Brave: My Review

So last week while my family was visiting and the temps were over 100 degrees, we decided to go and see this super cute new movie by Disney called Brave.  This movie was unlike all of the other princess movies because Merida, the fiery red head teenage princess was more of a tomboy than a girly girl.  She was very athletic and loved being outdoors honing her archery and sword fighting skills.  Merida loved riding through the Highland countryside on her trusted horse Angus.  While rough around the edges Merida had a soft heart for her triplet brothers and all of their shenanigans.  This movie definately was full of adventure for everyone.  I think you will enjoy the twisted and surprising plot.  This movie was given a HIGH 5 from our household. 

Enjoy!

Strawberry Poke Cake (Allergy Friendly Recipe)

I found this recipe for a gluten free Jello Strawberry Poke cake from Janell at Comfy In My Kitchen.  I have a few friends who have children that suffer from food allergies, so when I came across this recipe I had to share. Even if your kiddos like mine don't have food allergies, you can just use a regular yellow cake mix.  It looks so YUMMY! Here is the recipe she shared with pictures and all!

Enjoy!

Strawberry Jell-O Poke Hole Cake {Allergy Friendly}

You may use your cake mix of choice {my friends who do not have allergies- you may use a regular yellow cake mix}

I followed the package instructions but I used coconut milk instead of butter milk and coconut extract instead of almond.

Spread batter into a prepared pan {this is an 11×7, you can use an 8×8- a 9×13 would work with a regular boxed cake- gluten free boxed cake mixes have less in them} Bake at 350 for approx. 25 mins or per package instructions.

While the cake is baking, make your jell-o. Combine the packet with boiling water, then add your cold water. {If you are using bulk gelatin- this is 1/3 cup jello with 1 cup boiling and 1 cup cold}

1 container of vanilla frosting combined with 2 Tbsp of strawberry gelatin and 1/2 cup chopped strawberries. Blend together.

YUM!

When cake is done baking, poke all over with a fork and pour jell-o over top. You may not need to use all of your jell-o. Place in refrigerator for 2 hours.


Delicious!

Strawberry Jell-o Poke Hole Cake {Allergy Friendly}

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 25 mins

Total time: 35 mins

Serves: 8

Gluten and Dairy Free

Ingredients

• 1 box gluten free yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup softened butter (or butter flavored crisco)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp coconut extract
• 2 (3 oz packages) strawberry jell-o (1 packet for pouring and 2 Tbsp for adding flavor to frosting)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup strawberries (1/2 diced 1/2 sliced for garnish)
• 1 container vanilla frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Make caked by creaming softened butter or shortening with cake mix.
3. Add eggs, coconut milk, vanilla, and coconut extract.
4. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350 for 25 mins or until golden brown.
5. Make jell-o by combining jell-o packet with 1 cup boiling water. Whisk, then add 1 cup cold water.
6. Make strawberry frosting by combining 2 Tbsp dry strawberry jell-o and 1/2 cup diced strawberries to vanilla frosting-blend together.
7. When cake is done baking and still hot- poke holes in it with a fork.
8. Pour prepared jell-o over top. You may not need to use all of the jell-o.
9. Place in refrigerator for 2 hours (make sure to put a pot holder underneath so your dish doesn’t crack-the heat can build up.
10. Frost with strawberry frosting and garnish with sliced strawberries.

Project Simplify Week 1: The Reveal

Hi All!

Well I wanted to keep my word and reveal to you all the progress that I made on my kids stuff this week. Sorry that I wasn't able topost them on Friday, but my computer had other plans and decided that it would lock up on me, so I gave up for the weekend (ugh!)  Now, I want you to know that I didn't get all of the things done that I wanted to, but I did make some really good progress on two areas that needed my attention. 

The first area is the Playroom.  This room has many functions for our family.  It is where we relax, we learn, we play, and where I craft.  This room is heavily used on a daily basis. 

BEFORE:
This is a picture of my playroom last Monday.  I tend to let this room go over the weekend because the kids have a good time playing in there and it is just pointless to keep picking things up every 15 minutes. 



Kitchen, Train table,Toys, My Crafting area is right behind this




This is my classroom area

The bookshelfs and countertops are a mess and need to be reorganized.  There has been alot of paper shoving going on here!

AFTER

The counters have been cleared and wiped off.  Books have been returned to there proper place.  Two bags of paper have been thrown out.  Dried up markers and broken crayons are gone. 

My second area was my girls bedroom.  Let me just tell you.  Having two girls in a room is a trip!  There are so many little pieces to pick up from all of the toys that girls love (My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop). This room literally requires me to pray before entering.  I can clean it up and by the evening... well.  The first plan of action for this room was to change around the beds. I did not like this configuration at all.  The girls wanted to have their beds debunked, so I gave in and did it.

Closet area, notice the toy bin.  That is a project that I am still working on. Putting all the pieces back to their original bin.  I have a solution that I'll share, once I'm done.

AFTER

Moved the beds one on each wall, giving the girls there own side of the room.  Right now we have a contest going as to who can keep theirs the neatest.  I told them that the room fairy is going to come and visit, and she only leaves treats for clean and tidy rooms. 

So happy to have her own side of the room.  I'm happy that the window is no longer blocked! 



PROJECT SIMPLIFY: WEEK 1

Some of you may not know it but I love to clean and organize my home.  Yes, it is my love language that I express daily to my family.  Cleaning makes me giddy.  I'm not sure if it's the thrill of walking into a room and being able to walk and not step over or on things causing severe foot pain.  Or the smell of fresh lemons (I love Mrs. Meyers Lemon scented cleaner ), or having uninterrupted time to play my favorite music and do my thing! I don't know... Anyway,  keeping an orderly, not perfect (I have 4 children, please!) home to me expresses gratefulness for the time and possessions that God has provided for me.  Scripture says, "everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way" (1 Corinthians 14:40).  God is a God of order, which is evident in the awesome beauty and order of the universe.  As His daughter's, let's strive to reflect, a small portion of that order in our homes.  By doing so, we are showing thankfulness to God, and honor to our families.  

This month I have joined a challenge over at Simple Mom, called Project Simplify.  Don't we all need to do this...Simplify?  If you would like to join this challenge with me just leave me a comment letting me know that you are in the challenge. 

This is how it works:

For four Mondays, we'll all tackle a specific hot spot in our homes.  Then on Friday, I'll share before and after photos of my progress , and you will too. You can share on your own blog, and then link to it on my post.  If you don't have a blog, just send me your picture via email and I will post it.  My email is stayinginmylane@nc.rr.com

Everyone who participates that week will be entered  to win a small prize.  Hey, even if you don't win you still wind up with a cleaner, more decluttered home.  Who wouldn't want that!  Click on the week to be taken directly to the Simple Mom blog for more tips and inspiration.
The HOT SPOTS that we are going to be simplifying are....

Week of March 5: Kid's Stuff  (toys, clothes, and the like)
Week of March 12: Kitchen and or pantry
Week of March 19: Closets, Countertops, and Drawers (oh my!)
Week of March 26: Choose your own adventure ( pick your most needed hot spot)

FYI: You can tackle each hot spot the way that best suits you. If it feels overwhelming to tackle all of your kid's rooms, just do one room.  Or just do clothes.  Please do not stress yourself out, this is suppossed to be FUN and REWARDING. For our third hot spot you can feel free to focus on just one or two drawers or just a closet.  I'm flexible. 

Remember to SPREAD the word about Project Simplify.  Why? Because the more the merrier and it will also keep you accountable to participating.  I hope that you are excited to get a jump on your Spring Cleaning!

Blessings,

Sharmin

February Wrap Up...Already?

Oh my! February has already come and gone.  As I was thinking about what to write about today, I thought that it would be a good idea to share the highlights of February 2012... before I forget them all!

We spent a day at Marbles Kids Museum. This was a lot of fun and really was a great kickoff to our track out.  They had a really awesome show over in Moneypalooza.  The basis of the show was about how we spend our money on goods and services.  It taught the kids about saving money, making wise choices with spending and making their money grow through saving.  It was very entertaining and educational.  I was so glad that we attended because Hannah was learning about money in school and it was a good springboard to our money review over track out.

Playing Hoops



Building with Legos

 
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Surfs up!




Hannah and Laura




Lillian in the pet grooming station

 

Pizza Anyone!


February is a big birthday month for our household.  We began the month by celebrating Terry's birthday.  We all enjoyed this delicious white chocolate and raspberry filled cake from the bakery.  YUMMY!

  

 



On February 15th, Denver turned 2 and we celebrated with a M-I-C-K-E-Y MOUSE party.  This was a lot of fun for me making all of the Mickey mouse stuff.  I used my cricut and cut the mouse ears and number 2's for his cupcakes. He was really surprised when he woke up from his nap to see his highchair all decked out in true Mickey style.   Happy birthday to my precious baby boy!

The Birthday Boy aka "The Denvernator" he can destroy a room in 10 seconds flat!



Say Cheese!



Enjoying his Mickey Mouse shaped chicken nuggets and tator tots dinner.



The Mickey Mouse cupcake toppers.




The Party Animals! (doesn't Lillian look happy!)



 Next....

Stephen started Cub Scouts in December. (yes, I know I said February recap).   On February 29th he received his Bear badge, and belt loops and he was so proud.  He looked so handsome in his uniform that I had to grab this photo. I love this boy! 



Stephen showing us his cub scout salute



Well that's pretty much the highlights.  Oh, by the way, did I tell you that I lost my voice completely in February?  Well I did, and just in time for track out!  The funny thing is, I had been praying for God to equip me with a more gentle and quiet spirit and voice, especially over track out  (God just didn't make me this way, quiet that is) and in His humor, he quieted me for a week and a half.  I think He knew that this was the only way that me being quiet was ever going to happen!  You all know how the saying goes...be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.  Well I did!

Thank you Lord for your grace and humor in providing me with the perfect voice I needed over track out. Thank you for showing me that a quiet voice can be just as powerful as a loud one.  Thank you for giving me this blessing in disguise so that I could learn a simple lesson from you. 

Your daughter,

Sharmin



Sweet Treat and Food Ideas for Valentine's Day

If you are stuck on what to do for dessert or dinner for Valentine's Day, you worries are over.  Here are a few recipes to get you fired up in the kitchen.  WARNING! This post contains pictures of desserts that will definately get your mouth watering...

Enjoy!
Sharmin

#8) Valentine's Twinkies {Somewhat Simple} - Quick and easy strawberry shortcake ala heart shaped twinkies! Dessert NO ONE will forget!

#9) Valentine's Day Peanut Butter Blossoms {Eighteen 25} - Can't get any cuter than these!! A favorite combination...peanut butter and chocolate! A crowd pleaser every time!

#10) Stained Glass Heart Cookies {Brown Paper Packages} - Fun to make, yummy to eat--these cookies are perfect for home, classroom, parties, and giving away to a special someone!

#11) Evil Treats for the Sweetest Sweet {The Crafting Chicks} - Deliciously "evil" brownie recipe with a Valentine's Day twist.

#12) Heart-Shaped Pizzas {My Insanity} - Check out how to make your own heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine's Day! Remember that red peppers can make great red hearts too!

#13) Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies & Tin {Little Birdie Secrets} - Chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies are absolutely addictive! Make a batch and package them in an altered tin for an unforgettable gift!

#14) Chocolate Themed Dinner {My Insanity} - If a little chocolate is the recipe for romance, think what an entire meal featuring chocolate could do for your love life! Sweet and savory chocolate recipes and presentation ideas.

#15) Red Oreo Pudding Pole Cake {Lil' Luna} - Quick, easy and delicious oreo pudding poke cake that is red and perfect for Valentine's Day!

#16) No Bake Berry Oreo Cheesecake { Lil' Luna} - Pink and heart-shaped, these no bake berry oreo cheesecakes are perfect for your Valentine's dinner dessert!

#17) Easy Valentine's Day Dessert {The Polkadot Chair} - Simplify your Valentine's Day dessert by using a heart shaped cookie cutter to dress up a tray of brownies! Don't forget the irresistible strawberries too!

Quick and Easy Valentine's Day Ideas

Hello!

Well Valentine's Day is only 3 days away and you may be in need of a little inspiration for a gift, especially if you're tired of doing the same old thing every year.  I've been peeking around blogland and came across a few ideas that you can put together in 30 minutes or less.  {Thank goodness!} There are so many ideas that I want to recreate myself! So, for all of you whose idea well has run dry and procrastinators to, this post is for you!   Our hubbies will never know that we completed our Valentines, a day or two before….  You will definitely want to surprise your spouse with a personalized present. It will mean a lot to them, and there is something here for everyone to try.

I hope you get inspired!
XOXO

Sharmin





Click on each link to view each idea



#1) Shower Love Notes {HowDoesShe} - Getting a little dirty, while getting clean... A fun love note tradition. A fabulous *gift* that only costs $5! :)

#2) Tied To You {The Dating Divas} - A fun way to prepare the house before your sweetheart gets home! All you need is string and the free printable!

#3) Love Notes & Balloons {Somewhat Simple} - Surprise your sweetheart with a dozen balloons over his bed, each containing a reason you love him.

#4) Valentine Prints {Sweet Rose Studio} - For some easy peasy Valentine decor that couldn't be any quicker, simply print one {or all!} of these prints out and put it in an 8x10 frame. Done in no time flat!



#5) Now That I've Kissed The Ground... {The Dating Divas} - A SUPER fast & clever V-Day idea. Items needed: Hershey's Hugs & Kisses, rose petals, & the super cute FREE printable included in this post. "Now that I've kissed the ground you walk on...."

#6) i {heart} u Blocks {iCandy Handmade} - Stencil these 4x4x4x blocks for a quick and easy stack-able home decor. 

#7) You Make My Heart Bounce {The Crafting Chicks} - A fun and easy Valentine for the boys (or girls) to share with their friends! Free Printable!

Yummy Banana Bread

Staying In My Lane: Recipes

I absolutely love banana bread.  So I started searching for a new recipe to try.  I came across this recipe from The Pioneer Woman.  She's on HGTV and oh my, I have been cooking through her cookbook and everything so far has been YUMMY!  So without fail I found a recipe on her site for banana bread.   This recipe is different from some of the other ones that I've used because it calls for sour cream. 

The crispy outside of this banana bread was super good!

Ingredients

• 2 sticks Butter
• 1-1/2 cup + 2 TBLS Sugar
• 3 whole Eggs
• 1-1/2 cup Mashed Ripe Bananas
• 4 cups + 2 TBLS Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1-1/2 cup Sour Cream

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour bundt pan.
Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, beating for a few seconds after each addition. Add mashed bananas and beat.
Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
Add dry ingredients and sour cream alternately to the mixing bowl. Beat well until all combined.
Pour into bundt pan and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Invert on a cooling rack and allow cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving with softened butter.

Happy Birthday Lillian!

Yesterday, January 15th we celebrated Lillian's 4th birthday!  She was super excited about her party and about turning 4!  For presents she received pink cooking pots, a Dora game, TinkerBell hat and gloves, and more accessories for her Baby Alive.  We had so much fun!

 The Birthday Girl with her party horn!

 The party crew enjoying  pizza. Yummy!

 She requested a pink cake and pink she got! 

 Me and the birthday girl.

Hannah was so sweet.  She made Lillian a card and helped me make Lillian's cake.

Dear Lillian,

Today is your 4th birthday and I feel that my time with you is passing so quickly.  The day that you were born daddy and I were so surprised when they announced "it's a girl!" You were such a little peanut weighing in at 6lbs 10oz.  I must say that although you are one of the smallest members of our family, you certainly make up for it in personality.  I enjoy listening to you sing and play with your My Little Pony friends.  You certainly add a little spunky attitude to Ponyville!  Lillybug, I hope that you had a wonderful birthday. I am so proud to be your mommy and thankful that God gave you to me as a daughter.

Happy Birthday Lillian!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy