everydayVALENTINE

Time for a new blog home...

2012-02-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

NEW BLOG:www.everydayvalentineblog.com

*Hope you come check it out and be sure to update any links you may have for this blog! Thanks*

2012-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

....Happy New Year...I am working on revamping my blog...so stay tuned for details...

...we've been busy...

2011-12-09T21:00:00.001-08:00

with family, friends, trips & visitors

& our new little elf...hoping to post more soon...but here are a few highlights from the past month!

...thanks for all you have done and will do...

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

*this handsome sailor is my Grandpa George back in the 1940's. He was very proud to have served this country. He loved the USA*

Today on 11.11.11 I'm reminded of how extraordinarily grateful I am to those who have served & will continue to serve our nation...to protect our freedoms & our ideals...there are no words that can adequately convey our thanks.

October's greenVALENTINE challenge!

2011-11-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

...consider buying your loved one's gifts that are consumable or that give back to someone or something else!

This year (for Christmas & birthdays) we're trying to give gifts that express our love but also make less of an impact on landfills and clutter in our homes. Yes, some people find this impersonal, and I get that, but let's be honest...how many gifts do we get every year that just fill up our home with more stuff? Not that stuff is bad but I for one really do not need more of it (with the exception of a few things here or there)!

Check out my ideas:

*Consumable Gift Ideas*

*CERTIFICATE for TIME SPENT

*CERTIFICATE for A HOMEMADE MEAL

*CERTIFICATE for a SPECIAL TRIP

*HOMEMADE FOOD (such as jams, breads, nuts, cookies)

*CERTIFICATE for a SPECIAL CLASS (such as cooking, sewing, dance class or swim lessons)
*GIFT CARDS (for meals, clothing stores, grocery stores, movies, spa treatments, shows, events or even flowers)

*GOURMET GIFT BASKETS (chocolate treats for a chocoholic or for a friend with a special diet like celiac you could group together specialty gluten-free products)

*For KIDS: Bubbles, Chalk, Art Supplies, Stickers (one can rarely have enough of these things)

...

*Giving Back Gift Ideas*

*Have you heard about Operation Christmas Child from Samaritans Purse? Click on the link to check it out and look-up how it works and where you can drop off your box this year! Hurry because the deadline to drop off your box is in a few weeks. Our MOPS group is doing it this year as a fun way to give back and get our kids involved. Maybe even consider giving a box in place of a gift for a family you know and on Christmas present them with a description of why you have a box in their name and a picture of what you put in the box and where it went.

***

*Do you know about LOVE146 yet? Their mission is to END CHILD SEX SLAVERY AND EXPLOITATION. I learned about this organization at Blog Sugar and have not been able to get it off my mind. I'm going to purchase a few items in their store as gifts (most of the money goes back to their organization). Check it out and be prepared to grab a tissue or two or twenty for this one.

***

*And of course there are two ways to give to Compassion right now. Year Round: Compassion is an organization that allows you to sponsor children all over the world in order to help them with basic physical (and spiritual) needs. You pay a monthly fee and are able to write letters back and forth and give extra money for their birthday's and Christmas if you can. We have really enjoyed doing this and wanted to spread the word! Check them out if you are considering a new way to give-back this year! Right Now: Check out their Christmas Catalog (this video shows HOW IT WORKS):

And one more thought...if you have a baby or small child and are not sure what to get them for Christmas (because after all they are a baby and have no idea what is going on) consider looking up a Compassion child to sponsor by the birthday and gender of your child. We did this for both the kids for their "Baby's 1st Christmas" gift and it has been fun watching other children grow up with their birthdays (even though they are not their age)! It's a nice way to have something in common with these beautiful children all over the world. Just something to consider as you make your lists!

...happy halloween!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

...so what's it gonna be?

2011-10-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat?

Here's to hoping you get a lot more Treats tomorrow & only a few tricks (like pretend spiders in your food)! In case you are looking for some last-minute treat ideas...check this out:

Easy Halloween Party Food from Our Best Bites

***

Also, I made some Cake Pops last spring (inspired by an orange on a tea cup) but they could also double as pumpkins...so I thought I'd show you how I made them. For the best source check out Bakerella and her video here:

They are a lot of steps but pretty cute, eh?

Here's how I packaged them...

(I'll show how I made them into place cards another day)!

...Another Lovely Fall Dessert!

2011-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Spice Cake Mix & whatever you need to make it
Crystallized Ginger (I used Ginger People's crystallized ginger chips)
Left-over Coffee or Water
Powdered Sugar

1. Simply make a bundt spice cake using your favorite recipe (or from a box mix)! Let cool!

2. Mix small amounts (about 1 tablespoon at a time) of coffee or water with about 1/4 cup powdered sugar until you get the desired consistency for a glaze.

3. Drizzle glaze over cake...sprinkle with ginger chips & enjoy with your favorite fall drink!

...Christmas in OCTOBER!

2011-10-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

It's October and signs of fall are everywhere...but in the back of my mind I cannot help but think about Christmas! I'm planning, thinking about what traditions we'll do this year and getting ready to make some homemade gifts. My first goal is to make my Christmas List {I'm making a list and checking it twice}!

If you're crazy like me...here are a few things to start thinking about to save you some time & money this coming holiday season. If you are normal just move on and in several weeks check out the video below (its DIVINE)!

Christmas Your Way eBook (free printables from Life Your Way)

Christmas Planner Page (free printables from Life Your Way)

101 Deals of Christmas(sign up to receive daily deals in your inbox)

A few stores participating in Lay-Away Programs:
Sears

Kmart

(p.s. This is a little video that i saw for the first time on Rachel's blog...she's one of the gal's who organized blog sugar and she loves Christmas too...i loved it so much that i just had to share...enjoy)

....favoriteTHINGS Friday {HALLOWEEN}!

2011-10-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

We are talking about Halloween daily around here and it has been fun planning costumes! I used to love dressing up and now I enjoy getting the kids into it! We have a few costumes in mind for each kid this year but most of the talk involves thoughts of trick or treating & candy from Paige! If you are stumped for Halloween ideas check out Real Simple for some great ideas for Halloween (costumes, decor & more)! And of course there is always Pinterest! Happy planning (and pinning)!

Dora & Boots (2009)

One of Peter Pan's Lost Boys (2010)

...pumpkin patch & preschool fun!

2011-10-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

We LOVE the pumpkin patch & had the best time hanging out with Paige's preschool class last week (even though it is still way too hot here and did not feel like fall)!

...fun fall tradition...

2011-10-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

For the past several years I have been carrying out a fun fall tradition of making a comfort meal and decorating for fall on one of the first cool evenings of the season.

We did this a few weeks ago! I would have done it on the first day of fall, but it was way too hot. For dinner I made roasted chicken, roasted fall veggies, stuffing and that sort of thing! For the table decor I used a white cloth I had lying around, some sheet music for place mats, candles, pumpkins and some miss-matched crystal. I don't iron the linens or fuss over it...and Paige loves helping me set the table and make it pretty...even if it is simple! Then we put a few of our fall decorations out around the rest of the house and we are officially ready to celebrate my favorite season!

What are some of your fall traditions?

...favoriteTHINGS Friday {HYDRANGEA}!

2011-10-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

I just love these flowers...

thought I'd share a photo from my mom's yard

the last bloom in September

...beautiful!

...favoriteTHINGS Friday {FALL}

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

We love Fall

...the colors...

...the flowers & smells...

...blankets & sweaters & boots...

...rain & leaves & pumpkins...

the list goes on and on and on!

...September's greenVALENTINE challenge!

2011-10-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

Do you know about VAMPIRE ENERGY?

This has nothing to do with Twilight or Halloween (I couldn't resist referencing these)...but energy that we use everyday without thinking about it and sometimes even knowing about it. Many of our everyday appliances are using energy 24/7. Check it out below; if his chart is hard to read please click HERE!

source: http://awesome.good.is/transparency/008/trans008vampireenergy.html

Some household items can be plugged into power strips and turned off whenever they are not in use and others are just good to think about unplugging when you go out of town (even for a few days). We've seen our energy bills go down by just being a little bit more mindful of what's plugged in.

So try to unplug more and hopefully you will reduce energy and save some money too! Woohoo!

P.S. If you want to read more...check out this article as well at life hacker!

...last weekend...

2011-10-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my sister & parents we got to get away without kids last weekend...so fun! Aaron and I stayed in an amazing hotel in Huntington Beach (right on PCH) where we relaxed, ate great food, went to the beach and basically got to talk (for the first time in a long time) without little voices interrupting! We had fun together and laughed and remembered why we decided to get married in the first place nine short years ago. It was amazing!

The weekend ended with Blog Sugar (also amazing). I am looking forward to taking what I learned there and using it to make this a blog for good, for inspiration and for fun! We'll see what that means...but for now I'm just feeling blessed!

...more than a spoonful of SUGAR!

2011-09-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I had a romantic getaway with my husband and got to attend a really fun conference for bloggers called Blog Sugar! Wooo hooo! They were both fun and much needed!

More pics to follow...but for now I have to gush a little!

Blog Sugar was great...I learned a ton, got inspired and met some great people. The food was amazing, the speakers were adorable & inspiring and the decor was divine!

I cannot say enough good things about it. Thanks to all the people who helped make it happen...I know how much work goes into those things and it did not go unnoticed! I even got to hang out with my friend Cherish {I didn't realize she was attending when I signed up}! I don't live near her anymore and miss her! It was a great treat to catch up and meet all of her "blog friends" {she's way pop}!

The past few weeks have shown me that...

2011-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

...it's fun to be FOUR!

...small birthday party at home...

...preschool girl again...

...celebrating the big 4 with her class that week...

...sunflower girl...

I'm pretty sure Paige would tell you that it sure is fun to be FOUR...but pretty exhausting too!

...September Love…

2011-09-21T02:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Sweater Wearing, Boot Loving, Cider Sipping, Back toSchool, Pencils Sharpened, Apple Picking, Pumpkin Cooking SEPTEMBER!

I for one love Autumn! Every year in September, with the returnof my favorite season, I’m giddy with the anticipation and delight of allthings amber and pumpkin spiced! Idecorate for fall and start making comfort meals before the temperature says its time. Pumpkin puree begins to make an appearance in just about everything I eat, from my lattes to mypancakes, pastas and more. So it is in that vain that I share a few of myfavorite recipes with you to get your Fall taste buds ready!

Amy’s FAMOUS Pumpkin Cookies

(SOURCE: http://landoffruitsandveggies.blogspot.com)

3/4cup brown sugar

3Tbsp. honey

1(15oz) can of pumpkin

3/4cup oil (you can use melted virgin coconut oil or substitute w/ unsweetenedapplesauce)

2tsp. vanilla

3cups flour (you can use spelt flour or whole wheat or anycombo)

11/2 tsp baking powder

11/2 tsp baking soda

3/4tsp salt

1tsp cinnamon

3/4tsp nutmeg

1/2tsp ginger (if you have pumpkin pie spice on hand you can use that instead)

1to 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Preheatoven to 350

Beatuntil blended sugar, honey, pumpkin, oil and vanilla.

Inanother bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.

Addthe dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, and mix well.

Byhand, stir in chocolate chips.

Dropby rounded teaspoonfuls onto greases cookie sheets.

Bakefor 12-15 minutes, until they slightly firm up and bounce back after beingtouched.

Coolon wire racks.

***

Cake Mix Pumpkin Cookies

OneBox of Spice Cake Mix (or Carrot Cake Mix if Spice is unavailable)

One15 oz can Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

Water

ChocolateChips

Preheatoven to 350

Mixthe can of pumpkin with the cake mix, if too dry add water about a tablespoonat a time until just wet all the way through.

Adddesired amount of chocolate chips (at least 1 Cup, but I usually do more)

Dropby rounded teaspoonful’s onto slightly greased cookie sheet

Bakeat 350 for 10 – 15 minutes

*This is great to make with kids because it is so easy!

{here are some pictures of how we made them last time}

***

PumpkinSausage Lasagna

(SOURCE: http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/pumpkin-sausage-lasagna/)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 1/2 pounds bulk sweet Italian sausage (pork, chicken or turkey, whatever you like), casings removed

1 large eggplant, peeled and chopped into small pieces

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, grated

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups milk (eyeball it)

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

Few dashes fresh nutmeg

1 box oven-ready lasagna noodles

1 1/4 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Heata large sauté pan over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons EVOO, about twoturns of the pan. Add the sausage and cook until golden brown, breaking themeat up as it cooks with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Push the meat to oneside of the pan and add the eggplant, onion and garlic. Cook 7-8 minutes, untiltender, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Whilethe veggies are cooking, place a medium-size sauté pan over medium-high heatand melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook the mixture for about 1minute. Whisk the milk into roux, breaking up any clumps. Bring the mixture toa bubble and add the pumpkin puree and nutmeg. Season the sauce with salt andfreshly ground black pepper, reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for 2-3minutes, until slightly thickened.

Spreadabout 1 cup of the sauce into the bottom of a 13 x 9" casserole dish.Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce, then top them with about 1 cup ofthe meat mixture, a cup or so of the sauce and a palmful of cheese. Repeatthese layers two times, topping the casserole with a layer of lasagna noodles.Spoon the remaining sauce over the noodles, sprinkle the remaining gratedcheese over top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna until the sauceis bubbling and pasta is baked through, about 45 minutes.

Duringthe last ten minutes of baking, remove the aluminum foil to brown the cheese.Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest a few minutes before serving.

*Iuse butternut squash instead of the eggplant…and it’s AMAZING! Also, if using pork sausage try to find thesage kind…the sage goes so well with pumpkin…YUM!

***

Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Latte

(SOURCE:http://stephanieodea.com/...adaptedfrom Taste of Home's Halloween 2008 edition)

--2 cups milk (I used 1%)
--2T canned pumpkin
--2T white sugar
--2T vanilla (not a typo. it asks for tablespoons)
--1/2tsp pumpkin pie spice
OR:1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and a teeny tiny pinch ofground ginger
--1/2cup brewed espresso or 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee

Addthe coffee/espresso and milk to the crockpot.Whisk in the pumpkin, spices, sugar, and vanilla.

Coverand cook on high for 2 hours if everything is cold. Whisk again.

Ladleinto mugs, and garnish with whipped cream and additional cinnamon. You can add acinnamon stick to be fancy.

*Garnishwith whipped cream (optional)

**Thiswill make enough for 2 people to have a big mug with a bit leftover. If you arehaving friends over, adjust the recipe accordingly. I used a 4-quart crockpot,but as small as a 1.5 quart will work with these amounts.

{You can simply buy some pumpkin spice syrup and add that to a homemade latte as well...I love how quick it is...Yum!}

...favoriteTHINGS Friday {UNO}!

2011-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is a great game to play with kids {Paige has started really getting it and LOVES it}...hope you do too!

...Aaron's Grad Pics {FINALLY}!

2011-09-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

...Here are the rest of the pictures from Aaron's graduation...

So proud of him and so glad he made it through another 16 weeks...thanks to everyone who has supported us through this "not so easy" time. We love you & are thanking God for this new chapter in our lives...woo hoo!

{Family Day Demonstration ... we got to see them work}

{Evening Ceremony ... we got to pin on his new badge}

August's greenVALENTINE challenge {zero waste}...

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

...Consider becoming a "Less Waste Home"...

Have you heard about the "Zero Waste Family" yet?

Check them out here {watch the quick video}: Zero Waste Home

Did you watch the video?

I know, I know...some of you are thinking I have lost my mind...I assure you that I have not! Most of us cannot even fathom this life but keep an open mind...check out their video {if you have not already} and think about it. Maybe, just maybe, change one thing you are doing to bring less into your home so that less goes out. I for one am challenged to at least be a "Less Waste Family" and I'm going to start by trying to buy in bulk more often. We'll see!

Let me know what you think...and consider being a "Less Waste Home"!

...summer is drawing to a close...

2011-09-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

...and the last thing I should be doing is working on my blog but I cannot help it!

I love Autumn and am giddy with the idea of it's arrival...but we have had a fun summer so I just had to post a few of my favorite pics from the past several months {in no particular order and for no particular reason other than I love them}!

Hope you enjoy celebrating Labor Day...and here's to Summer!

....glad to be back in the BLOG world!

2011-09-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

...I will be back to posting this week and wanted to start by saying...

Happy {belated} Birthday to my beautiful little Paigey...we love you so much!

More updates to come soon!

...favoriteTHINGS Friday {GEOTRAX}!

2011-08-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you have not discovered GEOTRAX yet...and you have kids...you must check them out. We have a different track every week; we are in love around here!

{P.S. the Radiator Springs/Cars set shown here...thanks to Nana & Papa...make it even better}

...gone fishing...

2011-08-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

We've gone fishing...

so to speak...we're busy with vacation and packing and summer life....be back soon!

{hume lake...2008...baby paige}

hope you are enjoying summer too!

xoxo-*laura*

...July's greenVALENTINE challenge!

2011-07-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Consider shopping for SECOND HAND items...

{Lightning was only $10 and the scooter was $3 at a yard sale...sweet}

Before you buy something new I want to encourage you to see what you can find through other means:

{just think about it}

Garage Sales

Thrift/Second Hand Stores
Consignment Stores
(Plato's Closet has great clothes)

Ebay & Craigslist

freeCycle
Swap Websites (like Swap.com)
Even Etsy.com

Up-cycled Items

Antique Stores

Junk Yards

ReStore Outlets (Habitat for Humanity)
Swap Parties (more on this another time)
Your Friend's Closets

The list goes on & on but you get the idea! There are so many gently used items out there that can find a place in your life and not in a land fill! I have to stretch myself to think this way sometimes...but we don't always have to get something brand new to love it! I even try to think about borrowing items (like fancy dresses or shoes for a nice occasion if I'm only going to wear it once or kitchen items for a party that I am only going to use once)!

So be a modern day treasure hunter & let your creativity run wild...there is a lot out there to find!

There are several things in these pictures that I got from friends who were getting rid of them, garage sales, thrift shops or antique stores...can you even guess which items are used?

...favoriteTHINGS Friday {SILLY SIGN}!

2011-07-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

When I saw this little sign I just had to share it as one of my favoriteTHINGS:

(p.s. sorry that I do not know the source...I've had it on my computer for a couple of years now)

It's one of those silly signs that make me giggle every time I see it...hope it makes you laugh too!

...9 years...

2011-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

...of wedded bliss {or at least of happiness mixed with craziness mixed with everything in between} and I'm more in love today than the day we took this engagement picture! Aaron you are an amazing husband and a great example to me & our kids of how to treat people with respect, honesty and a servants heart! We are blessed to call you our own and I continually thank the Lord for allowing us to meet 13 years ago...so glad I became your bride and have remained your friend! I love you!

Happy Anniversary!

...xoxo...

celebrating my birthday girl sis...so fun!

2011-07-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

...to know my sister Jen-is to love my sister Jen! She is kind, fun, smart and silly...she has always been "too cool for school" and so stylish! Jen is great at so many things and my favorite thing about her is that she is one of the most generous humans I have ever known {with her heart and her money and her time and everything she is}! So making her feel special is always a treat...

***

...we celebrated with some of her favorite things...

...celebrating with great food, cake & friends...

...make a wish...

{P.S. several years ago we started calling her "Jennififi" and when the kids came along it became "Aunt Fifi" or "Fifi" and there's been no looking back. So Fifi we love you and wish you a great year ahead.}

{P.P.S. Hope this makes up for having a coffee recipe on your birthday Fifi...I know you don't like the stuff...it was a total oversight & quite ironic!}

...Christmas in JULY!

2011-07-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

...If you did not know already I LOVE CHRISTMAS and I never seem to be organized the way I want to be, in time to do all that I want to do, when that glorious season rolls around...so every month around the 25th (until December) I am going to share my goals for getting a few things done ahead of time...

It's July 25th...are you ready yet?

Okay, I'm just kidding, but I hope some of you out there get where I am going with this...and let me know if you decide to join me!

...one of my favorite pics...

2011-07-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

(summer 2010)

i love my little girl & when i came across this picture the other day i just had to post it...for no reason other than how happy i feel when i look at it {it's one of my favorite pictures of all time}!

...a great dessert year round!

2011-07-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my favorite treats (I think I got the idea from the wonderful Barefoot Contessa) that I have been making variations of for years. I try to throw together desserts like this because I cannot bake to save my life! This is great for one or 10 people...think date night or entertaining or for a late night snack. And it is never out of season! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! {Also, I sort of LOVE coffee more than any other food on the planet!}

{freshly brew strong Coffee or Espresso}

{scoop good quality Vanilla Ice Cream into fancy bowls or mugs}

{pour hot Coffee over the Ice Cream}

{garnish w/ dark chocolate covered espresso beans...yum}

...a life on hold...

2011-07-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

While Aaron has been in fire academy & we've been living here at my parents our life has felt sort of "on hold" and temporary. Needless to say this is kind of tough on a marriage and the occasional date is required to stay in tact. So thanks to the help of family to watch our kids we had the best date in the City last Saturday {we were unofficially celebrating the close of academy life and welcoming a new life in the Bay Area and the hope of great new things to come}!

{most of our time was spent in "Little Italy" & by the water...great food, great company, words with friends, perfect weather, great photos & the hope of doing it again sometime soon...maybe we'll even let the kids come next time}

Happy...

2011-07-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

...Aaron...

To know you is to love you!

You are a wonderful husband and amazing father and we wish you the best today & everyday!

...we love you...

Summertime...

2011-07-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

...and the living is easy!

...these are just a few of my favorite summer colors & things...

{What are yours?}

...so proud of my man!

2011-07-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Aaron finally completed fire academy and is excited to be working for the Alameda County Fire Department!!!! Wooohooo! We are so proud of him and so honored to celebrate this HUGE accomplishment! Hoping to post more pictures soon!

Santa Ana Community College Fire Academy (16 weeks completed) +
Fresno City Fire Department Academy (16 weeks completed) +
Alameda County Fire Department Academy (16 weeks completed)
= almost 1 year of his entire life spent in fire academy...now that's dedication to a career!

...the morning Family Day Demonstration...

...the evening Ceremony...

You can check out the local news clip here: http://www.ktvu.com/video/28470039/index.html

...happy, happy 4th of July...

2011-07-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and rising plains, the great mountains, and the sea. He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can draw the breath of self-respect.~Adlai Stevenson

(p.s. I found this quote online and do not necessarily agree with the political views or choices of Adlai Stevenson (he's from back in the day)...but I love the quote & I love this country...so it worked!

How do you...DO CURRY?

2011-07-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is how we do curry...RED CURRY that is!

Basically if you have coconut milk, red curry paste, veggies and garlic and/or ginger you can make this. You can use shrimp, chicken or extra veggies & some peanuts...I made it with what i had on hand. Serve it with rice, couscous or simply some naan bread and you're all set for a quick and delicious meal!

***

Thai Shrimp Curry: Rachael Ray's Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable or other light oil, (eyeball it)
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed
6 ounces, about 1/3 pound, shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
1-inch ginger root, peeled and grated or finely chopped
4 scallions, chopped into 1-inch pieces, whites and greens
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons mild or hot red curry paste
2 roasted red peppers, sliced
1 cup "light" or unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup frozen peas
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon butter
1 lime, zested and juiced
1 1/2 cups couscous
1 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce, 1/2 small head
1/2 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish

Preparation

Heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add shrimp and toss 2 minutes then add the mushrooms, garlic, ginger, scallions, salt and pepper and cook 3-4 minutes more tossing constantly. Stir in curry paste, roasted red pepper and coconut milk and reduce heat to low. Simmer a few minutes then stir in peas to heat through.
In a sauce pot bring chicken stock, butter and the lime zest to a boil. Add couscous and stir. Turn off heat, cover pot and let stand. Add basil and the lime juice to the pot and fluff with a fork.

Serve couscous topped with a layer of chopped lettuce then a few ladles of red curry shrimp. Garnish with chopped peanuts.

...even on long days I have to say...

2011-07-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

...Summer & Spring RECIPES (easter re-cap)!

2011-06-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

This was our lovely Easter feast...yum!

And as promised here are my favorite recipes from that meal...they are great for spring or summer and would be wonderful for the 4th of July!

Whatever you make this weekend...enjoy!

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Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli

Ina's Video

***

Evelyn’s Strawberry-Romaine Salad

Ingredients:

• cup vegetable oil

• ½ cup red wine vinegar

• cloves garlic (minced)

• ¾ cup sugar

• ½ tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. paprika

• ¼ tsp. ground white pepper

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce

• 1 head of Boston lettuce

• 1 pint strawberries (sliced) (you can sub w/ raspberries or kiwi’s*)

• 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

• ½ cup chopped walnuts (toasted)

Directions:

Combine first seven ingredients for dressing. Blend in blender or

shake in large covered jar or container. Tear washed lettuce into

bite size pieces. Combine lettuce & other ingredients in large salad bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently (you will have more dressing than you need...so go easy on pouring it to toss...and it should keep in your fridge for at least a week). Serves 12

*for 4th of July you could add blueberries for color*

***

Laura's Bacon & Date Roll-Ups

Select pitted dates (or pit yourself)

Add cream cheese

Wrap with bacon (about half a slice per date)

Bake at 400 for 15 - 30 minutes (bacon should be cooked & golden)

*enjoy*

(p.s. I know they look gross & weird...but they are sooooo good)

***

...beautiful birthday girl & TUTORIALS!

2011-06-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend we got to celebrate one of my favorite things...our little friend Ella's 1st Birthday! Woohooo!

{p.s. Ella's mommy is an amazing event planner...I will post more pictures of the party soon!}

I knew I wanted to make her a special party hat and banner but I was not sure where to start. So I got out my scraps, used the invites & cupcake toppers for inspiration and got to work. Here's how it turned out...oh so cute...Right?

Well it helps when the little model is gorgeous!

Check out my Crepe Paper Flowers, Small Banner & Party Hat TUTORIALS below. Hope it inspires you to try!

Crepe Paper Flowers TUTORIAL

{little flourishes}

***

Small Banner TUTORIAL

{perfect for high chairs & such}

***

Party Hat TUTORIAL

{for babies & the young at heart}

***

...one more thing...

*the invite for the party and these graphics are from www.modernmomentsdesigns.com*

...bring on summer with this meal!

2011-06-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

This was one of those last minute summer meals that we made a few weeks ago

(with what we had on hand)...

I plated up the couscous, piled on the shrimp & veggie combo, added a few pieces of chicken, some delicious watermelon and happily welcomed summer!!!

...June's greenVALENTINE challenge!

2011-06-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

...Consider buying ORGANIC!

If you want to start buying more organic food you should consider starting with produce. Here is Organic.org's Top 10 Reasons to buy Organic (in case you need some convincing)!

But "where do I start (and how can I afford it...)" you ask?

First, just do your best! This is the ideal but not always possible!

Next, check out: The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15.

These lists of produce found with the most pesticides (the dirty dozen) and the least pesticides (the clean 15) can serve as a guide for how to shop. I have stared focusing on buying organic options of the dirty dozen and not worrying about the others for now. After all...who wants to eat pesticides...Yuck. Click here for the Full List and more information!

...fun summer drink!

2011-06-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Paigey and I invented this drink...it is so good & very refreshing! She named it "Pineapple Present Drink" so that is what we call it!

(P.S. I used a sweetened lime juice because that is what I had...but freshly squeezed would be great as well! If you wanted to make it a grown up drink it would be great with a shot of vodka, some tequila or even a light ginger beer might be nice!)

Enjoy!

...we had a great father's day!

2011-06-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

We had a great father's day and we think Aaron is the best daddy in the whole world! Hope your day was great too! xoxo

What will you be doing tomorrow?

2011-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

We'll be making something yummy like this for Aaron in the morning and having other family festivities later! If you need a breakfast idea check out the Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes recipe below...delish! It's one of Aaron's favorites & it may just make an appearance! xoxo *laura*

Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray (www.foodnetwork.com)
Serves: about 12 cakes, 4 servings

Ingredients
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 ounces, 1/4 cup, chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 really ripe bananas, mashed up
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 stick butter, 1/4 cup, melted, plus additional for buttering skillet
• Maple syrup or honey, for drizzling

Directions
Here's a great tip: if you cannot find really ripe bananas, just nuke them in the
microwave for about 15 seconds and they will become super soft for mashing.
Mix dry ingredients, the first 7, in a bowl. In a another bowl, mix the wet
ingredients, the next 4. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined,
then fold in the mashed up bananas and the raisins. Stir in the melted butter.
Heat a griddle over medium heat and brush with additional melted butter. Cook
pancakes, each about 1/3 cup, until bubbles form on the top, then turn. Cakes will
cook in about 2 minutes on each side. Keep pancakes tented with foil as they come
off the griddle to keep them hot. Serve with drizzled honey or maple syrup over
the top.

...random stuff!

2011-06-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Have you discovered Pinterest yet? It's amazing. My friend Ailie told me about it and I finally got into it last week. It is like having a cork board online of all your favorite things....it's honestly too fun. I'm finding that it's a great way to keep track of all the cool things you see online and wonder "how in the world will I remember to look this up when the time comes?" And you can follow people who's taste you appreciate and "Repin" items they have found. It provides hours of inspiration! Anyhow, you have to check it out and either request an invite to join (or if you have a friend already on it you can ask them to send you an invite)!

Happy Pinning!

I just found this quote (below) online from Pinterest and had to share! If it is true I am an amazing mom because my floors are always sticky and my ovens rarely cleaned!

Here is the link to the place you can purchase it:

http://www.catchingfireflies.com/products/good-moms-wall-art.html

***

These two kids are so silly & sweet...they can make me swoon and make me crazy in a matter of seconds...but I adore them!

***

Also, have you visited the Blog Guidebook yet? It is a great resource for all things blog and they are having a huge "giveaway" right now. Go check it out and prepare to be amazed!

...if you have ever suffered (and who hasn't)...

2011-06-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

I had not intended to blog about this today...but my sweet friend Rachel posted this YouTube video on Facebook & it was so beautiful & moving that I just had to share. The older I get (uh oh, I hope I don't sound like a granny) the more I am convinced that everyone has gone through some kind of pain & suffering that is unique to them in both big and small ways.

Some people have suffered more pain than others of us would ever be capable of even imagining....and it is normal to ask WHY?

I don't know why...but I know from my own pain that God can bless us in spite of it. In my own life I am constantly wrestling with the difficulty of living with chronic pain for so many years...and yet I know God is healing me and that ultimately when I meet Him in Heaven I will never know pain again. Here on earth (in the day to day) it is not easy, but God is there to comfort me moment by moment and I know it has drawn me closer to Him & made me lean on Him in ways I would not have been capable of doing otherwise.

I will share more of my pain story another day...
but for now I pray that this encourages you today.

...i just have to say...

2011-06-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

...jen...
...we love you...
Thanks for all your help last night and always!
You are the best sister and auntie!
...xoxo...
*laura*

...May's greenVALENTINE Challenge & a few random thoughts!

2011-05-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

May's greenVALENTINE Challenge...
Bags, Bags & More Bags!

In general I just want to challenge you to think about bags in terms of waste and what you can do differently! Consider switching to REUSABLE BAGS for shopping, LAUNDRY/MESH BAGS for produce and PAPER BAGS for other projects such as wrapping paper or crafts!

Reusable bags are usually cute and inexpensive! They come in all shapes and sizes from snack bags to lunch bags to grocery bags!

Check out: BAGGU

And here is a link to an Etsy Search for: Reusable Bags

If you are really organized (and I am not) you may
want to invest in this system: The Tote Buddy

I purchased several laundry/mesh bags (intended for delicate items in the wash) at Target for less than $2 and use them for my produce at the farmers market.

Here are a few gifts that I wrapped at Christmas with Trader Joe's decorative brown bags...just add ribbon and you are all set for a simple and classic look.

Plastic bags are a reality for all of us (let's just be honest) but we can use them more than once & we can recycle them!

A few more thoughts:

If you only purchase a few items at a store...don't use a bag.

If you need snacks for your purse...use a reusable container instead of those little plastic baggies.

If you need a liner for a small trash can...use a grocery bag from the store instead of purchasing them.

What are your thoughts on bags, bags, bags?

Disclaimer: I must confess that I forget to bring my reusable bags into the store ALL THE TIME...in fact it is a miracle when I do remember...so just do your best!

***

this graphic has been edited by me...but originally came from: the graphic's fairy

Happy Memorial Day and thank you to those who have served our country...especially those who have lost their lives and given so much...thank you does not seem to say enough.

***

And one more thing...I am so excited to be going to BLOG SUGAR this fall...just signed up...wooohooo!

...Easter Re-Cap!

2011-05-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely Easter with the fam (and my aunt and uncle)...here are a few highlights! Recipes from our meal to follow...there are few really good ones! Yum!

Here is the way my mom set her table...it looked so pretty!

...our crazy little LIFE!

2011-05-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

With Aaron in fire academy & us living here at my parents we do not have a lot of free time...life is hectic but we are so happy to be here and are trying to enjoy this crazy and special time. Aaron is gone over 12 hours a day so when we manage to get some time with him on the weekends we LOVE it...but lets be honest...we are excited for the months ahead when we'll be in our own place and he will return to shift work (firefighters have the best schedule on the planet in my opinion)!

Here are just a few things we've been up to...

...April's greenVALENTINE challenge (OOPS THIS IS A LITTLE LATE)!

2011-05-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

April's greenVALENTINE Challenge:

Consider shopping LOCAL for produce and so much more at your neighborhood farmers markets and/or join a CSA program!

The food is fresh, local, often organic, uses less resources to produce and to transport....I could go on and on! We were part of a CSA membership program in Fresno for a while and we loved it. Every week it was like a treasure hunt discovering what local & seasonal items we would be getting. Each box would evoke smells and flavors of that season and taste incredibly fresh...yum! There are dozens of reasons to shop local farmers markets & CSA's but don't just take my word for it.

Check out these links for more information:

Sustainable Table

Why Everyone Should Shop Farmer's Markets

By the way, in case you were wondering...CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Basically you pay a regular fee and pick up a box of their freshest produce weekly or monthly...it is fun & easy way to stay healthy while supporting local farmers! I found this definition from thefreedictionary.com: A CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farming operation where the growers and consumers share the risks and benefits of food production. They usually consist of weekly delivery or pick-up of vegetables and fruit, in a vegetable box scheme, and sometimes includes dairy products and meat.

One more thing...I've been so busy that blogging has been impossible...but as soon as i can make it more of a priority i will.
Peace out for now...xoxo

...happy easter!

2011-04-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

(photo source: the graphics fairy)

CHRIST has RISEN...

He has RISEN indeed!

...so many things to celebrate!

2011-04-22T00:07:00.000-07:00

Our handsome little grant turns 2 today and I can hardly believe it! Check out the slide show below (at the bottom of the page) to see how we celebrated last year with his awesome rock 'n roll birthday party! It was too much fun! We also had several visitors during that time...what a great way to celebrate our sweet and smiley little man who is "the sunshine of our lives" in so many ways!

(p.s. isn't it great that he was born on earth day? gotta love it if you are me)

...oh where, oh where did my many links go?

2011-03-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

So as always I have been doing some rearranging and you may be thinking to yourself as you check out my blog (cause i know i have like so many followers out there...wink,wink)

...oh where, oh where did all those links go? Good news...don't panic...they are still here...just in a new spot. Check out my labels to the right and you'll hopefully find lots of cool links.

Here is a cheat sheet list of them as well...enjoy!

creativeVALENTINE

*my TUTORIALS & DIY projects*

familyVALENTINE

*links to frugal living & family fun*

foodieVALENTINE

*some of my favorite recipes & other links*

greenVALENTINE

*all i'm saying is give green a chance*

homeVALENTINE
*organization, decor & homemaking*

partyVALENTINE
*we LOVE to throw a good party*

...you've got a friend in me!

2011-03-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

You've got a friend in me...this is a picture of the grant when he was sick in february...so sad! he is usually a "happy-go-lucky" little guy. i was looking at pictures today and realizing that even though the kids are especially difficult right now (adjusting to our move) i'm certain we will get through it (my paigey is a tough one regardless...so the move has made life even more challenging than usual). i have even shed a few tears of exasperation in the past few days as i am exhausted both physically and emotionally!!! but when i look at this picture & when i think about how much i love my little ones i remember that this time will go quickly & i will miss these days (or so i'm told). if you are a mommy you can probably relate to these emotions...right? my friend cherish always says: "The days are long, but the years are short..." (love this)! so at the end of the day i hope my kids know i love them. in the words of our favorite movie trilogy theme song (Toy Story)...they've got a friend in me!

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me
Yeah, you've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
If you've got troubles, I've got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together and can see it through
Cause you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

Some other folks might be
A little bit smarter than I am
Bigger and stronger too
Maybe
But none of them will ever love you
The way I do, it's me and you
Boy, and as the years go by
Our friendship will never die
You're gonna see it's our destiny
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

...Texas y'all!

2011-03-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of visiting Texas in the beginning of March to see Aaron's grandma Marlene (who we call Gigi) and auntie Colleen (who we sometimes call Cici)! It was a great trip and the kids were amazing on the flights. Even though we were only there for a few days we got a great little taste of their life in Dallas and look forward to going back again. Gigi moved there from California just a few years ago and it was so nice to finally see what her life is like in Texas & see her beautiful home.

The people there lived up to their reputation of being lovely and friendly and hospitable. My favorite example of this was from the Southwest pilot who tried to reassure a timid Paige in the cockpit..."You feeling bashful darlin'?...well that's alright...y'all come back now you hear!"

As an added bonus Auntie Colleen gave the kids their first haircuts! One-too-many people had been complimenting me on what a beautiful "girl" Grant was...so it was time! Paige had never even had a trim & of course when she saw Grant getting all the attention she wanted in on the action as well!

Our only compliant was that we wished the trip had been longer...but hopefully we'll be back soon enough!

...spring cleaning...

2011-03-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

March's greenVALENTINE Challenge:

Consider switching to "greener" cleaning products...after all it is spring cleaning time!

Here are a few of my favorites above. My advice is to just replace as you go...it does not make sense to waste a bunch of products that you already have. Just try a new brand every time you run out of something. I have tried a lot of different "green" products out there and some are much better than others so don't give up. I have found that most of the time you can get your home very clean while also saving money and making your home safer for you and your family! Even simple things like lemon and baking soda can go a long way!

How do you clean green?

P.S. I was thrilled to read my friend ERIN's new blog (www.limeandlove.blogspot.com) & discover that I inspired her to make some cloth napkins for her kids. What a great idea to sew them into little sizes so the kids don't make a huge mess with them. LOVE IT!

Check her out at Lime & Love .

Anyone else out there trying my greenVALENTINE challenges?

...what we've been up to...

2011-03-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

So here is the scoop on what we have been up to. We just moved to the San Francisco Bay Area (where I grew up) and I'm thrilled to be "home" & near family. Aaron is working for a new fire department and we are both excited to explore the Bay Area and enjoy the benefits of such a diverse place to live! It will be so different to see it all as an adult and mommy since I have not lived here since I left for college almost 13 years ago (...ooohhh that makes me sound so old)!

So the last few months have been crazy! We have been packing, moving and traveling. Aaron had a million things to take care of here while he was in the application process and me and the kids were sick most of January and February. We are temporarily living with my parents while Aaron is in fire academy for the new department so I'm trying to get us all situated here (it is not easy to go from a 4 bedroom home to 2 rooms in your parents house). Thank goodness my parents have been very gracious in letting us live here & "take over" their home with two busy kids and a lot of stuff...we are thankful for their support. I have been getting up at 5 AM with Aaron and if you know me this is a miracle because I despise the wee hours of the morning. But everything is possible for a time and we are certain that this move will be great even if it has been a crazy ride getting here! More pictures to come...for now here are a few things that have helped us get through all this...the kids have been amazing (look at those faces) and the snacks, coffee and advil have helped too!

xoxo - *laura*

...the question is not where have you been...

2011-03-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

...but where have I not been?

We have been in the process of moving over the past few months, we've been sick, on a few trips and are now living at my parents temporarily. To say it has been a crazy few months would be a major understatement...so while I have had a lapse in blog posts I have no regrets because sometimes you just have to take care of the people you love first! I have missed you blog world...catching up will be so nice! More to write about and pictures to post in the coming days and weeks! xoxo - *laura*

February's greenVALENTINE challenge

2011-03-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

Consider investing in rechargeable batteries...it is so worth it!

If you are like us & constantly need batteries (especially AA) you will be amazed how much you can save in the long run if you invest in rechargeable. You will need to purchase a charger good for AA and AAA batteries (we have two) and at least half a dozen to a dozen batteries (we have about 16 or more) if you use as many as we do! For instance our wireless mouse uses 2, our alarm clock uses 2, our talking Elmo uses 6, our remote uses 2 and so on...that is 12 right there)! They do cost more up front, but they can typically be used up to 100 times...isn't that amazing! The great news about this is that it saves you money in the long run and saves us from dumping so many batteries! Yikes, think of all that unnecessary waste! Let me know how you use your rechargeable!

(p.s. How is the paper towel challenge from January going?)