Posts Tagged ‘Try New Adventures’
Decorating With Letters
Posted on: June 23, 2011
- In: Life
- 19 Comments
Before Julia was born, I found these adorable white wooden ABC letters at Hobby Lobby. Since we had decided on her name, I went ahead a bought the letters to hang in her room. Once Hannah was born, I got the letters for her name too. Since moving {not only from house to house in Iowa, but across the country} the letters have been tucked away in our closet for “later”.
“Later” finally came last week. Inspired by a sign hanging in the girls’ room, we choose the colors.
Jonathan, being the genius that he is, came up with a whole scheme for which letters should be which color:
So I got to work. I laid out all the letters that coordinated with a certain color:
Then I started painting, or spraying, however you want to look at it:
After working most of the morning, this is my end result:
What fun projects have you done lately?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Visit Jill at Diaper Diaries for Things I Love Thursday.
100 Books for a Library of Hope
Posted on: June 9, 2011
- In: Life
- 15 Comments
Monday night, Jonathan and I watched this wonderful documentary called Building Hope. It’s the story of journalist, Turk Pipkin, who, after visiting Mahiga in rural Kenya, decided to help them build a high school. After the movie, we started talking about what our family could do to help. Inspired and motivated, we came up with an idea.
Why a high school?
While the children in the area have access to a primary education, none of them have access to a secondary education. In other words, their education stops at eighth grade.
Why do they need secondary education?
Just like in America, without a high school education, you can’t go to college in Africa. And even if you choose not to go to college, ending your formal education at eighth grade, greatly hinders your ability to succeed in work or even provide for your family.
Why should you care?
There are countless stories around the world about the needs of the less fortunate. Each one as heartbreaking as the last. Each one pulling at our strings of humanity. Yet, once the story is told and we walk away, it seems too big to conquer on our own. And so we move on with our lives. But this story has hope. This story shows that one person can make a difference. That there really is something you can do. Something we can all do that will make a big difference.
What can you do to help Mahiga?
1. Grab a book off your shelf, any book, pre-K through 12th.
2. Write a note on the inside cover to make it special. Something like: “Here is To Kill a Mockingbird, one of my favorite fictional stories. A story of triumph and the victory of truth. I hope it brings you as much enjoyment and enlightenment as it has brought me. Love, Sarah from Austin, Texas”
3. Mail the book to:
It’s that simple. Just one book. Or as many books as you want to send. We are working together with Turk Pipkin and the Bazaarvoice Foundation to ship them directly to the school.
From now until July 4th, we will be collecting books. Our goal is to gather 100 books to send to Mahiga Hope. If we band together, we can have the books to the students by the start of their fall semester.
Will you join us? Will you help us build an even greater library of hope for the students of Mahiga Hope School?
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This post is linked to Try New Adventures at Alicia’s Homemaking and Things I Love Thursday at Diaper Diaries.
- In: Life
- 16 Comments
The girls and I arrived back home late Tuesday night. To say that it was a whirlwind of a trip is a slight understatement. Little sleep was had {mostly on my part}, add in some bed wetting and mama-sickness and it was a busy time. Even with some draw backs, it was such a great trip celebrating my littlest brother’s graduation and my best friend’s wedding. And let’s be honest, most importantly all the flights went smoothly {even had a few “your girls are so well behaved” comments} and the girls seem to be back on track for our normal lives.
After six days in Tennessee, I headed to Chicago Friday night for my best friend, Carrie’s wedding. We spent all day Saturday doing wedding preparations and pampering Carrie for her big day {which was Sunday afternoon}. It was fabulously fun and Carrie looked amazing.
My Favorite Shot of the Couple, even if fuzzy {Taken by Meredith L.}
It was such a sweet, sweet time to see Carrie and Jamil commit their lives to one another. From the time I met Jamil, 3 years ago, I knew that he was such a perfect match for Carrie. Endearing, loving and kind-hearted, just like her. It was an honor to be a part of their ceremony and stand up there while they shared their vows.
There was one minor draw back at the wedding….
I fainted.
Yes, you read that right. I fainted. I knew it was coming. I started getting overheated and lightheaded and just knew that I was going to faint. Apparently, I did it gracefully {at least that’s what I was told} and out of the way. I stepped out of line and walked into a hallway just a few steps away. Thankfully, I fell with most of my weight on my arm/side and protected my stomach from hitting the ground. I have a midwife appointment later today {previously set}, though I’ve felt baby move since then and am not worried. At the time, I wasn’t too worried, just extremely upset about having “ruined” the ceremony. Especially because it happened right before their first kiss. I have good timing. {Currently taking applications as “that” bridesmaid.}
The rest of the night went perfectly. And Carrie looked radiant the whole time.
Notice the fireplace? That's were the procession stood, thus contributing to my overheating.
We were able to drive around Chicago after the ceremony to take pictures with the photographer. I haven’t seen the pictures yet, but I know they will turn out great. It was a lot of fun being out and about in the city, all dressed up and taking pictures.
In order to save money, I spent the night at Jamil and Carrie’s new place since they were in a hotel. That’s where the real fun began. And by fun, I mean not fun. I woke up around 2 am sick as could be. At first I thought perhaps I had gotten food poisoning, but then my mom suggested it was my body’s reaction to major fatigue. How I made it from the apartment, to the L, to the airport and home is beyond me {lots of prayer}. Once at my parent’s I slept all day and felt much better come Tuesday.
The week/weekend was a grand adventure that I will cherish forever {well, except for the whole fainting and getting sick part}. I had a chance to see Carrie enter into her newest {and best} stage of her life and to celebrate with my brother, John, as he goes on to college this fall.
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
French Bread Rolls Recipe
Posted on: May 26, 2011
- In: Life
- 9 Comments
In my effort to mark off more from my 30 Before 30, I have been perfecting my yeast handling abilities. Last week I decided to make French bread rolls from my Betty Crocker Picture Cookbook, because, well, I have a love of French bread that might board on obsession. Not to mention, it looked like a crazy-easy recipe.
French Bread Rolls
1 to 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water {when it is neither hot nor cold on your wrist}
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
1 tbsp butter
3 1/2 to 3 3/4 cup sifted flour
Mix water, salt and yeast in a mixing bowl until yeast is well dissolved. Add in butter. Slowly add flour, until well blended. Knead bread, folding dough over toward you. Then press down away from you with the heel of your hand. Give dough quarter turns, repeating kneading, until it is smooth, elastic and non-sticky.
Place dough in greased bowl, turning once to bring greased side up. Cover. Let rise until double {about 1.5-2 hours}. Once risen, punch down, pulling edges into center and turn completely over in bowl. Let rise again until almost double {about 30-45 minutes}.
After second rising, divide dough into 16 equal parts. Form into little buns {or balls}. Place on grease baking sheet. With scissors, snip rolls in half, then in half again, cutting almost through to the bottom. Brush with water. Let rise one hour.
Brush with water again. Then brush with egg white and sprinkle with poppyseeds.
Bake at 425 for 10 minutes.
It might sound like a lot {especially if you don’t bake with yeast often}, but it’s really quite easy – I promise!
Once the rolls are done, they are hard on the outside {like french bread} but super soft and yummy on the inside. They make a plainer meal – like Monday night meatloaf – something a little more spectacular.
And for that, I’m marking mastering yeast off my 30 Before 30 list!
Bon Appetit!
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Visit Jill at Diaper Diaries for more Things I Love Thursday.
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
I think it’s pretty awesome that I’ve been fortunate enough in my life, to live in two amazing music cities {Nashville and Austin}. For those of you who haven’t ever visited Austin, it’s considered the live music capital of the World. With SWSX and ACL Fest alone, I suppose it proves true. But those are just two events. The real music happens everyday. From street performers to cafes and bars. From the Austin Music Hall to local churches. Music is constantly going here in Austin. It’s perhaps one of the things I love most about the city.
Last night, Jonathan and I had the chance to go with some friends to a taping of Austin City Limits. If you’re unfamiliar with Austin City Limits {ACL}, it’s a PBS t.v. music program that is filmed live here in the city. There have been a range of artists like Norah Jones, Pearl Jam, Etta James and Wilco.
We got to see Hospital Ships, who, until last night, I had never heard of. They’re an indie rock bank, who I thought were pretty cool.
Sorry for the blurriness, we couldn't use flash
The greatest thing about live music, is that you don’t have to known the artist and their songs to fully appreciate the music. Sure, there is an excitement of singing along, but just being there, absorbing the music, the beats, the atmosphere, hearing the artists talking between songs. It’s powerful in a way.
Not to mention, I got to spend the night with Jonathan, the person who single-handedly opened my eyes to a range of music I never knew before. The date started off a little rocky, because Jonathan called home around 5:15 to let me know he had a phone meeting with his team in Australia, so wouldn’t be home anytime soon. And he wasn’t. He literally showed up as we were leaving {we wouldn’t have left without him – no worries}. Thankfully, it all worked out and we had a really great night.
Do you like watching live music? Can you remember your favorite concert?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Visit Jill at Diaper Diaries for more Things I Love Thursday.
{Side note to any UT Alum: The band last night was talking about all the crazy squirrels on campus. Said that one of them had been attacked by squirrels four different times. Looks like the squirrels haven’t gotten in less crazy in the last 6+ years!}
- In: Life
- 10 Comments
This week a made a batch of Southern Living’s blackberry sweet tea. I thought I’d be sweet {pun intended} and pass along the recipe.
Blackberry Sweet Tea
- 3 cups fresh or frozen blackberries, thawed
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- Pinch of baking soda
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 family-size tea bags
- 2 1/2 cups cold water
- Garnish: fresh blackberries
Combine blackberries and sugar in a large container, and crush with a wooden spoon; stir in mint and baking soda.
Pour 4 cups boiling water over tea bags; cover and steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags.
Pour tea over blackberry mixture; let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Pour tea through a wire-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, discarding solids. Add 2 1/2 cups cold water, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and chill 1 hour. Garnish, if desired.
This is a super, super, super easy recipe. If you’ve ever made sweet tea, it’s as easy as that. However, I will say this: as I’m not a big fan of sweet tea, I’m not really a big fan of flavored {cold} tea. The blackberries give the tea a tartness, that I wasn’t in love with. I think you could easily remedy this by cutting back on the amount of blackberries used, or increase the sugar. BUT, Jonathan loved the tea, it was certainly tasty and it made me realize how incredibly easy it is to make flavored teas. I’m planning to experiment with mangos, because that does sounds yummy.
Do you like sweet tea? How about flavored tea?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
- In: Life
- 17 Comments
As I sat down to write, I realized I haven’t had any one big adventure this week. However, there have been lots of little adventures that have made my week fun {despite battling my cold}.
1. Buying my bridesmaid dress for Carrie’s wedding
This dress was a great find this weekend at Macy’s. And it got the seal of approval from Rabeea and Jonathan. Clearly a winner.
Focus on the cuteness of the dress, not my unkept-haven't-felt-well look
2. Finding a great find on grass fed, organic beef
I haven’t been able to buy 100% grass fed organic beef since we left Iowa. The Texas stores sell it, but the cheapest I’ve seen has been $8.99/lb. Tough to swallow. Then…. oh glorious then. Then, a local store began their sale this week for $3.99/lb. For 100% grass fed organic beef. I bought 10 pounds yesterday and plan to return next week for another 10+ pounds.
3. Surviving the week
I think I might have caught a man cold. Because I feel super whiny and cranky. But, being the good woman that I am, I’ve pulled myself up by my boot straps and carried on with life. And with the exception of getting a little short with the girls yesterday afternoon, I think I’ve done a pretty good job.
4. Made strawberry bread
In an attempt to have something for Jonathan to take on-the-go for work day breakfast, I made strawberry bread last night. It’s a shame that the picture doesn’t capture the wonderful smell from this loaf of awesomeness.
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday!
How to Make Mason Jar Flower Pots
Posted on: April 28, 2011
- In: Life
- 20 Comments
I have an abundance of mason jars that I got off Craigslist last summer. My plans to use them for canning have been postponed, since I need a canner and haven’t found a reasonability priced one yet. I decided that maybe I should use a few of them for crafts instead. A friend sent me a link about spray painting mason jars and using them as flower pots. It was too cute to pass up.
What you’ll need:
Spray paint
Mason jar{s}
Sheet/cardboard to cover ground
I used Krylon spray paint in Watermelon.
Start with your mason jar upside down. Then apply one thin coat.
The best way to achieve a thin coat is to spray from a distance of about 6 inches. Be sure to keep moving your hand back and forth, ensuring you don’t concentrate too much paint on one area.
Allow to dry.
I used Krylon, because it dries in 10 minutes. And I’m impatient.
Once dry, turn the mason jar right side up.
Spray again with a thin coat.
Allow to dry.
Flip the mason jar back over, spray again.
Repeat the process until your jar is evenly coated.
And here is my finished product, with vinca flowers planted. A cheerful welcome to our entry, don’t you think?
Have you ever made your own flower pots?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday!
Channeling my Inner Martha Stewart
Posted on: April 21, 2011
- In: Life
- 13 Comments
On my updated 30 before 30, I decided to learn to crochet. Last Friday I took the girls to Hobby Lobby to buy my supple of crochet needles and yarn. While walking the aisles, I had visions of crocheting afghans, baby blankets and cute girl sweaters.
Then I got home.
And I realized maybe, just maybe, I should stick with learning to crochet a pot holder. Because, while crocheting hasn’t been hard to learn, I’m no Martha Stewart, and have as much creative talent as a monkey. So a pot holder it will be.
After the weekend, this is what I had:
Some how, I got my rows off and the pot holder has taken on a trapezoid shape. Not to mention the knots {is that what they are called??} aren’t all very tight. I decided to take a break and work on the other yarn that I got. It started off well, but then {thanks to a certain 3 year old who will remain nameless} my rows were unraveled. Which meant I ended up redoing a lot of my work. So, my pot holder isn’t quite the size I was going for. Maybe it’ll turn into a doll’s baby blanket?
Have you ever crocheted? Any advice for this novice?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
- In: Life
- 40 Comments
Have you ever asked someone when they are due, only to find out they aren’t pregnant? Or, even better, has someone asked you if you were expecting, when you very clearly were not? I’ve always erred on the side of caution and just not brought up the belly in question. But, when it comes to social media, people can drop “pregnant hints” like none other. What then?!
Well, here are a few ways to tell if your social media friend is indeed, with child:
And if those signs fail to pass your “they might be pregnant” radar, then maybe this will help:
Yes, my friends, I am pregnant. I am 10 weeks along {tomorrow}, due the first week of November. Thankfully, I haven’t been overly sick, just some extreme nausea that can last mere minutes, several hours, or all day. Quite unpredictable. But, baby is well, and that is all that matters.
We just had our appointment with our midwives earlier this week. We will be delivering with a birthing center in South Austin. I am thrilled with the facilities, as it’s the perfect blend between home and hospital. I am exploring water birth as our delivery option, but am still in the research phase. If any of you have had a water birth, or know of good resources on them, please let me know!
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This post will be linked with this week’s: Try New Adventures {with Alicia’s Homemaking} and Things I Love Thursday {with Diaper Diaries}.
A Wife Loved Like The Church 
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