Life in the fast lane.

I know better than anyone how crazy life can get, between family, careers, extra activites, and more. We can sometimes have a hard time balancing everything. Luckily we live in a time where there are a lot of options found on the Internet. While I love my tablet, computer and smart phone, when it comes to organizing sometimes nothing beats a great list. I wanted to give you some links to some great websites and blogs that offer free home organizing printables. They offer everything from grocery lists to chore lists for the kids and If you prefer technology, they even offer popular apps. I hope this helps all the busy moms and women everywhere.

Tipnut.com

How Does She

Organized Home

homemakingorganized.com

Summer Fun Round Ups

     Well here we are half way through the summer and we are enjoying every second of it.  It's usually about this time when our kids start saying those two famous and dreaded words, "I'M BORED!"  So, I've decided to round up some lists of things to do with your kids to help get all of us through this second half of summer with some fun and sanity.  This list will include things here locally in the Southern Oregon area as well as things we can do with our kids right in our homes.  One thing that Medford and Central Point offers is free movies in the park on Friday and Saturday nights.  These are great FREE family activities and who doesn't love free?!  My husband and I, along with my sis and brother in law, took our kids recently to see The Adventures of Tin Tin.  The kids were able to bring along friends and the city even offers a free jump house, face painting, coloring, and craft while you wait for the movie to start.  Here are some pics of our family outing......

girls havin fun in the jumphouse

He's thinkin, "Moooommm I wanna jump"

guys hanging out before the movie

Girls relaxing 

In line for face painting and crafts

     I will be posting activities for each week on Fridays to help with the following week.  If anyone has any other ideas, events, etc, please feel free to post so we can get the most out of our summer.
                                                                                               Blessings, Jen

Lemon Cranberry Scones

Hello Everyone,
The last couple of weeks have been very busy and we have had a down computer:( but, we are back up and still a little busy. Last week my husband and I went and spent the day in Bandon, Oregon (I love the coast!) but, before we left I wanted to make some scones and some yummy items for our road trip. O this date I had never made scones before and I really wanted to try them out. I have to say, I loved them and this recipe was so yummy.....Here is the recipe and pictures of the scones but, tell me what is your favorite scone recipe? please feel free to leave us a comment with any tips, recipes or links you may have regarding a great recipe.

Lemon Cranberry SconesGina's Weight Watcher Recipes Servings: 10 • Serving Size: 1 scone • Points: 4 pts • Points+: 5 pts
Calories: 192.5 • Fat: 4.7 g • Protein: 4.3 g • Carb: 33.9 g • Fiber: 2.1 g  
Basic Scone recipe modified from Cooking Light

• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, divided
• 1/2 cup low fat buttermilk (PS I made mine)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups Ultra grain flour (or 1 cup white, 1 cup whole wheat)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp chilled butter (must be cold) cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup dried sweet cranberries or cherries

Position rack in top third of oven; Preheat oven to 375°.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Make glaze by combining 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Combine buttermilk, remaining lemon juice, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and egg in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut in chilled butter with a pastry blender, or you could use 2 knives, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gently fold in cranberries or cherries. Add buttermilk mixture, stirring just until moist. (dough will be sticky)

Place dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly four times with floured hands. Form dough into an 8-inch circle onto baking sheet, about 3/4" thick. Using a knife, cut dough into 10 wedges (do not cut all the way through). Brush lemon glaze over dough. Bake until golden, about 18-20 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.



Sneak Peak to the "Everything Heart & Girly Party"

The last week has been super busy as will this up coming week, alot of my extra time has been prep for my nieces birthday party. I thought I would post some sneak peaks to the party.



The chocolates we made to go in the gift bags.



The backdrop to the dessert table

A chair we repurposed for a photo booth along with a bunch of heart props

The invites I created with images from K-See Images

The giant suckers

The gift bags

More pictures and details of the party to follow..Stay tuned!

Healthy Banana Bread



Last week after returning from vacation, I had alot of bananas that I needed to use. I came across this healthy so moist and yummy bread recipe at Living a Whole Life. This recipe was so good that I am going to make it again today.

Recipe:

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup brown sugar ( I used honey instead)

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 egg

1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (4-5 Bananas)

1. Mash the bananas and beat the egg. Now mix together with sugar (or Honey), salt and cinnamon.

2. Take a large bowl and mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda and the wet ingredients. Stir together.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until your knife comes out clean.

ENJOY!!



No Bake Energy Bites

Here is a great recipe from smashed peas and carrots. Theses little balls of yumminess are full of protein and make for a great snack, oh did I mention they are super easy.

Recipe:

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter or other nut butter

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes (optional)

1/2 cup flaxseed (recipe calls for ground but, I used whole seeds.)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.