Quest for a Simple Life {revisited}
A few months ago, when I wrote, “The Quest for a Simple Life” I wasn’t sure if there would be a part two. Both Husby and I felt in our hearts that there was a different path our family was to pursue… a risk to take with greater rewards in the end for our family… but we didn’t have any definitive plans. We knew we just had to trust… and do the “foot work” {as one of my best friends explained}. So, that’s exactly what we did. In the past six months, we’ve taken two long road-trips to Mammoth Lakes and five trips to our local mountains. At last, our path was revealed! I’ve been so eager to share with you our plan… along with the excitement {and uncertainty} that lies ahead for our family of six. [Read more…]
{weekend} lovelies
:: Weekend Lovelies ::
Happy Weekend {image above via: Oh Sweet Joy}! We hope that you had a safe & happy 4th of July! This edition of lovelies is full of amazing finds! We hope that you are able to take a few moments to yourself this weekend and enjoy the links over your favorite cup of coffee or tea!
As always, we appreciate you reading our blog, and would love to hear from you through your posted comments… if even just a quick, “hello!”
Have a lovely weekend, friends! {xo}
I Got You // Jack Johnson
Who doesn’t love Jack? He’s one of our faves… for yoga, car rides, or just a mellow day at home with the family. His new album, From Here to Now to You, comes out this September. We’re excited!
A Tiny House Tour // Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
We’ve seen a photo or two of this tiny house pinned from time-to-time, but never before had we viewed all the photos of this inspirational house all in one place. When we found it, we knew we needed to share it with you. It just goes to show that the dreamiest of spaces doesn’t have to be large… just beautifully designed and functional. It’s complete design {love}!
Raspberry Vanilla Smoothie
As a busy mom of four, I gave up breakfasts that are time consuming long ago! Although cereal, frozen waffles, granola bars & healthy homemade muffins are a staple in my home for the kids… I make myself a protein shake or smoothie almost every morning. I love to experiment by adding greek yogurt to different types of fresh fruit & even veggies {such as spinach or kale}. I typically sweeten {when needed} by adding honey, but you can always adjust that in the recipe to use your favorite sweetener.
This Raspberry Vanilla Smoothie recipe is packed full of high quality protein from the Fage Greek Yogurt I used {18 grams to be exact!}. It’s also loaded with healthful antioxidants from the fresh, organic raspberries {to read more about the health benefits of raspberries click here}. I made this recipe for my husby and I one morning. My kids had a taste and LOVED it! I ended up having to whip up more for my sweet little ones! [Read more…]
Orange County Charity Book Project
Ladera Ranch portrait photographer Paul F. Gero has launched the 6th Annual Kids of Orange County Charity book project!
This project has been widely popular and the charity benefactor is CHOC {Children’s Hospital of Orange County}! So far the project has raised nearly $50,000 for CHOC by the 100% donation of the session fee.
Paul and his wife Nicki organize the project — Nicki handles the marketing and scheduling of the project, while Paul handles the session planning, actual portrait sessions, image production and viewing presentations. Over the course of the last six years, Paul has photographed hundreds of children, including Nicole’s children, Mason and Madeline.
Here are a few images that Paul took from Mason’s first session in 2008, for the original Kids Book project…
Paul again photographed Nicole’s family late in 2009 when Madeline joined the family… [Read more…]
Butter Cream Frosting Recipe
:: Butter Cream Frosting ::
Cupcakes have to be one of my favorite items to bake! I love them because I don’t feel as guilty eating one, as I do making a cake. Cupcakes always seem to put a smile on my family’s face. Though I love the actual cake portion of the cupcake, I adore the frosting the most! It is something I have enjoyed since a child. My favorite is a light whipped cream frosting, but a good butter cream frosting {that is not too rich}, is a wonderful topping on any cupcake! My favorite butter cream frosting is by Magnolia Bakery. I have made it a million times, and have added a few items and recreated it into other butter cream flavors. Yes I know… very vanilla, but sometimes simple is best! [Read more…]
{weekend} lovelies
:: Weekend Lovelies ::
Hi, Everyone! The weekend is finally here! The Fourth of July is next week…. {it’s so hard to believe}! We decided it’s high time to prepare for the upcoming holiday! It is after all, one of our favorites! For further inspiration, visit our ‘American Sparkle’ board on Pinterest {image above via: glitter guide, tumblr}! Have a lovely weekend! {xo}
Desserts for your Celebration // Martha Stewart
1. Red, White & Blue Berry Trifle| 2. Independence Icebox Cake | 3. No Cook Cheesecake | 4. Vanilla Raspberry Sundae’s yum x 4!
Let’s Be Friends… Blog Hop!
Nicole & I are so incredibly grateful to Tiffany of The Dwelling Tree & Mandi from All My Happy Endings for asking us to be co-hosts for this week’s Blog Hop! If you are new to our site, we’d love for you to stay a while & check things out! We can’t wait to get to know you! Have a lovely day, friends!! {xo}
Hello there! It is time for the Let’s Be Friends Blog Hop #19! Link up to gain new followers on GFC or bloglovin’! Promote this blog hop by putting the button on your page, or throwing a shout out at the end of your post today or tomorrow. The more link ups we have the more our blogs will grow! Invite a friend, tweet it, or let your Facebook friends know! Make sure to follow the hosts and co-hosts!
Have fun and meet some friends!
Panzanella Salad
:: Panzanella Salad ::
It just doesn’t get much easier {or tastier}, than this healthy summer salad! Panzanella Salad is my absolute FAVORITE dish to serve to friends… whether I’m taking it to their house, or hosting a summer playdate in my own home. It’s also the perfect meal to bring for a picnic lunch or concert in the park!
There is some chopping of fresh veggies involved, the making of a simple homemade vinaigrette dressing, and a little toasting of french bread in a frying pan with a drizzle of olive oil… but the steps are super basic {you could even get the kids to help you toss it all together}! In under thirty minutes… you will have a scrumptious, fresh, tangy, and crisp bread salad to enjoy!
This recipe has always gotten rave reviews… but the best part is that you can easily customize it to your own taste! For example… love a greek salad? Just add in some chopped olives and feta cheese! For my husby, I omitted the red onion and added avocado slices. Any way that you do it… it comes out perfectly fresh and delectable! The combination of flavors is seriously… mouthwatering! [Read more…]
Book Review
:: Book Review ::
A Book Review for summer reading could not have come at a better time! Summer and reading go hand-in-hand. Thank goodness for Kimberly {over at Book Reader Chronicles}, for all of her lovely reviews. She keeps us informed with books that are popular, and even features up-and-coming authors that are developing book series’. This month is a special edition to the Sylvia Day review she shared with us a couple months back. Here is an inside look into the newest edition to The Cross Fire Series, with a bonus interview with author, Sylvia Day! Enjoy!
