Friday Favorites: July 15, 2011

Almost all my favorite posts this week involve food and parties.  Summer just seems to lend itself to treats and parties and fun.  Plus, there just weren't any crafts that inspired me like usual, but I've been very busy and haven't had as much time to browse as usual.  Food, however, can always be inspiring; so I had no problem finding delicous posts.

So, pull up a chair and get ready to get hungry.  These ideas are scrumptious!


Love from the Oven shared a recipe that Chili's has.  How did I not know about a white chocolate dessert at Chili's?  My oldest son loves that place!  Hot butter cake, ice cream and ooey-gooey white chocolate drizzled all over--yummo!



Serving food in mason jars is trendy and fun.  If you serve pie on a plate, it's good, but if you serve pie in a mason jar, it is amazing!  So, I'm rolling with this trend.  The Bakery Spot shared a post on 6 of her favorite recipes in mason jars.  I have shared the smore recipe on Friday Favorites before, but all 6 of these ideas look SOOOO delicious!



I love The Frugal Girls!  They have the information about all the great coupons and deals.  They also give some great craft and recipe ideas.  We are doing a beach/surf theme for our children's ministries summer camp this year, so I loved these easy "crab" sandwiches The Frugal Girls mentioned from Pam's Party and Practical Tips.  What fun!



Confessions of a Cookbook Queen shares another dessert in a jar recipe--I know--I told you.  Jar recipes are everywhere!  Cherry Limeade Pie in a jar--yummy!  I'm having thoughts of Sonic's Cherry Limeade slushie. 



Half Baked gives us some strawberry lemonade cupcakes that look delicate and sweet.  Like her, I adore lemons.  Strawberries are an added bonus.  I love the little lemonheads on the top of the treats--darling!



Two Peas & Their Pod made a coconut-lime berry cake that is making my mouth water.  This screams summer!  I can't wait to make this for someone.  I love this blog--make sure to check out their delicious recipes!



Okay, let's end with some party theme fabulousness.  One of my favorite Facebook and blog favorites, Pizzazzerie, shared a Little Red Riding Hood party.  I have a fondness for this story--I was Little Red Riding Hood one Halloween when I was little, and in high school Spanish, I scored the head role of Capericita Roja (sorry if I misspelled that--it was a billion years ago).  The only line I remember is "Mi abuela vive al otro lado del bosque."  (My grandmother lives on the other side of the forest).  Anyway, this theme is unique and OH so cute.  Check it out--you won't be sorry!  (The favors, the cake pops, the setting--amazing!)



Glamour and Grace gives us a feminine, beautiful idea.  This would be perfect for a summer night, a wedding or a baby/wedding shower.  Doilies!  They aren't just for your grandma!  What a beautiful, easy result for your decorations!



We'll end with another Pizzazzerie party.  This caught my eye since I've been decorating my craft room at church (for Camp Compass Kids' Camp) to look beach/surfer all week.  Cowabunga grommets--check this out!  It is tubular!  Seriously, though, I plan to hold a party just like this for one of my son's at some point--so great!  The cake, the cookies in "sand"/brown sugar and the blue striped cupcake sleeves are my favorites!


Have a great weekend, everyone!

Women in the Word Wednesday: July 13, 2011

Today I gave my teaching on prayer for the women at church.  It went really well, and next week I should be able to actually post the lesson's audio, and you will be able to listen to me teach about prayer.  It was an encouragement to prepare the lesson, so I pray it encouraged women to talk to God more regularly.

Since I have been BUSY with lesson preparation and getting ready for Camp Compass (VBS) for next week at our church, I will share a blog entry from my pastor today.  He speaks of the mistake of trying to "fit in" to the detriment of your relationship with Christ and the truths of the Bible.  Have a great week living boldly for Him!!!

Pastor Mike Fabarez:
Rejection hurts. And unfortunately our Christianity increases the likelihood that we will encounter it more often. Part of the cost of “taking up our cross” and “following Jesus” is the harsh reality of “bearing the disgrace he bore” (Heb.13:13). As Jesus himself said: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (Jn.15:18). It is a vain hope to expect the favor of Christ and the accolades of everyone else at the same time. “Woe to you when all men speak well of you,” Jesus warned (Lk.6:26). Amid the pain of rejection, our challenge is to learn to value and cherish the approval of Christ more than the acceptance of those around us. But that, of course, is easier said than done – especially when the rejection comes from those we love. In the lyrics of his inspired song, David is resolute as he sings: “Though my father and mother forsake me, Yahweh will receive me” (Ps.27:10). While we can expect the pain, we can also anticipate the incomparable treasure of being embraced by the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

My husband got home from work early yesterday afternoon, and he graciously watched the kiddos while I went grocery shopping.  When I take the kids, grocery shopping takes about an hour.  When I went yesterday, I was in and out in 20 minutes max.  It is amazing how productive I can be when I can shop without tantrums, spilled goods, heart training sessions, etc.

Anyway, in my amazing speed, I did forget to buy the boys breakfast muffins, which I had promised to them.  So, this morning, we baked together after I found this recipe on All Recipes.com.  My boys are used to the grocery store muffins, which are more cupcake than muffin, so this recipe was definitely healthier and less sugar filled than they were used to eating.  They still loved it, and I had fun making them with my little muffin eaters.

First, soak your oats in milk for 15 minutes.

I then mixed the wet ingredients and brown sugar, and I used a full 3/4 cup of brown sugar in the muffins (they still were not super sweet).

Mix the wet ingredients into the milk soaked oats.  Then combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.  Don't forget to measure out some chocolate chips! 

Slowly combine the oats and wet mixture into the dry ingredients until everything is just moist.  Yumminess.

Put in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F.  Be ready for happy kiddos!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins from All Recipes (slightly adapted by me)

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 1/4 cups milk (I used whole)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (I used the whole 3/4 cup in the muffins, and I might add a whole cup next time)
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans (I did not add nuts--only because I don't like them in my baked goods)
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (I used about 1/2 tsp)

Directions:

1. Combine oats and milk and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease each cup of one 12-cup muffin tin. (I used cupcake foils in my muffin pan)
2. Stir egg, oil, 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of the pecans into the oat and milk mixture.
3. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add oat mixture to flour mixture, stirring until just moist. Fill each cup of one 12-cup muffin tin 2/3 full. Sprinkle tops with the remaining brown sugar and pecans. (I skipped the sprinkle of sugar and pecans, but I think I will sprinkle some sugar next time)
4. Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes. (My muffins were completely cooked in 20)

I linked this post to:

Friday Favorites: July 8th, 2011

Well, I am not going to have much time to post this today.  I am teaching on prayer at Women's Bible Study on Tuesday, getting ready to lead a team of 12 volunteers and teach 100 5th and 6th graders about crafts the following week and go to Ohio for vacation immediately after.  We are going, going, going this week, folks.

So, let's get right to the great ideas . . .
We have quite a few delicious summer recipes this week . . .


Simple Simon and Company gave us a few great ideas to do with your boys this summer.  I love the gumdrops and toothpicks idea.  I think my boys might gobble up a lot of them!



The 36th Avenue made darling aprons for her daughters out of dishtowls.  This is a barely sew project even I could do.  Plus, they are yellow and blue.  I l-o-v-e yellow.



Cucumbersome gives us a tutorial to make handmade tea soaps and even gives us printouts to use if you give some as a gift.  I haven't ever made handmade soap, but I want to!  What a fun gift for the teachers and helpers when everyone goes Back to School . . . I know.  I hated when I was a teacher and people talked about Back to School in July.  That is lightyears away . . . IF and when it is Back to School. . .



This Chick Cooks made sherbet stuffed limes with chocolate chips that look like mini watermelons.  I love everything about those ingredients.  Yum!  What a cool, fun summer treat!



Kuzak's Closet had a guest post from Renee at A Work in Progress.  She gave us 3 unique and healthier recipes for kids' summer treats.  They all look delicious!



Cozy Home Scenes gives us a delicious grilled peaches recipe.  If you haven't ever grilled a peach, then you are missing out.  It is a healthy and really scrumptious treat of summer.



Nothing but Country made Mountain Dew Cupcakes.  I used to love Mountain Dew until I drank about 3 in one study session in college.  I had no idea they had caffeine until that night.  Wow!  I still love the taste of lemon and lime together, and that is the idea with these moist and beautiful creations!



Finally, How Does She shared an amazing candy themed birthday party.  The details are astounding!  Just when I think I've seen every theme adn idea there is for parties, the creative minds in the blogging world blow me away.  Be sure to check this out!



Have a great weekend!

4th of July in the Eastern Sierras

We went up to June Lake for a 4 day weekend.  It was so fun and gorgeous!  I love the eastern Sierras.

The 4th of July was spent in the town of Bridgeport, CA.  It is a small town America stop with lots of gold rush history, and my uncle lives there.  It has a western charm and is still full of cowboy hats, fishermen and historic buildings--it is far different from Orange County!  We had a mainstreet parade, along with a watermelon eating contest (Carter almost won for the 5 year olds!), a greased pole climbing contest for the kids (my nephew almost got the prize money at the top), snow cones at the Jolly Cone, a bbq and hours of fireworks both on the lawn and the show over the nearby reservoir. 

While at June Mountain, we hiked, the boys fished, we visited the lake, we relaxed, and life was deliciously slow.  Enjoy the pictures!

Enjoying the beach at June Lake

Hiking--the boys did really well!

Micah's first visit to SNOW!  He liked to throw it.

I married a Spartan who found his way to California

Grandpa and Carter at the top of the ski lift at June Mountain

My sister's sweet kiddos ready for the 4th of July parade!

Some of my cousins' kids--cuties

Grace, my niece, and Micah are ready for the parade

The only pic I got of me on the 4th . . . Ryan and I enjoying the parade

Love this little guy!

Love both these boys!

Bridgeport

Church in Bridgeport

We found a park!

All the activities on the 4th happen on the Court House lawn.

Friday Favorites: 7-1-11

         
This photo of Bridgeport is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Well, we leave soon for 4 days in the Sierras and surrounding areas to celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends.  Call me crazy, but I am actually looking forward to the 7 hour drive up the 395 with the family.  We used to do this every year or so when I was growing up, and I have sweet memories of driving past miles of desert while looking up at the majestic row of Sierras on my left, all the while singing Kenny Rogers and John Denver in the car--I know, cheesy but fun.  I love all the ghost towns, mining history, and even the silence and sadness of Manzanar along the drive.  It is a California history lesson drive!  I think the boys will do great in the car.  Unlike when I was little, we now have DVD players, iphones and all kinds of entertainment gizmos to help along the way.  There will also be several games of the Alphabet Game, I-Spy and other car games, I'm sure.  We are hoping for some good naps from the boys too!

In typical Chiara fashion, I have decided I need to arrive bearing some gifts, so I am crafting a ton of 4th of July flowers and accesories today.  I also need to go to the grocery store, do laundry, pack, and run some other errands.  No problem!  Ha, ha.  I do it to myself.  I'll admit it.

Now, I have fun news!  A mentor in our church ministry is helping with the launch of a new maternity line.  It is gorgeous!  If you are pregnant or know someone pregnant, you have to check out these beautiful, modern and fun outfits.  It is called Jules Ford Maternity, and it just launched today.  If you know of a hip, trendy pregnant momma out there, go browse!




Have a wonderful 4th of July!  Here is a fun grouping of Friday Favorites to start your weekend off right!



Okay, this idea is so simple, but it adds so much UMPH to the final presentation--I love that!  She's {Kinda} Crafty gives us simple ice cream cone sleeves for the 4th of July!  Take the idea anywhere, though.  Get paper that works for a birthday theme, baby shower, or wedding.  SO fun!



I love a good scavanger hunt with the kids, and this one is perfect for my color learning 2 year old and adapts/scaffolds to shade differentiation for my 5 year old!  Get some fun paint sample cards and make a scavengar hunt game to find things in the different color shades.  You can take your camera phone or a camera and take pictures of your finds!  Sun Scholars brings us this fun idea. . . make sure to check out this blog for fun ideas with the kids this summer!



Impress Your Kids gives us a fun way to turn sidewalk chalk into PAINT!  All you need is the chalk and water.  It is so colorful, and what kid doesn't like to paint with a brush?  This would be hours of fun!



Crazy Wonderful made a sunburst mirror that I love!  My friend, Amanda, forwarded this project to me, and I laughed at how well this would fit right into my house.  I have the same candlesticks and orchids at my home.  I love the modern sheen on the mirror mixed with the traditional decorating pieces.  It might be a bit time consuming, but this is a very affordable and beautiful project!



Bake at 350 fancied up her ice cream sundaes in special glasses.  My favorite touch is the cookie accent on the rim.  What a fun idea!



Two Peas and Their Pod made lemon-blueberry bars.  Enough said.  Summer fruits in a dessert are my absolute favorite, and I am always a fan of anything lemon.  YUM!



I'll take sugary over rich chocolate usually, but there is always a need for a decadent chocolate dessert recipe for parties.  My mother in law makes this exact recipe, but she uses Ghiradelli's brownie mix instead of the from scratch brownies.  The trifle is always SO good.  It is rich, so it feeds a lot of people.  Chef in training shared her version here.  She gives a homemade brownie recipe, which I am wanting to try sometime soon.  The Heath bar crunch gives this dessert great texture and taste! 




Southern Scraps made a darling tank.  She gussied it up with flowers and ribbon.  I need to do this.  I am in need of some new tops, and this would be so cost effective and fun! 



Of course, I'll end with a couple of fun party theme ideas.  Our Daily Obsessions highlighted a milk and cookies baby shower.  It is so simple and fun.  You could add lattes or coffee and milk mixtures to the menu if you wanted.  I love the cookie bar idea for the party.  Since the menu is so simple, you could really concentrate on the varieties of cookies and the presentation.  SO smart!



Beth Kruse threw a bubble themed party for her son's 2nd birthday.  It is so cute.  For older kids, you could throw in "pop" ideas too--like pop the bubble?!  Pop rocks, soda pop, bubble gum, pop tarts, etc.  That is a lot of sugar, but you get the idea.  Her party was PERFECT for these young toddlers, and they had a BLAST!  She had a bubble station, bubble paint art, bubble shaped melon ball skewers, and so many amazing details.



Have a great weekend, everyone!  Happy 4th of July!