My 2 Monkeys

Drooling over...

2010-09-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some things I am contemplating over for our master bedroom...

I am so in love with this bedding it isn't even funny...

and these arm chairs for the sitting area...

Before we leave Boston...

2010-04-16T06:45:00.001-07:00

Here is my to do list of things I want to do before we leave Boston. We have approx. 8 weeks before we move out...lets see how many things we check off this list...

1. Duck Tour.

2. Visit Lexington and Concord, and get ice cream and play at Kimball Farms.

3. Museum of Science.

4. Go to Sharron, Vt to visit Joseph Smith's birthplace, and maybe visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge..."the hills are alive...".

5. Day trip to the Vinyard, get a Black Dog t-shirt for everyone.

6. Lunch or Dinner in the North End and Cannoli from Mike's Pastry one last time!

7. Picnic in the Commons, one of our favorite Boston memories.

8. Go to Harvard Square with the boys and visit the Curious George store.

9. Red Sox game? Hmmm...this one might be tricky, but totally fun if I can pull it off somehow!

10. Kittery Maine. Hello shopping.

Sad. Just making this list makes me sentimental. We have LOVED our time here and even though I know we will soon be Texans, I will always be a Bostonian at heart.

FHE

2010-03-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

I really love LDS Living. Every week I get a little memo in my email inbox that has FHE lesson helps, and also Sunday teaching lesson helps. It is really nice, and they really help! We are going to use their lesson on the Sabbath Day tonight for FHE. I have always loved John Bytheway, ever since I was 12. I still remember how much his talks impacted me as a youth. This is a great little clip about the Sabbath day. Just thought I would share. You can get the whole lesson plan here.

Weekend To-Do's...

2010-02-26T06:59:00.000-08:00

1. Clean my whole apartment from top to bottom. You don't even want to see my floors and bathrooms right now. Nast.

2. Give my boys hair cuts. All three of them.

3. Go see "The Princess and the Frog" at the MIT movie theater as a fam. I am a HUGE Disney Fan, and I am crossing fingers that this movie doesn't disappoint.

4. Celebrate that it is almost March. (Curse January and February!)

5. Watch the last of the Olympics and feel a little sad that it will be over. I just love the Olympics. But I will be happy that those dang Visa commercials that tell Olympians stories will be over that make me bawl like a baby.

6. Do massive loads of laundry, then fold and put away massive loads of laundry. Aghhhh. My least favorite thing to do.

7. Come up with ideas for Executive Homemaker. Did you hear? I was asked to be a contributor. I have been a HUGE fan of both Executive Homemaker and Tip Junkie (both created by the same person), so I am SO flattered and VERY excited.

8. Start brainstorming ideas for Thatcher's upcoming birthday, while trying not to really think about my baby turning 5 and going to Kindergarten next year. Wasn't it just yesterday he was born? Oh boy.

Moral Discipline

2010-02-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

Moral discipline is learned at home. While we cannot control what others may or may not do, the Latter-day Saints can certainly stand with those who demonstrate virtue in their own lives and inculcate virtue in the rising generation. Remember from Book of Mormon history the young men who were key to the Nephite victory in the long war of 66 to 60 b.c.—the sons of the people of Ammon. Their character and discipline were described in these words:

“They were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

“Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him” (Alma 53:20–21).

“Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47).

“Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually” (Alma 57:27).

Here we find a standard for what should happen in our homes and in the Church. Our teaching should draw upon our own faith and focus first and foremost on instilling faith in God in the rising generation. We must declare the essential need to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before Him in soberness, or in other words, with reverence. Each must be persuaded that service and sacrifice for the well-being and happiness of others are far superior to making one’s own comfort and possessions the highest priority.

This requires more than an occasional reference to one or another gospel principle. There must be constant teaching, mostly by example. President Henry B. Eyring expressed the vision we strive to attain:

“The pure gospel of Jesus Christ must go down into the hearts of [our children] by the power of the Holy Ghost. It will not be enough for them to have had a spiritual witness of the truth and to want good things later. It will not be enough for them to hope for some future cleansing and strengthening. Our aim must be for them to become truly converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ while they are with us. …

“Then they will have gained a strength from what they are, not only from what they know. They will become disciples of Christ.”

Moral Discipline

Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

1. Healthy Dinner Menu

2010-02-09T04:52:00.000-08:00

Here is my dinner menu for this upcoming week.  There are 7 nights of dinners, my menu starts on Wednesday, but obviously you can start any night of the week for a full week for healthy dinners.  Next week I am going to add 7 more recipes, and in the end have a two week menu to rotate.  

Wednesday
Turkey Meatballs with Quick And Spicy Tomato Sauce and Whole-Wheat Pasta
Tossed Salad

Thursday
Bean and Vegetable Tostadas

Friday
Pizza Night!
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

Saturday--Date Night!
Kids Dinner
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Sunday--Valentines Day!
Breakfast
Chocolate and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Dinner
Lemon and Rosemary Herb Chicken
Roasted Veggies

Monday
Dijon Chicken & Broccoli

Tuesday
Steak Fajitas

Back in the saddle...

2010-01-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

Is anyone still hanging on out there? I don't think I have updated this blog in MONTHS! Aghhhh. Please excuse my absence, life in the Bishop home has been hectic to say the least.

So I have some new goals for this blog for 2010...

What I really want is for any great ideas from all my amazing family and friends (and even strangers) who inspire me...so who wants to help me....

1. Have a two week menu that rotates with some really yummy but simple kid friendly recipes. Who wants to help contribute to this? I think we should all share our recipes, make up our menus, and then we can share it here on this blog! Who is in?

2. Find more fun crafts and decorating ideas in the blogging world and share them.

3. Discover and share great ways to simplify and organize a hectic life balancing all we have to do. I need a lot of help getting ready for an often traveling husband and a kindergartener starting in the Fall...YIKES! Tips please!

4. Share what I love most about being a wife and mother and find joy in the every day journey of these two wonderful roles.

So who is with me? Anyone? If not I guess I will be a one person show organizing all my thoughts into some sort of organized chaos.

Pioneer Beans

2009-07-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from 365 days of crock potting. It was yummy and I changed the name from "cowboys beans" to "pioneer beans" to go with our Pioneer Theme we are doing this week in our house to celebrate Pioneer day coming up this Saturday! The boys (all three of them!) gobbled it up, so it is a winner in my book! I will have to add this to my 30 days of recipe project that I am starting today that I found on Nannygoat, LOVE IT!

Here is the recipe...

1 pound dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey (optional)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins, made in the USA is gluten free)
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel, or traditional chopped tomatoes, your choice
1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
7 cups water
sliced jalapenos, optional

The Directions.

Serves 8-10 as a side dish, or 5 as a main course. Sort pinto beans, and soak overnight in lots of fresh water. If you live in a climate where the house gets terribly hot overnight, put the beans in the refrigerator to soak to keep icky bacteria from accumulating.

In the morning, drain your beans, and pick out any that have split open, or look discolored and shrively.

Pour into a 6 quart slow cooker. Brown hamburger and onion on the stove, and drain fat. While the meat is cooking, add the rest of the ingredients into your slow cooker. Start with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. Add the meat, and top with 7 cups of fresh water. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for about 6. My beans took 6 hours on high to tenderize, and then they sat on warm for another 3 hours. We're at sea level. If you live in a higher altitude, your beans will take longer to soften.

Taste the beans. If you'd like your beans to have more of a tang, add some more Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. Top with sliced jalapenos, if desired.

Future Boys Room....Someday...

2009-06-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this room! This room is obviously a play room of some sort, but I am going to copy the colors and theme for a future room for my boys. Isn't it too cute? I think it would be totally fun to get a map of the world in similar colors and pin all the places that we have traveled. Too cute!

I Love Me Some Summer Salads...

2009-06-16T13:51:00.001-07:00

Here is what we are having for dinner tonight with freshly baked home made wheat bread....YUM! Tomorrow we are having another delightful healthful summer salad...stay tuned!

Sweet and Sour Bean Salad

Recipe courtesy Loretta Smith

Ingredients

1 can green beans, rinsed and drained
1 can cut yellow wax beans, rinsed and drained
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 large red onion, sliced and separated into rings
1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos, diced
1/2 cup salad oil
2 cups thinly sliced celery
1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 can tomato soup, undiluted

Directions

Place all the beans, green pepper, onion and pimentos in a large mixing bowl. Add the oil and celery. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and tomato soup. Bring to a boil and pour over the vegetables. Toss the mixture lightly with 2 forks. Do this several times as the mixture cools. Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. The salad will be better if kept chilled 24 hours before serving. Drain and reserve liquid before serving; it will keep for several days. The reserved liquid can be poured over the leftovers. Add more sugar, if desired.

Tuesday Night

2009-03-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Another winner I got from Nie. It is great. The kids even ate this nonsense. It is yum. Try it before you knock it!

Fish Tacos

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 small red cabbage, thinly shredded (about 2 1/2 cups)
4 scallions, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 jalapeno chile, halved lengthwise, one half minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound tilapia fillets, (or other firm white fish), cut into 16 equal strips
8 flour tortillas (6-inch)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

In a large bowl, combine sour cream and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Transfer half the mixture to another container; set aside for serving. Toss cabbage, scallions, and minced jalapeño with remaining sour-cream mixture. Season again with salt and pepper.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil and remaining jalapeño half over medium-high heat; swirl to coat bottom of pan. Season fish on both sides with salt and pepper. In two batches (starting with larger pieces), cook fish until golden brown on all sides, 5 to 6 minutes. Discard jalapeño.
Meanwhile, warm tortillas according to package instructions.
To make tacos, fill tortillas with slaw, fish, and fresh cilantro leaves. Drizzle with reserved sour-cream mixture. Serve immediately.

Orange Avocado Salsa

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 large navel oranges
1/2 firm, ripe avocado, pitted and diced
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

In a medium bowl, whisk lime juice and honey until combined. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
Slice off both ends of each orange. Following the curve of the fruit, slice away peel and white pith. Cut oranges into quarters lengthwise; slice sections crosswise into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Transfer to bowl along with onion and avocado; toss gently to coat with dressing.

Monday Night

2009-03-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

This delicious and kid friendly little feast is from Ellie Krieger, whom I LOVE! It was scrumptious and the kids and husband gobbled it up! It makes a lot, so it would be perfect for company or a play date lunch too. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 pound whole-wheat penne
1 1/2 cups small-curd low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 1/4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium crushed tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can low-sodium tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cooking spray
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (3/4 ounces)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella and parsley in a bowl and stir with a fork to incorporate and set aside. Cook pasta until tender but still firm, a minute or 2 less than the package directs. Drain.

Heat the oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, rosemary, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Return pasta to pot with sauce and turn off heat. Add cottage cheese mixture.

Spray a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray then transfer pasta mixture to pan. Top with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella and the parmesan. Bake until heated through and cheese is melted, 30 minutes.

"Treats" for FHE

2009-03-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

sorry so blurry!

For an FHE "treat" I made these delicious Zucchini Bread Cupcakes from the fabulous Nie Nie. They were most and SUPER kid friendly with a big dolup of cream cheese frosting on top. I put extra Zucchini in so it was EXTRA healthy and good for the kiddos...sneeky sneeky...and they ate them up and asked for more and I was very happy to oblige.

1 large zucchini
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with cooking spray, and set aside. Grate zucchini on the large holes of a box grater (to yield 1 3/4 cups); set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, oil, vanilla, and eggs.
Into a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add flour mixture to egg mixture, and stir to combine well. Stir in grated zucchini.
Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes; invert onto a wire rack, then reinvert, top side up. Cool completely before slicing.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 1/2 pounds unsalted butter, room temperature
2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
1 pound confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Place butter and cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high until fluffy. Reduce speed; add confectioners' sugar and vanilla, beat until well combined.

Sunday Dinner

2009-03-09T07:18:00.001-07:00

Sunday Dinner was yummy and HEALTHY last night.

Tomato Onion Roast

This Roast is SO easy! Perfect roast to cook in the ol' crock pot while you are at church!
You will need:
1 Roast (I use rump)
1 Large Can Diced Tomatoes
1 Packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 Large Yellow Onion

Cut Onion and put in the bottom of your Crock Pot.
Put the roast on top of cut onion.
Sprinkle Onion Soup on top of Roast.
Put Diced Tomatoes on top of soup mix and Roast.
Cook on low for 8 hours.

Roasted Jeweled Vegetables

4 medium beets
3 tablespoons olive oil divide
1 1/2 pounds carrots
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
8 large garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme leaves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Put the beets into a small baking dish and rub them with 1 tablespoon of oil. Cover the dish with foil and put into the oven for 30 minutes.

In the meantime, peel and cut the carrots into 1-inch pieces, trim the Brussels sprouts and halve them lengthwise, and peel the garlic cloves. Put the carrots, Brussels sprouts and garlic cloves into a large baking dish and toss with the remainder of the oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

After the beets have been cooking for 30 minutes add the large pan of vegetables to the oven and cook everything for 1 hour more, stirring the vegetable mixture once or twice.

Remove the beets from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board to cool. Stir the thyme into the carrot and Brussels sprouts mixture and let it continue to cook for another 10 minutes while the beets are cooled and cut. When the beets are cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes, peel them and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Remove the other vegetables from the oven, toss with the beets, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

(I substituted cauliflower for carrots since I cannot have carrots on my diet, these were YUMMY and really good for you!)

Rhodes Rolls
...didn't have Wheat flour yet...oh well! :)

Health Kick

2009-03-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know I have recently lost 50 lbs. I have a few more lbs to lose to get to my "goal weight", but I am feeling pretty dang good these days. Since I have been losing weight and forgoing lots of snacks and processed foods, I have been not only revamping the way I eat, but I have been thinking a lot about what I feed my family. I have been really watching what I put in my grocery cart to feed my kiddos and husband and realized lately that I haven't been doing a great job at making sure they are fed really healthy, but delicious meals and snacks. There is just too much processed, fake, junk food in my house! So I have a goal to start introducing a new healthy lifestyle in our home. I am going to start cooking more healthy dinners packed full of good for you veggies and lean fish and meat, but that taste really good too! I am going to stalk our fridge and cupboards with fiber packed snacks to replace some of the junk food my kids now munch on. I am totally excited! It is going to be tough to get my kids taste buds to change, but totally worth it. So to start off on the right foot, here is my dinner menu for next week:

Week of March 8th

Sunday
Onion Tomato Roast
Roasted Jewel Veggies
Whole Wheat Rolls

Monday
4 Cheese Baked Whole Wheat Penne
Steamed Green Beans

Tuesday
Fish Tacos with Orange-Avocado Salsa

Wednesday
Black Bean Burgers with all the fixins'
Sweat Potatoes Fries

Thursday
Crock-Pot Taco Soup served with whole grain Tortilla Chips

Friday
Pizza/Movie Night!
Pizza with whole grain crust, topped with all the favorite toppings.

Saturday
Macaroni and Four Cheeses (with hidden Butternut Squash!)

I will report after each day with photos and recipes! Wish me luck!

Best Ranch Recipe EVER!

2009-03-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Ever eat at Outback and have their totally YUMMY Ranch dressing?
Well this is it! If it isn't it, it is pretty dang close! YUM!

1 T. Ranch Powder (from packet)
1 c. Mayo
3/4 c. Buttermilk
1/4 t. Black Pepper
1/4 t. Paprika
1/4 t. Garlic
1/4 t. Cayenne Pepper

Monochromatic Friend

2009-02-25T12:43:00.001-08:00

When I first saw this bedroom here, it was a"be still my beating heart" moment. I was in love. So I have done a little searching and browsing and found some little delights to go into my version of this oh so lovely room. Problem is, now I am tempted to start buying while I see some sales going on and saving it for over a year until we have a house again. Yikes. What to do?

Here is the itty bitty picture of the comforter I found to resemble the one in the inspiration picture. Darn JCPenny doesn't let you save pics very easily to your computer. If you want to see the picture in its larger and much grander form, click here.

Please, please try to ignore the red quilt and pillows. I love the floral pattern, the gingham I can live without, but I can make due. I searched high and low for a throw or comforter to resemble the original and when I saw this I really liked it.
For the blanket under the comforter I found this quilt which I really love, it adds some more dimension and texture to the bed.

Here is the Ikea pillow from the inspiration room. Love it. Nothing more to say about it. Couldn't love the price more either. So I will use two of these just like on the original bed.

Instead of the cream/white shams on the back row of the original bed, I have opted to go with these black and cream striped pillows. I adore the tie details on the side, and the original was a tad bit too feminine for my liking. I do share a room and a bed with a man, so obviously I need to walk gingerly with the whole flower thing.

Instead of the geometric print pillow from the original bed I have gone with this Damask pillow from BB&B. I am a HUGE sucker for Damask, and really wanted to run with that as a kinda theme in this room, but not have it be too overwhelming.

I like these curtains without the valence. Yes also to the black rod.

Target gets a big fatty thumbs up for their new line of accent chairs.
I will take two of these please for a little sitting area in my room.

One of these for the chairs...

And one of these too...

These two clocks. One set to Italy/Malta time, one set to our local time, wherever that may be...

Two of these ottomans at the foot of the bed? Too much?
I will have to think about these, but they are too cute.

This rug for the Master Bath.

Too feminine? Love it though. Hey I cut back on the floral motif right?

And these pictures of Italy and Malta all in black and white in 8x10 with
thick black frames hung over the bed.

Meet My Living Room...

2009-02-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

One day I will have a Living Room and Dining Room. Right now I can just dream about them and decorate them in my mind. I found this inspiration room on my friend Jenny's blog. (She is amazing, and so talented, and I LOVE to go to her blog for her wonderful ideas!) I have been busy trying to recreate this room for the living room/dining room I will have someday....here is what I have come up with so far....

There isn't anything about this room that I do not like! I am in love with the colors and patterns. The texture. The monogramming. The absolute best thing about this room is all the fabric is indoor/outdoor fabric. The original room was designed to be totally kid friendly, something that I would also LOVE. That couch is so awesome. This one could set one back a pretty penny, so thanks to my friend I think I have the ambition of buying an old vintage sofa off of Craigslist and re-upholstering it! I have also been looking for a high back chair online, but the only thing I can find that even comes close is this...
I like it, but it is tad pricey, and I would have to re-cover it anyway, so I will probably just try to stick with my Craigslist idea, although I LOVE THE HIGH BACK. So we will see...
Here is the indoor/outdoor Sunbrella fabric that I have chosen to copy cat the original much more expensive fabric. $14.99 a yard instead of $100, yeah I think it is a bargain!

I found this rocking chair on Overstock.com.
I really love it, and think it goes great in the room.

I am not crazy about the look of the original coffee table, and think glass is totally unpractical for a family with boys! So I will do something like this to matchy match with the curtain rods which are also bamboo, which I totally love!
Instead of the giant armoir, I would love to do a piano, book shelves, and pictures.

This little sitting area is so fun! I love the stripe on the chairs and the zebra on the ottoman.

I would buy two similar looking chairs from Craigslist and cover them in this, also an indoor outdoor fabric.
I found this ottoman on Overstock.com, and while it isn't indoor/outdoor,
I think it fits nicely in the room!
And for some decorative pillows, this fabric...

And under it all a large seagrass rug, like this one from Overstock.com

This dining room is completely DIY. She painted an old pedestal table a rich brown, and redid some very 70's style dinning room chairs. The seats are covered in faux vinyl ostritch, which you can wipe down with Windex after meals! Sold! I love the monogram chairs as well. I would probably do the fabric on the chairs the same as the wing back, because I like to be matchy matchy. Or I might go with a beige only stripe. I also would do a larger rectangle table, because I love big family dinners and entertaining.
At the heads of the table I would do a chair like this...
or maybe just a plain robins egg blue or beige...zebra too much? I don't know. I really love it.

I am not wild about the lamp. I would probably try to do something a little more feminine and not quite so industrial. But I will copy the curtains and bamboo rods as close as I can.
Love them!

The side board and the framed chalk board are a must to this room. The sideboard I would Craigslist again, and paint white. No fabric ties for me though-too shabby chic for my taste. The chalk board should be easy enough and I think it adds so much to the dining room.

I also love this deacon's bench, covered in indoor/outdoor fabric for a foyer/entry way. I love the large hooks and shelf with family pictures. I think this would be an awesome tie in to a foyer that is also part of the living room...like in the house I have fallen in love with in Tucson!

I am so excited about this room!

Chocolate Strawberry Stuffed French Toast! (and it's good for you too!)

2009-02-24T11:57:00.001-08:00

I saw this recipe on the Food Network, and HAD to make it for Valentines Day Breakfast! I actually didn't have any, but the kids and Todd gobbled it up! The best part about it is it is good for you! So eat up!

Ingredients

3 eggs
1 1/4 cups nonfat milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
8 slices of whole-wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
1 (8-ounce) container strawberries, hulled and sliced
4 teaspoons bittersweet chocolate chips
Cooking spray
2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Set aside.

Place 1 tablespoon of ricotta in the center of 4 of the pieces of bread and spread around slightly. Top with about 6 slices of strawberries and a teaspoon of chocolate chips. Cover each with another piece of bread to make a "sandwich".

Spray a large nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray and preheat. Carefully dip each of the "sandwiches" into the egg mixture until completely moistened. Then place on the skillet and cook over a medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and the center is warm and chocolate is melted.

Transfer to serving places. Top with remaining strawberries and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Per Serving:

Calories 270; Total Fat 8 g; (Sat Fat 3 g, Mono Fat 2 g, Poly Fat 0 g) ; Protein 15 g; Carb 38 g; Fiber 5 g; Cholesterol 170 mg; Sodium 390 mg

Note: *7 slices of whole wheat bread analyzed here since crust was removed*

Valentines Day Menu

2009-02-23T07:12:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day was YUMMO this year! I got some amazing recipes from The Food Network, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE and can always rely on for some terrific food. I have some great staples from some of my favorite cooks, and these recipes did not disappoint.

Romantic Dinner

Appetizers

Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts

Main Course

Filet Mignon with Balsamic Syrup and Goat Cheese
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fresh Asparagus

Desert

The BEST White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake!
(Seriously. This is the best cheesecake I have ever had! I told Todd I want this for my birthday cake this year! YUMMY!)

Peanut Butter Cups Cookies...YUM!

2009-02-10T05:39:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
40 Miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda; set aside
3. Cream together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well.
4. Shape into 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin tin.
5. Back at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into each ball. Cool and carefully remove from pan.

In LOVE with these colors...

2009-02-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

I found this picture on the HGtv website. I really love this room and the colors. I am thinking that instead of florals I will do black damask?

Be Our Guest!

2009-01-31T05:01:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of a guest room. I hope that our house someday has a space that we can make a guest room out of. Here are some rooms that really lovely for a visiting friend or family member.

I love the colors in this room. The theme of sunflowers is a little much for me, but I really like the bed and the deep yellows and golds.

This is probably my favorite. I love the colors! So bright and cheery. The light fixture and the mirrors are a must. We have an old bed that I would paint white, distress a little, and use for this room. The bedding is great, and would be easy to copy.

Doesn't this room look like a Seattle retreat? For some reason this room screams Northwest to me. I love the cedar plank table at the end of the bed with the chests for storage. Very earthy and natural.

Master Bedroom Makeover

2009-01-31T04:41:00.000-08:00

I am starting to dream about our future master bedroom. Our bedroom set is currently in storage down town Boston and won't be out until at least June 2010. Sad. One of my great loves is our bedroom set. It is big, black, and beautiful. It was love at first sight when I first spotted it across the showroom. It looks a like Pottery Barn, without the large price tag. Anywho, I am now starting to fantasize about what our future bedroom will look like. Something very relaxing, soothing colors, romantic but not too feminine. Here are some Masters that I really like, and are starting to point me in the right direction.

The main thing I love about this room is the bedding. Pottery Barn. Can you ever go wrong? I think not. I love monograms.

In a nut shell I REALLY LOVE this room. Candice Olson again. She is amazing. I haven't met a room she has designed that I don't like. Some things that would be different in my copy cat room would be black furniture instead of white, I would ditch the 70's barrel lamp in exchange for a beautifuly romantic chandelier. It is mostly the color scheme and depth of texture and color that I love about this room. I also am a big fan of damask, which I am thinking would be really fun in our someday master.

Family Rooms To Heart...

2009-01-31T04:36:00.000-08:00

There are elements to these rooms that I really love. I love Candice Olsons designs...

A Few Organization Goals

2009-01-30T15:17:00.001-08:00

Since it is the new year I have some goals to get us a little more organized...

I LOVE this idea about labeling toy boxes with pictures. You get the pictures of the toys that you own from any website like Toysrus.com or Target, ect. Wonderful idea so little ones can see where the toys go.

My boys are always losing their puzzle pieces.
I am going to do this to keep their puzzles nice and neat.

Valentines Day Treats

2009-01-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

Thank you Bakerella for inspiring me once again. These cupcakes look too cute to eat.

Lovely Roses. If I am feeling brave and willing to experiment with Fondant,
I might make these...

Oreo Truffle Kisses. Brilliant. These are SOOOO good. These would be so great for visiting teachers and teachies!!!

1 package oreo cookies (divided… use cookie including the cream center)
1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)
chocolate bark

1. Finely crush all but seven cookies in a food processor or place them in a ziploc bag and crush into a fine consistency.
2. Stir in softened cream cheese. Use the back of a large spoon to help mash the two together.
3. Roll the mixture into 1" balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.
4. Then, begin to form the shape of a kiss. Flattening the bottom and forming a point at the top. (Mine ended up about 1.5" tall)
5. It helps to put the uncoated balls in the freezer for a few minutes to keep the mixture from starting to fall apart when you drop into the melted chocolate.
6. Melt chocolate as directed on package and then dip "kisses" one at a time into chocolate, tap off extra and slide them off spoon onto wax paper covered cookie sheet to dry.
7. Once dry, refrigerate and enjoy! Oh yeah, just eat the extra seven cookies.

Decorate:
1. Handwrite your messages or create them on the computer. Cut out the strips (about 1/4" tall and however wide you need).
2. Cut up some square sheets of aluminum foil (about 5.5" square)
3. Place dry kiss in center and start wrapping the foil around the base. Insert message near top and secure it by pressing the foil together at top.

Candy Heart Cupcakes. I will be making these for sure!

Valentines Day Crafts

2009-01-30T14:36:00.000-08:00

Love Jar. Fill the jar with pink strips of paper with reasons why you love your valentine on them. Too cute. My valentine will be getting one of these this year.

Simple and darling. Cards cut out with a heart, backed with fabric. Love it.

These are REALLY adorable, and totally appropriate coming from a boy! Attach the strip of paper to a package of glow sticks. The original had the heart made out of felt, or you could add your own touches to it.

I absolutely LOVE this wreath. Very cute. Very easy. And NO sewing! My kind of project. I think I will make one of these this year...

Groundhog Day Cupcakes

2009-01-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

I loved this idea from Family Fun! So cute. I am planning on doing this with the boys on Monday. Lets hope that little groundhog doesn't see his shadow! I don't know if I can take 6 more weeks of ice and snow!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
	Baked cupcake
	Almond Joy candy
	White frosting
	White jelly beans
	Black decorators' gel
	Watermelon slice candy
	Brown M&M's Minis
	Chocolate cookie

1. Remove a piece of cake the width of an Almond Joy candy from the center of a baked cupcake. Set the candy upright in the hole, then spread a layer of white frosting on the cupcake.
2. For the groundhog's eyes, trim the ends from a white jelly bean, stick them in place with frosting, then dot them with black decorators' gel. Add a tiny triangle cut from a watermelon slice candy for a nose, brown M&M's Minis for ears and cheeks, and a tiny rectangular piece of white jelly bean for teeth. Sprinkle chocolate cookie crumbs around the partially emerged groundhog, and he's ready to greet his fans.

My 2 Monkeys

Drooling over...

Before we leave Boston...

FHE

Weekend To-Do's...

Moral Discipline

Moral Discipline

1. Healthy Dinner Menu

Back in the saddle...

Pioneer Beans

Future Boys Room....Someday...

I Love Me Some Summer Salads...

Sweet and Sour Bean Salad

Recipe courtesy Loretta Smith

Ingredients

Directions

Tuesday Night

Monday Night

Ingredients

Directions

"Treats" for FHE

Sunday Dinner

Health Kick

Best Ranch Recipe EVER!

Monochromatic Friend

Meet My Living Room...

Chocolate Strawberry Stuffed French Toast! (and it's good for you too!)

Ingredients

Directions

Per Serving:

Valentines Day Menu

Peanut Butter Cups Cookies...YUM!

In LOVE with these colors...

Be Our Guest!

Master Bedroom Makeover

Family Rooms To Heart...

A Few Organization Goals

Valentines Day Treats

Valentines Day Crafts

Groundhog Day Cupcakes

RECIPE INGREDIENTS: