I'm Just Saying

:: Levi's 1st Birthday ::

2009-12-01T10:16:00.017-07:00

We had such a nice party to celebrate your big day. Grandmama & Grandpapa, Uncle Tim's family, Uncle Tom's family, Uncle Greg's family, Uncle Jeff's family, the Wrights, and Aunt Meg all came over for dinner. We had a yummy feast in your honor...only the best for our son! You loved being the center of attention and were so cute!!! I want you to know that you are LOVED...you have so many people that adore you and will always be there for you. You are such a special little guy and have a great Spirit about you! I love that you are so loving, and the way you cuddle into people when they hold you. You give lots of kisses freely and make a "maaa" sound while doing it that melts hearts. I love it when you walk up to me and hold my legs while looking up at me and reach both hands out to me...knowing I will pick you up. You are such a good little eater, willing to eat just about anything...and mommy really needed that- so thank you! Levi, you are very mischievous and that's okay. You always want to get into everything, especially the stuff you know you are not supposed to (like the game cupboard, under the kitchen sink, the remote control, the toilet bowl brush/toilet paper/anything that has to do with the toilet, the big potted plant, etc...) You are walking like a pro these days, although you still have that cute baby wobble and still crawl from time to time. You can already go up the stairs all by yourself. My favorite thing to do during the day is chase you around the couch, playing peek-a-boo around the corner and catching you off guard...we laugh and roll around on the floor (I think it is your favorite activity too)! You are not as visual as your big brother (you don't love books and TV), you are more hands on. You like playing with toys, coloring, games, dancing, getting tickled, play dough, discovering, playing, but mostly just being in your mommy's arms. You love Tate and are such good buddies. You two love to follow each other around and play so well together, and I am sure that bond will only grow stronger with time! You are just starting to say little words here and there (like tank-u) and we can tell you understand pretty much everything we say...you are just getting so big too fast. You are the baby of our family and we all love and adore you!

Happy Birthday Boo-Bah!!!

No time for a nap on your big day, luckily this little snack held you over until bedtime.

Look how big you have gotten in just one year!

(Now I am going to cry...promise me you will always be my sweet boy.)

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY LEVI!

You knew this party was just for you and clapped & bopped along as we sang to you.

We LOVE our family and were so happy everyone could come to celebrate Levi Lou's birthday with us!

Mommy LOVES you more than words can say! You are such a joy and sweet boy...I just can't get enough of my mamma's boy. =)

Tate LOVES you sooooooooooo much!!!

Mommy made you a delicious coconut lemon curd cake from scratch and you gobbled it up. =)

You have a sweet tooth...just like your momma!

You stayed pretty clean for your first dessert.

You loved all your presents...and all that attention too!

Daddy LOVES his beautiful boy and had so much fun helping you open all your presents.

Aunt Hilary made you this very special book with pictures of all the Weeks' family members in it, she wanted you to have a very thoughtful gift because you are named after Uncle Tim and have a special place in their family's heart.

You really are such a loving little guy, always giving lots of kisses and cuddles.

:: sinfully good soup ::

2009-11-19T08:32:00.006-07:00

Baked Potato Soup (yeilds 10 cups)

from the kitchen of Diana Bonilla

4 large baking potatoes
2/3 cup butter or margarine
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
4 green onions, chopped and divided
12 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled, and divided
1-1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 (8 ounce) carton sour cream

Wash potatoes and prick several times with a fork; bake at 400° for 1 hour or until done. Let cool. Peel potatoes and cut in bite-size pieces.

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add all-purpose flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add 6 cups milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly.

Add potatoes, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons green onions, 1/2 cup bacon, and 1 cup cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated; stir in sour cream. Add extra milk, if necessary, for desired thickness.
Serve with remaining onion, bacon, and cheese.

*Tips:
If you’re in a hurry, you can peel and dice the potatoes and boil them until they’re done. Drain before adding to soup. I also add a little more cheese and sour cream than it calls for.
You can also use a cup or two of half and half or cream to make it really creamy. ENJOY!!!

:: a stage in a boy's life ::

2009-11-18T11:51:00.004-07:00

Tate is in the dinosaur stage right now. We visit our local dinosaur museum regularly and we can't pass it in the car without Tate pointing them out. We love to just go and play in the gift shop for an hour to pass some time. Tate loves to play make believe, and while he is usually a tiger, the back-up would be...you guessed it-a dinosaur! This dinosaur costume turned new favorite toy was well worth the $25.00 we purchased it for. Tate can't get enough of it! He uses "baby dinosaur" for dress-up, sleeps with him, and loves to play with him during the day.

:: A very Happy Halloween indeed! ::

2009-11-18T11:19:00.006-07:00

We had a fabulous Halloween at Tim & Hilary house, along with Grandmama and Grandpapa this year. Delicious soup and scones were served for dinner...perfect for a cold fall evening! Tate loved his "baby dinosaur" outfit that daddy rushed to the store just hours before to buy (I had planned on recycling his cute monkey costume but could not convince him to put it on) and Levi was squeezably cute as a little bear. My favorite part of the night was handing out candy on the porch with Levi, Hilary, Kenzie, and Grandmama. We always have plenty of laughs and good conversation for those couple of hours. Andy had a blast with Tate and the rest of the gang going trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Another perfect Holiday I am sad to be over!

:: potty time ::

2009-11-09T21:13:00.006-07:00

Picture taken right after T's first successful "dropping off of the kids at the pool" (he is excitedly telling daddy all about it on the phone.)

Okay, so it wasn't THAT bad!

In fact...it was pretty smooth sailing teaching Tate how to use the "big boy potty." Tate and I spent the better part of the first week in the bathroom, having quality potty time together. I don't think we left the house at all for that week, let alone the bathroom. It was fun teaching Tate all about using the potty and that gas (which Tate calls "grass" while waving his hand in the air to show that it is just that) is not one of them. I love that he calls his business "yellow" or "BIG poops!" And yes, the automatic flushing toilets do cause a big scare. After two weeks of continual trips to the bathroom, positive reinforcement, little chocolate chips, and running around the house naked he is officially potty trained. =)

What a good little boy I have!!!

:: artists ::

2009-11-09T20:45:00.006-07:00

I think Tate is quite the artist (must be the Browne side of the family)!

I've been meaning to cut their hair for months now...but look at that little face!

Lou coloring his very first picture/eating his first crayon.

kissable fingers...

& toes.

:: The BEST Caesar Salad ::

2009-10-16T20:48:00.004-06:00

Creamy Caesar Salad

6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup mayonnaise
5 anchovy fillets, minced (tastes great without these too!)
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup olive oil
4 cups day-old bread, cubed

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces

*Read the entire instructions below before beginning (I didn't the first time I made this and really messed up!)

Mince 3 cloves of garlic, and combine in a small bowl with mayonnaise, anchovies, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cut the remaining 3 cloves of garlic into quarters, and add to hot oil. Cook and stir until brown, and then remove garlic from pan. Add bread cubes to the hot oil. Cook, turning frequently, until lightly browned. Remove bread cubes from oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place lettuce in a large bowl. Toss with dressing, remaining Parmesan cheese, and seasoned bread cubes. ENJOY!!!

:: XoOxXOooXxxOX ::

2009-10-14T23:30:00.007-06:00

We had the most amazing sky here in Lehi...breathtakingly beautiful!!! It had been raining off and on and the combination of the clouds, colors, lighting, and mountains made for a scene right out of the movies. On our drive to Costco for some shopping and a slice of pizza, I pointed it out to Tater. He loved it too!!! He held his toy tractor on his lap and pointed out something to me- all the other tractors by the church under construction near our home. He was very excited about the close resemblance to his toy and that they were also "orange." And then out of no where moments later Tater peeped out from the backseat something I love, and it went like this...

Tate: "I wanna talk to Jesus...Jesus in the sky"
me: "Okay, sweetie...just say a prayer and you can talk to him!"
Tate: "...and kisses too."
me: "awe."
Tate: "I give Jesus BIG hug!!!"
me: "Someday you will give Him a big hug, honey." =)
Tate: "okay."

me: "we love Jesus!"

Tate: "I love Jesus soooooooooo MUCH!"

:: you're the good things ::

2009-10-09T19:18:00.011-06:00

...thanks to my Annie for capturing my sweeties!

:: i want that ::

2009-09-28T17:16:00.018-06:00

:: adorable top from Anthropologie ::

:: plate or...

these vintage ABC Charts (actually anything) from one of my favorite online shops, Three Potato Four ::

:: Linda & Harriett 2010 Calender ::

:: Sheree's Running Play list ::

:: mypublisher...a good way to make photo albums ::

:: stylin' chore chart from Martha Stewart ::

:: acrylic drawer organizers from the container store ::

:: A Little Sussy's favorite polishes: strawberry margarita (toes) and spaghetti strap (fingernails) ::

:: Hang'em Awl ::

:: I have got to get my hands on these adorable/clever Bentos lunch boxes...they take packing lunches to a whole new level ::

:: this drink that can (hopefully still) be found at Costco ::

2009-09-28T17:05:00.001-06:00

"You can't make footprints in the sands of time if you're sitting on your butt, and nobody wants to make buttprints in the sands of time."

-from my friend, Spencer Tompkins' Blog

...LOVE IT!!!

:: kids do & say the funniest things ::

2009-09-25T16:46:00.005-06:00

While hanging out with my boys on the floor I hear Tate toot.

me: "Tate did you just toot?"

Tate: "no."

me: "Tate...you tooted."

Tate: "My poops talkin' !!"

...so true, so true.

:: the BEST cake I have ever made! ::

2009-09-23T19:03:00.007-06:00

image via stephmodo

Coconut Layer Cake with Lemon Curd & Cream Cheese Frosting
from the kitchen of Stephmodo

Cake:
3 egg whites + 2 whole eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups cake flour
2 1/3 cups sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
---
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
2/3 cup lemon curd (homemade is BEST!)

Cream Cheese Frosting:
Using a mixer, beat the following ingredients together until light and fluffy:

1 lb. cream cheese, softened
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
zest of one lemon
5 cups powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with a parchment circle and butter the circle and sides.

2. Put the egg whites, whole eggs, 1/2 cup milk and vanilla in a bowl. Whisk to mix thoroughly and then set aside.

3. In a large mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With the mixer on low, beat the dry ingredients for about 20 seconds to break up any lumps. Add the butter and coconut milk on low speed and beat to combine. Raise the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy about 2 minutes.

4. Add the egg white mixture in 2 or 3 additions, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Divide the batter evenly amongst the pans.

5. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 15 minutes. Then, turn the cakes out and place on a wire rack to cool.

6. To assemble the cake, place one layer, flat side up (bottom of cake) on a cake platter. Tuck pieces of parchment paper under the cake to protect the platter from frosting splatter. Cover the cake with 1/3 cup lemon curd. Cover the lemon curd with approximately one cup of frosting; spread evenly before sprinkling with some coconut. Repeat with each layer.

7. Garnish top and sides with remaining sweetened coconut. Chill cake for about 30 minutes just to set the frosting (you don't want to dry it out). Enjoy!!!

:: your favorite place in the entire world is in my arms ::

2009-09-15T07:30:00.004-06:00

How fast the time I have held you in my arms has flown by...you are already ten months old! Before we know it we will be celebrating your birthday and sending you off to college soon after that (and I will cry at both of those events.) I make sure to really connect with you everyday, trying to permanently embed in my memory everything about you: what you smell like, the sound of your sweet raspy voice, that you love pat-a-cake and always clap along, how efficient you are at scudding across the floor army style and sometimes decide to crawl like a big boy, that you climbed your first stairs just the other day at the cabin in Bear lake with many onlookers to cheer you on, the little rash you get under your bottom lip from your Binky, how ticklish your back and ribs are, the way you reach for me every time you see me and cry when I don't take you in my arms, how much you love your Binky/"ba ba"/ "na na"/fingers/ anything you kind find of the floor...basically anything that can go in your mouth, how cute you are sitting in the tub next to Tate surrounded by bubbles and 20 different toys, your intense blue eyes, that you just started giving your first kisses upon request...open mouth and all, the way you say "yeah yeah" and shake your head up and down anytime we ask you a question, the resemblance you have to your Grandmama Weeks and her side of the family, how much you love me and that I can tell you love me more than anything else in this world, that you can now do peek-a-boo all by yourself, how much your personality reminds me of myself, how much i love to nibble on your ears and kiss your neck, the way you look in your crib waiting for someone to come get you with imprints of your "night night" on your red face and tear streaked cheeks, that you can hold your "ba ba" all by yourself...but I like to do it anyways to spend that special time with you, how you always bop along to my silly beats, when you reach your little hand out to anything or anyone that you want, how soft your skin is and your firm round baby bottom, the love you have for your family, how excited you get talking to daddy on the phone and try your best to talk back, that you cry everytime I put you down and giggle with delight when I pick you up, how cute your coloring is, your love for Cheerios, how much you love to dance...especially in the kitchen, that you hate being alone, the way you pull yourself up on something to stand and hold on tight for support, how you arch your back if you don't get your way, the sound of your baby cry and that frequently it sounds like "maaaa ma", how tired you are of rice cereal, when you rub your eyes because you are tired, that you make daddy's day when snuggle with him, how special you feel when you get time with daddy and I all by yourself, that you don't really care for TV and books as much as your big brother, that you like to play with my jewelry (especially my big turquoise ring), how content you are being held by a stranger, that you are a true "mama's boy", and just how strong your sweet spirit is! I want to remember just the way you are at this moment forever!!! And when I am old and grey I can think of you and feel that joy all over again.

Levi Timothy, WE LOVE YOU beyond expression!

:: sweet skater boy ::

2009-09-14T15:20:00.009-06:00

Daddy came home from work and surprised you with a brand new Spider man scooter and Diego helmet...and your little boy dreams came true!

"I wove woo Weevi Woo!" -Tate

Thoughtful Daddy capturing this momentous occasion on film.

Levi was reaching out for Tate, so he scooted his way up to him and gave him a BIG kiss!

"Yikes-a-Day!" ...as Aunt Trina would say. =)

2009-09-14T12:02:00.000-06:00

:: Whole Grain Apple Waffles ::

2009-09-11T14:13:00.006-06:00

Whole Grain Apple Waffles (adapted from the Whole Foods recipe)
from Christine's kitchen

Dry ingredients:
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup whole wheat flour and ground flax seed
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet ingredients:
1/2 cup non fat plain yogurt (or could use any yogurt you have on hand)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk (could use water)
1 tablespoon Canola Oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup diced red apple

Preheat waffle iron.

In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, oatmeal, whole wheat flour/flax seed, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs, water, oil and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients. Stir in apples.

Use 1/3 cup batter for each waffle. If necessary, thin batter with a little more milk.

:: Yet another D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S salsa recipe ::

2009-09-11T11:19:00.006-06:00

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

from Christine's kitchen

2 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cans whole kernel corn, drained (could also use frozen or grilled corn)

4 avocados, diced
4 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 c. diced red onion

Dressing:

1/2 c. vegetable oil

4 limes juiced...put some over the avocados

1 t. salt

4 T. sugar

Tortilla chips for dipping (I love to use the Tostito Lime chips!)

Combine all ingredients except avocado and chips. Cover and chill for at least two hours. Add avocado just before serving. Serve with chips. ENJOY!!!

:: Boo-ba-dee-boo-bop's first sleepover! ::

2009-08-30T22:21:00.004-06:00

Tate and cousin, Dallin

Grandmama and the boys

...and of course, some kisses with Levi!

Tate received his first sleepover invite from Grandmama, along with his cousin Dallin...to say that he was excited about it would be an understatement!!! Just look at his big grin in these pictures. Grandpapa and Grandmama planned a fun-filled get away for the boys and they all had a blast! Tate and Dallin got Happy Meals (in traditional Weeks' fashion) and then went over to the ward BBQ social. I was told that Tate was sooooo cute and a good boy, becoming more independent as time went on (I guess big cousin rubbed off on him. =) In the morning he ate a pancake at IHop and enjoyed that special treat, followed by a shopping spree at ShopKo (in traditional Weeks' fashion.) He loves his new car and Pelican Webkins that Grandmama bought him -which has become his new sleeping companion. Tatey came home bathed and tired from having so much fun! And I had fun at the homestead with some quality one-on-one time with Levi!

*Thanks again to mom and dad for doing that for our big boy!!!
We LOVE you.

:: Thank you for... ::

2009-08-29T21:39:00.003-06:00

-getting up with the boys so I could sleep in until 9:30AM

-mowing the yard

-pulling the weeds

-hauling 15+ loads of heavy dirt/clay a block away at the construction site

-cleaning out the garage

-being such a good friend to all the neighbors

-getting yummy Chinese takeout

-taking a bath with Tate

-encouraging me to tuck Tate in for bed the right way

-praying for me, that I might know how much I am loved and appreciated

-playing Tetris against me until way past our bedtime (even though this hasn't happened...YET)

- being the most wonderful husband and friend that you always are!

:: good night ::

2009-08-29T21:19:00.005-06:00

Tonight as I tucked you in bed (hair still wet from your bath with daddy) we held each other tight. Your little arm was clung around my neck so tight and mine around yours as I hummed your special lullaby. You had a permanent smile, and come to think of it so did I. I whispered in your ear, "I love you baby"...and you whispered to me, "I love you baby" (and I corrected him.) I kissed your sweet little face, trying to remember what is was again that frustrated me so much at dinner time. None of that mattered anymore. Then I said, "I love you forever, I will always love you, I will always be your mommy, and I will always be with you!" And he put his little hand on my face and said, "Hmmmm...Mommy." We "hmmmm" a lot to each other, it is a very loving gesture in our home. =)

:: some recent finds ::

2009-08-14T14:54:00.007-06:00

This week was a good week...I found this art! It is a vintage 34"X14" acrylic painting on canvas, with a simple wood frame painted gold & signed by the artist. It could possibly be my best find yet! Are you wondering how much I spent? I scored this beautiful baby for $15.00 + $10.00 for shipping!!!

I realize not everyone loves my new vintage lamp with the passion of 100 horses (inside joke)...but I adore it! When the lady at the shop threw in the vintage lamp shade for only $10.00, it was a done deal. It is so nostalgic for me...you see, growing up we always had a cork ball to hold pencils etc... I love the lamp's shiny chrome, scale, shape-you name it!

:: baby food ::

2009-08-11T22:59:00.007-06:00

Levi is what I like to call a "human vacuum"...I have to keep my floors clean at all times because he bee-lines it for the littlest things and in it goes! The other day I found a whole blade of grass in his diaper, which does not surprise me in the slightest. But on the bright side, he eats everything we give him...so not a picky eater like big brother. =)

And I love how he sticks his finger in his mouth (sometimes one from each hand) after each bite. What is up with that?

:: Can you dig it? ::

2009-08-11T22:24:00.003-06:00

Flickr Favs...oh, yeah baby!

1. White floors dining, 2. IMG_0772 copy, 3. mid cent mod baby's room, 4. the map, 5. the transplant, 6. "g" & "Z" painted wood letters I got at San Miguel de Allende., 7. Madeleine's Room, 8. Untitled, 9. Untitled, 10. Carrie's apartment SATC movie, 11. Kathy Dalwood bedroom, 12. Kitchen diner via Michael Wells - Eames chairs, 13. White floors, wool blanket, 14. Michael Bargo via Domino, 15. Kid's room, 16. Rita Konig's apt, 17. B Five living space via Desire To Inspire, 18. Ah Goodwill., 19. 398092791_06da18a8a6_b, 20. Hus & Hem, 21. Untitled, 22. stitchface_bedroom.jpg, 23. New Nursery Wall, 24. christianehousetour27_small, 25. Nursery and Maren, 26. oeuf classic mini library, 27. living room set, 28. kellyafter, 29. debi treloars pad7, 30. A face to sit on, 31. sofa - via hable construction, 32. Untitled, 33. Untitled, 34. addie's bedtime shelf, 35. Molly's Sketchbook: A Wedding Quilt, 36. plate wall

:: cheerios and noodles can be pretty masculine ::

2009-08-05T15:50:00.004-06:00

Lindsay came over the other day to teach Tate and I a thing or two about crafts. I don't know if it is because I am raising two boys, but we don't do too many craft projects at the Weeks' home. I thought these necklaces were so clever and simple that we had to try it out. Tate had a blast having his sweet little friend over and worked at his necklace for a long time. I finished it for him and he enjoyed wearing it for a few days. The End.

:: Cheese Dish ::

2009-08-05T06:30:00.002-06:00

This recipe is a traditional Christmas morning dish at the Weeks' house, served along side homemade cinnamon rolls, sausage links, and juice. I love to make this for brunches and bridal/baby showers or a large breakfast gathering. It is easy to make ahead and then just warm up in the oven...and who doesn't love cheese?

Cheese Dish
from the kitchen of Jo Weeks

2 -4.5 oz. can Chopped Green Chilies
2 lb. grated Monterrey & Cheddar cheese (I use the big shredded bag of Mexican blend cheese from Costco)
3/4 of a can of Carnation's evaporated milk
4 eggs, separated into whites and yolks
1 T. flour
salt & pepper to taste

Grease 9"x13" pan (preferably glass pan) and spread cheese on bottom. Separate the egg whites and yolks. Lightly stir the egg yolks and add about 1/2 t. salt, 1/4 t. pepper, 1 T. flour, and the evaporated milk. Whip your egg whites until soft peaks would form. Fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture until they are combined. And then add the green chilies. Spread the egg mixture over the cheese evenly. Bake at 325 ° for 50 minutes to an hour (until cheese is golden on top). I like to serve this dish with a little bowl of the green chilies on the side for people like me to put on the top. ENJOY!!!

:: all surrounded by the glow ::

2009-08-03T23:51:00.008-06:00

I have never seen a more stunning new mama as my Trina...the wife to Andy's younger brother, Jeff. She has effortlessly transitioned into motherhood in ways that amaze me! Her mommy glow is blinding and her beauty is even more so one week after child birth than I have ever seen her. I love how Jeff and Trina treat each other so sweetly and work together in every way as new parents...truly setting an example to me and reminding who I need to be as a new mother and wife. I love these images I was able to capture of her and baby Xander...you should have seen the way he gazed at her so lovingly and gave her sweet baby kisses.

:: welcome baby Xander ::

2009-08-03T22:51:00.007-06:00

Isn't he the cutest!?! I just can't get over his big brown eyes, chubby cheeks, sweet smelling/soft newborn skin, full head of hair, and adorable little smile. I kept telling Jeff and Trina they were going to have the cutest baby...and they did!

:: sometimes you want to say, "what the crap!?!" ::

2009-08-01T21:57:00.006-06:00

Today I experienced something that all people dread before parenthood. We wonder if we will be able to take care of the business at hand? Is it possible that all the love we have for our precious baby will be enough? I know my mother experienced this with me on far too many occasions as a wee one, so it was surely going to come my way sooner or later! Yes, I am talking about that special moment when you walk into the nursery to snatch up that little bundle of joy as they cry to alert you that they are awake...or in this case awake prematurely because they are covered on every part of their cute little self with their own poo!!! It is funny how when I am in that situation something that is indeed very much poo seems more like just dried dirt.

*No pictures necessary for this post.

I know...your welcome. =)

:: enjoy it ::

2009-08-01T21:42:00.003-06:00

These flickr favs reflect what makes this time of year so wonderful to me!

1. monkey, 2. Salty Summer Sparkles, 3. at the boardwalk virginia beach oceanfront, 4. the sweetest thing, 5. Summer salad, 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. Untitled, 9. summer_0003, 10. Untitled, 11. Untitled, 12. 12JUN, 13. Nemo, 14. Between them..., 15. orangejuicy., 16. cotton candy tree, 17. Untitled, 18. anderson garden, 19. HBW!!, 20. Giggle, 21. pickin' strawberries, 22. babylegs, 23. Untitled, 24. Leaping Into Vacation, 25. 20090301_TerenceKearns.com_8434_1280_85pc, 26. summer web, 27. my Saturday night date..., 28. great dane, 29. quintessential summer, 30. Rainier cherries, 31. really can't call liam a lump anymore., 32. Untitled, 33. lake powell, 34. Untitled, 35. Bubbles by "Self", 36. mags

:: let me count the ways ::

2009-07-31T21:01:00.008-06:00

{Em, Tate, and Krista}

My family made the long 24+ hour drive from Arkansas to Utah many times growing up. Even as a young child I realized there was something VERY special about Utah summers. And now that I am blessed to live in this wonderful state my love has grown.

Here are just a few reason's I adore Utah summers:

+ grass...lots of green lush grass (even though our yard is not up to par, at least we some)

+ the gorgeous evenings

+ spending many lovely evenings in the backyard chatting with family & friends while the kids play

+ more daylight...always a major plus in my book

+ tasty produce/farmer's markets/gifts from friend's gardens (hint...hint)

+ barbecue

+ my babies in diapers and shoeless

+ swimming at the pool

+ picnics

+ water Wednesdays

+ motivated to go to the gym...usually anyways

+ being cooled down by AC in a hot car or coming inside to its loveliness indoors

+ vacations...the more the merrier

+ Summer Olympic Games in Cedar City

+ running through the sprinklers

...and the list goes on!

:: it's the time of year again...Zucchini Bread makin' time that is ::

2009-07-28T09:53:00.008-06:00

Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

3 eggs

2 c. sugar

2 c. grated zucchini (instructions say to peel it...I never do)

3 t. vanilla

1 c. oil (could substitute half the oil for applesauce to make it healthier)

3 c. sifted flour

1 t. baking soda

1/4 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

3 t. cinnamon

1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

Beat eggs until light and foamy. Add oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla. In a separate bowl mix all the dry ingredients and add slowly to the wet ingredients. If you are using nuts add them now. Divide into two greased 9X5X2 loaf pans (for me that equals about 3 c. of the batter to each pan.) Bake @ 325 degrees for one hour (make sure to take it out as soon as bread is done and let it cool on a rack so that it is super moist.) ENJOY!!!

:: sisters ::

2009-07-27T15:46:00.009-06:00

In each of our lives there are a handful of people that mean more to us than the rest of the folks going through this journey with us. It always amazes me that out of all the people that have and will exist, we are only privileged to know a minute amount of them...and out of all those people there are a handful that we love. I have been blessed by a very loving Father in Heaven to have three of the most special women to walk this earth as my sisters. Time has only made our bonds stronger and more valuable. I treasure my three amazing sisters more than words can say! I love that we are each special and unique, but at the same time so similar. We can relate, understand, communicate, serve, laugh, love, criticize/critique, offer advice, show affection, give, be silly, cry, share, admire, uplift, dream, connect, and yes...even fight in ways that I believe only sisters can. You girls have helped shape me into the woman I am and have brightened my days from the beginning of my life...we will always have each other for all eternity! I love you each so much!!!

XooOXxOOxxXoOx

Lub, Jenny-Penny

:: I just can't get enough ::

2009-07-27T14:24:00.005-06:00

I dedicate this to my Anna...the one who introduced me to this ridiculously good song! I enjoyed your visit this last week more than you know. You are an AMAZING woman, so beautiful inside and out! I love you & MISS you so.

:: B&W ::

2009-07-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

This week's flickr favs are so stunning to me!

1. amazing child #2, 2. Night lights, 3. 11 months.., 4. ~, 5. Untitled, 6. ~ring around the, 7. the world will never ever be the same, and you're to blame, 8. end of the day, 9. dandelion, 10. Untitled, 11. Untitled, 12. Untitled, 13. Untitled, 14. 127web, 15. just because, 16. Starfish005, 17. Channel, 18. strength., 19. Untitled, 20. you get me/like a beautiful song/you've heard a million times/like the rainbow's end/you can never find/you get me/you get me, 21. Sunday morning in the mountains, 22. jordan + great grandma, 23. The field is full and dancing., 24. Unshakable, 25. 0163, 26. Oscar, 27. And Away They Go, 28. bnw, 29. Race Horse, 30. going down, 31. sleepy, 32. Untitled, 33. Sparked Forever, 34. 2.8.08, 35. Tiny..., 36. Untitled

:: much LOVE for large graphic letters & numbers ::

2009-07-22T16:27:00.004-06:00

:: what i am listening to today ::

2009-07-20T08:51:00.001-06:00

I recently stumbled across Sarah Jaffe, her music is soothing and addictive.

:: The recipes you didn't get Wednesday night ::

2009-07-16T10:50:00.018-06:00

Recently I was asked to participate in an Enrichment night based on "Sizzlin' Summer Ideas". While nervous about it initially, I can honestly say that I had so much fun putting together my mini class on "Barbecue Hosting Ideas" and would be excited to do more classes in the future. Being inspired by the colors red and turquoise, I went to work! I tried to put some of my knowledge (if you can call it that), a little experience from working as an Event Planner, together with my love of all things inspiring to give the ladies some clever ideas and tips.

P.S. If anyone has great BBQ tips I would love to hear them!

I love these pom poms for all types of occasions...they look great hanging down from your ceiling too! For quick and easy instructions on how to make these adorable (and cheap) pom poms go to the Martha Stewart web site.

...because if it were, then you could BBQ right in it! A child's old metal wagon can make a great barbeque. You can even build a small fire and all sit around it as if you were in the woods. Take that wagon and fill it with dirt, sand, or gravel. Once it is filled, put heavy-duty foil over it to protect the wagon. Place a pile of charcoal on the foil. About 30 to 45 minutes before you are ready to put the food on the barbeque, light the charcoal briquettes. When they are hot, put your Meatloaf in an Onion on the coals, and you are on your way to a delicious meal.

The dutch oven cupcakes cooked right in the orange's peel, but were too much work for the final outcome in my opinion.

This is my good friend Heidi posing with my table, she taught an awesome class on clever crafting ideas.

Six Essential Tools for a Great Barbecue

It's important to clean the rods of your grill before you barbecue to keep food from sticking; just run the hard bristle grill brush over the rods several times to remove any debris.

A metal, long handled spatula with a sharp edge to get under the food is perfect for grilling.

Tongs are key for grilling because they make it easier to move the food. Plastic tips are fine, but not necessary.

When grilling, use a metal stem thermometer to stick in the meat to check for accuracy. Resist the temptation to cut into meat to see if it is cooked...because doing that releases yummy juices! Even touching the meat to see if it is done works well.

While grilling use a basting brush...or better yet, a typical kitchen wooden spoon with fresh herbs tied to the edge (½ bunch of thyme and ½ bunch of rosemary.) You can dip the herbs in butter or olive oil and brush the food which adds nice flavor...not to mention, the heat toasts the herbs which smells great too!

Another must is a microplane grater. Why you ask? Every grill master should use a microplane grater to grate things like garlic, shallots (or other onion), hot peppers (like jalapeños), fresh herbs (about 2 T. chopped flat leaf parsley), lemon juice, and olive oil and other seasonings right onto a cutting board. These seasonings will be used to give food from the grill lots of flavor after it's done cooking. Simply place cooked meat on top of the “marinade” and flip meat to coat, then slice meat and coat each individual piece with the marinade. After you're done, sprinkle with sea salt. This process adds flavor and keeps meat from getting dry.

How To Grill Perfect Steak

Have a small towel dedicated to oiling your grill (never to be used again). Tie it in three places and soak it in canola or vegetable oil, hold it with tongs and rub all over grill. Store the towel in foil and keep it by your grill so you can reapply when needed.
Season first! It is important to season with salt and a medium size black pepper before, during, and after the grilling process (you will add salt at the very end.) After you have seasoned all around your steak put oil or butter on it, otherwise your seasoning will just float on the top of the oil.
Before you put wet meat (like the ones that had been marinating or wet chicken)onto the grill, dry off with a towel so they won't stick and then put more seasoning on if necessary. Water and a grill don't mix. Place the steak down on the grill and DON'T touch it! Food on the grill needs time to release from the grill.
During the grilling process you will want to take a stick of butter and rub it on the surface of the meat...this gives the meat a good deep golden brown color. Then hit it with the herbs stick you made, these little details make steak amazing!
Next is a process called, “steak aromatherapy”. Take a clove of garlic and rub it on the bones of the rib eye (this bruises the garlic), then rub the garlic all over the meat of the steak (if the steak doesn't have bones just rub garlic on the meat of the steak). The garlic perfumes the steak, and again adds amazing flavor!
Have one side of your grill on a high setting and the other on low. Instead of using a squirt bottle to douse the flames, put the steak on the low heat side.
Remember to season your steak half-way through and apply more butter each time you flip the meat to get that good color.
Lastly, let the steak rest on the “board dressing” you made on your cutting board with the microplane...things like garlic, shallots (or onions), fresh herbs (about 2 T. flat leaf parsley), lemon juice, and olive oil. These seasonings will be used to give food from the grill lots of flavor after it's done cooking. As stated before, simply place cooked meat on top of the “marinade” and flip meat to coat, then slice meat and coat each individual piece with the marinade. After you're done, sprinkle with sea salt. This process adds flavor and keeps meat from getting dry. As in all cooking the key is to think of ways you can add FLAVOR...like marinades or barbecue sauce.
You can grill a steak with fabulous taste, color, and crust!

*Just as a side note...don't use olive oil in direct grilling...use butter,vegetable oil, or canola oil instead.

****RECIPES****

Barbecued Pulled Pork
serves 60 guests generously (cut recipe in ½ for 30 guests or so)

Ingredients:
30 pounds pork cushion meat (or Butt or Shoulder - boneless)
1 recipe of Barbecue Sauce
60-70 large kaiser rolls

Directions:
Line several large baking pans with heavy aluminum foil; one piece going lengthwise and one piece going crosswise. Place pork chunks in pans and cover with half the barbecue sauce. Fold foil up over meat and seal tightly. Slow roast in a preheated 300 degree oven for 8 hours. Remove meat from pan and shred with knife and fork. Add the other half of the barbecue sauce. Mixture may be reheated at this point in 350 degree oven and served. If you are doing this recipe ahead of time, spread meat mixture out to cool and then package and refrigerate. Refrigerate mixture up to two days. Reheat before serving. May be done ahead and frozen for up to two weeks.

Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:
1 pound bacon
4 yellow onions (finely chopped)
1/2 cup minced garlic
1 gallon of ketchup
2 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup prepared mustard
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup Tabasco sauce
2 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon liquid smoke

Cut bacon into 1 inch pieces and fry, in large stock pot, until crispy. Add onion and garlic and saute until tender. Add all the remaining ingredients, except pork. Simmer for 30 minutes. Made be made up to one week ahead and stored covered in refrigerator.

BBQ Grilled Wild Salmon
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons chili paste with garlic (available in the Asian section of most grocery stores)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
4 portions (4- to 5-ounces) wild salmon

Mix the chili paste, light brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and fresh ginger together in a bowl. Using a paring knife, make one or two small slits into the sides of the salmon fillet, about one to two inches deep, depending on the size of the fillet. Pour all but two tablespoons of the mixture over the fish and let marinate for up to one hour. Fix a hot fire; if using charcoal, let the coals get white and if using gas, set to medium high. Place fish skin side down first and let cook, cover with the grill lid for five minutes. Remove the lid and flip the fish on the grill. Let cook an additional four to five minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The fish will continue to cook after removing it from the heat, so don't overcook! If there is a touch of translucent color at the center, that's okay. Carryover cooking (food retains heat) will finish the process. Spoon remaining sauce over the pieces of fish and serve.

Grilled Pizza with goat cheese, tomato and thyme
Makes 2 10-inch pizzas

Ingredients:
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup lukewarm water
3 to 3 1/2 cups high-gluten flour , depending on the humidity
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , plus more for bowl
1 1/2 cups (8 ounces) soft goat cheese , crumbled
3 fresh plum tomatoes , seeded and chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Directions:
In a small bowl, combine yeast and water. Cover and place in a warm part of the kitchen until mixture begins to bubble, about 10 minutes. In a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine 3 cups flour, salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil and yeast mixture. Process until a soft dough forms, about 45 seconds. If necessary, add more flour and pulse as needed until dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Turn dough onto a lightly floured work surface; knead about 2 minutes. Coat the inside of a large mixing bowl with oil. Coat dough thoroughly with oil. Place dough in bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm part of the kitchen. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down dough. Cut in half and shape into 2 balls. Place on floured surface. Let rise again at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat gas grill to medium, or prepare a charcoal grill for direct grilling over medium heat. Roll dough balls into two 10-inch-round pizza crusts. Place pizzas on the grill and cook 3 to 5 minutes (the longer you cook them, the crispier they'll become).
Using tongs, turn pizzas over and brush with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle each pizza with half the cheese, half the tomatoes and half the thyme. Grill until the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes.

Roast Kalua Pork
serves 20-30 guests

Ingredients:
10 lbs. pork cushion meat (or pork shoulder)
aluminum foil
1 1/2 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 inch of fresh grated ginger
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp. liquid smoke

Directions:
Line roasted pan with going both directions so that it is very nearly tight. Leave plenty of overhang to seal top. Place pork chunks inside foil-lined pan. Combine the remaining ingredients and pour over pork. May be refrigerated overnight. Roast pork in 325 degree oven for 4-5 hours. Shred and serve with roasting juices. Great with rice!

Dutch-Oven Potatoes and Onions

1 lb. bacon or side pork cut into 1 inch pieces
5-7 lbs. of potatoes
3 onions
2 cup water
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Place bacon in Dutch oven over coals. While the bacon is frying, peel and slice the potatoes and onions into 1/4" slices. When bacon is crisp, add potatoes and onions. Stir to coat with bacon. Pour in water. Salt and pepper to taste. Put on lid and bake for 45-60 minutes. Check the potatoes after thirty minutes. If they are tender, remove several briquettes and continue cooking for 15 more minutes.

Chocolate-Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

PART 1: CAKE - 2 cups plus 3 tablespoon flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
3/4 cup dairy sour cream
1/4 cup softened butter
2 large eggs
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
melted and cooled
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure Mexican vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder.

PART 2: FROSTING – 2/3 cups of softened butter
4 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate melted and cooled
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2/3 cup dairy sour cream
2 teaspoons pure Mexican vanilla extract

PART 3: GARNISH - 6 oz. pecan halves (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions:
Spray 2 10” Dutch Ovens with Bakers Joy. Combine the cake ingredients in a bowl and beat until smooth, scraping the bowl occasionally. Divide evenly into the two Dutch Ovens and cook at 350 degrees. (6 coals on the bottom and 14 in top for 45-50 minutes.) Or until the toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean and the top springs back. Another indication is that the batter will start to pull away from the sides of the Dutch oven. Cool on wire racks. To make frosting, beat the butter and melted chocolate in a small bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and thick. Spoon 1 cup of the frosting into a decorating bag fitted with a star tip. To assemble brush the excess crumbs off the cake and place one cake on a Dutch oven lid. Spread frosting on the top and sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Place the second layer over the frosting. Cover the entire top and sides with frosting. Set aside 32 pecans for top garnish and chop the remaining pecans. Pipe a border of frosting along the top edge of the cake. Arrange pecan halves around the inside of border.

Raspberry Sorbet

Ingredients:
2 cups Water
2 cups Sugar
2 pounds berries
we use a combination of blackberries
raspberries
and boysenberries
Juice of 1 Lemon

Directions:
Combine water and sugar in medium sauce pan. Bring to boil and cook for 5 minutes. Combine berries in food processor bowl. Pulse until pureed. Pour berry puree through fine strainer to remove seeds. Pour boiling sugar water through strainer. Discard any remaining seeds in strainer. Add the juice of 1 lemon. Cover bowl and refrigerate until cold. Pour into freezer and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Makes almost one quart.

Key Lime Squares

Ingredients:
1 cup Butter
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
2 cup Flour
4 Eggs (beaten)
2 tablespoons Key Lime Juice
Zest of 2 Key Limes (finely chopped)
2 cups Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder

Directions:
In a mixer bowl, blend the butter, powdered sugar, and 2 cups flour, until it will hold together when pressed in a ball. Press mixture in a 9 x 13 cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Combine eggs, lime juice, zest, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and baking powder. Pour over baked crust. Return to the oven and bake 25 minutes more. Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into 36 pieces. Garnish with wedge of thin lime slice. Will keep at refrigerated up to 3 days or may be frozen without the powdered sugar sprinkle or garnish. Makes 36 bars.

Glace Fruit Cup with Sorbet

Ingredients:
1 case oranges (80 count - or lemons or limes)
70 sprigs of fresh mint
2 1/2 gallons orange sherbet (or sorbet)

Directions:
Slice a small piece off bottom of orange so it will sit flat. Using a sharp knife, cut a zigzag pattern around the orange about 2/3's of the way up the orange. Cut deep enough into the orange so you will be able to lift the top off. After removing the top 1/3 of the orange, scoop out the pulp being careful not to go all the way through the bottom. After finishing preparing all the oranges, scoop the sherbet into them. Place on baking sheets, cover, and freeze. Just before serving, remove from freezer and garnish with mint leaves. The great thing about this simple but unique dessert is that it may be done up to a month in advance. No last minute fuss for a fun ending to a picnic. Vary fruits, ice creams, and garnish to personnel preferences. Plan one orange per person. If your guests offer to bring something, this is a great place to have them show their talents with a cookie buffet served with the glace oranges.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 cups cream
2 cups milk
1 whole Vanilla Bean

Directions:
Combine eggs and sugar in medium mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer until thick. While egg mixture is beating, combine cream and milk in large pot. Cut down center of vanilla bean and add whole bean to the milk mixture. Heat on stove until boiling. When eggs and sugar are thick, add a small amount (2 tablespoons) of hot milk to beating eggs. Do this step slowly so as not to curdle eggs. Gradually add remaining milk and continue mixing with eggs. When completely mixed, put mixture back in large milk pot and return to stove. Slowly bring mixture back to boil. stirring constantly, until mixture coats back of spoon. Pour mixture into bowl and chill until cold, or up to 2 days. Remove vanilla bean from mix. Using the back of a knife, scrape down inside of bean to remove seeds. Add seeds to mix and discard pod. Pour into ice cream freezer and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.

Southwest Chicken Rub

Ingredients:
6 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Rub the chicken breasts with a mixture of the other ingredients. Grill on barbecue or bake in oven. Breasts may be coated and refrigerated overnight. Serve with Mango and Black Bean Salsa recipe below:

Mango and Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients:
2 cups of your favorite jarred salsa
1/4 cup lime juice
1 can of black beans (drained)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 mango (chopped)
1 bunch green onions (chopped)

Directions:
Blend ingredients together. Will keep refrigerated for one week.

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

Ingredients:
12 pounds boiled potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
12 hard cooked eggs (peeled and chopped)
1 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoon pepper
4 teaspoon salt
4 cups chopped celery
2 bunch green onions (chopped)
1 cup sweet pickle relish

Directions:
Mix ingredients together in large bowl. Pour over dressing and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate until serve time. Best if made a day ahead. Will keep up to three days refrigerated. Serves 50-60.

Dressing

Ingredients:
5 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup prepared mustard
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup evaporated milk (half and half or cream)

Directions:
Mix dressing ingredients together in medium bowl with wire whisk.

Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Ingredients:
1 whole large chicken
2 each lemon juice and zest
1 lemon
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
some sprigs for the cavity
1 tablespoon of pepper
1 tablespoon of salt
3 tablespoons of lemon juice for the rub
1/4 cup of lemon juice for the injection

Directions:
Rub the chicken inside and out with the lemon juice, rosemary, zest, salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with a few rosemary sprigs and a lemon sliced in ¼ inch slices. Place the chicken in a 12 inch deep Dutch oven. Cook for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. NOTES: 10 coals under and 12 coals on the top. Inject the breast and legs of the chicken with the lemon juice using a syringe. Approximately 45 minutes or more. Serve on a Dutch Oven Lid and garnish with kale, rosemary, maraschino cherries and lemon slices.

Butter Lettuce with Asparagus and Strawberries

Ingredients:
2-3 heads butter lettuce (depending on size)
1 pint fresh strawberries
1 bunch fresh asparagus
Papaya seed dressing

Directions:
Wash and dry butter lettuce. Gently tear leaves into salad-size pieces. Slice the strawberries. Trim off tough stems from asparagus and steam in small saucepan until crisp-tender. Rinse under cold water to shock and hold bright green color. Cut the asparagus on the diagonal into 2 inch pieces. Toss lettuce, strawberries, and asparagus together. Toss with the amount of dressing desired before serving.

Papaya Seed Dressing

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons papaya seeds
1 bunch green onions
1 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablesppon dry mustard
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon pepper
1 1/2 cup canola oil

Directions:
Pulse seeds, onions, vinegar, mustard, sugar, and salt in food processor. With processor running, slowly drizzle oil in through feed tube. Blend until emulsified. Adjust seasonings. Will keep for one month in refrigerator

Oriental Grilled Tuna

Ingredients:
2 pounds tuna filets cup to serving size (approximately 6 to 8 oz.) Marinade

Ingredients:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar (or white vinegar)
3 tablespoon canola oil
1/4 cup whole grain mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions:
Whisk Ingredients Together and Pour over Tuna Filets in a Non-aluminum Container. Refrigerate at Least Four Hours or up to 24 Hours. Grill over Medium Heat until Opaque.

Spicy Firecracker Chicken

Ingredients:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup steak sauce
1 tbls. Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbls. prepared horseradish
3 tbls. dry mustard
1 tbls. Tabasco sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1 tbls. hot salsa
1 tbls. paprika

Directions:
Combine all sauce ingredients. May be refrigerated for up to one month. Marinate chicken (boneless, skinless breasts and thighs) for one hour before grilling.

Oriental Shrimp and Mandarin Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
1 lb. pasta (cooked al dente)
1 lb. chicken breast (cooked and thinly sliced)
1/4 lb. diagonal sliced celery
1 bunch green onions (chopped)
1 cup mandarin oranges
1 cup black olives
1 tbls. toasted sesame seeds

Directions:
Cook an interestingly shaped pasta until al dente. I like to use thin spaghetti for a more oriental look. Combine pasta, chicken, celery, and onions. Toss with dressing. Garnish with oranges, olives, and sesame seeds. Will keep two days in refrigerator. Serves 8-10

Dressing
Ingredients:
2 cups light or no-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
2 tbls. sesame oil

Directions:
Combine ingredients in bowl with wire whisk. Pour over salad ingredients.

Annalee's Best Baked Beans

Ingredients:
2 lg. cans pork and beans
1 lg. onion chopped
1/3 c. brown sugar
½ lb. Bacon, chopped and cooked
¾ c. ketchup
2 T. dark molasses
1 t. dry mustard
2 T. Worcestershire sauce

Directions:
Mix all together and bake @ 300 degrees for 3 hours in a 9X13 pan covered with foil.

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak with BLT Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grill seasoning blend (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ground chipotle chili powder or ground cumin
2 teaspoon hot sauce- eyeball it
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 splashes
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds flank steak
2 1/2 pounds small red skin new potatoes
1 leek, trimmed of tough tops
4 slices thick cut smoky bacon, chopped, such as applewood smoked bacon
1 cup chicken broth or stock
1 vine ripe tomato, seeded and chopped
Salt and pepper
1 cup sour cream, to pass at table

Directions
Mix garlic, steak seasoning, smoked paprika, chipotle or cumin, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. Whisk in extra-virgin olive oil. Place meat in shallow dish and coat it evenly in marinade. Let stand 15 minutes.
Cut larger potatoes in half, leave very small potatoes whole. Place potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook potatoes 12 to 15 minutes until tender.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat.
Cut leek in half lengthwise. Chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Place leeks in big bowl of water and release all the dirt from them with a good swish, separating all the layers. Drain leeks in a colander.
Grill flank steak 6 to 7 minutes on each side.
Put a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil into a hot nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Cook bacon 3 to 5 minutes until it begins to crisp and has rendered most of its fat. Add leeks to the skillet and cook 3 to 5 minutes more until the leeks are tender.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Smash the potatoes with the chicken stock. Add the BLT: bacon, leeks and tomatoes to the potatoes and continue to smash. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to your taste.
Remove flank steak from grill and let juices redistribute before slicing. Thinly slice meat on an angle, cutting the meat against the grain. Serve sliced flank steak next to BLT potatoes and top potatoes with a dollop of sour cream.

Jill Hansen's Mint Brownies

1st layer:
2 c. margarine
4 c. sugar
1 c. & 2 T. cocoa

Mix together in a bowl. Beat in 8 eggs, one at a time.

Add:
3 c. flour
1 t. salt
1 t. mint extract (or Peppermint)
Add 1 ½ c. nuts (optional)

Spread into bottom of greased (Pam is great) 12 1/2X17 ½ commercial grade cookie sheet. Bake @ 350 for 30-35 min. The brownies will rise above the cookie sheet, but will settle after being removed from the oven. Cool completely.

2nd Layer:
5 c. powdered sugar
1 t. mint (or peppermint)
4 t. milk
¾ c. soft margarine

Add red food coloring. Combine ingredients and mix with hand mixer until smooth. Spread over brownies and chill.

3rd Layer:
¾ c. margarine
12 oz. Semi sweet chocolate chips

Melt for 1 min in microwave, then stir until all chips are melted. Drizzle over second layer so it is pretty. Be careful not to mix with 2nd layer. Chill. Cut up into squares and serve on a nice platter.

Meatloaf in an Onion

1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg
1/4 cup cracker crumbs
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
4 large onions, peeled and halved (see •)
18-inch heavy-duty aluminum foil

Cut off the root at the bottom end of the onion so that removal of the center is easy. The removed center of the onion can be diced and combined with ingredients or used later. In a 1-gallon plastic self-sealing bag, combine ground beef, egg, cracker crumbs, tomato sauce, salt, pepper and dry mustard and mix by squeezing. Set aside. Cut onions in half horizontally and remove center part of onion, leaving a 3/4-inch-thick shell. Divide meat mixture into 4 portions and roll into balls. Place in the center of the 4 onion halves. Put onions back together. Wrap each onion in foil using the drugstore wrap. Cook over a bed of hot coals for 15 to 20 minutes per side. Serve as a lunch or dinner. Serves 4.

At Home

Cook at 350ºF in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the ground beef and onion are cooked.

BANANA BOAT

18-inch heavy-duty aluminum foil
1 banana, unpeeled
Miniature marshmallows
Milk chocolate chips or broken candy bars

Cut a slit lengthwise about two-thirds of the way through the banana from the stem to the base. Fill the slit with miniature marshmallows and milk chocolate chips or broken pieces of chocolate bars. (I like to use milk chocolate chips because they melt in your mouth, in your hand—they melt everywhere.) To heat the banana boat, wrap in foil and cook on hot coals for five minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallows have melted. Serve as a snack, a dessert or a treat around the campfire.

*If you leave the boats in the coals too long, the bananas will liquefy.

* You can also create a fruit “banana boat” by using maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, nuts and pineapple.

Apple Pie on a Stick
serves 4

1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
4 dowels or roasting sticks
4 cooking apples

In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon and set aside. Push the stick or dowel through the top of the apple to the bottom until the apple is secure. Roast the apple 2 to 3 inches above the bed of hot coals and turn frequently. (As the apple cooks, the skin starts to brown and the juice dribbles out.) When the skin is loose, remove the apple from the coals but leave it on the stick. Peel the skin off the apple, being careful not to burn yourself because the apple is very hot.
Roll the apple in the sugar mixture; then return it to roast over the coals (the sugar and cinnamon will form a glaze on the apple). Be careful not to get it so close to the fire that it burns. Remove the apple from the coals and let it cool. Slice thin pieces and eat your “apple pie on a stick.” Again roll in sugar mixture, return to hot coals, slice and eat, and repeat until apple is gone.

*The best cooking apples are Jonathan, Rome or Granny Smith, because the skin peels off easily when heated.

...ENJOY!!!

:: a skateboarder's dream home ::

2009-07-11T08:00:00.002-06:00

I am smitten with this one folks! This gorgeous Victorian style home in San Fransisco belongs to a skateboarder and his interior designer girlfriend (thus the style)...she had been collecting furniture since she was 14 years old! I wish I would have done that, we would be much farther along now. ;) I think it is so cool and creative- they really managed to make their style work with these great bones!

story found in the New York Times

:: so much to do ::

2009-07-10T22:37:00.003-06:00

:: fresh vintage ::

2009-07-10T10:57:00.003-06:00

Hello my dear friends...I hope you all are having a fabtabulous Friday and have fun plans for the weekend.

This week's flickr favs are so purdy! I think it just might be time to invest in a Polaroid camera.

1. Happy Friday, 2. little elf..., 3. Untitled, 4. ever after is a long time, 5. Sveta, 6. Swirly, blartsy, free, 7. Fresh Vintage, 8. pequeñeces, 9. wild like children!, 10. Untitled, 11. diana balloons lens flare, 12. Friday, 13. merry, 14. You must enshrine in your hearts the spiritual urge towards light and love, wisdom and bliss~, 15. Happy Birthday, PP ~~, 16. Yellow..., 17. blue door, 18. Untitled, 19. Untitled, 20. eleventh hour, 21. Derrace & Sze Ling AD, 花樣年華, 22. her turn, 23. {ferris wheel on the boardwalk}, 24. Untitled, 25. 8/365 vintage laundry, 26. blush, 27. flowers and silence, 28. longing, 29. Floating on flowers, 30. Dancing is like dreaming with your feet!, 31. Stargazers in a mist, 32. For Lauren and Unexpected Surprises, 33. birthday, 34. :: "Winter White" ::, 35. ~Happy Friday~, 36. Green Fan

:: who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? ::

2009-07-09T21:51:00.005-06:00

I just ordered this vintage cookie jar from Etsy today. =) I have never had a cookie jar so I thought it was about time to get one...much more appealing than plastic bags! I can't wait to make a batch of delicious Pudding Chip Cookies (that my friend, Chantille is famous for) once it arrives.

Pudding Chip Cookies
from the kitchen of Chantille Jarrard

2 & 1/2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 small package instant chocolate pudding (could also use vanilla pudding)
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
2 c. white chocolate chips (could also use semi sweet chocolate chips)

Soften butter at room temperature, mix with both sugars and pudding. Add eggs and vanilla and mix again. Then add remaining ingredients and bake @ 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. ENJOY!!!

:: a good read ::

2009-07-07T22:48:00.004-06:00

I just read this great article from Utah Valley Magazine and thought some of you might enjoy it too! I know I always appreciate gentle reminders and inspirational people...this article includes sections by Stephanie Nielson from the famous NieNie blog and Kathy Hill, the gorgeous mother of Nicole Hill (one of my favorite photographers/bloggers in the area!)

Utah Valley women are taking on 2009 — one door at a time

When one door opens, Utah Valley women walk right through it. And when one door closes, we start a-knocking.

It’s hard to keep Utah Valley women down and out — even in a recession-laden era of seemingly dead-bolted opportunities. We may lose our keys from time to time (yes, we can admit it), but we never lose our moxie.

In the following eight pages, you’ll read about four “doors” you and the girls next door face every day — and six ways to open sesame your way right through each of them.

Door #1

MOTHER NATURE
6 ways to give your mother’s intuition a boost

Kathy Hill has raised a few good women.

The Orem wife and mom has five daughters — all talented, all beautiful, all supportive and all girl.

“Oh, it is fun! It’s a riot. Sometimes I feel bad it’s so much fun,” says Kathy, whose daughters range in age from 16 to 28. “We have girl time all the time, and we don’t have to do boy things. We’re all in it together.”

That togetherness has always been a part of the Hill family plan. Whether it’s skiing together, laughing together, doing hair together or eating together, unity has been at the top of the agenda (or menu, as the case may be).

“Food is a really big deal to us. That’s what we do — we eat,” Kathy laughs. “One of our favorite things to do is cook dinner together on Sunday. It’s family bonding time. It’s a time for gathering together and talking.”

That open communication has been a major contributor to the family’s close-knit bond.

“Connecting with your kids is all about talking to them,” Kathy says. “I crave that one-on-one time with my girls.”

Which is not to say every moment has been photo-op friendly.

“I wasn’t a perfect parent by any means, and I even hesitate talking about this because I don’t want it to come off that way,” Kathy says. “All I know is what worked for us, and that was making a point to talk through things rather than be volatile. We did our best to validate and respect their feelings.”

And with her kids both grown and nearly grown, it’s obvious the mother-daughter connection is as delicious as their dinners.

“A few Sundays ago, we were eating outside and just sat there laughing and talking for five hours — no one wanted it to end,” Kathy says. “I feel so blessed. I just love being a mom.”

Connecting with your kids, both young and grown, is an important part of your kids’ happiness and — take note — your happiness.

Here are six ways to help you better connect with your kids and take the mundane out of motherhood.

1. Initiate positive interactions.
“Strong bonds are typically established between parents and kids when there is a lot of positive communication,” says Richard Miller, a professor in the school of family life at BYU. “Give your kids encouragement. Give them praise. And give them hugs. Constantly.”

Kathy agrees.

“My husband has always been so good at encouraging the girls that they could do anything,” she says. “He’d say, ‘You want to do it? You can make it happen.’ That support has been so great for our girls.”

2. Discipline within those positive interactions.
“We obviously have to discipline our kids, but the discipline will be infinitely more effective if it’s done in the context of positive interactions,” Richard says. “So many times — especially with teenagers — we become police officers that just go around writing tickets. Teenagers do things that frustrate us, so it’s easy to always be on their case. But with teens, sometimes we forget that they still need hugs. They still need cheerleaders in their lives.”

For Kathy, that positive reinforcement was essential. When it came to disciplining her kids — whether that was having a whining daughter be a servant to her sister or giving the girls a time-out in the tub (“There’s nothing to do in a cold, hard tub!”) — it wasn’t about the punishment. It was about changing the behavior into something positive.

“We would always tell them, ‘Change your behavior, and then come back to us. Because we want you back,’” Kathy says. “And they quickly learned that bad behavior was not fun. It’s fun to be with everyone, and when they behaved in the right way, they got to be in on the party.”

3. Breathe in. Breathe out.
When your kids are small, it’s easy to lose your sanity. But try and combat the crazy by making things fun.

“When my kids were little and I was at my wits end, I was usually pressed for time. Time is something you don’t have a lot of, and with little kids you’re constantly running around. You’re tired, you’re exhausted, and you’re wondering why you have to clean up that mess one more time,” Kathy says. “It was usually at that point that I would stop, take a deep breath, turn on some good music and make it fun.”

4. Rely on your girlfriends.
Women need other women — that’s a fact. And when you’re in the trenches of motherhood, it’s important to have someone to talk to. You’ll be a better mother for it.

“I get through the hard days by walking with my girlfriends every day at 8 a.m.,” Kathy says. “We walk four miles in 45 minutes, and we’ve been doing it for 18 years. If I ever have frustrations, I walk and talk it out with them. My girlfriends tease me all the time — they know I have a bee in my bonnet when I start walking at a speedy pace. They say, ‘When Kathy gets upset, we just die she walks so fast!’”

5. Stop comparing yourself to other moms. (No, seriously. Stop it!)
“If there’s one thing I want moms to remember, it’s not to compare themselves to other women,” Richard says. “Here’s what happens: There is this concept of front stage versus back stage. The back stage is how we live, and the front stage is how we appear — it’s where we put our best foot forward. But the problem comes when we compare our back stage with other people’s front stage. We are well aware of our family’s struggles, and then we compare ourselves to people who are putting their best foot forward. It’s an invalid comparison, and it’s the biggest mistake we make as parents.”

6. It will go fast — enjoy it.
“You don’t realize just how fast this stage of life will go,” Richard says. “We don’t have them for very long in our home, and we mustn’t get bogged down by the worry and stress that comes with parenting. Just enjoy it.”

Door #2

TRIAL & ERROR
6 ways to stand the test of time

Provo’s Stephanie Nielson knows what it means to have a bad day.

On Aug. 16, 2008, she and her husband, Christian, were on a private plane that crashed in Arizona. Miraculously alive, Stephanie sustained burns on more than 80 percent of her body, and Christian had burns on more than 30 percent of his.

Their lives since have been filled with days that have been hard and harder. Stephanie was in the hospital for five months, and during that time she was separated from her four young children (ages 7 and under). The pain has been paralyzing. And the road to recovery has been long, arduous and hard to see.

“My lowest of lows has got to be when I was told by the doctors and nurses that I needed to look at myself after the accident,” says Stephanie, who has chronicled her recovery on her widely-read blog the NieNie Dialogues (www.nieniedialogues.com). “My face was badly burned and changed. It took me months to accept that I looked different. Nurses would bring in mirrors and ask if today was the day … it never was. Finally, I made everyone disappear and I was alone and looked at myself. It was terrifying. Then I had to reintroduce myself to my children — all of whom had a hard time accepting and recognizing me. It was the hardest few weeks I have ever faced. Jane (her daughter) didn’t look at me for almost two months.”

But amidst the pain and heartache (and oh how there has been heartache), Stephanie hasn’t let her larger-than-life trial keep her from having some good days — and even better moments.

“My family and friends have rallied around me, and of course my sweet husband has been my best friend and source of support,” she says. “My faith has kept me strong and intact. My Savior knows me at my best and at my worst. He is there and I know he is keeping me alive and going.”

And that focus on her faith and her family has given her courage to carry on.

“(I keep going) because I have a family — my father and mother, siblings, nieces and nephews — who rely on me,” she says. “But most importantly, I have my own little family. My children … I mentioned on my blog that when the accident happened, our plane was going down and all I could see and think about was my children. I lived for them. I lived for my husband so he could have a companion to be with for this earthly life. I hope others learn from my experiences that I face everyday.”

Like Stephanie, women across Utah County deal with trials, setbacks and trauma. Whether it’s losing a loved one, going through a divorce, or suffering from physical or emotional pain, life can be overwhelmingly difficult to bear. And while there is certainly no quick fix, here are six ways to make the trial seem a little more bearable.

1. Confront the problem.
“When a trauma isn’t confronted, it affects one’s ability to function,” says David Williams, a licensed professional counselor in Orem. “It can lead to depression, irritability and a loss of sleep. In fact, there is a very strong correlation between unresolved trauma and physical ailments, so it’s absolutely essential that you talk about it with someone. If not a professional, then talk about it with family and friends. I can’t stress this enough.”

2. Don’t let yourself become a victim.
“Talk about the trauma for what it is, but don’t let yourself become a victim to it,” David says. “This is easier said than done, and I don’t want people to misunderstand — it is important to think about what happened, talk about it and ruminate over it. But when we unhealthily obsess over something, it becomes harder to heal. When we take the victim stance of ‘there’s nothing I can do’ and ‘I have no responsibility in this,’ we only regress.”

3. Find a safe place.
“A safe place is important,” David says. “You need a place where you can do your healing. Find somewhere that you feel comfortable and go there to meditate, regroup and rebuff.”

4. Establish a support system.
“This should go without saying, but it has to be said because people don’t do it,” David says. “Turn to your family, your friends, and your faith — anyone and anything that you feel comfortable with. And actually talk to them! So many times people have a support system, but they don’t use it. They rely too much on themselves.”

5. Look for life’s humor and joys.
“Humor is anything but overrated when it comes to overcoming hardships,” David says. “It helps put things in perspective. It helps you move on.”

Stephanie is a big fan of laughter.

“I have to use humor to pass the time. My children are so funny, and it’s awesome to enjoy them everyday. It helps me not focus on myself so much … but there is a good amount of that, too. Again, my knowledge and faith bring all the happiness and peace anyone could want. I don’t have to look very far when I am low because I have it all around me.”

6. Try your hand at journaling.
“Journaling often makes people more aware of what they’re feeling,” David says. “It puts things in perspective and can help people make connections between the trial they’re going through and the emotions they’re having. Plus, it helps to get things off their chest.”

Stephanie couldn’t agree more. Her blog, which is read by people all over the world, has become an integral part of her recovery.

“It has been very therapeutic for me to express my feelings. I get so many e-mails from people who are grateful that I type because it makes them feel blessed and normal. I am so thankful for people who e-mail me or send me letters (and packages!). It makes me so happy and it helps build me up everyday. I have a huge support system all over the world! Wow!”

Door #3

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
6 ways to finesse your finances

Melissa Chappell is rich with knowledge.

The Springville mother of three has always been “in the know” when it comes to her household finances. She has worked part time as a doula (a non-medical professional who provides support to mothers before, during and after they give birth) for the past 15 years, and she and her husband were equally yoked when it came to the finance dance.

“We shared that role equally,” Melissa says. “That part of our relationship was always very balanced.”

So when Melissa and her husband ended up getting divorced, she was grateful for the financial foundation.

“It was an easy transition to start handling 100 percent of the finances,” she says. “I knew exactly what I was doing, which made everything else in my life a lot easier.”

In order to support her family full time — and remain a mom full time — Melissa continued her role as a doula and also started a new catering business, Raw Melissa, which serves raw, healthy, gourmet foods.

And now? She loves her kids. She loves her jobs. And she loves being financially fierce.

“Having to be responsible for four people in every way is a scary, but extremely empowering thing,” Melissa says. “My level of confidence, drive and fearlessness has increased.”

In these tough economic times, it’s even more crucial to be in the middle (and on top of) your family’s finances. Whether you are married or single, divorced or widowed, working or stay-at-home mom (or a combo platter), you can contribute to your family’s financial situation.

“Whenever it comes to household finances, it is essential that both partners are involved,” says Cory Mahaffey, managing director and wealth adviser at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in Provo. “You’ll encounter problems if both people aren’t seeing the big picture.”

Here are six ways to finesse your finances — take what works for you and your family’s situation.

1. Ask questions.
The first rule to gaining financial ground is putting your foot down. If you aren’t already “in the know” when it comes to your family’s finances, it’s time for an in-depth Q&A with whomever’s in charge (husband, financial adviser, etc.). And here are some “opening lines” to get you started:
— How much money do we have in the bank?
— How much do we bring in every month?
— How much goes out?
— How much debt do we have?
— Are our bills paid on time?
— Do we pay the minimum payments? Or do we pay bills in full?
— What insurance policies do we have?
— Are we in the stock market? How’s our money doing?

2. Get hands-on.
Even if you don’t fiscally contribute to the household income, there are ways to affect your family’s finances.

You can …
… make a budget with your spouse — and follow through with it.
… discuss ways to cut back — and follow through with them.
… research financial tips in books and Web sites — and follow through with them.
… divvy up the financial responsibilities and be accountable to each other — and follow through with them.
… make investment goals — and follow through with them. (See a trend here?)

3. Establish a credit history in your name.
When Melissa wanted to start her business, Raw Melissa, she needed capital. But she didn’t have the kind of credit history she needed to get a business loan. So be sure to have lines of credit in your name in case your situation — and your credit needs — change.

“Both people in the relationship need to develop a credit history and cash flow management skills — without question,” Cory says. “You never know what you’ll encounter down the road.”

4. Remain employable.
While it’s never something you want to plan for, divorce or widowhood can be the reality. So for stay-at-home moms who don’t plan on working, it’s important to stay fluent in today’s technology trends and remain “hirable.”

“Whatever license or degree you earned in college or from your career, keep those up to date,” Cory says. “It’s important to make sure those years you invested don’t dissipate over time — you might need them again someday.”

5. Have an open, creative business mind.
Have you always wanted to sell those gorgeous hand-made knits of yours? Do you have a knack for coo-worthy illustrations? Is there a product out there you’re dying to invent? Make it happen.

“You can do it. It takes some creativity, but if you choose it, you can take care of your family. You can contribute to the finances and be a great mom,” Melissa says. “Now, I don’t want to downplay the contributions a stay-at-home mother makes. All of it is honorable — it’s all about what you choose. But if you have a desire or a need to work, you can make it happen.”

6. Get mad (money).
“There are three main causes of contention in a marriage: sex, in-laws and money,” Cory says. “But I’ve found that if both people have ‘mad money’ — or money they can spend however they want — it reduces a lot of tension around the finances.”

Door #4

CHECKS & BALANCES
6 ways to find your stride on life’s balance beam

Joy Astle has hobbies — and she’s not afraid to use them.

The Provo mother of six (which includes both teens and toddlers) has her plate full with motherhood, wifedom, friends, cooking, crafts and a Web site (www.joyastle.com). And there’s not a stitch of guilt in sight.

“Once upon a time I lost my balance, and I realized I wasn’t happy. I now understand I need my ‘me time,’” she says. “It sounds selfish, but it’s not. It’s essential for the happiness of me and my family.”

Joy makes her mile-a-minute life work by making priorities and — here’s the kicker — making time for them.

“A lot of it is sacrificing other things,” she says. “For me, I don’t do as much on my house anymore. I don’t stress about it being perfect because it doesn’t have to be. We live there. There are times when it will be messy. And I’m OK with that now.”

And while there are crazy, hazy days, Joy finds the big picture by viewing it in snapshots.

“There aren’t bad days and there aren’t good days — there are just moments,” she says. “If I feel like my day is getting crazy, I stop what I’m doing and do something for myself — even if it’s just taking a quick walk around the block to regroup. My daughter recently wrote on her Facebook that ‘days don’t get better — attitudes do.’ And she’s right on.”

As it stands now, the balancing act women face on a daily basis is ruthlessly designed to fuel the blame game:
— Your kids aren’t getting your full attention.
— You’re getting behind on work.
— You’re not spending enough one-on-one time with your husband.
— Your friends are wondering where you’ve been.
— You’re not up-to-date on your scrapbooks.
— You haven’t blogged in three months.
— Your house is a mess.

Sound familiar? If you’re not careful, you can push and pull yourself into oblivion with no hope of even tip-toeing down that daunting, teeny-tiny balance beam.

But interestingly enough, balance isn’t supposed to discourage you. It’s supposed to make you happy. (Yes, really.)

“Balance is a big component to living a healthy, joyful life,” says Tara McCausland, a certified life coach with Mission: Ignition, which is based in Spanish Fork. “Without it, you quickly become depleted of energy and can even start losing your sanity.”

Well, in the hope of all things sane, here are six ways to strive for and achieve balance (leotard not included).

1. Quit using the word ‘balance.’
(We know, we’re not really helping with this one.)
“That term balance is a tricky one. It’s a big buzz word, but a lot of us women don’t like it. And it’s because it’s become completely taboo and unrealistic. There is a misconception of what balance should look like,” Tara says. “So avoid the word altogether. Instead of asking yourself if you’re balanced, ask yourself if you’re living a healthy and joyful life. Do you feel whole? That concept of wholeness resonates well for women. It’s something that’s easier to measure.”

2. Prioritize and plan.
“Life hands us so many distractions, so it’s important to sit down and determine what is most important to us,” Tara says. “Is it family? Work? Health? Financial stability? Answering those questions and prioritizing what matters most to us is imperative. It gives us the concrete direction we need in our lives.”

3. Invest in yourself.
“If you imagine yourself as a cash box, and you always have people coming and withdrawing from you, it will deplete you of your time, energy and resources. If you are not investing consciously and consistently in yourself, there won’t be anything left to give,” Tara says.

4. Make boundaries.
“This is another thing that’s really hard for women,” Tara says. “Be able to tell people ‘no’ if you have a need that’s more important. When you say ‘no’ to something, you’re saying ‘yes’ to something else. And if that ‘yes’ is consistent with the priorities and values you’ve already set, it will make all the difference.”

5. Eliminate guilt.
“We can only do so much, so give yourself permission to be OK with what you’ve accomplished,” Tara says. “Balance can’t happen if you are constantly feeling guilty about what you haven’t done. Focus on what you have done, and be proud of that.”

6. Know your expectations.
“There’s that old saying that expectations are the root of all frustration. There’s a lot of truth to that,” Tara says. “That’s not to say we should lower our expectations or never strive to improve ourselves, but it’s time to be realistic for yourself and for those around you.”

:: 4th of July ::

2009-07-05T21:10:00.006-06:00

*click image to see larger

One of our families' favorite holidays is the 4Th of July. What is there not to love? There is always plenty of family & friends (Jude & Eliza), delicious food, fun games, incredible fireworks and fun smaller fireworks, and of course the reason we celebrate...our independence. Our family has had the tradition of spending the 4Th of July at Tom and Sandy's house...and each year they deliver another memorable occasion! Luckily for us, Tom has mastered the art of smoking BBQ ribs and we contributed this pasta salad and smoothies (I learned how to make these as a waitress at Los Hermanos)...I'll share my version of this super easy recipe below. =) We had a blast playing a competitive game of Frisbee golf (a first for me...but not the last)...even little Tate joined in the game! Some of us need a little practice before next time, but we had plenty of good laughs due to our poor Frisbee skills so I think it was a good trade off...don't you think mom? I had to go in to tend to the baby while the others worked up a sweat playing ultimate Frisbee, and then it was time for root beer floats and fireworks...the best part! The kids got fun goodies from Grandmama and Grandpapa: glow sticks, bubbles, and little popping fireworks that they could do themselves. Despite Lagoon canceling their usual fireworks show, we really loved watching the city fireworks just as much! As I was getting all romantic (as I do with fireworks), Andy turned into a kid again tickling all of us with grass in our ears...and yes it was still funny after the 12Th time. ;) The drive home was fun too as we were able to see straggler fireworks along the way! Thanks again, Tom and Sandy for an AMAZING time!!!

Purple Smoothies -about 2 servings

about 1/2 c. crushed ice
about 1 c. sprite
2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream
about 1/2 c. (or more) frozen strawberries
about 1/2 c. (or more) frozen blackberries
(I was able to find a frozen bag mix of the two of these fruits on sale at Kholers)
top them off with whipping cream...preferably non-dairy

Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth! Add ice or ice cream if it is too thin and add sprite if it is too thick. And remember, you can't mess up a smoothie so don't worry about measuring...just eyeball it. ENJOY!!!

:: Coconut Layer Cake with Meyer Lemon Curd & Cream Cheese Frosting ::

2009-07-03T20:15:00.005-06:00

*image via Stephmodo

Coconut Layer Cake with Meyer Lemon Curd & Cream Cheese Frosting
recipe from the kitchen of Stephmodo...the Lemon Curd Queen!

3 egg whites + 2 whole eggs

1/2 cup whole milk

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups cake flour

2 1/3 cups sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

2/3 cup lemon curd

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Using a mixer, beat the following ingredients together until light and fluffy:

1 lb. cream cheese, softened

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

zest of one lemon

5 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with a parchment circle (found at Sur La Table) and butter the circle and sides. Put the egg whites, whole eggs, 1/2 cup milk and vanilla in a bowl. Whisk to mix thoroughly and then set aside. In a large mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With the mixer on low, beat the dry ingredients for about 20 seconds to break up any lumps. Add the butter and coconut milk on low speed and beat to combine. Raise the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy about 2 minutes. Add the egg white mixture in 2 or 3 additions, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Divide the batter evenly amongst the pans. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 15 minutes. Then, turn the cakes out and place on a wire rack to cool. To assemble the cake, place one layer, flat side up (bottom of cake) on a cake platter. Tuck pieces of parchment paper under the cake to protect the platter from frosting splatter. Cover the cake with 1/3 cup lemon curd. Cover the lemon curd with approximately one cup of frosting; spread evenly before sprinkling with some coconut. Repeat with each layer. Garnish top and sides with remaining sweetened coconut. Chill cake for about 30 minutes just to set the frosting (you don't want to dry it out). Enjoy!!!

:: figs ::

2009-07-03T19:51:00.002-06:00

Andy: "What are you doing over there?"

Me: "Taking pictures of these figs."

Andy: "Why?"

Me: "Because it is fun."

:: so purdy ::

2009-07-02T14:52:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite flickr favs EVER...I just love this pallet & gorgeous photography!

1. My very first chocolate rose, 2. Anna Kern, 3. jewelry8, 4. more from the hardest photo shoot ever, 5. Hotel_room, 6. Flowers, 7. Vintage Modern Apartment in Germany, 8. 86/365 fabric bunting/banner, 9. L'appartement, 10. Untitled, 11. wonderful18, 12. if this were pink it would be the world's most perfect dress, 13. wish_may08_condoloft_Office, 14. IMG_0592, 15. senior4, 16. Untitled, 17. white kitchen, black handles, 18. Retrovilla, 19. gasl_best_deco_todd03, 20. .happy., 21. my tired valentine, 22. austin gothic, 23. white, 24. Strange dessert, 25. ..., 26. if..., 27. 11, 28. more and more, 29. Yellow Flowers, 30. smooch!, 31. Mark Lund white floors, 32. on the deck, 33. for assignment, 34. kitchen detail, 35. Untitled, 36. Untitled

i love...

2009-06-29T10:07:00.005-06:00

:: Everything about our 6th Wedding Anniversary (just as good as our honeymoon) :: this diamond necklace surprise which signifies growing love :: the flowers :: our stay in the Mysteries of Egypt room at Anniversary Inn (their best room) ::

:: my new painting :: Megan's music finds :: Oreos dipped in milk :: garage sales :: good teachers and good examples :: Famous Dave's...better than any other BBQ in the area by far::

:: Shockingly delicious and nutritious (Dr. Oz says lentils and beans are one of the 10 super foods)...you can find them at Costco or on Amazon :: water Wednesdays in the backyard :: yoga :: The Stagers show on HGTV :: pedicures in the summer time ::

:: Summer Olympic Games ::

2009-06-29T09:31:00.003-06:00

*click on picture to see larger

What a blast we had this year going back to Cedar City to watch our men play in the 3 on 3 soccer competition. Of course, our team consisting of the Hendricks and Weeks brothers did well...3rd place in fact! The kids loved cheering on their daddies, eating donuts and other snacks, playing at the playground, getting some quality outdoors time, & taking naps, etc... This year we decided to rent a house instead of get hotel rooms, which proved to be genius. It was so much fun for all the Weeks families to stay together! We were able to eat most of our meals for the three days there, it had an amazing yard that we all enjoyed, we hosted a pizza party with the Hendricks gang one night, played some Settlers of Catan, watched movies...all that kind of stuff. I also loved having Jeff and Trina ride up with us again this year. I felt bad that they got stuck on kid duty on the drive up, but it made the time go by so much faster and we had plenty of laughs of course! My favorite funny memory of our Cedar City trip took place at a gas station on the way home. Trina and I went in to get some goodies and at the cash register Trina was excited to see they had fresh Cheese Curd...something I had never seen before and was really grossed out by! Trina and the gas attendant kept trying to convince me to try a sample. He reached out a container of the stuff and held out a toothpick dispenser in the other hand, quickly Trina reached out to take a piece out with her hand and just as quickly the guy pushed the toothpicks a little closer her way, to which she replied, "No thanks, I don't want salt on mine!" With a face full of disgust, the guy said, "what if everyone did that?" I explained to her that it was not salt, but toothpicks and we had a really good laugh about it!

:: do not covet ::

2009-06-28T23:18:00.004-06:00

I haven't done of these in a long time! Please click on this collage to see the real beauty of each of this week's flickr favs.

1. Love it!, 2. on sunday, 3. Great room with bamboo floors and dual pane windows, 4. L'appartement, 5. From Home Beautiful 8/08, 6. realsimple1.jpg, 7. black herringbone, white walls, 8. LIVING ROOM, 9. le germain I, 10. a slice of their life, 11. AT: Chicago Home Tour, 12. Swedish Design Blogs, 13. Interior Photography, 14. Fireplace and red amp, 15. Dining establishment, 16. living room, 17. The Heart of the Home, 18. Untitled, 19. sitting room, 20. staged living room, 21. IMG_2521, 22. wilde carnation osborne and little, 23. white and wood and soft light (and orange stools!), 24. rebekah7.jpg, 25. Intrade (Sweden), 26. DSCN4818, 27. L'appartement, 28. Unknown, 29. Hallway, 30. a r t i s t, 31. white room, colored glass, 32. home_office1_small, 33. studio, 34. 81/365 everyone needs a cute little lamp in the kitchen right?, 35. playroom, 36. L'appartement

:: Before & After ::

2009-06-25T21:40:00.002-06:00

Levi-Lou went from one extreme to the other.

The hair stylist recommended I buzz his hair...she said it would help it grow in better.

What was I thinking and why did I not get his hair cut sooner?

His hair was 3-4in. long in some places...no wonder I never could style it cute before!

I admit, I do love rubbing his little buzzed head now!

:: I want an excuse to make this! ::

2009-06-15T21:39:00.007-06:00

image and recipe by jen

layered jell-o

1¼ c boiling water (per packet)

8 - 3 oz. packets of various jell-o flavors and colors (raspberry, lime, pineapple, orange, mixed berry)

4 oz. sour cream

4 oz. cream cheese

about 8 oz. cool whip

Place 9×13 glass baking dish in refrigerator on level surface for at least 20 minutes or until completely chilled.

Whip the sour cream and cream cheese together until well combined in a large bowl. Add in the cool whip, whisking until smooth. Set aside.

In another bowl combine one packet of jell-o with 1¼ cup boiling water, let it cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Pour ¾ cup of the jell-o into the chilled baking dish making sure it covers the entire bottom and place back in the refrigerator until when you touch it, it is mostly set. With the remaining ½ cup of jell-o whisk in 3 Tablespoons of the cheese/cool whip mixture until smooth. Pour the jell-o/whip mixture on top of the set jell-o layer. Repeat for each flavor of jell-o making sure each layer is set before adding another (about 15 minutes).

Tips:Make sure that each layer is set well enough (it’s pretty much solid to the touch) before adding on a new layer.

Don’t forget to let the newly mixed jell-o & boiling water cool before you add the next layer on, if not it will melt the other layers and things will get all kooky with layers between, separated and to the sides of each other.

Once you get into the rhythm of making the layers, it’s becomes quite easy. You’ll be setting one jell-o layer in the fridge, while the next flavor is cooling.

***The photographed jell-o was made with 6 oz. jell-o packets rather than the 3 oz. packets. The smaller packets allow for more layers meaning more colors. =) ENJOY!!!

:: Baby body surfing ::

2009-06-12T16:26:00.009-06:00

Today I put Levi on the guest bed with a barrier of pillows (you know the kind) to take his nap. A few minutes later I was happily relaxing downstairs (procrastinating the inevitable workload of getting ready for the big garage sale tomorrow) and I hear a BOOM! As I jumped up to rescue my baby from his terrifying (second) fall off the bed...I was surprised not to hear him cry out and then that made me even more worried. I ran into the room to find that his barrier of pillows were all still in place, but that Levi was laying on his tummy on the bed side table... he had somehow rolled over the pillows, knocked the alarm clock (thus the "BOOM") off the bed side table and managed to balance his little self on the table. How did he do that? Luckily, I was able to reach him before he fell off the table! When I picked him up I said, "Levi, how did you get onto that table!?!"...to which he just giggled. =)

:: dark woods and white ::

2009-06-09T20:45:00.011-06:00

...I want that Lucite lamp & desk

...this stellar kitchen is topping my list right now!

...not a fan of the alien art though

...mmmmmm globe lights

...this is a perfect bathroom in my book

...never can have too much natural light

...genius use of storage

:: One of the best homemade Italian dishes EVER ::

2009-06-09T17:56:00.005-06:00

Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomatoes

from the kitchen of Anna Jones

3/4 pound hot Italian sausages, casings removed (or mild if you don't like too much spice)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 28-ounce can diced peeled tomatoes
1/4 cup purchased pesto sauce (I like to use homemade if I have it)
10 ounces ziti or penne pasta (about 3 cups), freshly cooked
8 cups ready-to-use fresh spinach leaves (about 2/3 of 10-ounce package)
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)

Heat heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion and garlic and sauté until sausage is cooked through, breaking up meat with back of spoon, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices to pan. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in pesto. Season sauce with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing.)

Preheat oven to 375° F. Lightly oil 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish. Combine pasta, spinach, mozzarella and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in large bowl. Stir in hot tomato sauce. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over. Bake until sauce bubbles and cheeses melt, about 30 minutes. ENJOY!!!

*Offer this simple, hearty dish with a green salad & crusty garlic bread. =)

:: rub a dub dub two boys in the tub ::

2009-06-01T14:52:00.003-06:00

Tate had not used his old blue tub for a year or so and then recently decided he no longer wanted to take showers with me...Levi's baths were just too appealing. Usually, I shower while they are taking a bath and because Tate holds up Levi we can all three be bathed in record time!

:: how I love thee ::

2009-05-24T21:29:00.007-06:00

image via Tampen

Today was a good day!

One of those days that passed slowly, but in a good way...it must have been the rain. =)

I slept in as I do every Sunday that I teach the lesson in Young Women's...not a good thing, just a fact. I am always too stressed out to want to start the day so I start it out on a really bad note (just something else to work on.) Once I finally got out of bed determined not to be too late for church, my day really started looking up!

Daddy had already gotten Tate and himself fed and was about to jump in the shower & Levi was just stirring ready for his second feeding of the morning.

I hurried and put on my handy dandy shower cap, grabbed a naked baby Levi to join me in the shower, slipped on my favorite denim jacket and new skirt that would match my cute pedicure, decided make up would not be happening, and skipped breakfast...all of this and we made it just in the nick of time!

The lesson on Temple Marriage turned into a strange rambling by yours truly (I wonder if you could even call it a lesson)...I think it was because I feel so strongly about Temple Marriage that I just kept going off on weird rants about this and that, hopefully they got my jist.

After arriving home (half starved of course) I quickly caramelized some red onions and sauteed up a couple of cheese brauts for me and the hubby, coupled with a handful of Doritos...lunch was delightfully unhealthy. =)

My favorite visiting teacher, Sis. Sattler, popped by and we visited for a nice long while...I have really grown to look forward and love her more than any other visiting teacher I have ever had!

The boys went down for naps, and then alas, it was time for some much needed relaxing.

Later that afternoon we went on a nice long walk with the boys in their new double stroller, which I could tell they both loved...loved being together (so so so cute!)

While on our walk I handed Tate cute weeds and such to hold, kissed my man lots, enjoyed the gorgeous weather, and eventually Levi fell asleep.

We noticed the clouds were getting dark and headed home, but I love the rain so after getting Levi nestled in the crib we stayed out side to enjoy it!!!

We tried to teach Tate how to push the pedals on his tricycle unsuccessfully again.

We sat on the cement to watch the sky and enjoy the first few drops of rain and then when it really started to pour down I showed Tater how to catch rain on his tongue (my favorite part of the day!)

After spending the next hour or so hanging out in the back of the SUV playing with all the fun finds in the backpack Nana made for the boys for Christmas we decided to head in for dinner.

I pulled up a chair so Tate could assist me in cutting fresh pineapple & making pizza pockets (which I hadn't made in a while...I forgot how easy and good those are!)

Andy fed Levi his rice cereal, which I appreciate so much (feeding babies is one of my least favorite things.)

Tate got to talk to both set of Grandparents on the phone before bed...which he loved!

And now they sound asleep. =)

I think we are going to play a game now...a perfect activity for a rainy Sunday night.

Did I mention, I love rainy days?!!!!?

:: check it off my list ::

2009-05-15T16:11:00.008-06:00

I accomplished so much today!!! I FINALLY got my dream desk today...thanks to Anna for spotting it for me yesterday. :)

It looks very much like this...

I find it so ironic that I just blogged about wanting to find a desk like this so that I could get our office done. I am really getting in the decorating groove. =)

I also hit the jack pot when I found these large white Jax book ends today (I have been looking for them FOREVER.)

The universe is sending good Karma my way!!!

:: wallpaper? ::

2009-05-12T22:03:00.006-06:00

Our front room is a space very similar to this...a small room with a solid back wall. We are using the space as our office and I like the idea of it being an office, but right now it is a room waiting to get some attention (even though it is the first impression you get when you are welcomed to our home.) We have our back wall painted a chocolate color at the moment (which we did 4 years ago.) Now I am considering putting up some cool wallpaper. What do you think? It is such a small accent wall and would be easy to put or take down when it comes time for a change. I think a something similar to this stunning mirror would be nice and make the room feel larger since it would reflect the light coming from the window across the room. I want to finish it off with a glass desk with hair pin legs (a concept I have envisioned and would have to make) in the middle of the room, a rug, and some kind of low/long shelf against the back wall, and then chair(s) facing the desk. That is the plan anyways! =)

The CRAZY week before a Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T21:51:00.004-06:00

The best part of my Mother's Day was having Andy come home from Florida, where he had been for the past 7 days...working 16 hr. days at his company's convention. I missed Andy VERY much, but learned a lot in the process. I learned that accepting Ashley's invitation to come have dinner the night he flew out of town was a smart one, and even though I showed up an hour before they got home from church because the went to choir practice, it was a BEAUTIFUL day and Tate and I made a new friend with her 5 yr. old neighbor Dunkin. (I learned a lot about Dunkin too.) Thanks to some GREAT parenting advice on helping my picky eater from Ashley, I learned how to stop giving Tate empty threats and do what I say...which has really improved meal time around our house this past week! I realized just how grateful I was for Meg, who stayed with me 5 of the 7 days...and wished I could have convinced her stay the last 2 days! I don't sleep well alone, which really came back to bite me this week as I stayed up until 2 AM the last two nights....AHHHHH! I learned a lot about Meg and she learned what it is REALLY like being a stay at home mom. I think she has a new appreciation for moms and is happier being in her stage of life. I discovered how much Levi loves the pool (took him for the first time) and Tate had no fear come the second time around. Oh, and I learned that the little swimming jacket I bought for Tate is crap... I dare say he would have been better off without it on. I now know that I like detailing my own car, that it takes 4 hours to do it, and that I will flood the basement again if I keep the water going the whole time. What else? Oh, I changed my first diaper in which Tate and I were both covered in poop because he decided to throw a fit midway through...NEVER want to experience that one again! I learned that it is okay to ask for help or for people to come hang out with you and I appreciated all those that did so, especially Grandmama and Grandpapa who took Tate on a date one evening so I could get a little break. The most important realization from this past week was that I don't have to turn into a grumpy mess at 5 PM because Andy isn't home from work...I can chose to keep going because I know I can. =)

:: our pretty boy ::

2009-05-09T01:07:00.004-06:00

We are told our baby is very "pretty" on a regular basis...and I must admit I can easily imagine what our girls might look like. I know, cute...right!?!

Make it yourself...so much better and save $$$ too!

2009-05-08T10:44:00.004-06:00

Homemade pizza is a favorite in our home. What I like most about this particular recipe, besides the obviously good flavor, is how easy it is to make. Total hands-on time is about 5-10 minutes.

1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon sugar

Place yeast and sugar in bowl; pour warm water over and allow to sit for about 5 minutes.

In another larger bowl place:
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 TB olive oil
(this recipe makes one pizza crust)

Mix for a minute ( I like to use my my kitchen aid mixer.) Dig a well in the middle and add the liquid mixture. Mix again (will be gooey). Place bowl in a warm location and allow dough to rise for one hour ( I like to put mine in a warm oven.) Using a spatula, place dough on a well-floured surface. Knead slightly and roll, with a pin, into desired shape (you may have to add 1/4 cup flour to make dough more manageable). Grab a few cookie sheets and sprinkle cornmeal evenly on both surfaces (err on the side of too much or your pizza will stick to the surface). Most of the time we just use our pizza stone or heavily spray the cookie sheets since we don't usually have cornmeal on hand. Place your shaped dough on the cookie sheets. Your dough is now ready to be adorned with any toppings you wish. Cook the pizza for 15 minutes in an oven heated to 425 degrees. ENJOY!!!

*I like to make my own sauce by simply using tomato sauce sprinkled with Italian seasoning...if any one has a better recipe please do share! =) We love to top ours with a good mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, pepperoni, red onions, olives and the occasional green bell pepper. A simple pepperoni or Hawaiian style pizza is yummo too.

:: a touch of danish style in dining ::

2009-05-08T01:21:00.008-06:00

Just clearing out some of my beloved danish inspired dining spaces out of my "favorites folder".

Sorry, I don't have the references for these gorgeous images. =(

:: Good Tunes ::

2009-05-07T08:36:00.009-06:00

I NEVER like songs that get really hard core...you know what I am talking about (songs that all of the sudden start to scream at you.) This Lazy Eye song is an exception, the screaming part is not my favorite, but I just can't get enough! =)

Look what I found!!!!! ...SERIOUSLY check this out...you'll thank me=)

2009-05-02T23:59:00.004-06:00

My super sister-in-law, Sandy, told me about a web site/blog called Super Healthy Kids...but I like to call it, "A blog sent down from the Heavens just for me." I don't know were to start, it is seriously the coolest blog I have seen in a LONG time (created by a Utah girl, like myself!) There is so much information on every topic...and recipes to boot. =) Now, for a girl like me...that really could use some help in feeding a 2 yr. old "picky eater" this is a great find, but it also inspires me to find healthy living ideas for myself and the hubby.

:: you would think it was manna from heaven ::

2009-05-02T21:39:00.006-06:00

Daddy held our little sweetie as he enjoyed his first bites of rice cereal. He devoured every bite and was very giddy that we were finally giving him real food! He seemed impatient as I dipped that tiny rubber tipped spoon into his baby bowl, leaning forward with his mouth open and reaching out to grab something...anything involved in getting that lovely rice cereal into his mouth quicker. Andy and I were cracking up over how anxious he was to eat like a big boy, and then felt slightly guilty for not letting him make this big step sooner (but nursing is just so convenient.) I was surprised that he new immediately what to do, how to open his mouth and suck on the little spoon...however, he did gulp a lot of air in the process so we burped him half way through just in case. The only problem is that he gets so excited to be eating that his arms have to be restrained and he kicks back against me every bite (which is not really a problem as much as it is annoying.) Tate was a good little eater as a baby too, but much pickier now. Hopefully Levi will continue to be a good eater throughout his childhood!

Darling Kid's Room

2009-04-30T17:00:00.002-06:00

Shimandsons

What a find...so many things I love about a kid's room for one lucky kid!

My baby's have blue eyes...just like their daddy!

2009-04-30T16:38:00.004-06:00

It seems I spoke too soon a while back...he is definitely a two year old now! Don't get me wrong he is as sweet as this picture 97% of the time, but then there is that other 3% -YIKES!

Levi is in a new phase, as you can see...I think he does this when he is happy or tasting the fresh air outside so we are seeing a lot of his little tongue these days!

Here are my boys, just chillin'...probably watching Caillou, while I enjoy watching them. =)

My new FAVORITE rolls!!!

2009-04-20T20:12:00.004-06:00

Oatmeal Rolls

from the kitchen of Aimee Weeks

2 C quick cooking oatmeal
2 C boiling water
3/4 C butter
1 1/2 T. Yeast
2 Eggs
2 t. salt
1/8 c. sugar
4 1/2 c. flour

In large bowl, add oatmeal and pour the boiling water over the top. Stir slightly so all mixture is moist. Cut the butter into small pieces and place on top of oatmeal; set aside until butter is melted and mixture is cooled. Sprinkle yeast on top of oatmeal mixture. Add eggs, salt, sugar and flour. Mix on low speed for 8-10 minutes. Allow dough to double. Roll out on floured surface until 1/4 inch thick. Brush with 1/4 c. melted butter and cut into rounds. Fold each round in half, then take 2 rounds and fold them so the ends interlock. Place rolls in muffin tins and let rise until double. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Rolls should be light brown, do not over bake. ENJOY!!!

Aimee also makes the best homemade butter to serve with her famous oatmeal rolls...just makes them extra yummy!

Honey Butter
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. honey
1 t. vanilla

Raspberry Butter (great for Easter dinner)
1/2 c. salted butter at room temperature
1/4 c. + 1 T. honey
3 T. raspberry jam
1 t. vanilla

Spice Butter (incredible for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner)
1 c. salted butter at room temperature
2 T. honey
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. ginger
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. all spice

For all the butter recipes: combine all ingredients and blend in kitchen aid or with hand mixer for 10-20 minutes on medium speed. ENJOY!!!

Hot Berries 'n' Brownie Ice Cream Cake

2009-04-16T21:40:00.004-06:00

Hot Berries 'n' Brownie Ice Cream Cake

from the kitchen of Hilary Weeks

Brownie ice Cream Cake:

1 package fudge brownie mix...I like the Ghirardelli brownie mix at Costco
(water, oil and egg as directed by the brownie mix)
1 carton vanilla ice cream, softened

Berry Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons lime juice (I like to use fresh)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups fresh raspberries

Directions: Prepare brownie mix using water, oil and eggs. Bake according to package directions; cool completely. Crumble brownies into 1-in. pieces or so; sprinkle half into a 13-in. x 9-in. dish coated with cooking spray. Spread evenly with softened ice cream. Press remaining brownie pieces into ice cream. Cover and freeze for 1 hour or until firm. Remove from the freezer 5 minutes before serving. For sauce, in a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, honey, lime juice, vinegar, cinnamon and cayenne. Add berries; cook for 3-5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Cut cake into squares; top with hot berry sauce. Yield: 24 servings. ENJOY!!!

::Priscilla Ahn::

2009-04-16T09:02:00.000-06:00

Thanks Heather...I have thoroughly enjoyed her music and I owe it all to you! =)

:: Jakob Solgren ::

2009-04-15T09:00:00.006-06:00

I love the warm and minimalistic style of the bold Swedish stylist, Jakob Solgren! I hope to achieve this feel in my home someday...white spaces enriched with saturated color and a masculine/artsy feel (not to mention plenty of Scandi style to go around.)

Yet another DELICIOUS use for my beloved Lemon Curd

2009-04-15T09:00:00.005-06:00

Lemon Curd Marbeled Cheesecake
from the kitchen of Stephmodo

For lemon curd:
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For crust:
1 1/3 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs (5 oz)
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For filling:
3 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
Special equipment: a 9- to 91/2-inch (24-cm) springform pan
Accompaniment: top it off with fresh raspberries or blueberries

Make lemon curd:
Whisk together zest, juice, sugar, and eggs in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Add butter and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently, until curd is thick enough to hold marks of whisk and first bubbles appear on surface, about 6 minutes.
Force lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a wide shallow dish, scraping bottom of sieve, then cover surface with wax paper. Cool completely, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

Make and bake crust:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Invert bottom of springform pan (to make it easier to slide cake off bottom), then lock on side. 3Stir together crust ingredients in a bowl, then press onto bottom and 1 inch up side of springform pan. Place springform pan in a shallow baking pan and bake 10 minutes, then cool crust completely in springform pan on a rack.

Make filling and bake cheesecake:
Reduce oven temperature to 300°F. Beat together cream cheese and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add eggs 1 at a time, beating until incorporated. Beat in sour cream and vanilla until combined.
Pour two thirds of cream cheese filling into crust, then spoon half of lemon curd over filling and swirl curd into filling with a small knife. (Avoid touching crust with knife to prevent crumbs getting into filling.) Repeat with remaining filling and curd.
Bake cheesecake until set 1 1/2 inches from edge but center trembles when pan is gently shaken, about 45 minutes. (Center of cake will appear very loose but will continue to set as it cools.) Transfer springform pan to a rack and immediately run a knife around top edge of cake to loosen. Cool completely, about 2 hours, then chill, uncovered, at least 4 hours. Remove side of springform pan before serving. ENJOY!!!

Cooks' Notes:
·Lemon curd can be made 1 week ahead and chilled, covered.
·Crust (without filling) can be made 1 day ahead and kept, covered, at room temperature.
·Cheesecake can be chilled, loosely covered, up to 2 days. Cheesecake must be completely chilled before covering to prevent condensation on its surface

i love...

2009-04-14T21:24:00.005-06:00

:: my chili...especially leftovers :: this pillow :: a rainy day like today :: these knobs :: being silly with my boys :: General Conference ::

:: these metal rods :: a loving touch :: gauchos :: coming home from church :: big tax returns ::

:: an admiring stare or wink from my hubband :: photo shop :: heath bar shakes from JCW's :: jean jackets :: my new $25 craigslist chair...the wood one on the far left ::

::Easter 2009::

2009-04-14T16:07:00.004-06:00

A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E...I know! =) Levi's very first Easter was such an amazing one. He loved every second of it! My only regret is that I forgot to get the boys a new outfit until Saturday and by then it was too late, but they still looked cute in their hand-me-downs. =)

This is the ONLY pic I have of Tate alone and looking at me! The rest are of him running around, having a ball and finding eggs etc. What an important and FUN holiday! I forgot how much fun Easter could be, but with kids 2 and older it is such a memorable holiday. Tate had so much fun being outside and finding his basket/eggs on a gorgeous Spring day. And then we had the BEST time at Grandpapa and Grandmama's house! We had a delicious meal of ham, deviled eggs (that was our contribution), Aimee's to die for granola rolls and homemade raspberry butter (still need that recipe), Sandy's yummy jello that all the sister-in-laws were excited to have on their plates, potatoes and gravy (a Weeks must have), and corn. And then we devoured Hilary's out of this world dessert...a fresh berry sauce with a kick served hot on top of homemade chocolate chunk ice cream cake. Oh, yeah BABY! I am going to have to share the recipe for the dessert and rolls for you guys later. =)

We actually did a really good job on their Easter baskets this year. Probably too much if anything, but we knew Tate was old enough to get really excited. After church we hid the died eggs that we made the night before with Aunt Meg around the side of the house for Tate to find and with much help and prompting he was able to find them all. Then we gave the boys their baskets and tried to quickly get a cute picture (it was too cold and the grass was a little too wet to prolong the process.) *Don't worry he is not choking his baby brother...it's a love hold! =)

Every year we pile all the Weeks grandkids on a blanket in front of grandma's big pine tree and try to get the money shot. This was the best one I got (hopefully, uncle Tom got one with Levi looking up.) And every year the blanket gets a little more crowded. =) What CUTIES!!! Next year our family will be pleased to add Jeff and Trina's new baby boy to the mix (due to arrive sometime near the end of July!)

::Boohbah's First Hair cut::

2009-04-14T14:39:00.005-06:00

Levi was in desperate need of a haircut since the day he was born...but I just couldn't bring myself to cut off that sweet baby hair! Well, at 4 1/2 months old I finally did it and he looks much better now (not so girlie anymore.) To my relief, he was a perfect little angel getting his first hair cut!

...if you haven't seen this already.

2009-04-12T22:40:00.002-06:00

What a wonderfully uplifting message from an apostle of God. His words ring truth to my soul about the wonderfully atoning sacrifice of our Savior. He lives! He went through everything he did so that we could be forgiven, and be lifted up from our sorrows, pains, sicknesses, trials and ultimately live again with Him someday. What a wonderful message at this Easter season!

A Body For Life recipe that is out of this WORLD!

2009-04-11T17:00:00.007-06:00

image via Sunset

Santa Fe Chicken Soup
(serves 4)
from the kitchen of Ashley Wright

1/3 c. brown rice (uncooked)
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast (best to use fresh)
1 lime
2 t. taco seasoning
6 corn tortillas ( I like flour and use that instead)
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic minced
1/2 yellow onion chopped
1 can diced green chilies
6 c. chicken broth (*the largest can of broth at the store is 6 cups worth)
2 T. cilantro

Cook rice by following package directions. Place chicken, lime juice, and taco seasoning in a covered container or bag and let marinate for at least an hour (I did two hours.) Grill or saute the chicken in some oil until you cook it through and it is nice and caramelized on the outside. Let the meat cool and then cut into bite size strips. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut corn tortillas into 1/2 in. strips, then place on baking sheet and bake for 15 min. Heat oil in large pot, add garlic and onions and saute 8 min. Then add rice and saute 3 min. Next add green chilies and saute 2 min. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add chicken and cilantro, reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 min.

Serve with these optional toppers buffet style: a good sour cream (I love Daisy brand), more cilantro, lime wedges, cheese, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, a good salsa ( I love Jack's Special Salsa from Costco), and warm corn and flour tortillas. ENJOY!!!

***Here is Ashley's recipe for homemade flour tortillas (worth every minute!)

Flour Tortillas

(serves 16)

3 c. flour

1/3 c. shortening

1 & 1/2 t. salt

3/4 c. ice water

Cut shortening into flour. Add salt and water (a little at a time as you stir the flour) to form a ball. Knead 10-11 times. Then form 16 smaller balls, roll out and cook on a HOT ungreased pan. Keep balls under a damp cloth to keep them from drying out. And then place cooked tortillas under another dry towel or foil to keep warm. ENJOY!!!

Did you miss it too?

2009-04-11T16:11:00.002-06:00

I was so bummed to find that our DVR didn't record the last ten minutes of American Idol! =( So I checked out YouTube to find Adam Lambert's great rendition of Tears For Fears song Mad World (gotta love the 80's). I love them both, but I prefer the sexiness of Adam's version.

Da Boys

2009-03-31T23:44:00.005-06:00

I thought my first post back from a long absence should be an update on the boys...they grow up so fast!

It's official...Levi is a mama's boy! In fact, he is sitting in my lap at this very minute because the swing just wasn't cutting it for him. I am just wondering, is there anything wrong with a mama's boy...is there going to be unforeseen problems in the future because of his love for me? I love how his face lights up when he sees me and he does everything in his power to keep me in his sight. I sure do love having someone in my life that smiles and giggles at me so much! Levi cracks me up, he is much more emotional than his big brother was. He is much more smiley and giggly, but he also cries a lot too. Levi has these bouts of crying/laughing, he will be really upset and crying and then I just have to smile at him and he starts laughing at the same time, and as soon as I look away he cries again and so on. Levi is my cuddle bug and loves kisses! He also has a Kung Fu grip (very clingy, just like his mommy)...once he gets hold of your clothes, hair, finger, etc. it is very hard to get him to let go. Levi loves games too, I think his favorite game is one I like to call "peek-a-boob"...basically he latches on and then lets go to look at me and laugh and then quickly latches on again and on and on as I tease him saying "you're a silly baby"...he thinks it is the FUNNIEST thing! Some of the things that make Levi's world go round include: watching Tate play and playing with Tate, rattles, daddy coming home, my snorting sound, showers with daddy and baths with mommy, nursing, reading books while laying next to Tate on the big boy bed (and my favorite is when Tate reads to him...one of the moments you hope to never forget), and loved ones most of all!!! This past week he started rolling over from tummy to his back and is so close to rolling from back to tummy. He also started drooling (darn). I think he is teething because he wants something in his mouth CONSTANTLY, he sucks on his thumb, his hand, his shirt/blanket, two middle fingers, and of course his beloved Binky. Levi is also a big talker at almost 5 months old, his favorite word is "ga" followed by the occasional "gaaa".

My son, my sunshine! I'm surprised, the terrible 2's aren't so terrible...in fact this age is just like all the others, it has its ups and downs (but mostly ups). As I am typing this Tate is up in his room crying hard because he wants his Binky, but I took it away yesterday morning and he is mourning the loss of his beloved "gink gee". I feel so bad for the little guy...that would be like taking away sugar for me! He will get through it, but I am sure it will take a while. A couple of days ago Tate realized that he could get out of his bed when he woke up and came down the stairs after a nap all by himself, his little faced peeped around the corner and with a big smile on his face said, "I get out mommy!" I think Tate is such a sweet little guy, and even tempered like his daddy. He is quick to forgive and say sorry. He is pretty obedient for his age, but does spend sometime on the bottom of the stairs in time out. Tate is also growing in independence and wants to do everything by himself...exclaiming, "I do it!" He just loves the people in his life and gets so excited to talk to them on the phone and get out of the house (I think this spring we will be spending much or our day outside.) He loves to tell you what his family say and in his interpretation of how they say it. For example; mommy says, "I love you", daddy says "I wanna know for sure" (which comes out as a low "fo show"), and uncle Jeff says, "yo" while crossing his arms in front. Tate and I spend all day and night together and we never get tired of each other. We still shower together, and now Levi has joined in so it is a little crowded, but it is a fun time to relax and play together. The last couple of times when I was shaving my legs, Tate propped his leg up on the ledge just like me and then stole the shaving gel off me legs to put on his. That is not the only thing he copies...he copies EVERYTHING! He started making this weird face a while ago and I couldn't figure out what he was doing...and then it dawned on me that he was trying to make the face I make when I am annoyed. My 2 yr. old has taught me a thing or two about myself, that is for sure! He loves cereal, milk, pizza, quesadillas, peanut butter banana honey sandwiches, "smoozies", the lovely McDonald's hamburger and fries, all fruit, cheese (go figure), yogurt, crackers, pickles, craisins, juice, french toast/pancakes, the occasional drink of mom or grandmama's soda ("who pop"), bread, ...and pretty much anything that tastes sweet. He doesn't like veggies, meat, or most food that is hot (unless it is breakfast food) so dinner is a very hard time as you can imagine. He is talking so much now (most of what he saying takes a parent to understand) and still says a lot of gibberish. One of the "downs" of being 2 is the hitting...where do they learn that? Hopefully, he will grow out of that soon! Fortunately, he adores his baby brother and always loves on him...I see a bright future ahead for those two. =)

...yes, his hair was very long at 4 1/2 months old. ;)

Love pork?

2009-03-02T23:15:00.005-07:00

image via oprah.com

Flamenquines

from the kitchen of Mario Batali

8 1/2-inch thick boneless pork loin chops (3 ounces each)
Freshly ground pepper
8 thin slices of serrano (I used prosciutto) ham
All-purpose flour , for dusting
2 large eggs
1 Tbsp. milk
1 1/4 cups dry bread crumbs
Pure olive oil , for frying
mayonnaise (I used lemon aioli and can't imagine mayo would be better), for serving

Working with 1 pork chop at a time, place in a resealable plastic bag and pound into a 1/4-inch-thick cutlet (make sure to use the bag.) Arrange the cutlets on a work surface and season with pepper. Cover each cutlet with a slice of ham and, starting with the long end, roll tightly into a cylinder. Dust with the flour.

In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. Put the bread crumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip the pork rolls in the egg mixture, then in the bread crumbs, pressing them on lightly. Transfer to a plate.

In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil until shimmering. Add the pork rolls and fry over moderate heat, turning, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 155°, about 5 minutes (you want a nice brown color.) Transfer the rolls to paper towels (I didn't do this step and it was fine.) Serve hot, with mayonnaise or lemon aioli...recipe below. ENJOY!!!

***The breaded pork rolls can be refrigerated overnight. Let return to room temperature before frying. The next time I make this I will try to make them ahead of time so that I can have the big mess cleaned up before dinner.

image via yumsugar.com

Lemon Aioli
from the kitchen of Giada De Laurentiis

2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 lemon, zested
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

***I served this main dish with asparagus and we were able to dip the vegetable and pork dish in the lemon aioli. =)

::Big Boy Beds::

2009-03-02T16:06:00.004-07:00

Andy and I decided it was time for the boys to move up in the world, Tate to a twin and Levi to the crib. Shockingly, Levi is having the harder go at it and I don't know why...I think he is too excited about his little mobile to sleep. =) Tate has made the smoothest transition to his new "big boy bed." After we finished making the bed it was nap time and Tate jumped right up onto the bed, we tucked him in for the first time ever (I think he was really digging having a pillow) and he did not move an inch as he slept for the next couple of hours. I felt so relieved and bad at the same time for not having transitioned him sooner...for a while there it seemed like he was flipping around and getting stuck in the most awkward positions as he slept in his crib. That night we he fell of the bed so we put a bed rail up the next morning. And the last couple of days have been a dream. =)

::so sad::

2009-03-02T15:43:00.003-07:00

This gorgeous find is for sale in Oakland, California for $295 and I WANT IT! I feel like a kid in the toy section and screaming "I want that ONE!" It would look amazing at the end of my bed. Sigh. Maybe I will find the perfect bench someday...

::just sit back, relax...and listen::

2009-02-26T23:31:00.006-07:00

image via decor8

Check this girl out...singer/songwriter Amy Seely! Mmmmhmmm goooooood music, reminds me of the kind of music I loved relaxing to back in the good ol' single college days. Great background music for blogging, bubble baths, massages or just watching your baby sleep. Listen to all three of the songs here and you'll be hooked just like me!!!

::so much to do...so little time::

2009-02-26T22:54:00.002-07:00

:: yellow ::

2009-02-25T13:52:00.002-07:00

Today's flickr favs make me happy! This will most likely (not 100% sure) be the accent color in my bedroom...I think it will go very nicely with my grey walls and walnut furniture and white bedding. =)

1. { There are a million ways to say thank you ,,, 2. yellow fire, 3. Etsy Take Five Tuesdays, 4. Poppy, 5. map wall, 6. Nicky, 7. new boots, 8. For Cynthia, 9. have i mentioned that this flash may change my life?, 10. Vintage yellow wallpaper, 11. yellow (1), 12. Charms, 13. collecting sunshine, 14. lemurs, 15. Untitled, 16. O's painting, 17. fun one, 18. lines., 19. Untitled, 20. colors colors and more, 21. ashley and nick, 22. Lucy, 23. {captivating}, 24. another..., 25. story of a midwestern yard, 26. goodmorning, 27. Daisies, 28. fold pillow, 29. Enchanted gardens, 30. Elsa Mae, 31. stair ramp, 32. red shoes, 33. Untitled, 34. Summer Delight, 35. Untitled, 36. Pears

Come one...come ALL!

2009-02-24T19:30:00.005-07:00

I have been waiting to see Confessions of a Shopaholic for sometime now (as I know many of you have as well.) All are welcome to join us and bring a friend too! We are meeting at JCW's in Lehi at 8:30 PM Wednesday, February 25Th for ice cream and then heading over to the movie at Thanksgiving Point theatre for the 9:50 PM movie showing. If you can only make it for the movie that is cool too. =) I hope to see you all there...unless you live out of state. ;)

P.S. Sorry this is very last second, I have been heavily involved in a family emergency this past week.

i love...

2009-02-23T23:59:00.006-07:00

:: my religion :: my plants...can't leave Ikea without one :: love, love... this inspirational blog ::

:: this gorgeous jewelry tree :: breakfast fruit smoothies with fresh spinach...the guys don't know the difference ::

:: i love these paper bowls :: and this yellow lotus bowl too :: etsy ::

:: this bench from Pottery Barn :: all things vintage :: a clean house ::

:: my spices :: this game :: nap time ::

::a winning dish::

2009-02-23T09:45:00.001-07:00

We had an Iron Chef cook-off at our place the other night (young women vs. young men.) I am highly competitive and brought out the big guns for this memorable activity. Our secret ingredient was lemon...only one of the best ingredients EVER!!! We decided for the main dish to do something with chicken and this entree came to mind. If you have ever had the Pollo Rosa Maria from Carrabba's you know how good it is and if you haven't had it yet, I highly recommend it. =)

Our take on my favorite dish at Carrabba's...

Pollo Rosa Maria

4 butterflied fresh boneless/skinless chicken breasts
4 thin slices prosciutto
1/2 c. fontina cheese

1/2 cup clarified butter (Note: To make clarified butter, melt butter over low heat; remove from heat and let sit until the milk solids settle to the bottom; skim the clear butter from the top; discard sediment)
3 garlic minced cloves
1/2 sweet yellow onion finely diced
1/4 cup dry white wine (the alcohol cooks out) or apple juice (...that's what we used)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 t. white pepper
1 dash sea salt
8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
1/2 cup fresh basil (sweet basil preferably), finely chopped
1 lemon, juice of

Open chicken breasts and lay open side down on a hot grill. Grill about 5 minutes on each side until cooked (you want to get those nice diamond grill marks on the meat.) Remove from grill. Stuff one of the butterflied sides with 1 slice prosciutto and 1/8 cup cheese and fold to sandwich the filling inside. Hold folded breast with wooden toothpicks. Set on a warmed platter and cover with foil so cheese melts. In a large skillet saute the onions and garlic in the clarified butter until tender. Deglaze the pan with the white wine (or apple juice). Add the butter, salt, and pepper, and mushrooms and cook until tender. Add basil and lemon juice and swirl pan to combine. Pour mushroom sauce over the Chicken breasts. ENJOY!!!

::another winning dish::

2009-02-23T09:44:00.005-07:00

image via myrecipes.com

I learned how to make this knock-out dessert at a cooking class at Thanksgiving Point. It is EVERYTHING you want in a dessert and more! This dessert is sweet, fresh, and zingy...not to mention it is great for large groups and can easily be made ahead of time. =) All you do is top Anna's Ginger Thins (found in the cracker/cookie gourmet section of stores like Harmon's or Smiths) with a spoonful of this easy & delicious lemon curd (below), garnish with two fresh raspberries, and a mint leaf.

Kelsey's Lemon Curd

1 c. white sugar

3 large eggs

1 c. FRESH lemon juice

3 lemons zested (make sure not to zest the white part...it is bitter)

1/2 c. unsalted butter, melted

In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until smooth. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest and butter. Cook in the microwave for one minute intervals, stirring after each minute until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon (it usually takes about 4 intervals). Remove from the microwave, and pure into small sterile jars (or you can put in the fridge/freezer for a minute like we did until it has cooled a bit if you need to serve immediately.) Store for up to three weeks in refrigerator. ENJOY!!!

tip: If you over cook the mixture a little, or forget to stir, you can pass the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the bits of cooked egg.

***Lemon Curd is excellent on ice cream, angel food cake, tarts, berries, even chocolate-covered strawberries!

happyvalentinesday!

2009-02-14T22:36:00.006-07:00

::fluffy buttermilk lemon pancakes with lemon syrup, turkey sausage & my V-Day plant::

We started the day off right with this yummo breakfast! I love all things lemon, but this recipe was much too complicated for the end result so I am not going to bother sharing the recipe. Andy used to buy me the ever popular "mixed spring" bouquets back in the day because he knew how much I liked a variety of flowers. I had to gently explain that I do love variety, but prefer one type of flower at a time. These days I prefer plants (especially the Costco Orchids...my last one lasted almost 2 years in full bloom!) The next portion of our day was dedicated to finishing the master bedroom paint job. Can I just say, I LURVE the color...it is exactly what I wanted. After painting, we went over to the Teppanyaki Restaurant for lunch and had the most delicious meal...we just love that place! Then we made our way back home so that we could watch my sister's kids while they went on their date. We had a very yummy/productive/fun day!

...a little white goes a long way =)

2009-02-08T00:21:00.004-07:00

Today's flickr favs...enjoy!

1. happy, 2. Vanilla Bean Lemon Straws, 3. little pea, 4. IMG_8721v2web, 5. Photography by Kristybee, 6. white bath with mirrors, 7. furniture store, 8. Little dining table, 9. IMG_0602, 10. IMG_2398, 11. 8 Day Baby Love, 12. Happy Weekend!, 13. IMG_1826, 14. Untitled, 15. Dining, 16. Untitled, 17. Untitled-1blog, 18. aldapereiradesign theexchange 1.jpg, 19. peanut butter chocolate swirl bread, 20. Kitchen via Swedish Homes, 21. vintage., 22. IMG_0597, 23. Untitled, 24. Untitled, 25. kids room via emma, 26. posters, 27. one month today, 28. I love this photo!, 29. Photography by Kristybee, 30. Untitled, 31. Anna Kern, 32. Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space, 33. breakfast in bed (again) 4635.jpg, 34. IMG_0586, 35. Addicted, 36. white white black bedroom