nodded and then I noticed what was going on. Her husband was across the isle all alone and they would be sitting seats away from each other for the entire flight. I stretched my fingers out and prepared myself for the ultimate sign language conversation. lol

After about five minutes of pointing and smiling and nodding, the two window seats had a new pair of occupants and I was not on the other side of the isle :) I had made new plane friends and we were all happy! (Well, mostly) I  still had an  isle seat.. but now it was in the middle row.. with no window to lean on. 

Good thing the seats are super comfy! 

For the next 8 hours I browsed the mini TV screen in front of me. There was a ton of movies and TV shows to choose from... along with music if I wanted to sleep. 

By the time we hit Frankfurt and they turned the cabin light back on, I had watched about 3 movies and 2 episodes of Two and a Half Men. lol

*Touch Down!* 

Willkommen in Deutschland! 

This is it! I was finally here! ... Or so I thought! This is where the nerves kicked in. 

I had no cell phone.. very little German language skills.. and zero experience! 

I got of the plane, walked down the stairs and I'm clueless. We are outside.. and it's a chilly morning. There's some sort of trolley bus in front of where we got off.. so I just followed the crowd once again! There were no signs and no one was telling us where to go... but I figured I should  probably get on this.. because I would most likely get tackled walking around the air strip. lol I hopped on the trolley and the doors closed the packed compartment.... WIIIIZZZZZ! We were off! It took us around and about until we reached a little drop off point. The crowd got off and started walking into the building and down the halls. Most of the signs were in German and English now.. but it doesn't really help if you don't know where YOU need to be! 

After a few minutes of walking we came to customs. .. I handed my passport to the polizei and smiled. He was so mean looking and just stamped and passed it back to me lol.. I was NOT prepared for that! hmmf haha .. I walked through the gate feeling accomplish and grown up! ... Then I realized I still had another leg of the trip to go. Where the heck is my baggage?!! 

You will find that following the crowd ACTUALLY works to your benefit here lol. 

I watched as the conveyor belt started and grabbed my luggage as they came around one at a time. Now what?... 

I just started walking toward the exit. HOW WOULD MIKE FIND ME IN THIS HUGE AIRPORT?!!... Stay tuned! 

New Kitchen Test Run! (Baumholder Style!)

So, I'm in Baumholder... FINALLY! I've been here about 2 weeks now and I'm getting settled in my new home! I have lots to post, but I figured I'd share my first actual meal with you all! What's better in these chilly mountains than a good ol' fashioned pot roast!

First, get all of your ingredients....

I usually buy a nice chunk of cow! lol Any nice fatty cut will do since we are using the crock pot :) You could put a rock in that machine and it would come out juicy and tender! (jk.. well, kinda) Then, I grab some good root veggies... carrots and potatoes (You can add onion, but I skipped it this time) For flavor, I usually throw in some garlic and celery. Both give the meat a nice 'ummf'.

Stare at the meat for a minute on your counter top.. Tell it who's boss!

Take the meat out of the plastic casing and give it a quick rinse. (Trim it just a little if you feel the need to)

Put about 1/4 a cup of flour in a large bowl or shallow dish.. mix in some salt and pepper.

Probably about a teaspoon or tablespoon of each. Blend it together and then dredge your meat in the flour mixture until it's covered.

Prepare your crock pot and a pot (or pan) to sear the meat.. The fun part starts now!! *evil laugh*

Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of oil in your HOT pot.. Once your oil is nice and hot and the pan is screeeeeamin, drop that big ol' hunk of meat in! (Don't mind the bad focus.. you'll see plenty!)

Let it sit in the pan for a bit.. You want to make sure each side is evenly browned and golden!

This is going to seal in the juices of the meat and give it extra added flavor! MmmmMMMmm!

*SiZzLe* Oh buddy! If you drop a little bit of fresh cut garlic in the mix like I did, this is when your kitchen begins to smell AH-MAZE-INGG! *SHIVER*

See how the oil and flour and meat juice is kinda mixing and browning?.. FLIP TIME!

Wipe the drool of your face and wait on the next side now!

Once you've brown ALL the sides, pop it into the crock pot/slow cooker/heaven on earth maker! Don't forget all the good stuff in the bottom of the pan/pot. We call that the 'drippins' in the south. lol Wheeeew Weeee!

You probably wanna go ahead and have the crock pot started a few minutes before you put the meat in.... just to get things going! It looks a little sad sitting there.. so I think I'll add some buddies!

The meat will already have a ton of flavor, but if you're like me, you'll want a little more! :)

I added about 1 1/2 packs (there's 2 in a box) of Lipton's Onion Soup Mix.. It gives it a nice rich flavor and saves a lot of wrist shaking of different spices! Thank you Mr. Lipton for simplifying roast! lol

Next, chop up your veggies and drop them into the pot. I try to leave the celery closer to the top so it doesn't get too mushy in the bottom juices.

Once everything is in the crock pot I add about half a can of beef broth and half a cup of water.. Just enough to cover the bottom of the pot and moisten the seasoning and veggies. (Hello out of focus can! lol)

Close the lid and set it!

I put it on low for 8 hours. Perfect for a busy day!

I had about two good sized potatoes left over, so I decided to make a small side of mashed potatoes. Just give them a quick wash... peel them.. cut them.. and drop them into some salted boiling water. Once the potatoes soften, drain the water and drop the pieces of potatoes into a food processor (quick method lol) Add a bit of milk/cream... some butter.. and salt, blend it all up and BAM! You got some 'taters! ;0)

So quick and easy to go along with roast.. super delish! You can always take some of the potatoes that soaked up roast juice and blend them in as well ;)


Snap back to reality and look @ your kitchen.. Time to clean up! Good thing it only takes a few minutes!

Much better... *sigh*

8 HOURS LATER.....

O... MY.... GAWSH!... Super tender and savory..

Throw in some biscuits.. scoop the taters.. and get ready for a SUPER meal!

*Note-- When making biscuits.. PUH-LEEZ don't sear your hand on the red hot oven coil!

NOM NOM NOM

When all's said and done, soak your pot.. and take pictures of battle scars.. lol

Here's my fillet o' Christina's hand! *sniffle*

Hope you all *enjoy*!

--Steens <3

The Movers Came and Went...

(Sorry, cell phone pics lol)

The movers came last Thursday and we have been living a little over a week without our household goods! It has been a challenge, but we have become pretty creative at getting by! It's actually kind of liberating living without all the material things around. You learn what's really important and all the things you can live without. (If you had to lol)

No where to sit!
It took them about 5 hours to pack and load our stuff and hopefully it will all get to Germany soon and all in one piece! According to the moving company our shipment should be there in October... so we'll be about a month without the comforts of home.

Moving day was exhausting and HOT! Since they were in and out all day, we shut the air off. Lucky for us, it was almost a 100 dgrs out!! LOL UGH! That heat and humidity can really take a toll on you! Good thing we kept our movers hydrated and happy! I felt like I was offering them drinks every five minutes!

Well, this checks one more thing off our long 'To Do' list! I'll make sure to update along the way and let you know how my things survive along the journey. (Fingers crossed!)

Two Questions...

These are answers to two comments I received recently. (There were no emails to respond to so hopefully both of you ladies see this post!)

First,

Keely-- The Potala Palace Cabinet from Pier 1 is absolutely STUNNING! (The Cabinet) It is by far my *favorite* piece of furniture! I paid full price for it.. so about 499/500.00.. Worth every penny!

The colors are vibrant and the details are superb! If you want to email me with any other questions feel free-- chris18036@hotmail.com

Second,

Khryztina-- To color the marshmallow Fondant, (Here) you'll want to use a cream or paste food coloring. The liquid coloring will thin out your fondant and make it twice as much work! I use the little tubs by Wilton that look like this.

Desiree's Wedding Cake (Just a little late lol)

Desi's Cake

I know I promised some pictures of the cake.. But like usual, I have been quite busy! 

It's a Friday night and I'm at home.. procrastinating with my packing and organizing. I've got Coraline playing on the T.V. and a comfy spot made up on the floor. I guess there is no better time than now to finally post some wedding shots. The cake was vanilla and chocolate marble with chocolate frosting and filling.. oh, and sunflower cupcakes! :) (chocolate of course!)

*TA-DA!*

Jasmin looking beautiful as a bridesmaid with her  curls.

Me, Christal and Desi

PCSing.. On Our Mission to Baumholder.

The last time I blogged, everything was kind of crazy in this little world of mine and the thought of this possible PCS was up in the air. Well, now it is a full blown PCS!
We have been through so much crap lately and I feel like since things are winding down in the final days, I have time to start blogging again. (I could be wrong lol.. But you'll know if I'm gone another month!)
The movers are coming next week, my car is sold, and things are pretty much wrapping up at work! Now it's just time to finish up the small details (all 12 thousand of them) and we'll be on our way to our new home in Baumholder Germany! This has all happened so quickly and I don't think the reality has quite hit me yet. I, Christina Bo Beana, am packing up my junk and moving half way across the world! I have so many emotions going on right now. Am I completely thrilled for the opportunity to travel the world at the government's expense?... or should I be freaking out that I'm leaving the place I grew up, my friends, and the family I am so dearly close to??!! -- Good thing my friends and family like to travel! lol
I know that this will be a great experience for me and my Mike we'll make the best of it while taking on the challenges of living abroad.
I'll be back to tell of my journey so far and all the hoops I've had to jump through. (Maybe I can make things easier for the next person on this windy path!)

--Sttteens

I got a new hair cut..

Kate Gosselin cut my hair for me.. How do you like it?? hehehe.

(This happens when you have absolutely nothing better to do)