by my friend Connie.
1. Where is your mobile phone? purse
2. Your hair? up
3. Your mother? just left
4. Your father? also just left
5. Your fave food? avocados
6. Your dream last night? my sleep was way to interrupted for that!
7. Your fave drink? milk
8. Your dream/goal? happiness
9. What room are you in? living room
10. Your hobby? scrapbooking, baking, photography, sewing, crafts....
11. Your fear? dissapointing loved ones
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? settled
13. Where you were last night? home
14. Something that you aren't? complacent
15. Muffins? cranberry-zucchinni
16. Wish List Item? cricut
17. Where did you grow up? HillSpring
18. Last thing you did? kids bedtime
19. What are you wearing? jeans
20. Your TV? off
21. Your Pets? NO thank you
22. Friends? miss some of tem
23. Your Life? good
24. Your Mood? content
25. Missing Someone? always
26. Vehicle? mini van
27. Something your not wearing? socks
28. Your fave store? consignment
29. Your fave colour? orange
30. Last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? couple days ago
32. Your best friend? Reg-o-rama
33. One place that you go to over and over? the kitchen
34. One person who emails regularly? Heather
35. Fave place to eat? depends on the day
um I tag you if you want to :)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
In the Kitchen: Banana Carmel Cake
Last March I made this cake for a Book Club I was hosting at my house. It was scrump-diddly-umsious. And they told me to email them the recipe. And I never got around to it (sometimes I'm LIKE that unfortunately) I just made it again this past week. And I thought I'd finally post it and send it along to all those lovely Book club ladies who I miss and wish I could attend. Instead maybe they can eat my cake :) A little late. But better than never. Try it. I promise you'll love it!
(from the Essence of Chocolate by John Scharffenberger & Robert Steinberg)
3 cups sifted all purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/4 canola oil
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract
3 ounces semi sweet chocolate chopped into chip sized chunks
1 1/2 diced ripe bananas (about 2)
Carmel
1/2 cup firmly packed lightly brown sugar
2 Tbsp whole milk
4 Tbsp unsalted butter cut into chunks
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350ºF. Butter and flour a 12-cup (10 inch) Bundt pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt and baking soda.
In the bowl of a mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla and almond. Mix on medium speed til combined well, stopping to scrape the sides if needed. Mix in the dry ingredients, about 1/2 at a time, stopping to scrap the bowl if necessary.
Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in pecans and chocolate. Carefully fold in the bananas; do not over mix.
Pour into the prepared pan/ Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Meanwhile, about 5 minutes before the cake is done, combine the brown sugar, milk, and butter in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally as the butter and sugar melt. Once it is amber in color, remove from the heat.
Remove the cake from the oven and immediately, using a long skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Pour the hot caramel over the top, poking more holes and pushing the cake slightly away from the sides of the pan as necessary to allow the caramel to soak into the cake's top and sides. Place on a cooling rack to cool slightly.
When the cake has cooled, but is still warm to touch, unmold to a serving platter.
Serve either warm or at room temperature.
**Don't add more bananas as it will make it a gummy cake.**
And I added a chocolate ganache on top just for a little extra va-va-va-voom.
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MSBH Challenge: 33(Baking Powder Biscuits) 34 (Parker house Rolls) 35 (Cranberry Zucchini Muffins
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And there is a new family up on my photo blog if you wanna see them.
A lovely neighbor I have.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
In the Craftroom: Christmas Bingo
All over the net lately I've been seeing projects that are made inspired by stores that are expensive. So I thought I'd put my touch on these types of projects. This cute game is from Anthropologie. Amazing store. Not so cheap.
Here is my take on this cute Christmas game.
My version.
Best part is I made it so you can download it and play with your kids and family too!
Just cause I love ya! There are six cards (two on each page) and then the key.
Two ways to download it.
If you have a flickr account just open them and download the largest size.
If you don't then you can try these, Click on them and they should take you to another screen where it says download these.
Download them and print them onto cardstock and cut them out.
Let me know if you download it and how it works for you!!
I'd love to hear if anyone uses it :)
There are a TON of things on Anthropologie. I would love love love to get!
But not in the budget.
So I think I'll be doing a bit more of this knock off thing.
:)
Next up something a little more challenging.....either a shirt or a necklace!
Here is my take on this cute Christmas game.
My version.
Best part is I made it so you can download it and play with your kids and family too!
Just cause I love ya! There are six cards (two on each page) and then the key.
Two ways to download it.
If you have a flickr account just open them and download the largest size.
If you don't then you can try these, Click on them and they should take you to another screen where it says download these.
Download them and print them onto cardstock and cut them out.
Let me know if you download it and how it works for you!!
I'd love to hear if anyone uses it :)
There are a TON of things on Anthropologie. I would love love love to get!
But not in the budget.
So I think I'll be doing a bit more of this knock off thing.
:)
Next up something a little more challenging.....either a shirt or a necklace!
Monday, November 16, 2009
His favorite things as of late
are totally the phone and goldfish.
He cries and cries and cries to talk on (even though he doesn't really talk)The only reason he would EVER hand over a phone is cause it doesn't really work. One day I let him "talk" on it to my mom and after he cried for 10 minutes about it. Like LOUD crying. It was nuts-o! So he doesn't ever get the phone anymore!
We saved our old phones when we got new ones for him to play with cause it's more real.... but I should have saved the charger so it would still beep. I didn't think of that til AFTER I took out the garbage. And there are some things I'm just NOT willing to do for my kids. One being digging thru the garbage bin.
And
HE loooooves goldfish. Almost un-healthily. Seriously loves them.
Sorry I got distracted by those cute little toes....
what was I talking about.... right his current love affair with goldfish.
Also loves playing peek-a-boo
And if you ask him something he does this like "i don't know"
I've decided he should be a baby model. He's just so cute. But they'd probably fire him since he'll never sit still. These took a LOT of work :) Hence the phone and the goldfish so he'd sit still!! I wanted to try out my new reflector and he was the only kid home at the time. I think he did pretty good :)
He cries and cries and cries to talk on (even though he doesn't really talk)The only reason he would EVER hand over a phone is cause it doesn't really work. One day I let him "talk" on it to my mom and after he cried for 10 minutes about it. Like LOUD crying. It was nuts-o! So he doesn't ever get the phone anymore!
We saved our old phones when we got new ones for him to play with cause it's more real.... but I should have saved the charger so it would still beep. I didn't think of that til AFTER I took out the garbage. And there are some things I'm just NOT willing to do for my kids. One being digging thru the garbage bin.
And
HE loooooves goldfish. Almost un-healthily. Seriously loves them.
Sorry I got distracted by those cute little toes....
what was I talking about.... right his current love affair with goldfish.
Also loves playing peek-a-boo
And if you ask him something he does this like "i don't know"
I've decided he should be a baby model. He's just so cute. But they'd probably fire him since he'll never sit still. These took a LOT of work :) Hence the phone and the goldfish so he'd sit still!! I wanted to try out my new reflector and he was the only kid home at the time. I think he did pretty good :)
Friday, November 13, 2009
A Peek Post
You can find me over here for a guest blog post today of a peek into my scrapbook room. Come check it out!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Random Bits
Today I am so very very grateful for all those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy. We watched the CBC ceremony today. And I cried. I am so grateful to live in such a wonderful place. Thankful to those who fought, those who gave their lives, and those who are left behind mourning the loss.
------------------------------
Tanya and Colin asked Have you made them with whole wheat flour? Yes. But only do it half and half whole wheat. They don't rise well with full ww flour.
M and J Smith Family asked Where did you get your rolling pin donut cutter combo? My mom originally got it when we owned the cracker barrel cafe, a small time cafe in Hill Spring. I am pretty sure she got it from a Restaurant/ Bakery supply store. If you live in the big city (like you do Jodi) I am sure there are lots of those kinds of stores to choose from!
Mindy asked What's your baking challenge? I am making every recipe in the Martha Stewart Baking Handbook in one year. You can read more about it in this post.
------------------------------
I read over this Nei Nei post. (If you don't read Nei Nei, turn your life around and start doing it!) It has been on my mind for the past few days. It is a beautiful post. Heart wrenching but also uplifting at the same time.
------------------------------
And a photo from the latest photo blog post.
------------------------------
Something I've been thinking about a lot lately.
I like to create.
It's a big part of me.
I grew up with it. And now my kids are too. I think just today Alden and Lucy both made about 5-6 different drawings. When we empty a box or container the first thing Alden says is "I know let's make a craft."
It is a big part of me.
I'm doing what I love in a life I love.
When I don't find time to do things that are creative I have a harder time being happy. A harder time focusing on my blessings. And playing with my kids.
That's why I like baking, cooking, scrapbooking, painting, quilting, drawing, writing, graphic design, card making, sewing, and lots of other things.
All of these things are creative to me.
President Uchtdorf (who gave the talk) said, “The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.” He then went on to quote President Brigham Young who stated, “Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations. In the mean time continually seek to adorn your minds with all the graces of the Spirit of Christ.” (General Relief Society Conference, Oct. 2008).
------------------------------
Tanya and Colin asked Have you made them with whole wheat flour? Yes. But only do it half and half whole wheat. They don't rise well with full ww flour.
M and J Smith Family asked Where did you get your rolling pin donut cutter combo? My mom originally got it when we owned the cracker barrel cafe, a small time cafe in Hill Spring. I am pretty sure she got it from a Restaurant/ Bakery supply store. If you live in the big city (like you do Jodi) I am sure there are lots of those kinds of stores to choose from!
Mindy asked What's your baking challenge? I am making every recipe in the Martha Stewart Baking Handbook in one year. You can read more about it in this post.
------------------------------
I read over this Nei Nei post. (If you don't read Nei Nei, turn your life around and start doing it!) It has been on my mind for the past few days. It is a beautiful post. Heart wrenching but also uplifting at the same time.
------------------------------
And a photo from the latest photo blog post.
------------------------------
Something I've been thinking about a lot lately.
I like to create.
It's a big part of me.
I grew up with it. And now my kids are too. I think just today Alden and Lucy both made about 5-6 different drawings. When we empty a box or container the first thing Alden says is "I know let's make a craft."
It is a big part of me.
I'm doing what I love in a life I love.
When I don't find time to do things that are creative I have a harder time being happy. A harder time focusing on my blessings. And playing with my kids.
That's why I like baking, cooking, scrapbooking, painting, quilting, drawing, writing, graphic design, card making, sewing, and lots of other things.
All of these things are creative to me.
President Uchtdorf (who gave the talk) said, “The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.” He then went on to quote President Brigham Young who stated, “Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations. In the mean time continually seek to adorn your minds with all the graces of the Spirit of Christ.” (General Relief Society Conference, Oct. 2008).
Saturday, November 07, 2009
In the kitchen: Donuts
Now my momma (and my grandma and me) are all those kind of bakers. You know those ones who don't exactly know the amounts of things that are put in. It's more about how the dough feels and all that. But I'll do my best in posting amounts! :)
Now this is also a BIG recipe. It makes 10 dozen donuts. So you can use it to make donuts, long johns, cinnamon buns, dinner buns, or scones. Or you can cut it in half (which I do often!)
2 liters of warm water (like warm like the bath warm)
1 pound melted margarine (or use 2 cups oil)
8 eggs
3 Tbsp Salt
3 Tbsp instant yeast (quick rising)
2 cup sugar
Flour (? a lot hahahaha)
Put your water and salt in a large bowl and stir to let the salt dissolve.
And set it aside.
In a different bowl mix the eggs and sugar until frosty.
Combine into the biggest bowl. Add 1/2 of the melted margarine (or oil).
Stir well.
Start adding flour until it gets hard to stir with a spoon. Like it isn't dry yet... but it looks lumpy with flour (does that make sense?) It's sloppy and super sticky.
Sprinkle yeast on top and stir it in.
Now start adding flour until the dough comes together and you can handle it. Knead it a bit with your hands. (If you are using a Bosch or a kitchen-aid it will start to pull away from the sides.) It should be a nice clean dough that you poke your hand into and it just leaves a dent that pops back out. (make sense?)
Turn the dough over so the smooth side is on the top. Then pour the rest of the margarine (or oil) over top and grease the sides of the bowl with it too.
Let rise in a warm spot until doubled.
Punch down once.
Let rise in a warm spot again.
Once doubled again use it.
Now to make it into donuts, you lay the dough out onto the counter squishing it with your hands until is in a rectangle shape (like you would for cinnamon buns) then cut out your donuts (I have a rolling pin that is a donut cutter outer. So I lay my dough out and then roll it over it and it cuts out constant donuts. It's cool. And it was my mom's. It takes me like 3 minutes to cut out 80 donuts (which is what I did this morning.)
Deep fry them in hot oil (I always use the stove but you could use a deep fryer).
Then drain them.
As soon as you can touch them without burning your hands, drop them into a glaze. (my glaze is just icing sugar with vanilla and some warm water til it is runny. I have no idea the amounts..... just til it looks right. hahahaha)
Then let them drain again.
Then eat them. :)
The more often you make this dough the easier it will be. It's a bit second nature to me as I used to make this dough weekly to make buns and whatever else. I did it on baking mondays. It sounds like a lot of work but it's really not.
------------------------------------------------------
MSBH Challenge 25 (Banana Carmel Cake), 26 (Tart Dough), 27 (Lemon Curd), 28 (Pate A Choux), 29 (Cream puffs), 30 (Chocolate Eclairs), 31 (Vanilla Whipped Cream), 32 (Pastry Cream).
Hmm that's a lot of stuff...... but a lot of them went together. As in the lemon curd and tart became a french lemon tart. The Pate A Choux is the dough that starts cream puffs and chocolate eclairs and the vanilla whipped cream and pastry cream fill them.
And a funny side note to all this baking? I've lost a little weight lately. hahahaha. Kind of ironic eh?
Now this is also a BIG recipe. It makes 10 dozen donuts. So you can use it to make donuts, long johns, cinnamon buns, dinner buns, or scones. Or you can cut it in half (which I do often!)
2 liters of warm water (like warm like the bath warm)
1 pound melted margarine (or use 2 cups oil)
8 eggs
3 Tbsp Salt
3 Tbsp instant yeast (quick rising)
2 cup sugar
Flour (? a lot hahahaha)
Put your water and salt in a large bowl and stir to let the salt dissolve.
And set it aside.
In a different bowl mix the eggs and sugar until frosty.
Combine into the biggest bowl. Add 1/2 of the melted margarine (or oil).
Stir well.
Start adding flour until it gets hard to stir with a spoon. Like it isn't dry yet... but it looks lumpy with flour (does that make sense?) It's sloppy and super sticky.
Sprinkle yeast on top and stir it in.
Now start adding flour until the dough comes together and you can handle it. Knead it a bit with your hands. (If you are using a Bosch or a kitchen-aid it will start to pull away from the sides.) It should be a nice clean dough that you poke your hand into and it just leaves a dent that pops back out. (make sense?)
Turn the dough over so the smooth side is on the top. Then pour the rest of the margarine (or oil) over top and grease the sides of the bowl with it too.
Let rise in a warm spot until doubled.
Punch down once.
Let rise in a warm spot again.
Once doubled again use it.
Now to make it into donuts, you lay the dough out onto the counter squishing it with your hands until is in a rectangle shape (like you would for cinnamon buns) then cut out your donuts (I have a rolling pin that is a donut cutter outer. So I lay my dough out and then roll it over it and it cuts out constant donuts. It's cool. And it was my mom's. It takes me like 3 minutes to cut out 80 donuts (which is what I did this morning.)
Deep fry them in hot oil (I always use the stove but you could use a deep fryer).
Then drain them.
As soon as you can touch them without burning your hands, drop them into a glaze. (my glaze is just icing sugar with vanilla and some warm water til it is runny. I have no idea the amounts..... just til it looks right. hahahaha)
Then let them drain again.
Then eat them. :)
The more often you make this dough the easier it will be. It's a bit second nature to me as I used to make this dough weekly to make buns and whatever else. I did it on baking mondays. It sounds like a lot of work but it's really not.
------------------------------------------------------
MSBH Challenge 25 (Banana Carmel Cake), 26 (Tart Dough), 27 (Lemon Curd), 28 (Pate A Choux), 29 (Cream puffs), 30 (Chocolate Eclairs), 31 (Vanilla Whipped Cream), 32 (Pastry Cream).
Hmm that's a lot of stuff...... but a lot of them went together. As in the lemon curd and tart became a french lemon tart. The Pate A Choux is the dough that starts cream puffs and chocolate eclairs and the vanilla whipped cream and pastry cream fill them.
And a funny side note to all this baking? I've lost a little weight lately. hahahaha. Kind of ironic eh?
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Did you know
that this little girl got up twice last night and 4 times the night before? Her reasons? My blankets were too fuzzy, my room was too dark, it was too noisy in my room, it was too quiet in my room, just to name a few.
that this little girl said to her brother a couple days ago "but Alden, I just like to talk from the time I get up til the time I go to bed!!" (soooo the truth!)
that this little girl's preschool teacher told me she was ready for kindergarten in the fall, that she is the kind of student that a teacher dreams about because she is helpful, obedient and kind to everyone.
that this little girl is getting quite tall and thin.
that this little girl recently started saying things like "but am I going to be the prettiest girl there?" (not sure why this started and I'm not such a fan of it!)
that this little girl has matching eyes to her baby brother.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Looks like the donut recipe is wanted! I'll be sure to post it this week. Along with an update on my MSBH Challenge! Tomorrow I am attempting to make homemade cream puffs and chocolate eclairs for a baby shower.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Halloween Traditions
We had super Alden, a cute little bumblebee and princess Lucy.
I sewed Alden some shorts (isn't it strange how Super Hero's always wear their underwear on the outside?), a mask thing and his cape from last year's Christmas.
Lucy was wearing the crown and dress from her birthday.
And Eli is wearing a little hand-me down costume.
Tradition #1: Did you notice what they are holding? When I was a kid we ALWAYS used our pillowcases for trick or treating. So I decided to take that tradition (or maybe it was just easier for my mom?!?) and make it our own. So I sewed them some Halloween pillow cases. For a few days leading up to Halloween they can use them on their pillows and then take them off for the Trick or Treating :) I was given a whole whack of Halloweeny fabric a couple years ago and never got around to making them. (I'm not really a Halloween quilt kind a girl) Finally did it this past week. It was SUPER easy! Like if you can sew a straight line you could do it. Perhaps I'll make a tutorial for pillow cases.
Tradition #2: Donuts
My mom often handed out donuts on Halloween. I always thought it was interesting as she HATES Halloween. But she often made homemade donuts. (She had donuts days where she'd make them for the Elementary - JR high school we went to too). She is done with all that. I'm made them many times but haven't done it on Halloween to hand out. So I did it this year (but only gave them out to people we knew!) I've been asked to share the recipe so I will this week!
I sewed Alden some shorts (isn't it strange how Super Hero's always wear their underwear on the outside?), a mask thing and his cape from last year's Christmas.
Lucy was wearing the crown and dress from her birthday.
And Eli is wearing a little hand-me down costume.
Tradition #1: Did you notice what they are holding? When I was a kid we ALWAYS used our pillowcases for trick or treating. So I decided to take that tradition (or maybe it was just easier for my mom?!?) and make it our own. So I sewed them some Halloween pillow cases. For a few days leading up to Halloween they can use them on their pillows and then take them off for the Trick or Treating :) I was given a whole whack of Halloweeny fabric a couple years ago and never got around to making them. (I'm not really a Halloween quilt kind a girl) Finally did it this past week. It was SUPER easy! Like if you can sew a straight line you could do it. Perhaps I'll make a tutorial for pillow cases.
Tradition #2: Donuts
My mom often handed out donuts on Halloween. I always thought it was interesting as she HATES Halloween. But she often made homemade donuts. (She had donuts days where she'd make them for the Elementary - JR high school we went to too). She is done with all that. I'm made them many times but haven't done it on Halloween to hand out. So I did it this year (but only gave them out to people we knew!) I've been asked to share the recipe so I will this week!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Jack and his buddies
I really have done nothing at all this year for Halloween. No decorating really. Just wasn't feelin' it I guess. Doesn't help that Reg's not really a fan of Halloween. My mind's already on Christmas I guess. :)
We did carve pumpkins. Had to do that at least! For Monday night's FHE we did this.
Mine and Lucy's: Jack
Dad's (its the transformer logo if you can't tell)
Alden's: (he drew on whatever he wanted and I cut it out for him)
And now Alden is sick (he slept 15 hours straight last night) with the flu (hopefully everyone else doesn't get it) and Reg is out of town til Saturday night. So we are just hunkering down. And watching movies and reading books and playing the game boy and playing games. And vegging.
And I'm editing lots of pictures. There are lots of new sessions on my photo blog for you to peruse. :)
We did carve pumpkins. Had to do that at least! For Monday night's FHE we did this.
Mine and Lucy's: Jack
Dad's (its the transformer logo if you can't tell)
Alden's: (he drew on whatever he wanted and I cut it out for him)
And now Alden is sick (he slept 15 hours straight last night) with the flu (hopefully everyone else doesn't get it) and Reg is out of town til Saturday night. So we are just hunkering down. And watching movies and reading books and playing the game boy and playing games. And vegging.
And I'm editing lots of pictures. There are lots of new sessions on my photo blog for you to peruse. :)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Outside pllllllleeeeeeeaaaaassssseeeeeee
This little man LOVES being outside.
If he's whining, which he happens to do a lot of (pretty much either causing trouble, laughing or whining) if you take him outside and just let him wander, his mood will instantly get better. (most of the time)
(I see this exact face with exact arms stretched out fairly often during the day!)
Sunday evening walk. It was fffffreezing out. But look at him. He's lovin' it!!
Dad making him laugh by throwing leaves on top of him....
He's totally trouble and a lot of work.
But he's MY trouble.
And in case you are wondering, I folded (and will put away in a minute or two) 6 loads of laundry. Yes that would in fact mean we had nothing to wear. Any of us. My arch nemesis laundry.
If he's whining, which he happens to do a lot of (pretty much either causing trouble, laughing or whining) if you take him outside and just let him wander, his mood will instantly get better. (most of the time)
(I see this exact face with exact arms stretched out fairly often during the day!)
Sunday evening walk. It was fffffreezing out. But look at him. He's lovin' it!!
Dad making him laugh by throwing leaves on top of him....
He's totally trouble and a lot of work.
But he's MY trouble.
And in case you are wondering, I folded (and will put away in a minute or two) 6 loads of laundry. Yes that would in fact mean we had nothing to wear. Any of us. My arch nemesis laundry.
Monday, October 26, 2009
In the Kitchen: Cafe Rio Salad
I have had quite a few people ask for this recipe. And I've never gotten around to posting it. (Sorry it took me so long Brett!) This really is one of my very favorite meals! I made it this past week on Thursday for a group of ladies I had over for lunch. And it was marvelous! :) I don't have a picture of it.... but here is the recipe
Cafe Rio Salad:
Put in your crockpot:
3-4 pound Pork Roast
1 cup Pace Picante Sauce
1 cup Brown Sugar
Cook it until you can shred it with a fork.
(For a frozen roast about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high)
Cook some rice with zest from 1 lime.
Dressing:
Blend and chill:
1 1/3 cup light sour cream (I use 500ml of sour cream)
3/4 cup mayo
1 bunch of cilantro
1 package Ranch Dressing (you know that powdered stuff)
4 Tbsp Safeway Salsa Verde
1-2 cloves of garlic
1/8 tsp Tabasco (I always leave this out so my kids will eat it)
Juice of 1 lime
Add milk if too thick
Guacamole: Use your favorite recipe or
2 mashed avocados
2 Tbsp lime or lemon juice
1 diced tomato
add to taste: hot sauce, garlic powder & cayenne pepper
To eat it pile it in this like a taco on your plate:
Tortilla
Rice
Black Beans
Shredded Pork
Romaine Lettuce
Diced Tomatoes
Guacamole
Corn Chips (Optional)
Dressing
**Eat it like a salad, breaking off tortilla as you go or wrap the whole thing like a burrito (that's what we do)**
and here is a random photo from last weekend!
Some people think that this time of year is ugly around here. I completely disagree! I LOVE the yellowness of this season!! Love the hay bails in the fields. Love the crisp blue sky. I think it's beautiful!!!
------------------------------------------------------
MSBH Challenge 23 (Herb Baking Powder Biscuits), 24 (Fudgy Chocolate Brownies)
Cafe Rio Salad:
Put in your crockpot:
3-4 pound Pork Roast
1 cup Pace Picante Sauce
1 cup Brown Sugar
Cook it until you can shred it with a fork.
(For a frozen roast about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high)
Cook some rice with zest from 1 lime.
Dressing:
Blend and chill:
1 1/3 cup light sour cream (I use 500ml of sour cream)
3/4 cup mayo
1 bunch of cilantro
1 package Ranch Dressing (you know that powdered stuff)
4 Tbsp Safeway Salsa Verde
1-2 cloves of garlic
1/8 tsp Tabasco (I always leave this out so my kids will eat it)
Juice of 1 lime
Add milk if too thick
Guacamole: Use your favorite recipe or
2 mashed avocados
2 Tbsp lime or lemon juice
1 diced tomato
add to taste: hot sauce, garlic powder & cayenne pepper
To eat it pile it in this like a taco on your plate:
Tortilla
Rice
Black Beans
Shredded Pork
Romaine Lettuce
Diced Tomatoes
Guacamole
Corn Chips (Optional)
Dressing
**Eat it like a salad, breaking off tortilla as you go or wrap the whole thing like a burrito (that's what we do)**
and here is a random photo from last weekend!
Some people think that this time of year is ugly around here. I completely disagree! I LOVE the yellowness of this season!! Love the hay bails in the fields. Love the crisp blue sky. I think it's beautiful!!!
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MSBH Challenge 23 (Herb Baking Powder Biscuits), 24 (Fudgy Chocolate Brownies)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Photo Talk: 3x Photography
Three Photo shoot ideas I think would be super fun:
1. One Year Anniversary: A year after a couple has been married, getting dressed up in different outfits. The wedding dress if it still fit, a skirt and shirt or dress, pants and a cute top. Different outfits, different locations. After a year (or more) you are more relaxed with your spouse. It's easier to show affection in front of someone else. And still hopelessly in love.
2. A Day in the Life: Following someone or a family around for a day or a while. A family doing something they love. Or just being together at home. Doing their regular playing and cooking, reading or cuddling.
3. Trash the Dress: oh I can not explain how much I wanna do that! Where girls get all fancied up and we go to grungy places and take fashion-ista pics. I have three locations in mind in Lethbridge that I think would be A.W.E.S.O.M.E.
Three Things I wish all photo clients would remember:
1. You are beautiful. There are beautiful things about everyone.
2. Relax. I'd rather have a serious face than a cheesy grin.
3. DON'T threaten your kids for pictures. EVER. Seriously EVER.
Three Things to make an especially good shoot:
1. Good light. (Right when the sun is going down is so the best. Beautiful golden light)
2. Relaxed parents who just let me interact with their kids naturally.
3. People who come knowing how to look and act in front of the camera
Three things you are likely to hear me say at a photo shoot...
1. You'd better have a little kiss now
2. Do you want to see my little trick?
3. Yoooooooooouuuuuuu-wwwhhhhhhhhooooooooo
Three Things I want to improve upon:
1. My technical knowledge of shooting. I have more to learn. Lots more.
2. Better work flow, faster work flow.
3. My Shooting in low light situations.
Three of my Biggest Photography Inspirations are:
1. Tara Whitney
2. Brooke Snow
3. Rebecca Westover
Three things I'd love to purchse:
1. Nikon D700
2. A fancier blog or site
3. A soft box
Three of my favorite latest shots I've taken:
I'd love to see other photog's try my little quiz.
Or anyone really!
So have at 'er and link me up so I can read your answers!
1. One Year Anniversary: A year after a couple has been married, getting dressed up in different outfits. The wedding dress if it still fit, a skirt and shirt or dress, pants and a cute top. Different outfits, different locations. After a year (or more) you are more relaxed with your spouse. It's easier to show affection in front of someone else. And still hopelessly in love.
2. A Day in the Life: Following someone or a family around for a day or a while. A family doing something they love. Or just being together at home. Doing their regular playing and cooking, reading or cuddling.
3. Trash the Dress: oh I can not explain how much I wanna do that! Where girls get all fancied up and we go to grungy places and take fashion-ista pics. I have three locations in mind in Lethbridge that I think would be A.W.E.S.O.M.E.
Three Things I wish all photo clients would remember:
1. You are beautiful. There are beautiful things about everyone.
2. Relax. I'd rather have a serious face than a cheesy grin.
3. DON'T threaten your kids for pictures. EVER. Seriously EVER.
Three Things to make an especially good shoot:
1. Good light. (Right when the sun is going down is so the best. Beautiful golden light)
2. Relaxed parents who just let me interact with their kids naturally.
3. People who come knowing how to look and act in front of the camera
Three things you are likely to hear me say at a photo shoot...
1. You'd better have a little kiss now
2. Do you want to see my little trick?
3. Yoooooooooouuuuuuu-wwwhhhhhhhhooooooooo
Three Things I want to improve upon:
1. My technical knowledge of shooting. I have more to learn. Lots more.
2. Better work flow, faster work flow.
3. My Shooting in low light situations.
Three of my Biggest Photography Inspirations are:
1. Tara Whitney
2. Brooke Snow
3. Rebecca Westover
Three things I'd love to purchse:
1. Nikon D700
2. A fancier blog or site
3. A soft box
Three of my favorite latest shots I've taken:
I'd love to see other photog's try my little quiz.
Or anyone really!
So have at 'er and link me up so I can read your answers!
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Inventor/ Mad Scientist Party
Some pictures from the party.
Alden invited 5 other boys. (Which funny enough felt like 2x the amount whereas the girls party two weeks ago was more girls and easier to manage! Lucy came upstairs and said to me "Mom, girls just talk a lot but boys are loud and make trouble!")
I had wanted to get the kids some lab coats. I was going to borrow some from my mom (She has enough for her entire grade 1/2/3 split class) but she couldn't find them and it was too late to head out to the thrift store to buy men's shirts - but that would totally work!)
So instead we just had funny mustaches. :) Kinda random. But totally funny!
We did some science experiments and a little building. Each boy got the same amount of toothpicks, marshmallows and cheesies. The boys really got into it!!
Then we made homemade silly putty or goo or whatever you wanna call it. Most of the boys loved it. One of them (Carter) said he was gonna throw up cause it was so gross. :) (Notice him escaping from the table quickly behind Ben)
Then we went outside to do some baking soda and vinegar exploding. Which they loved! :)
The cake. I let Alden pick whatever cake he wanted (from my Martha Book!) and he picked a cake called Martha's Birthday Cake. And only Alden liked it. The other kids told me it wasn't so good. hahahaha. I didn't really care. As long as Alden was happy, I was happy! :)
It was a good birthday party I think! Alden loved it!
------------------------------------------------------
MSBH Challenge 20 (Martha's Birthday Cake), 21 (Almond Meringue), 22 (Almond Buttercream)
Alden invited 5 other boys. (Which funny enough felt like 2x the amount whereas the girls party two weeks ago was more girls and easier to manage! Lucy came upstairs and said to me "Mom, girls just talk a lot but boys are loud and make trouble!")
I had wanted to get the kids some lab coats. I was going to borrow some from my mom (She has enough for her entire grade 1/2/3 split class) but she couldn't find them and it was too late to head out to the thrift store to buy men's shirts - but that would totally work!)
So instead we just had funny mustaches. :) Kinda random. But totally funny!
We did some science experiments and a little building. Each boy got the same amount of toothpicks, marshmallows and cheesies. The boys really got into it!!
Then we made homemade silly putty or goo or whatever you wanna call it. Most of the boys loved it. One of them (Carter) said he was gonna throw up cause it was so gross. :) (Notice him escaping from the table quickly behind Ben)
Then we went outside to do some baking soda and vinegar exploding. Which they loved! :)
The cake. I let Alden pick whatever cake he wanted (from my Martha Book!) and he picked a cake called Martha's Birthday Cake. And only Alden liked it. The other kids told me it wasn't so good. hahahaha. I didn't really care. As long as Alden was happy, I was happy! :)
It was a good birthday party I think! Alden loved it!
------------------------------------------------------
MSBH Challenge 20 (Martha's Birthday Cake), 21 (Almond Meringue), 22 (Almond Buttercream)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Alden turns 7
Seven years ago at this time I was a brand new mom.
8 hours of labor total from start to finish.
A 10 pound 6 ounce baby boy.
Size that surprised every single person there.
Regan, My mom, Dr. Gallagher, the nurse named Ruth, and the student nurse.
Both Regan and I thought we would have a boy.
We did.
A blue eyed, only peach hair, insanely large perfect boy.
I became a mom.
At 7 years old Alden:
• still quiet and thoughtful
• loves to snuggle with me especially when I am wearing my housecoat. (He sees it as a sign to snuggle)
• on the cusp of learning to read
• loves lego a LOT
• loves to swim and ride his bike and play on the playground at school
• is really tall for his age and insanely skinny
• has recently outgrown his pants again (only for length)
• is working on projecting his voice (he has never been able to yell and is still working on talking loudly - we're on a wait list to see a speech pathologist that specializes in voice)
• has stunning blue eyes and dirty blond hair
• is currently missing 3 teeth (with two more wiggly and one growing back in)
• can be a great help with Eli (if he wants to be) by playing with him, lifting him down when he gets into trouble
• loves to sit and listen to stories, books and also makeup stories from his dad
• has notebooks and notebooks filled with inventions that he has drawn out
• loves to learn about how things work and what makes things go
• favorite foods are spaghetti (we had tonight), pancakes (for his party tomorrow), cheeseburgers, and nutella sandwiches
• switches between his bunk beds - currently its the top bunk
• loves to fill his bed with stuffed animals (he calls them stuffies)
• is a very obedient student at school and church
• loves the Wii at grandpa's house and wants one desperately at our house (no we will NOT be getting one!)
• has a growing testimony of the Gospel and is getting really good at bearing his testimony all one his own
• absolutely loved getting the attention on his birthday this year
• told his class today for show and tell that he recently invented a new game called Zombies
• still has no idea what he wants to be for Halloween
• is obsessed with the Sears Gift Book
• loves to play the computer
• thinks Family Home Evening is the coolest thing and loves it
• is very polite and respectful to adults
• is GOOD at drawing. Adds a lot of details and layers
• is really into building things with anything he can get his hands one
• whenever I empty a box or a toliet paper roll is done he annouces "I know we can make a craft with that!)
• loves all things Pokemon (including the very boring books!)
• is a very easy going child and such a joy to have in our home!
Update on MSBH Challenge:
Aldens' cake tonight and cupcakes for school today was Chocoalte Cake. (I added whipped cream and chocoalte ganache to the cake for us and regular cream cheese icing for the cupcakes for his class)
Over thanksgiving I made:
Coconut Cream Pie
Key Lime Pie
Individual Gingerbread cakes with Chocoalte Ganache
(all the kids loved these!)
Plus i made two different kinds of cookies out of the book for my Photography Class I held at my house last night. (no pics of those....)
---------------------------
MSBH Challenge 13 (Coconut Cream Pie) 14 (Key Lime Pie) 15 (Individual Gingerbread cakes) 16 (Chocoalte Ganache) 17 (One Bowl Chocolate Cake 18 (Chocolate Wafers) & 19 (Coconut Pecan Wafers)
---------------------------
And thanks for all the lovely words about the scrapbooking. :) makes me feel all warm a smooshy inside :) smooches
8 hours of labor total from start to finish.
A 10 pound 6 ounce baby boy.
Size that surprised every single person there.
Regan, My mom, Dr. Gallagher, the nurse named Ruth, and the student nurse.
Both Regan and I thought we would have a boy.
We did.
A blue eyed, only peach hair, insanely large perfect boy.
I became a mom.
At 7 years old Alden:
• still quiet and thoughtful
• loves to snuggle with me especially when I am wearing my housecoat. (He sees it as a sign to snuggle)
• on the cusp of learning to read
• loves lego a LOT
• loves to swim and ride his bike and play on the playground at school
• is really tall for his age and insanely skinny
• has recently outgrown his pants again (only for length)
• is working on projecting his voice (he has never been able to yell and is still working on talking loudly - we're on a wait list to see a speech pathologist that specializes in voice)
• has stunning blue eyes and dirty blond hair
• is currently missing 3 teeth (with two more wiggly and one growing back in)
• can be a great help with Eli (if he wants to be) by playing with him, lifting him down when he gets into trouble
• loves to sit and listen to stories, books and also makeup stories from his dad
• has notebooks and notebooks filled with inventions that he has drawn out
• loves to learn about how things work and what makes things go
• favorite foods are spaghetti (we had tonight), pancakes (for his party tomorrow), cheeseburgers, and nutella sandwiches
• switches between his bunk beds - currently its the top bunk
• loves to fill his bed with stuffed animals (he calls them stuffies)
• is a very obedient student at school and church
• loves the Wii at grandpa's house and wants one desperately at our house (no we will NOT be getting one!)
• has a growing testimony of the Gospel and is getting really good at bearing his testimony all one his own
• absolutely loved getting the attention on his birthday this year
• told his class today for show and tell that he recently invented a new game called Zombies
• still has no idea what he wants to be for Halloween
• is obsessed with the Sears Gift Book
• loves to play the computer
• thinks Family Home Evening is the coolest thing and loves it
• is very polite and respectful to adults
• is GOOD at drawing. Adds a lot of details and layers
• is really into building things with anything he can get his hands one
• whenever I empty a box or a toliet paper roll is done he annouces "I know we can make a craft with that!)
• loves all things Pokemon (including the very boring books!)
• is a very easy going child and such a joy to have in our home!
Update on MSBH Challenge:
Aldens' cake tonight and cupcakes for school today was Chocoalte Cake. (I added whipped cream and chocoalte ganache to the cake for us and regular cream cheese icing for the cupcakes for his class)
Over thanksgiving I made:
Coconut Cream Pie
Key Lime Pie
Individual Gingerbread cakes with Chocoalte Ganache
(all the kids loved these!)Plus i made two different kinds of cookies out of the book for my Photography Class I held at my house last night. (no pics of those....)
---------------------------
MSBH Challenge 13 (Coconut Cream Pie) 14 (Key Lime Pie) 15 (Individual Gingerbread cakes) 16 (Chocoalte Ganache) 17 (One Bowl Chocolate Cake 18 (Chocolate Wafers) & 19 (Coconut Pecan Wafers)
---------------------------
And thanks for all the lovely words about the scrapbooking. :) makes me feel all warm a smooshy inside :) smooches
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