tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40132450821466251722024-03-05T19:56:05.916-08:00My American Confessionshttps://myamericanconfessions.blogspot.com/2023/11/perfect-christmas-caramels.htmlUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-64255328704843574282023-11-06T07:11:00.001-08:002023-11-06T07:11:14.708-08:00Perfect Christmas Caramels<p> I know it's been a hot minute since I posted here, but seeing as I have added some years of wisdom to my baking and cooking since I last posted, I thought I ought to share some of my best successes with y'all.</p><p>Recipe first, details later (because I know we all hate the infinite scroll recipes)</p><p><b>PLEASE READ ENTIRELY BEFORE MAKING CARAMELS FOR YOUR BEST SHOT AT SUCCESS</b></p><p><i>this recipe makes about 2.5 pounds of caramels, but you are welcome to half it if you want</i></p><p>*4 sticks of butter cut in half</p><p>*1 bag of 2 lb brown sugar (or 4 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar and I've used white sugar when I'm out of brown sugar and the caramels are just slightly less deep in flavor) </p><p>*1 teaspoon of salt (if you like the 'salted caramel' flavor, otherwise, reduce to 1/2 tsp)</p><p>*1 1/2 cups of corn syrup (can do two parts dark to one part light or all light corn syrup for a lighter flavor)</p><p>*2 cups evaporated milk</p><p>*2 tb vanilla (Mexican vanilla if you can get it)</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm gonna break down the methodology, because this is where you will sink or swim.</p><p>PRE-STEP- grease two large cookie sheet with sides with oil</p><p>ONE- add the butter, sugar, salt, and corn syrup to a heavy bottomed pan (like a stock pot) AND THEN turn the heat to medium high, stirring constantly <i><u>with a wooden spoon</u></i></p><p>TWO- have several small bowls of cold water in your fridge for testing</p><p>THREE- stirring constantly, wait for everything to melt together and start to bubble</p><p>FOUR- use a pastry brush to wash down the sides of the pan (that means getting a pastry brush wet and then basically painting the sides of the pan where little sugar crystals may be so that they don't end up messing your caramels up later-when you are done with this process, there should be nothing on the sides of the pan). Repeat this step every five mintues or so</p><p>FIVE- check your caramels every few minutes by taking a spoon of the caramel syrup out and pouring it into a dish of cold water</p><p>SIX- when the caramel in the cold water is at a soft, chewy stage where it easily rolls into a soft ball, ADD THE EVAPORATED MILK SLOWLY</p><p>SEVEN- stir constantly, wash down sides of pan, and test the caramels every few minutes in the cold water until they feel soft but not sticky. Feel free to throw a sample or two in your mouth to see if you like the texture</p><p>EIGHT- once the caramels in the cold water are the texture you want, remove from heat and add the vanilla</p><p>NINE- pour the caramels into the prepared cookie sheets. DON'T SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE PAN- just pour them into the cookie sheet and whatever sticks to the pan sticks to the pan- don't try to use it because it can mess with your final product</p><p>TEN- let the caramels cool for 10 minutes, score lightly, wait another 4 hours or so, then you can cut them up and wrap them in wax paper or parchment paper pieces</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzPc_P-YfAtWL55o3YX3c9zGB-ai-sQj5quOPU1REG6jCa92SprI8XxSjOECS3EWW_sYdBaIvdnNwzX71e-Kq8G0VoAoFZIzyzgPjVc-wVv2fpwvrfs9UOoASvUIft7x4n6L-pCcB9T6_tDuD0N0r2in8PpIqQIVmFb2164L5r9LTFBshGJ8N2Xnsy1dE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="883" data-original-width="911" height="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzPc_P-YfAtWL55o3YX3c9zGB-ai-sQj5quOPU1REG6jCa92SprI8XxSjOECS3EWW_sYdBaIvdnNwzX71e-Kq8G0VoAoFZIzyzgPjVc-wVv2fpwvrfs9UOoASvUIft7x4n6L-pCcB9T6_tDuD0N0r2in8PpIqQIVmFb2164L5r9LTFBshGJ8N2Xnsy1dE=w640-h619" title="Bubbling caramels next to a testing bowl with a pastry brush" width="640" /></a></div>Here's some bubbling caramels, complete with wooden spoon for stirring, water for testing, and pastry brush for washing down the sides<br /><br /></div><p>I've got to say, writing it all out, it seems more complicated than when I'm actually making it- but all those little notes are what will help you to get amazing results. I wish you could just come over and I could show you step by step in person, but in lieu of that, I hope you got enough details from here. Nice part about this method is that it doesn't require a candy thermometer. I wish you luck!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-45869267092106084742020-12-12T09:30:00.006-08:002020-12-12T09:46:52.850-08:00Corona Cop<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnvH22OHfoHbv8d74WXz5DOTgmIzUVxmLYmQp-ipI34XrijkBYDv6YkKv-X9ztddcM4yr9Mz4kXPMBTvmkU3fZI3Eddl-MujftHVeERA0AtKM15Alc8r7D3VQo-IIrK_3tQr-dNDW3HE/s1362/Screenshot+2020-12-12+at+11.40.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1362" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnvH22OHfoHbv8d74WXz5DOTgmIzUVxmLYmQp-ipI34XrijkBYDv6YkKv-X9ztddcM4yr9Mz4kXPMBTvmkU3fZI3Eddl-MujftHVeERA0AtKM15Alc8r7D3VQo-IIrK_3tQr-dNDW3HE/w640-h278/Screenshot+2020-12-12+at+11.40.51+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Shared from the YouTube channel Spanish with a Farmer, please enjoy <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UlRap-bFc6w" target="_blank">Corona Cop</a>!</div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-70526967345011766692019-10-11T15:08:00.003-07:002019-10-11T15:18:00.762-07:00Go JORD or Go Home- It's Fall!<i> I received a Jord watch in order to share my opinion about their products. All opinions contained herein are my own.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzLziV_uD0E4OZ69YqBUBfu8w8GY2_534ydl_l8ELSWFs7DS8aMFgN1nBLI5n7MbGmvA0W1ldaQI4B6Kfpa_LQG8SxTrYpKcVKHo22L2lXCpGv9ldScsv2ch47-BEPtMeRPbJufZvk9Q/s1600/IMG_9276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzLziV_uD0E4OZ69YqBUBfu8w8GY2_534ydl_l8ELSWFs7DS8aMFgN1nBLI5n7MbGmvA0W1ldaQI4B6Kfpa_LQG8SxTrYpKcVKHo22L2lXCpGv9ldScsv2ch47-BEPtMeRPbJufZvk9Q/s320/IMG_9276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new watch, just asking to be worn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
North Texas. My home. Typically, this evokes images of heat, eternal summer, and humidity. But today, all that changed!<br />
<br />
With a single storm sweeping in, temperatures plummeted from a balmy 90 to 40 in virtually minutes. What does that mean for me? It means that today, in spite of the Halloween decor I've had up for weeks, it is our FIRST official fall day in the Talley household- simply because it <i>feels</i> like fall. FINALLY.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12Ope1mlT0RmXYFPtOtwoHRMKVtucUNlfkTY2BHZC-rWHj5kT7jJ94ah3JtP_hOErEIl857hTbeq1d0nrx8r5dhSZSHphZtQeV_LYcPuSyMV73EvCzn852tDZxNpuTwmaQo8glS3eQrQ/s1600/IMG_9282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12Ope1mlT0RmXYFPtOtwoHRMKVtucUNlfkTY2BHZC-rWHj5kT7jJ94ah3JtP_hOErEIl857hTbeq1d0nrx8r5dhSZSHphZtQeV_LYcPuSyMV73EvCzn852tDZxNpuTwmaQo8glS3eQrQ/s200/IMG_9282.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just shouts 'autumn!'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now that it's fall, my wardrobe changes almost instantly. I pull out my sweaters, lovingly touching their soft knits that I have been so missing, find my favorite fleece leggings, and start evaluating what accessories call out 'autumn is here!'<br />
<br />
And today? That meant my new Jord watch (pronounced YODE- it's Norse!). I received my watch a week or so ago, took it out and marveled at its inherent beauty. I chose a Cora Polaris watch, which has a Swarovski crystal and a constellation design, so that every time I look at the watch, I can see the Big Dipper on my watch, pointing me North.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTqj5AoKXRrXzuF92crme3ilLZzs2UmlI1CJAoV43mB_LuBKiA0f57VosY-JKRjzDLIm8LWbDLFSHJHNa8i7oVzDoPzhpl4GyCIHOs52Dm1IipsoYcx33pIreB04aqi6unIG53YqpPpc/s1600/IMG_9298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTqj5AoKXRrXzuF92crme3ilLZzs2UmlI1CJAoV43mB_LuBKiA0f57VosY-JKRjzDLIm8LWbDLFSHJHNa8i7oVzDoPzhpl4GyCIHOs52Dm1IipsoYcx33pIreB04aqi6unIG53YqpPpc/s200/IMG_9298.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">My hand-stitched quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This particular design spoke to me because of an experience I had several years ago. Pregnant with my second child, I wanted to hand stitch a quilt of my own design, something that would mean something to my future offspring. Now, because I chose to hand stitch it, this quilt wasn't finished until my third child came- but I digress. I created a modified compass rose, with the hopes that it would remind my child to always know who they are (my beloved child) and where they are headed. For, if you can always find North, you're never lost, right? Naturally, when I saw this beautiful watch with its constellation design, I knew it was for me.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wBd9aaFT44NX1fahzAUkK5tSnqXisvJ40k0MWi8LiwlKy0KYHozYbsnDRnFjMOWwfUFqzjpbJ04-IlsAfUDczen2j85dloMTfq5RF8eToMCPMSbOmt0AXDNedN9pNumqgp3PeQcvct8/s1600/IMG_9295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wBd9aaFT44NX1fahzAUkK5tSnqXisvJ40k0MWi8LiwlKy0KYHozYbsnDRnFjMOWwfUFqzjpbJ04-IlsAfUDczen2j85dloMTfq5RF8eToMCPMSbOmt0AXDNedN9pNumqgp3PeQcvct8/s320/IMG_9295.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll be honest... I made myself <i>two</i> cups of cocoa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, with a chilly breeze, light rain, and a deep desire to make hot cocoa, I put my watch on for the first time. I'm not a watch designer. I have many talents- but watch design isn't one of them. If I COULD make a watch, though- I feel like this is what I would have created. I feel like Jord took everything that I loved and put it into a single product. Sustainable woods. Classic (and classy!) rose gold. Something meaningful. A timeless design that I can wear with almost anything. I don't like to purchase a lot of cheap, brassy jewelry. I'd rather spend a little more on something <br />
long lasting that I can wear for years. And Jord has delivered on that for me.<br />
<br />
If you have any interest in your own Jord product- check them out <a href="https://www.woodwatches.com/" target="_blank">here!</a> If, however, you'd like to spin your wheel of chance, feel free to enter our FREE product giveaway! <a href="https://www.jordwatches.com/g/myamericanconfessions" target="_blank">Enter HERE!</a> to win a FREE Jord watch band that fits an Apple watch!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5zh9zMcOL8Mms8rEyj9aY3AE6n-EGJMk3DmD-huKKzYI8XdAoPF9-DUZLmC39Sn8avAeyTMH5J-In2LdJfD5Lf1Nv3KqmG0fCYN_FkPWO28PQ2TkY7AhG1iu2mZ8w-hf1rjJwjt6azg/s1600/IMG_9287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5zh9zMcOL8Mms8rEyj9aY3AE6n-EGJMk3DmD-huKKzYI8XdAoPF9-DUZLmC39Sn8avAeyTMH5J-In2LdJfD5Lf1Nv3KqmG0fCYN_FkPWO28PQ2TkY7AhG1iu2mZ8w-hf1rjJwjt6azg/s640/IMG_9287.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="woodwatches_com_widget_article" ishidden="1" title="Wooden Wrist Watch">Wooden Wrist Watch</a>
<script src="//www.jordwatches.com/widget-article/myamericanconfessions|" type="text/javascript"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-42453944685010528902019-09-25T11:46:00.003-07:002019-09-25T11:46:42.849-07:005-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CS8Agc6kVqngEKqb3qfqNPlGjR-7nVzKCCI7EwO_0TumpVWuTkmF9_je61__1WowSIXhC5qqKxReICpkL5uIUVwsxfNY5bj4K8h5uZG_RVd7Hm472WrLiMeupRGfHg_qw4S4LbxTywk/s1600/5+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CS8Agc6kVqngEKqb3qfqNPlGjR-7nVzKCCI7EwO_0TumpVWuTkmF9_je61__1WowSIXhC5qqKxReICpkL5uIUVwsxfNY5bj4K8h5uZG_RVd7Hm472WrLiMeupRGfHg_qw4S4LbxTywk/s320/5+ingredients.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Just starting out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Perfect for a fall treat!<br />
<br />
This week, find yourself in a rich, creamy, peanut buttery chocolate heaven. Reminiscent of T.G.I. Friday's peanut butter pie, this dessert takes just a few minutes to prep and a freezer.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredient List:</b><br />
1 cup smooth peanut butter<br />
1 cup chocolate chips<br />
1 8 oz container of whipped topping<br />
1 can of sweetened condensed milk<br />
4 oz (1/2 block) cream cheese<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nitmgluaKKlEOJ-UN-AcpikFwUR17QMEu4AzA44II8KJeFoufWVRQ1LsE8yH-M_uT-iPJsFYMjP4_LGH-qDstiJPWSSdTlNqxCl64sIsVG-EvS0FR6NjzemKjfYFGe7ZsSn144xGdHA/s1600/spreading+chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nitmgluaKKlEOJ-UN-AcpikFwUR17QMEu4AzA44II8KJeFoufWVRQ1LsE8yH-M_uT-iPJsFYMjP4_LGH-qDstiJPWSSdTlNqxCl64sIsVG-EvS0FR6NjzemKjfYFGe7ZsSn144xGdHA/s200/spreading+chocolate.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Spreading melted chocolate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
AND<br />
<br />
of course. 1 graham cracker crust.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stopping to stir every 20 seconds or so<br />
<br />
-spread 3/4 of the melted chocolate on the bottom of the graham cracker crust<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1DL_IaGvqw5NAnp5La381umW0RT9TjepQjlY6g1wQAq2lttEaCGn1End3sXTVS_y3HjVXhqQCyrivMZZn0Lpmk2mSzUlDFYaZYejKTkOOUXTLGpGNOUi_B1w4iUI-2jmzMoh6195oL8/s1600/mix+em+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1DL_IaGvqw5NAnp5La381umW0RT9TjepQjlY6g1wQAq2lttEaCGn1End3sXTVS_y3HjVXhqQCyrivMZZn0Lpmk2mSzUlDFYaZYejKTkOOUXTLGpGNOUi_B1w4iUI-2jmzMoh6195oL8/s200/mix+em+together.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Mixing the filling...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
*Soften the cream cheese and peanut butter in the microwave (think warm, gooey, but not hot)<br />
<br />
*Mix the peanut butter, whipped topping, sweetened condensed milk, and cream cheese in a bowl until smooth<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31oi41UrWq-mLTwdidb9SSdTGqVwBuaLD9oFeBCRvoCRVhB6XKuxYOMhc5aCZ6Cyd7wLvIrvzUVpYIV9HYq_9Fl0BtKI39bO3KR7NhQrtN4dbfzkM0LIFib6zMgL-N4w2wFZ3zHgBHGA/s1600/swirled+chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31oi41UrWq-mLTwdidb9SSdTGqVwBuaLD9oFeBCRvoCRVhB6XKuxYOMhc5aCZ6Cyd7wLvIrvzUVpYIV9HYq_9Fl0BtKI39bO3KR7NhQrtN4dbfzkM0LIFib6zMgL-N4w2wFZ3zHgBHGA/s200/swirled+chocolate.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Swirled chocolate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
*Pour into graham cracker crust<br />
<br />
*Swirl the remaining chocolate on the top of the pie<br />
<br />
*Add Reese's mini peanut butter cups to garnish if you so choose<br />
<br />
*Throw this bad boy in the freezer for at least 1 hour and pull out 10-15 minutes before you want to dig in. (Note: Because there will be a layer of solid chocolate at the bottom, cutting it will take a little bit of force.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAwxND8CjrQLIJOXY8JufwzLGUoff6YWkKeXIBGhrqGZ_IKCftYM0iMqhrHKMazkS5wTEFxvi7rG7CUu_ywmf2N6AWT4x2ydGL66V-tJlUWTEybOTbeips_IC_lJx6UlHx5WEIPI3feg/s1600/finished+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAwxND8CjrQLIJOXY8JufwzLGUoff6YWkKeXIBGhrqGZ_IKCftYM0iMqhrHKMazkS5wTEFxvi7rG7CUu_ywmf2N6AWT4x2ydGL66V-tJlUWTEybOTbeips_IC_lJx6UlHx5WEIPI3feg/s320/finished+pie.jpg" width="240" /></a>Makes a creamy, crazy-satisfying dessert. After all, if you are going to splurge your calories, why not make it something that will actually satisfy your sweet tooth?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">***If you prefer to make your crust from scratch, rather than use a ready-made one from the store, just follow the simple instructions in this 2-minute video. </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR7s2AuD5-w" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" target="_blank">Making a Graham Cracker Crust</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-90670388525190307072019-09-21T21:07:00.004-07:002019-09-21T21:07:46.621-07:00How to Keep Your Lettuce Fresh Longer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0Zb3cbB1Fga3SLtbPP4YHmUI7jVuaje0A0g52fdU2Ks8x_Kc0bb8C8rQqd33b9mh3x48z8ZdSAo4Yd4PExvaa9GOBUcjd7YPsWItcC3Uz2lmE2MbpgdO53byokD2fDHTfSNlALyqWeA/s1600/fresh+lettuce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0Zb3cbB1Fga3SLtbPP4YHmUI7jVuaje0A0g52fdU2Ks8x_Kc0bb8C8rQqd33b9mh3x48z8ZdSAo4Yd4PExvaa9GOBUcjd7YPsWItcC3Uz2lmE2MbpgdO53byokD2fDHTfSNlALyqWeA/s320/fresh+lettuce.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is a tip shared with me by a dear friend of mine (you know who you are!) on how to keep your lettuce fresh for weeks at a time. Simple and effective. What more do you need?<br />
<br />
Simply line a plastic container with aluminum foil, put your lettuce inside, cover the top of the container with aluminum foil, and finish it by putting the container's lid on.<br />
<br />
Shazam.<br />
<br />
Keeps your lettuce fresh in the fridge far longer than just a plastic baggie or zip container.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g3FIz99kZsb3vuWVopX6EF5qYfTCk36ZjGzV2wuOXVc2dXC_azN11nIvsgyMyw2YzQ4EeB5IQmOuhjChHqRWNGUUgYB78gnArr-zfuWKGT0jH0pZNNaBr78Qnhmh4KipyNPGTCXiaBk/s1600/foil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g3FIz99kZsb3vuWVopX6EF5qYfTCk36ZjGzV2wuOXVc2dXC_azN11nIvsgyMyw2YzQ4EeB5IQmOuhjChHqRWNGUUgYB78gnArr-zfuWKGT0jH0pZNNaBr78Qnhmh4KipyNPGTCXiaBk/s320/foil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking for MORE ways to use aluminum foil? Check out <a href="http://myamericanconfessions.blogspot.com/2012/07/tuesday-how-to-use-aluminum-foil-in-10.html" style="color: #de247e; font-family: arial;" target="_self"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Top 10 Uses for Aluminum Foil</span></a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-61041771626147288732019-09-21T21:05:00.002-07:002019-09-21T21:05:40.674-07:00Perfect Hamburger Patties Using Mason Jar Lid<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_no8u4shELb-EVmAuQCUGEMDJuSboEWwsNQVf44GAkdsijrQuNLsGssmsGGyQZXqJRTx2DFr11yAPdOCrFvfn7yh-EM-NIYOyPm3CT_4MXMvD6j0231tcKv8UfQDkhT3Gd4N4uSXIeA/s1600/mason+jar+lid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #e781b2; float: right; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_no8u4shELb-EVmAuQCUGEMDJuSboEWwsNQVf44GAkdsijrQuNLsGssmsGGyQZXqJRTx2DFr11yAPdOCrFvfn7yh-EM-NIYOyPm3CT_4MXMvD6j0231tcKv8UfQDkhT3Gd4N4uSXIeA/s320/mason+jar+lid.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a>Can you EVER have too many ideas for your mason jars?<br />
<br />
Maybe.<br />
<br />
But what about mason jar LIDS?
<br />
<br />
Well, how about using a mason jar lid for perfect hamburger patties? Use the regular size for small patties, like burger sliders, and wide mouth lids for larger patties. Just make sure that the lid is clean, then form the patty by pressing it into the mason jar lid form and then removing it. Boom.<br />
<br />
Perfect patties that will cook evenly and all be finished at the same time- no unevenly cooked patties this way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-27039376934983041362019-03-31T19:07:00.002-07:002019-07-02T20:13:00.003-07:00To the Death of Mom Guilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN5Rc6NuANZsbT-JE2Vkc7gb-ruCFrT5_yf2NO1opib5akQqSS2yeBIhcQVB5q-cHgCnOagJcNVKseWved4oVVg1C2F-SlGQrjtR56vIeGofRxasL7d5WAbePxxZd-9_2vMl8n_mwtO0/s1600/blank+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="971" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN5Rc6NuANZsbT-JE2Vkc7gb-ruCFrT5_yf2NO1opib5akQqSS2yeBIhcQVB5q-cHgCnOagJcNVKseWved4oVVg1C2F-SlGQrjtR56vIeGofRxasL7d5WAbePxxZd-9_2vMl8n_mwtO0/s400/blank+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I might just lose my temper here. This topic gets me so fired up, I have a hard time controlling my tone when I talk about it and even when I think about it, I feel my blood start to boil.<br />
<br />
Mom Guilt.<br />
<br />
Our society is a perfect storm for mothers. And I mean the literal definition, "a particularly violent storm arising from a rare combination of adverse....factors".<br />
<br />
Now, I believe that all mothers have struggled with different issues over the course of humanity, but our current society has a rare combination of adverse factors, which work against motherhood, to make it seem impossible to be a 'good' mother.<br />
<br />
It makes me furious. The number of good, caring, loving women who constantly ask themselves, "Am I enough?", only to answer themselves 'No....' I just can't handle it. Too many good women have guilted and shamed themselves into a corner of frustration where they feel there is no way out.<br />
<br />
And if you're a mother? I don't have to tell you this. You already know it. You've felt it. Your kids had too much screen time yesterday.... You shouted at your kids for not listening..... You slept in..... Breakfast was a handful of sugary cereal and a donut.... Just examples, here. What causes shame is different for each mother. Whatever it was that that made you feel guilty, as if you had somehow wronged your child(ren), you've felt the shame and unavoidable guilt after any of these scenarios or others like them.<br />
<br />
But.<br />
<br />
It doesn't <i>have</i> to be unavoidable.<br />
<br />
Let me talk to you a bit about Satan.<br />
<br />
Satan, the great deceiver, WANTS you to fail in your pursuits in motherhood. Wants, so badly, for you to hate yourself for your weaknesses. So, he takes a <u>very crucial</u> part of personal improvement and twists it.<br />
<br />
That improvement?<br />
<br />
Contrition.<br />
<br />
Contrition is when you've done wrong, feel badly, and want to change for the better. It's motivating. It can be hurtful, but it results in positive changes in your life.<br />
<br />
Guilt is when you've done wrong and feel badly. The end.<br />
<br />
God wants you to feel contrition. To feel badly about something but also uplifted to improve. Not to do impossible things. Just a few, small things.<br />
<br />
Satan's twist, <b>guilt,</b> is where you feel sick and awful and terrible and there are a million things you've done wrong and you'll never be enough.<br />
<br />
So, let's talk about how to make that<i> unavoidable</i> guilt actually AVOIDABLE.<br />
<br />
When you start to feel badly about something as a mother, stop and ask yourself:<br />
<br />
<b>Is this contrition? Or guilt?</b><br />
<br />
If it's contrition, you still have a bad feeling about what you've done, but along with it comes a motivating desire to change. And you'll feel it <i>sometimes</i>. Not every day. About manageable things. That you CAN change and control. God doesn't ask any of us to change 3,495 things in our lives at once. Just one or two.<br />
<br />
And if it's guilt? You'll feel awful. Which will lead to feeling worse. And somehow, you'll remember 3,495 other things that you are somehow failing at and want to curl up in a ball and give up.<br />
<br />
God can still use imperfect tools to be wonderful mothers. He only asks that we be willing.<br />
<br />
Slow improvements. That's where contrition leads.<br />
<br />
This is very different from guilt, where we somehow expect perfection of ourselves.<br />
<br />
I get it. I understand. Our children are wonderful, good, perfectly innocent (at times!) babes that we love so dearly that we don't want to short-change them in any way. But guilt will never lead me to be the mom I dream of being and it won't lead you there, either.<br />
<br />
The bottom line?<br />
<br />
If your children are safe, if they know they are loved, and if you are working to improve in those one or two areas where you have felt contrition....<br />
<br />
That's it. You're a good mom. You don't need to feel guilt. I'll repeat. That's IT. You are a good mom.<br />
<br />
So, please, for my own blood pressure's sake. Take a DEEEEEEEEEEP breath, tell yourself that you ARE a good mother, your children ARE lucky to have you and you will just so NO to mom guilt!<br />
<br />
Please. Don't suffer for the sake of suffering. See mom guilt for what it is- a counterfeit from Satan- and see yourself for who you really are, not the warped sense you'll get from Satan's tricks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-91948556496374328312018-08-09T20:50:00.000-07:002018-08-10T12:00:29.713-07:00ET's Sushi RecipesI have taught many a sushi class, both formally and informally, and am frequently asked for my recipes. I usually e-mail them out or make physical copies to pass out, but decided that these may be less than convenient. I decided to, finally, compile a list of my recipes and rolls online for easier access. Friends and family, enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>Sushi Rice</b> (makes about four rolls of sushi)<br />
2 cups of short grain rice (common brands include Nishiki and Botan)<br />
2 Tb rice vinegar (I recommend Nakano brand)<br />
2 Tb sugar<br />
1 Tb salt<br />
<br />
TWO options to make this.<br />
<br />
First Option: Put the rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and rice into your rice cooker along with the required amount of water and just press the button. You're done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsr5D2YFrLKRW-bMG75985sCaOUR9KMPLCLxX32Hc5k6tOQygymOYvocMELQ7FMw4tYtqqgoG6So6wvwxLHX-ES9IsJoz_-t2QvGX4WzJwSMso78lF-BvpMOCymnRLlUl-ikxd7vfTMec/s1600/texas+trip+and+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for "per perkins perhe" sushi emily" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsr5D2YFrLKRW-bMG75985sCaOUR9KMPLCLxX32Hc5k6tOQygymOYvocMELQ7FMw4tYtqqgoG6So6wvwxLHX-ES9IsJoz_-t2QvGX4WzJwSMso78lF-BvpMOCymnRLlUl-ikxd7vfTMec/s320/texas+trip+and+118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Second Option (mostly for those without rice cookers): Steam your rice, then combine the rice vinegar, salt, and sugar into a small bowl. Microwave, stirring frequently, until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour this mixture over your steamed rice and mix well.<br />
<br />
*HINTS*Allow rice to cool to around room temperature (slightly warmer is fine). If you are in a hurry, you can use your fridge/freezer to speed the process, just be sure to stir your rice often.<br />
<br />
<b>Eel Sauce</b><br />
1/2 cup rice vinegar (I recommend Nakano brand)<br />
1/2 cup soy sauce (I HIGHLY recommend Kikkoman- store brands are crap)<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
<br />
Combine the ingredients over high heat until boiling. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low until the sauce thickens, usually 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool before using.<br />
<br />
*HINTS* Put cooled eel sauce into a Ziploc baggie and cut a small corner off, allowing you to pour it on your sushi rolls more beautifully.<br />
<br />
<b>Spicy Mayo</b><br />
3 Tb mayo (NOT Miracle Whip- save yourself!)<br />
2 Tb Sriracha sauce<br />
2 Tb sugar<br />
<br />
Combine the ingredients. The end.<br />
<br />
*HINTS* Put the spicy mayo into a Ziploc baggie and cut a small corner off, allowing you to pour it on your sushi rolls more beautifully.<br />
<br />
<b>Tempura Batter</b><br />
3/4 cup flour<br />
1/4 cup corn starch<br />
1 1/2 cup COLD club soda<br />
dash of salt<br />
<br />
Mix the dry ingredients, then add the club soda. Mix just until combined without large lumps. Add more club soda if necessary to get to the desired consistency.<br />
<br />
*HINTS* When you put your finger into the batter, a thin coating of tempura batter should cling to your finger- you should be able to see your finger through the batter, but there should be batter clinging to your finger.<br />
<br />
<b><u>COMMON SUSHI ROLL COMBINATIONS</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXKpqHhWLJmgOM7wjzqdVxw4yNijnwhn0omnSmoKZkLdgxWyew5hFGQcBX8ODpnB7-YiuQFlW29cz5Fwmt3ulmZFoTkI21WadMHFds9XBy1TXJ5irotZlasljR1f7LMyE91L3lJh5gXA/s1600/Emily's%2Bstay%2B804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXKpqHhWLJmgOM7wjzqdVxw4yNijnwhn0omnSmoKZkLdgxWyew5hFGQcBX8ODpnB7-YiuQFlW29cz5Fwmt3ulmZFoTkI21WadMHFds9XBy1TXJ5irotZlasljR1f7LMyE91L3lJh5gXA/s320/Emily's%2Bstay%2B804.JPG" width="240" /></a>California Roll<br />
Crab, cream cheese, cucumber, avocado<br />
<br />
Kappa Maki<br />
Cucumber<br />
<br />
Rainbow Roll<br />
Inside out California roll, topped with any combination of crab, shrimp, salmon, cream cheese, avocado, or other fish- just have at least three varieties. Option of using spicy mayo and/or eel sauce on top.<br />
<br />
Philadelphia Roll<br />
Salmon, cream cheese, avocado. Option of using eel sauce on top.<br />
<br />
Veggie Roll<br />
Cucumber, green onion, avocado, cucumber (with the option to make the roll an inside out roll and roll it into extra green onions)<br />
<br />
Caterpillar Roll<br />
Inside out California roll, topped with avocado. Option of using spicy mayo and/or eel sauce on top.<br />
<br />
Spicy California<br />
Crab, cream cheese, cucumber, avocado, and Sriracha sauce inside of the roll, topped with spicy mayo and extra Sriracha<br />
<br />
Any roll can be made a tempura-fried roll as long as it is first made with the seaweed on the outside of the roll (inside out rolls do not fare well during frying). Veggie rolls aren't great for tempura frying, however.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-49626674805874723312017-11-27T21:51:00.004-08:002017-11-27T21:55:23.675-08:00Am I A Good Mother? A Real AnswerIn a way seldom understood by even ourselves, we question who we are as mothers and whether or not we measure up.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvT2CDgBuBaSxm7tnqbBF1ym6WiAVd6byJtXSAcEYjVIte64dKARMFVSOUwBgVaKPxtnAOuRr0jAjoUtceCe0Kl4E5cd4PFswaxNUFvf6trOtF9ertqgl9W_twE9i6MpPqG8d6WOqyGQ/s1600/ami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="595" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvT2CDgBuBaSxm7tnqbBF1ym6WiAVd6byJtXSAcEYjVIte64dKARMFVSOUwBgVaKPxtnAOuRr0jAjoUtceCe0Kl4E5cd4PFswaxNUFvf6trOtF9ertqgl9W_twE9i6MpPqG8d6WOqyGQ/s400/ami.jpg" width="308" /></a><br />
To what?<br />
<br />
We ourselves are not always sure. Society's expectations? Our mothers'? Our mother-in-laws'? Our husbands'? Our own?<br />
<br />
You may find yourself trying to tick items off a list, looking for some kind of proof that you do, indeed, measure up. 'Am I patient? Am I kind? Do I read with them? Do I shout? Do I shout too often? Do I not discipline enough? Do I discipline too harshly?' The lists go round and round, always seeming to be longer the next time we review them.<br />
<br />
But they all boil down to this: Am I A Good Mother?<br />
<br />
I propose a long-sought after answer to this simple, yet humbling question, by answering the following three questions.<br />
<br />
Ask yourself:<br />
<br />
(for children around 12 and under)<br />
<br />
1- Are my children safe? Physically, mentally, sexually, emotionally, etc.?<br />
<br />
2- Do my children know they are loved?<br />
<br />
3- Am I working to improve myself in 1-2 areas?<br />
<br />
<br />
If you can answer yes to these, I say that you are. You are a good mother. There are many different lifestyles. One may shun the television, another may revel in its warm light for hours. One may enjoy McDonald's once a year, the other, far more frequently. One may read to their child for an hour a day. Another may not make it around to it. Choosing a different lifestyle, so long as it does not compromise your children's safety (McDonald's every meal, every day, for example, would be detrimental to their physical health) is merely a detail in their life and yours, not the definition of being a good mother.<br />
<br />
We cannot be perfect in this life. Alas and alack. Would be that I could do everything right as a mother. But I can't. Nor can you. But you CAN work to improve, wherever you need to, bit by bit. That is all you can do and all that can be reasonably expected of you.<br />
<br />
Ask yourself:<br />
<br />
(for children around 12 and over)<br />
<br />
1- Have I done all I can reasonably do to keep my children safe AND teach them to be safe themselves?<br />
<br />
2- Have I done all I reasonably can to show love to them?<br />
<br />
3- Am I working to improve myself in 1-2 areas?<br />
<br />
The questions change slightly as your child matures, simply because we learn that we cannot control as much as we might like to. Children from good homes with good, loving upbringings can still make bad choices, things that cause them to be unsafe or feel unloved. This is something easily understood on paper but difficult to make your heart believe when you experience it. A child who strays, a child who deliberately chooses to endanger themselves, doesn't make you, their mother, bad or unworthy. If you can still answer yes to those three questions above, you are a good mom.<br />
<br />
You can hear it from multiple sources, but until you yourself can believe that you are good at what you do, you shortchange yourself and your children. Have confidence. Be perfectly imperfect and still be just what your children need you to be.<br />
<br />
Heavy the head that wears the crown. As queen of your own kingdom of children, you bear many responsibilities and all too often, useless guilt. Let that go. Believe that you can be, will be, and are a good mother.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-53165337228911366122016-11-30T18:58:00.001-08:002016-11-30T19:03:55.331-08:00Kid-Friendly Christmas Decor<img height="200" src="https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/ommilay@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetFileAttachment?id=AQMkADAwATY0MDABLWE5OQBmLTk4OTctMDACLTAwCgBGAAAD4osAr%2FiY60KQVeLjeQnMFQcA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAgEMAAAA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAFTpBbQAAAABEgAQAC6EQZGpP1lOtLZ3aY3KZh4%3D&X-OWA-CANARY=KzKahvWv6kyX1C0GDPTp4SAvjhyVGdQYlhgx1U5SIQWyrAyBcGXRV8VnAANBlxrpCcRufRtKa50.&token=a3287608-80ba-4c2c-bcf5-172535314dc2&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1" width="640" /><br />
I have a hand-painted, ceramic nativity set that my grandmother made herself when she owned her own ceramics shop. Every year when I pull it out, I take a little stroll down memory lane... And then I'm sure to place it on display where my kids are unlikely to ever reach or touch it.<br />
<br />
<br />
However.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
What's the fun in that for your kids? Just one more thing they can look at but not touch? Christmas decorations are so fun, but most are very, lets say, best left along by chubby, tiny hands. I've loved Christmas my whole life, but now, as a mother with young kids, Christmas seems to take on an extra special meaning. I want to build fun memories and traditions with my kids that they can cherish their whole life through. (Let's be honest, though, that's basically every mom with young kids, right??)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/ommilay@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetFileAttachment?id=AQMkADAwATY0MDABLWE5OQBmLTk4OTctMDACLTAwCgBGAAAD4osAr%2FiY60KQVeLjeQnMFQcA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAgEMAAAA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAFTpBbQAAAABEgAQAFMGDueti%2FZFn4Soqq2Iez8%3D&X-OWA-CANARY=KzKahvWv6kyX1C0GDPTp4SAvjhyVGdQYlhgx1U5SIQWyrAyBcGXRV8VnAANBlxrpCcRufRtKa50.&token=a3287608-80ba-4c2c-bcf5-172535314dc2&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/ommilay@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetFileAttachment?id=AQMkADAwATY0MDABLWE5OQBmLTk4OTctMDACLTAwCgBGAAAD4osAr%2FiY60KQVeLjeQnMFQcA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAgEMAAAA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAFTpBbQAAAABEgAQAFMGDueti%2FZFn4Soqq2Iez8%3D&X-OWA-CANARY=KzKahvWv6kyX1C0GDPTp4SAvjhyVGdQYlhgx1U5SIQWyrAyBcGXRV8VnAANBlxrpCcRufRtKa50.&token=a3287608-80ba-4c2c-bcf5-172535314dc2&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1" width="620" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well, combine the desire to decorate for Christmas with the desire to build fun memories and you get- kid friendly Christmas decor! I have a few breakable, irreplaceable heirlooms that I display out of reach, but each year, I set up a kid-friendly display of Christmas decor that can be played with and then put back on display.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/ommilay@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetFileAttachment?id=AQMkADAwATY0MDABLWE5OQBmLTk4OTctMDACLTAwCgBGAAAD4osAr%2FiY60KQVeLjeQnMFQcA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAgEMAAAA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAFTpBbQAAAABEgAQABFYRGWBXbJMrknecI36ocM%3D&X-OWA-CANARY=KzKahvWv6kyX1C0GDPTp4SAvjhyVGdQYlhgx1U5SIQWyrAyBcGXRV8VnAANBlxrpCcRufRtKa50.&token=a3287608-80ba-4c2c-bcf5-172535314dc2&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/ommilay@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetFileAttachment?id=AQMkADAwATY0MDABLWE5OQBmLTk4OTctMDACLTAwCgBGAAAD4osAr%2FiY60KQVeLjeQnMFQcA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAgEMAAAA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAFTpBbQAAAABEgAQABFYRGWBXbJMrknecI36ocM%3D&X-OWA-CANARY=KzKahvWv6kyX1C0GDPTp4SAvjhyVGdQYlhgx1U5SIQWyrAyBcGXRV8VnAANBlxrpCcRufRtKa50.&token=a3287608-80ba-4c2c-bcf5-172535314dc2&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Please note the tiny fingers, ready<br />
to wreak havoc on the display.<br />
I love it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>What do I use?</b> <span style="color: red;">Felt elf hats with bells on top. A little metal pail filled with jingle bells. A plastic Nativity set. Christmas books. A sturdy musical snow globe. A small felt Christmas tree with 'gift boxes' filled with ornaments the kids can stick on it. A wooden sign with the word 'LOVE', all attached with double sided Velcro, so the kids can remove the letters and stick them right back on. Fun, hands on toys that can double as decor!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/ommilay@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetFileAttachment?id=AQMkADAwATY0MDABLWE5OQBmLTk4OTctMDACLTAwCgBGAAAD4osAr%2FiY60KQVeLjeQnMFQcA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAgEMAAAA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAFTpBbQAAAABEgAQAMRS3LQFRHNFkS34QUOitZg%3D&X-OWA-CANARY=KzKahvWv6kyX1C0GDPTp4SAvjhyVGdQYlhgx1U5SIQWyrAyBcGXRV8VnAANBlxrpCcRufRtKa50.&token=a3287608-80ba-4c2c-bcf5-172535314dc2&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/ommilay@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetFileAttachment?id=AQMkADAwATY0MDABLWE5OQBmLTk4OTctMDACLTAwCgBGAAAD4osAr%2FiY60KQVeLjeQnMFQcA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAgEMAAAA4y5WnEaw20OzuK9LYb%2BWSgAAAFTpBbQAAAABEgAQAMRS3LQFRHNFkS34QUOitZg%3D&X-OWA-CANARY=KzKahvWv6kyX1C0GDPTp4SAvjhyVGdQYlhgx1U5SIQWyrAyBcGXRV8VnAANBlxrpCcRufRtKa50.&token=a3287608-80ba-4c2c-bcf5-172535314dc2&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1" width="528" /></a><br />
The display gets taken down and put up and scattered and re-set up multiple times, I assure you... But it's just so fun! My kids LOVE to be able to 'decorate' and play with decorations all on their own, with no mommy to come and scream 'don't you <i>dare</i> touch that, child!' I personally love that last part, too- no screaming! Yes, a handful of items are off limits, but the bulk majority (including one Christmas tree that is entirely filled with cheap, plastic bulk-store ornaments) are fun decorations that THEY get to be a part of doing. Over. And over. And over again. Because repetition is a mom's bread and butter, am I right? Merry Christmas!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-28613982268739548002016-08-03T11:36:00.002-07:002016-08-03T11:36:47.481-07:00Furnishing Your Home on a DimeFor many years, it was necessary for me to decorate on a dime. By getting furniture at Goodwill, shopping yard sales, inheriting goods from my parents and above all, by grifting.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shopwithpippa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2012-05-19-16.29.25-768x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image result for goodwill funny gross" border="0" height="200" src="http://shopwithpippa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2012-05-19-16.29.25-768x1024.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never know what<br />you'll find at Goodwill...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Grifting. This could well be one of my favorite words. A good friend has grown tired of something and decides, on a whim, to bestow me with it. It's like a gift... except it's used... and it's better than new! Through grifting, I have gotten sofas, chairs, cribs, mattresses, beds, rugs, toys, playhouses, you name it! In fact, if you look through my home carefully, you'll find an assortment of items that have been grifted to me, some as they are, some transformed through paint or new fabric.<br />
<br />
As wonderful as it is to spend little to nothing on new decor for my home, it can be difficult to get the style you want without spending ANY money. Luckily for me, a new chapter has opened in my family's life, where I can actually go to the store and buy things I like! Amazing. Makes me feel like Cinderella at the ball to walk into a furniture store and be able to pick out anything I want!<br />
<br />
That is, until I see the price tag. Perhaps it is because of my years of being on a tight budget. Perhaps it is my inherent desire to get a bargain. But whatever the cause, I have found it difficult to just waltz into a store and buy something at full price! Goodness forbid!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.latesthome.co.uk/images/beds2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://www.latesthome.co.uk/images/beds2.jpg" width="200" /></a>This is why I am a fan of <a href="http://www.latesthome.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.latesthome.co.uk</a>. They give you an assortment of retailers to peruse, as well as the ratings for each company, which is great! But....you see, instead of merely offering a plethora of furniture and appliances all at full price, they have options for the budget-conscious mind (like mine, of course!) and they make it possible for almost anyone to get the furniture and appliances they need.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.latesthome.co.uk/images/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.latesthome.co.uk/images/logo.png" width="200" /></a>
<li style="background-image: url("../media/image/icon/bullet/style_1.png"); background-position: left 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 17px 17px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">Buy New or Second Hand</li>
<li style="background-image: url("../media/image/icon/bullet/style_1.png"); background-position: left 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 17px 17px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">Use a Finance Option: Pay Weekly, Monthly or Pay Later</li>
<li style="background-image: url("../media/image/icon/bullet/style_1.png"); background-position: left 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 17px 17px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make Use of Sales & Discounts</li>
</ul>
<div>
You can buy something new. At full price. If that fits your fancy. BUT. As a company, they offer second-hand merchandise, something unique with furniture companies (AND bargain saving). Not only that, they allow you several payment methods- right this moment, weekly payments, monthly payments, delayed payments (cause, hey, much as I hate debt, sometimes your fridge goes out and you HAVE to have a functioning one... immediately!) Then, of course, they have sales/discounts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bottom line, they have assembled with this company everything you need to make a worthwhile furniture purchase- many companies to select from, ratings included, AND the ability to buy what you need in the way that best suits you and your fam. Which, in the end, is the most you can ask for from any retailer- tailoring your purchase to your unique lifestyle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(Did I mention they are based out of the UK? AKA, let my inner anglophile rejoice!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-3317490944317528042016-07-25T06:03:00.000-07:002016-07-25T06:03:10.515-07:005 Ingredient No-Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdi18mUNtBC1OoOp6TLS7sUqATTZeoifZMLJenRjlZhHnnHi69lXbtcijZK-VwfZKmEvNbOcPbxV8VUjzijb0xw40PHNQlTWZfQWmbE-94csPfaVY3kbW2VGtmHnTd83njS7Gax-5AdY/s1600/IMG_5926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdi18mUNtBC1OoOp6TLS7sUqATTZeoifZMLJenRjlZhHnnHi69lXbtcijZK-VwfZKmEvNbOcPbxV8VUjzijb0xw40PHNQlTWZfQWmbE-94csPfaVY3kbW2VGtmHnTd83njS7Gax-5AdY/s400/IMG_5926.JPG" width="400" /></a>It's simple: I wanted a treat for a peanut butter-loving friend, but had only a few minutes to get said treat together. The answer? A simple, chewy, <i>delicious</i> solution that requires only 5 ingredients.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div>
* 1/2 cup melted peanut butter (microwaved or warmed in a pan on the stove until the consistency of syrup)</div>
<div>
* 3 Tb softened butter (can sub shortening/margarine, but butter tastes mucho better)</div>
<div>
* dash salt</div>
<div>
* 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar</div>
<div>
* chocolate kisses</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0bJiXqbmlFh5JlcaVl8_9lV-_2UgMrQ7ctL0nIeP6dHBjfEOUCtEgbqgGcsSDTXhSRKXWn0MrbmDkWCW9QfR-17wlQ7Zgo_6-Oxoe6XY96Coqm_tcdnNr14OF-9a2MBywUX4SHkY7GY/s1600/IMG_5921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0bJiXqbmlFh5JlcaVl8_9lV-_2UgMrQ7ctL0nIeP6dHBjfEOUCtEgbqgGcsSDTXhSRKXWn0MrbmDkWCW9QfR-17wlQ7Zgo_6-Oxoe6XY96Coqm_tcdnNr14OF-9a2MBywUX4SHkY7GY/s200/IMG_5921.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ideal consistency</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Simply combin<span style="text-align: center;">e all four ingredients into a bowl, stir thoroughly with an electric mixer. The dough should be almost crumbly and not sticky. If it feels a bit sticky, add 1/8 cup of powdered sugar. Form into balls. Once formed into balls, press an unwrapped kiss into the middle. Enjoy!</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfYmuU-lh9a18PxRn31hpq3Z06JtlyFXpVqnFiX89vfSgzb-BUAwjqF7tDbjTE0j1HkWP29mbw3QVNaHnh70s2QBgJXYsrern8HKGE0u6s2Dplp65-y3HFLc29aVmOdsfI0RHl1fq90k/s1600/IMG_5923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfYmuU-lh9a18PxRn31hpq3Z06JtlyFXpVqnFiX89vfSgzb-BUAwjqF7tDbjTE0j1HkWP29mbw3QVNaHnh70s2QBgJXYsrern8HKGE0u6s2Dplp65-y3HFLc29aVmOdsfI0RHl1fq90k/s200/IMG_5923.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small cookies on the left, <br />medium on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
If you make tiny balls, this recipe will make two dozen cookies. If you go for a medium sized cookie, this recipe makes about 15 cookies. (Check out the photo for medium/small sizes)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-30130828154921555282016-03-15T14:09:00.001-07:002016-03-15T14:09:34.153-07:00French Toast from Leftover Hamburger Buns<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkeT5Z-x0Ar45CySVdW9giferft-xxt4_zu8AYteSfdLtMm2uJFUZJ-ODg1_IMhV4iTN74mWixzaSIHsMNb1RL1dIyII3CQOl7DlepnTxg9XHub1sGX5qCetlLRNA1k8yYGJ3hChR3K8/s1600/IMG_4493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkeT5Z-x0Ar45CySVdW9giferft-xxt4_zu8AYteSfdLtMm2uJFUZJ-ODg1_IMhV4iTN74mWixzaSIHsMNb1RL1dIyII3CQOl7DlepnTxg9XHub1sGX5qCetlLRNA1k8yYGJ3hChR3K8/s400/IMG_4493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I don't like to waste food. This is a fact. My family likes to eat hamburgers and hot dogs. This is another fact. Sadly, my family seldom eats hamburgers OR hot dogs in multiples of eight's, which means we end up with leftover buns that end up getting tossed out.<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03uy3wGmn-Kle7ICsyIDrN48dTXZYbl01KeAmT0lIx9xqdVqQdw9wiO38IOLZ3emUe9VG3UAaUAUsT5_4cWbuZ8cVL1v1ojUsfmy6ki5RENWxVbOIAwrHre-cN1b4ZEGhF7znBv2gD50/s1600/IMG_4489+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div>
NO MORE!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Use leftover hot dog/hamburger buns to make french toast!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*They are thicker than traditional bread slices, which makes for thick, deep, delicious french toast.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLCHDbMhbmkM7T4YjYitpddqY5y5VSDi7ONYJY6CRVq4ZD6u22oCZkthRPxClG3mwvwtHdYbE61OU-oVnlU4ehXVjLX0rmeT3JURMTVSp29ajUCD89hq6pKcam1AC581jx0LKBv1pFfk/s1600/IMG_4492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLCHDbMhbmkM7T4YjYitpddqY5y5VSDi7ONYJY6CRVq4ZD6u22oCZkthRPxClG3mwvwtHdYbE61OU-oVnlU4ehXVjLX0rmeT3JURMTVSp29ajUCD89hq6pKcam1AC581jx0LKBv1pFfk/s200/IMG_4492.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fry 'em up<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
*Have lots of leftovers? Fry them ALL up as french toast and freeze them on a cookie sheet- once fully frozen, pop them into a gallon zipper baggie for easy breakfast or snacks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Perfect for stale buns as well!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know it may sound a bit odd, but it turned out to be some of the best french toast I've ever had!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyoAZuIzI_Z91m0QvZB1zYfMn6qWuzHIBVwO4LL0dKAz_r8WvfTYJeRlHB6sXlHRt7DGLC-hfUSd9quPI6jkgaXE9QegUpMMji9ryeE-VkBEZxejV6a8MF-hdWtza9-u2_W9-ITRf_eg/s1600/IMG_4494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyoAZuIzI_Z91m0QvZB1zYfMn6qWuzHIBVwO4LL0dKAz_r8WvfTYJeRlHB6sXlHRt7DGLC-hfUSd9quPI6jkgaXE9QegUpMMji9ryeE-VkBEZxejV6a8MF-hdWtza9-u2_W9-ITRf_eg/s320/IMG_4494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut into chunks and ready for the freezer! <br />(regular bread french toast on top, hot dog bun toast on bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
FRENCH TOAST MIX RECIPE</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*5 eggs</div>
<div>
*1/2 tsp vanilla</div>
<div>
*1/2 cup milk</div>
<div>
*1/2 tsp cinnamon</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mix all four ingredients until well combined; dip bun into mixture until fully immersed (wet on both sides) and fry on medium high heat in a greased frying pan on both sides until browned.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enough for 8 buns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-61293363089936597782015-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:002015-11-25T13:14:51.368-08:005 Ways to Get Free Money for Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha53djaZ5TUN264QDU9iFTRBWBZp9lQrjlLLLTJ_bud2AUnhH3UI5v2CTzTyMApqZrPTgfRMsZokYc5RE7aGkMv142ZkV5ST5_4VjO5oniVOBfWr4gwtFjkFbOBAEmSYvdLStn8e0tktg/s1600/free+money+for+christmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha53djaZ5TUN264QDU9iFTRBWBZp9lQrjlLLLTJ_bud2AUnhH3UI5v2CTzTyMApqZrPTgfRMsZokYc5RE7aGkMv142ZkV5ST5_4VjO5oniVOBfWr4gwtFjkFbOBAEmSYvdLStn8e0tktg/s320/free+money+for+christmas.png" width="313" /></a>Are you an heiress? Independently wealthy? Yes? Then this article isn't for you. This is for those of us who need to pinch our pennies and make every dollar stretch, especially during the most wonderful time of the year which, incidentally, is also the most wonderfully expensive time of the year. The following are five different ways to get money or gift cards to help stretch your Christmas budget so you can buy presents and surprises for those you love.<br />
<br />
<b>SWAG BUCKS</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/" target="_blank">Swag Bucks</a></b><br />
<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>OVERVIEW: Get rewarded with 'Swag Bucks' by completing activities, quizzes, trying out new products, and searching the Internet. Redeem these 'Swag Bucks' for gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, Visa, etc.<br />
<br />
PROS: You can get Swag Bucks for doing things you'd likely already be doing or for purchases you'd already be making. Planning on buying some clothes from Kohls? Go through the SB website to get to Kohls and you get Swag Bucks. I've also found quite a few amazing trials of products that I would have been interested in purchasing anyway, but with Swag Bucks, I get a bonus gift card along with it. One Swag Buck is the equivalent of one penny when getting a reward.<br />
<a href="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M2090029be1158857da7d368343959219H0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M2090029be1158857da7d368343959219H0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" /></a><br />
<br />
CONS: This website is confusing. There are so many offers, so many ways to get rewards, it's difficult to manage. If you aren't careful, you can waste time doing projects and offers that give you almost no Swag Bucks- be selective about which offers your complete.<br />
<br />
CONCLUSION: Although you can waste time here, if you are careful not to get overwhelmed, you can really get some savings and get lots of good gift cards.<br />
<br />
<b>IBOTTA</b><br />
<b><a href="https://ibotta.com/?gclid=CIPl0Izy58gCFYRDaQodrEAK0A" target="_blank">Ibotta</a></b><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSuEgpUHUZBSdHJSklnK4cEIWDXaIt1v8Ps4yG3gbBPEkWx8aLumw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for ibotta" border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSuEgpUHUZBSdHJSklnK4cEIWDXaIt1v8Ps4yG3gbBPEkWx8aLumw" /></a>OVERVIEW: Ibotta is essentially reverse couponing. Instead of presenting a coupon for a dollar off of a package of diapers, you buy the diapers, come home, scan your receipt, and get a one dollar rebate. Using an app on your phone, you scan the available offers, buy them at the store, then come home and scan your receipt and the product's bar code to get your rebates. The money you save accumulates in your account until you are ready to transfer it to either a PayPal or Venmo account or else a gift card to Amazon, etc.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.Mdf3d87706ffd3744fb9ba02808e54506H0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.Mdf3d87706ffd3744fb9ba02808e54506H0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" height="89" width="200" /></a>PROS: You can use a coupon for a product at the store AND get a rebate through Ibotta on it, so it's double the savings. There are rebates for things like milk, eggs, bread, and produce. The offers are always updating and there are hundreds of offers at different stores at any given time.<br />
<br />
<br />
CONS: It's a bit time consuming. You have to go through the app, select offers and interact with the product information, then scan the bar code AND take a copy of your receipt. It's not a terrible amount of effort, but it does take a bit.<br />
<br />
CONCLUSION: I'm a fan. I use Ibotta every week and am able to accumulate a fair amount of money, which I usually use to surprise my husband with, since he doesn't have any idea how much money I have in my Ibotta account. It's my favorite.<br />
<br />
<b>BING</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.bing.com/" target="_blank">Bing</a></b><br />
<a href="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M9b60832679628590fe299e15f5403aa9H0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M9b60832679628590fe299e15f5403aa9H0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" height="200" width="200" /></a>OVERVIEW: Bing is a search engine owned by the Mircosoft. Create an account and use Bing to complete your searches. By doing so, you can get 'Bing Rewards' points, which are redeemable for gift cards and prizes.<br />
<br />
PROS: It's simple. You just make sure you are logged into your Microsoft account and then all the web searches you do earn you a certain amount of points.<br />
<br />
CONS: It takes a little while to actually get a prize.<br />
<br />
CONCLUSION: Honestly? You're gonna be searching the web on your phone/computer every day any way, so why not use Bing and get rewarded for it? I have found I prefer Bing to Google in several aspects anyhow, so using Bing feels like a win-win.<br />
<br />
<b>WALMART SAVINGS CATCHER</b><br />
<b><a href="https://savingscatcher.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Savings Catcher</a></b><br />
OVERVIEW: Walmart promises that their prices are the lowest. If they aren't, they will give you back the difference in price in the form of a gift card. You use the Walmart app to scan your receipt after you shop, and if a competitor has advertised a cheaper price somewhere else, you get that money back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M6108d32711f69ca307f86469a757b249o0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M6108d32711f69ca307f86469a757b249o0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
PROS: Simple. Just scan your QR code on your receipt as you walk out the door. Whatever you have overpaid goes onto your account, which you can turn into a Walmart gift card whenever you want. No minimum amounts.<br />
<br />
CONS: Doesn't work for produce and some more expensive items.<br />
<br />
CONCLUSION: No reason not to use it. It's really easy, and if you just scan your receipt each time you go, before you know it, you'll have a pretty sizable amount in your account that you can easily turn into a Christmas surprise.<br />
<br />
<b>WALGREENS BALANCE REWARDS</b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.walgreens.com/balancerewards/balance-rewards.jsp" target="_blank">Walgreens Balance Rewards</a></b><br />
<a href="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M258d5aa71184de53b6f258a3c142fbc3H0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M258d5aa71184de53b6f258a3c142fbc3H0&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0" /></a>OVERVIEW: Shop at Walgreens. If you buy selected offers, you get points added to your Balance Rewards account (requires card sign up). 5000 points=$5 Walgreens gift card.<br />
<br />
PROS: I've found that many of the selected offers that give me Balance Rewards Points are products that are on sale, have a coupon, and I would normally purchase anyhow, so a little extra bonus makes shopping there extra appealing. You also get a small number of points for every purchase, regardless of what you buy.<br />
<br />
CONS: Sometimes the offers are on products I don't want? Maybe you don't like shopping at Walgreens? I don't really have cons for this one.<br />
<br />
CONCLUSION: Walgreens is already my pharmacy of choice. I get points for each prescription, plus random purchases I make on diapers and shampoo. Once I get enough for a reward, I find there are more than enough fun things to use them on, as their seasonal selections are surprisingly diverse. Candy, stockings, toys, nail polish.... And all at rather reasonable prices, especially for a drug store.<br />
<br />
<br />
Bottom line: I use Swab Bucks sometimes, but the rest I use regularly. I'm mostly buying and doing the things I would normally be doing and buying without any incentive, but by following these programs all year, once Christmas rolls around, I have MORE than enough money for gifts, surprises, expensive dinners, and crazy amounts of Amazon shopping. (I'm all about shopping online during my kids' nap time. ) So, it takes a little effort, but when you're on a budget, taking that little bit of effort is entirely worth it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-87207334506472580542015-10-14T10:54:00.000-07:002015-10-14T10:54:03.585-07:00What if BreastfeedingI am a run-ragged mother of two toddlers and one tiny, precious nursing baby. She is a very content, happy baby- except when it comes to nursing. She doesn't want to nurse in public. Or in front of her siblings. Or while I hold her. In fact, she won't eat at all, unless I am lying down to feed her. She won't eat if she can tell I'm reading or holding my phone. She won't eat unless I lie there, doing nothing.<br />
<br />
Which got me to thinking,<br />
<br />
"Man! This is relaxing! I LOVE laying down while I nurse. It's like a mini break or tiny vacation. Like, I can almost take a nap and not even feel guilty!"<br /><br />
Which led to a simple hyptothesis.<br />
<br />
What if... we were made to nurse that way? What if..... God knew what an exhausting ordeal childbirth would be. What if He knew mothers would be up all night feeding, swaddling, rocking, and changing their babies, all the while expected to do our normal duties during the day?<br />
<br />Could He, perhaps, have engineered us so that being a mother of an infant comes with built-in breaks? Time so that we could nap and relax in the midst of all of our duties?<br />
<br />
Because, like many women I know, I have a hard time taking care of me. My kids? No problem. Husband? Of course! Neighbors? Friends? Acquaintenaces? Random people at the grocery store?? You'd better believe I'm sharing meals, baked goods, babysitting, and being friendly and helping out every person I possibly can. It's easy to make time to help another person.<br />
<br />
But myself? Permananet back burner.<br />
<br />
And could it be that God, knowing the proclivities of women, knowing our desire to nurture and love, made a way for us to take a break without guilt? Because it's difficult to feel guilty about taking care of your baby.<br />
<br />
So what if.... What if those nursing breaks were created to help us, too? Allow us to rest and recharge. Because if I'm nursing laying down, you'd better believe it's not too tough to get a moment or two of shut-eye.<br />
<br />
And yes, I know the battle cry that comes from this. "TIME? I don't have time to just lay down every time my baby's hungry! What about my other kids? Other duties? Internet? E-mail? I CAN'T just LAY DOWN and REST while feeding my baby?!" And perhaps it takes a bit, just a bit, of planning to give yourself a break while feeding your baby.<br />
<br />
But maybe, just maybe, God wants us to have a moment of rest when we feed those little ones. To recharge. To breathe. Nursing or bottle feeding, perhaps He is OK with me napping.<br />
<br />
And maybe I should be OK with that, too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-35873810834580480792015-04-29T13:34:00.001-07:002015-04-29T13:34:38.793-07:00Neglecting Facebook: My Biggest Regret<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXKXw_bgW7TFMAvoJIumI37De003Tx5-QfXVgO-czAVv2CCUGdqiZYMxk6oonzru9l4POi5TvNyVOu-XxTasLrosw7cQY4NXC2stWOpLH4RXD9v0nxDEBRb483BVDwQQFPtHtc9cohyphenhyphenc/s1600/biggest+regret.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXKXw_bgW7TFMAvoJIumI37De003Tx5-QfXVgO-czAVv2CCUGdqiZYMxk6oonzru9l4POi5TvNyVOu-XxTasLrosw7cQY4NXC2stWOpLH4RXD9v0nxDEBRb483BVDwQQFPtHtc9cohyphenhyphenc/s1600/biggest+regret.png" height="400" width="398" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I stared at my brightly lit smartphone as it made a small
halo of light around myself and my</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> nursing infant in the dark surroundings of
my 2am feeding. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What am I DOING?</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I
thought groggily to myself as I rocked my little one ever so slightly. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enough. Enough is ENOUGH.</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I was tired of
all I had to do, tired of never having time to myself, tired of, well,
EVERYTHING. And so I made a decision that I will regret as long as I live:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I turned off my smartphone and turned to look at my baby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It seemed like an innocent enough decision at first. After
all, I already had two rambunctious toddlers running around, a household to
keep up, money to make, and a new baby on top of everything else? Surely I could
take a break from Facebook and give myself a little more time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx_X3syw4m9Ypf9XzoDfO8sHvkzYhLU6Fmq7pWnzj8VPHW8xpYVBhx7r7Wh25WBQNgVWurfny2QS3f4YiKefGkEDJpkYSzKJy2DPZeAFNjQqMFxTRAjdgZfL1BI1ndNP5iCneXfxFljQ/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx_X3syw4m9Ypf9XzoDfO8sHvkzYhLU6Fmq7pWnzj8VPHW8xpYVBhx7r7Wh25WBQNgVWurfny2QS3f4YiKefGkEDJpkYSzKJy2DPZeAFNjQqMFxTRAjdgZfL1BI1ndNP5iCneXfxFljQ/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And so my late night feedings consisted of me holding my
little one, sometimes stroking her cheek, holding her little fingers, or even
just listening to her breathe. <i>She’s only
a baby once</i>, I’d tell myself, trying to rationalize skipping Facebook time.
My play time with my toddlers was no
longer broken up into chunks of me updating statuses or browsing the fun photos
my friends uploaded from their recent trips. Instead, I held my toddlers close,
read entire books through, built block towers, and drew my fair share of stick
figure families. <i>No one will even miss me
on Facebook! I can spare this time for my family!</i> I tried to convince
myself, but to no avail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgjLmX1PkXOtEdTZ0UqYXdCRCrDLUc4td7FYrZvw1DxzjebQDlZzMvHJbp7BdZS-8Sn4ZZpPfBiTT3Li-v8nTrEfxgylzOMDd-wW6y5twO_WFaNeq5MMsyrSUftDaJyZCNzsc0bU0rTU/s1600/emily+and+babes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgjLmX1PkXOtEdTZ0UqYXdCRCrDLUc4td7FYrZvw1DxzjebQDlZzMvHJbp7BdZS-8Sn4ZZpPfBiTT3Li-v8nTrEfxgylzOMDd-wW6y5twO_WFaNeq5MMsyrSUftDaJyZCNzsc0bU0rTU/s1600/emily+and+babes.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My world came crashing down one morning as I woke up to my
daughter whispering in my ear, “Mama, I lub you. It’s cuz you’re my mama and I
lub you,” while my son toddled into bed next to me to ‘snugga a mama’. It was
then that I suddenly realized I didn’t remember the last time I had updated my
status. Or read a recommended article. Or even liked some else’s status. Not
even one single like! <i>UNBELIEVABLE!</i> I
wanted to scream at myself. How had I gone from checking my account via
smartphone, tablet, or laptop dozens if not scores of times each day, carefully
following my more interesting acquaintances while sharing all of my favorite
moments of the day to being a mother who spent the bulk of her time with her
children actually WITH her children mentally!? How could I have done that to
myself? I had missed out on so many funny photos, so many amusing anecdotes,
and so many chances to share pictures of my best meals. So much lost time that
I could never get back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />But it was too late! I had changed myself so radically, so
drastically, that I didn’t even have the desire to log in to my Facebook
account, much less spend hours scrolling through numbing posts. I couldn’t go
back to where and what I had been.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I knew, then, that I’d
have to endure my loss, accept my fate as ‘The Woman who Checks Facebook Only Intermittently’,
and continue to be mentally present when I spent time with my children. It’s
been a long and difficult road of meaningful experiences with my children and a
greater appreciation and patience for each of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I only hope that one day I can forgive myself for making
that horrific decision so long ago of putting aside my smartphone and holding
my child closer to me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIfkuV8CumCSmoifEC19UoLRCl_6qI7BNuQM-x9Fvta6olZ2Os0PAvm0RSngYGOIoUwokYWInprXPlcbP1XXk_KXylW219btQHZ-ZCJOJo2LL3UIFGJEyr0PhVdUgUceIoywTXXeVbVs/s1600/babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIfkuV8CumCSmoifEC19UoLRCl_6qI7BNuQM-x9Fvta6olZ2Os0PAvm0RSngYGOIoUwokYWInprXPlcbP1XXk_KXylW219btQHZ-ZCJOJo2LL3UIFGJEyr0PhVdUgUceIoywTXXeVbVs/s1600/babies.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-6252719847971610182015-01-28T20:19:00.001-08:002015-01-29T13:01:50.277-08:00Why I Served a Mission: I Planned to Give but Received Instead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ytreGRo0qc-nVWVszoAg-libhHGh70sZ6js0LsInXFWbgCcTddc2dST-aTFz-zPgKwr2WBmEVnSjzhRSlq9K6NdtMVD_UbEOazrGJm2fk8iXecOp78jmvSwNcx0XOkOK5roKp7BPUYM/s1600/IMG_5807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ytreGRo0qc-nVWVszoAg-libhHGh70sZ6js0LsInXFWbgCcTddc2dST-aTFz-zPgKwr2WBmEVnSjzhRSlq9K6NdtMVD_UbEOazrGJm2fk8iXecOp78jmvSwNcx0XOkOK5roKp7BPUYM/s1600/IMG_5807.JPG" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
I am a Mormon- LDS- a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From a very early age, I would often be asked, "Are you planning on serving a mission? You'd be so great! You would make an awesome missionary!" or some variation to that effect. I took these comments as an insult. My personal image of female missionaries was far from positive and I took no pleasure in others grouping me in with them. So, needless to say, I hadn't the slightest desire to serve a mission. Very near to my 21st birthday, my heart and mind seemed to be softened somewhat to the idea. Not entirely- but just enough. As I thought on serving a mission, I heard a <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/good-better-best?lang=eng" target="_blank">talk that resonated with me.</a> The heart of this talk was good vs. better vs. best. What I walked away with after listening to it was to consider a mission in those terms. I thought to myself, 'what was a good thing a could do? A better thing? The BEST thing?' After debating with myself, I concl<br />
uded that serving a mission would be the best thing I could do for a number of reasons.<br />
<br />
<br />
-In no way would it prevent me from my other future desires. I could still finish my degree in college, get married, have children, travel, and do anything else I wanted in life. Clearly, it would not be an inconvenience for me.<br />
<br />
-I had the means (through generous parents) of serving a mission without worrying about funds.<br />
<br />
-I had been given so much- certainly I could give back. I had an understanding of the gospel. I had a strong, outgoing personality. I was friendly. I had no problems sharing my testimony. I understood the scriptures. I could perform hard physical labor. I was easy to live with. I could cook well. I took care of myself. I just knew that I would put a good face on the church. I learned languages quickly.Surely, if the Lord had blessed me with so much, it wouldn't kill me to share some of my blessings back on his behalf for a mere 18 months? My entire thought process was along the lines of 'because I have been given much, I too must give'.<br />
<br />
And that was where I ended up being dead wrong.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYf9oFzd_nU9VlZ9Q872sKUnl5y2PuoLLjWNIoqjYhj04pPBeC_kgjA64fyhPzVY8DGTcuQBHb5v3IA6CfQ1vCCqK4EMie2MkJl_b7dOse9vlsKj4fDWdAFQZKQ77c02W3yfwYNzvLIs/s1600/ajap.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYf9oFzd_nU9VlZ9Q872sKUnl5y2PuoLLjWNIoqjYhj04pPBeC_kgjA64fyhPzVY8DGTcuQBHb5v3IA6CfQ1vCCqK4EMie2MkJl_b7dOse9vlsKj4fDWdAFQZKQ77c02W3yfwYNzvLIs/s1600/ajap.png" height="133" width="200" /></a>I was called to serve a mission in Tokyo, Japan. I served my 18 months honorably, excelled at the language and working with the people. I felt I had accomplished what the Lord had sent me to do and that He was well pleased with me. I had done exactly what I had set out to accomplish on my mission. I had blessed the church and the work of the Lord through my talents.<br />
<br />
WRONG. WRONG. WRONG!<br />
<br />
Never, when I left on my mission, did I realized how much I would receive! Never! My thoughts had, pridefully, I'll admit, been only on my own talents and gifts and how I would be able to give back to the church. I was woefully unaware of the huge amount of blessings that I would receive. More than I had room to receive! And so undeservingly!<br />
<br />
It can be compared to volunteering abroad with a program where you paid your own way. You used your time, your funds, your talents, and were totally fine with giving on behalf of a good cause. Then, when you returned home from your non-profit project, you found out that several million dollars had been transferred to your bank account, non-refundable, for the work that you had done. And what's more, the cash continued to flow into your account, millions a year, for the rest of your life. Surely the small amount of work you had done over a brief period of time was not worth so much- and yet, you continued to receive.<br />
<br />
That was how my mission has been for me. Want specifics? Here goes.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6XEXJ_7zgqVKi87eh8kaLDPB_jxXpDm9BjXDAPlgFaUelu4AWR2thjZWdOddEUnt0pOCA4vOewcuxdQRXKqsh9vw6E1jnwhrxQXMIgdTgZ1Caixfi27wBTxwF_jtIljWWDT69vMHmok/s1600/dollars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6XEXJ_7zgqVKi87eh8kaLDPB_jxXpDm9BjXDAPlgFaUelu4AWR2thjZWdOddEUnt0pOCA4vOewcuxdQRXKqsh9vw6E1jnwhrxQXMIgdTgZ1Caixfi27wBTxwF_jtIljWWDT69vMHmok/s1600/dollars.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a><br />
FISCALLY. Because of my mission, I have been able to be a stay at home mom. I certainly had the desire to stay at home with my children as soon as I became a mother, but my husband didn't make enough money for that to be a possibility. However, on my mission, I learned Japanese and now work as a Japanese translator- work that can be done at home, during nap times, and has always been enough to cover our expenses so that I can stay home.<br />
<br />
MENTALLY. I had been a hard-working, high- scoring student for my entire life. Yet somehow, in learning to study the language and the scriptures on my mission, my mental capacities were boosted to a height I didn't realize was even possible. I had the ability to study, learn, and apply principles far more effectively than ever before.<br />
<br />
SPIRITUAL MATURITY. Naturally, I grew spiritually to a great degree. But more than that, I learned true charity and what it feels like to work under the influence of the Spirit. Not the infrequent, far-between experiences I had had before I left on my mission. But what it felt to be truly guided by the Lord in my actions. Being able to recognize that as a missionary has allowed me to know when it is missing from my post-mission life and has shown me what I need to do to regain it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3UeZnRHDXGTlZ59xOBzzGW2K2SiziOhk4-JvW9HfohxGXW5CiHH9UJ5dH8pkjQIrH-vN0pmAHi49uju6Wkf1990vAWNemQvoN4BUQ53spb1wIdidC7Hm577rbMbCUEen7pLOrA4mtuc/s1600/herats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3UeZnRHDXGTlZ59xOBzzGW2K2SiziOhk4-JvW9HfohxGXW5CiHH9UJ5dH8pkjQIrH-vN0pmAHi49uju6Wkf1990vAWNemQvoN4BUQ53spb1wIdidC7Hm577rbMbCUEen7pLOrA4mtuc/s1600/herats.jpg" height="200" width="142" /></a>PARENTING. I can recognize on almost a daily basis how serving a mission has allowed me to be a better mother than I would have been had I not served. I have greater patience for my children's antics. I have greater emotional control when they test me. And I have a clearer mindset for what the most important things are for my children to learn, something that is very dear to me. They must know that I love them, that their Savior loves them, and that He is available to them always. Certainly something I knew before I ever served a mission, but something that is indelibly imprinted in my mind now in a way that surely would have taken decades to obtain.<br />
<br />
WIFING. I don't know if I could even count the number of times I have recognized a marital issue and then handled it better <i>because</i> of things I learned on my mission. This heading alone would have been reason enough to serve. Being married isn't easy, but oh, my, how much easier and more rewarding is it because of my servi<span style="text-align: center;">ce.</span><br />
<br />
In all of these topics, I have spoken in generalities, for brevity's sake. Allow me to interject a single example of how one experience specifically blessed me for years and years to follow as a wife.<br />
<br />
<i>I had difficulties with one of my companions. They were unkind to me and it was difficult to not show a growing resentment. During this time, however, I read <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-tongue-of-angels?lang=eng" target="_blank">this talk by Elder Holland</a>. In it, I felt extremely impressed to not allow a single word of unkindness come out of my mouth. Again, this was a trying time for me. But miraculously, through prayer and an increased ability from the Lord, I never voiced unkind words for this companion, regardless of their actions towards me. This was an incredibly difficult life skill to master, but I have used it time and time again in my marriage to bite back angry words. Every time, once a day or two has passed, and I re-visit my unkind thoughts. I can only thank the Lord that I did not speak them to my husband because, guess what? When I'm angry, I think mean things that I truly don't mean! What a boon to be able to not speak every word that crosses my mind. This skill alone was worth serving a mission.</i><br />
<br />
HUMILITY. PATIENCE. EMOTIONALLY. I could go on and on and on. The ways in which I have been blessed for my service are almost countless.<br />
<br />
And so in that I was wrong- I thought that me serving a mission would be a great boon to all who came in contact with me. Instead, I was blessed, loved, and continue to be blessed in far greater measures than I could ever have imagined.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-17092051545026635032015-01-22T20:01:00.000-08:002015-07-16T13:41:23.827-07:00Wall Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36KFE3zyEvCTZeKdc00cdyqFqbkx6E7HCa2be-ORwM030h8RwjbT44KRONeeEsZt9ZxezFKYDw4TKCdiSJDjSgWHdwm3M06ffquSaglXWgDPCjILHCJhexSfxGTgOuTCdxEd1Z2OI1cA/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36KFE3zyEvCTZeKdc00cdyqFqbkx6E7HCa2be-ORwM030h8RwjbT44KRONeeEsZt9ZxezFKYDw4TKCdiSJDjSgWHdwm3M06ffquSaglXWgDPCjILHCJhexSfxGTgOuTCdxEd1Z2OI1cA/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's an easy one- go to a thrift store, buy some picture frames, then paint them to match your decor. Next, hang those frames, empty and without glass, on your wall. Next time your child creates a masterpiece, you can temporarily 'frame' it by simply sticking it to the wall with a piece of tape. It's an exciting thing for your kids to see their art 'framed', and it's a bit more stylish than papers on on the fridge. Easy!<br />
<br />
If you're interested in wall art that is personalized to your taste but perhaps a bit more chic and couture than just hanging your kids drawings, head over to Shutterfly for personalized <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6666669845581px;"> </span><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/home-decor/wall-art" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6666669845581px;" target="_blank">wall art</a> options!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-31348682830761503802014-08-15T05:40:00.002-07:002014-08-15T05:40:16.399-07:00Simple 4 Ingredient Strawberry Vinaigrette<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJu9f7D3U2cHtyfFo1vpn73WOVC5dVgiT-6dGL3p88uLpwM-b3_JJ508di934XWe7ZiYdwOEdQpgV7CLjJifrVzT5CKYp38ZfbdUf7QNrm0eaMhkYS9qqKU-MlUT8oX2jvRIqW7SebEL4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJu9f7D3U2cHtyfFo1vpn73WOVC5dVgiT-6dGL3p88uLpwM-b3_JJ508di934XWe7ZiYdwOEdQpgV7CLjJifrVzT5CKYp38ZfbdUf7QNrm0eaMhkYS9qqKU-MlUT8oX2jvRIqW7SebEL4/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="386" /></a>This salad dressing is simple to make and light and fresh to the taste.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
*1/4 cup soy sauce<br />
*1/3 cup rice vinegar<br />
*1 cup of sugar (less if you prefer)<br />
* 3/4 cup strawberries, sweetened<br />
<br />
All you have to do is throw all for ingredients into a blender, pulse it a few times, and you have a fresh compliment to many a salad. This is an especially tasty dressing for salads with bitter greens in it, like arugula or mustard greens.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-77066943443827821422014-07-29T12:52:00.000-07:002014-07-29T12:53:51.397-07:00DIY Wood Stain Using Food Coloring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93eV3kclP7VMoRQIOv3cbihkdKzdBCswtJjmuZ_4ZzpIjI_cVLnWQvg7tTOhtk06dKvzFRTezTLb8mCxTXr8_eJpyl2xMdsLi-ecZOndtznG_qHEG_otdmDoeR6SMqNixwuqzCA4wfTg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93eV3kclP7VMoRQIOv3cbihkdKzdBCswtJjmuZ_4ZzpIjI_cVLnWQvg7tTOhtk06dKvzFRTezTLb8mCxTXr8_eJpyl2xMdsLi-ecZOndtznG_qHEG_otdmDoeR6SMqNixwuqzCA4wfTg/s1600/photo.JPG" height="330" width="400" /></a></div>
My husband is the king of the 'Honey Do' list. Not only does he do everything on his 'list', he also proactively searches for projects. "Want me to mow the lawn? How's the disposal? Do you need me to build anything today?" Very productive. So, when I asked him to build me a spice shelf on Monday, I shouldn't have been surprised that by Tuesday, I had two, with the only difference being their length, so that I could decide which was a better fit for over my stove.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2L-hmbywgQAN3bE0SshEnrND2jx-yRsDxdPtycDK-ey_x2Z6fc6WjCJm4aMhxZqlrqjnMmrChNop4kI9dOILwCbb_AHS5spZtXpbxK5hPbWA9SG3CMwzZsoqeI4_NiCG_FRAeMxcuQU/s1600/shelf+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2L-hmbywgQAN3bE0SshEnrND2jx-yRsDxdPtycDK-ey_x2Z6fc6WjCJm4aMhxZqlrqjnMmrChNop4kI9dOILwCbb_AHS5spZtXpbxK5hPbWA9SG3CMwzZsoqeI4_NiCG_FRAeMxcuQU/s1600/shelf+5.jpg" height="122" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After paint, after sand, before stain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now it was my turn. You know- to sand, paint, and decorate it as I wanted. This, however, took several months, as it just sat in my garage with me contemplating what paints or varnishes I might want to purchase. I finally decided that I didn't need to run to the craft store but would take care of it with what I had at home, which ended up being cheap craft paint, food coloring, and clear spray paint. After all, "Necessity is the mother of invention"- and I NEEDED to get this darn shelf finished!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>MATERIALS</b><br />
*four food coloring vials (red, blue, green, yellow)<br />
*water<br />
*paper towels<br />
*gloves (!)<br />
<br />
For my project, I simply painted my shelf turquoise and then sanded off the corners/sides to make it look 'shabby chic and rustic'.<br />
<br />
I squirted<br />
1/2 tsp red<br />
1/2 tsp blue and<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm5kFD51topBgNFF0e5-lugg4a9LrRq3wxmqKs6G706Kk7CDLP0fOz80TJwBiVuPLKQZf9ezB7PKRG-wz1cnW1-F2NH5ke-a1dhXkia8ZVzS5vfSzEcZcabxWj_duj6WLCQV9dlFN4sg/s1600/shelf+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm5kFD51topBgNFF0e5-lugg4a9LrRq3wxmqKs6G706Kk7CDLP0fOz80TJwBiVuPLKQZf9ezB7PKRG-wz1cnW1-F2NH5ke-a1dhXkia8ZVzS5vfSzEcZcabxWj_duj6WLCQV9dlFN4sg/s1600/shelf+4.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS is why you use gloves..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1/2 tsp green into<br />
1/8 cup of water.<br />
<br />
Once mixed together, I used a paper towel to soak up the concoction and apply to my sanded, raw corners (USE GLOVES HERE). Once it had dried, I used my spray paint to coat the stain, keep it from bleeding/running, and protect my shelf. You can use any kind of clear paint or polyurethane.<br />
<br />
And guess what? That's it. The fun thing, though, is that, depending on what color of stain you want, you can create almost anything with food coloring just by mixing and matching, then applying the stain to an extra piece of wood to make sure it is your desired hue.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPZG2ygVMB96tS9AIR_IvVNPk1uR9mHULVTmYAbthAj_c04GzbI0HjJrWbQ_Q2nbWDDP5P5W47hkDMMspSU2EuQvf8B4c6d2TBd2Jz0R7JT0I42kO9vPIAYljtZGjuusapf7KVs-H-dA/s1600/shelf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPZG2ygVMB96tS9AIR_IvVNPk1uR9mHULVTmYAbthAj_c04GzbI0HjJrWbQ_Q2nbWDDP5P5W47hkDMMspSU2EuQvf8B4c6d2TBd2Jz0R7JT0I42kO9vPIAYljtZGjuusapf7KVs-H-dA/s1600/shelf+1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that lovely, cost-effective stain<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Only downside of this stain is that you <b>do</b> need a clear spray paint/polyurethane to protect the color from transferring to another surface, but once it's protected... BOOM. You are ready to go! And since you can't argue with the price... (what are we talking here, three cents on this project?) it'll be my new go-to for staining wood!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-79202138959001144782014-06-26T13:03:00.004-07:002014-06-26T13:03:53.063-07:00Mommy Mondays: Why/How I Don't Scream at My Kids<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFztUj2HHe-wWK5RCaEEx_S2-5QI58pETWVXdX69sc7Ezg_PQ5K8FOiYmT6qG89n8tDY_5vqmP5VE-88QoaAr15s75-6uUWB9G3ArSrZr-4r74n1ZV7A85JGE6C9-fOheMj5S5fQ3bNTs/s1600/howwhy+I+don't+scream+at+my+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFztUj2HHe-wWK5RCaEEx_S2-5QI58pETWVXdX69sc7Ezg_PQ5K8FOiYmT6qG89n8tDY_5vqmP5VE-88QoaAr15s75-6uUWB9G3ArSrZr-4r74n1ZV7A85JGE6C9-fOheMj5S5fQ3bNTs/s1600/howwhy+I+don't+scream+at+my+kids.jpg" height="400" width="365" /></a>We all want to live life without regret. We all, I think, have this wonderful, sunset picture of the end of our life, where we want to be able to look back on our actions and say, "Yeah, I rocked it up. Good life."<br />
<br />
I want to die without major regrets. Sure, I'll make stupid, dumb choices (ask my husband about that~!) but I don't want to reach the end of my life and yearn for the ability to un-do something.<br />
<br />
I remember the first time I yelled at my daughter. She was a few weeks old and had terrible colic. Screaming. From 11:00 at night until 7:00 or 8:00 the next morning. Just screaming. There was nothing I could to do to stop it. It pushed me to my limits and then some. And one night, I just screamed. "WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU!? JUST STOP CRYING! I'M SO TIRED! I JUST WANT TO SLEEP! PLEASE STOP!!!" Of course, she didn't stop, I just started crying, and once she finally did fall asleep some four hours later, I hated myself. My daughter was pure, precious, and innocent. Literally incapable of doing wrong. Yet I, in all of my imperfections, screamed at her. Lost my patience. How could I, the one who birthed her and promised to protect her, do something so heartless?<br />
<br />
I decided that screaming at my kids was just something I couldn't live with. I could make other mistakes in life and get over them, but I just couldn't get over screaming at my kids.<br />
<br />
(Here, screaming at your kids is defined as shouting/yelling out of frustration/anger. Not to be confused with a totally separate scream to warn them of danger, etc.)<br />
<br />
<b>Not Screaming.</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviINskcw5wRFL1uduybrbdOVic5aBzCiVYbwdc7Hq6F2ClpaA4HmR7fSrFwmsfKJTcqcH8leNmhse9ok0BPvJ2taJbwgdPnbyz2Q8EykFq-9_klTfGnsPc8-t5OgAQ5Pn06xjSf9O7sk/s1600/Magnum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviINskcw5wRFL1uduybrbdOVic5aBzCiVYbwdc7Hq6F2ClpaA4HmR7fSrFwmsfKJTcqcH8leNmhse9ok0BPvJ2taJbwgdPnbyz2Q8EykFq-9_klTfGnsPc8-t5OgAQ5Pn06xjSf9O7sk/s1600/Magnum.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I see this picture, I can imagine my<br />
daughter saying, "Mama, how could<br />
you yell at little old me?" ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seemed impossible. "Do I even know a single mother who doesn't scream at her kids? Probably not. And if no one else in the whole world can seem to do it, why would I be able to?" I thought doubtfully to myself. But then I thought about my actions in public. Had I ever 'lost it' when there were others to watch me? Or did I somehow magically control myself when I had an audience? The truth is, my kids have tried my patience to a level 10 in public and I hadn't screamed at them, but at home, when pushed only to a 7 or 8, I lost my patience. I figured if I could hold myself together in public, why couldn't I hold myself together at home?<br />
<br />
So, I challenged myself. To never scream at my children. I began in the Bible and Book of Mormon, studying model (and less than model) parenting. I read about what children are, their inherent value, and their sweet innocence. And I most certainly prayed, morning and night, for help from God to be able to act well.<br />
<br />
Today, my daughter pooped (the nasty toddler diarrhea kind) all over me, herself, and several rooms. I was in the middle of putting together a roast for company that night, making breakfast for picky kids, packing a lunch and diaper bag, and had a timeline of 30 minutes to get my entire to do list done before I got out the door. It was not a pristine morning. And though my daughter screamed for several minutes straight because she wasn't allowed to wear her flip flops on our hike, I didn't lose it.<br />
<br />
How?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH2ujnzFILwRlC_O5Ays5QicadOgafj0YEr03v-Y_ncRU-tcAC1Bzbv8nuVtNcuX_j-HN5_4qVQHb6zCexdAmkVXAz7bcJdjj4TzpMJ6TzvvFheMW24FxqcuS0sjQxfzqodxUJbgsfaY/s1600/why+youno.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH2ujnzFILwRlC_O5Ays5QicadOgafj0YEr03v-Y_ncRU-tcAC1Bzbv8nuVtNcuX_j-HN5_4qVQHb6zCexdAmkVXAz7bcJdjj4TzpMJ6TzvvFheMW24FxqcuS0sjQxfzqodxUJbgsfaY/s1600/why+youno.png" height="123" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I definitely think this in my head sometimes...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have learned to<b> recognize the emotion. </b>When you feel anger or frustration boiling up inside you, step back inside your head and say, <b>"Wow. I'm mad."</b> By simply being able to recognize the emotion, you are giving your logical side a leg up on your crazy emotional side. Just recognize it. Once you've done that,<b> take another step back in your mind</b> (usually at this point, I have to just pretend there is no crying or screaming going on, though there normally is) <b>and say, "I AM mad- but I won't act out of that emotion."</b><br />
<br />
It's pretty simple in method, though difficult in implementation. Recognize your emotion, state inside your head (or out loud if it helps) and say "YES! I AM frustrated/mad/going crazy. And that's ok. This is a rough situation. I do want to blow a gasket. BUT EVEN THOUGH I FEEL THIS WAY, I HAVE THE POWER TO HOLD BACK. I won't act out of anger."<br />
<br />
The truth is, we DO have control over ourselves. I can assure you, there have been times in my life when I have been around others that had done something so wrong that I wanted to smack them across the face- but as a logical, rational adult, I held back. If I can hold back from physically or vocally abusing an adult that has done something quite wrong, surely I can have the wherewithal to keep it in when dealing with my children who, being young and still learning, often are not in the wrong at all or else don't quite understand what/how they were wrong.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxk-bNqQQ4coyuRjUq4Vo49KFI6p8C629c1jzsEHUJsF30Unj1vmKgM4qTpqYtpCl_aJrY-Kmd6urBTELZ0tw4-T_W6WJDEWQ-JHcuYYgBt_TWz3ouNu59J63ZUB37oIfjZVNbiD41iU/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxk-bNqQQ4coyuRjUq4Vo49KFI6p8C629c1jzsEHUJsF30Unj1vmKgM4qTpqYtpCl_aJrY-Kmd6urBTELZ0tw4-T_W6WJDEWQ-JHcuYYgBt_TWz3ouNu59J63ZUB37oIfjZVNbiD41iU/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a cute pic of my little girl goin to sleep<br />
with her cowboy boots<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Please know that I mean none of this unkindly or cruelly. I am a mother. I know it is hard. I have more compassion for mothers (single mothers especially!) than nearly any other group on earth. Please don't read this as a statement of judgement. I simply want to convey that we all can be the kind of mothers we want to be. And from those few times in the beginning when I<b> did</b> lose it and just scream at my babies, I can assure you, it much easier to not scream at my kids than it is to live with that awful pit in my stomach that inherently accompanies losing my temper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-4333061046725025022014-04-22T20:20:00.003-07:002014-04-22T20:26:26.582-07:00DIY Frozen Pizza<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegFwTDbnagP979mt-rsPm7xTGqTbj48hTfa9f5JTWpfeWE0uM2YpljgSky45_AGPpfjNZiFQdaKg0xTZmoJIx5iEx2LI0zzPWzFJyGDIEbH3Zvyq8crQ4rgfieEg3XfZZeRU07WZttpE/s1600/2014+March%5D+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegFwTDbnagP979mt-rsPm7xTGqTbj48hTfa9f5JTWpfeWE0uM2YpljgSky45_AGPpfjNZiFQdaKg0xTZmoJIx5iEx2LI0zzPWzFJyGDIEbH3Zvyq8crQ4rgfieEg3XfZZeRU07WZttpE/s1600/2014+March%5D+009.JPG" height="320" width="309" /></a>My husband, for one reason or another, loves frozen pizzas. And not even fancy Freschetta or DiGorno pizzas, but like the crap, made-from-cardboard, less-than-a-dollar ones. They are made from about a million ingredients and have basically zero nutritional value. (I was curious and actually counted- it had a total of 119 ingredients) Anything that has over 100 ingredients probably isn't the most natural, so I decided to just make my own. And in addition to the fact that my own frozen pizzas had a much smaller list of ingredients and was more wholesome, they were also half the price of the 'el crapo' pizzas that my hubby loves.<br />
(this is totally a thin crust lovers pizza. If you don't like thin crust, you probalby won't love this recipe.)<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
CRUST<br />
*4 cups flour (wheat/white- doesn't matter)<br />
*1 Tb salt<br />
*2 tsp dried oregano<br />
*1/2 tsp black pepper<br />
*1/2 Tb garlic powder<br />
*1/2 Tb onion powder<br />
*4 eggs<br />
*1 1/3 cup milk<br />
<br />
SAUCE<br />
*2 small cans of tomato sauce<br />
*1 Tb garlic powder<br />
*1 Tb onion salt<br />
*1 Tb oregano<br />
*1 Tb dried basil<br />
<br />
TOPPINGS<br />
*as you like! Cheese/pepperoni/peppers/onions/olives/tomatoes/etc.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ0rWzNTyQcD1SIdWJLxHUdztFNFV3HKQZVYl-_34T5f7B9Zwrq0sUOj1d4SQgB_j0DQS9zZPWYEPVk41WKVsj98D_HrLsoKnC6GVlWDFcJ1joBVOLoW_vVQVXoDC6XjlQTec0o4nC-o/s1600/2014+March%5D+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ0rWzNTyQcD1SIdWJLxHUdztFNFV3HKQZVYl-_34T5f7B9Zwrq0sUOj1d4SQgB_j0DQS9zZPWYEPVk41WKVsj98D_HrLsoKnC6GVlWDFcJ1joBVOLoW_vVQVXoDC6XjlQTec0o4nC-o/s1600/2014+March%5D+029.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled out on the tray </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
12 gallon baggies<br />
<br />
<b>Step 1</b><br />
<i>preheat oven to 350 </i><br />
Mix dry ingredients (add or take out spices as you prefer), then mix in the eggs and milk. The dough should be well mixed and slightly sticky (too dry and you will have some gross crust). If you find it dry, add milk as necessary to moisten up the crust.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 2</b><br />
Using a measuring cup, portion out the dough into 1/2 cup chunks of dough. Roll each 1/2 cup portion of dough to a little less than 1/4 of an inch, and prick the crust all over with a fork.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d4K47pgpDXM45hYuEYZ0_jsLt-0EWzTlnThGKTyUOgRa2ZNgZ7gjHh04JO5YzGq-NdTr62TbOaWuoUU7TpzilgINHJqdanLVHoOQRLoJo6jfgDWOUhUdIc-Z5yQ1yEgRHpfUQVYPNKM/s1600/2014+March%5D+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d4K47pgpDXM45hYuEYZ0_jsLt-0EWzTlnThGKTyUOgRa2ZNgZ7gjHh04JO5YzGq-NdTr62TbOaWuoUU7TpzilgINHJqdanLVHoOQRLoJo6jfgDWOUhUdIc-Z5yQ1yEgRHpfUQVYPNKM/s1600/2014+March%5D+028.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles, but not browned</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step 3</b><br />
Lightly grease cookie sheets and put two crusts on each tray and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust bubbles but hasn't browned at all.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 4</b><br />
Mix the sauce together (again, adding or omitting spices as you prefer). Spread the sauce evenly over the entire pizza crust, all the way to the edge. Sprinkle your non-cheese toppings on the pizza, THEN the cheese on top of it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlDOqDbtEOX5yIYxvHhusCYiBqj4m1t26RC0QmjQI2z1DJpT3Q8KiBCmQYY1Z1nwvbgaEU9rL81Ax71E5fGIeb1MJXqUCta1ntXjIf_Sw42UpsTeyFLfIDvI6EhB5A35P_D_N06ef_Y0/s1600/2014+March%5D+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlDOqDbtEOX5yIYxvHhusCYiBqj4m1t26RC0QmjQI2z1DJpT3Q8KiBCmQYY1Z1nwvbgaEU9rL81Ax71E5fGIeb1MJXqUCta1ntXjIf_Sw42UpsTeyFLfIDvI6EhB5A35P_D_N06ef_Y0/s1600/2014+March%5D+031.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauce to the edge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step 5</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Throw the whole tray right into the freezer and wait for the pizza to freeze entirely (3-4 hours). Once the pizzas have frozen through, take them out and, using a spatula, remove the pizzas from the tray and place them individually into gallon size baggies. Now you can put them right back into the freezer and stack them up in a corner.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALPHRiQ8TByFdnF4K1tOEQ5TrKt8TbTPLrUVCvCcFC_q-XApUkRfXaF7_RlHTElGTq901pscwEjSamnf0LbGbEbgQBs2pJUWsCFtml2yjzOe38asxm85gfiK0hGderHLlCWP5KGQKGPk/s1600/2014+March%5D+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALPHRiQ8TByFdnF4K1tOEQ5TrKt8TbTPLrUVCvCcFC_q-XApUkRfXaF7_RlHTElGTq901pscwEjSamnf0LbGbEbgQBs2pJUWsCFtml2yjzOe38asxm85gfiK0hGderHLlCWP5KGQKGPk/s1600/2014+March%5D+034.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out how cleverly I stacked<br />
multiple trays of pizzas in my freezer!<br />
It was a stacking adventure- that's<br />
6 pizzas right there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 6</b><br />
Now what?! Just bake the pizzas for an additional 10 minutes or until the pizza crusts are lightly browned.<br />
<br />
I love this, because by doing one afternoon of mixing and baking, I can have several weeks of snacks that I don't feel guilty about giving my hubby. It's cheaper than crap pizzas and definitely more wholesome.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4ZxnMHHCvhjewSInOH-KyVYrqJwdjIjoEYfb6h-jZ9iRnYULjsKhZ_ccnOLCVPUew7kZIk1jjonyqwcO4UFhX2ynsJj8OHD59rlUcc2iBEUMWYA8A-9NX9k2U8GVM9WhJxNUuR4DhI8/s1600/2014+March%5D+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4ZxnMHHCvhjewSInOH-KyVYrqJwdjIjoEYfb6h-jZ9iRnYULjsKhZ_ccnOLCVPUew7kZIk1jjonyqwcO4UFhX2ynsJj8OHD59rlUcc2iBEUMWYA8A-9NX9k2U8GVM9WhJxNUuR4DhI8/s1600/2014+March%5D+049.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza stack!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-87446556159424952892014-02-17T11:30:00.003-08:002014-02-17T11:30:31.824-08:0010 Reasons Muffin Tins Rock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5W_makJsQe1Vz6LBKwf-Z7fi_rffCBHG9dvP1v_3aEUfca4BxmiFoTQ9pXCYBgGjkqQcyi3URtoV4_NajZuchI5nC4LO4tqA0Gf7Rs4dz1dUHSkLcdPv-7vnhM-Rxl83LJn90C2BM0s/s1600/5ec2113d-30d9-4379-8cec-8628d92f9ab1_zpsf10b4a0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5W_makJsQe1Vz6LBKwf-Z7fi_rffCBHG9dvP1v_3aEUfca4BxmiFoTQ9pXCYBgGjkqQcyi3URtoV4_NajZuchI5nC4LO4tqA0Gf7Rs4dz1dUHSkLcdPv-7vnhM-Rxl83LJn90C2BM0s/s1600/5ec2113d-30d9-4379-8cec-8628d92f9ab1_zpsf10b4a0f.jpg" /></a></div>
Now, we all love ourselves a good muffin, right? It is, afterall, the only time you can refer to a muffin top with a smile, not a frown, on your face. BUT! Our wonderful friend the muffin tin is so much more than just a muffin-baker. Here are nine other, non-muffin ways to use that old pan in your pantry.<br />
<br />
1. They work wonderfully when making a crumbly pastry, like a butter muffin, which easily crumbles when formed onto a tray.<br />
<br />
2. They are great for starting plants in your home. I recently did my entire herb garden, all started in various muffin cups. They are especially great if you want to plant just a few of each type of plant so that they are eassily distinguishable.<br />
<br />
3. Bake, don't fry, your meatballs. They keep their shape really well (mini muffin tin) and you pick them up and leave LOTS of grease behind.<br />
<br />
4. (Not Pictured) Eggs IN Ham. You use a piece of thin sliced ham as a 'muffin cup', then crack one egg into each cup. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes and you have a beautiful all-in-one breakfast cup- see more at <a href="http://pollyanna-reinvents.blogspot.com/2012/04/our-pintersting-easter.html" target="_blank">Pollyanna Reinvents</a>.<br />
<br />
5. Of course, smack dab in the middle, come blueberry muffins! And if you want to take the effort to bake them from scratch, may as well use the BEST recipe and make <a href="http://myamericanconfessions.blogspot.com/2013/12/grapefruit-muffins-possibly-best.html" target="_blank">the BEST muffins ever.</a><br />
<br />
6. Fancy Jello desserts! Use the tin to tip your cups while the gelatin sets for surprisingly attractive parfaits! Thanks <a href="http://williamrecipes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">William Recipes</a> for a fun idea!<br />
<br />
7. Mini pie shells. You can use pie crust or even just a ball of cookie dough, smashed down in the center, to make your own <a href="http://foods-exclusive.blogspot.com/2013/12/how-to-mini-banana-cream-cookie-pies.html" target="_blank">mini pie shells.</a><br />
<br />
8. Paint projects! So perfect when you have more than one kiddo painting at the table- it helps to divide up (and keep divided!) your paints.<br />
<br />
9. Condiment holder at a barbeque. Everything you need for your burger in one easy, display-worthy stop.<br />
<br />
10. And, to finish out.... Use your muffin tin for big, fat cinnamon rolls! Cut them extra thick and place into your tin to bake. Baking times are slightly shorter in the muffin tin and if you are lucky... your cinnamon roll will have a muffin top of its own.<br />
<br />
There you have it. Ten reasons to justify you having multiple muffin tins. I know I do!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-7069887146623056392014-02-03T18:44:00.000-08:002014-02-03T18:49:55.069-08:00Avocado Salsa Salad- Fresh AND Refreshing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXeG-jXhUaNaK177xCfAJtZoPz0knO15Cbb1rKSXn0GxWTVgy81-_WweL163450k1-85cb4ucjYrL8MyVzd8Uzgx1WJ-T8lUWOjfHPpInXqEUzkAiblcb4eU3aX4BgzyKGNcvs8fdefI/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXeG-jXhUaNaK177xCfAJtZoPz0knO15Cbb1rKSXn0GxWTVgy81-_WweL163450k1-85cb4ucjYrL8MyVzd8Uzgx1WJ-T8lUWOjfHPpInXqEUzkAiblcb4eU3aX4BgzyKGNcvs8fdefI/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" height="320" width="310" /></a>I love avocado season, when the prices drop from 1.09 and up to.... 3 or 4 for 1.00! I always buy a dozen or so and go on kind of an avocado binge- I make guacamole, put it in my <a href="http://myamericanconfessions.blogspot.com/2012/02/restaurant-style-sushi-made-at-home.html" target="_blank">DIY Sushi</a>- and, perhaps most frequently, this avocado salsa salad. I call it a salsa salad, because I eat it as both. It is mild enough that it can be eaten by the bowlful as a mid-day snack but is also great with tortilla chips or on a grilled tortilla. Bonus? Perfectly vegan.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
*4 cups tomatoes, diced<br />
*2 cups onions, diced (Walla Walla or Vidaila are best because they are sweet and mild)<br />
*1/2 bunch cilantro, diced<br />
*7 medium avocados<br />
*juice of 3 limes<br />
*1 Tb garlic salt<br />
*1/2 Tb pepper<br />
*1/2 Tb onion salt<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmZ6Y8iXXjlzi3DFPPQaVlHzL9NgqZGc0MXjk5PztKuQFxbMzc_wJ1VaXrIYgkn2Tdu4zH4ddNZJX7YZ_LJ9-KNJsfK43QsQ2rcdT4vZgSf7jf07xZkCtAfwNG-uoXRRnYhynLpux-74/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmZ6Y8iXXjlzi3DFPPQaVlHzL9NgqZGc0MXjk5PztKuQFxbMzc_wJ1VaXrIYgkn2Tdu4zH4ddNZJX7YZ_LJ9-KNJsfK43QsQ2rcdT4vZgSf7jf07xZkCtAfwNG-uoXRRnYhynLpux-74/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All but the avocado...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Step 1</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoocSjzXPaqreBznMRZi_bDBra89kR3oLb-T77L04W7RUISZF8GG3WfZAeE-9jNqEV-PjN44flxMZ_5AclFN7X8z0YDBgiLRpDKDeNuOVt05qbkV3zz2JatZj5KIdA2zggc7Y4HU4f-Q/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoocSjzXPaqreBznMRZi_bDBra89kR3oLb-T77L04W7RUISZF8GG3WfZAeE-9jNqEV-PjN44flxMZ_5AclFN7X8z0YDBgiLRpDKDeNuOVt05qbkV3zz2JatZj5KIdA2zggc7Y4HU4f-Q/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="320" width="154" /></a>Mix together everything EXCEPT the avocados into a large bowl.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 2</b><br />
Half the avocados, remove the pit (of course) and cut it horizontally and vertically (see the pic). Run your finger between the flesh of the avocado and the skin in order to remove it directly into the bowl. Once all of the avocados have been added, mix them in <i>very</i> gently, in a folding motion, with a wooden spoon.<br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b>
<b style="text-align: center;">Step 3</b><br />
Enjoy! It's just a perfect balance of mixed veggies and seasoning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013245082146625172.post-14786113685720783912013-12-07T14:32:00.001-08:002013-12-07T14:32:13.730-08:00Grapefruit Muffins! Possibly the BEST Muffins I've Ever Eaten<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tRoAx1RzEbdLXCi3HBhfZV58rN4CDdw-icRKHOb_5Nx6sctJmWzAK5L8tcSxHMiu6VVG7RoX-SzGJKqTsMI92bER0C012wEUM9hApI5b_5psFVdgFn834d-1ev81OIJKuffw2dYPPBA/s1600/grapefruit+muffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tRoAx1RzEbdLXCi3HBhfZV58rN4CDdw-icRKHOb_5Nx6sctJmWzAK5L8tcSxHMiu6VVG7RoX-SzGJKqTsMI92bER0C012wEUM9hApI5b_5psFVdgFn834d-1ev81OIJKuffw2dYPPBA/s400/grapefruit+muffin.jpg" width="298" /></a>I was in muffin mode today, baking a whole passel of muffins. I like to bake a few dozen, freeze them, and then thaw a few when I'm in the mood for a homemade muffin. And as I was making all of my favorites like apple cinnamon and pumpkin chocolate chip, I noticed a few grapefruits in my fruit bowl on the table. And I thought, "Hmmmm, why not? Can't be much different than lemon muffins, right?" So, I jerry-rigged a grapefruit muffin recipe together. I couldn't resist popping a piece into my mouth right as they came out of the oven. Well worth a bit of singed tongue. They were delicious! Allow me to share my moment of inspiration with you.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<i>Dry </i><br />
2 cups flour<br />
1 Tb baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
<br />
<i>Wet</i><br />
2 eggs<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup oil<br />
Juice from 1 medium grapefruit<br />
1 Tb fresh grapefruit zest<br />
<br />
<i>Streusel Topping</i><br />
1 Tb melted butter/margarine<br />
3 Tb sugar<br />
3 Tb flour<br />
<br />
<b>Step 1</b><br />
<i>(preheat oven to 400) </i>Mix dry ingredients together thoroughly in one large bowl.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 2</b><br />
Mix wet ingredients together thoroughly in a smaller bowl.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 3</b><br />
Pour the mixed wet ingredients into the large bowl and combine with a few strokes up a wooden spoon- just enough so that it is mixed together- lumps are ok!<br />
<br />
<b>Step 4</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDwKpS55KQsV0WZJhdyhRKXF7fdfaRlx3I4LL86BxoIqul0pzekxIEDZd1ymqHWMl1Vlo9R30jmlRex9Vxa91TrNWxqC1fEGsbApToScLZZjhiiNPynfbBGQXkeHKCffRzPDbaiIEi_s/s1600/IMG_5914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDwKpS55KQsV0WZJhdyhRKXF7fdfaRlx3I4LL86BxoIqul0pzekxIEDZd1ymqHWMl1Vlo9R30jmlRex9Vxa91TrNWxqC1fEGsbApToScLZZjhiiNPynfbBGQXkeHKCffRzPDbaiIEi_s/s320/IMG_5914.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the way full, generous streusel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pour batter into a muffin tin that is greased or lined with paper cups. Use spray grease on the top portion of the pan. Make sure that the batter goes almost to the top of each cup- you WANT them to fluff up over the top when they are baking.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 5</b><br />
In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and butter from the streusel topping all together. It should be the consistency of crumbly cookie dough. Sprinkle it generously over the top of the muffin batter in each cup, making sure to NOT get any on the top part of the muffin tin.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 6</b><br />
Bake at 400 for 15-18 minutes (or when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean). Allow to cool a couple of minutes until they are warm and not hot- then pop them out of the tin and into your mouth! They are delicious!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0