You too can support relief efforts in Haiti

In the past on this blog we would do a "thankful thursday" post. It's been a really long time since we've had one and the recent devastation in Haiti (due to a 7.0 earthquake) reminded me how very blessed I am. I wish it didn't take a disaster to put things in perspective but that's often what happens.

Who cares if I have purple crayon all over my walls? At least I have four walls that make a home for our family. So what if my foot sticks to the floor when walking through they kitchen? At least we have food on the table along with the floor. My furnace may make really strange sounds in the middle of the night but it keeps my family warm. And though my girls may use up all the hot water when they shower, there's more where that came from.

My heart goes out to those affected by the recent earthquake, both in Haiti and around the world. But a heart can only do so much; that's why I'm so glad Cool Mom Picks promptly put up a post outlining a variety of ways in which you can donate your time, money and supplies:

"Got donations? Here's how to help Haiti"

I chose to go with Direct Relief International since every penny I donate goes directly to relief efforts already underway in this earthquake-ravaged area but there are plenty of other options and resources.

My friend Sarah over at Cable Car Couture also mentioned another option for those looking to help. In "Contribute Aid for Haiti Earthquake Victims" Sarah highlights a local Utah business owner who is partnering with Healing Hands for Haiti in gathering donations. Vanessa from I Never Grew Up (one of my fave blogging girlfriends) also has a few links to other organizations. You can catch those links in her post here.

And the efforts don't stop there. Take a few minutes to count your blessings...and then count out a few dollars or a few hours of your time to help those in need. Every little bit helps. --Emily

P.S. If you check the comments below, my friend Kalli (My Life as Kalli) is organizing a quilting bee here in Utah and could use donations. Please read her comment for more info and donate if you can!

P.P.S. Allison from Petit Elefant just posted about a fabulous auction our mutual friend Alma is having on her Ollibird site to benefit victims of the recent earthquake. Some fabulous prints and some fabulous prices on Photoshop and Illustrator classes (if you live in Utah). Check it out!

Image by alandd, shared via Flickr.

Wordless Wednesday: Someone needs a Speak & Spell

Breaker box in the basement

Breaker box upstairs

Tip Junkie's Favorite Project Show-and-Tell

This week's Talk to Me Tuesday from Tip Junkie is a project Show-and-Tell. Now, faithful freshly baked readers know I'm not a crafter so I wondered if there were anything of interest I could add to the Linky list...and then I remembered those dang cute shark cupcakes I made for George's birthday. Though no fabric, hot glue, ModgePodge or paint was used they were still a project in my book.


If you want to see all the great projects by Tip Junkie readers, head on over to her Talk to Me Tuesday post. My faves so far are Laurie's jewelry organizer and Lanie's Chalkboard Flower Pots. Now those I might be able to do someday, hot glue gun and all! --Emily

RMMB: "What are you really saying?"

Warning! This is a cheater post (i.e., I'm referring to another post either written by myself or another person rather than typing up something from scratch). But time is short and my new website is already collecting dust due to my inability to get over there and get moving on it.

So in lieu of a "real" post I'd love for you to check out my latest feature on Rocky Mountain Moms Blog:

"What are you really saying?"

Excerpt:

The words "I'm sorry" are simple enough yet can be said—and interpreted—in so many ways. I'm not talking about variations of "I'm sorry" like "I apologize" and "Can you ever in your wonderfully merciful heart forgive me?" What I'm referring to is the tone or voice used when telling someone you're sorry, and my kids are pros when it comes to saying one thing and meaning something entirely different. {click here to read the full post}

If you're in need of a chuckle you just might find one while reading my take on my children's apologies. And if not, I can guarantee a smile simply by reading Kalli's comment. Aren't brothers the greatest! --Emily

Another sign winter's here

Today is a sad, sad day and what happened is yet another sign winter is still in full force. What tragic event occurred? Brace yourself...I had to switch my L'Oreal Infallible Advance Never Fail foundation from 605 (Nude Beige) to 603 (Classic Ivory). In other words, I've officially gone from this:

(an actual photo from our Caribbean cruise in September)

to this:

Image by merwing little dear, shared via Flickr

Yes, "porcelain" is beautiful and often a reflection of healthier skin but I look like death warmed over without makeup. Happy 2010 to me! --Emily

Fave breads and salads

Here are my favorite bread and salad recipes from our 2009 progressive dinner. For past recipes check out Monday's post and the bottom of this post. I won't stop until I've shared all my faves with you! But only a few at a time, mind you. This time of year it's all about portion control...

Bran Muffins
1 cup boiling water
3 cups All Bran (divided)
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil OR 1/3 cup oil + 6 tabelspoons flax seed meal
2 eggs
2 tablespoons molasses
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons soda

Combine water and 1 cup All Bran. Let cool then add 2 cups All Bran and buttermilk. Set aside. Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs, flax seed (if using) and molasses. Mix well then add dry ingredients. Stir in buttermilk/All Bran mixture until combined. Bake in greased muffin tins at 400° for 15 min.


Cornbread
3/4 cup melted butter
3 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
2 1/2 cups Bisquick
1 cup sugar
1 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Stir together well. Pour into greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 350° for approximately 25 minutes.


No Knead Artisan Bread
3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon rapid rise yeast
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water

Mix all ingredients and let sit for at least 12 hours, preferably 18 hours. Dough will generally be loose and bubbly. Pour onto floured surface and fold over a couple of times. Let rest. Shape into loose ball and place on well-floured piece of wax paper or hand towel. Cover with towel and let rise 2-3 hours.

When dough has risen, place a covered casserole into oven and preheat to 450 degrees. You want the casserole dish to be very hot (no need to preheat the lid). Remove the dish from the oven, invert the dough into the dish, give a shake to center and place back into the oven and cover with lid. Bake at 450° for 35 minutes, remove lid and bake another 10-15 minutes until loaf is browned nicely. Remove from casserole and cool on wire rack.


BLT Salad
1 head lettuce
10 slices bacon fried crispy and crumbled
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon onion, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix and chill sauce. Just before serving toss salad with dressing. Or you can toss it all and chill overnight.


Fruity Lemon Salad
1 small pkg. lemon Jell-O
1 small pkg. lemon pudding (cooked, not instant)
1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip

Dissolve lemon Jell-O in 1 1/2 cups boiling water. Cool in fridge until almost set. Prepare COOKED lemon pudding, following directions on box (adding an egg); then cool in fridge. When pudding and Jell-O are both partially set, whip them together with electric mixer. Fold in whipped cream (or Cool Whip).

Add any combination of fresh, canned, or frozen fruit, such as bananas, grapes, strawberries, apples, peaches, pineapple tidbits (drained), pears, Mandarin oranges (drained), blueberries. Also add mini-marshmallows or nuts. Chill until served.


Potato Salad
6 large potatoes, cooked and peeled
6 hard boiled eggs
sweet pickles, diced small (as many as desired)

Dressing: Experiment with portions since it depends on how much dressing you like.

Miracle whip
Mustard - just a little bit!
Sugar to taste
A little milk just to make creamy
A shake of celery seed and pepper

Mix dressing ingredients with a wire whisk, then pour over potatoes and eggs and mix gently with wooden spoon. It needs to sit at least four or five hours and tastes really good the next day! (Note: add dressing while the potatoes and eggs are still a little warm - not hot. The flavors seem to blend better.)

Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I'm halfway through my fish burger and I realize, .... I could be eating a slow learner. ~Lynda Montgomery

Image by prettytypewriters, shared via Flickr.

Wordless Wednesday: Will work for massage

Come one, come all!

Whenever we visit my parents' home, my second oldest immediately sets up shop in one of the bedrooms and offers massages to the family complete with sign on the door and sign-up sheet outside. We all take advantage of it not only to humor her but also because they're so dang cheap. I'm talking 25 cents for a good 15 minutes. And if you're one of the lucky few, she'll even give you a coupon for a free massage. (Megan, you better give me back my coupon!)

This Christmas she enlisted the help of her younger brother. A couple questions:

1. How did she come up with the name Buggerts? It wouldn't be my first choice for a spa's name.
   
2. How did she convince her little brother to advertise for her via a homemade sandwich board sign?
3. Why was he so dang happy to help Lauren when he's usually happier pushing her buttons?
   

The answer to number one is still a mystery, but I'm thinking the answer to two and three is simply this: the perks rock. I'd walk around my parents' house advertising massages if it meant I scored one for free. (Honey, don't get any ideas...)

What kind of "shops" or businesses do your kids set up at home? Do they love the typical lemonade stand or do they do something a bit more creative?

Jack Johnson Helped Me Birth My Baby

A photo I took while enjoying the Jack Johnson concert at the Usana Amphitheater standing less than 20 feet from the stage. Pure heaven!

But let me explain the title of this post. Or rather, let this excerpt from my recent guest post on TodaysMama explain:

By the time it came around to our last child I had it down. I knew hypnobirthing with its exercises and relaxation CDs wasn’t for me, but the concept of distraction would work. So what to put on my MP3 player that would take me to my happy place and help me zone out when those non-painful (LMAO) contractions are hitting every two minutes? The be-still-my-beating-heart sounds of Jack Johnson. {click here to read the full article}

This was a really fun post for me to write. If you're dying to discover just how Jack Johnson helped in the labor and delivery room, check out "Birth Stories: Jack Johnson Helped Me Birth My Baby." And take some time to read the other experiences featured on TodaysMama. THESE are the stories we should be sharing, not the "I knew this woman who...{fill in the blank with scare-you-****less birthing experience}" stories.

Do you have any tips or tricks you use during pregnancy and labor/delivery? What works for you?

I don't do Mondays

The first Monday of 2010 is off to a shaky start thanks to a nasty cold both my husband and son lovingly shared with me. I can think of no better way to face piles of laundry, towers of Christmas decoration boxes, handfuls of Honeycomb cemented to the counter and a to-do list a mile long than with a pair of pj's, a box of Kleenex and some Nyquil.

On that to-do list is a post for Rocky Mountain Moms Blog AND gathering my thoughts for my first ever post on my new site. My new site is the silver lining around my somewhat cloudy forecast for the week. Quinn is almost done with the design and it's about time I started writing. I hope to unveil the new site within the next couple weeks whether all the kinks are worked out or not. Whoo hoo! I'll be focusing all my caffeinated energy elsewhere this week so forgive me if my posts here are few if any. One of my resolutions for 2010 is to do less online and more IRL (in real life) so something's gotta give...and this ol' blog is one of them!

But I don't want to leave you empty handed--or stomached--today so here are a few of my favorite appetizer recipes from my church's 2009 progressive dinner. I'll post a few more later in the week (breads, main dishes, desserts, etc.). By the way, even though the holidays are over that cranberry salsa would make a great appetizer, especially for Valentine's Day with its super rich red color! Enjoy!

Cranberry Salsa
1 bag fresh cranberries
1 bell pepper
1 to 3 tablespoons jalapeno
1/4 to 1 cup onion
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 bunch cilantro
1 to 2 packages cream cheese

Chop everything separately then blend together in blender or food processor. Chill for at least 1 hour then serve over cream cheese.


Tortilla Pinwheels
1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese
1 4 oz can diced green chilies
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic, salt and Tabasco to taste
1 cup sour cream
1 4 oz. can chopped black olives
1/2 cup (or less) diced green onions
5 10-inch flour tortillas (flavored if you choose)

Mix all ingredients together until creamy (except tortillas). Divide evenly and spread an even layer of mixture on each tortilla. Roll into a log shape and chill for up to 24 hours. Slice each log into 1 inch pieces and serve with salsa or guacamole as an appetizer.


Ranch Vegetable Bruschetta
1/2 cup Ranch Veggie Dip
1 loaf French bread, sliced diagonally into 1-inch slices
1/3 C. olive oil
1/2 English cucumber, diced
2 med. tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup chopped red onion
fresh dill springs

Preheat oven 400 degrees. Arrange bread slices on a tray. Brush each slice with olive oil. Sprinkle with a little salt. Toast bread 4 - 5 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely. Spread each slice of toast with veggie dip. In medium mixing bowl combine cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. Spoon mixture onto each toasted slice of bread. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs.

There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't, and that's a wife who can't cook and will. ~Robert Frost

Wordless Wednesday: Like father, like son

{sigh}

Two of my three most favorite men in the world!
(Yes, Dad, you're the other one!)

RMMB: "Who said anything about sleep?"

I will admit I have thoroughly enjoyed my time away from the computer for the holidays. In fact it was easier to step away from the keyboard than I thought. No withdrawals, no post-traumatic Facebook disorder, nothing...just more time to spend with family and less time feeling my butt go numb.

I did spend a little bit of time writing my latest post over on Rocky Mountain Moms Blog and would love for you to check it out when you have a minute:

"Who said anything about sleep?"

I have a feeling many of you will relate to my latest thoughts on the joys of parenthood!

I plan to get back in the blogging saddle next week, though I may continue this newfound love of less time online and more time "in real life." We shall see... --Emily

To quote my friend Kalli...

I'm not sure I have this totally correct but apparently my friend Kalli sent out a new holiday sentiment with her Christmas cards this season and I'd like to pass it along to my readers. It's not only priceless but echoes my feelings for the holidays:

Wishing you the freaking best holidays ever!

And to make the holidays even "sweeter" watch this video from JibJab. My kids had me play it over and over and over again (at least 5 times in a row). And while writing this post they're watching it yet again...