Ciao Bella

Moving on~

2012-01-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

In an effort to simplify in 2012...I have decided to combine my two blogs, "Ciao Bella!" and "...and Lucy makes 6!" It seems most of my followers here on this blog, follow my family blog anyway...so the transition should be easy peasy!

My original intention was to keep my family blog strictly about my family and have this blog be about things I love...what I have realized is that what I love (cooking, crafting, photography, fashion, books, etc)...IS about my family AND about who I am

So...the "new" Ciao Bella can be found

HERE

(I will be deleting this blog within the week, but all my posts are on the other blog :)

whew...hope that makes sense!

Books I read in 2011!

2011-12-30T02:19:00.000-08:00

My goal in 2011 was to read read read...and I did just that!!

I put a * next to some of my favorites!

Heart of the Matter

Cold Tangerines *

Room *

Bittersweet

The Help **

A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table

As Husbands Go

My Life From Scratch

Chasing Harry Winston

A Vintage Affair *

Red Hook Road *

Cinderella (As If You Didn't Already Know the Story)

Last Night at Chateau Marmont

The Swan House *

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt **

Three Cups of Tea

Thumbelina, Tiny Runaway Bride

Zoo Story: Life in the Garden of Captives *

One Day

Debt-Free U

Three Weissmanns of Westport

Water for Elephant

What Alice Forgot *

Crazy Sexy Diet *

The China Study **

The Kind Diet

Rob Lowe : Stories I only tell my friends

The Cookbook Collector

The Beauty Detox Solution

Clean Start

The Hunger Games *

Catching Fire (The second Hunger Games) *

The Luxe *

Envy: A Luxe Novel *

Rumors: A Luxe Novel *

Splendor: A Luxe Novel *

A sweet gift exchange~

2011-12-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

I have a group of wonderful friends that I have met via the Internet...truly special lovely ladies!

A few of us did a small gift exchange this year. My friend Catie came up with the idea of an "Altoid Tin" exchange...where we would empty a tin and then we each put our own twist on it!

Lisa created this darling "evening out survival kit" for me!

It is covered in faux leather, a gold toggle clasp, and the darling flower on top!

Inside she tucked in a mini Altoid tin and a Burt's Bees lipstick in Guava!!

I LOVE Burt's Bees!!

but seriously...can you stand the mirror inside?? She trimmed it out with gold ric rac...so cute!!

There are SO many ways you could take this idea!

I will share the tin I made for my friend Denise a little later because she hasn't opened hers yet :)

Deck the Halls {Around the House}

2011-12-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

~kitchen~

~family room~

~living room~

~piano~

~foyer~

~entry~

Deck the Halls {The Library/Office}

2011-12-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

So, if you remember back in this post....I "renamed" our office "the library"
Well, when I stumbled on this photo last week, I knew I must make a book tree somewhere in my home~

So, this is what I created in our little library/office
If I had the space to do big tree like the inspiration pic...I WOULD!

Lucy and I did a little craft project one night, and made the paper chains and snowflakes
I love how they POP against the chocolate brown of the walls~
(pretty obvious I love color and pattern :)

Usually during the holidays, when it comes time to wrapping presents I hole up in my bedroom on the floor, but this year I decided to make a small wrapping station

I love having everything right there at the ready!

I put my favorite papers in a metal tub and I am ready!

"brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things"

Deck the Halls {Outside}

2011-12-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

As much fun as I have decorating inside...I love decorating outside too!

This year our outdoor table didn't get covered like it normally does, so I decided it was in need of a little vignette
It is so fun looking out the window and seeing this on my table, instead of a tarp!

It seems every year I do something different on my porch

The past couple of years I have kept it pretty simply, so this year I wanted it to feel "lived in" like an outdoor room

On my wreaths I used some vintage webbing that a friend sent to me, and wrote Merry and Christmas on each of them

We have had the sled since our boys were very small, so a few packages were the perfect touch

We didn't do alot of lights on our house this year, so this little tree and the snowflake lights give just the right amount of twinkle

My wooden book stack sits on my bench all year long, so a little leopard ribbon and a snip of boxwood dress it up!

I LOVE having my boxwood urns out year-round, but every fall I add in the branches to give them height, and then for the Holidays I like tucking greens around the base

Thanks for stopping by!

Hot Cocoa Station 2011~

2011-12-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

Every year I love creating a Hot Cocoa Station for my family
My kids love that everything they need is out and ready to be enjoyed!

The Santa mugs are ready and waiting...HO HO HO!
I started collecting these a couple of years ago. I look for them at thrift stores, and really love the ones I find that have someone's name painted on the bottom...it warms my heart to think someone sat and handpainted his jolly little face.

Grand Opening {My Etsy Shop}

2011-11-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

I am excited to share my new etsy shop with you!!

I love crafting
I love making gifts
and sometimes when I love something, I make a whole bunch :)...so an etsy shop seemed like the perfect place for those things.
I hope to add more handmade items, and maybe even some fun treasures I find along the way...so stop in from time to time!

Giving Thanks~

2011-11-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving~

Cheers!

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Whoopie Pies {In My Kitchen}

2011-11-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

...and the Pumpkin train moves on :)

I really have no idea how I stumble upon some of these recipes, but once again,
I am so glad I did!

Thank goodness for GOOGLE and the ability to go back and find the source :)
This recipe is from Curly Girl Kitchen, and WOW are they delicious!!

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Whoopie Pies

(makes about 3 dozen cookies / 18 whoopie pies)

pumpkin snickerdoodles:

•1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

•1 cup granulated sugar, plus 3 tablespoons, divided

•1 egg

•1 teaspoon vanilla

•1 cup canned pumpkin puree

•2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

•1 teaspoon cinnamon, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons, divided

•1/2 teaspoon salt

•1 teaspoon baking soda

•1 teaspoon baking powder

•2 teaspoons cream of tartar

cream filling:
•1 egg white

•2 tablespoons milk

•1 teaspoon vanilla

•2 cups powdered sugar

•1 stick plus 2 tablespoons (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

1. Make the cookies:

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and 1 cup sugar on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for 1 minute. Add the pumpkin and beat until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cream of tartar. Turn the mixer to low speed and add the dry ingredients by spoonfuls to the batter. Mix just until combined.

Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for two hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. Form the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls and roll in the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Place the balls 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper. Bake for 12 minutes.

Slide the Silpat or parchment paper off the cookie sheet and cool cookies completely.

2. Make the cream filling.

Using the whisk attachment on your mixer, beat the egg white for 2 minutes until foamy. Add the milk and vanilla and beat for another 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and the butter and beat for several minutes to combine. Add the remaining cup of powdered sugar and beat for 8-10 minutes until cream filling is very light and fluffy.

Spoon dollops of the filling onto the underside of half the cooled cookies and top with another cookie. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Seeing the difference {Photography}

2011-11-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

I was one of the lucky winners of a giveaway to participate in Lisa's (The Long Road to China)
photography course
"Get out of the Auto zone"
We have had 3 on-line classes so far, with this week being our last
I can't say I "totally" get it, but I am "getting" it!

Here are a few of my "homework" assignments that I shot in MANUAL :)
while sitting on my porch...I still cannot believe that I took these with my kit lens!

These two below really proved to me what can happen when you turn that dial to Manual
This first photo I took in manual

and the photo below, I took in Auto w/no flash
I cannot believe the difference in color..the above is so vibrant
so..needless to say, I am convinced that I must
"stay out of the auto zone" :)

Its November!!

2011-11-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that today is November 1st...it means

~the insane month of October is OVER for my sweet hardworking husband

~my sweet boy comes home for break in a little more than 2 weeks

~Thanksgiving is a mere 3 weeks away!

~I still can make LOTS of pumpkin goodies...like these pumpkins scones with maple glaze

~the fireplace will be on more often

~we will celebrate Blake's 17th

~I am left with this memory of Halloween night :)

~there will be LOTS more soup being made

~the Christmas music will be playing...NON-STOP

ahh...I love November!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

A little look at Halloweens Past...

n
Pink Swan ~ 2010

Cheerleader ~ 2009

Little Bo Beep ~ 2008

Have a fun and safe night!

Violated

2011-10-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, someone came into our home, while we were sleeping and stole my Macbook

MY Macbook...it was MINE

Toby bought it for me 3 years ago for my birthday, and I loved it...I had begun to use it as my personal filing system

It had everything on it...all my pictures, all the videos I had taken of Lucy since she came home, all our passwords, all my inspiration files, all my recipe files

I just can't get over it

I can't get over the fact that someone was in OUR home while we were sleeping

and

I just can't get over the fact that someone stole MY memories~

Pumpkin Pie Popcorn {In My Kitchen}

2011-10-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

I really have NO idea how I stumbled on this recipe from Family Bites, but let me just say...

I am SO glad I did!

Pumpkin Pie Popcorn!

I am NOT kidding...you MUST try this

(are the CAPITAL words getting my point across :)

It is a delicious caramel popcorn with a hint pumpkin pie spice

Pumpkin Pie Popcorn

10 cups air popped popcorn, salted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syurp
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Coat a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray, and dump the popcorn into the bowl, taking care to pick out and discard any unpopped kernels.In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water.

Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Continue to simmer, whisking often, and bring to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for about 2 minutes, whisking occasionally. Immediately remove the pan from the heat, and whisk in the baking soda and pumpkin pie spice.

Quickly pour the hot caramel over the popcorn. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the caramel into the popcorn, taking care to distribute it as evenly as you can. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 1 hour, stirring and turning the popcorn with a spatula every 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, and place on a cooling rack for 20 minutes. Gently break up the popcorn, and serve.

**I made two batches of popcorn in my Whirly pop, and it was the perfect amount**
**I only put in 1t of pumpkin pie spice, so it wouldn't overwhelm my kids :)**

I dare you to not eat the whole batch!!

I'm a little obsessed with Pumpkins :)

2011-10-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

I have gone a little crazy with the pumpkins this year :)

Every time I walk into a grocery store...I look to see what they might have

Cinderella pumpkins have always been one of my favorites, and so are ghost pumpkins, but the many colors and shapes of squash are so fun too!

Yesterday, I stopped in Walmart and they had a big box of unusual looking pumpkins :), and my cart on "auto pilot" headed right for them...I found the one below

and I loved this one because it looks EXACTLY like a faux pumpkin I already have!

And to think, we haven't even been to the pumpkin patch yet :)

My Fall Porch

2011-10-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

I love Fall

I love porches decorated for Fall

❖

Here is mine this year!

HERE is 2010

❖

HERE is 2009

Rain Rain Go Away~

2011-10-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

This October is marked as being one of the wettest on record here in the Pacific Northwest...no big surprise really.

I have a first grader to walk to and from the bus stop, which means my umbrella is getting lots of use... so I started hunting around for fun umbrella stands.

Here are some I found...

I really LOVE this boot stand from
ZGallerie

via

Owls are quite the rage right now...LOVE it!

via

I found these two photos on Pinterest...

both cute DIY options with metal buckets

CUTE riding boot stand also from

ZGallerie

via

This is another great DIY option...it was a stand found at a thrift store, painted and she added a monogram decal...LOVE it!

via

Do you have an umbrella stand??

LARA Bars {In My Kitchen}

2011-10-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

I ♥ LARA Bars!

My friend Catie turned me on to these bars of goodness!

They are the perfect snack...gluten free, dairy free, soy free and Vegan

These sweet treats are made of basic natural ingredients, fruits and nuts...how much simpler could it be??

The only downside, is that they can be an expensive little habit :)...so with ingredients that simple, I decided to try making my own!!

I went with two of my favorites :)

❖

Cashew Cookie

1/2 cup cashews

1/2 cup whole pitted dates

(makes approx 4 bars)

~add cashews and dates to your food processor

~blend until ground and mixture sticks together...you really don't want to chop too much so you still have some texture :)

~place mixture on plastic wrap and form into bars

❖

Cherry Pie

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup whole pitted dates

1/3 cup almonds

1 tsp cinnamon

(makes approx 4 bars)

** follow same directions as above**

~wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator to keep fresh!

If you have never had a LARA Bar, give them a try...
if you LOVE them, make your own!!

Do You Ever.....

2011-10-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

make baked apples??

I had a few apples that were past their "crispness" for me, so I showed Lucy how to make baked apples.

My Mom used to make these for breakfast, and I truly forgot how delicous they are!

{Baked Apples}

4 apples

1/4 cup brown sugar

1t cinnamon

butter

raisins, pecans or anything else you might want to add

boiling water

~Preheat oven to 375

~wash apples and with a paring knife cut out stem and use a spoon to dig out all seeds making a hole 3/4 to 1 inch wide

~place apples upright in an 8x8 baking pan

~mix brown sugar and cinnamon and fill the center of each apple

(and raising, nuts, etc)

~put a small pat of butter on top of each apple

~pour about 1/2 inch of boiling water into the pan

~bake 30 to 40 min or until soft...but not mushy!

~serve warm (with vanilla ice cream is yummy too!)

What a perfect Fall dessert!!

Today...

2011-10-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

I was "excused" from jury duty

and

the sky looked like this much of the day

so, I drank lots of this

{tea with a candle lit for my friend Emily and her Mom}

spent a little time working on this

and reading this

{I LOVED Rob Lowe in the 80's...I thought for sure we would get married :)...glad things didn't work out that way :)}

A Homemade Life

2011-09-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to my local Library, and listened to Molly Wizenberg share her inspiration for this book!

I have to admit, I have never gone to listen to an author before, but have gone to two in the last month...it helps that they have been so close as my library...and have loved it!

I loved hearing Molly share about her Dad, her love of preparing and sharing food, and hearing others in the audience mention that they tried some of her recipes from the book and LOVED them (the chocolate cake was a BIG hit..and Molly even made them for her wedding cake!)

Molly lives here in Seattle and is author of the blog Orangette. I also learned that she and her hubby Brandon opened Delancey, a NY style wood fired pizza place, in Ballard that I am anxious to try.

If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it!

Speaking of "homemade"...I shared THIS recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Latte last Fall, and it is so delicious.

However, it you are not wanting to buy the "jug" :) of Pumpkin Pie Sauce (if you share this with a friend it works out great!) or the sugar content....then Lori has shared a recipe for a version using REAL pumpkin!! I can't wait to give it a try!

AND...on another "homemade" note...I had seen this on another blog, I can't remember which one...but knew I needed to make this for Lucy and her Baby :)

a milk jug swing!! :)

Have a great day!

Fabulous Fall {and Pinterest}!

2011-09-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

My most favorite time of year is here!

Not only is it my favorite for the colors, but for the fashion...I LOVE fall fashion

and, I LOVE Pinterest! Have you started pinning?? You can see my boards here...it is fun and a great way to keep "inspiration" filed away!

These outfits have been pinned and repinned on so many boards, and for very good reason, they are so cute and so easy to duplicate!

I also found this cute idea on Pinterest too!

It is from HERE, and she has kindly provided the free printable

my family is SO doing this!

So, what about you?? Do you love Fall as much as I do??

Lucy's Lunchbox {In My Kitchen}

2011-09-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

This is Lucy's first year taking lunch to school, and I really wanted to keep it healthy and fresh. I love the idea of "bento style" lunches, so that is what we are going for this year.

We found this cute lunch bag (which Lucy loves because you carry it like a purse :),

and then we went to our local Daiso, which is a japanese store that carries a huge mix of containers specifically for bento boxes.

Lucy loves eating this way anyway, a little of this and a little of that :) so this is perfect for her.

We found these cute pink and white containers, and then there are little silicone muffin cups and containers (cucumbers, watermelon, and proscuitto roll are in them), and then to top it off we got the cutest little picks to use for the fruit and veggies.

Is this NOT the cutest lunch??

And another fabulous thing...zero waste!

Boom Boom Pow Knockoff!

2011-07-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Deborah Lippmann's Boom Boom Pow polish is all the rage right now....

Lippmann Collection Nail Lacquer - Boom Boom Pow

at $20 a bottle (yes, it does contain 24-karat gold dust), I was NOT interested.

So...I did a little research and found that Sally Hansen had made something similar

at only $3 a bottle...NOW I was interested :)

I first applied 2 coats of Essie's Sand Tropez (love that color)

Essie Spring 2011 French Affair Polish, Sand Tropez

and then added two coats of Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear, Set the Stage....

I love this type of glitter polish because there are some bigger flecks mixed in, it does not cover the entire nail, and for me, makes this look more "wearable".

So, I think this is a .....

BOOM BOOM WOW!!!!

What I'm Reading!

2011-07-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

My lastest "haul" from the library :)

I just finished A Vintage Affair...I thought it was great!

Just getting started on As Husbands Go

I am anxious to get into The Beauty Detox Solution...I had heard it was "similar" to Crazy Sexy Diet, but some liked it better...we shall see :)

Clean Start is a "clean eating" cookbook, I am anxious to check out the recipes :)

I need to get reading...I have two more books to pick up from the library that I have been waiting for, Cutting for Stone and Room: a novel!!

Perfect Iced Coffee {In My Kitchen}

2011-07-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

I love Iced Coffee in the summer...BUT I usually don't love it when I make it using our coffee leftover from the morning...it always tastes too diluted for me.

So...I was reading the Pioneer Woman's blog and, of course, she showed me how to make the Perfect Iced Coffee...the trick, "cold pressing"!!

So...here is how I made mine!

Take 2/3 cup of coffee grounds and mix with 3 cups cold water...

let this mix sit out on your counter overnight...

in the morning pour through a filter into a container to keep in the fridge...I used the filter basket from my coffee pot and a regular old coffee filter ( I think the PW uses cheese cloth...no need :)...

fill your glass with ice, pour 2/3 full with your cold coffee and add milk (I use non-fat) and something to sweeten if you need (I add a couple pumps of vanilla syrup)...

There you have it...the Perfect Iced Coffee!

Shabby Apple {Summer Sale!}

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

Do you love Shabby Apple dresses?

Right now Shabby Apple is having their biggest SALE ever!

20% Off...this includes their Sale Items and Practically Perfect Section!

Here are a few of my favorites....

So...head on over to Shabby Apple and see their adorable dresses!

What I'm Reading~

2011-07-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

My Life From Scratch...I just started this one...Gesine Bullock-Prado former Hollywood film developer and the sister of actress Sandra Bullock (LOVE HER!) leaves her career to move to Vermont with her Husband and open a patisserie...I am looking forward to it!

A Homemade Life...this one sounded good...the author lives here in Seattle and is author of the foodie blog Orangette

Crazy Sexy Diet....love this book. I have read through it, and I keep going back to re-read ...I am keeping this one until it's due date...might have to own it at some point!

(I also have The Beauty Detox Solution on hold, so it will be fun to compare the two)

Clean Food...on the heels of reading Crazy Sexy Diet, this has LOTS of great vegetarian/vegan recipes...now I am not either of these (yet), but am finding myself more and more interested :) Looking through this book last night, I saw LOTS of great recipes using clean whole foods...her motto "keep it simple...keep it natural"!

Chasing Harry Winston...this was a frivolous read and not my "usual", but since all the other books I was waiting for were still on hold I checked it out. It is acutally by the author of "The Devil wears Prada" which was a fun read, and this was too.

Homemade Granola Bars {In My Kitchen}

2011-06-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

I found the recipe for these Granola Bars from here

They were SO delicious, moist and SO easy...here are the couple of changes I made or will make in the future...

~I didn't have quick oats so I used Old Fashioned which made them not hold together as well..but still delicious :)

~Next time I will omit the 1/2 cup of brown sugar...with the honey and applesauce, the extra sweetness is just not needed

~I made mine with chocolate chips, cranberries and coconut...mmmmm!

~I also threw in a tablespoon or so of ground flax seeds and wheat germ :)

Give these a try...I think you'll love them!

A new {Favorite Thing}

2011-06-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

I had seen these in several magazines awhile back, and had been on the lookout for them...

well, I finally tracked some down :)

EOS Lip Balms

ok...first, are they not the cutest little things??

The flavors are (pink) Summer Fruit - smells like peaches

(citron) Honeysuckle Honeydew - yum!

(light blue) Sweet Mint - can't seem to find this one :(

They have lots of great qualities..

Organic

Paraben free

Gluten free

Petrolatum free

Phthalate free

Shea butter and Vit E

I had been looking for them in the cosmetic sections of Walgreens and Rite Aid (the only two stores I know of that carry them in my area), but found out they are in the aisle with Chapstick, Carmex, etc...just FYI

Just a new summer favorite!

My Green Smoothie {In My Kitchen}

2011-06-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

I have been making a Green Smoothie almost everyday!

It is so yummy and a great way for me to get some extra greens.

Here is how I make mine:

1 fist full of kale

1/2 apple chopped

1/2 banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

a little water (if I have coconut water, I use that)

a little crushed ice

*I have also added a little coconut oil and sometimes flax oil*

I blend this up in my little Magic Bullet and voila!

I have also seen other recipes using spinach, cucumber and pear...so I think I might give some of those things a try too!

Let me know if you make this, or have another recipe for me to try!

Cheers!

Bagels {In My Kitchen}

2011-05-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

Bagels were on my list of "must try to make"

So...I found this recipe and gave it a try.

The first batch I tried, I made the dough in my bread machine, and it just didn't turn out right...so I made another batch and this time I used my Kitchen Aid with dough hook...

and Voila!

I followed Emeril's suggestion of rolling the piece of dough into a log and then forming into a circle and pinching the ends together.

After I boiled them and right before putting them in the oven, I brushed them with egg white and sprinkled dried chopped onion and dried garlic granuals...next time I will add poppy seeds for a true "everything" bagel...our favorite!

These were SO much easier than I thought they would be and so delicious!

All Things Farmer

2011-05-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

I clicked on a link on my friend Catie's blog the other day called

All Things Farmer

and I have been hooked!

James Farmer is a landscape designer form Georgia, and in his "about me" this is what he said ...

"A glass of tea, sweetened, and garnished with lime; a garden lined with boxwoods and brimming with bouquets to be cut and arranged; a meal prepared with seasonal flair and flavored with soul; a home for comfort, classicism, and personal style…all things of delight, all things of warmth, all things of provenance… all things Farmer."

He had me at "tea" and "boxwoods"!

James has so many great recipes, and garden and entertaining ideas on his blog...AND he has a book coming out in September!

One thing that caught my eye was his recipe for

"the Farmer's tea"

His favorite iced tea is made with Lipton tea bags and one Earl Grey bag with simple syrup.

I am a HUGE Earl Grey tea drinker so I knew I would love this...and I do...you must try!!

If you haven't visited All Things Farmer...I highly reccomend it!

Today I.....

2011-05-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

am loving all the Grad announcements that are arriving....

hard to believe this time is near

spent some time planning this....

read this book to Lucy and have requested more from the library!

made this for dinner~

lasagna

salad

french bread

strawberries

Carmelized Brownies {In My Kitchen}

2011-05-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

I made these brownies this weekend for my Husband's birthday.

It is a Paula Deen recipe I found online made with a simple box brownie mix and a quick caramel topping...they were so delicious!

Caramelized Brownies

preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 box brownie mix

4 T butter

1 c chopped pecans

1 c firmly packed light brown sugar

Prepare brownie mix according to package directions, pour into a greased 9x13 pan

In a saucepan melt butter and add pecans and brown sugar ( at this point the recipe told you to stir until the sugar dissolves, which mine never did...I was afraid it would burn so I just stirred it until the consistency was a little like warm caramel :)

Pour caramel mixture over brownie batter and bake 25-30 min or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

(I doubled this recipe for nice thick brownies, so my cooking time was longer...I just kept an eye on them, and the center was a little gooey when I took them out, but once cooled...they were DELICIOUS!!)

Sundays {In my kitchen}

2011-05-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

My Sundays are slow...

They are usually filled with delicious smells...

My Husband works on Sundays, so I tend to stay inside (especially on days like this Sunday, windy grey rainy)...and spend time in the kitchen

This Sunday I....

Slow roasted Tomatoes

Baked Chocolate Chip cookies

I used the Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip recipe that my friend Catie shared!

My boys loved these as a change to our "regular" chocolate chip cookies!

Roasted Chicken breast and made Quinoa for lunch this week

and then went on to prepare dinner!

How about you?? Are your Sundays slow and cozy as you gear up for the week ahead?

"Royally" Thrilled!!!

2011-05-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

We had some family travel to London just days after the Royal Wedding, and they gifted Lucy this darling Paper Dolly Book straight from the UK!!

Can you stand Will's union jack briefs?!?!

ahhh....the famous blue engagement announcement dress!

I spy Hunter wellies!!!

oops...wasn't our Wills wearing a RED uniform on his wedding today???

This is such a treasure...we LOVE it!!

Pho`...Vietnamese Soup {In My Kitchen}

2011-05-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend recently shared a really delicious recipe with me for Pho`.

I have really wanted to make this for my family, and had been looking for a recipe that was easy, and one where I didn't have to cook a whole chicken to make it.

The recipe is from The Family Dinner Cookbook, which is now on my "to buy" list....and there is a great website that goes along with it

The Family Dinner

You can find the recipe HERE on Martha Stewart's website, which includes a video segment.

Laurie David was on Martha's show and made this soup. They call it "Vietnamese Teapot Soup". The cookbook is promoting family dinners, so the idea is that you can take the broth to the table in the teapot, and have all the vegetables on the table so everyone can customize their own bowl...fun idea!

I will also post the recipe below...and I marked some of the changes I made.

This recipe calls for chicken, but you could easily omit this and make it a vegetarian meal!

Ingredients

8 ounces flat rice noodles or cooked angel hair pasta - I used Chinese Egg noodles
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth - I use Better than Bullion
1 onion, halved
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled
2 whole star anise
1 stick cinnamon
~~2 tablespoons light-brown sugar~~ I didn't put this in
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed
~~1 tablespoon vegetable oil~~
1 bunch fresh leafy herbs such as mint, basil, Thai basil, or cilantro
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
2 tablespoons sliced scallions
2 medium carrots, grated
~~1 fresh red or green chile, very thinly sliced~~
1 lime, cut into wedges
~~2 shallots, thinly sliced or 1 small red onion, thinly sliced~~
2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce, plus more for serving - we used soy sauce
Juice of 1/2 lime
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Asian chile sauce
Hoisin sauce- we also had oyster sauce and sirachai sauce
** I also added in some bok choy after the broth was ready

Directions

If using rice noodles, place in hot water to soak; soak for 15 minutes and drain; set aside.
In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and brown sugar to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Add chicken and simmer until cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully skim surface of any impurities and discard. Remove chicken from liquid and cut into bite-size pieces; set aside, reserving liquid.
If using rice noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook, stirring, for 45 seconds. Drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer noodles or pasta to a large serving bowl; toss with vegetable oil and set aside.
Fill a glass halfway with water and arrange herbs like a flower arrangement; set aside. Place bean sprouts, scallions, carrots, chile, lime wedges, and shallots each in individual small serving bowls. Set aside.
Return chicken cooking liquid to a simmer; stir in fish sauce and lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Strain broth into a teapot and keep any remaining broth heated on the stove. Fill serving bowls as desired with chicken, noodles, herbs, bean sprouts, scallions, carrots, lime wedges, and shallots; add hot broth and garnish as desired with fish sauce, chile sauce, and hoisin sauce. Serve immediately.

Give this soup a try ...it is really delicious!!

Jeanne Oliver {Town & Country Collection}

2011-05-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

If you have not visited Jeanne Oliver Designs...you must!

Her new line the Town & Country Collections is fabulous!

What a talent!

Here is a look at her new Lookbook

Enjoy!

Do you ever...??

2011-05-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

make your own pita bread??

Bex recently shared the recipe she uses for homemade pita bread...so today I gave it a try!

HERE is the recipe I used

There is definitely a learning curve when making these...my first few look a little more like "naan" than pita bread, I think because I did not roll them thin enough. It is very cool to see how they "balloon" up in the oven, which helps to create the "pocket".

A couple of my thoughts after making these...

~ I started out using my pampered chef stone type pans, and switched to my metal sheet pan after the first batch and thought that worked better.

~I added rosemary to the dough as well...next time I will use "fresh" rosemary and add more, but it does add to the flavor.

~Mine definitely had to cook the full 4 min and a few of them I cooked a minute or two longer.

They really are delicious!

Today I ....

2011-05-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

spent some time refilling these, and making a list of what I need...I love buying lots of my staples in the bulk section at my grocery store and putting them in jars

drank one of these, since it didn't feel like winter outside....

sat outside in the SUN reading my new FAVORITE cookbook, and trying to drink more of that ☟...

roasted chicken to have on hand for a quick meal with brown rice...back to eating clean!

listened to practically every bloggers favorite on Pandora...must buy this on Itunes!

loving THIS website my friend Emily shared with me

and....I want to remind you not to pass up this color for spring...Nice is Nice

oh...and YES, I am still a little obsessed with this

Cheers!!

18th Birthday Bash!

2011-05-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we threw our son Powell an 18th Birthday Bash!

He invited a bunch of friends, and we included family as well!

I knew this might be one of the last "parties" I might actually throw for Powell with friends, so I wanted it to be special~

I had found some black,grey, white striped paper so that became my inspiration for the color theme, and then I threw in orange!

Being a "guys" party...I tried to keep things more masculine...no white table coverings, no crepe paper :)

I made one of Powell's favorite desserts, Cookies & Creme and put it in individual cups...

we also had LOTS of cupcakes!

I went through a bunch of old photos of Powell, and copied them into black and white and put them up on our pantry door...of course, his friends had LOTS of laughs!

....and of course, I couldn't help myself..I had to do a candy buffet!

After using the picture that I did for his invitation, I ordered candy cigarettes (good ol' Amazon!)...and then filled the jars with all of Powell's favorite candies!

(stickers are from Powell's Sweet Shoppe...I got these when we made our trip to Boise!)

I had such a fun time planning this party, and loved the way it turned out!

Some of my favorites so far...

2011-04-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

(all images from here)

I really cannot wait for the magazines to hit the newstands, I could pour over these photos for hours~

It was worth every waking moment~

2011-04-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

I woke at 1:15 am...went downstairs and started the tea kettle

My sweet Lucy wanted me to wake her so she could see the Princess marry her Prince, so at 2:30 Lucy and Blake joined me.

We had tea and biscuits...

I am so happy I got up and watched this live...although I might feel differently this afternoon :)

What a beautiful wedding...Kate is so regal and gorgeous, and William looked so handsome....

Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!!

Cheers!

Cheers! It's Wedding Day!

2011-04-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

A new video from my favorite Fashionista!!

2011-04-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Seemed fitting to post this today, since Lucy is using her London bag!

Enjoy!

Are you ready?? Will you be watching??

2011-04-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

This is so great...I am pretty sure, the real wedding will be a little more conservative :)

I better take a nap today...coverage here on the west coast begins at 1:00am...it's never too early for a cup of tea!

Cheers!

Happy Easter {reflection on my lenten sacrifice}

2011-04-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a blessed Easter~

I also want to take a quick moment and reflect back on my lenten sacrifice...

So..my 40/40 comes to a close this week, and I did pretty well.

I admit I did not cross everything off my list, nor did I purge a bag a day...and we never made it into the garage, but that will still happen.

It felt so good to get to the spaces I did, and it motivates me to finish up the last few biggies, like Powell's room before he leaves for college :(, paperwork in our office, and of course, that garage.

I will definitely do this challenge again...it is such a great way to really evalutate what you have and what is important!

Twig Herb Markers {Garden Craft}

2011-04-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

via

I had seen these little twig herb markers in my latest issue of Martha Stewart.

I made a bundle, tied them with twine and gave them with a few herbs as a birthday gift recently...they were so sweet.

Here is one I made for my English Tyme

I love how "earthy" and simple

A friend recently shared this idea with me, that she saw here...

a great use for all those wine corks :)!

A "Sweet" Easter decoration~

2011-04-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

My friend Martha shared an inspiration photo of this (she ALWAYS finds the best photos!!).... and I couldn't wait to make my own.

As I was putting in the jelly beans...I pulled out all the black...I LOVE black jelly beans...do you??

Water for Elephants

2011-04-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

update: I picked up this book yesterday...and I cannot put it down...it is terrific!

Have you read this book??

I have not, but I am thinking I need to before the movie comes out!

I think it looks fantastic!

Bottom Photos by Peter Lindbergh for Vogue

Check out these shoes!!

2011-04-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

You must check out this footwear designer's shoes...they are so creative and FUN!

Kobi Levi

Here are just a few....

(I have a friend "Catie" who really needs a pair of these :)

There are SO many more fun styles...you MUST check them out!

Progress Week 5 {40 bags in 40 days}

2011-04-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

LOTS accomplished here this week...at first I thought, not so much, but when I look at my list and start writing this post, I did pretty good :)

This week I tackled....

~Master Bedroom bedside table...found MORE videos from when the boys were younger that I had saved for Lucy, and she is just not interested, so off they went.

~Master Closet....I had done this not too long ago, but there were some things that had to go!

~Blake & Bennett's closet & bedroom...since the boys' were home on spring break this week, I got in their room with them, they HATE when I do that :)...and we purged!

~Foyer cabinet...this is where I store candle holders, candles, etc...I had done this recently too...so this became just a tidy up job :)

~Library :) armoire....I store my craft supplies in here...I really just tossed lots of junk!

(this bag is the perfect example of why I started 40/40...I hang on to stuff like this!)

A new favorite!

2011-04-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

I usually just buy plain Greek yogurt and add a drizzle of honey for my yogurt parfaits...but I was in the grocery store and Chobani was on sale, so I picked up a couple in this peach flavor to try!

It is so delicious...there are chunks of peaches without all the sugary syrup, and the yogurt is thick and creamy...really yummy.

I also grabbed a couple of the Vanilla, and Lucy loves that flavor!

Just had to share!

Cheers~

LONDON Calling~

2011-04-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

I am an Anglophile

I LOVE London

I love the union jack

I love the history

I love the royal legacy

I will watch the royal wedding :)

I love my tea the English way

I LOVED Princess Di

My girl Tracy Porter loves this too...and she is hosting a fabulous giveaway until midnight....so if you love all things London...hurry over and sign up!

My new Orange necklace!

2011-04-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

This week in the mail I received this fabulous orange necklace from my friend Virginia.

She said she had only ever worn it once, and thought it "looked" like me!

I love the 70's/vintage vibe of it! I really could just see it with white jeans, so I put together a couple of

looks that reflect my style!

Progress Week 4 {40 bags in 40 days}

2011-04-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

This week was a little different. I volunteered alot in Lucy's classroom, and had a couple of Dr. appts....so this week was not really broken down into days :)

The areas I tackled are:

~the drawers of my secretary

~under the kitchen sink

~the boxes on top of "my library" bookshelves

*the secretary went fairly quickly...the drawers hold things from notecards to recycled gift bags...so I went through and got rid of a TON of gift bags that I will not re-use and organized and purged the rest of the ~~junk~~ stuff :)

*under the kitchen sink...easy one...just lots of stuff that belonged in the garage that has been thrown here instead, and then just pulling everything out and wiping it all down!

*the boxes on top of my "library"...they are decorative boxes that I have been storing all my wooden stamps from my "stamping" days. Lucy had NO idea these even existed, so you can imagine the squeals when I opened the boxes. I let her choose some that she wanted to keep, and surprisingly, she was very particular about which ones she wanted...so, we have lots to give away!

I have to admit...I have been doing easy spots so far...I have left at least 5 days dedicated to the garage, and I just keep skipping over those days and choosing something else.

It is also Spring Break, here at our house this next week, and the boys bedrooms are on my list...so I think that is what Week 5 is going to consist of :)

At Home with Books

2011-03-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

I just checked this book out from my library, and it is crazy GOOD!

I love being able to get some books in my hand to see if in fact it is a book that I would want to add to my own library...and this one is!

It is full of wonderful personal libraries from Frances Fitzgerald, Michael Graves to Keith Richards, to name just a few...each eclectic and charming in their own way. There are interviews with each library "owner" about their early love for books, how they store them and how they chose to build their libraries...I have yet to read any of the interviews, I got so caught up in the pictures.

There is also a section in the book about how to organize your own library, and if you are running out of shelf space, which are books that might be obsolete.

(library of Michele Oka Doner)

I would love to own a home with a library...shelves that go all the way to the ceiling that I would HAVE to get a rolling ladder...ahhh.

I have decided our office will now be called "the library" :)...yes, even though our computer is in there and Lucy's play kitchen...the library it is!

(my "library")

So....do you too dream of your own Library??

Do You Ever??

2011-03-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Make Salmon Quesadillas??

My family loves these...they are a quick easy lunch or dinner :)

In a bowl combine...
1 can Wild Alaska Pink Salmon
Light Mayo*
Liquid Smoke*
( *both of these add to taste, some like more mayo than others, and with the liquid smoke...a little goes a long way :)

Spread on tortillas, add cheese (I use cheddar, but these are delicious with smoked cheddar too!)...and grill until cheese is melted and tortilla is golden.

mmmmmm!

Progress Week 3 {40 bags in 40 days}

2011-03-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

A little late in getting my Week 3 update done...but here it is!

Day 10 - Master Bath Cabinet... just lots of tossing old and unused products, and getting rid of one oversized cosmetic case!

Day 11 - Office Bookshelf...mainly just went through Lucy's books and got rid of the ones she doesn't care for (Sesame Street, Winnie the Pooh, etc...)

Day 12 - the backyard - spent some time cleaning out the ball bin, and some toys that didn't make it through the winter :)

Day 13 - The car - not much to do here but organize all my "green" shopping bags, and tidy up the center console

Day 14 - Master Bath drawers...cleaned all the drawers inside, tossed old makeup that I no longer use, and organized

So, I don't have bags to really show for this week because most of it was garbage...and these were really not areas in my home where things could have been donated...except for the books, there were a few :)

Sleep Over Coffee Cake {In My Kitchen}

2011-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I made this coffee cake over the weekend...again!

It is one of my FAVORITE recipes, and soo easy!

It got eaten before I could take a picture...sorry!

(recipe from Seattle Junior League cookbook, Simply Classic)

Jackets off & a book review

2011-03-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago, Pam, did a post on her blog about taking the "jackets" off her books on her bookshelf.

I love books.

I love worn books...

used books...

old books...

but I especially love their colors.

I had taken the jackets off all the books on my bookshelves in our office...but I had hesitated taking them off my cookbooks...I guess because I thought they would get "dirty"...but then Pam shared this picture and I was sold...the colors did it for me...

so this is my little kitchen bookshelf

It was an awkward cupboard, so I took off the door and made it the cookbook shelf....

and now that the jackets are off I love it even more...I love looking at the rainbow of colors...

I love the colors of the Serendipity Sundaes book!

I am so glad I did it!

I just finished this book...

and would only give it

✭✭

I thought of not finishing it, but kept hoping it would get better....

it didn't.

Dinner {In My Kitchen}

2011-03-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago, we had a gorgeous Spring day...and it was screaming for a healthy, light dinner...

brussell sprouts...my family loves these!

my favorite way to cook them is to roast with olive oil, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper!

Tilapia

I had been planning on making Tilapia and then saw on Paige's blog, she had shared almost this exact same dinner :), plus she made a sauce for the fish and shared the recipe...so I made that, and it was delicious!

I also made Coconut Jasmine Rice that Lissa had shared.

It was good, and my family was thrilled I made white rice for a change :)

So..there you have it, a healthy colorful meal!

I am looking forward to many more of these kinds of dinners, cooked on the grill and eaten al fresco!

What I have, want, am dreaming of.....{Fashion edition}

2011-03-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

have....

this super comfy sweatshirt!

this bright comfy tee! (a must in every color!)

want...

gold glitter TOMS for Spring

white skinny jeans

am dreaming of....

Michael Kors oversized horn watch...love!

...and now there are 2!

2011-03-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

I have shared my LOVE of these books here...

and today my second in the collection arrived, Hello Lovely!

You can get yours here!

Happy Spring~

2011-03-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here's to all things new, restored, and beginning!

Welcome Spring...I am so glad you are here♥

Progress {40 bags in 40 days}

2011-03-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well...everyday I tackle a new spot...the bags may not all be huge black bags...but I am purging and organizing!

Day 3&4 - I spent time in Lucy's room going through her closet and dresser.

Day 5 - (no bags to show for) I spent going through emails (deleting, responding, "filing") and I decided I follow too many blogs...blogs that show up on my "follow" list and I never actually read or comment...it was time to just keep my favorites!

Day 6 - Dining room buffet...just a small bag of dishes that I never use

Day 7 - the Pantry! This always feels great. Why have I kept the inside to the crock pot when the whole thing went out months ago?? People have crock pots for years...me...I have had TWO in the past five years...they just don't last!!

Day 8 - Family room armoire...got rid of movies (vhs) that do not get watched anymore...stray cords that no one seems to know what they belong too, and lots of dust :)

Day 9 - Powder room cabinet...mostly just almost empty sunscreen bottles and band aid WRAPPERS (does anyone else's kids do that? :)

so...another productive week...I can only imagine what Goodwill thinks during these 40 days!!

Day of Silence~

2011-03-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

My Everyday {Beauty} Must Haves!

2011-03-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

I have a very simple beauty routine everyday.

These are my everyday go-to products that I must have...the rest of the products I use (blush, eyeshadow, mascara), I tend to switch around color or brand...but these 5 always stay the same!

1. Target brand Witch Hazel
I used Proactive for years, and switched to Purpose soap, my Clarisonic (LOVE - which should be up there as a must-have!) and witch hazel, and it is working great!

2. Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller
I love this...I use it right before I start my make-up routine, and I do think my under eye is less puffy and not quite so dark...if anything, it is so cool on your skin it feels good!

3. Bare Minerals Foundation
I have used BM for at least 10+ years and would use NO OTHER foundation! I have oily skin, so I tend not to use a moisturizer/sunscreen in the mornings, so this foundation is great because it has a SPF 15 built right in!

4. Bare Minerals Warmth
I use this everday too...even in the winter I like to sweep this over my forehead, cheeks, chin, and a little on my nose for a "sun kissed" look. I use spray tan on my body so this takes care of my face :)

5. Bare Escentuals Big & Bright Eyeliner - Intense Black
I love eyeliner right on my top lash line, and liquid liner always looks too harsh for me, so this glides on easily and leaves a nice soft line.

There you go...5 of my favorite beauty products!

{Giveaway} Once Upon a Sugar Tree

2011-03-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Visit

...and Lucy makes 6!

for a sweet giveaway!!

{Giveaway} @ Pretties and Posies

2011-03-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Do you know Melanie from Pretties and Posies??

I first met Melanie when I started my blog through her sweet sister Leslie

Melanie has a GORGEOUS blog, she is a wife and mother of two darling Girls

She is also an amazing artist...in fact, before Lucy came home I won a give away from Melanie for a painting for Lucy's bedroom, and I cherish it.

Well...Melanie is celebrating her 500th Post by giving away a pair of

THESE

I AM NOT KIDDING!

Can you believe the generosity...well actually if you know Melanie you can!

So...head on over to Pretties and Posies and enter to win these lovelies (actually a color of your choice!)

I know once you're there you will be captivated by Melanie's lovely blog.

Progress {40 bags in 40 days}

2011-03-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

So far, so good :)

Well, honestly it has only been 2 days (I haven't done today's bag), so maybe next week will be the true test

I started with the living room side table where I have stored past issues of Mary Engelbreit Home Companion and Victoria magazines. Since this is about some sacrifice, I knew it was time to part ways with all of these. The reality is...I have not looked at one of them in over a year....

Today I am taking them to a local antique store who is interested in them!!!

My next spot....

behind the living room sofa...yes really!

I have a console table behind the sofa with a lamp, it sits at an angle, and this is where I store home decor things that I tend to switch out regularly (candle holders, decorative bowls, etc)...so I moved all of that into a new home and got rid of quite a few UGLY picture frames that I had been "hiding" back there...much better!

(I love the idea of using dark bags...out of sight, out of mind!!)

Well 2 down, and it already feels great. I know I may not end up with 40 bags, and some of them might only be the size of a grocery bag, but anything is better than nothing!

Off to the Goodwill!

Here we go!

2011-03-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

My Family has also made their decisions on what they will give up:

Toby - sugar

Powell - fast food

Blake - energy drinks

Bennett - soda & candy

Lucy - lent jar filled with little things she can do each day for someone

I picked up my bags

I wrote my list

Check back Friday to see what I accomplished :)

40 bags in 40 days!

2011-03-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

I have several friends preparing for their Lenten sacrifice. I am not Catholic but value Lent and the idea of giving up/doing something out of my comfort zone in preparation for Easter.

So, for me this year, I am going to participate in the "40 Bags in 40 Days" challenge

It seems like I am always taking a bag here, a bag there to Goodwill, but do I really dig in and "sacrifice" things that I might like, but no longer use or need??

I also plan to re-read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, and doing the 12 week study to remind myself to find intimacy with God in the busyness of life.

I am linking up with white house, black shutters, and plan to post my progress here every Friday as a way to keep me accountable :) I will also post a pic of my list of what I plan to tackle!

Care to join me??

Beating the Winter blues~

2011-03-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a girl just needs a little pick me up to get her through these grey days :)

Essie polish in Sand Tropez & Nice is Nice..did you know Target & Walgreens now carry Essie?? Love that!

L'oreal Sublime Bronze...my FAVORITE spray tan...I usually always have a can!

Oxygen Mag...my favorite fitness magazine

Vanity Fair...well, who doesn't love it??

National Velvet...have not see this in years...a gorgeous and young Elizabeth Taylor!

and always a book....Three Weissmans of Westport...there is a little review from Dominique Browning (LOVE HER!) on the cover, so that sold me :)..and then they say Cathleen Schine writes with a homage to Jane Austen....SOLD! (I'll let you know what I think :)

Fashion Friday!

2011-03-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

Lucy shares 3 of her favorite coats and gives you ideas on how to style each :)

My Fashionista is Featured!

2011-03-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

My Lucy is today's "Cool Kid"You must check out B's "cool" blog!

Fashion Inspiration

2011-02-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

I came across this picture recently and LOVE this look!

So much in fact that I would love it for myself :)

(I could not find the source, if you know please share!)

So...my little fashionista and myself decided to try and duplicate this look with what Lucy already has in her closet!

I ♥ My Valentine {and my Hunters!}

2011-02-17T15:05:00.000-08:00

I have joined the masses, and now have my beloved Hunter Wellies!

My sweet Hubby gave them to me as a gift this Valentine's Day...I love that he knows me so well...(or maybe it was my incessant chatter for the past few months of my huge NEED for this lovelies!)

I know they come in a bazillion different colors and styles these days, but all I have ever dreamed of were the classics...original tall green wellies...the kind Princess Di wore....and I think green goes with everything...at least now it does :)

When I went to get them I thought I would cave and choose a cool color, but nope, when I saw them...I knew♥

Do You Ever??

2011-02-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

...set up a Hot Cocoa Station?

This is one of my kids, and well MY favorite little places.

I set out a tray with jars full of hot cocoa, marshmallows, gourmet sipping chocolate and a few pretty mugs...and it seems to just call you over to make yourself a cup.

(this was a little dressed up for Valentine's Day)

(My DARLING mugs and sipping chocolate in the cutest tins ever...were a gift from a very sweet friend, Diane, whom I only know from "blogland". She sent these to me along with a wonderful candle and a book about Chinese New Year for Lucy after we had our little ER visit a few weeks ago. She knew just what these Girls needed!)

Diane, thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us...you are a treasure! xoxo

In My Kitchen {Artisan Bread}

2011-02-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

My friend Lori shared this easy recipe for Artisan Bread

It truly is EASY and does it not look like I just ran to the bakery???

It is from the cookbook...Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.

YUM!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

In My Kitchen {Yogurt Parfait}

2011-02-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

This is my new FAVORITE breakfast!

nonfat vanilla yogurt
blueberries
nonfat plain greek yogurt drizzled with honey
blueberries
a "little" more nonfat vanilla yogurt
homemade granola
{all served up in a french jam jar!}

Lucy's Valentines {?/365}

2011-02-10T15:33:00.000-08:00

These are the Valentine's Lucy chose for this year

Yep...she lives in a house with teenagers :)

(?/365 means...I am sooo behind I have no idea what photo this should be :)

In My Kitchen {The BEST Tortilla Soup!}

2011-01-29T17:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made Rick Bayless' Sopa Azteca.

My friend Jill, had shared that this was her favorite soup recipe, so I thought I would give it a try.

It truly is so delicious, and easy to make and tasted like it was made in Rick's Chicago restaurant!

Definitely a must try!!

Lucy bakes♥ {28/365}

2011-01-28T16:51:00.001-08:00

Carmel Corn {27/365}

2011-01-28T16:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday~

2011-01-26T06:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was an exciting day for my Lucy!

Her "little" fashion video was featured on one of my (and Lucy's:) FAVORITE designer's blog....Tracy Porter!

Tracy is a designer of fashion and home goods living in Santa Barbara CA. Her blog has quickly become a favorite to so many...on it she shares cooking, decorating, and fashion posts and videos. Lucy enjoys going back through the archives and watching many of her cooking videos, but it seems a quick snippet Tracy did on scarves really "spoke" to her :)

You can visit Tracy here

You can watch Lucy's videos here and here :)

My friend Virginia has also done a very sweet post on Lucy HERE!

{25/365}

2011-01-25T19:39:00.000-08:00

Chop Chop Magazine

2011-01-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of ChopChop Magazine??

I hadn't!

Lucy and I were in the Doctors office and picked up this issue they were giving away.

It is a great little magazine for any child who LOVES to cook like my girl. The recipes are healthy and easy, but I think the best part for Lucy was that they show kids doing the cooking...she loved that!

One of the articles compares white and brown rice. This was perfect for us, as brown rice is ALL I make, and everytime I do, Lucy reminds me that she likes white rice :)...so we read it together :)

Here is how ChopChop describes their magazine...

"ChopChop is a quarterly food magazine and website for kids aged 5-12 and their families. ChopChop’s mission is to educate kids to cook and be nutritionally literate, empower them to actively participate as health partners with their families and help establish and support better eating habits for a lifetime of good nutrition. ChopChop’s vision is to reverse and prevent childhood obesity.

The magazine is filled with nutritious, great-tasting, ethnically diverse and inexpensive recipes, as well as interesting and little-known food facts, Q&A’s and games."

I love the idea of a magazine for kids who love to cook that is full of healthy recipes!!

Bennett & Delaney {24/365}

2011-01-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

Bennett & Delaney

Delaney & Bennett

that's just the way it is!

In My Kitchen {Pam's Herbed Baguette} {22/365}

2011-01-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

Today I made Pam's recipe for this bread...it is delicious!!

The boys came downstairs because they could smell it in the oven, and then waited until it was done. We all stood around the cutting board eating warm bread!

Blake told me not to bother buying french bread from the grocery store anymore...I think it was a hit!

Candyland {21/365}

2011-01-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

(I like how Mr. Yellow is in focus and the others are not :)

(this one was Bennett's favorite)

In My Kitchen {Sweet Potatoes} {20/365}

2011-01-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

mmmm, I love sweet potatoes.
I just peel, slice, drizzle a little olive oil, add some fresh ground pepper and roast until tender....they are so sweet and delicous.

My Sweet Girl (again) {19/365}

2011-01-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

Lucy with her new orthotic

you can read about it here

Lucy is sick :( {18/365}

2011-01-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

the best I could do today...

I spent the afternoon at Urgent Care with little Lucy, it seems she has a kidney infection :(

praying her antibiotics are just what the Dr ordered

Blake {17/365}

2011-01-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

In My Kitchen {Homemade Cinnamon Rolls} {16/365}

2011-01-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

Today is a wet grey day and what is better than staying in and making yummy comfort food.

I got my recipe from my friend Lori~

Lovely shade of Grey {15/365}

2011-01-16T15:16:00.000-08:00

The sky has been this grey all day...

Ciao Bella

Moving on~

Books I read in 2011!

A sweet gift exchange~

Deck the Halls {Around the House}

Deck the Halls {The Library/Office}

Deck the Halls {Outside}

Hot Cocoa Station 2011~

**Grand Opening** {My Etsy Shop}

Giving Thanks~

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Whoopie Pies {In My Kitchen}

Seeing the difference {Photography}

Its November!!

Happy Halloween!

Violated

Pumpkin Pie Popcorn {In My Kitchen}

I'm a little obsessed with Pumpkins :)

My Fall Porch

Rain Rain Go Away~

LARA Bars {In My Kitchen}

Do You Ever.....

Today...

A Homemade Life

Fabulous Fall {and Pinterest}!

Lucy's Lunchbox {In My Kitchen}

Boom Boom Pow Knockoff!

What I'm Reading!

Perfect Iced Coffee {In My Kitchen}

Shabby Apple {Summer Sale!}

What I'm Reading~

Homemade Granola Bars {In My Kitchen}

A new {Favorite Thing}

My Green Smoothie {In My Kitchen}

Bagels {In My Kitchen}

All Things Farmer

Today I.....

Carmelized Brownies {In My Kitchen}

Sundays {In my kitchen}

"Royally" Thrilled!!!

Pho`...Vietnamese Soup {In My Kitchen}

Ingredients

Directions

Jeanne Oliver {Town & Country Collection}

Do you ever...??

Today I ....

18th Birthday Bash!

Some of my favorites so far...

It was worth every waking moment~

Cheers! It's Wedding Day!

A new video from my favorite Fashionista!!

Are you ready?? Will you be watching??

Happy Easter {reflection on my lenten sacrifice}

Twig Herb Markers {Garden Craft}

A "Sweet" Easter decoration~

Water for Elephants

Check out these shoes!!

Progress Week 5 {40 bags in 40 days}

A new favorite!

LONDON Calling~

My *new* Orange necklace!

Progress Week 4 {40 bags in 40 days}

At Home with Books

Do You Ever??

Progress Week 3 {40 bags in 40 days}

Sleep Over Coffee Cake {In My Kitchen}

Jackets off & a book review

Dinner {In My Kitchen}

What I have, want, am dreaming of.....{Fashion edition}

...and now there are 2!

Happy Spring~

Progress {40 bags in 40 days}

Day of Silence~

My Everyday {Beauty} Must Haves!

{Giveaway} Once Upon a Sugar Tree

{Giveaway} @ Pretties and Posies

Progress {40 bags in 40 days}

Here we go!

40 bags in 40 days!

Beating the Winter blues~

Fashion Friday!

Grand Opening {My Etsy Shop}

My new Orange necklace!