tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39908689077598071972024-03-13T04:24:25.588-07:00The Adventures of That GirlA tale of a family and their adventures!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-170576090868798512015-02-11T15:16:00.002-08:002015-02-14T10:39:50.375-08:00God is good.There are days I feel like a big baby.<br />
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Allergy season has struck three out of four of our family and I'm miserable. Even with essential oils taking the worst of it, it's still pretty bad. Last night, my amount of sleep was abysmal and the quality of sleep equally abysmal. So all day, I've been looking forward to when M would get home from work and help with the boys so I could rest even a little.<br />
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So when M let me know he'd try to head home early today to help, I was thrilled. When he said he was on his way home, I was relieved.<br />
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And then, after I put Z down for his nap, and A was distracted by his movie, M crashed on the couch.<br />
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Wait, what?<br />
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No, no, no. That's not how this is supposed to go. I am the one who barely slept last night, and have been dealing with a sneezy A and a baby who's had bad sinus drainage, causing him to spit up way more than normal. I've been concerned about how much Z has been retaining in his belly all day with how much he's been spitting up. Not to mention also just how many times A has injured himself today jumping off something or running into something. I am ready for a nap.<br />
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So I worked on cleaning up the kitchen, trying (unsuccessfully) not to complain to myself about how unfair it is. I'm the one that needs to feed the baby. That needs to make dinner. That gets bent out of shape when the house is covered in toys and needs to be vacuumed. That needs to get to the laundry. And I'm the one with the least amount of sleep. I should be allowed to rest a bit while the boys are down or distracted!<br />
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And then the Lord stepped in on my little tantrum.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-ESV-28655" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>it <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28655K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28655K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28655L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28655L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>rejoices with the truth.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28656M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28656M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28656N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28656N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>endures all things.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians 13: 4-7</b></span><br />
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I shouldn't begrudge my husband for wanting to rest. He's been up early (around 5 am or so) and at work. Working to provide us funds for money, for our house, for clothes, (for my Stitch Fix), for ministry.<br />
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I love my husband. I love how he doesn't even complain about how he leaves for work and I stay home with the kids. I am so very grateful that we are blessed in that he can work and provide for all of us and that I don't need to work to help provide for our family. That's a blessing that I should not ever take for granted.<br />
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My grumbling and resentment over his bit of rest was sin. It sure wasn't loving! I was focused on ME, not on the fact that yeah, he's likely worn out. And although he slept more solidly than I last night, he did go to bed later and got up way earlier.<br />
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As for my own tiredness, the Lord has been gracious in seeing me through today. M got home early, so when Z is up and I need an extra set of hands, he can help me then. I've gotten more done today than I had expected at this point. And my attitude has been better than expected for sleep deprivation and horrid allergies. Yes, I've slipped up in moments of frustration, but those have been rarer than other days, and the Lord has kept refreshing my energy.<br />
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Really now, I have moments of being such a baby. But thank the Lord for his daily grace!<br />
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Fellow Mommy's out there, I know how easy it is to slip down that slope of sin into the 'woe is the tired/spat up on/un-showered/taxi driver/________ Mommy'. Ladies, I encourage you to recognize when you are in that moment, take every thought captive, repent of it and give it to the Lord. He is enough. And don't worry about tomorrow either-focus on each day as it comes. His grace is sufficient.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2 Corinthians 12: 8-10</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-1301285119640431692015-02-10T09:00:00.000-08:002015-02-14T10:38:39.185-08:00Intro to Green Scene Mom and my Brackitz review<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6666669845581px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 16pt; padding: 8px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I just recently started writing product reviews for a group called Green Scene Mom, and I'll share a few of my reviews here as I write them, and encourage all young mom's to check out GSM! I receive a product for free, try it out, write a review about it, and get to keep whatever it be. (which is good, as nothing in this household is completely safe with a little boy in it!)</div>
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Green Scene Mom is a domain that shares eco-friendly products, clothing, inspirational stories and tips for a healthy lifestyle. I have greatly enjoyed reading other mom's reviews on products that I've found to be of interest to myself, and to hear their personal opinions on them. I highly recommend checking out Green Scene Mom! I'll include a link to GSM at the bottom of this post, as well as a few links for spiffy toy that I reviewed down below! </div>
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Brackitz are a creative toy designed to encourage young minds in building and creating structures. They are made in the USA and are advertised for ages 3 to 103. Each set contains high quality wood planks and vibrant sturdy plastic joints for kids to build with.</div>
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<a href="http://greenscenemom.com/reviews/38-toys-playtime/339-brackitz" style="border: 0px; color: #dc137a; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Brackitz wooden building toy review Green Scene Mom" border="0" src="http://greenscenemom.com/images/reviews/brackitz3-gsm.jpg" style="border: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brackitz.com/shop" style="border: 0px; color: #dc137a; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Brackitz</a> currently offers three sizes of their play set; a 50-piece Creator Set, a 100-piece Architect Set, and a 200-piece Master Builder Set. We received the <a href="http://brackitz.com/the-architect-set/" style="border: 0px; color: #dc137a; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Architect Set</a> to try out, and our entire family loves it! Brackitz come in a handy box with a handle for easy traveling and storage when not in use.</div>
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<img alt="Brackitz wooden toy in the box review Green Scene Mom" border="0" src="http://greenscenemom.com/images/reviews/brackitz2-gsm.jpg" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="600" /></div>
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The design of this play set is great — whatever we make is very sturdy. We've built towers that will not topple unless someone is out to specifically destroy them.</div>
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Brackitz's award-winning 100-piece Architect Set includes:</h3>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">60 Wood Planks</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 Blue 90° Connectors</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 Orange 90° Connectors</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 Yellow 120° Connectors</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 Red 120° Connectors</li>
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<img alt="Brackitz wooden building set" border="0" src="http://greenscenemom.com/images/reviews/brackitz5-gsm.jpg" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 90px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="400" /></div>
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Our 2-and-a-half-year-old son loves coming up with creative ways to attach the joints to the wood and build random fun shapes that way. As young as he is, he sometimes has trouble sliding the joints onto the wood, but with a little help from Mommy or Daddy he can design anything. And after a week of having them, he's now getting quite good at doing it himself.</div>
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<img alt="playing with Brackitz wooden building set" border="0" src="http://greenscenemom.com/images/reviews/brackitz4-gsm.jpg" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="600" /></div>
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Brackitz is a wonderful engineering toy for teaching children the basics of structural design, and offers hands-on training about how a good foundation is important for a strong tower. Our son has been enthralled with these since we've received them, spending as long as an hour or more playing with them. As he gets older and more adept at attaching pieces together, his attention span with this toy will likely stretch to even longer.</div>
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Product Details</h3>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6666669845581px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 1.5em 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Allows for a greater building experience</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Provides countless hours of fun</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Teaches measurement, angles, proportions and basic physics</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Made with safe materials certified by Consumer Product Safety Commission standards</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt !important; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Made in the USA</li>
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<img alt="Brackitz wooden building set with neon clips" border="0" src="http://greenscenemom.com/images/reviews/brackitz1-gsm.jpg" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="600" /></div>
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Brackitz can be found online on their <a href="http://brackitz.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #dc137a; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">website</a> with free domestic shipping on any order! Check out Brackitz imaginative play sets for your own little architects!</div>
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<a href="http://brackitz.com/" target="_blank">http://brackitz.com/</a></div>
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Seriously now, go check out Green Scene Mom! </div>
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<a href="http://greenscenemom.com/" target="_blank">http://greenscenemom.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-13866816962919724732015-02-04T20:43:00.000-08:002015-02-14T10:38:11.400-08:00Family Update (and no, I am not pregnant!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just need to have a little post update on my family. Everyone is growing up so fast, I need to blog and remember and treasure these moments while they're fresh in my mind! </div>
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My eldest will be turning THREE in April. THREE! Where did the time go?! He's grown up so much, I really can't call him a toddler anymore. He really is a little boy now. Which is both exciting and terrifying. It's heartwarming and makes me want to cry all at once. I love my little boy! And in just a few short years he'll be a big boy. Then a teenager. Then a man. </div>
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Oh man. Now I want to cry. Gahhhh!!!</div>
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He loves puzzles of all types. He has quite a few easy puzzles that he's mastered (48 piece) and now he's been trying out some 80 piece puzzles we have. It's so much fun to watch him look at the pieces, try rotating them, working it out in his mind where they go.<br />
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He also loves to climb, wrestle, jump off any furniture he's climbed on, tumble, run into the wall, and be a crazy little boy. I love how active he is, especially because he really does truly calm down to sit and color, work on puzzles and watch movies. He's active, but he can sit down too. I'm grateful for that balance!<br />
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We've been working on the backyard of the house lately. The former owners did their own drain system, and quite frankly, it is very poorly done. The sprinklers are also in the same sad state, so we're working on digging everything up. (and I also get to work on prepping the soil of my garden area. Yay!) He's been loving the time outside to help, play in whatever water he can, play in whatever mud he can, and get his boots stuck in the mud. So my boy!<br />
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My sweet #2. He's similar to A in quite a few ways, but so very different in many more ways. A liked his paci. That was all that we could do for him when it came to comforts, until he got much older and attached to a blanket. (THE star blankie. NOT the circle blankie!) Z, on the other hand, loves to suck his thumb, his fingers, however much of his fist that he can fit in his mouth. Every ultra sound we had, his hands were up by his face. This has remained so, even out of the womb. His hands are always cold from this, as he slobbers all over them and even though we keep the house a comfortable temperature for winter, it's still cool enough to make his hands freezing when wet. Not that that will deter him in the slightest!<br />
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We're entering the 'chomp everything' stage. He's been doing good for his age in sitting up and we've been encouraging him to sit in his high chair at the table with us when we eat. (currently it is VERY well padded to keep him in, but it's a start!) If he isn't sucking his fingers at the table, he is nomming the table.<br />
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The most notable difference in my mind between the two boys is the smile factor. A smiled as a baby, yes. But Z is quick to smile. A was more stoic, more intent on analyzing what was around him. Z just loves to smile at anyone, anything, anytime, anywhere. I love it.<br />
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Z does NOT like to be on his back. If I put him down on his back, he's quick to flip himself over onto his belly and watch from there. If A is running around, then Z will army crawl a bit to get the best view of the crazy action. It astounds us how proficient in this he is. He's a strong baby!<br />
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M is still busy at the car wash and enjoying it. He's been super busy at church, helping with both the sound team and playing bass in one of the bands. On top of that, he's a deacon and I'm a deaconess, so we've both been busy there. I'm just enjoying (and sometimes going crazy, I admit it) being at home with my boys, running the house and planning for preschool soon.<br />
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I love this picture of us from November. My man looks sharp!<br />
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In a few months I'll hopefully have a few more sharp pictures of all of us, as M's little sister is getting married. YAY! We are beyond excited for her, and we love the man she's marrying. He's the perfect addition to our family. </div>
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And yeah, I know, it's crazy that I'm blogging something other than recipes or Stitch Fix! But I do want to start trying to have a bit more variety here, as then I'll have more to write about! Sometime soon I'll try to start writing about my garden-to-be. Is there something you think I should write about specifically? Let me know, I want to get better at this! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-2558882410068189442015-01-30T15:28:00.002-08:002015-01-30T15:28:54.190-08:00Stitch Fix box #2 recap and the 3rd box!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sooo, I totally forgot to take pictures and post about the second Stitch Fix box! Shame on me. I will post a picture of what I kept though!<br />
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My second box had several lovely pieces that looked great in the picture and would look amazing on other friends. Not so much on me. Between post baby and post holidays, I forgot to remeasure and change my measurements on my Stitch Fix Profile, so a few things just didn't fit in the most flattering of ways. (and I still need to figure out what my color type is, so I can tell them what my color type is, and know what to look at and what to avoid) One jacket was asymmetrical, like I had been pinning on my Pinterest board, but the size was a tad too small, and the color wasn't flattering. Some ladies can pull off the off white/tan/beige colors and look amazing. Alas, for I am not one of those ladies. But I really liked the jacket, so I sent an email asking if they had it in other sizes and colors. They didn't, but the gal offered to put a note in my profile saying I wanted one like it in a different size and color. Lovely customer service.<br />
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Out of the entire box, one item did fit me that I liked. At the time that I kept it, I only liked it. But it's really grown on me, and now I LOVE it. (I'm actually wearing it right now, as it were) It's soft, comfortable, I can dress it up or dress it down, it's a flattering cut and fit, it's nursing friendly... wonderfully perfect.<br />
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Queensland Dolman Jersey Top by Market and Spruce - $48<br />
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My 3rd box came in last week and oh, so much good stuff! It was really hard to make decisions on this one. Krystal was my stylist for this box, and she had some great picks!<br />
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#1 Ishara Lace Detail V-Neck Blouse by Daniel Rainn - $68<br />
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I loved the vibrant purple of this. I really don't have much purple at all in my closet, so I was really happy to see this. I loved the lace in the back, and how classy it was. I wasn't overly fond of the way it fit though, so I sadly put it back. Hoping to see more lovely purple items like this in the future!<br />
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#2 David Sueded Asymmetrical Jacket by Miilla - $88<br />
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My jacket!!! I loved this the second I touched it. Oh, it's a wonderful, comfortable, soft yet sturdy, classy and edgy, spunky jacket. It has two zipper sets, so you can have zipped loosely or tightly, you can have the awesome side zip for a more square top, or the center zip for a more classically placed zipper line, the zipper can be opened up at the bottom for more flare, it has pockets... It's similar to the jacket that I wanted in the second box, but so much better. Many thanks to my stylist for finding this gem! As if you couldn't already guess, I kept it.<br />
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#3 Cecily Crew Neck Sweater by Mak B - $48<br />
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#4 Leah Skirt by Brixon Ivy - $68<br />
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I really liked the sweater. I need to add more classic gray tops in my wardrobe, and my current stash of sweaters is diminishing. (Something about most of them being from college years or even high school means they don't fit like they used to. How odd.) Unfortunately, I found the sweater wasn't quite as long in the sleeves or the torso as I prefer my sweaters to be. Which is a shame, as I was very fond of the design, color and fabric. So lovely! So I put this one back.<br />
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Ladies, it is important to remember to update your sizes on your style profile if you change sizes from holiday season! I hadn't thought about it at all in regards to my hips, and I just didn't think of it til this skirt came in. The picture does not do this skirt justice. It is soft and comfortable, and I so wish it fit! (I'm only holding it up on me in the picture) I have NOTHING like this in my wardrobe. Hopefully I can get something similar in the future that fits, because this would be super fun to wear with a bright top, or neutral top with bright leggings and boots or something. It didn't fit, so I put it back. But I'd be very happy to try it on in a different size.<br />
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#5 Ilana Reversible Neckline Dress by Leota - $138<br />
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This dress. OH. THIS DRESS! I want it! It's a reversible neckline, I loved the hemline, the fit, the drape, the everything. ..everything but the orangey coral color. I'm seriously hoping and praying that this dress becomes available in a different color and pattern soon that I can try on again. Everything about this was perfect, and I would have kept it if it wasn't for the coral orange colors. Realllllly hoping to get this dress sometime soon though. I'll gladly pay for a dress that fits like this!<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm thrilled with what this box had in in it. I'm in love with that jacket and still in love with that dress. The other items have given me ideas for my own wardrobe, which is something I appreciate greatly.<br />
<br />
One of the many things I adore about Stitch Fix (aside from the variety, the convenience of it being delivered to my front door, the 3 days to try things on and 'sleep on it', aside from all that good stuff) is that I can decide on the price range I prefer. I have the option of getting accessories, bottoms, dresses, jewelry, outer layers and tops. For each of those categories, I can give my price preference. The cheaper the better, $50-$100, $100-$150, $150-$200, or $200+. And then you can choose if there's categories you want to avoid, or that you want lots of, or maybe just to see one item per Fix. Personally, I have lots of jewelry already, and I don't wear it that much with two boys. So I don't want to waste one of my 5 items per box with a piece of jewelry- avoid! I can find dresses in the cheap range at most the stores I shop at, but I'm open to spending a bit more on a nice dress if I really like it, and if I can try it on with what I have at home, so that option is set to $50-$100, but I've also told my stylist I'm open to it being a bit more if it's a really good dress that she really thinks I like.<br />
<br />
There's so many more things you can customize on your Style Profile. I'll go more into that detail maybe for the next Fix!<br />
<br />
If you have any interest in Stitch Fix, questions about it, or want to sign up, click this link to sign up or leave a comment with your questions. I hope ya'all try it and love it as much as I do!<br />
<br />
https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4319388Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-24298734375984915922014-11-27T21:12:00.002-08:002014-12-09T18:35:10.206-08:00Stitch Fix-the beginning! So yeah, I haven't really been around much. I've been busy with moving, a newborn, getting the new house put together, etc. And thebakingbeauties.com have been wonderful in supplying so many recipes that I've needed!<br />
<br />
Because I've been so busy and now have two little boys, I really don't have time to go shopping and try on new clothes. But now I'm coming to terms with the fact that many of the clothes in my closet really should go, some because they don't fit so well now, some because, well, having clothes in the closet from high school when now a mom of two is just kind of odd. But what mom has time to try on clothing with a toddler and a newborn? And I hate being in a fitting room, and trying to imagine if the top I'm trying on would match with what I have at home, and matching colors and such. Then I saw on facebook about this new thing called Stitch Fix.<br />
<br />
Stitch Fix is this new thing (at least to me) that is a well thought out, brilliant idea. Upon signing up with it, you get a stylist assigned to you, you give them your sizes, style preferences, etc, and they then send you 5 items that they think you'll like. This covers tops, bottoms, skirts, dresses, bags, accessories, etc. After receiving them in the mail, you get 3 days to try them on with what you own, decide what you like and what you don't like. Figure out what fits well and what doesn't. You then pay online for what you want to keep and put the things you don't want to keep in the pre-paid bag they send you and toss it in the mail. Done deal! Easy, fun and up to date styles. (which, for me, is a good thing. Because I tend to stick in my comfy fashion rut) Set the price ranges to what you want, as high or low as you prefer, and set how often you receive your fix.<br />
<br />
Oh, Stitch Fix, how I already love thee!<br />
<br />
Earlier this week I got my first Stitch Fix box! And boy, do I love it! I had left a note for my stylist, letting her know that I'm the mom of a toddler and a newborn, so I needed the clothes to be comfortable, practical and nursing friendly. Hannah did a great job!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIGLg8G_lsjZZObdcol_Cuo7nANhEQkwAsA5P-WACdMk5YCXFNiTBcAq3EflBMVuzTOjR7fq1wBINvRqgeQlge0A9Kt8d0iyU3XBlZu4W7cd18xVce3eHCs3Ycaokl0BU9-WxWW45XTs/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIGLg8G_lsjZZObdcol_Cuo7nANhEQkwAsA5P-WACdMk5YCXFNiTBcAq3EflBMVuzTOjR7fq1wBINvRqgeQlge0A9Kt8d0iyU3XBlZu4W7cd18xVce3eHCs3Ycaokl0BU9-WxWW45XTs/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really liked this top a lot. It's my style and color, but alas, for my shoulders are broader than the cut.<br />
Filbert 3/4 Sleeve Popover Blouse, Black </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0OgxZpE8O6Fcqisv7CJYZN_MYnfNCilCzCgceCzC7SSHo7xQULIKDiNrYULASHKM9Qfcl7I60C44rrt3uOlnnUcHppxlXCJx8f_-UZkj54FGi2zkDBFhnwFnA5M8cDAYgq4qbly0QlY/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0OgxZpE8O6Fcqisv7CJYZN_MYnfNCilCzCgceCzC7SSHo7xQULIKDiNrYULASHKM9Qfcl7I60C44rrt3uOlnnUcHppxlXCJx8f_-UZkj54FGi2zkDBFhnwFnA5M8cDAYgq4qbly0QlY/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this top. Soft, cuddly, great color!<br />
Sawyer Space Dye Dolman Sleeve Knit Top, Burgundy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pYMd46sndIHu7412OshHeMSUMzP44_HToeYhUWuccbYm5ZlufQaNeORj60zl0ivwQlicSoz8pmEjssX5TwblhaNgXFdsIasD5WmxYEwtT_aQciVL_p_CtNFv_tz_TRZWyIjmzBUPPeE/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pYMd46sndIHu7412OshHeMSUMzP44_HToeYhUWuccbYm5ZlufQaNeORj60zl0ivwQlicSoz8pmEjssX5TwblhaNgXFdsIasD5WmxYEwtT_aQciVL_p_CtNFv_tz_TRZWyIjmzBUPPeE/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another lovely pick. Again though, it was a bit too tight in the shoulders.<br />
Sad. I really liked the style.<br />
Layle Shirred Shoulder Button-Up Blouse, Red</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQv9MN3j6P5TuI72d60IXCTxP-rODEPL7pjdkdKna3Us39dS6j_jgQiSU0N2s1lXgg8_sbre3s-Tm0CE6-8YgI7sTRgj3ZCJXFwKRqh6B1xdGnTpQDFkr00cth5M-ktXS_JJt7ygkQio/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQv9MN3j6P5TuI72d60IXCTxP-rODEPL7pjdkdKna3Us39dS6j_jgQiSU0N2s1lXgg8_sbre3s-Tm0CE6-8YgI7sTRgj3ZCJXFwKRqh6B1xdGnTpQDFkr00cth5M-ktXS_JJt7ygkQio/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked this one a lot. It's not my typical style or pattern, but that's good.<br />
Dominic Honeycomb Printed Shirt Dress, Navy and white </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aFChfy0lSSclBcpkYHrwf4mEkK6TV4BbYz-3qyvql584NeNTriU2N5J8e88xE-UEd08uzNB74T0msow36iUnpNCvxFtp23Cfb6uevTBCUbFQ3DB_PNi_cKrnh7Rc-Hjun_YIpB0vnPI/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aFChfy0lSSclBcpkYHrwf4mEkK6TV4BbYz-3qyvql584NeNTriU2N5J8e88xE-UEd08uzNB74T0msow36iUnpNCvxFtp23Cfb6uevTBCUbFQ3DB_PNi_cKrnh7Rc-Hjun_YIpB0vnPI/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another dress I really liked. Soft and comfy!<br />
Mollee Dolman Sleeve Striped Dress, Gray tones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'll be keeping the burgundy knit top and the honeycomb dress and ask that they send either the striped dress again or something similar. Definitely a great new addiction!<br />
<br />
If you're interested in joining Stitch Fix, please use this affiliate link so I can get a bonus $25 off my next Fix!: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4319388<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-14120172283947339442013-11-18T19:44:00.002-08:002013-11-18T19:44:54.395-08:00Pre-Thanksgiving dinner rollsSo Thanksgiving is coming up, and I don't know about ya'all, but finding enough oven space for everything is hard. Dinner rolls are a crucial (in my mind) aspect of the Thanksgiving meal. But the oven needs to be used for the the turkey, for the sweet potato casserole, for the stuffing, for the green bean casserole....<br />
<br />
But I have a crock pot!<br />
<br />
So I was wondering if I could somehow make dinner rolls in my crock pot, and by golly, it worked! Now, I've only done this once, and it worked beautifully for me. I'd love it if anyone else wants this recipe, that they try it once before Thanksgiving in their own crock pot! I don't want my head on a spike the day after Thanksgiving because a recipe didn't work in another crock pot on turkey day...<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
2 1/4 cup GF all purpose flour (I used Pamela's today. Make sure it already has xanthen gum and salt in it. If your flour does NOT have xanthen gum and salt, add 1 tsp xanthen gum and 1/2 tsp salt)<br />
1/2 cup almond meal<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
1 TBSP yeast<br />
1 cup warm water<br />
2 TBSP melted butter/margarine <br />
1 egg<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> <br />
Mix the flour, almond meal, sugar and yeast, then add the wet ingredients. The batter will be thick.<br />
Spray your crock pot with non-stick spray, or grease it as preferred.<br />
Divide the dough evenly and roll into balls (I made 12), distribute them evenly in the crock pot. I got 10 around in a ring, and then 2 in the middle with a quarter inch of space between each ball.<br />
Set your crock pot to 'keep warm' for about 30 minutes.<br />
Switch it to low for the next 45 minutes.<br />
Switch it to high for the last 45 minutes.<br />
Pop those babies out and enjoy!<br />
<br />
My apologies over the very hastily written directions and horrid format. I'm receiving an influx of choir dresses that need to be hemmed soon and I know I should work on one tonight while I still have a teensy bit of motivation.<br />
<br />
...tonight's motivation being dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Trader Joe's. >_>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-57632340764109243782013-10-06T14:23:00.001-07:002013-10-06T14:24:54.686-07:00Pumpkin Muffins and Apple Spice MuffinsTwo posts in the same month? It's a miracle!<br />
<br />
I mentioned on Friday that I'd be making muffins for the Saturday morning breakfast at my ladies retreat. Well, I've had many requests for those recipes, so I figured I'd make life easy and blog it here!<br />
<br />
We celebrated family birthday's earlier this week, and my awesome lil-sis-in-love got me a new cookbook. *yay!* It's <i>babycakes</i> by Erin McKenna. The recipes are vegan, (mostly) gluten-free, and (mostly) sugar free. And they rock! I did two of her recipes on Saturday, and I'm going to share them here. I highly recommend adding this cookbook to your collection! And to make life easy, I'm even including a link for buying it from Amazon. ^_^<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/BabyCakes-Gluten-Free-Sugar-Free-Recipes-Talked-About/dp/0307408833/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381093340&sr=8-2&keywords=babycakes+by+erin+mckenna" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/BabyCakes-Gluten-Free-Sugar-Free-Recipes-Talked-About/dp/0307408833/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381093340&sr=8-2&keywords=babycakes+by+erin+mckenna</a><br />
<br />
These apple cinnamon muffins were delicious. Our little guy was lucky enough to have a few, and he kept asking for more. (In the end, I limited myself to four muffins in one sitting, thankyouverymuch.) These are great for breakfast! Or just snacking. Or just whenever...<br />
<br />
<b>Roasted Apple</b> <br />
1 pound granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced in 1 inch cubes<br />
1 pound pink lady apples, peeled cored, and diced in 1 inch cubes<br />
1 TBSP cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup agave nectar<br />
1/4 cup lemon juice<br />
<br />
<b>Muffin Mix</b> <br />
2 cups all purpose GF flour (they recommend Bob's Red Mill, but i used my own flour blend)<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
2 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp xanthan gum<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
2 TBSP cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil<br />
2/3 cup agave nectar<br />
2/3 cup rice milk (or coconut, or almond, or hemp, or...)<br />
2 TBSP vanilla extract<br />
<br />
* To make the yummy<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 325. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.<br />
<br />
In a bowl, toss apples, cinnamon, agave nectar and lemon juice until the apples are completely coated. Spread this mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 35 minutes, rotating the sheet after 20 minutes. The apples will be soft when done, pull them out and cool them.<br />
<br />
Keep the oven on, and line your muffin tins!<br />
<br />
Now whisk together all your dry ingredients-the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg. Add the oil, agave nectar, milk and vanilla, and mix completely. Add in 1 cup of the apples.<br />
<br />
Fill each little cupcake mold about halfway to two-third's full. Bake for 22 minutes, rotating the pans at the 10 minute mark. They'll be golden brown and pass the toothpick when done.<br />
<br />
Cool, eat and enjoy!<br />
<br />
***When I made this recipe, I double the muffin batter and used ALL the roasted apples. She makes a note in the book that the apples can be kept in the fridge for up to a week, if you want to make a batch of muffins a few days apart)<br />
<br />
<br />
The pumpkin spice muffins were a huge hit yesterday-and I clearly didn't make enough yesterday! I decided to make them again this morning for those who didn't get any yesterday (including myself) and this time I made enough. These are moist, yummy, tender, absolutely delectable. I've got a feeling I'll be making more of these soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
2 cups All-Purpose GF flour blend (the recipe recommends Bob's Red Mill. Today I used my own personal blend)<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp xanthan gum (only if it isn't already in your flour blend. My personal blend has it, so I omitted it today)<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 TBSP cinnamon<br />
1 TBSP ginger<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil<br />
2/3 cup agave nectar<br />
2/3 cup rice milk (or coconut, or almond, or hemp, or...)<br />
2 TBSP vanilla extract<br />
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree<br />
1/2 cup hot water<br />
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<span class="null"> How to make the yummy!<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 325. Line your cupcake
pans with liners. The recipe says it makes 12, but today I got away with
making 23?...<br />
<br />
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum,
salt, cinnamon and ginger. Add the oil, agave nectar, milk and vanilla
to the dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and thick. Add
pumpkin and water, blending thoroughly.</span><br />
<span class="null"><br />
Fill your cupcake liners about halfway to two-third's full with
batter. Bake the muffins for 22 minutes, rotating the pan(s) after about
10 minutes. Use a toothpick to confirm they are done.<br />
Allow to cool, then inhale and enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">***I added chocolate
chips to mine, because I love mixing pumpkin and chocolate. I added
roughly 3/4-1 cup of chips in after I had already blended in the pumpkin
and water.<br />
</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-48747079782860331052013-10-04T12:52:00.001-07:002015-02-14T10:33:02.490-08:00God is GOOD.It's finally Autumn (ish) around here. The weather is starting to cool down to the 70's and lower, the Santa Ana winds are howling, and all of a sudden I feel depressed. It took me awhile to finally put my finger on it, as I hadn't thought of it at all since mid summer.<br />
<br />
I should be just in my 3rd trimester. <br />
<br />
I should be bustling about my kitchen, making pies for tonight, pressing my belly against the counter, straining to reach my different flours. I should be starting to find it difficult to find comfortable sleep positions. I should be bathing in lotion, trying to avoid stretch marks.<br />
<br />
But instead I'm jumping up and kneeling on my kitchen counters to easier reach my different flours. I'm sleeping like a log most nights, because I've been staying up late sewing, planning and being productive. I'm remembering to put on lotion, when my skin feels like an alligator's.<br />
<br />
In one regard, when moments like this hit me, I feel so empty, like something is missing. (which, honestly, is true.) But at the same time, I feel so full!<br />
<br />
God knew that my little one (1.5, as I've started calling him), would be better going straight from the warmth and love of my womb, straight to the eternal warmth and love and joy of His arms. God knew that I would need my full energy and non-hormonal patience for when my sweet boy dumps his entire bowl of soup onto his tray at lunch time. (which just happened, mind you) God knew that my schedule would be so FULL that I would have had a hard time keeping it all together if I was pregnant right now. God knows what I don't-the future.<br />
<br />
Maybe, instead of giving birth around New Years, I'll be helping someone move, or help a family with their kids, or just have a wonderful time relaxing with the family at home. Maybe, instead of balancing a newborn and a toddler early next year, maybe I'll be balancing more sewing projects and maybe moving? Maybe, instead of staying home with two kids, I can take my one over to a friend's house and help her with her newborn.<br />
<br />
Who knows? Not I.<br />
<br />
Even though moments like now, my heart feels heavy, I choose to be content. I choose to have joy. The Lord has given me peace. Yeah, I may not be bouncing around the house today, but I will not wallow in self pity. I am healthy. My husband is healthy and has a wonderful job. My son is healthy and full of energy. (ok, that last bit about his energy may not be the greatest thing...) I just finished some big sewing projects for clients that helped to pay off some costumes I made this summer. Life is good. We are blessed. My little 1.5 is walking with Jesus, meeting family we have in Heaven, experiencing a closeness with God that I have yet to experience!<br />
<br />
And we've been busy. I'm making pies today for our ladies retreat tonight. Tomorrow morning I'll be making muffins, then later tomorrow dinner rolls. (and then a cinnamon bun cake and waffles on Sunday!) We're planning Festividad this year for church. We have an anime convention in January. Our cup is full.<br />
<br />
The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!<br />
<br />
~*~*~ <br />
<br />
So today I'm trying out two new recipes. An Americana Apple Pie and a Moo-Less Chocolate Pie. (I'm especially excited about the chocolate pie, no surprise there! Neither of them are originally my recipe, so here's the two links to both recipes:<br />
<br />
The apple pie smells amazing! I just pulled it out of the oven, and I gotta say, it really does smell good. I'm looking forward to cutting it open tonight and trying it out. <br />
<a href="http://thefitchen.com/2013/06/25/americana-apple-pie/" target="_blank">http://thefitchen.com/2013/06/25/americana-apple-pie/</a><br />
<br />
I have the crust finished (just use gluten free cookies for the crust), and once my little guy is down for his nap I'll continue on and make the filling. So excited for this one!<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/moo-less-chocolate-pie-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/moo-less-chocolate-pie-recipe/index.html</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiUwKqDGt5GtjaZqnkIA36f3yBiObsLMYvZA4xGHzw-gh82HigInrZrwnh_rH9wZy-9-BlZu-ew2AuSKMxGv05HjvHn4jsPIFNXflYNKPdw4-JGt7JfBTDcATxaWBUyheyztm6MJKZ-I/s1600/applie+pie+10.4.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiUwKqDGt5GtjaZqnkIA36f3yBiObsLMYvZA4xGHzw-gh82HigInrZrwnh_rH9wZy-9-BlZu-ew2AuSKMxGv05HjvHn4jsPIFNXflYNKPdw4-JGt7JfBTDcATxaWBUyheyztm6MJKZ-I/s320/applie+pie+10.4.13.jpg" height="240" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't that pie look good?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3oBRyMLAljF0A_IG4BB3blEge6XY4q67VuqDXMOuhYWpZjiXAUJlBE_S9bLpBGpKd1uiwaVJvDzLEQYy0v205s__Rk-rW8dBXlu2phs_jF_jY8gBAOoNvZLAYFpB9lSF2Dbg1KpjCak/s1600/his+method+of+eating+soup+10.4.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3oBRyMLAljF0A_IG4BB3blEge6XY4q67VuqDXMOuhYWpZjiXAUJlBE_S9bLpBGpKd1uiwaVJvDzLEQYy0v205s__Rk-rW8dBXlu2phs_jF_jY8gBAOoNvZLAYFpB9lSF2Dbg1KpjCak/s320/his+method+of+eating+soup+10.4.13.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He did this while I was typing. I suppose the spoon just wasn't working fast enough!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-67605265286242632522013-04-20T20:27:00.000-07:002013-04-20T20:27:35.261-07:00Chicken Strips!I use a white board to write recipe down my recipe experiments and edit changes as I go. I've had a recipe written on my kitchen white board for over a week now, and I keep meaning to share it! It's been a crazy week of sewing and prepping for the Renaissance Faire tomorrow. We'll be taking some friends from church after first service and I refused to let us go without them being fully garbed. Soooo....yeah.<br />
<br />
We went to Ren Faire a few weeks ago and took our little guy with us. Such a cute little one!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
After having such a cutie like him, you must understand why I'm so determined that our group needs to all be costumed. ...which means much sewing in little time. <br />
<br />
<br />
And oh, how crazy this week has been! With a week that's so busy and packed I like to have quick and easy lunch options. Saffron Road makes some really great gluten free chicken strips that I love-but they are expensive. And one package isn't enough for me AND my little boy. So recently I decided to experiment and see what I could come up with.<br />
<br />
And it's been on my white board since then.<br />
<br />
Waiting to be shared.<br />
<br />
So, before I get side tracked again, I want to share it! (and also because I really want to clean my white board and have it fully available again)<br />
<br />
2-3 chicken breasts<br />
1 egg <br />
1/2 cup corn flour<br />
1/8 cup white rice flour<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp garlic<br />
1/2 tsp onion<br />
1/2 tsp paprika<br />
1/4 tsp pepper<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li> Preheat oven to 400.</li>
<li>Cut the chicken into strips of whatever size you want.</li>
<li>Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl. </li>
<li> Whip egg into a froth, and dip chicken into it, then dipping in to the dry mix. Place on a parchment papered baking sheet. </li>
<li>Bake 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. </li>
<li>Serve with tator tots of something else of equal yum!</li>
</ol>
I've discovered that these also freeze really well. Get a cookie sheet that fits in your freezer, and after dipping chicken in the dry mix place on your cookie sheet and freeze. Bake for 20 minutes whenever you want them!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-18127336184451262992013-03-27T15:31:00.000-07:002013-03-27T15:35:15.341-07:00huzzah for the baker!So much going on! We're preparing for an event our church is having this weekend for the neighbors in celebration of Easter, we have Easter with our families, and then Renaissance Faire. All in a week's time. Oi. So much to do, so little time!<br />
<br />
The recipe I'm going to share is one that I specifically tried in preparation of Ren Faire, so I'm going to focus this post on the Faire.<br />
<br />
I'm working on making a cotehardie for the Faire. I wanted something new to wear this year, and a dress sounded fun. (ie, flowy) I found this gorgeous pattern and decided to give it a try. My Mom and I found a whole bunch of light green linen at Salvation Army for an absurdly cheap price, so that's what it'll be made of. The gal who wrote out the pattern and blogged it called one part of the 'never ending eyelets of doom'. Yep, aptly named! That's where I am right now and I'm only 4 in! Ahh, but it'll look good when it's done... If you want to know what it looks like and how to make one yourself, here's the blog that I'm <strike>stalking</strike> following. ^_^ http://romantichistory.blogspot.com/search/label/cotehardie<br />
<br />
We always brought our own lunch instead of buying food at the Faire. Mostly just because it's cheaper, and it's rather fun to walk back to the car, pull out our ice chest and find a picnic table with a group of friends and break bread together in the shade. It's just a lovely experience. Since I've been gluten free, it's more of a necessity than anything else. Get a rotisserie chicken (or roast one the night before), get some cheeses and some bread, some grapes...modern day Renaissance feast! Each year I've looked for a Renaissance-esque bread that I could bake and bring. And today, I've found it! <br />
<br />
The original recipe is your normal bread. (ie, glutened) But I've tried making it now gluten free style, and it worked! Huzzah!<br />
<br />
First, here's the link to the original recipe, and then I'll tell you what I did: http://www.simplysogood.com/2010/03/crusty-bread.html<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Crusty Bread</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 cups TG's All purpose floud</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 3/4 teaspoons sea salt</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoons yeast</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups water</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I followed the directions as she listed, mixing the dry ingredients together, adding the water, setting aside with plastic wrap to rise for at least 12 hours. (I waited 16 hours, as I had to wait for my little guy to go down for his nap) I used my Deep Covered Baker (from Pampered Chef) as the tool for baking. I heated the oven to 450 and let it heat in there for 30 minutes as instructed. I deviated from the instructions here. GF will not handle well in the sense of rolling into a ball and being all dandy like glutened stuff is. So I left it in the bowl it had been in, sprinkled flour over it while there, and waited. After 30 minutes of the DCB being in the oven, I took it out, took off the lid, dumped a good spoonful or two of flour on my dough, lifted it and dropped it into the hot DCB. Covered with the lid and put in to bake for 30 minutes. Just shy of 30 minutes into it (27 minutes, to be exact) I took the lid off and let it bake for 15 minutes un-lidded. Took it out of the oven, flopped it onto my cooling sheet, debated for a minute, then tore the bread in half and started taste testing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For having only 4 ingredients, it was really good! Wow! It was great with some Earth Balance butter on it. We're going to make some again (after Easter, methinks) and try adding some Daiya or other cheese-like stuff in it to see how it'd be with cheese. So exited for such a simple bread that I can make! Super simple for every day life AND for Ren Faire! Huzzah! Huzzah for the Baker! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously, you've gotta try it. I'm seriously impressed! If I remember to try it with the cheese sub and it turns out good, I'll do my best to post a note here! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-10466823704122329642013-02-10T19:58:00.002-08:002013-02-10T19:59:15.717-08:00bundt cake!We survived the plague. I made more than three huge batches of chicken soup and bone broth, forced tons of fluids on the boys, and used lots of lavender and peppermint essential oils. But they're both better!<br />
<br />
...and now I'm getting sick. *sighs*<br />
<br />
It strikes me as amusing, how masochistic I must be. I take on assignments and odd jobs and projects with no problem, and then panic when I realize how little time I have to accomplish it all. I have two sewing projects to accomplish sooner rather than later, an event that my hubby and I are in charge of some of the activities and we need to plan for, and we're working on slowly remodeling/organizing our garage and laundry room. (laundry room being the fancy term for the guest bathroom that has a washer and dryer behind the broken door) And with all these projects going on, our little one has learned how to crawl and pull himself up to standing.<br />
<br />
Somehow I feel like I have no time in the world to get everything done. And that's silly, as I have a full 24 hours EACH DAY to get stuff done! I have horrendous self control these days. And then I complain that I haven't got enough time to get everything done. Today at church we had a guest speaker who was talking about time and how we use it or don't use it. It definitely struck a cord in me. How often do I complain to my hubby that I haven't got enough time-but I got halfway through the book I was reading, had time to peruse Target with my Mom, and aimlessly play with the baby? I could've used that time so much better! Get some laundry started, play with the baby while it's running, work on sewing while he's napping, get dinner started (woot woot for crock pots!), run the dishwasher while running errands... Ugh. Now you now what you can pray for me about!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxYRgNiuLXtQiv95M2KFqNJAq0BaleUTgSEzZBV1sME_GapmBREP0OM4ENSWAEv0IgpmX3CrCrbrbiM61Bb_Wl4-RP0eozCH4tnyUuHSCH0ezzTueYoBUhE3yzJeAtIAjmiAP0DfL-fA/s320/a+bit+of+fun+and+games+before+bed+time+2.10.13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we took time to really play with our little guy before his bedtime. love that smile!</td></tr>
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Yesterday was a busy day. TG had band practice in the morning, we had a wedding reception right after, and then when we got home I had a bunch of cooking and baking to do for today's All Church Lunch. I made a bunch of meatballs and made the most amazing bundt cake. The normals were getting a rare treat of baklava for dessert today, and I wanted cake, so I made cake for us specials. And I've got to share the recipe. It's delicious! (and if I don't share it, I'll likely lose it, and that'd be positively depressing!)<br />
<br />
Chocolate chip bundt cake of YUM<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup sorghum flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup rice flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3/4 cup potato starch</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3/4 cup tapioca starch</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon xanthan gum</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3/4 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 1/4 cups sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/3 cup coconut oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 eggs</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 Tablespoon vanilla extract</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup coconut milk (buttermilk style)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 package dairy free mini chocolate chips</li>
</ul>
How to make this YUM:<br />
1.) Preheat oven to 325° and spray bundt pan with non-stick spray<br />
2.) Sift all the dry ingredients together<br />
3.) Pour the cup of milk into a bowl, and add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to it. Set aside.<br />
4.) Blend remaining wet ingredients together. (eggs, vanilla and oil- and yes, if the coconut oil is room temperature, the wet ingredients AND batter will be slightly lumpy. No worries)<br />
5.) Slowly start adding the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the (buttermilk-esque) coconut milk. Blend thoroughly.<br />
6.) Add the entire package of chocolate chips. Yes, the whole package. Stir in gently.<br />
7.) Pour the batter into the pre-sprayed bundt cake pan, and slid into the oven to bake for 50ish minutes.<br />
8.) Once the toothpick test declares it's done, pull that baby out of the oven and let her cool for a few minutes before flipping onto whatever tray or cake carrier you have.<br />
9.) Cool the cake for awhile longer, and then lightly dust it with powdered sugar. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
My hubby confessed to eating more than 3 slices today. ...I had more, so I can't really be too perturbed. This is a recipe that if you want to make it chocolatey, it wouldn't be too hard to reduce some of the flours and use cocoa powder to make it chocolatey. Or, if you want it lemony, grate some lemon rind into the batter, and use a bit of lemon juice straight into the batter as well. (and top with a lemon glaze!) This is a yummy cake that is rather simple-and has so many possibilities! If you want a rainbow funfetti type cake, sub out the chocolate chips with a tube of sprinkles. Play with it. Own it. Eat it and don't weigh yourself on your bathroom scale then following morning.<br />
<br />
Any creative ideas out there on what else can be done to this cake? <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-77209746515211428772013-01-25T19:22:00.000-08:002013-01-25T19:22:14.021-08:00Sickness and peanut butterIt's finally happened.<br />
<br />
Our little one has gotten sick.<br />
<br />
He almost made it 10 months without any illness! Alas, for my hubby caught a cold or something from his employee, and that made it's way to That Boy. We've been mostly battling just a fever. But still, a fever of 102.8 is still quite a new thing to battle! He's been handling it ok-ish. As long as I'm constantly holding him. And as long as he has his paci. Or is nursing. ...it's been a long few days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama's little sickie</td></tr>
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<br />
But my hubby is doing a bit better! His fever has been fluctuating a LOT, and all our Tylenol expired ages ago. (we use it sooo often. Our bottle expired in 2009 and we haven't used it since then to even notice!) Thankfully I've been doing more homeopathic stuff, and we've discovered that for sleeping purposes, a damp washcloth with lavender and peppermint essential oils dabbed on it help to reduce the fever and relax him. Huzzah for that!<br />
<br />
So what's a Mama gonna do, with two sickies in her house to take care of? How is she supposed to keep functioning?<br />
<br />
Well, I've discovered Pinterest. Finally. And I found the most amazing recipe EVER. Averie of loveveggiesandyoga has this amazing, amazing recipe for peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies. And they're naturally gluten free! No flour! I want to share them with my neighbor, but her daughter is allergic to eggs. I'm stubborn, these cookies are amazing, and they MUST be shared! So I altered the recipe.<br />
<br />
Behold, the tweaked recipe for egg free scrumptiousness!<br />
<br />
1 cup peanut butter<br />
1/2 cup honey<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup applesauce<br />
1 TBSP vanilla<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
4 tsp coconut flour<br />
4 oz dark chocolate bar<br />
<br />
1.) Preheat oven to 350<br />
2.) Mix all but the chocolate together well.<br />
3.) Chop chocolate in chunks.<br />
4.) Mix into batter. Pour into a container and fridge it for a minimum of 2 hours. (you can fridge it up to 5 days)<br />
5.) Roll dough into balls and drop onto a cookie sheet that's covered with a parchment paper.<br />
6.) Bake in preheated oven for 13ish minutes.<br />
7.) Cool for 5 minutes.<br />
7.) ENJOY<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And here's the original recipe, so you can peruse her blog of yummies! Go make these cookies. Now. <br />
http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2013/01/peanut-butter-chocolate-chunk-cookies.htmlAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-47066563691287655222012-10-14T17:15:00.001-07:002012-10-14T17:15:28.060-07:00Barbeque teaserI love barbeque. I love Rattler's. But I can't spend money at Rattler's as often as I want. ...so what's a girl to do? Make her own yummy meal!<br />
<br />
Originally, I told Mike that I wanted to barbeque some steak. But then I got thinking that steak really should have some good barbeque sauce. Then I looked up online, picked one, and altered a recipe for barbeque. After I made a whole bunch of sauce, I decided that I wanted chicken too, because then I'd have leftovers. Sooo....we ended up barbequing a huge steak and five chicken thighs. So. Good.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Barbeque. Home made sauce. Roasted (caramelized) carrots. Steamed broccoli.<br />
<br />
Oh <i>yeah</i>.<br />
<br />
I'm not looking forward to when the little guy can eat this food. I don't want to share!<br />
<br />
Shall I share the sauce recipe? Or should I keep it as a secret sauce?... I think it's amazing, personally. Like, I'm using my finger to clean the bowl, so I can lick it. Delicious!<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll just wait and see if anyone says they want the recipe...leave a comment if you want it!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-3831732156078802252012-10-13T20:58:00.000-07:002012-10-14T20:16:14.371-07:00Coconut! So...I'm supposed to be on a cleanse diet.<br />
<br />
No grains, no sugar, no eggs, no dairy...<br />
<br />
Lots of veggies, fruits and meats...<br />
<br />
...I feel like I'm dying without my chocolate and carby goodnesses!!!<br />
<br />
What's a Mommy gonna do? I've started getting desperate, and been looking up coconut recipes. (for the record, coconut shavings are the most horrible food thing ever. I have texture issues, I know.) Well, dislike for coconut shavings aside, I'm desperate. I've got no problem with coconut flour. Or coconut oil. Or coconut butter. But shavings? Yeah, no thank you.<br />
<br />
...so I bought coconut shavings today...and used them...and dude, have I got a recipe for you!<br />
<br />
I was originally going to make coconut butter from scratch. But I got impatient and decided I'd just find something to do with coconut meal instead. (10 cups of coconut shavings in a food processor for about 10 minutes will yield some very fine coconut meal, for the unofficial record) I was curious. I was desperate. I made brownies!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-n4wBgjRs3cW4jT06EqDwqs-000zcWkaakDOXbBCROpTfG4TF_qCsxxobhuyGgnjgHFWxGiz_8U55vSjl20pNUzPtCiEOyLq8kRjanrlO7Igs9-6SZJB_Y0YWYuuKxJUIXSuyJKde68/s1600/IMG_5606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-n4wBgjRs3cW4jT06EqDwqs-000zcWkaakDOXbBCROpTfG4TF_qCsxxobhuyGgnjgHFWxGiz_8U55vSjl20pNUzPtCiEOyLq8kRjanrlO7Igs9-6SZJB_Y0YWYuuKxJUIXSuyJKde68/s320/IMG_5606.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold, coconut meal! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Similar to zucchini brownies, moist, decadent, and you've no idea that the yum in your mouth is healthy! I made them (with fervent prayers during the mixing, baking and taste testing) and served them to my hubby. He thought they were amazing! He's been doing the same as I all evening-snitching little bites here and there. Thankfully we'll have enough to share in our fellowship group at church tomorrow. Which is good, because that's the only reason I'm really able to make these while on a cleanse! (they have egg, which is a no-no for the cleanse diet, BUT everything else is acceptable!) I ended up making 3 batches of these brownies for tomorrow, and boy, are they good!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Shall I give this recipe? Or shall I hold ya'all in suspense? (for, like, the two of you who still follow a blogger who blogs every month, lol)<br />
<br />
Here's the yum!<br />
<br />
2.5 oz of dark chocolate (or all but 2 squares of a bar of chocolate)<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 cup coconut sugar (also known as palm sugar. You can use regular cane sugar if you'd like)<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
1/4 tsp sea salt<br />
3/4 cup fresh coconut meal (not flour, not shavings. Meal.)<br />
2 TBSP coconut flour<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Pre-heat oven to 350. If not using seasoned stoneware, spray non-stick in a 8x8 pan. </li>
<li>Melt dark chocolate and oil on stove top in small pan. Stir together, and then remove from heat.</li>
<li>Once cool, blend eggs, sugar, vanila and chocolate together.</li>
<li>Add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix well. </li>
<li>Pour into pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. </li>
</ul>
Gah, so good! I'm kinda glad our little one can't eat brownies yet. I wouldn't want to share! But he IS starting solid foods...so the time is coming quickly. Thankfully he's content thus far with zucchini and carrots and whatnot. Assuming Mommy gets her act together in the morning and makes it, he'll be trying out spinach tomorrow! But Mommy needs to make that first...<br />
<br />
Well, I posted the recipe, huzzah! Time to crash, as there's a very good chance a certain little one will be waking in a few hours for a snack, and Mommy wants to get some sleep before then! Being a 6 month old boy, he's sure growing fast! *sniff, sniff* My little baby is growing too fast! Wah!<br />
<br />
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Look! He's even got two teeth growing in! Ayiee!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-17559970262579076332012-09-20T07:03:00.002-07:002012-09-20T07:04:15.074-07:00God providesOoh, I never wrapped up the fridge story!<br />
<br />
God is so good! The repair guy came out and looked it over, said that it was repairable, but the bill would be just shy of $500. Eeek! But, we need a working fridge. So we told him to order the parts, and we'd figure out a way to pay for it.<br />
<br />
God is so good.<br />
<br />
A family at church heard of our refrigerator plight, and so very graciously offered to pay for it. Mike and I had to take a moment for humility, as it was something so unexpected, and our pride sure wanted to be in the way. But, when something is so clearly a provision from God, it's a good idea to be thankful and accept!<br />
<br />
So our fridge is fixed. So grateful for blessings like a working fridge! And with it being out, we were able to clean the inside of the fridge and freezer. (yuck) But Mike cleaned most of it, so I can't really complain too much. ^_^ My husband is awesome.<br />
<br />
Our poor son is teething. He's got TWO teeth still raising through his gums. His amber necklace has kept the swelling and irritation down, but teeth popping through the gum is still not too fun. Poor little guy woke up twice last night, in desperate need of his 'baby crack'. Seriously, those Hyland's Teething Tablets are amazing. This would be the worst experience ever if we didn't have them. As it is, it's still difficult at times. Getting stuff done is...occasionally happening. Our poor kitties have been traumatized by Axel's crying. I'm just constantly reminding myself that this season will pass all too soon, and when I'm attending his wedding in just (what will feel like) a few short months, I'll be wishing I could have him as a baby again. And really, I can't complain too much that my son constantly wants to cuddle. Laundry can wait. (for only so long though!) And the Lord has allowed me to live in the times of dishwashers, so we should be relatively good.<br />
<br />
I do miss hanging out with the fluffy kids. And I've been super stressed about some sewing projects that need to be done by Saturday. My Mom and my Mom-in-Love are super, as they've been willing to come play with their grandson and keep him occupied while I sew. (because, really now, what Grandma would say no to time with their grandson?)<br />
<br />
Thinking of the little man, he should be waking up really soon, and I still want to put away my breakfast dishes and pet a kitty!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unhappy with his teeth-and bedtime</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFnBF4xMyd78oqzcK6y9NjG7kBDV6skOuVzTJOrN0AjXyMUpqPlLi0vGejSmJ5A0ANDY_rDsGRjZPZtTiAOeTCM8yIkxZ1RTUWXUVcdvEAJ0y_6vscnQ1WKnYhq88O0Dwz5PPtV9i9hw/s1600/first+time+in+TJ%27s+and+in+a+cart+seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFnBF4xMyd78oqzcK6y9NjG7kBDV6skOuVzTJOrN0AjXyMUpqPlLi0vGejSmJ5A0ANDY_rDsGRjZPZtTiAOeTCM8yIkxZ1RTUWXUVcdvEAJ0y_6vscnQ1WKnYhq88O0Dwz5PPtV9i9hw/s320/first+time+in+TJ%27s+and+in+a+cart+seat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trader Joe's with Grandma and Mommy!</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb4RZjIkXUup0rQ5KcNA37vy4u9d2qxX-SuSttH1hDql0K5CpfBkWL7NgccqhYxyO_MreOJ-Q2KFmJHIGEx9PLuiqQ6k1QyQ-UfUy5KALCHomtHSHUlcttOWwhf_y7WPT1rgEx3ImWKs/s1600/sitting+up+on+his+own%21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb4RZjIkXUup0rQ5KcNA37vy4u9d2qxX-SuSttH1hDql0K5CpfBkWL7NgccqhYxyO_MreOJ-Q2KFmJHIGEx9PLuiqQ6k1QyQ-UfUy5KALCHomtHSHUlcttOWwhf_y7WPT1rgEx3ImWKs/s320/sitting+up+on+his+own%21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading to Mr. Panda</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-18473835462781214872012-08-10T13:36:00.001-07:002012-08-10T13:36:22.865-07:00In everything we say or do, give thanks!Currently, my weather bug says it's 102 outside, and the expected high is 109. It's been one of those weeks here in Southern California.<br />
<br />
And yesterday, our fridge died.<br />
<br />
Right after we bought groceries.<br />
<br />
TBG was pretty concerned (stressed) about how we'd pay for it, whether it be repairs or a new fridge. I was concerned about the groceries being lost. Thankfully the freezer seems to still be working, so it was only the fridge groceries that needed a new home. And our wonderful neighbor happened to have some space in her fridge to house our food until Saturday. (come Saturday, if our fridge is still dead, I'll be moving our stuff from her fridge to my parents fridge, so she can do her grocery shopping!) We called, and a repair guy is coming to look at it this afternoon. During all this, TBG was still stressing, and I'd finally decided that whatever happens, happens, and it doesn't surprise the Lord, and He knows how it'll work out. TBG then needed to leave to help a friend move, and I stayed home with the (fussy) baby. Well, when TBG got home, he seemed much more relaxed, and then told me the good news. An unnamed friend from church had called him, and has offered to help us in the fridge situation. Considering we don't yet know if it'll be something fixable, or something that needs a whole new fridge, that's pretty awesome! We're praying for fixable, but we'll see what happens. Either way, how awesome is God, in providing a friend who's willing to help?! (hopefully it won't be a pricey thing, for all our sakes. But just the knowledge that there IS help, is wonderful....and rather humbling) God is awesome, and involved in even the little details. How can we not rest easy in that knowledge?<br />
<br />
TB has a sunday school sing along cd...that song called, "I've got the joy, joy, down in my heart" has that line about peace that passes understanding. I think that's the best way to describe this. Considering how much of a worry wort I used to be, this is NOT my norm!<br />
<br />
As long as our crock pots, stovetop and rice cooker don't die next, I'm happy. The oven is still....issuematic... but at least our garbage disposal is fixed! Yay for mad hubby skills!<br />
<br />
I'd had the thought yesterday, when the middle of the fridge drama. What am I thankful for? Am I going to get so worked up over this little thing? What do I have that I can be thankful for? I'll share my list:<br />
<br />
1.) Salvation<br />
2.) My healthy hubby<br />
3.) Our healthy son<br />
4.) Our healthy kitties<br />
5.) My hubby has a job to provide for our family<br />
6.) We have a roof over our heads, carpet under our feet, and AC that works!<br />
7.) We have food (just not in the fridge right now!) ^_^<br />
8.) Our washer and dryer work<br />
9.) Our two cars work<br />
10.) The Lord has provided me with random sewing commissions<br />
11.) My sewing machine works!<br />
12.) The Lord has also surprised me with some random Pampered Chef opportunities<br />
13.) My son has healthy lungs<br />
<br />
>_> I need to cut this short I suppose, as TB is letting me know that he's still displeased with my food choice of bell peppers yesterday, and that I need to come hug him NOW as his little innards are writhing in discomfort. I'm thankful that I've learned what causes issue though!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-35743887992489032442012-08-01T21:00:00.001-07:002012-08-01T21:00:38.714-07:00IronyWhen TBG and I got married, I told him that I didn't want to even consider kids for at least 8 years. He told me that he'd be happy if we had a kid within a year or so. We decided it best to just pray that God change our hearts for the other and bring balance to the kid issue.<br />
<br />
After being married for two and a half, almost three years, we got pregnant with That Boy. We were equally excited and terrified. When asked how many kids we wanted in our family, TBG said more than one, but probably four as the max. I wasn't sure, but I figured somewhere between two and four as good as well.<br />
<br />
...as time has gone on, and TB has arrived, I started thinking between four and eight. ...at this point in time, I'm thinking around a dozen. Give or take. Literally. A dozen kids sounds fantastic to me. A range of ages, stages in life, older siblings to guide/tease/encourage/torment the younger. A full dinner table, siblings to recollect stories of childhood and crazy things they're parents said or did. I dunno. I just really like the idea of a full quiver of children.<br />
<br />
I think TBG is now thinking of praying for a miracle in the terms that his wife comes to her senses.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-76863524223183554982012-07-31T09:30:00.000-07:002012-07-31T09:30:10.787-07:00A new challenge!Life is an adventure. God is good.<br />
<br />
This summer has been full of unexpected expenses. My car's AC compressor blew up. (literally. Blew up. Huge metal shard and all!) That Bearded Guy's truck got broken into at work, and his window got smashed. Our oven is on death's door, as it now is losing it's temperature sensor, and will heat up. And heat up. And heat up. And cookies that were placed in there at 350 for only 3 minutes are smoking as they get hastily taken out... Our fridge is making sounds that don't encourage the heart either, and seems to be going the way of the oven. ....and our garbage disposal felt lonely, and now won't work either.<br />
<br />
My perspective on this? God is good. We have running AC in the house. We are healthy. We have money for our weekly groceries. TBG still has a job. I'm still working Pampered Chef (albiet, not very much, anybody need to order anything???) and I'm still sewing. We can afford the roof over our heads. We can afford a new fridge with some creative budgeting. Don't need the garbage disposal-I'll just change my tactics for kitchen sink use. And as for the oven?<br />
<br />
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!<br />
<br />
I shall survive FINE without the oven! I will find a way! We have a working stove top! We have a toaster oven! We have a microwave! And, most importantly, WE HAVE CROCK POTS!!!!<br />
<br />
Ladies and gentlemen, this is my new challenge, and I will CONQUER IT!! *Bohahaha!*<br />
<br />
How will I make cookies? Parchment paper lined on the bottom, high heat, watch to learn how long.<br />
<br />
How will I make banana bread? Use my larger crock pot, fit the bread pan in it, bake on high for 3ish hours.<br />
<br />
How will I make dinner? BAH! Same as always before! Toss it in and walk away!<br />
<br />
How will I make breakfast? I will show you.<br />
<br />
With some easy preparation, and my knowledge that I'll be getting up at 1:30 this morning to feed That Boy, breakfast was a cinch. This morning, when TBG got up for work, he had Apple-Berry Crunch for breakfast. Hot, delicious, easy. All he had to do was spoon it out of the crock pot. In a couple days, I plan we'll having banana bread. Wait for that bit of fun!<br />
<br />
How did I make this? I prepared all my ingredients before bed, so when I woke up at 1:30, all I had to do was chop my apples, and put everything in! Easy!<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<div class="block" id="recipe-ingredients">
<div class="content">
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">Filling:</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 apples, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 package mixed berries, frozen</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 C. firmly packed brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 C. frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 Tbs. AP GF flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 tsp. ground cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/8 tsp salt </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">Topping:</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 C. oats, uncooked</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 C. firmly packed brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">5 Tbs. non-dairy butter, melted</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 Tbs. AP GF flour</li>
</ul>
Path to Yum<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
<span class="instructions" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Spray crock pot with cooking spray. For filling, mix all together. (I mixed all but the apples and berries, and added those in the wee hours of the morning) Once mixed, add to crock pot. Mix topping, sprinkle over berry mixture. Turn crock pot on to low, walk away for at least 2 hours. Return to eat some yum. <br />
<br />
Super easy. Delicious!<br />
<br />
Still debating on what I'll make for dinner. It'll either be BBQ chicken, slow cooked and then shredded for sandwiches, or it'll be salsa chicken. If I do salsa chicken, I'll make it with of extra meat, and then I'll slow cook some chicken enchilada's tomorrow night. Oh decisions, decisions!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-50691155778809286982012-07-23T02:50:00.000-07:002013-04-15T07:21:13.478-07:00Muffins!!We've been enjoying any type of easy breakfast possible since that That Boy has arrived. ...which means now that these awesome gluten free boxed muffins are around, we've been making blueberry or chocolate chip boxed muffins almost weekly. And boxed muffins are expensive! $5.99 a box! (unless they're on sale, but still!) After so long of coughing up money for a box mix, I finally had the time to sit down and figure out a recipe for muffins. No more box mixes! <br />
<br />
What I basically needed to do was mix a flour blend that I could use as all purpose flour to sub into a pre-exsisting muffin recipe. I looked at the box mix, wrote out all the ingredients, and figured which ones I wanted in my recipe. My flour blend is (what I think of as) simple.<br />
<br />
3 cups white rice flour<br />
1 cup brown rice flour<br />
1 cup millet flour<br />
1/2 cup teff flour<br />
1/2 cup oat flour<br />
3 cups tapioca startch<br />
1 1/2 cup potato starch<br />
2 TBSP xanthan gum<br />
1 TBSP salt<br />
<br />
Mix it all together, and you have ready made AP flour for these muffins! Sooo good!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUedHsnx5EqkSU-H5OYGkZb6qP5804Ru1HGuP3KOde6247_FNCggadgVHFF_gUV7YD5JCjSuxgNKc98KVaY0_BEnagHzoj_V2wj5rQSm1vV3vU0u0egan2JhiwBZmeFymRThA00sJSZNM/s1600/choc+chip+muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUedHsnx5EqkSU-H5OYGkZb6qP5804Ru1HGuP3KOde6247_FNCggadgVHFF_gUV7YD5JCjSuxgNKc98KVaY0_BEnagHzoj_V2wj5rQSm1vV3vU0u0egan2JhiwBZmeFymRThA00sJSZNM/s320/choc+chip+muffins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Chip Muffins of Yum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
1/2 cup (8 TBSP) non dairy butter<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
2 cups AP gluten free flour blend<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 cup almond milk <br />
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 375°F.</li>
<li>Cream non-dairy butter and sugar, add egg one at a time</li>
<li>Sift together flour, b. powder and salt. Add to the creamed sugar, then add the milk and vanilla.</li>
<li>Fold in the chocolate chips. Eat a few chips on the way into the bowl.</li>
<li>Spray muffin tins with non-stick spray, then pour in muffin batter. </li>
<li>Cook for 20-25 minutes (mine took 18 minutes, actually) Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn over onto a cooling rack. </li>
<li>ENJOY! </li>
</ol>
<br />
We're looking forward to trying this recipe with blueberries soon. The chocolate chip muffins turned out amazingly good. Just the right bit of firmness on the outside, soft melty-ness on the inside, ooh, they are good!<br />
<br />
In other news, That Boy is a little over a week away from being 4 months. Where did the time go!? I'm amazed with how time is flying by. He's smiling, 'talking', rumor has it tonight that he giggled at the grandparents house...That Bearded Guy and I were at a wedding while he was at my parents house, and during the wedding I was struck with the thought that's going to be so very soon until his wedding. He's already almost 4 months. I can't blink, or he'll be in grade school, high school, college, married, giving us grandkids...<br />
<br />
OOh! Thinking of grandkids! That Bearded Guy told me he *thought* he saw a silver hair in my hair! Yay! I hope so, I'm sad that since we dyed our hair for the Anime Expo this year, my few silver hairs got dyed too. Unlike all the crazy people who have gorgeous hair of wisdom, I LIKE my silver/gray hairs! And I welcome them as friends. ^_^<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSMbSXecgbgb84_9yAR8hAErYjH1MzypA12qdCPo5fyWPHHjVjawZnu36VO10I185SFwd6dIJqvd9Paud8jbm_Kskt0QbJ7ojP1VaXThgmwnYo42_bZdazB806_fXbIH11KM9lT9zMMY/s1600/Learning+to+pet+Malificent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSMbSXecgbgb84_9yAR8hAErYjH1MzypA12qdCPo5fyWPHHjVjawZnu36VO10I185SFwd6dIJqvd9Paud8jbm_Kskt0QbJ7ojP1VaXThgmwnYo42_bZdazB806_fXbIH11KM9lT9zMMY/s320/Learning+to+pet+Malificent.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to pet and be gentle with Malificent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvUQzJE0PSaEemLwQV3dh8Y9zuJoZ4wWcTjwb4W98zknqYLQ0N5EvPJxFeAssWe3w8hkW6cnjNHyFxv0_GPXlUxk2dWmYW4-W3Wem3k-n9yXgnT0-lbKDtOtMcXraDB-icXY6pe_ycV0/s1600/Awake+and+uncertain+about+Mommy%27s+music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvUQzJE0PSaEemLwQV3dh8Y9zuJoZ4wWcTjwb4W98zknqYLQ0N5EvPJxFeAssWe3w8hkW6cnjNHyFxv0_GPXlUxk2dWmYW4-W3Wem3k-n9yXgnT0-lbKDtOtMcXraDB-icXY6pe_ycV0/s320/Awake+and+uncertain+about+Mommy%27s+music.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit uncertain about the music playing at the time. I think it was something 'pop' like...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGyGU9qeHV63u9j1euxQz13PGqkKsTWDEalwZx-IK9dBg7TGaasLOADqswlYKPdPcXyEEcM0KRTNUZ6ypMlrbbxbkCqsnpBEZBaPRzfZ8QIkQe0ZYEojC95W-0vK7Yk-F_JWgjF_SuPU/s1600/tummy+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGyGU9qeHV63u9j1euxQz13PGqkKsTWDEalwZx-IK9dBg7TGaasLOADqswlYKPdPcXyEEcM0KRTNUZ6ypMlrbbxbkCqsnpBEZBaPRzfZ8QIkQe0ZYEojC95W-0vK7Yk-F_JWgjF_SuPU/s320/tummy+time.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's only 940 Saturday's from birth to age 18. I plan to enjoy each Saturday as much as possible!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-3689395377089737542012-06-08T16:43:00.001-07:002012-06-08T16:45:29.150-07:00ThankfulnessI'm becoming more adept at typing with one hand. That Boy fell asleep on me, and I'm supporting him with one hand, while typing with the other.<br />
<br />
It's moments like these that I can't take for granted. It's waking up during the night that I can't take for granted. When he's fussing in the car, I need to cherish that sound. Because not every Momma gets to enjoy their baby sleeping on them, gets to enjoy bonding during feedings, gets to hear their cry, and know with every breathy yell that their baby is alive and healthy.<br />
<br />
So many family and friends have suffered the loss of miscarriage or the death of their baby. My heart breaks for them, as I can't even begin to imagine the heart breaking pain. One of the homeschool families I know lost their baby girl at 4 months old. My cousin and sister-in-love have each suffered miscarriages. So many friends have lost their little ones before even knowing who they were expecting. Today, I read a friend of a friend's blog post. And before I got to the second sentence, I was already weeping, holding my son close and praying for this family and for their healing. They knew who they were having. I can only imagine if our little TB graduated to Heaven before we got to meet him.<br />
<br />
It's times like this, that I wish I had the words to encourage, or to just say "I'm crying with you", without the words sounding shallow and flat.<br />
<br />
All I can do is pray for those who've experienced this, cry with them, and be that much more grateful to the Lord for what He's blessed us with today. Not to take even a minute for granted.<br />
<br />
Please, lift this family up in your prayers.<br />
<a href="http://crazysplendidlife.blogspot.com/2012/06/for-my-son.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">http://crazysplendidlife.blogspot.com/2012/06/for-my-son.html?spref=fb</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-73043666948785336822012-04-28T08:23:00.002-07:002012-04-28T08:23:51.705-07:00Changes in life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
So it's been awhile. In my defense, life has been busy. That Boy was born April 1, 8:11pm. (seriously, no joke, April 1) My water broke that morning at 7, labored at home, arrived at the birthing center around 6:30, and he was out in just a bit more time! He would've been out even sooner, but he was slightly stuck on my pelvis. But all things considered, a labor and delivery in 13 hours? I'll take it!<br />
<br />
Leading up to his birth, I had four baby showers and much preparation! Thankfully, I wrote all my thank you cards right away, as now there is no possible way I'd get everything written and sent out. Not so much because of being sleep deprived, but because I'm just too scatter brained.<br />
<br />
Example from this morning:<br />
<br />
Me: "Dinner is ready!"<br />
*That Bearded Guy comes to the table and sits down*<br />
*pauses*<br />
TBG: "Did you say dinner?"<br />
Me: *long pause* "I think I meant breakfast."<br />
<br />
Our kitties are adjusting very well to TB. Sephiroth seems pleased that we're showing him less attention and affection. (he doesn't like our hugs) And Malificent doesn't mind him at all as long as he isn't right next to her and crying. Any time he starts crying, they'll slowly edge out of the room with these expressions of we-didn't-do-it. So glad they aren't having jealousy issues like everyone kept telling us they'd have!<br />
<br />
He just finished his 3 week growth spurt earlier this week. *phew* That was a bit of a hectic time. Non stop eating and very little sleep. Now he's starting to make up for the sleep, so yay! We can have quiet occasionally again!<br />
<br />
Hopefully, once things settle a bit more, I can actually blog more and write more recipes. *crossing fingers* <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-72941968664114582672012-02-22T16:47:00.000-08:002012-02-22T17:31:23.913-08:00Coffecake experiment!Wow, it's only been, forever...since I last updated. Pregnancy apparently makes me very lazy when it comes to blogging!<br />
<br />
I was craving a spice coffee cake, so I just mixed one up and tossed it in the oven. Here's to hoping it actually works! I used to make this as a "normal" person, before the days of gluten free, so I'm basically experimenting in general right now. I just subbed the cake mix with a GF cake mix. *crosses fingers* Here's to hoping! <br />
<br />
<ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 (18.25 ounce) package spice cake mix</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant butterscotch (or vanilla) pudding mix</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 4 eggs</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 cup water</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 cup vegetable oil</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 cup packed brown sugar</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans</li>
</ul><div style="border-top: 1px #ccc dotted; margin-top: 20px; width: 300px;"></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><h3>Directions</h3><ol><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Preheat oven to 350. Spray the 9x13 pan. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> In a medium bowl, stir together the cake mix, and pudding mixes. Add the eggs, oil and water, mix until well blended. Pour into greased baking dish.</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts. Sprinkle lovingly over the goodness in the pan.</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, then turn the oven down to 325 degrees F and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes. </span></li>
</ol><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Hoping it works...</span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><br />
We have 5 weeks until my due date! It's hard to believe how fast time has flown by. I vacillate between feeling ready and not feeling anywhere near ready. From talking to other friends, apparently that's pretty normal. *chuckles* I think that's good?...</span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">We've had one baby shower thus far, three to go! (homeschoolers have no friends, thus so many events!) We've been blessed up to this point with many second hand baby items and furniture. TBG and I have only had to buy a chest of drawers! (and that was on clearance!) Everything else we have has been given to us. God is so good! We're really hoping that we can get all the other smaller essentials through the baby showers. We'll take whatever we can get, of course, but it's been a real blessing to not have to worry about buying big ticket items! </span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> My personal hope is that in a week or two, TBG will be done stripping and refurnishing the sliding rocker we were given. (I have a vendetta against white painted wood. It's too fake!) Once that has been finished, if we haven't already, we'll be putting the car seat and stroller into my car, splitting up the other baby furniture pieces to the grandparents (my parents will be getting a carseat and stroller for babysitting purposes), and then I can park in the garage again! Huzzah! I have to admit though, it has been nice to park on the street-it requires that I get my daily exercise in. And now that I'm starting to show a bit more, I don't know how easy it would be to get in and out of the car in the garage...</span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> We're toying with a construction idea. No idea if it's possible or not, but we like the idea. Our condo has vaulted ceilings in the dining room and TV room. We want to make a loft over the dining room. It would allow more space for my sewing and his crafting. And then if we're still living here when we have #2, if #2 is a girl, we can move our office stuff out of the closed office and give her that room. (if #2 is a boy, then they can learn to share! We'll just move all the bookshelves out of that room and into the office then) It's all ideas that we're playing with, but they're fun ideas to us. ^_^</span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> In the meantime, there's a decorative/useless ledge that's around our kitchen area, overlooking the TV room and dining room. We made a catwalk from the top of the stain banister to the ledge so our kitties can have a safe place to perch and watch the baby when he comes. They have a horrible fear of small children, so we figure it's the nicest thing we can do for them, all things considered. In the meantime, they've been getting nervous by all the new furniture and changes. Coping well, but still clearly a bit nervous. (don't really blame them though...)</span></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Well, if the coffeecake is a success, I'll post a photo. For now, I should be productive and clean up a bit. *sighs* </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UpkCk3Myw2A4Sxl82tqfO1HNbxYX28WpkIdPA2ocNZRm1lPIQ7bWYTBo-c7tC7OXJh-JGapsdhw8S7styKZG_STNcBgeE6yjIxOGrB2l_MeqzfLpNpSqYJPXgIEhMD86zV4nhNT3lCM/s1600/cinnamon+spice+coffeecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UpkCk3Myw2A4Sxl82tqfO1HNbxYX28WpkIdPA2ocNZRm1lPIQ7bWYTBo-c7tC7OXJh-JGapsdhw8S7styKZG_STNcBgeE6yjIxOGrB2l_MeqzfLpNpSqYJPXgIEhMD86zV4nhNT3lCM/s320/cinnamon+spice+coffeecake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Ladies and gentlemen, we have a success! Woot! It tastes so good! I think my only change for next time will be to add 1 tsp cinnamon to the batter itself. But that's just cause I like my coffeecake full of spice! </span> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-56144618289411112662011-10-15T13:58:00.000-07:002011-10-15T13:58:40.970-07:00Women's ConferenceWhat a busy weekend! The only reason I'm sitting here and typing this right now is because I'm waiting for the dinner rolls in my kitchen to finish rising. (and I'm eating lunch quickly) This weekend is our church's Women's Conference and I'm in charge of all the gluten free food. (yay for gluten free! and yay for women's conference!)<br />
<br />
So why am I at home typing on my blog and waiting for dinner rolls to rise? Because this is our lunch break time, and we in the kitchen realized that for dinner, all the church ovens will be in use, and we somehow still need to make the gluten free dinner rolls! Hence I drove home, mixed up our dinner rolls, am waiting for them to rise, then I'll drive over to my parents to use their oven, bake them, and head back to church by three. I love it! And as to why I'm not baking them at home-our oven is busted. Been busted since Monday. Waiting for some part to come in to fix it. *sighs* Not so much love about that, I'll admit.<br />
<br />
Back to the conference and food! ^_^<br />
<br />
Last night we had fondue pots out and a whole smorgasbord of foods to dip in. We had cheese and chocolate for the fondue, with breads, pretzels, fruits, vegetables, and whatnot to dip. I brought Glutino's GF pretzels for us GF ladies to dip in our chocolate. Yumm.....I think I had more than a serving. >_> But I don't regret it. I balanced the chocolate with the amount of fingerling potato's and cheese and carrots I was eating. Balanced meal, right?<br />
<br />
This morning we had a late breakfast, and I made pumpkin muffins (from that pumpkin bread recipe) and an apple chocolate crumble cake. I'll have to post that recipe tomorrow or another day. Both were gone pretty quick. ...despite the fact that my pumpkin muffins were rather cosmetically challenged...I'd given them some time to cool, but had to run out the door before they were fully cooled. So they got tossed into a huge plastic bag...tossed into my car...and carefully arranged on a tray to be served...despite their...sad appearance. *sighs* At least they don't have to look good to taste good! *laughs*<br />
<br />
Oh! It's time to pack up and head over to my parents! So grateful to the Lord that they live close by and have a working oven. What I'd do without them, I don't know. ...I do know though that I would have less tools in my garage, and I would have to buy my own tupperware. Whenever they come visit, one of them will comment, "oh, that's where THAT went!" Hehe, yeah, that's where it went...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-31497883761047769712011-10-06T15:42:00.000-07:002011-10-06T15:42:37.586-07:00An experiment....gone well!It actually feels like Autumn! There's clouds in the sky, the temperature is in the 60's, and it's wonderful! (for those of us in southern California, this is an amazing phenomenon) I'm loving it. I really do think that Autumn is my favorite season. It's a messenger of all the good to come. The cooler nights, the season that windows can be left open for fresh air, time to pull out a sweater or two in anticipation of winter. Holidays, family, food, friends, RAIN, clouds, no more sunshine! Love it!<br />
<br />
Yesterday I wanted to celebrate the cooler weather, so I cooked up a hearty beef stew for dinner. Nothing like tender chunks of beef, carrot, celery and onion to announce the wonders of the season. I also wanted to experiment. I recently bought a box of King Arthur Flour GF bread mix. I was curious-and feeling kinda lazy when I bought it. So yesterday I figured I'd try it. This is a box mix that's actually worth my money and time. I made it as the directions said, and it tasted so good with some butter and honey! I'm tempted to add some garlic seasoning next time I make this mix and see what that'd be like. (then add a bit of butter and cheese, and voila! garlic bread loaf!) TBG and I were very pleasantly surprised.<br />
<br />
If you want to see what the box and such look like, here's their website: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/glutenfree/<br />
<br />
Now that I've tried the bread and found that to be a keeper for my cupboard, I'm interested in trying a few of their other mixes. I'm usually not a person who likes mixes-I really do prefer baking from scratch-but it's always a good idea to have a few emergency back-up's. And the bread definitely qualifies for my back-up!<br />
<br />
Yay for pleasant surprises! I may experiment with that bread later and see if it can be converted into rolls also. If it can, that'd be a handy thing to remember for Thanksgiving this year! ^_^Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3990868907759807197.post-59283992714081151502011-09-25T12:57:00.000-07:002011-09-25T19:08:48.829-07:00Update and Pumpkin CoffeecakeWell, it's been quite awhile, hasn't it? In my defense, I have a perfectly good excuse as to why computers and food and me haven't been happening for the last three(ish) months.<br />
<br />
Morning sickness.<br />
<br />
I think it should be really called "preggo sickness". As for me, it's a morning, noon, afternoon, evening, night sickness. But that's just a small little detail, right? Whatever. Preggo sickness means that food is the last thing I want to think about, talk about, type about or contemplate on any degree or level. So yeah, I'm pregnant. ^_^ 14 weeks along, to be exact, and it's only in the last couple days that I've felt well enough to consider food again. And seeing as how autumn just technically rolled around (southern california weather always gets that memo late), I really wanted to do something autumny. And because I've been feeling a little bit better, and because I was in charge of snacks today for growth group, I had some fun. Pumpkin coffeecake! Tis a bit of a breakfast food, tis a forkful of autumn, and tis a delicious forkful at that! <br />
<br />
I found the recipe at this site, http://www.lifeglutenfree.com/mama_baby_gluten_free/ and I made a few small alterations to it. The first time I made it was really good-but I felt like something was missing. TBG suggested I add some struesal, and I think it was lacking a bit of salt, so when I made my changes, it turned out much more like what we wanted. Moist. Delectable. Pumpkiny. Autumny. All those important things, ya know? ^_^<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span><br />
1 cup sorghum flour<br />
1/3 cup potato starch (I ran out of this, so I just subbed arrowroot)<br />
1/3 cup tapioca flour<br />
1 teaspoon xantham gum<br />
1/2 teaspoon sea salt<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wet Ingredients:</span><br />
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (or fresh!)<br />
1/2 cup of honey (or agave nectar)<br />
1/2 cup organic cane sugar (although not wet, you will combine it with these)<br />
2 tablespoons organic molasses<br />
1/3 cup of grapeseed oil / coconut oil (or you can sub for salted butter and reduce your salt)<br />
2 eggs<br />
<br />
<u>Struesal</u> :<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
dash of cinnamon<br />
3 TBSP butter<br />
<br />
<br />
1.) Preheat over to 350 degrees. Grease a 8 by 8 pan.<br />
<br />
2.) Combine pumpkin, honey, sugar, molasses, oil, and egg. Combine.<br />
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3.) Add remaining ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix well. Combine struesel ingredients in a separate bowl, and add more sugar as you deem fit. ^_^<br />
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4.) Transfer batter to the greased baking pan and sprinkle struesel over it.<br />
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5.) Bake 40 minutes or until a tooth pick is inserted and comes out clean. Cool before slicing. Important to let it cool! Do not let impatience overwhelm you! It will not cut pretty. >_< Trust me on this.<br />
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TBG and I love a tall glass of milk with this. And we also love to add chocolate chips to the batter. Oooh, chocolate and pumpkin? Happy tummy time! I'll get a picture of it to post here soon, promise!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697313523270626860noreply@blogger.com0