From Happy Bee Boutique, Happy Holidays!!!

When I started this little blog and a learning how to crochet two years ago, I never would have imagined how much my talents and love for it all would grow.

I wish you and all your families a a very, very Happy Holidays. Thank you for letting me express myself in all ways creatively.

See you in 2012!!

From Happy Bee Boutique,

Happy Holidays!

Veggie Seitan Fajitas

M and I have been vegetarians for the past 4 weeks. I can't believe it. That's huge for us.

Overall, we both feel amazing though so it's worth it.

But with that have come some adjustments in our beliefs, our grocery shopping, and most importantly my cooking. I'm constantly looking for quick, easy and cheap recipes to whip up. I don't think if I had the support of M that I would have survived this long. But we're doing good and trekking on.

And I happened to whip up this AMAZING dinner the other night that I cannot wait to share.

Veggie Fajitas

Ingredients:

-bell peppers (I used 1 orange, 1 yellow, 1 red, 2 green)

- red onion (I used a sliced half)

-garlic

-olive oil

-fajita seasoning packet

-can of black beans

-avocados

-sour cream

-salsa

-1 package of seitan

-tortillas

Instructions:

I put a drizzled about 2 tbsps of olive oil in my wok and threw in some garlic. The amount wasn't important, but it was a lot. I like things with a kick. I let it heat up for a couple minutes or so and threw in my red onion slices and tossed them in the oil. As that was heating on a medium-low heat, I cut up my bell peppers and threw them in as well. The dish was becoming colorful. 

I like color. 

It's pretty.

As the bell peppers and onions were cooking, I took the time to mash up an avocado (or three) with a little salt and pepper and put it on the side. I also started heating a can of black beans.

Finally, when the peppers and onions were starting to look like they might be getting a little soft, I threw in some Seitan. If you don't know what Seitan is, you are missing out. And since I didn't know what it was until recently, I was definitely missing out. Seitan, also known as "wheat meat" has a similar look and texture of meat when cooked, making it a popular meat substitute with vegetarians. And honestly, it's so good in my dishes, I don't know if I'll ever have to go back to meat again.

Then I opened up a packet of Fajita seasoning and used half the packet to season my onions, peppers and Seitan. In my opinion, the whole mixture, probably could have survived on it's own and tasted just as good. But I thought the fajita seasoning (just like the seitan) might add a nice meaty fajita memory to our dinner. 

And then...let the magic begin.

I layered some avocado, sour cream, salsa, black beans and fajita mixture, rolled it up and BAM! 

Best fajitas EVER.

Seriously they were so good. M was so impressed with the taste he asked me to make them every week and my little picky eater B, ate the whole thing. Even with all that color!

Idk what made it so great, but something did. I recommend this recipe as an quick and easy veggie substitute any night of the week!

Also...PSSSSSSSSST!

Did you know I recently rebranded and opened up a new shop?

Visit Happy Bee Boutique at www.happybeeboutique.storenvy.com

and keep up to date with my new creations, recipes and life at www.facebook.com/happybee

Friday Night...now and then.

A few years ago we would have been at the bar,

downing jack & cokes,

throwing back shots,

playing darts,

betting at pool.

We would have been laughing.

We would have been inviting all our friends out.

We would be ordering pupus (appetizers) consisting of mozzarella sticks, fries and many other bar atrocities that always end up being SO good,

and maybe even hogging the karaoke mic,

because let's face it, once I started feeling warm and fuzzy,

 I thought I sounded like Celine-freaking-Dion

Tonight, we sit at home.

We ate a home-cooked vegetarian meal.

We shared about our day.

I do a little homework and crochet a few rounds

Miss B practices her letters and takes a bath.

M does a little work and takes a few calls.

We laugh. We hug. We cuddle.

We get in a round of family game night, 

which no longer consists of Monopoly or Risk, or other harder adult games,

 but instead games like Princess Match or Uno.

And we put together a family of potato heads.

Mommy, Miss B and Daddy.

And the little one says,  "I love making my Mommy potato head. I love you Mommy"

I can't imagine being anywhere but here.

I don't want to be anywhere but here.

This is my life.

And I love it.

Closing up shop...

I miss blogging.
Like, really miss it.
Every day I think, wow I should blog this. Or, man this recipe is amazing, it would be great on my blog.
But I am just so damn busy with life that all these thoughts are staying bottled up in my head instead.

I've been thinking back to when I started this little ol' blog and how it has been apart of my life for the past two years. I've grown as a mother, wife and woman on this blog. I've experienced the loss of my grandfather, dealt with Post Partum Depression, been put on meds, made some amazing friends, I've moved three times, took some amazing vacations, survived my parents divorce, I've experimented with dozens of different recipes and honestly, lived up to the title of the "Unfinished Woman."

But with the time and growth has come so many opportunities and experiences that have lead me down another journey. And like the saying goes, "When one door closes, another one opens."

And it surely has.

In late August, I started the fall semester and decided to take two classes.

I teach 3+ Zumba classes a week, not including those I sub.

A few weeks ago I linked up with a local boutique to start selling my crochet goodies which is an amazing opportunity in itself. And lucky for me, my stuff got into the store just in time for the huge International Street Fair at the Orange Street Fair that estimatedly had about 1+ million people walk thru that weekend.

I got accepted to a great craft fair called The Threadery coming to Brea, CA in October. An amazing opportunity for me to sell my things and buy more yarn, get my name out there....which in turn lead me, M to completely rethink and rebrand my store.

I applied and got accepted into Holiday Handmade, a craft fair coming up in November that is helping support Newport Mesa Church's MOPS group and giving me another opportunity to sell.

Not to mention all the fun activities set up with the little B, like Disneyland passes, library time, mommy & me dance...and so many other fun things.

So with my new ventures, came the ending of old ones. I'm in the process of shutting down my Mama Heada Facebook Fan page. I deleted my old Twitter (which, can I be completely honest, was so hard to do) And while I contemplated deleting this blog and switching over to Wordpress, I decided that too much uprooting and learning of new things, might turn me gray (-er than I already am!) So instead, I'm going to change the name of this blog, I opened a new Twitter and you can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/happybee

 I'm still here and I missed you guys. A lot. And I promised you a ride when I started this little ol' blog in 2009... So hang on and enjoy the ride!

remembering

So...I'm going to Hawaii tomorrow.

It sounds beautiful

and relaxing

and like a wonderful summer vacation.

And I'm sure it will be.

But it's also a trip to remember my Poppy

and to celebrate his life

and mourn his death.

and heal as a family.

And while I'm excited

I'm also so ridden with sadness it's unreal.

I can't imagine what it will be like

cruising around my old home

where the two of us would run around town together

I lived in Honolulu for 6 years.

The month I moved out there

my grandparents bought a condo 

and my Poppy, enjoying retirement,

flew out every almost monthly to make sure I was ok

and to just enjoy life.

We'd take trips to Costco and stock up on groceries.

He'd take me out to nice dinner buffets. 

Especially the ones that had crab legs because that was my favorite.

When I didn't have a car, he'd be my chauffeur.

And later, he bought me my first 100%-all-mine-1989 Toyota Corolla.

I loved that car.

He planned his trips around oil changes and took care of it for me.

I'd go over to his condo and cook him dinner and vice versa.

We were buddies.

We were always buddies.

I miss him.

So much 

it's unreal.

And I even though I know this trip will be amazing.

I also know it's going to be gut-wrenching and heartbreaking for me at the same time.

And even harder...

The time I am in Honolulu, M won't even be with us.

He flies in later in the week to meet us in Maui.

I need this though.

I need to continue to heal.

And remember him in beautiful ways and memories.

I need to remember he's still here with us.

And looking over us smiling.

I need to just remember.

Tumbleweeds.

WHOOOOOOOSH.

It's lonely around this little ol' blog isn't it?

Don't worry I haven't been taken away by the tumbleweeds like this:

Though, if I were being completely 100% honest...

this could be me when I wake up in the morning pre-hair straightening:

I've been busy. 

Life keeps moving.

And I'm trying to keep up.

Things keep coming up.

And I keep dodging them the best I can. 

I feel alive again.

Which is an amazing feeling

for someone who was starting to feel numb inside.

I just want to live.

So for now, refocusing on my life is going well.

Don't worry though...

I'm around :)

Princess B

In the past few months, B has become uber-aware of Princesses.

And uber-aware is putting it nicely.

The girl is obsessed.

Her two favorite? "Pi-ta Bowel" and "Pi-ta 'Rella"

Pita Rella? you ask.

"Dah, Pi-ta 'Rella wit da mouuuuuse," she'll reply.

Gotta love toddler talk.

And with the Princess obsession has come the awareness that anything other than a dress...

is NOT Princess material.

So every morning, she wakes up and whether it's 80 degrees or in the low 60s. The girl, without fail, wakes up, changes her own diaper (not as great as it sounds), finds her big girl panties and dresses herself in a twirly beautiful skirt before coming to wake me up. 

And sometimes, if the laundry fairy (*ahem*ME*ahem*) is lucky, there will be multiple wardrobe changes. 

And Heaven forbid if mommy suggests anything to wear. Because even though Mommy is a Princess, she's not worth of picking out the Mini Princesses clothes.

Don't ask.

So as my laundry pile started multiplying with clothes I couldn't remember her wearing, I started troubleshooting how I could make this better.

And finally someone pointed it out to me. She loves dress up. She loves anything princess. Why not just buy her some costumes, let her go to town and call it a day?

The answer was everything I was looking for and more.

Until I looked up costumes and realized I was looking at costumes being $30 and up.

Umm... no thank you. Especially since anything Miss B touches, gets destroyed.

So the wheels started turning. How was I going to do this?

I thought about making costumes myself. But with mediocre sewing skills, I didn't think that was the way to go. And the tutu, I made her last year:

She wasn't a fan. By the way, look how small she looks!! :'( WAH.

So I started hunting on a budget. And one day, while scrolling around Ebay, I typed in Disney Princess Costumes and the doors opened.

Exactly what I was looking for!

So I researched. I wanted it from someone with cheap shipping. Used costumes was ok, seeing as how Miss B was going to probably wear these til they died. They had to be bigger, so she could grow into them. They had to come from a smoke free home. And I wanted to spend no more than $50 on it.

So I looked and looked.

And then I stumbled upon it.

A listing for 19 pc set of Disney costumes and shoes.

It was perfect.

Bidding started at 5.00. Shipping was 6.95.

And by the end of the auction, I won the Lot of costumes for $45, including shipping.

And the look on her face today when I gave them to her was priceless.

Mama Heada Thrifty Tip: Be sure to check all outlets and resources for things you are looking for. If you are ok with buying used, eBay can be a great resource for toys, baby/adult clothes, shoes, etc. Just make sure you know your shipping rates and feel comfortable with the seller. And always know that there are always a few duds out there. Don't let them affect your thrifting!

Doing something for ME.

So as my previous post states, I'm good disguising the pain, but the truth is, I've been struggling with life and finding my place. Sometimes I'm SO generous and giving with my time and resources that I get taken advantage of and forget that other people are only out for themselves. It's frustrating.

So in an effort to refocus, I'm just trying to take one day at a time and focus on myself. ME. Giving back to myself. And doing things I want to do, while trying to be the best mama and wife I can be.

I changed my medications. I took the initiative and met with a great psychiatrist and got on more of a long-term maintenance rather than the quick fix I had been prescribed for the past year and a half.

We've gotten out more. Changed our eating a little bit. I feel better.

And a few weekends ago, I finally did something that I've been wanting to do for a long time for ME.

I became a licensed Zumba Fitness instructor.

I started taking a Zumba class twice a week a year and a half ago, and soon, I was taking it four nights a week. It felt good to sweat. It felt good to dance. It felt good to get the blood pumping.

So I contemplated it for awhile.

Should I? Or shouldn't I?

And so finally I took a leap of faith, and did it.

And after a gruelling 9A-6P day, with a Master Class and lots of lectures and dancing...

I am licensed to teach Zumba.

I'm excited to see what possibilities this will open for me. My Zumba instructor and mentor, graciously let me demonstrate and perfect some of my routines in her class and I'm officially booked to sub my first class on May 14th. AH!

Hopefully subbing will open up doors for me. But for now, I get the opportunity to be paid to do something I love and I am so excited.

And if you haven't joined the party, find a local class and join in. You won't regret it!

The Winner of the Mirror Mirror Accessories Giveaway!

I'm so pleased to announce the winner, via Random.org, for the Mirror Mirror Accesssories Giveaway is...

Alana over at Life on the Mom List!

Alana was fun enough to enter 5 times...and low and behold, her 5th time was a charm!

Congrats Alana and thanks for entering to win the bracelet.

And thanks to everyone else who entered. Be sure to check back soon for another fun giveaway!

Finding Light

Source: mabeybean.blogspot.com via Jillian on Pinterest

I am human.

And I am struggling.


I felt myself sinking.

Emotions getting the best of me.

Feeling like I was never good enough. Feeling behind.

I was never feeling good enough.

I was struggling and drowning.

And it was affecting everyone.

So I made the call and got an appointment.

An appointment I had been dreading for a long time coming.

I met with a psychiatrist and a Marriage & Family Therapist.

It was hard.

I wanted to cry.

I had to talk out my depression and anxiety.

My fears and inadequacies.

I had to relive my Poppy's shocking death and all the nights I've been struggling since.

I had to discuss my parent's divorce and how it affects me, my marriage and my parenting.

I had to talk about my parenting and scrutinize what I do and don't do.

It was hard and I felt like all my cracks were out in the open for everyone to see.

But I survived.

And best of all, I got help.

I figured out some key points bothering me and the MFT and I made a plan of what might help conquer those problems.

I discussed family history and the things I was struggling with, with the Psychiatrist and we concluded long-term care was probably our best scenario. And that we were going to take it on a day to day basis.

There was light at the end of the tunnel.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt like the world was a little brighter.

That I was going to survive.

I was going to make it.

I'm going to be ok.

My First Giveaway with Mirror Mirror Accessories

May is a special month to me. My husband and I started dating the first week of May. We renewed our vows in front of family and friends in May. I found out I was pregnant in May.

May is special to me.

And I am so excited (and honored!) to be hosting giveaways for the next few weeks to help celebrate my awesome followers and readers.

My first giveaway is coming from wonderful Sandy at Mirror Mirror Accessories.

When my Poppy was passing away a few months ago, I felt a sudden deep connection with the Tree of Life. I researched the various meanings online and I was determined to find the perfect pendant to wear during my hard time. It needed to be something that helped keep me rooted here on Earth but symbolic and in touch with the afterlife my grandfather was venturing to. It had to be perfect.

So I began my search. And if you ever do a search for the Tree of Life, you'll know that there are a million different variations. Mine had to be perfect.

So after a few days of searching I finally thought to check my favorite addiction crafty site, Etsy, to see if I could find anything. I was a little hesitant at first since I have sensitive skin when it comes to jewelry but since I love supporting other small shops, I figured this was the way for me to go and I would have to be 100% on board with what I bought.

Almost immediately I found Sandy's shop, Mirror Mirror Accessories, and was sold. The Tree of Life necklace was exactly what I pictured in my mind. The Tree reminded me of my Poppy's beloved Persimmon tree in full bloom and the many memories my family had of his prized fruit. A beautiful memory.

It was perfect and the small charm that adorned the necklace complimented it perfectly.

My only problem was that while I was looking around on her shop, I loved all the OTHER jewelry as well! Her earrings were timeless. I could see myself wearing them in not only ballgowns but in my day to day outfits as well. The necklaces were unique and so chic. I couldn't decide what I wanted.

So I took a day and noted all the items I loved. 

And when I came back I was still in love with everything. So I decided on the Tree of Life necklace and the Golden Bubble Emerald Necklace, placed my order and waited anxiously for my order to arrive.

And without even knowing how much I needed it in my time of grieving, due to Sandy's prompt shipping, it did arrive. The day my grandfather passed away. The day I needed it most.

Sandy's jewelry is amazing and I get compliments every time I accessorize with them. The necklaces add the perfect amount of chic and flair to my wardrobe whether I'm dressed up for a night out on the town or just a trip to the grocery store. And I love that her necklaces have personal meaning to me. Which makes them the first two necklaces of choice when accessorizing.

So you can imagine how excited I was when Sandy offered to give one lucky Mama Heada reader a Gold Bird Bracelet, listed in her shop!!

Sandy's listing states, "This bracelet features a little bird nestled on a bough which rests perfectly on your wrist. Etched texture, this charm is double sided so you can face your birdie in either direction. 

A dainty, matte gold rolo chain is used and measures 7" (17.8cm) and I have added a 2" ext. (22.9cm) which will take it from a small/medium to a medium/large. Perfect for everyone!"

Isn't it darling? It reminds me of the perfect mother's day gift with a baby bird sitting on it's bough waiting for mama. 

Perfect for you or any mama in your life!

Here's 5 easy ways to enter:

1. "Heart" Mirror Mirror Accessories on Etsy, check out some of Sandy's other beautiful pieces and leave a comment here letting us know you did!

2. Follow Mama Heada: The Story of the Unfinished Woman via Google Friend Connect and leave a comment here letting us know you did!

3. Visit and "like" Mirror Mirror Accessories on Facebook: on.fb.me/glvEdF and leave a comment here letting us know you did!

4. Visit and "like" Mama Heada: The Story of the Unfinished Woman" on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/fQyWBG and leave a comment here letting us know you did!

5. Follow Mirror Mirror Accessories (@ShopMMirror) and Heather (@HEADA) on Twitter and tweet the following: 

'I want to #win a beautiful gold bird bracelet from Mama Heada's #Mothersday #giveaway! via @HEADA & @ShopMMirror http://bit.ly/icvVcS'

Make sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry to maximize your chances of winning. Winner will be announced on Mother's Day, May 8th.  

Good luck!!!

Friday Foodie Favorites: Pinterest Style

A few weeks ago, I got an invite in my inbox to join a new social site, Pinterest. I had been seeing lots of adorable "pins" in my friend Alana's twitter stream and even though it feels like I'm on almost every social networking site there is out there...I had to join.

And I've been hooked obsessed.

Seriously where else do you find amazing ideas like this rug?

Or this:

Or this:

I could go ON and ON.

This site is amazing and the ideas I get from it. Have my brain constantly turning.

So when Johnna at Domesticated Delight mentioned doing a Friday Favorites with our favorite Pinterest pins, I was quick to jump onboard.

And what we agreed on?

Food.

Nom Nom Nom.

How yummy do these look?

http://pinterest.com/pin/15629182/

 I seriously cannot wait for the zucchini's to finish up in the garden to make these stuffed Zucchini boats. 

Or maybe these Grilled Zucchini Pizzas.

http://pinterest.com/pin/13148175/

I cannot wait to make these little pizzas. A great vegetarian alternative. 

Our family LOVES zucchini.

And the mama in me MUST make these little sandwich sushis ASAP

for little Miss B, especially since she is obsessed with chopsticks right now.

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627996/

I can imagine us eating it now with this Mint Blueberry Lemonade on our patio this summer

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627783/

With these chocolate covered Kiwis

http://pinterest.com/pin/15422896/

I'm salivating just thinking about it.

And speaking of summer, how awesome would these wine jello shots be to make when the weather warms up and all we can use is a drink?

http://pinterest.com/pin/15628449/

Or these jello fruits:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627105/
And don't even get me STARTED on the sweets...Homemade ding dongs?
Ummm, yes please

with Hot chocolate and marshmallow macaroons:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15422353/

and Nutella cupcakes:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15421763/

I think it's time to go make myself a snack before I drool on myself.

Iif you wanna see more yummy Pinned goodies, go visit Alana at Life on the Mom List,  Lindsay at TidbitsParenting, Alyson at EisleyRae Clothing and Johnna at Domesticated Delight.

Happy Friday!  And if you are interested in joining Pinterest, let me know and I'll email you an invite!

Happy Friday!!

 A few weeks ago, I got an invite in my inbox to join a new social site, Pinterest. I had been seeing lots of adorable "pins" in my friend Alana's twitter stream and even though it feels like I'm on almost every social networking site there is out there...I had to join.

And I've been hooked obsessed.

Seriously where else do you find amazing ideas like this rug?

Or this:

Or this:

I could go ON and ON.

This site is amazing and the ideas I get from it. Have my brain constantly turning.

So when Johnna at Domesticated Delight mentioned doing a Friday Favorites with our favorite Pinterest pins, I was quick to jump onboard.

And what we agreed on?

Food.

Nom Nom Nom.

How yummy do these look?

http://pinterest.com/pin/15629182/

 I seriously cannot wait for the zucchini's to finish up in the garden to make these stuffed Zucchini boats. 

Or maybe these Grilled Zucchini Pizzas.

http://pinterest.com/pin/13148175/

I cannot wait to make these little pizzas. A great vegetarian alternative. 

Our family LOVES zucchini.

Or how about this frappucino in the mason jar?

I am obsessed with mason jars!!!

It looks so refreshing!

And the mama in me MUST make these little sandwich sushis ASAP

for little Miss B, especially since she is obsessed with chopsticks right now.

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627996/

I can imagine us eating it now with this Mint Blueberry Lemonade on our patio this summer

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627783/

With these chocolate covered Kiwis

http://pinterest.com/pin/15422896/

I'm salivating just thinking about it.

And speaking of summer, how awesome would these wine jello shots be to make when the weather warms up and all we can use is a drink?

http://pinterest.com/pin/15628449/

Or these jello fruits:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15627105/
And don't even get me STARTED on the sweets...Homemade ding dongs?
Ummm, yes please

with Hot chocolate and marshmallow macaroons:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15422353/

and Nutella cupcakes:

http://pinterest.com/pin/15421763/

I think it's time to go make myself a snack.

Have 

I'm an Etsy Mama!!

So late October, I got home from Hawaii feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world. 

I was ready to do anything.

So I opened an Etsy shop.

And it sat.

Empty.

All by it's lonesome.

Life flew by.

Thanksgiving, Our anniversary, Christmas, B's 2nd birthday, M's new job, Poppy going into the hospital, my 27th birthday, Poppy passing away, taking care of his arrangements and then his funeral, Valentine's Day, School, Poppy's Birthday...

Everything just threw itself at me.

And it just wasn't stopping.

But life does that.

It goes on and doesn't stop for anyone or anything.

And as a way of keeping me distracted and busy, I started crocheting every free minute I had in a day. I started scrapbooking with a beautiful Silhouette I bought and named Dolly. I used crafts as a coping mechanism. 

And it's paid off.

I started listing things on my personal Facebook page for friends to see and I started getting custom orders.

And the last week of March, I finally listed and launched my Etsy shop. And I could not be happier.

Mama Heada : Crafty Mama is another chapter in this crazy story of my life. An outlet. Something to keep me busy doing something I love. Everything listed on there is handcrafted by me and me only and anything can be custom ordered as well.

I envision adding cards and some other paper crafts soon. Like, how adorable are these rhinestoned princess cards?

 Totally adorbs right?

But we'll see. I have tons of ideas. It's just finding all the time to get everything done, shot and listed while being the best mama and wife I can be.

So tell your friends. Spread the word. Stock up on gifts for everyone in your family.

Mama Heada is on Etsy!

<center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamaheada/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mama Heada" src="http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af134/mamaheada/etsybutton.jpg"/></a></center>