Heat Break

When the heat index is 111.. there's not much I want to do, except lay in bed (thank God for air conditioning!) with my little one... snack on some cookies and applesauce... and watch fun videos on the laptop.

Clara didn't mind either.

Sometimes you just gotta take a break.. and I think this was a good excuse.  No errands, no laundry.. heck, I didn't even cook dinner.  Just relaxing... and that's okay!

Color My World

The more Clara grows, the more I can see both a girly-girl side and a tom-boy side. She is so much like her daddy (and not just in her looks.. although she is a complete replica of him).. she loves being outside. Doesn't matter what she's doing... helping me water flowers & herbs, going for walks, playing her little heart out at the playground, splashing in water, or making art in our driveway... she just loves the fresh air.

And I love that about her.

I love how she just gets right up in there and is completely concentrated on her colorful scribbles.



And she absolutely doesn't mind getting dirty.. that is.. until she realizes she's dirty. In this photo I believe she was saying 'wash hands, mama!'... no, she does not like dirt or anything on her hands that isn't suppose to be there.


But there's nothing I love more than sitting out in the sunshine with my baby girl... with our snacks and our juice... and her cute little chalk-covered hands.. drawing pretty pictures. :)

Take the Guesswork Out of Gift-Giving with Ziftit

Have you ever had to buy a gift for someone who has "everything".. or someone who is just plain hard to buy for? *raises hand* Me. Story of my life. Or maybe I just feel like men are hard to buy for. My dad, my husband, my father-in-law. I love giving gifts. But sometimes it gives me a little stress and anxiety. Anyone else?

Anyway, Ziftit had offered me a chance to try out their website to buy a gift for someone - I chose to use this opportunity for Father's Day to find a gift for my husband.

It's a simple concept. You can create wishlists for yourself and others, and others are able to view it. So when my husbands asks what I want for Christmas.. wah-la.. just visit my Ziftit List, babes. Or you can create events.. ie: Father's Day, birthdays, etc. And if you're like my husband, and have expensive hobbies (hunting, fishing, guns, woodworking, anything manly).. there's also an option for people to 'pitch in' money, so multiple people can contribute to a big gift. Kind of fun! And you can search the Ziftit website for gifts, or you can download their plugin and add to your Zift List from any website.

After debating over chop saws and fishing poles, I ended up going for a gun holster. Happy Father's Day to him! ;)



I also took the liberty of making a Zift List for myself... I mean, why not? A girl can dream.



Ziftit is also one of those companies that likes to contribute some good into this world. Who doesn't like that? This past Christmas, they provided 1,000 gifts to children and families displaced by Hurricane Sandy and they are now reaching out to residence of Moore, OK and all the families affected by the tornado.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Almond Basil Pesto {recipe}

I was so excited about growing my own herbs this year.  I've wanted to for so long, but didn't even attempt to try while we were living in Korea.  Currently I'm only growing basil and cilantro, since those are the two herbs I use the most.  I plan on getting more - possibly some sage.  But I'm thinking I definitely want to get another basil plant.  Because I just can't get enough of pesto this summer.  On pizza, in pasta, on sandwiches (panini's, anyone?), and I even put it in my meatballs when I make spaghetti.  It just gives a good, fresh flavor.  Not only that, but there's just something so gratifying about growing your own herbs.

I know that pine nuts are traditionally used to make pesto, but I just find them too expensive for our grocery budget.  So I use almonds.  I hear you can also use walnuts, but I've never tried that personally.  Toasting the almonds, I think, intensifies the flavor.. You could even toast the garlic.  For this I used my beloved Ninja blender.  You could use a food processor, or try any blender you might have on hand.  Enjoy!

Almond Basil Pesto
recipe from Pepper Lynn

• 2/3 cup raw almonds
• 4 cups packed (fresh) basil leaves
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp freshly squeeze lemon juice
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Toast almonds in a hot pan over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until slightly browned and fragrant.

Place the almonds, basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor and pulse until well blended.  With the blender still going, add in the olive oil and blend until smooth, scraping the sides down as needed.  Feel free to adjust the olive oil to your preferences.

This makes roughly 1.5 cups of pesto, and can be easily halved or doubled to suit your needs.

Use immediately or store in the fridge in an air tight container for a few days.  Pesto can also be frozen!  :)

Basil Pesto with Toasted Almonds

Makes: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup whole raw almonds
• 4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the almonds in a hot dry pan over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned and fragrant.
2. Place the toasted nuts in a blender or food processor together with all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. I like to keep the amount of olive oil minimal, but feel free to add in a bit more to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and add additional salt and pepper to suit your preference.
3. The pesto can be used immediately, refrigerated in a covered container for a few days, or frozen for future use. If freezing, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray lined with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until set. Once frozen, the pesto cubes can be transferred to a resealable freezer bag.

- See more at: http://www.pepperlynn.com/2012/05/basil-pesto-with-toasted-almonds/#sthash.3YhGcBJm.dpuf

Basil Pesto with Toasted Almonds

Makes: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup whole raw almonds
• 4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the almonds in a hot dry pan over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned and fragrant.
2. Place the toasted nuts in a blender or food processor together with all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. I like to keep the amount of olive oil minimal, but feel free to add in a bit more to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and add additional salt and pepper to suit your preference.
3. The pesto can be used immediately, refrigerated in a covered container for a few days, or frozen for future use. If freezing, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray lined with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until set. Once frozen, the pesto cubes can be transferred to a resealable freezer bag.

- See more at: http://www.pepperlynn.com/2012/05/basil-pesto-with-toasted-almonds/#sthash.3YhGcBJm.dpuf

Basil Pesto with Toasted Almonds

Makes: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup whole raw almonds
• 4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the almonds in a hot dry pan over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned and fragrant.
2. Place the toasted nuts in a blender or food processor together with all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. I like to keep the amount of olive oil minimal, but feel free to add in a bit more to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and add additional salt and pepper to suit your preference.
3. The pesto can be used immediately, refrigerated in a covered container for a few days, or frozen for future use. If freezing, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray lined with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until set. Once frozen, the pesto cubes can be transferred to a resealable freezer bag.

- See more at: http://www.pepperlynn.com/2012/05/basil-pesto-with-toasted-almonds/#sthash.3YhGcBJm.dpuf

Basil Pesto with Toasted Almonds

Makes: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup whole raw almonds
• 4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the almonds in a hot dry pan over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned and fragrant.
2. Place the toasted nuts in a blender or food processor together with all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. I like to keep the amount of olive oil minimal, but feel free to add in a bit more to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and add additional salt and pepper to suit your preference.
3. The pesto can be used immediately, refrigerated in a covered container for a few days, or frozen for future use. If freezing, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray lined with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until set. Once frozen, the pesto cubes can be transferred to a resealable freezer bag.

- See more at: http://www.pepperlynn.com/2012/05/basil-pesto-with-toasted-almonds/#sthash.3YhGcBJm.dpuf

Basil Pesto with Toasted Almonds

Makes: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup whole raw almonds
• 4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the almonds in a hot dry pan over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned and fragrant.
2. Place the toasted nuts in a blender or food processor together with all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. I like to keep the amount of olive oil minimal, but feel free to add in a bit more to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and add additional salt and pepper to suit your preference.
3. The pesto can be used immediately, refrigerated in a covered container for a few days, or frozen for future use. If freezing, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray lined with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until set. Once frozen, the pesto cubes can be transferred to a resealable freezer bag.

- See more at: http://www.pepperlynn.com/2012/05/basil-pesto-with-toasted-almonds/#sthash.3YhGcBJm.dpuf

Basil Pesto with Toasted Almonds

Makes: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup whole raw almonds
• 4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the almonds in a hot dry pan over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned and fragrant.
2. Place the toasted nuts in a blender or food processor together with all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. I like to keep the amount of olive oil minimal, but feel free to add in a bit more to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and add additional salt and pepper to suit your preference.
3. The pesto can be used immediately, refrigerated in a covered container for a few days, or frozen for future use. If freezing, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray lined with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until set. Once frozen, the pesto cubes can be transferred to a resealable freezer bag.

- See more at: http://www.pepperlynn.com/2012/05/basil-pesto-with-toasted-almonds/#sthash.3YhGcBJm.dpuf

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Over the weekend we celebrated our daughters 2nd birthday.  I can hardly believe it.. she's so grown up.  She's talking so well that I can almost hold a normal conversation with her.  She's so smart and funny, and growing into her own little independent person.

Words can't even begin to express how much more we love her with each day.  Her little life has brought such joy into our lives.  She has such a sweet, sweet soul and her dainty voice just melts you away.

We had a little party for her here at our house... it included waking up to lots of balloons.. some of her favorite "people" were included on the balloons which made her all the more excited (Dora and Minnie).  We've been talking to her all week about her party, how old she will be, and opening birthday gifts.  So when the day came, she was ready! 

It was a simple party, shared with family and friends, some water fun in the backyard, and cupcakes of course.  By the end of the day, she was pooped and in bed by 7:30pm (unheard of!).  The day was a success... we just wanted our baby girl to feel special, loved, and appreciated.. and I think we accomplished that.  ;)

This will be a little more picture-heavy than normal.. but I couldn't help myself.

 

Meal Plan Monday (6.10.13)

Meal Plan Monday already!  We have some good stuff on the menu this week - I'm pretty excited about tonights Huevos Rancheros.. and of course, my daughters birthday (cupcakes, anyone?  Stay tuned to see what kind I make!). 

Monday:  Huevos Rancheros

Tuseday:  Hobo Dinner.. roasted chicken, corn, carrots, and potatoes.

Wednesday:  Marinated pork chops with roasted yellow squash and zucchini

Thursday:  Biscuits and sausage gravy with a side of fruit.

Friday:  Leftovers to clear out the fridge (this is my grocery shopping day)

Saturday:  Clara's BIRTHDAY!  Grilling out (hot dogs, appetizers, cupcakes, oh my) !!!

Sunday:  Father's day... Out to eat!  Husband's choice.  ;)


What's on everyones menu for this week?  Anything you're super excited about?

Little Friends

There is one person in particular... that my daughter just adores.

She lights up when she see him and anything he does is just so funny to her.  We met up with him and his sweet mama at the park today.. for a little fun in the sun.  We managed to survive in the Arkansas heat long enough for them to run around and let out some energy. 

And Clara even went down the slide by herself today.. she decided to do that all on her own.  She's becoming quite the little dare devil and I'm not sure I'm liking that so much.  It means she's not itty bitty like she used to be.  But I guess that's what they do - grow up.  Not only that, though... it means I have to keep a much much closer eye on her (she face planted off the couch a couple weeks ago.. after she figured out that jumping on it was fun).  This mama isn't ready!

And yes her face is beet red.. no, not from sunburn (I lathered her up good).. from being a hot and sweaty mess!  The girl would be outside every minute of the day if I let her..

After enough of the heat, we thought it was a good idea to cool off the "old fashioned" way.. with the hose, of course.  What kid doesn't love that?  It how we keep cool down here in Arkansas..

OKC Girls Weekend

Memorial Day weekend, my friend Sarah and I took a little road trip to visit our friend Karen in Oklahoma.  It was nice to "get out" of Arkansas for a couple days and see some place new.  And it was so nice to visit with Karen and her family, who I haven't seen since we left Korea last April.

On our first night there, she was sweet enough to take us out for cupcakes.  ;)  Not only were the cupcakes delicious.. they had a 'milk bar'.. white, chocolate, strawberry... and I just had to get strawberry.  It made me feel like a kid again, and it well with my chocolate cupcake.... I was actually craving some this morning.

We had fun doing a couple 'touristy' things... as well as just hanging out at the house, enjoying our time, and watching the kiddos run through sprinklers.  Tons of fun catching up, and just getting out of our every day routine for a while.

And Karen got one with her camera of all of us... and her cute pregnant belly (seriously.. the cutest pregnant lady!)..

Had such a good time with these ladies!  :)