Cookie Mondays...

banana muffin remix

2012-01-24T23:09:00.000-08:00

I was inspired this week to create an easy and super healthy breakfast idea, for a certain typically-non-breakfast-eater in my life. Who is now non-breakfast-eating for TWO! I thought I'd revisit my Best Banana Muffins recipe which are deeeeelicious for a morning treat, but perhaps not the most wholesome snack. So I mixed it up a little... cutting the sugar in half, and boosting the Superfoods value with honey, whole grains, cinnamon, applesauce, and walnuts.

Recipe remix:

1 stick unsalted butter, room temp
~~3/4 cup~~ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon ~~maple syrup~~ honey
~~1 1/2 cups~~ 1 cup all purpose flour + 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup ~~sour cream or~~ organic low-fat plain yogurt
2 1 small ripe bananas, mashed + 3 oz. unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup finely chopped raw walnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Line mini muffin tin.

1. Beat butter and sugar until light & fluffy. Mix in eggs (one at a time), vanilla, and ~~syrup~~ honey. Scrape down bowl.
2. Sift flours, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon into wet ingredients. Mix on low until just incorporated. Scrape down bowl.
3. Add yogurt, banana, applesauce, flax, and walnuts. Mix and scrape.
4. Spoon batter into 12 24 mini muffin cups. Top with walnut halves if desired. Bake for ~~24-25~~ 11-12 minutes.

{Makes over 4 dozen minis.}

Quite a perfect, portable pick-me-up... whether you're prego or not!

she said YES!

2012-01-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

Kevin and I ESCAPED for over 48 hours this weekend to celebrate both my sisters' birthdays in Big Bear (thanks to my mom & John for bravely taking on all four kids!). It was our first weekend away alone since our honeymoon, and to top it all off, Holly was proposed to! It could not have been a better getaway! Congrats, Holly & Omri, and the the wedding planning begin.

Are you sure it's Winter?!

2012-01-19T08:49:00.000-08:00

Books & Bloomers

2012-01-18T00:04:00.000-08:00

{Please scroll down after this post to partake in my highly scientific wedding survey!}

The idea behind Tegan's 'Books & Bloomers' baby shower was simple:
She loves great childrens' books. She's a dedicated cloth diaper-er.
Heidi and I were thrilled to plan another shower for Tegan... this time for a baby GIRL!

We had a really nice lunch at a local cafe, so it wasn't a full-on "shower," but it still needed to be special. The goal was to add to the family's growing library and cloth diaper stash! In lieu of (or in addition to) gifts, each guest brought a favorite book to be personalized with a custom sarah+abraham bookplate, and many contributed to a new collection of gDiapers.

sarah+abraham also did the adorable invites, which I ran out of, so I'll have to steal somebody's to photograph and add to this post.

I have "buttoned" several of these papier-mache letters now, and FYI: wood glue works awesome!

Tegan craves citrus fruits and sour candies during her pregnancies, so sour gummy "bookworms" were a no-brainer (I think they were entirely devoured in approximately 3 minutes)... along with mandarin oranges and cloth diaper lemon shortbread favors.

I used old book pages to create the circle garland on the table, and the tiny heart garland on the cookie bags. The favors also included little covered button paper clip bookmarks.

The milk glass containers (Tegan's favorite) were courtesy of my friend PJ at milk glass vintage rentals, and my sister-in-law Amanda (who may as well start her own business with all the cuteness she has accumulated!)

I'm so sad I didn't get a decent photo of the fabric bunting. I used a super cute Moda alphabet fabric (spotted in my latest ten on ten), and it was "strung" together with safety pins. The lighting was tricky for me to get great pictures. I'm such a newbie.

Tegan looks amazing, you can barely tell she's pregnant! In fact, her last pregnancy she was so petite (and right now she's laughing hysterically that I called her petite), that she flew in for her shower during the very end of her 8th month, with no suspicion from the airline, then proceeded to give birth a week later. This woman is awesome. And she'll make the best mom to a girl... but hopefully not in a week this time! I can't wait to meet her next month!

Tegan, with Amanda, Mel, and me.

SURVEY: wedding wonder!

2012-01-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one who already has wedding season on the mind?
I have several exciting events this spring & summer to be thinking about, one of them a good friend's engagement party.
I need your help with a little game I'm putting together, and I'd like to get as much input as possible!
Answer the questions below in the comments section (just one word or short phrase answers), and send your friends to join in the fun as well... pretty please?
I'll post the results next week, and explain the game... in case you want to file it under obsessive party planning (some of us call it OPP) for future use!
THANKS so much for playing along!

adorable image: Style Me Pretty via Pinterest

1. Which is the most appropriate age to get married (minimum)?
2. How much money should be spent on the engagement ring?
3. How long should an engagement last?
4. Where is the best place for a destination wedding?
5. Which is the best month to get married?
6. How much time goes by during a wedding ceremony before the guests get bored?
7. Name a flower every bride wants in her bouquet.
8. What part of the reception do guests most look forward to?
9. What cake flavor would you be most excited to see the bride & groom cut into?
10. Name one thing every couple does on their honeymoon.

Cookie Monday

2012-01-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

*sneak peek of Tegan's 'books & bloomers' baby shower luncheon!

I make iced cookies for parties pretty often, and here is my yummy go-to recipe:

{Lemon Shortbread}
makes about 24 shaped cookies, depending on size

3 sticks unsalted butter, room temp.
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. pure lemon extract
3-1/4 cups a.p. flour
1/2 tsp. salt

1. Cream butter & sugar until light & fluffy. Mix in extracts. Slowly incorporate flour & salt, until dough nearly comes together to form a ball.

2. Divide dough in half, forms into disks, and chill in plastic wrap at least an hour or so.

3. Once firm to the touch, roll out on a slightly floured surface.
If too firm, just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

4. Cut out shapes (you can re-roll scraps 2 or 3 times), transfer to cookie sheets, and let sit in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking, to really set the shape.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350.

5. Bake re-chilled dough approximately 12 minutes, until edges are barely golden.
Since there are no leaveners in this recipe, and if you pre-chill the dough properly, it shouldn't change shape much. If you want extra clean edges, sometimes I re-cut the baked dough immediately after it comes out of the oven.

6. Cool the cookies on a wire rack, before icing...

To pipe the icing, like the cloth diaper cookies above, I use this royal icing recipe, tinting with gel food coloring, and using small plastic bottles for piping.

For a more rustic look, like the 'pink lemonade ponies' I made for Claire's Cowgirl Party last year, I make a super simple lemon icing with just powdered sugar and lemon juice (mix the two until the consistency is thin but nice & spreadable, like syrup), and just slop it on, the messier the better.

Either way, you can't go wrong! Allow the icing to fully harden, before packaging. The sweet and tart cookies are crisp, but still slightly soft & flaky. And they look cute! Perfect party favors.

birthday brownie trifle

2012-01-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

This super simple dessert is a serious crowd pleaser every single time. I mean how could layers of gooey brownie chunks and vanilla ice cream not be amazing?

Bake 2 batches of brownies, cool completely, then cut into chunks.
(I don't think it gets better than Ghirardelli when it comes to boxed mixes.)

Let 2 containers of ice cream soften just slightly, about 10 minutes at room temperature.
(I use about two whole 1.5 quart containers.)

Start slopping it together. Alternate layers of brownie and ice cream until your heart's content.
Really pack it in there!

Cover with plastic wrap and freeze at least 2 hours... then let it sit out again a few minutes right before serving. Something special happens when everything smooshes together then macerates in the freezer.

I topped this particular trifle with crumbled chocolate chip cookies, to compliment the cookie dough ice cream, as requested today by Birthday Girl Amanda. You can add hot fudge... or whipped cream... or both.

This is obviously a very complicated recipe, which requires precise technique. Try not to be too intimidated to try it.
You'll miss out.

fun with the toilet!

2012-01-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

Please enjoy an example of Cole's daily antics (and his extensive vocabulary).
Please ignore the messy bathroom (and the awesome lighting).

ten on ten: january

2012-01-10T22:27:00.000-08:00

ten on ten: Take a photo every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of each month.
Document a day of your life and find beauty among the ordinary moments!

*stationary: sarah and abraham
*fabric: purchased locally (alphabet & green scalloped = Moda)

hello, 2012.

2012-01-09T21:13:00.001-08:00

I can never decide if it's more depressing or more thrilling to send the kids back to school, following vacation. Our Christmas break was perfect. We didn't get out of our jammies much, but we did take advantage of this crazy warm Northern California record-breaking weather! January usually starts the same for me... some sort of whole foods detox plan, intentions for slightly more exercise {translation: any exercise at all}, and new spiritual goals. But I came across this great list that Lesley of Recipe for Crazy posted last week, and I love the way she described it: "many simple, doable things on his that serve as great daily reminders of how to live"... seriously inspiring! Every single item strikes a chord with me. Okay, and maybe #27 would be blog more often.
{from Lesley}:
And now to kick off a new year in blogging with for a few more of my favorites from our winter family shoot. Feeling so blessed.
{incredible photography}: Photography by Shawnee
{fabulous sofa}: milk glass vintage rentals
{fancy snowflakes}: my Kansas doilies, with edges wired for stability

water!

2011-12-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

It's underway! Day three of Project 320{2011}, and we are already nearly 20% of the way to funding Well number FOUR, through charity: water!

This year there are several awesome prize bundles up for grabs, each raffle hosted by individual bloggers. Check out the Linky below this post to start shopping... OR add your own link to the party! The P320 blog has all the details.

Remember that each $10 donation to our campaign earns one entry to your raffle of choice... and, yeah, that small $10 equals ten YEARS of clean water for just one person.

I don't have a bundle to raffle off this year. Instead, I made a small contribution to each of the P320 girls' bundles. Yep, go visit Erin, Heather G., Marta, and Mel for a great chance at winning two items of your choice from my shop... among tons of other amazingness!

I have lots of brand new headbands and little boys' bowties to be listed in the shop this week!

But winning one of the bundles isn't the only way to end up with some fun stuff! I was inspired by Julie's new incentive idea...

That is such a mind-boggling statistic. Somewhere in our small world there is a mom of four innocent BABIES- just like ME- who will lose them today, thanks to contaminated water... times a thousand. Disgusting.

If you donate $40, you will save four lives- lives no different than my 4 'C's.
And I want to support your generosity by happily offering your choice of my special Project 320 aqua scalloped bowtie or headband!

So if you have donated $40 or more this week, in addition to your 4 raffle entries (to ANY of the raffles), please come back and visit me- leave a comment below with your email address.

Also, the P320 bowties and headbands will be listed in my shop as well, and I will donate to our campaign $10 of each item purchased. You know, just in case you're looking for a last-minute gift that totally gives back!

THANK YOU for your support, yet another year!

Now glory be to God!
By his mighty power at work within us,
He is able to accomplish infinitely more
than we would ever dare to ask or hope.
Ephesians 3:20

lives CHANGED.

2011-12-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Wow. If this isn't taking advantage of fresh, clean water, I don't know what is!

Monday the P320 girls and I- with your help- launch year three. What started out as a small idea, a dream in our hearts, an impossible goal, suddenly became more than possible.

Together we have BUILT THREE WELLS.

YOU helped give three communities access to clean water.
To life.

To hope.

To a future.

Let's do it again!
Want to get involved?

Visit the 320 blog and be sure to check back here on Monday!

And let's make a lot more of THIS happen...

Cyber Monday: 25% off!

2011-11-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hop on over to CMhandmade today, for 25% off all headbands and bowties- perfect for the holidays, your family photo shoot, or just for fun!
{Just enter coupon code CYBERMONDAY25 at checkout.}
Support handmade this Cyber Monday! Happy shopping!

happy days: handwritten tuesday

2011-11-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

Tuesday's activity happens to go hand-in-hand with getting some happiness in the mail to Kevin's grandma, who has sadly had a really rough year health-wise. She is possibly the sweetest grandma in the world, and is the first to get handmade cards in the mail for all of us- never missing a single occasion. Grams is also the genius behind the best ever apple crisp.

We hope we could brighten her day with a little GOBBLE GOBBLE. And if have a chance to say an extra prayer for Grams and her brave husband, our family would be so grateful!

happy days: cookie monday!

2011-11-07T19:24:00.000-08:00

Are you playing along? Day one of the Happy Day Project focused on surprising your neighbors with a treat! Since I have already done cookies in a mason jar for our neighbors, we created cute take-out containers for four families... full of brownie-dipped Oreos.

Surely, everyone has seen some version of these delightfully amazing cookies by now, but here's a recap:

You'll need:
-box of brownie mix + whatever it calls for (have you tried TJ's truffle brownie mix?!)
-box of Oreos (makes about 24)

Then:
-Preheat oven to 350.
-Grease or paper-line 2 muffin tins.
-Prepare brownie mix according to instructions (you may want to add a splash of milk if it is really thick).
-Coat each Oreo with brownie batter & place one per muffin cup.
-Bake about 12 minutes...
That's it!

You will definitely make somebody's day with this recipe up your sleeve! I only hope your baking assistant is as cute as mine!

Next up for the Happy Day Project... a good old handwritten note. See you tomorrow!

and speaking of kindness...

2011-11-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today is the big reveal of Jeannett & Julie's Happy Day Project,
inspired by another random acts of kindess story, very similar to the one I shared yesterday!

Here is a sneak peek of what's on the agenda for next week...
I can't wait to get involved, and I hope you'll join me!
Spread the word!

thanks, kindly!

2011-11-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks and kindness, I think they go hand-in-hand. What better way to express gratitude than to be kind? Beginning yesterday, we are trying out a new praise-based reward system: Caught in Kindness. Specifically, we are working on sharing in your siblings' joy (less competition, more encouragement for one another) and respect for grown-ups (less back-talk, more serving with enthusiasm). The goal is to be caught being GOOD, and to fill up those envelopes with redeemable tickets. We'll see how it goes.

Instead, be KIND to eachother, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. -Ephesians 4:32

Also... a few great Thankgiving-inspired ideas worth checking out:

I just sent my family members the sign-up sheet for Blessed to Bless bags, as part of our Thanksgiving celebration. My favorite new tradition, thanks to Leslie!

Rachel started 'Thankful on Paper' last November. Love it!

This blogger celebrated her birthday by delivering Random Acts of Kindness all day. I'm thinking one per day, all of November.

And yes, just like eating turkey shouldn't be limited to November, we should obviously be practicing these acts all year... but Thanksgiving month is just too convenient a way to get our kids inspired and excited to bless others.

Halloween week

2011-11-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, November! I love October, but after a solid week of scrambling to finish costumes... a preschool party... a grown-up party... our annual family harvest dinner... an elementary school parade... and an overabundance of ~~crap~~ candy... I am so ready to put the Halloween decorations away! Festivities included appearances by Bert & Mary, Rapunzel, Mustard & Ketchup, a spooky bat, an adorable shark (and his poor victim), and the Giustino girls as the cutest ever peacock & ladybug! Camden and Leila are old pros at trick-or-treating now and pretty much wish they could go without us... which Chloe actually DID do for the first time this year! Will this be the last year we have all four kids in costumes?! *tear!*

Fall tastes so good!

2011-10-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

If you don't have a Trader Joe's, I am so sorry! Looking through my pantry, it is clear that I'm a seasonal food fan. And Trader Joe's SPOILS us in the Fall! Here are just a few treats you'll find in our house this month... Amanda even told me this morning she sent Bobby to work with a TJ's pumpkin cheesecake from the frozen aisle. Must've missed that one! What are your Fall must-haves?

The other day on Pinterest, I saw a 'Favorite Things' party idea: Each guest picks a favorite product ($6 or under) and brings five of them to the party. In a nutshell, everyone draws names and ends up going home with five awesome little things. So fun! Trader Joe's seasonal goodies would be perfect for this- during any season! My mom hosts an ornament exchange every December, but I think a favorite things exchange would be a cool alternative one year.

iso & aperture & shutter speed... oh my!

2011-10-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Last month I finally took the plunge and clicked my DSLR onto 'M'(anual)! Thanks to Ashley Ann's AWESOME online SnapShop, I actually understand what each of those terms above mean! It is so enlightening!

Learning to shoot in manual is definitely like learning a foreign language. Yesterday Chloe asked me if it is hard to learn to drive a car, and I explained that it was really a just matter of mastering a combination of several components, and that with practice it eventually becomes second nature... I thought to myself that photography is very similar. Composition plus the right camera settings is a lot to master in the short window you have to point and shoot, trying to capture every day moments. But just like with any new skill, Ashley emphasizes the importance of practice, practice, PRACTICE!

I still have a long way to go, and of course I already have a lenses wish list. Here's a little peek at my first "practice" session since the SnapShop... so go easy on me. Who better to practice on than a very cooperative and cute newborn?!

After taking these on Saturday, Kayla regretted not being in any of the shots, so we threw together a last-minute family shoot on Sunday! Another day to snuggle my new niece? No argument. We arrived at this field with about ten minutes of sunlight left.

Stella says, "Who is the crazy lady with the camera in my face every day of my week-long life?"

Stella.

2011-09-28T23:03:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we welcomed our niece, baby Stella into the world.
She is the cutest little bundle of squishiness.
Despite all the teasing from our family, Stella is NOT making me wish for another baby of my own...
Instead I am already busy planning future slumber parties, shopping sprees, and plenty of fun auntie time. I can't wait!

Children are God's best gift. -Psalm 127:3

feel better pops

2011-09-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Cold & flu season... hooray! Here's a little secret that's sure to soothe sore little throats and cool down warm bodies.

Citrus-Honey-Ginger Pops

fresh juice of 6 limes
about 1/4 cup honey (or to taste)
1 cup water
1 or 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced

Bring all ingredients to a low boil, then simmer 10 minutes.
Allow to cool completely, then transfer mixture to an ice cube tray.
About two hours into the freezing process, add lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks to each cube.
Freeze a few more hours, or overnight.

Enjoy as often as needed!

When my family is sick, I treat symptoms as naturally as possible. These pops are great because they are medication and sugar-free, but all of the ingredients have natural healing properties. And they are refreshing and delicious! When Camden was sick last week, I snuck a few when she wasn't looking!

Summer Recap {Wedding Day!}

2011-09-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

The wedding. Kevin's brother Bobby proposed to Amanda on August 20, 2010- 2 days before Cole was born. I'm pretty sure the day I got home from the hospital we were in full-on planning mode. Amanda's inspiration for the wedding concept came from a Trader Joe's bag, of all things! Red & kraft paper brown, with a casually elegant/homey backyard barbecue feel. Every single element of this day was DIY. EVERYthing! I was beyond thrilled to be the maid of honor/planning & styling assistant/seamstress. Our friend Tara did an amazing job capturing the day. We have been bugging the poor busy mom like crazy, dying to see all of the images! Here is just a glimpse of August 20, 2011... one of the most unique & fun events I have ever been a part of... an entire year of work, with help & creativity from the whole fam. It was a blast!

photography: Tara Oliver (Bay Area... email me for contact info!)
reception venue: Goal Line Productions
vintage rentals (red hutch, old doors, step ladder, white window, red chair): Milk Glass
girls' accessories (earrings & rings): Angel Face Designs

THANK YOU!

Summer Recap {Camping!}

2011-09-21T22:19:00.001-07:00

August brought our beloved annual family camping trip. This year even cousin Ryann (visiting from Arizona) came along. I was a little nervous bringing another baby to the mountains- Camden's first year was spent mostly in Kevin's truck. She wasn't a big fan. But the awful three-hour car rides aside, Cole loved every dirty second of it. And what's not to love about throwing rocks in the lake all day, going a week without bathing, and indulging in your very first campfire S'more?

Summer Recap {Fair Fun!}

2011-09-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

If you asked me about a Pinterest invite last week, please comment again but be sure to include your email address! :)
***

It was an unforgettable Summer of parties, trips, and weddings... and most of it went undocumented here. I enjoyed being in the moment with family and friends, chasing a growing baby, most days without a moment to spare. Even simply uploading a photo a day in my 'must be summer' series eventually became too much! The Autumn equinox is always bittersweet... Summer is my very favorite, and yet thoughts of scarves and fall baking are growing more welcoming by the day. So here we are in the final week, and I couldn't just let some of Summer '11's best memories sit filed in the computer, without sharing a few.

Fair fun will kick off Summer Recap week! The County Fair is one of the first things we look forward to once school gets out. And it is SO nice living within walking distance. My parents (aka Mimi & Gramps) joined the fun this year! This was probably Chloe's last year before being way too cool for the kiddie rides. Chayse is still weary of almost any amusement park ride (his expression says it all in the first two shots). And Camden is our little daredevil- throwing a fit at each line she's too short for (which is most!)... until it came to the 'big kid' rollercoaster that I had to ask the attendant to stop to let her off. Nothing beats tiny baby farm animals, chocolate-dipped soft serve, or money-wasting carnival games. It was a good day.

hint, hint.

2011-09-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

My BFF/new S-I-L received a doorknob delivery today.

I don't know how it happened, but
What to Expect BEFORE You're Expecting,
prenatal vitamins,
& pregnancy tests
found themselves wrapped in pink & blue
and made their way to Amanda's front porch.

I mean it has been four whole weeks since the wedding!

More kids for us? Not. a. chance.
Nieces and nephews? ASAP please!

eight.

2011-09-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

eight: Number of minutes following drop-off, before I was paged to retrieve a hysterical baby from his first day at MOPS. And boy, were they relaxing!

He'd much rather be home trying to master Daddy's skateboard! Maybe next week I'll get a whole 10 minutes!
***

eight: Number of fabric prints for my latest quilt.

For a baby girl! Not mine. DEFINITELY not mine.
***

eight: Number of days until the beginning of Fall.

I tried really hard not to make Grams' Apple Crisp until then. I failed. It was worth it.

1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10!

2011-09-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Last month, my oldest girl turned 10 and my little guy turned 1! Two huge milestones within a week. I knew I wanted to do a combo party this year, and play off the number idea, which is how I came up with this banner for their birthday photo shoot with Mel. I used this photo for the invitation, stitching each one to a piece of burlap, just slightly larger. I also new I wanted to use red, yellow, turquoise, and pink... and decided to leave the party theme at that!

Fabric for skirt, tie, and bunting are a mixture of my favorite prints ever, from Heather Bailey and Amy Butler.

Thank goodness for Kevin's parents for graciously letting us use their beautiful backyard, which is waaaaaaay bigger than ours!

The color scheme provided a great excuse to show off three of my favorite vintage pieces: red gumball machine, turquoise typewriter, and yellow scale.

Cole discovered how much he loves red licorice by accident, a few weeks before his birthday. Just like Uncle Bobby!

Just about anything would look cute in wooden berry baskets and striped bags!

Dinner: balsmic watermelon & cucumber salad... layered grilled chicken, asparagus & green beans, and smashed potatoes... tortellini pasta salad.

Doilies replaced the metal mason jar lids, making the drinks bug-proof, but with easy straw access.

We had blankets all over the lawn, in lieu of tables and chairs, so I thought it'd only be appropriate to serve the food picnic-style. Each guest had their own personal picnic basket, and chose from several sized to-go type containers.

Our August birthday babies.

The backdrop is just paper streamers sewn to a piece of wine, which we strung between trees.

Chloe with BFF, Peyton.

Birthday Boy and his date, Kenzie

The little girlies {aka: 4 of the mini-Hollas}.

Our 'C's: 1...4...6...10!

Games: Cornhole (beanbag toss) and Tic-Tac-Toe. Kevin is a pro at constructing Cornhole boards, leaving me to paint the stripes and make the beanbags. The Tic-Tac-Toe is just painted burlap, and I wrapped rocks with fabric for the markers.

Favors: Ruffled streamers (so easy!) sewn to brown paper treat bags filled with licorice, gumballs, and candy buttons.

The heat made for a major cake fail, resulting in... wait for it... STORE BOUGHT mini-cupcakes at the last minute. Thank goodness for my cute sprinkles.

But I sort of redeemed myself with this one, on Chloe's actual birthday the following day.

This party was simple casual, and fun... and was a two for one!
A great way to spend the last weekend before back-to-school.

Thanks, Mel for photographing!

Paper Straws & Striped Treat Bags: HeyYoYo

More Inspiration: Pinterest

on the menu...

2011-09-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Pinterest boards is the food collection... yum yum!
Eye candy for your appetite.

These two little treats had been on my mind since pinning them long ago, and made the perfect combo for my birthday dinner on Sunday.

grilled cheese reinvented
frozen coconut limeade

Both recipes just as amazing as they look!
Enough to justify the Pinterest addiction, even.

Could there possibly be a more fun way to menu plan?

Please let me know if you need a Pinterest invite! Cause you're missing out.

we've missed you!

2011-09-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

*photo by Camden

chloe is TEN! {SnapShop winner}

2011-08-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

Wow. I can't believe I'm a mom to a ten-year-old today.

Chloe is smart, witty, responsible, stubborn, creative, and an amazing big sister. I remember the words "It's a baby girl!" like it was yesterday.

When did she become a young lady?
Happy, happy birthday Chlo-bo! I am so lucky to be your mom!

Also celebrating today?

carrie!

Whoo-hoo! SnapShop or bust!
September registration closes this week, so go sign up while you have the chance!
(carrie- email me.)

Thanks so much to Ashley for offering such an awesome gift!
Thank you to those who chipped in to bring Davis home.
{including carrie... funny how that worked out!}
Thanks for all the fun & inspiration-y comments.

It has been an insanely busy summer!
I hope to be back to "regular" blogging SOON (whatever that means!).
Lots of party and wedding goodness to come...

Happy snapping!

captured: cole is ONE! {SnapShop giveaway}

2011-08-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

I don't know how it happened, but my baby turned one on Monday. Cole (aka Bert) is the definition of a mama's boy... big & happy, always flashing that buck-toothed grin, walking more each day, making mischief any way he can, and still hardly sleeping a wink. He truly completes our family, and we are so thankful.

I am blessed to have amazing photographer friends like Mel, who help capture special occasions and milestones. I think I can snap a decent photo, and rarely leave home without my dslr... but the truth is, I have never so much as thumbed through the instruction manual. It has long been a goal of mine to learn to actually shoot in Manual, but- not unlike many other aspects of my life these days- how will I ever find the time?!

Enter Ashley Ann's SnapShop. This online photography course is a self-paced, 3 week workshop for beginners, focusing on the basics, composition, lighting and more! (Click the link for more details.) How perfect does that sound? Do you want a chance to dive into the curriculum along with me?

I thought so! Super sweet Ashley is giving away one spot in her next online SnapShop, which will run from September 5th through September 26th, and is a $200 value. So exciting! Jumping for joy!

To enter simply leave me a comment telling me why you, too, NEED to take this course. What inspires you to capture the beauty of the everyday?

For extra entries, go visit my friend Amy and click that little ChipIn button on the right! For every dollar donated toward bringing their new little guy home, you will receive an extra entry! (Just leave ONE extra comment with your total dollar amount, please.) I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in January with both Ashley and Amy, two incredible ladies who have forever touched my life (and who did lots of Cole-cuddling so I could get a little CRAFTing in).

That's it! Comment away!
I'll pick a winner at random on Monday 8/29 at 4pm pacific time... also known as my biggest baby, Chloe's TENTH birthday! It's a big week around here.

{I particularly love the inspiring story behind SnapShop, and I think you will too.}

...one-year photo shoot by Mel Larson.

must be summer! {week 6}

2011-07-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

monday: canonball!

tuesday: zico. chocolate. so many delicious possibilities.

wednesday: {soon-to-be} bridesmaid dresses

thursday: guess who crashed Barbie's pool party!

friday: bachelor weekend send-off...

must be summer! {week 5}

2011-07-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

monday: freshly picked.

tuesday: team jeff & jordan!

wednesday: ~~dinner~~ dessert
*plate: thrift store find, avon circa 1982

thursday: mini-playdate

friday: bike derby

***
How are we already halfway through summer?!

must be summer! {bridal shower edition}

2011-07-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

This summer brings multiple weddings {yay!}, and this week we celebrated bride-to-be Amanda, who is engaged to Kevin's brother, and also happens to be one of my best friends. This whimsical, vintage-inspired shower has been dancing around in my party planning obsessed head for almost a whole year. It was really more of a mini-wedding. With the help of our families is was SO much fun to put together a day all about Amanda!

{Photography by Melissa Larson}

I love monograms. This framed 'A' was inspired by the adorable baby shower Ashley Ann threw last year. JoAnn's has these kraft paper letters in several sizes, I just wrapped one in a paper doily and jute twine.

The door, red chair, and step ladder come from my friend PJ, of milk glass vintage rentals. Her stuff is so fun!

Remember the sewing pattern pom-poms from this tutorial? Vintage Pyrex from No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane made perfect flower containers. I used mostly white hydrangeas, ranunculus, and yellow pom-poms.

I made this bunting from fabric rectangles and burlap semi-circles. They have twine ties at the top of each flag, because I wasn't exactly how much space I had, so I needed to be able to add or remove flags without ruining it.

I borrowed the giant mason jar for cucumber mint water from Heather G. and the striped paper straws come from the super cute shop HeyYoYo.

I mod-podged unfinished Ikea frames, and hand-stamped paper doilies (matted on burlap) for drink labels. We pre-poured drinks into mason jars, sealed them, and had them ready to go on ice.

The gazebo made the perfect dessert spot. Using the same cardboard letters, and sticking with the monogram theme, I covered just the letter 'A' in the word TREATS with red buttons, and hung them with baker's twine.

Here's the famous Ikea frame, spray-painted red. I used chalkboard paint on the glass to create the hanging dessert menu.

Delicious red velvet cupcakes by Amanda's other sister-in-law, Danielle. She has just recently started her own baking business!

I used pages from an old cookbook to make these silverware holders. They are just folded at the bottom and stitched up the sides. Stamped 'A' doilies are attached at the top with striped ribbon, leaving the perfect pocket for a napkin and antique silverware. (Remember the millions of pounds I lugged home from Kansas? Along with the vintage linens on the food & drink tables.) We used mix & match china from very trusting moms, aunts, and grandmas.

Jars of homemade Coca-Cola barbecue sauce were our favors. Coca-Cola is going to be a theme throughout the wedding, so I wanted to use it here and there at the shower, too. The lacey kraft paper was a random local find, and was perfect for a custom stamped label.

Danielle, Amanda, and mother-of-the-bride Anna.

Auntie Sis even made a special trip from Arizona.

Chloe took this last shot of me, Tegan (our September bride), Mel, and Heather G. {{holla!}}

...Next up? The WEDDING! August 20th, here we come!

must be summer! {week 3}

2011-07-02T01:03:00.000-07:00

monday: pasta salad dinner on the patio

tuesday was not invited to the party this week, thanks to the buckets of rain it so rudely dumped on us.

wednesday: fruit & ice cream, two of summer's main food groups {the third being s'mores.}

thursday: fun with friends. {these, these, & these}

friday: concert in the park, gummy bears, & more friends.

Lovely.

2011-06-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

After getting to know Heather Hamilton a little bit through her blog, I knew I needed her in charge of totally updating my blog design. She. is. AWESOME! This new design is exactly what I had envisioned. She took my many crazy requests and created perfection. I LOVE it. Thank you so much, Heather!!!

{{{our3cs.blogspot.com is now officially www.COOKIEMONDAYS.com!}}}

Oh, and the 'shop' button up in the right corner? Coming to Etsy later this summer...

must be summer! {week 2}

2011-06-24T23:06:00.000-07:00

monday: swimming lessons

tuesday: thank goodness for AC.

wednesday: sunbathing spectators {ten months today!}

thursday: nightlights

friday: slippin' & slidin'

must be summer! {week 1}

2011-06-17T15:58:00.001-07:00

monday: water & dirt

tuesday: late afternoon nap

wednesday: chloe's famous pancakes

thursday: garden hose

friday: juice box slushies

the creamy filling

2011-06-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

Brace yourself: the mystery behind Camden's birthday dessert is about to be revealed.
Nope, it's not ice cream. Sandwiched between these gigantic chocolate chip cookies is a ridiculous amount of the following deliciousness:

Cream Cheese Buttercream (sounds super creamy, huh?)

6 oz. softened cream cheese
half a stick of softened unsalted butter
box of powdered sugar
1 T. good vanilla
pinch of salt

Dump in your mixer and blend until smooth and... creamy!

Perfect piped or plopped on just about anything. I have actually spread this on a piece of french bread for a late night snack. Better than butter!

And there you have it. Creamy chocolate chip cookie sandwiches.

In related news, I am officially raising a baked goods snob. Chloe had her end-of-the-year class party today, aka pizza & cake. Her response when I asked her how it went?

"UGH. I had ONE bite of the cake. It was one of those cakes you get at the store. Gross."

I have no idea where she gets it.

happy 30th tegan!!

2011-06-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Tegan is the best friend one could ever hope to have in their life.
I am so sad not to be celebrating with her today!
But, I suppose we did a lifetime of celebrating those crazy years we lived together.
Because, really, how can you top pink streamered suburbans, limo adventures, black licorice cocktails, or... candy g-strings? You can't.

If you aren't a Tegan fan yet, go follow her now! She's too awesome not to.
Happy, happy birthday!

upcycled pillow

2011-05-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

I heart pillow making. After discovering this tutorial with Meg and the girls a few months ago, button-up shirt pillows are my new favorite, next to envelope-style closures. I'll never ever go back to zippered or non-removable covers.

Using one of your husband's old shirts (or Old Navy clearance rack) provides an instant pocket for stuffing in the pillow form, and eliminates most of the sewing work!

With this particular ruffle pillow, the knit ruffles can come from an old tee as well, so pretty much the project is FREE.

Of course, I'm partial to turquoise ruffled anything, but you know Kevin's been in the room...

When you find it like this. He actually set it up like that for the picture. Such a dork.

On another note, my blog has been so neglected lately. Sad face. Life is BUSY!
Summer is oh. so. close. I cannot wait.
And big changes around here are coming... soon. Happy face! Stay tuned.

banana+brown sugar+bacon

2011-04-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I made this banana cake... only I added 6 slices of crispy crumbled bacon to the brown sugar topping. Hello, sweet and salty deliciousness!

It was the perfect post-game treat for these little guys... who at this point may very well care more about the snack than the T-Ball itself. Who can blame them?

take a seat.

2011-04-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

photo: Mel Larson
My dining table had been in desperate need
of some fun new chairs.

Kevin had this set long before we met.
They've seen better days.

I found these treasures at a local antique fair a few weeks ago.
I spent $64 on all four of them.

Technically, I'm sure they've also seen better days,
but they are new and happy to me!

Different heights for different-sized kids. Perfect.
The old schoolhouse chairs are my favorite.

They totally brighten the room.
And now, I'm in search of a cool bench
for the other side of the table!

The fun never ends.

hoop art show off!

2011-04-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I participated in Life Made Lovely's hoop art swap, and now we're all linking up to show off our finished products! I loved doing this, and can't wait for the next swap! I was lucky enough to be paired with Lindsay of Paint Me a Picture. She wanted something special for her "creative space".

I LOVE it! The turquoise... the 'C'... the California... the yellow painted polka dots... Perfection!

Thank you, Lindsay, and thank you, Heather, for hosting!

soopr speller!

2011-04-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

The phonetic spelling of a Kindergartner is priceless.

25 cents.

2011-04-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

Why did I end up with 40 random old sewing patterns in my Joann's cart?

a) I've had big plans to make sewing pattern tissue pom-poms when I could find enough patterns for the right price.

b) Thank you, 25 cent clearance bin.

I got several 10x15 inchers out of one pattern...
$10 for over 100 pom-poms.
They'll be put to very good use this summer!

Tinies

2011-04-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Does it get any cuter?

In case you live under a rock, for every pair of TOMS you buy, a pair is given to someone in need.

There has never been a better excuse for shoe shopping!

Even for a seven-month-old.

DIY clipboard message center

2011-04-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

I recently found this old frame at an antique fair for a couple dollars. Inspired by the clipboards Meg made us in January, plus a newly empty wall next to my laundry/craft room, my Mod Podge started calling my name. I had some vintage paper sewing patterns to upcycle (they came as wrapping in a package from this girl), but you can use scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, or even fabric for this.

I painted the section of wall to frame out in Martha Stewart's Cornbread (one of twelve tester colors for less than $3 at Home Depot!), then hung the clipboards & frame. I love that the original wire hanger is exposed. Perfect for hanging a few mini clothespins.

This project is so simple and easy that I even made a few for the kids using coordinating fabric from their bedding:

{last 3 photos: Melissa Larson}

hoop art swap!

2011-03-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

{photo: Mel Larson}

Tonight I am finishing up my embroidery hoop to send off as part of this swap.
How fun is this idea?!

My obsession with these only grew during the Kansas trip. It was one of our CRAFTS!
My hoop wall is in progress... many aren't done yet, and I have a few to add.

I can't wait to see what my partner has in mind for me!
I'm swapping with her, so I think I'm pretty darn safe.

Cookie Monday: iced sugar cookie tips

2011-03-28T21:16:00.001-07:00

I love making iced sugar cookies- although the mess I make in the process is at the top of Kevin's pet peeve list- and recently got to create some sparkly glass slippers and some cute owls for two good friends...

(Kate's Party)

(Gianna's Party)

Rolled & cut sugar cookies may seem evil,
but here are a few simple tricks:

1. I use Ina Garten's shortbread (lack of leavener prevents much rise) and
this royal icing recipe (calls for meringue powder, not egg whites- easy peasy).

2. Try rolling pin bands (consistent thickness is helpful!), and roll between layers of plastic wrap, so you avoid adding lots of extra flour.

3. Dough should be well-chilled throughout the whole process. I like to stick my rolled out dough in the freezer for 15 minutes right before baking.

4. To get even crisper edges, dip the cookie cutter in warm water and cut again immediately AFTER removing baked dough from the oven. You have to work fast!

5. I use gel colors to tint my icing. It's potent! You only need a dab.

6. Plastic squeeze bottles are so much easier than piping bags. Use a fine tip for outlining and a slightly wider one for filling in ("flooding").

7. Work assembly line style, and don't rush! It takes lots of time & practice. Allow drying time in between layers/colors.

8. And finally: Clean the kitchen as you go, so your husband won't ban you from future baking for friends.

Cookie Monday: Camden's Cookies & Milk Party

2011-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

sources:
photos: Mel Larson... Thank you!!
invitations: sarah + abraham
cupcake liners, baker's twine, paper straws: Bake It Pretty
paper hats, mini rolling pins: Growing Cooks
baking cup garland & hat ideas: One Charming Party
most apron fabric: Hawthorne Threads
vintage creamer flower bottles: Milk Glass Rentals
cute party girls: Chloe & Camden, Leila & Gianna, Kate & Claire, Camryn & Addison

*Linking up to this week's edition of Blessed Little Nest's Life Made Lovely Monday!
I hope Camden always remembers how lovely this day was for her.

she's four.

2011-03-09T22:22:00.001-08:00

happy, happy birthday, stinky!

happy.

2011-02-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

[styling & photo by Camden]

[can you guess what's going on here?]

*****

Congratulations, Becca!

HAPPY TALK is yours!

Thanks to all who entered the Shabby Apple dress giveaway.
Don't forget to take advantage of the 10% discount!
[coupon code: cookiemondays10off]

Have a happy day.

six months!

2011-02-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

Happy half-birthday, Baby Boy!
Where does the time go?

xoxo

best banana muffins

2011-02-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

These simple muffins make the perfect breakfast treat!

1 stick unsalted butter, room temp
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon maple syrup
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup sour cream or organic low-fat yogurt
2 small ripe bananas, mashed

Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin tin.

1. Beat butter and sugar until light & fluffy. Mix in eggs (one at a time), vanilla, and syrup. Scrape down bowl.

2. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into wet ingredients. Mix on low until just incorporated. Scrape down bowl.

3. Add sour cream (or yogurt) and banana. Mix and scrape.

4. Spoon batter into 12 muffin cups. Bake for 24-25 minutes.

Watch little hands have at 'em!

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

2011-02-17T04:03:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the fabulous
Shabby Apple?
Of course you have.

Shabby Apple is one of the cutest vintage inspired online

boutiques out there, offering stylish women's dresses
(including maternity) and little girls dresses.

Their collections are timeless.
It is impossible to pick a favorite!

{Penelope and Odysseus}

{Jardin}

{Mt. Greylock}

Shabby Apple is also commited to the fight against global poverty. Through their charitable work with women throughout Asia and Africa, they are able to convert dress sales into lifestyle changes for women and children. Love that!

{Happy Talk}

Shabby Apple is generously offering my readers the chance to win 'Happy Talk'- which is brand new this Spring- part of the South Pacific collection! Two sunny, spiraling rosettes adorn the bodice, while the simple, elastic-drawn waist gives a perfect fit to every shape. Falling just below the knee, the straight skirt has a retro feel. Oh, how I love summery yellow dresses!

In addition, they are offering Cookie Mondays readers a 10% discount on all their other great stuff!
{coupon code: cookiemondays10off}
You have no excuse not to go shopping immediately.

***comments are now closed! thank you!***

You'll have up to four chances to enter the 'Happy Talk' giveaway:

1. Comment, telling me your favorite Shappy Apple dress. It's gonna be hard.
2. Go 'like' Shabby Apple on Facebook, then leave another comment.
3. Go 'like' Cookie Mondays on Facebook, then comment again.
4. Share the love. Blog, tweet, or FB about this giveaway, then leave one more comment!

Comments will be open through next Wednesday 2/23, and a winner will be chosen at random and announced on Thursday 2/24. Winner will have one week to claim their prize!

Open to U.S. residents only.

I love this guy.

2011-02-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

With several small children in the house, our environment is rarely conducive to one-on-one quality Mommy & Daddy time. So when a day like Valentine's rolls around, we do our best.

I made Kevin my version of the first Valentines dinner out that we shared- even though I knew he wouldn't make the connection. He brought home my favorite bottle of chardonnay- even though he knew I'd take about three sips.

Chloe was kind enough to take the little kids upstairs, so we could engage in some serious adult conversation over dinner for once. We covered the day's happenings on Facebook, rose ceremony predictions, and whether or not we should go tanning prior to our San Diego trip next month (his idea). I think it took a total of two minutes before they were all circling the table again.

Dishes. Laundry. Baths...

Fast-forward to bedtime and we (I) dive into the Trader Joe's ice cream sandwiches, then both pass out on the couch during House.

Another romantic Valentine's evening at home... good thing I had the world's best husband to share it with. I wouldn't have it any other way.

(Kevin on the walk to the Farmer's Market last weekend...
Walk in a straight line? Ridiculous. Hard core Parkour? Of course.)

Cookie Monday

2011-02-14T21:44:00.001-08:00

{happy heart day to me.}

pie testing

2011-02-12T21:58:00.001-08:00

The Northern California weather has been incredible.
We love farmers market Saturdays, especially when it's this nice out!

I can't wait for summer produce.

After years of walking past the amazing aroma of the rotisserie truck, we finally bought an organic free-range roasted chicken and rosemary potatoes last weekend.

To die for! Our new Saturday afternoon tradition is a chicken, potatoes, a loaf of fresh Santa Cruz bread, and whichever veggies look yummy. Sandwiches couldn't get any better.

And to top it all off, pie.

As I've mentioned, Amanda & Bobby's wedding will be very homemade, right down to dessert. We will be hand baking around 50 pies (ten or so varieties). And so, between now and August, we will be testing pies!

Last night I made Lucinda Scala Quinn's Old-Fashioned Apple Pie, using her cream cheese crust. I think it's a really good recipe. It's very tart and not overly spicy, which should be a great contrast to some of the sweeter pies. The crust is light and flaky, not mushy. I'm more of an apple crisp girl, unless the crust is really good.

Can you help us out? We are on the hunt for the best pie recipes to try. What are your tried and true favorites?

valentine(ish): heart-free.

2011-02-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

How to trick your too-cool 'big' kids into dressing festively at their Valentines class parties:

smooth as a baby's...

2011-02-10T21:19:00.001-08:00

Cole is the first {and final!} baby I've gone the cloth route with. One thing I LOVE is the cloth wiping. Based on cost and eco-friendliness alone, I'd never go back to solely using disposable wipes. But truly the greatest advantage for me is the beautiful baby bottom left behind.

We went through a period of serious diaper rash his whole first month, while I was using organic cotton balls and plain water. So I started experimenting with different combos of natural ingredients to find a good homemade cloth wipe solution, and this is the one that finally made a world of difference. Literally within a few diaper changes any sign of a rash was completely gone, and has never been an issue since! Obviously every baby's skin reacts differently, but I just love this!

One batch lasts me about 2-3 days.

Mix:
1 cup distilled water
2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon tea tree oil

Pour into some sort of squeeze bottle (like the one from the hospital), and squirt directly onto the skin, or onto the cloth wipes.

Tea tree oil- a natural antibacterial- is amazing and I could do an entire post on it, alone.

As for the cloth wipes, I made 25 or so before he was born, which for me is enough to last the two days between washes. They are about 7" square and double-sided: organic bamboo knit, and organic french terry. I do keep Seventh Generation disposables on hand for really messy jobs and for travelling. I find them to be the most sensitive commercial baby wipes available.

But even if cloth isn't your thing, consider trying a vinegar/tea tree solution for diaper rash as an alternative to your typical zinc oxide cream!

Happy wiping!

share the love!

2011-02-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

Camden's first sharing day at school.

I spent a little time cleaning up my neglected sidebar.

<-------------------------------------------

Still a work in progress, but it was waaaay overdue. The header is next on my list!

When I started blogging I was always eager to link up to all the cool blogs I was slowly discovering, over in the sidebar... but what to do when you get to following a bazillion of great blogs?! You feel guilty for not having all bazillion buttons up!

I love the idea {like many other bloggers have had} of instead linking up to favorite posts, tutorials, ideas, recipes, products... So my new 'Share the Love' section will be chock-full of good stuff and ever growing. Keep your eyes peeled!

I hope you are inspired.

rescued

2011-02-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

I spotted this gem on the back of my neighbor's truck yesterday, just before a dump run. Yet another treasure for our ~~graveyard~~ garage.

This summer I get to be in not one, but two friends' weddings- Tegan's in September and sister-in-law-to-be Amanda's in August. So my brain is spinning in planning mode pretty much constantly.

Amanda and Bobby (Kevin's brother) are going rustic antiquey/casually elegant/fun backyard barbeque style. Colors are creamy white, "paper bag" brown, and barn red... lots of burlap, wooden elements, old Coke crates, and homey handmade touches everywhere.

I'm not sure how yet, but I know this old hutch will make a fabulous addition somewhere. For starters, I'm thinking a few coats of paint... knocking out those door panels and inserting chicken wire... finding funky old hardware. Maybe even adding fabric covered panels to the back.

Any grand ideas??

Cookie Monday

2011-02-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

We greeted our new neighbors with a jar of chocolate chip cookies today. Baking half-tablespoon sized balls of dough makes small enough cookies to fit inside wide-mouthed mason jars.

This was also sort of a practice run for a part of Camden's 4th birthday party next month. Yep, you guessed it! A little girls' cookies & milk party is in the works.

what not.

2011-02-06T20:23:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of fan kiwis?

Yeah, me either. But when I asked the lady at the farmer's market (and I quote): "What is up with your kiwis?!" She insisted they were a special variety. They were organic... they were 75 cents each... so why not? I do find it slightly sketchy that I can't find a thing about them online. Hmmm.

Superbowl Sunday...

Somehow Heather and I left all the kids home with Kevin and Tony while we shopped, then crafted. (Crafted?) We also managed to rack up a $75 take-out bill... for just pizza. Oh, and we promised the guys that recording the game while they picked up the pizza would be fine. How were we to possibly predict the DVR was too full, and the final two minutes would be cut off?

I thought my (new) vintage doilies were antique white.

Turns out they were full of antique filth. Ashley told me I'd be surprised at the color change after a good OxiClean soak. She wasn't lying.

Oh, the sunshine? It was in the 70's today. Sorry, snowed-in people!

Guess who can sit up?!

Just long enough to realize he needs to get those toes back in his mouth ASAP. Yes, I am aware they look more like fingers.

Happy birthday, Holly!

My favorite Christmas gift this year was from my Secret Santa, my sister Holly. First off, how could you not get excited by an Anthro box? But I never imagined it'd be this cool frame with a photo of when we were probably two and four. I love it. And I can actually remember wearing those PJs! Thanks for the awesome haircuts, Mom!

[happy sunday!]

Wordful Wednesday: Manipulation

2011-02-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Then Sarai said to Abram: "This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she's pregnant she treats me with contempt..."
Genesis 16:5

How often do we manipulate and concern ourselves with the business of others, then pass the blame for the whole mess?
Something to think about...

friends.

2011-02-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

Could this room get any happier? Nope.

At what point in one's life...

2011-01-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

does

this

away?!?!

Chayse's Lego Party

2011-01-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

Chayse picked a LEGO theme for his party this year, which worked out perfectly- we have a new Lego building shop in our area that hosts parties! He invited a few buddies from school, along with his siblings, for a one-and-a-half hour lesson in building and engineering concepts! It was perfect. The kids loved it and stayed busy & focused the entire time, and there was no clean-up for the grown-ups! Yay!

Just a few handmade touches...

Favors were mini take-out boxes full of Candy Blox, which actually link together like real Legos! The boxes were each topped with a LEGO minifigures pack, and a Lego head pop. I topped marshmallows with an m&m, using melted chocolate as glue, stuck them on lollipop sticks, dipped into yellow candy melts, and piped on little chocolate faces. Chayse added 'Thanks' tags to the sticks.

For the pizza & cake table, we used square plates and polka-dotted napkins that looked like the tops of Legos. Mini water bottles reminded me of Lego heads, so I wrapped them with yellow paper and drew on funny faces.

This was a really fun party idea, especially for an "older" kid, who may not be into themed parties much longer. *sniff-sniff* Our Lego-obsessed kids were ecstatic to have literally any size/shape/color LEGO at their fingertips!

Wordful Wednesday

2011-01-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

"But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock with him in the boat. He sent a wind to blow across the earth, and the floodwaters began to recede."
Genesis 8:1

God remembered. He remembers.
No matter how long the storm- days, months, years...
No matter how high the flood...
God will remember.

the sixth year

2011-01-11T14:57:00.001-08:00

WordFUL Wednesday

2011-01-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

2011 Challenge 1:
This year I am taking part in Wendy Pope's Read Through the Word, a daily online Bible study following the One Year Chronological Bible.

I was not raised in a religious family, nor did we go to church regularly. It was my parents' intention to let my sisters and I decide on our spiritual path individually, for which I am grateful!

As an adult, it has been exciting to discover what that journey is for me. A Bible Study class like this is something I've been looking to get involved in for a long time. It's been great to finally fully jump into the Word! Each Wednesday, I'd like to use my blog to share some of my take-aways from the week.

“So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

Cookie Monday

2011-01-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas my father-in-law, Bob, and I were talking about the goodies his mom made this time of year, when he was little.

I was intrigued & inspired when he said that she would take sugar cookie dough circles, and fold them in half with an orange slice candy tucked in.

I love citrus flavors in sugar cookies, and I LOVE orange slice candies!

So guess what Bob got for Christmas this year? I adapted the method a bit, but I could see the nostalgia in his face when he bit into one. He loved them. I loved them. Kevin did not love them. (He hates orange in baking... whatever.)

Orange Slice Sugar Cookies

-about 16 orange slice candies, diced

-your favorite sugar cookie dough

Mix candy chunks into the dough. Drop generous tablespoon sized balls of dough onto a lined cookie sheet. Bake according to your recipe. YUM.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

{photo: Tara Oliver}

four months

2010-12-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

a well and a winner!

2010-12-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

You did it! Another well fully funded, and then some!

In just one short week,
hundreds of people- just like me and you-
have been guaranteed the gift of
clean drinking water for years to come.

Thank you to each and every one of you who donated time, talents, and resources to be the change
for an entire community this Christmas!

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31:20

***
Thanks to all who used their entries for my New Moms bundle!

And the {randomly selected} winner is...

Kelli!

Congrats! Email me, and this could be on its way today!

***
The fundraising campaign will continue through January.

Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.
Ephesians 3:20

Project 320 raffle: New Moms bundle

2010-12-15T11:50:00.000-08:00

This bundle consists of five must-haves for mom & baby, a total value of about $85.
Keep them for you, or save them for a fabulous baby shower gift!
{Entry info below.}

handmade infant carrier tent
{keeps out glaring sunlight, your preschooler's germs, and the crazy lady at target.}

handmade adjustable nursing cover
{baby's gotta eat, whether or not plopping your boob out is appropriate at the time.}

handmade water droplet onesie
{long-sleeved size 3-6 months}

signed copy of Totally Desperate Mom by Wendy Hagen
{hemorrhoids, poop, and break-downs... it's all in there.}

Martha's Holiday Cookies magazine
{just cause we love cookies!}

***
Here's how it works:

One $10 donation to the Project 320 Well equals ONE entry.

Donate at the Project 320 charity:water page first, then come back to this post and leave one comment for each entry.

$10 equals one entry...
$50 equals five entries.
{Which may be divided amongst participating blogs!}

Make sure that either your email is attached to your profile, or is included in each comment.
Comments will stay open until midnight pacific time on Sunday, December 19th.

Donations will be verified, and one winner will be chosen to receive all five prizes on Monday, December 20th!

Win prizes. Save lives. Thank you for having the heart to make this earth a safer, healthier, happier place for a community an ocean away.

{Be sure to click over to the Project 320 blog and check out all of the other wonderful giveaways!}

ten on ten

2010-12-10T22:22:00.000-08:00

ten on ten: Take a photo every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of each month. Document a day of your life and find beauty among the ordinary moments!

nine

ten
{photo by Camden Kate}

eleven

noon

one

two

three

four

five

six

Cookie Monday

2010-12-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

Posts around here have been few and far between these days. *tear*

[...she types one-handed with drooly, fussy baby on lap....]

Lucky for you, Mel is hosting a virtual cookie exchange today!

Go link up & share the Christmas cookie love!

Here we go!

2010-12-01T21:48:00.000-08:00

December already?!

It's my favorite time of year. Christmas songs may or may not have been gracing my car since before Thanksgiving. But the best part of the season for me, by far, is the giving... and watching my kids learn the importance of gratitude, while experiencing the magic, creating new traditions, and carrying on the old.

photo: Mel Larson

Here's what's on my mind today...

The Project 320 girls are working on something big... details coming soon!

***
Blessed to Bless bags for the homeless. I want to give away as many of these as I can this season.
'They should just get a job' may seem like an easy conclusion to jump to, but I'm not going to be the judge of that!
Tonight we filled 10 quart-sized bags for about $35- less than my family spends on a typical dinner out.
Times are definitely tough for all of us, but I'd rather sacrifice a few dinners out this month, if it means a tiny, simple blessing for someone else really in need.

***

three months

2010-11-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

operation christmas child

2010-11-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of Samaritan's Purse national collection week for Operation Christmas Child. But it's not too late to get involved! You can also mail your donation... go here for details. Your kids will love packing shoe boxes for children their own ages {hello, Target dollar spot!}, and I can't think of a better way to kick off Thanksgiving break!

"...'You're far happier giving than getting.'" -Acts 20:35

ten on ten

2010-11-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

ten on ten: Take a photo every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of each month. Document a day of your life and find beauty among the ordinary moments!

{I shot my photos a day early this month, as part of a
compilation today on Mama Manifesto.}

9 am: Clean laundry pile.

10 am: Smiles & a silly singing sister.

11 am: Quick cruise before school.

noon: Errands in my new ride (aka minivan... finally).

1 pm: 'Hi, I'm Cole. I refuse to nap unless I'm in the car. The second mommy takes me out, I wake up ready to be entertained. Good thing I'm cute!'

2 pm: One of many piles o' randomness... just the tip of the neglected housework iceberg (see 1 pm).

3 pm: 20 minute lapse between picking up kid 3 and kid 1... enough time to climb a tree.

4 pm: Diaper change #6, and counting!

5 pm: 'Daddy's working late & I'm not cooking with a baby in one arm' homemade roasted chicken dinner.

6 pm: My helper gets a bit more than she bargained for.

it's ba-ack!

2010-11-09T07:25:00.001-08:00

Remember last year's Scarf Along?

Are you up for an inexpensive and fun sewing project that leaves you with three happy, handmade gifts for the holidays?

Oh My! Handmade Goodness will be the place to be tomorrow, the 10th.

I've updated the instructions, creating one basic tutorial style post, simple enough even for beginning sewers.

Go change your rotary cutter blade, and join me tomorrow!

What's the point?

2010-11-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Thursday, at the park:

Chayse: [on the slide] "Camden, will you come over here and play with me?"
Camden: [on the swings] "No, thanks."
Chayse: "CAMDEN! That's the whole point of brothers and sisters!"

This morning:

Mommy: "Chloe, do you want to blow dry your hair?"
Chloe: "No."
Mommy: "What I meant was, go blow dry your hair please."
Chloe: "MOOOOOMMY! Then what's the point of even taking a shower?!"

Yep, our kids know it all.

thankful on paper | week one

2010-11-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Thankful on paper:
Let's use the power of the written word to show our Thankfulness this season. We all have so much to be grateful for. Let's tell one another how much we love them.
Head here for more details on how to take part!

week one:
CHLOE

I chose to write to Chloe this week. Chloe reminds me so much of myself at her age. She is extremely mature, and me so often being caught up with the littler kids, I tend to forget to express my appreciation for her help. Since Cole has arrived, she makes breakfast for herself and the others every single school day, packs her own lunches, folds her own laundry, helps me out with dinner, entertains Cole while I shower, and makes sure Camden is read to each night. Really, I don't think I could get through the day without her.

Did you know you should praise your children ten times per behavior correction? It's hard work, and Chloe deserves more praise. I have found this article to be a huge encouragement for building your kids up, and promise to work especially hard when it comes to her... maybe as hard as she works to make my day run smoothly.

I am so thankful for my daughter,
Chloe.

october's end.

2010-10-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

school parade, 2010

2010-10-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

{starring officer chayse, chief of kindergartners...

and 'salt', with her bff, 'pepper'}

You want thingamabobs? I got twenty!

2010-10-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

After much indecision, Stinky finally settled this week on being Ariel, just in time for her class shindig today. I finally dusted off the sewing machine! Fabric for this entire costume cost under $7, plus the $5 Target tee. Gotta love felt & tulle!

{Ariel and her best bud Fancy Nancy.}

two months.

2010-10-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

Baby Cole...

Today you are two months old.
I love you more every day!

You love:

...being held
...riding in Daddy's car
...looking at you big sisters & brother
...your bright colored toys
...taking a bath
...kisses on the neck

...tickles under the ribs
...snuggling in your carrier
...being swaddled
...sleeping with Mommy
...sucking your fists (both if possible)
...getting massaged after your bath, especially your feet

You are full of real smiles and starting to giggle. You say "AAAHH" and "A-GUUUH"

You're still not the best sleeper, during the day napping in the car, and sleeping from about 9 pm to 2 am... then tossing and turning and grunting from 2 to 7.

You are in cloth diapers about 50% of the day. I use cloth wipes 100% of the time, and wonder why I ever bothered with disposables with the other kids.

You're in 3-6 months stuff, but quickly outgrowing it all. You need a new beanie cause it's getting cold, and yours no longer cover your ears.

You had your first round of shots today. It was a very cuddly day and I didn't mind at all.

Your hair is growing in and you officially have more than Daddy. He's a little bitter.

You weigh 14 pounds, ten ounces. 97th percentile. And 99% for height. Do you think you'll be taller than Mommy?! Probably by third grade.

You hardly cry, unless you're startled. You get really fussy when your diaper's wet.

Chloe is your mini-mom... Chayse makes all kinds of noises to keep you happy in the car... Camden is so rough with you (out of love... and maybe a wee bit of jealousy), I would never leave the two of you alone together! You make the perfect baby brother.

I am getting used to the sleep deprivation, and things are slowly getting back to normal around here. I like the new normal. You're my Rolley Polley!

XOXOXOXOXO

spooky spiders!

2010-10-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

pumpkin pizza

2010-10-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

gather:
-store bought pizza shell, cut into pumpkins with a large cookie cutter
-your favorite marinara
-shredded cheese
-green bell pepper chunks
-salami triangles
-black olive slices

your kids assemble...

you bake (450 for 10 minutes)...

everyone enjoys!

i heart faces | in the orchard

2010-10-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

For this week's photo challenge, I love this shot of one-year-old Camden from a trip to Apple Hill two years ago. You can barely see it between her fingers, but that's a teeny tiny apple in her hand. I definitely heart that little face!

Vintage CM: Easiest Apple Crisp

2010-10-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

{taken from my post on September 14, 2009}

The BEST {easiest!} Apple Crisp Ever.

Today is Apple Crisp Monday. Fall has officially arrived when you have the aroma of apples & cinnamon coming from your oven.

I've been lucky enough to have this recipe passed down to me from Kevin's 'Grams':

Yields 6 servings, but you can see on the right side that she noted
amounts for time and a half (9 servings).

Click to enlarge,
Make it,
Share with a friend.

Happy Sunday.

2010-10-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

We have been focusing on selflessness, praise, and "growth opportunities" with these little guys, and if you too are raising siblings, I highly recommend reading this.

"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." (James 3:16)

blog action day | water!

2010-10-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

What does water mean to me?
Remember Project 320?

Last year we raised over $10,000,
enough to build two wells in two communities...
offering life, hope, and a future.

Are you ready to do it again?

Today is Blog Action Day, so let's take action!
Let's see what God has in store.

Head here for details.

Vintage CM: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Squares

2010-10-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

{originally posted January 19, 2009}

Here is one of the desserts I made for Tegan's shower. I am not a huge cheesecake fan, but I love using vanilla bean, and I LOVE this recipe! The citrus gives just a hint of background flavor.

Ingredients:

CRUST:
*12 graham crackers (each 2 1/2 by 5 inches)
*3 tablespoons sugar
*5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
FILLING:
*2 bars (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
*3/4 cup sugar
*2 large eggs
*finely grated zest and juice of 1 medium citrus fruit (1 to 2 teaspoons zest and about 3 tablespoons juice) {this time I used blood orange}

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*1/2 vanilla bean, scraped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
1. Make the crust: Line bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. In a food processor, blend graham crackers with sugar until finely ground; add butter and pulse until moistened.
2. Transfer crumb mixture to prepared pan, and pat in gently (wipe processor bowl clean, and reserve for making filling). Bake until beginning to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. While crust is baking, make filling.
3. Place cream cheese in food processor; blend until smooth. Scrape down the bowl well, and add sugar, eggs, zest & juice, and vanilla extract & bean; blend until smooth.
4. Pour mixture onto hot crust in pan; smooth top. Return to oven, and bake until set (filling should jiggle only slightly when pan is gently shaken), 30 to 35 minutes.
5. Cool completely in pan. Cover very loosely with plastic wrap; chill until firm, at least 2 hours (and up to 2 days). Use foil overhang to lift cheesecake out of pan. Cut into squares; garnish with citrus slices if desired.

pooped out!

2010-10-08T23:53:00.001-07:00

...just like his mom.

Regular blogging coming soon, I ~~hope~~ promise!

C is for...

2010-10-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

Happy National Homemade Cookie Day!