Earth Day Dinner

I know it's past and gone but I just found this adorable Earth Day dinner from Secrets of a Super Mommy. How creative/fun is this? I have never celebrated Earth Day before, but I might just have to next year so I can try this fun dinner!

Guilty

I have an obsession. It's called earrings. Maybe this is because I didn't get my ears pierced until a week before my 23 birthday...or maybe because usually they don't cost a lot of money compared with clothes/shoes/or other things I would love to buy all the time. Maybe because it's a fun, risk-free way to try a new color and if you don't like it so much...it's not that big a deal because it's only earrings. I don't know what it is, but I would love to own all of the above earrings. They can be found here and here and here. You should check out the other jewelry these shops have to offer--I just posted a couple of my favorites, but they both have lots of beauties!

April Reads

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

A friend of mine suggested that I read this book, I had never heard of it before and I didn't even know what it was about. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was about a young man living at the same time as Jesus Christ. I didn't want this book to end, and thought it was perfect that I read it over Easter weekend!



5 Children and It by E. Nesbit

This is another book I had never heard of before and was a lot of fun! Five children discover a sand fairy near their new home which grants them a wish each day. To find out what else happens though, you'll have to read it!



The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy

I had seen the musical of The Scarlet Pimpernel five years ago and enjoyed it and it was fun for me to read the book now. I didn't remember a lot of the things that happened in the musical, and thoroughly enjoyed the book so much more than I expected! I didn't want to put it down! It was filled with mystery, passion, disguise, suspense...oh it was just great! I would say more, but I don't want to give anything away if you don't know the story!

Homemade Oreos

I have always wanted to try Homemade Oreos...but have felt it would be best to find a tried and true recipe that someone just loves. Well...I don't know of anyone who has a recipe like this, so if you have one--please send it my way! Otherwise I might try this recipe from Martha Stewart that looks so delicious!

Fond Memories

I saw this picture on a blog today and it flooded me with a memory I had forgotten about! When I was around 10 years old, I got to spend some time with my Grandparents who were living in Washington, a town outside of St. George. I found a pair of slippers in the old ranch house, and my dear Grandma taught me how to make them! They weren't as fancy as this, but they were soft and comfy...and oh how I miss her! Now I want to find them and make some new ones! You can find the pattern for the above slippers here. Also a great tutorial on a crocheted flower that gives you tips on how to change it up too!

Breakfast Strudels

Another breakfast club recipe I'd like to try...if I ever really start a breakfast club. :) Find it here.

Sleepy Monster

I am inspired by this post to make one of these for my own little lovable huggable likable monster!

It would be fun to make one look like a monster from this book that my little honey loves!

Know Your Style

I thought this quiz was fun...and surprisingly accurate! At least for me. It told me my style is Classic. Yes, indeed. I agree.

Date

Our date this week was very unexpected but was a lot of fun! Mr. Wonderful rearranged the furniture in our living room so we had space to do Pilates and then after that, he tried to teach me some jujitsu moves "in case I ever get attacked." Um...that made me feel a little scared seeing how I really wouldn't know what to do if that ever happened, but at least now I remember one choke hold which hopefully I will never have to use! It was fun to do something out of the ordinary and I think I actually look forward to him reinforcing the jujitsu another time! :)

If you would like to learn more about what Project 52 is, go here!

Brazilian Lemonade

You have got to try this! We went out to eat at Tucano's for Mr. Wonderful's birthday...he loves it because of all the meat. The thing I was most looking forward to was Brazilian Lemonade! This stuff is amazing! I can't wait to try this recipe! And I'm so happy I can have it whenever I want without having to pay to go to Tucano's!

This recipe and picture are courtesy of Our Best Bites. You might want to try this with Baked Cream Chicken Tacquitos for dinner some night!

Brazilian Lemonade

4 juicy limes (try and find ones with thin, smooth skins; they're the juiciest and the thin skin cuts down on the chance of your drink being bitter)
1 c. sugar
6 c. cold water
6 Tbsp. sweetened condensed milk


Mix cold water and sugar very well and chill until ready to use. This step can be done ahead of time.

Wash limes thoroughly with soap (I just use hand-dishwashing soap or regular hand soap); you need the soap to get the wax and pesticides off of the limes because you're using the WHOLE lime, baby. Cut the ends off the limes and then cut each lime into 8ths.

Place 1/2 of the limes in your blender.

Add 1/2 of the sugar water, place the lid on your blender, and pulse 5 times. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a pitcher (the one you'll serve the lemonade in) and pour the blended mixture through the strainer and into the pitcher. Use a spoon to press the rest of the liquid into the pitcher. Dump the pulp and stuff in the strainer into the trash. Repeat with remaining limes and sugar water. Add sweetened condensed milk; DO NOT leave this step out unless you will die of a horrible sweetened condensed milk allergy because this is the secret ingredient! You may want to taste test it at this point; I used giant, thick-skinned limes tonight and didn't test it and it came out a little bitter. If it's bitter, just add some more sugar and maybe a little more milk.
Serve immediately over lots of ice. This does not keep well, so don't make this in advance (although you can cut the limes, mix the sugar water, and measure the sweetened condensed milk in advance). Serves 4, although I can pretty much guarantee you that people will want more; I usually plan on 1 1/2 servings at LEAST per person.

*OR*

I just found this extremely simply and quick recipe here!

2 bottles Simply Limeaid
1 can sweetened condensed milk
4 sliced limes for serving
1 bag crushed ice

In a large bowl (or pitcher if you have one big enough) pour about a cup of the Limeaid in then pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Pour in the rest of the Limeaid, mix well.

Fill desired glasses to the brim with ice, pour Brazilian lemonade over top with lime and serve immediately.

Silver Lining

I think these lovely pieces of jewelry really are so feminine and pretty! I really like them. You can find them and other lovely things at Silver Lining Studio's shop.

$25,000 Cake

This recipe, created by Dorothy Olsen won a $25,000 reward from Better Homes and Gardens. I can't wait to try it out!

Chocolate Blueberry Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 Tb unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For Cake- Mix dry ingredients in medium sized bowl. In blender combine water, egg, and blueberries. Blend until smooth. Add liquid mixture to flour mixture. Beat with mixer, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Pour into greased 8x 8 square pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Ganache

Ingredients:

• 1 cup reduced fat whipped topping, like Cool Whip lite
• ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• For Blueberry Sauce
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup reduced fat whipped topping

Method:

Meanwhile for Ganache- in small microwave safe bowl combine chocolate chips and whipped topping. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Set aside. When cake is cool, cover with Ganache. For blueberry sauce- blend thawed blueberries and whipped topping in blender until smooth and liquid. Drizzle over cake.

Light the Mood

I am loving these lighting ideas! How fun for a romantic dinner for two, or even for a birthday dinner at home, or anything!

Fabric Flowers

This idea is for a flower ring, but I have already made one into a hair clip and love it! You could use these flowers in any way imaginable! You could also sew the flower petals together rather than glue, which I will probably do in the future, feeling it to be more secure than glue. :) Thanks Sweet Charlie for the tutorial!

Flower Ribbon Rings:

Supplies Needed:

- 1 1/2 in. silk or satin polyester ribbon (or fabric)
- coordinating colored thin hair elastic
- coordinating colored felt
- hot glue
- lighter
- jewel or beads for embellishment

Directions:

Cut 4-5 different-sized circles out of ribbon (or fabric)

Burn around the edges of all of them to prevent from fraying, and also make them look like petals

Layer them to give a rose-like flower look

Embellish with a jewels or beads in the middle

Cut out a circle matching the bottom of your flower out of felt

Cut your hair elastic to the size of your finger

Sew the elastic on to the felt so you now have a base for your flower

Then hot glue your flower onto your ring base and you're done!

No-Sew Ribbon Corsage Wristlet:

Supplies Needed:

- 1 1/2 in. silk or satin polyester ribbon (can be printed or just plain) note: you can use ribbed ribbon also, but hot glue sticks better to the silk.
- coordinating colored 2 1/2 in. ribbon (for flower(s)) OR dollar store flowers
- sticky Velcro
- jewel(s) or beads for embellishments
- Lighter

Directions:

measure around your wrist, and add about and extra inch and 1/4.

cut your ribbon to that measurement

burn the ends to prevent fraying

cut about another 1.5 inches of your ribbon, and then cut length-wise, giving you two strips .75 inches wide, 1.5 inches long

on your bracelet ribbon, hot glue the ends, and then fold in so that the ends of your wristlet now are about .5 inches wide

glue your two smaller ribbons to the ends, so that you have a finish look

cut two pieces of your velcro to fit on your ends, then glue one on the top side of your bracelet, and the other on your bottom side

then glue your flower onto the top middle section of your bracelet, and add either a jewel or bead embellishment

DIY Dance Photos

Once again...wishing I could dress up like a princess and have a night out on the town...wouldn't this be so much fun to do? Way better than my Prom pictures back in the day! And don't you just love these girls dresses?

Ideas from Laci Davis a local photographer who loves capturing you, being you!

Find a Location that Fits the Group

The location sets the mood for your photos. Find something that fits the Groups style well. If they are fun with bold dresses and personality go to a bold background. If they are wearing softer colors go to a great field or orchard. A High School is also a great place. It's meaningful to the group and has great levels. Use the bleachers, field, benches and any fun colors or brick walls you see.

Props

Using props is a great way to make the kids feel comfortable right off the bat. It breaks any tension and lets them be their fun goofy selves. I like to bring thins such as an empty frame that you can find at a thrift store, or poster board is also a great option. You can add the name of the dance and year that they are going, or any other fun words. Any props that make for a fun happy environment will add great personality to all your photos.

Go for Details

Don't forget those detail shots. Get up close! Details are great to remember all the things you worked so hard on. It adds more to memory to your photos. So go zoom in and photo those shoes, hair pieces, flowers, makeup and any other detail you worked hard on.

Engagement Photos Act as Inspiration

It can be hard to think of great posing. Go look at some engagement photos you have loved, and pay attention to what you love about them. Is it how they are standing, the levels they are on, the way their head is turned just right? Although these kids are not about to get married; now days, with such urban photography you have many more unique options.

Play with your Focus

Changing your focus will add such great interest to a photo. You need to make sure you have created depth of field, and then just put your red focus dot on one person or object.

Baked French Toast

Once upon a time, yet still fairly recently I heard of a lady who had a sort of breakfast club every Saturday morning where she would try new breakfast recipes with their husband. That sounds delicious! This recipe reminded me of that, and made me want to start too! Although I would probably do it once a month instead of every Saturday. I like to sleep in on Saturdays! Maybe you would like to join in too? We could swap recipes. :)
The end.

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (1lb) Cinnamon Bread - cut into cubes
• 1-21 oz. can Apple Pie Filling
• 4 oz. Cream Cheese - cut into cubes
• 5 Eggs
• 1 ¼ cup Half&Half
• 2 T. Maple Syrup
• ½ t Cinnamon
• Maple Syrup

Method:

Grease one 9-inch deep dish pie pan.

Divide cinnamon bread cubes in half. Place half of the cubes in the bottom of the pie pan.

Spread apple pie filling over bottom layer of bread cubes.

Sprinkle cream cheese cubes over apple pie filling and top with remaining bread cubes.

In a small bowl mix eggs, half & half, maple syrup and cinnamon; pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

Remove covering and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes (until golden brown).

Allow to sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Slice, drizzle each serving with maple syrup and ENJOY!

Strawberry Lemonade...bars

My friend posted this recipe on her blog...and I really want to try it now! It looks and sounds so delicious! Yum, yum, yum.... I can just hear summer nights calling!

Strawberry Lemonade Bars
Crust
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

Filling
1 cup fresh lemon juice
2-3 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup pureed strawberries (about 3/4 cup berries)
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or use the Baker’s Edge pan, if you have one).
Begin by making the crust.
In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter, until smooth and fluffy. Working at a low speed, gradually beat in flour and salt until mixture is crumbly. Pour into prepared pan and press into an even layer. Bake for about 17 minutes, until set at the edges.
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, strawberry puree, sugar and eggs and process until smooth. Add in flour, baking powder and salt, then pulse until smooth.

Gently pour the filling over the hot crust when it has finished baking. Return pan to oven and bake for 23-26 minutes, until the filling is set (There will be a light colored “crust” on top from the sugar in the custard - nothing to worry about).
Cool completely before slicing and use a damp knife to ensure clean slices.
Store bars in the refrigerator, especially on a hot day.
Makes 24 bars.

Just what I need

Babies, Toddlers, and Kids Photography Class

Time for tots to take the spotlight! From newborn to elementary school, kids can be one of the toughest subjects for a photographer – we’re here to change that. This special 2-week online course will share professional tips and tricks on natural posing and genuine smiles. In just minutes, you can turn a disaster into a priceless moment, no matter the child’s age.

This class features an intelligent instructional video that will guide you through the ins and outs of photographing babies, toddlers, and kids (tantrums and toothy grins included). Additional reading and fun assignments round out this quick yet comprehensive course.

Learn to capture the countless “priceless moments” of youth with the Babies, Toddles, and Kids online course at Nicole’s Classes!

Oh I wanna take this class so much! This sounds like exactly what I need! Now I just need the funds...or maybe a nice camera first?

Tulip Love

I found this beautiful floral arrangement from At Home with Kim Vallee through Gordon Gossip. I can't wait to have a yard to plant flowers in! I love tulips, and it will be so fun to bring them inside!

Flexible Date Night

This weekend for our weekly date night I had planned on coloring eggs since it was Easter and our little guy is still too young to do that yet. Well Saturday night came...and neither one of us was feeling very well, and the thought of waiting to boil eggs and waiting for the eggs to reach the right shade of dye seemed daunting. So instead we talked while I prepared rolls to eat for breakfast the next day, and then we played Lego Star Wars. Ha! It was pretty relaxed but it was still good. It was nice to be able to be flexible and still enjoy being together even if it wasn't what I had originally planned for almost a month ahead of time!

Want to learn more about or become a part of Project 52? go here!

Magic Beans

Welcome to Easter in Utah!

I found this cute idea on See Jane blog. We might have to try this next year! How fun!

1. Buy some "magic" jelly beans

2. Plant them in your yard, this only works the night before Easter

3. The next morning go outside and see what grew.

Memoir

I stumbled across this video today, (not the one above) and it reminded me of when I was in high school and...I asked Mr. Wonderful to a girl's choice dance by singing. Only we used the song Let me Call you Sweetheart...with a few word changes. I was terrified because I had never asked a boy on a date before...and I really liked him...and I was worried he would think it was weird because we were both on seminary council together. But he said yes! No we did not start dating after that, that didn't happen for another four years, but then I got to say yes to his pounding so hard I could hear it heart when he asked me to marry him!

He is Risen

Easter Time!

I know it's a little late to do this for Easter this year, but I really like this idea from Secrets of a Supermommy! Here and here are some more great Easter ideas. We are going to have a "Jerusalem dinner," I'm really excited! What are you doing for Easter?

Conference Traditions

I am so excited for this weekend, to have Easter on General Conference Sunday! What a perfect combination. It definitely helps me remember to focus on what the real meaning of Easter is. I am all about traditions--probably a little over the top, especially if you ask Mr. Wonderful. I'm excited to try out a couple recipes that might become family conference traditions in the future! One of them can be found here. You can find other family conference recipes here!

Wishful Thinking

Lately, I have been wishing that I could dress up really pretty...like for an adult, married version of Prom. :) I love dancing with my husband, and it has been a long time since I got to dress up and feel pretty as a princess. :) Well, I came across this fun trendy/modern up-do. If I were going to Prom, I would probably try this.

Project 52: Date 2

This weekend for our date we watched this movie called Fireproof. Have you heard of it? I hadn't. It is about "fireproofing" your marriage. I really liked it, even with the cheesy acting and Southern Baptist overtones. :) It had a really good message and was really sweet. It made me even more grateful for my happy marriage. Real love isn't something you fall into and out of with any passing whim. Love should be uplifting and sometimes you have to choose to love. Marriage is worth fighting for.
This movie made me realize how selfish I am at times and reminded me of a great talk on marriage given by Gordon B. Hinckley. Here is a portion of it:

Why all of these broken homes? What happens to marriages that begin with sincere love and a desire to be loyal and faithful and true one to another?

There is no simple answer. I acknowledge that. But it appears to me that there are some obvious reasons that account for a very high percentage of these problems. I say this out of experience in dealing with such tragedies. I find selfishness to be the root cause of most of it.

I am satisfied that a happy marriage is not so much a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one’s companion.

Selfishness so often is the basis of money problems, which are a very serious and real factor affecting the stability of family life. Selfishness is at the root of adultery, the breaking of solemn and sacred covenants to satisfy selfish lust. Selfishness is the antithesis of love. It is a cankering expression of greed. It destroys self-discipline. It obliterates loyalty. It tears up sacred covenants. It afflicts both men and women.

Too many who come to marriage have been coddled and spoiled and somehow led to feel that everything must be precisely right at all times, that life is a series of entertainments, that appetites are to be satisfied without regard to principle. How tragic the consequences of such hollow and unreasonable thinking!

If you want to be a part of Project 52, go here.