2 Product Reviews

I have two very practical products to share with you.  They are not life changing or anything, just 2 things I use daily and appreciate!

The first is a handmade leather planner from Gallery Leather.

You can find them at Marshalls for $9.99!  They are a nice size to slip in your purse or have sitting on your desk. 

I've bought the daily planner since 2006, and I use it for everything from appointments to Christmas lists to notes at church.  It is nice to have everything in one spot!  They are also a quasi diary for me because I jot down pertinent information to our family and so forth. 

pictures via Gallery Leather

What was that CIA movie where the girl's brother made lists of everything in his journals and it helped them solve the case?  I can relate to him, I like lists!:)

my past planners

I also keep these two journals (also from Marshalls).  One is to write down funny things Olivia said (Peyton will have to be included now too) and the other is to make a bulleted list of the main things that happened each year (which I usually take from my planner for that year). 

Am I strange or do you have some type of system like this?:)

I haven't been using this product nearly as long, but I love these cups!  I bought a couple from World Market and they are so nice.  The cups are insulated, leak proof, and transfer really well from home to car.  Why is it more fun to drink from a straw?  They will also be very helpful when the little nut arrives!

I am on the lookout for a nice cup for warm beverages, so please let me know if you have one you love.

Third Time's The Charm

I should not have the gall to post this (since it is take 3), but, oh well!:)
You remember my need to transform our bedroom after much puking and sickness, right?  I did my best, but wasn't exactly satisfied with the outcome.  Well, my birthday-money-bedspread had a few defects and starting coming apart, so I took it back, which put me back to square one.

I found a different quilt from West Elm that I really love and quickly spray painted the nightstands black to go with it.
I also added the curtains across the back like I had wanted to do all along. 
Take One

Take Two

Take Three

Garden Fresh Chicken Pot Pie

I have never cared for chicken pot pie, but a few years ago I came up with one that is quite tasty!  I like it because of the abundance of fresh veggies and herbs, and I only use a crust on the bottom.

Ingredients:
- pie crust (make your own or Pillsbury makes a refrigerated one that you roll out that is really good)
- chicken- breaded, cooked, cubed and seasoned with Johnny's seasoning salt
- sweet potato or potato- cube, toss with olive oil and season with Johnny's seasoning salt
- can of cream of mushroom soup
- whatever fresh herbs you have on hand (this time I used rosemary, chives and basil)
- fresh spinach
- onion
- all the fresh veggies you want- broccoli, zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, celery, etc.
- cheddar cheese

Mix all the ingredients and spoon into pie shell.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until crust browns.  Top with cheddar cheese.  It is really easy to make and always a favorite!

Play Structure!

Olivia girl received a play structure as a birthday present from the whole family. 

Her Uncles, Aunties and Grandparents all pitched in and were very generous! 

Thank you! 

David had planned on making one or buying a kit, but materials were expensive.  Craig's list to the rescue.  We found one for a fraction of the cost!  He power washed, steam cleaned, and stained it.  It looks brand-new and the nuts couldn't not be more pleased.

Daddy bringing it home...

The transformation...

And here it is in all its glory...

He is going to build a top for it, and we still need to get sand for the sandbox, but we are getting so close!

See the new rock driveway for bringing firewood in, etc.  We are finding many uses for the rock!:)

They have been so giddy over it.  Too fun!

Never Fail Dill Pickles

I love these pickles!  I must admit, I am posting the recipe more for me (as a reference), but there could be someone who needs a really good pickle recipe too!:)  OK, with that confession out of the way, here is the recipe!

This recipe is for 2 quart jars, so adjust recipe as necessary if you are using quart jars like I was!

- 2 head dill
- 3 T rock salt
- 1 cup vinegar
- 2 T pickling spice
- 3 cloves garlic (cut fine)
- 1 tsp alum

If you haven't made pickles before, here is a quick overview of how you do it (or at least how my mom and I do!:).  Fill your jars with your cucumbers.  Add the ingredients to each jar.  Fill the rest of the jar with boiling or very hot water.  Process your jars in a canner for 15 minutes (I don't know if everyone processes them, but we do).  Ta-da!

Korean Pancakes

Korean Pancakes or Egg Fu Young

recipe from Nanny

Ingredients:

- 6 eggs- beat until fluffy

- green onions (or white or red onion)

- salt &pepper

- 3 cups grated zucchini

- hot Korean pepper

- 1/2 cup flour

- 1/2 tsp. baking powder

- olive oil

- sesame oil

- soy sauce

- lots of garlic

Sauce for dipping:

- soy sauce

- sugar

- lemon juice

- sesame seeds

- sesame oil

Directions:

Beat eggs.  Fold in onions.  Stir in remaining ingredients.

Cook on hot griddle.  Serve immediately!

I love making these in the summer when fresh zucchini abounds!  Bulgogi and fried rice make for a great accompaniment.  I'm sorry the measurements are not more precise, but you really can't mess them up!

Wednesday Wisdom: Week 6

Here are a few things that we've read this week that stood out to us and were thought-provoking. 
I hope they speak to you as well!

From Black Beauty...
"If you in the morning throw minutes away,
You can't pick them up in the course of the day;
You may hurry and scurry,
And flurry and worry,
You've lost them forever,
Forever and aye."
Hey, inspiration can come from anywhere, right?  Another great reminder!

From The Peacemaker...
"...the Bible teaches that we should see conflict neither as an inconvenience nor as an occasion to force our will on others, but rather as an opportunity to demonstrate the love and power of God in our lives....

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God- even as I try to please everybody in every way.  For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.  Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.  1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

This passage presents a radical view of conflict:  It encourages us to look at conflict as an opportunity to glorify God, serve others, and grow to be like Christ."
Isn't this just "so Jesus" (unnatural to us, but just like Him)?  I'm just getting into this book, and I'm really excited.  It is packed full!

We read in Ephesians 4:32 this week, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you."   I've been quoting this to the nuts and they were pretty tickled when it came up in our devotions. 

Another thing I like to quote to my girl is, "A woman's work is never done, she works from dawn 'til setting sun."  And sometimes through the night too when we have sick ones!  We laugh and get on with our work!  So, back to work!  :)

Farm Kids

Little farmer dude

Our entertainment... coming back from an evening ride with Daddy.

The pond

Can you see the pile of seaweed they were collecting on the dock?

Making this...fresh/free goodness!

And a little farm trivia.  Do you know the difference between crimson clover and red clover? 

Here is a picture of the red clover that is almost ready to harvest.  It smells so good! 

And a picture of crimson clover from this post.

And for our final entertainment, we are keeping very busy with the garden!  We harvested beets, green beans, carrots, cucumbers and zucchini this week.

I think corn is so beautiful.  Look how much it has grown since the first picture with Peyton.

Pretty stripped zucchini

I can hardly wait for the tomatoes to be ready.   

My Favorite Trail Mix

First, I have to laugh that I am posting another recipe that "really isn't really a recipe".  Ah well!

You will soon know all of my favorite food groups. :)

I love me some trail mix, but I cannot choke down the store bought mixes with plain M&M's, raisins and the smallish nuts (aka peanuts).  I've come up with a mix that I love.  I can't always afford to have it on hand (trail mix is not cheap to make), but I am oh-so-happy when I can. 
I actually received trail mix ingredients from my parents for my birthday last year; do they know me or what?  I am also the girl who got a case of apples for a birthday present one year (love you, Uncle Ladd and Aunt Beth). 

Anyhoo...I freeze the trail mix and make it last as long as possible!

Here are my must-have ingredients (you can find all of them in the bulk section at Winco):
- almonds
- peanut M&M's
- chocolate covered raisins (the ones from Costco are the best)
- chocolate covered almonds
- yogurt covered raisins 
- dried cranberries
- honey roasted nut mix or mixed nuts
- Mt. Hood Mix
*I tossed in dried blueberries this time since we have a ton right now and they were really yummy too!
Add plenty of dried cranberries and almonds to stretch the other ingredients!  Let me know what you think!

Wednesday Wisdom: Week 5

More encouragement and wisdom today from Carolyn Mahaney's book, Femine Appeal.  Her book is to young wives and mothers, and is based on Titus 2, exhorting us to love our husbands and children. 

Here are some quotes from Chapter 7.  She gives an abundance of illustrations with these, so this is just a quick overview!

"We should be women who are known for praying, greeting, listening, encouraging, and planning."

Renown for Praying:
"...we should be committed to the 'good work' of praying for our husbands and children."  We are the best ones for this job!
Renown for Greeting:
"Our lives should mirror Scripture's pattern, and- you guessed it- as wives and mothers, our family members should be the recipients of our most enthusiastic greetings.  When they awake each morning, call on the telephone, or enter the house, this seemingly small act of greeting will go a long way to advance their happiness."  I saw this beautiful truth in practice a few years ago by my friend, Stephanie C. when her young daughter woke from a nap, and have tried to make it a priority ever since!  It is so important to stop what we're doing and lavish our little ones and lovers with love when they are coming, going, waking, etc.!
Renown for Listening:
"...taking a sincere interest in what our husbands and children desire to communicate is a primary way to bring them joy."  Yes!
Renown for Encouraging:
"We should be lavish in our dispersal of 'good words' to and about our families.  Daily we should bestow much more encouragement than correction or criticism.  I know we've heard this before, but it is such a good reminder!
Renown for Planning:
"Proverbs 22:3 advises, 'The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go and suffer for it.'
"Proverbs 21:5 guarantees: 'The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.' I know we all desire an abundance of happiness for our families; so let's get on with the good work of planning."  She gives great examples of how we can plan special things for our families to show our love and how our planning also prevents pitfalls.

God Bless!

Amish Country Berry Pie

(sorry mine is a little messy looking)

Update: A different version of this recipe, which I think I like even better!

Beat together one 8 oz. package softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until creamy.  Blend in 2 cups thawed whipped topping.  Pour into unbaked 9" grahm cracker crust.  Top with fruit.  Chill 3 hours before serving.

This is a no bake pie, which is perfect for the hot temperatures we're having!  The cream cheese layer really makes this pie!  I got this recipe from my mom; she would make this often in the summertime!  She is the queen of berry pies!

Ingredients:

1 baked 9" pie shell (or a store-bought Oreo cookie or graham cracker crust)

3 oz. cream cheese

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

5-6 cups whole berries (blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)

Directions:

Beat cream cheese with sugar and spread carefully over bottom of pie shell.  Arrange berries in shell.  Pour the following glaze over berries:

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons white Karo

1 cup water

2 tablespoons jello

3 tablespoons cornstarch

Glaze: Cook all ingredients except Jello, mix over medium heat until thick.  Add Jello mix.  Cool before pouring over berries. 

Top with fresh whip cream or cool whip to taste.

Cranberry Almond White Chocolate Biscotti

I have a very special treat to share with you today! 

My mom, sister and I have been making this recipe for about eight years and it is superb!  I just made up a quadruple batch with my Bosch mixer (it is thee best) to eat/freeze, and I jump out of bed in the morning to have one with coffee!

2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon almond or vanilla
1 1/4 cups dried cranberries
3/4 cup sliced almonds
white chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients together. Divide mixture and form into two logs (approximately 14" long) on floured surface (or sometimes we like to roll it out using powdered sugar- yum!). 
Place on greased baking sheet.
Bake 30 minutes at 325 degrees.
Reduce to 300 degrees, cut into biscotti, stand up and bake another 20 minutes.

*It is that easy!  The original recipe was for for cranberries and almonds, but we like to add the white chocolate chips.  My sister has also done fun variations with butterscotch, etc.  You are going to love the chewy/sweet/nutty deliciousness of these!:) 

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

I received this recipe from my friend, Jennifer, last year and I asked her if I could share it.  She also makes a mean pot of clam chowder!  I love making these simple, yummy sandwiches in the summer.

Ingredients:
- 1 seasoned rotisserie chicken from Costco (they are a great deal at $5 and have awesome flavor)
- mayo & mustard to taste
- finely chopped celery
- finely chopped onion
- salt & pepper to taste

Mix the ingredients together and serve on buttery croissants!  Take on a picnic and enjoy!

Apples

Will our picking adventures ever end? 

Hey, we still have a month or so of summer and you know what Proverbs says about storing up for winter!:)

The kids were in charge of picking up the windfall apples. 

Oh, and tasting them!

Good thing these were the sort outs!:)

Here is an apple recipe we made this week.  One of our favorites!

Apple Pancake

from What's Cooking America (my favorite cookbook that I bought as a teenager while delivering berries)

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 eggs, beaten and room temperature

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup milk, room temperature

7 tablespoons butter

1-2 green tart cooking apples, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; set aside.  In a large bowl, combine eggs, salt, flour, and milk; Beat until batter is smooth.

In a large, heavy ovenproof frying pan or a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter, turning pan to cover sides.  Add apples and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixture.  Stir and let cook for 5 minutes.

Pour batter over apples into pan and bake 25 minutes or until puffed above sides of the pan and lightly browned.  Remove by flipping upside down onto a serving platter (apples and cinnamon will be on top).  Serve immediately. 

We like to have this recipe with a side of breakfast sausage as the apple pancake is fairly sweet! 

YUM!

Wednesday Wisdom: Week 4

I had to post a picture of my little snow princess/ballerina taking the laundry down after last week's post!  She felt so important helping with this task!:)

Now for a few thoughts...

1. I don't remember where I first learned this wisdom, and I think I've heard it from more than one person, but always have a book on parenting and/or marriage on your nightstand!  I was so encouraged/convicted this last week reading Femine Appeal each evening!  It is helpful to have outside wisdom and perspective in keeping your focus and priorities right!
2. I remember a few years ago, I felt like I had to set up times for my oldest to "socialize" with other children.  I was talking to a very wise lady in our church and she referred me to Proverbs 22:15  "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child..."  She went onto say, "why do you want to get all of that foolishness together?"  I know this is probably a controversial view, but I don't mind being controversial!:)  If we lived really far away from people it would be different, but our kids have lots of interaction with siblings, family, church, etc.  Of course, we love to get together with other kids, but I no longer feel pressured to. 
3. Lastly, Joe T. once said, "with every child you get a little less selfish"!  What a true statement!  I think we become less self-focused when we get married, and even less when we have our first child, and on it goes!