Social :: SATURDAY :: Celebrate Summer

I have been itching for a good excuse to have an outdoor dinner party. I admit, I'm not the best blogger, but I follow some great blogs and they really inspire me not only to blog, but to throw a really fun, laid-back party. So with the first day of "official" summer on Monday, this may be the perfect idea for a dinner party...celebrating summer!

{Celebrate Summer Dinner Party}

Here's what I'm dreaming up...

{The table...Sackcloth table cloth, casual seating, and hurrican vase candles and hanging lanterns at dusk}

{Mason Jars...for drinks, candles, and colorful summer floral arrangements}

{Dinner...fresh tomatoe & mozzerella salad, grilled organic chicken partnered with colorful veggies and a fresh tomatoe and pesto summer pasta}

{Dessert...S'mores from the new fire pit in the back yard for a warm treat, or cool home-made cookie ice-cream sandwiches for a cooler taste}

Hopefully I'll have pictures to post sometime...hopefully before the summer ends!

Flavorful :: FRIDAY :: 5 Ingredient Stuffed Chicken

Here is a recipe that I made partly used a recipe to create, and then partly made up on my own. My brother loves stuffed chicken and I had made a deal with him that if he did something for me, then I would make him whatever he wanted...as you may be able to guess...he chose stuffed chicken!

{5 Ingredient Stuffed Chicken}

The {5 Ingredients}

1. Chicken breasts

2. Cream Cheese

3. 10 oz. box of frozen spinach

4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

5. Spices (anything Italian/garlicy)

The easy {Step-by-Step Recipe} *warning: pictures of raw chicken included. even grosses me out a bit...

1. Mix Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Spices in shallow dish bowl

2. Mix Cream Cheese & Spinach in seperate bowl

3. Pound Chicken breasts so that it is thin (Didn't have a meat pounder, so I used a rolling pin and put my chicken in a plastic bag, as pictured)

4. Cover bottom side of chicken breast in oil/spice mix

5. Spoon cream cheese & spinach mix onto the middle of seasoned chicken breast. Fold top part over, then finish by folding the bottom back over the top, so it looks like stuffed chicken on right.

6. Use extra seasoned oil to cover cooking pan and transfer stuffed chicken breasts into pan.

7. Bake chicken at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes

8. Ta-da! Easy shmeasy and so tasty too! Bon a petit!

Thumbprint :: THURSDAY :: Races for Kiddos

One of the girls I watch loves to ride her bike! Last summer she completed her first triathalon as an 8 year old! I am so proud of her! Even though it was "kid-sized", she did a great job at swimming, biking, and running. You should have seen how excited she was to receive a letter from the same triathalon, advertising that the triathalon would occur again this summer. So inspired by my little 9 year old triathlete friend, here are a couple races (in Kansas City) for kids to get involved in healthy and active activites!

{Gladstone Kids Triathalon}

When: Saturday, July 10, 2010 9am

Where: Gladstone Community Center :: 6901 N. Holmes Gladstone, MO

Ages: 6-14 (distance varies for each age group)

Cost: $25 (one child) $20 (additional for each sibling)

{Teri Mathis Zenner Memorial 5k Run/Walk}

When: Saturday, June 19, 2010 8pm

Where: Heritage Park :: 16050 Pflumm RD Overland Park, KS
Cost: $30 (FREE Kids Dash + inflatable obstacle course at 8:30pm)

Wedding :: WEDNESDAY :: Creative Guest Book Ideas

A guest book is an expected item at every wedding, but can be completley impractical. The traditional guest book with lines inside for each attendee to sign, soon finds itself in a box collecting dust. The couple may look through and see who all attended the wedding, but weeks and years later, it is simply a book in a box. Thankfully guest books have become so much more creative. Here are a few of my favorite I found while searching the internet:

1. Message Chandellier: I love the use of the colorful plastic or glass provided for guests to write a short personal message that is then attached to a chandellier shaped wire frame. A great piece of memorable art!
2. Guest Quilt: Having a DIY wedding? This quilt is a great idea that allows guests to sign their name and makes a great piece of wall art or cozy blanket for two.
3. Guest Quilt (2): Here's another idea that uses quilt pieces that guests sign and record a message that will later be sown by grandma or other family member.
4. Contact Cards: I love this idea! What a great way to not only know who attended your wedding, but also keep record of their contact information in this cute and very practical guest book!
5. Vintage Typewriter: If you're having a vintage theme wedding, a typewriter would be such a perfect idea for a guest book. It's a fun way for attendees to type their name and message. Although the paper may not have another purpose, who wouldn't love to display a typewriter in their home?
6. Scrapbook: I love the use of a scrapbook and small envelopes in this photo. Guests sign small business card size pieces and then slip them in individual envelopes. It's a fun and interactive guest book!
7. Thumbprint Tree: I LOVE this idea and may have to borrow it when/if my time comes. Guests literally add their personal touch to a piece of art guest book. With a little bit of finger print ink (and a wet towel to wipe fingers!), this guestbook becomes instant art. Tree-rific!
8. Paint by Number: This is also a really fun and interactive activity for your guests. Although it may hold up the line coming into your ceremony, it would be the perfect time filler if you choose to have some time in between the ceremony and reception. Again, more art for your home!

(Not Pictured) Engagement Photobook: My friend Joanna had this at her wedding and it was a hit! Her photographer did an incredible job with their engagment photos then put them in a professional bound book. Not only did she leave white spaces around some photos for guests to sign and leave a message, but she also had little questions and topic starters like, "Why are Chris and Joanna a perfect match?" or "Where do you see us in 10 years?" It was so fun for us guests to flip through and see their engagement pictures as well as leave a personal note, or answer a fun questions. I'm sure it will make a great coffee table book and fun for their kids to see someday!

Typography :: TUESDAY :: Alphabeasties

This post will be short and sweet (word wise) because I think the pictures will explain why I think this child's book is so incredible. I recently came across this book while perusing through a small book store in St. Louis. This book truly lives up to the theme of the day. The use of typography is impecable. I just love it and can't wait to have a little friend to give one to :)

Make a Difference :: MONDAY :: Make a Child Smile

I think it would be safe to say that everyone loves getting "real" mail. There's nothing like sifting through bills, advertisements and junk mail to find a hallmark size, handwritten addressed envelope with the return address of a friend or family member. Even if the note or card inside is simple with a brief message, I can't speak for others, but it just makes my day!

So now imagine you are 8 and experiencing what many of us will never even face in a life time - a life threatening illness. After long days and nights spent in the hospital and one too many days spent at home in bed sick, when all you want to do is join the neighborhood kids playing in the backyard out your window. Since many of them may not be able to move about and enjoy things that once made them smile and happy, imagine what a simple cheerful and personal card can do to one of these children or their siblings, who have been fighting alongside their brother or sister.

This is why Make A Child Smile was started. Once you spend even a few minutes on their website, you will be inspired to make or buy a simple card with a few encouraging words or fun stories written inside. Each child has a bio that includes the type of illness, their birth date, a paragraph describing their interests, etc. These boys and girls are fighters and have gone through more in their short lives than many of us will ever experience.

I also love how this organization not only encourages brings a smile to these children with life-threatening illnesses, but also gives you the opportunity to send a card to their siblings as well. Growing up we had a very close family friend who had lukemia when she was only 3. Her three older siblings spent a lot of time at our house while their little sister and parents went to the hospital for chemo or other medical reasons. Although we enjoyed ourselves, these three siblings also struggled with their sister. They dealt with some heavy stuff! These siblings (and parents too!) need just as much encouragement to continue to fight for both themselves and their sibling.

I love this organization! I am going to try to write at least one child a week and also make a birthday calendar to send birthday cards during each month.

Check it out! A simple, fun, and extremely practical way you can not only make a difference, but {Make a Child Smile}

Inspiring Spaces :: SUNDAY :: Grandparent's Bedroom Inspiration Board

This week's inspiring space is just in the beginning phases of design. My grandparents, who have been married for over 50 years, built their ranch style house when my mom and uncle were young and have lived in it ever since. Their house is your typical grandparents home, complete with lots of knick-knacks, both old & new photos, displayed cards received in the mail, and a pretty heavy touch of country decor.They plan to eventually sell the house in the somewhat near future, so they have begun to start doing some renovations. Although they have done a tremendous job at keeping the house in good condition, it could definitely use some updating to make it more seller-friendly. My grandma decorated their master bedroom a little bit too feminine: pink floral wall paper, long pink sheer curtains, and dainty decorations displayed on the dressers. She has requested me to help bring their room up to date and bit more gender neutral friendly.

Here is a storyboard I am working on, mostly with inspiration objects:

{Grandpa & Grandma Bedroom Makeover Inspiration}

Here's the breakdown...

1. Cowboy Boots :: Grandpa's shoe of choice
2. Color + Ladder :: Grandma requests turquoise and blue, to make the space feel more gender neutral. We've also talked about using ladders for displaying some family heirloom textiles.
3. Window Coverings :: Perhaps some bamboo shades and a lucious chocolate brown drapery?
4. Photo Wall :: May need to take this out to the hallway, where the photo wall already exists, but just needs some updated frames.
5. Fresh Flowers :: I will keep Grandma's love for flowers and bring them into the room showcased in some vintage class jars.
6. Vintage Chic :: Even though there won't be a desk in the room, I love the airy and comfortable feely this little corner space gives. Tan walls, turquoise drapery, and white distressed furniture decorated with some branches in a large hurricane vase. Ahh, so beautiful!
7. Clean & Fresh :: I adore the crisp refreshing feel of this bedroom. Don't be afraid of white walls! The mix of old and new things in this room are exactly what I'm thinking about!
8. Typewriter :: I would love to bring some antique items in for decoration. I'm thinking about a typewriter, inspired by Grandma's days as an office secretary.
9. Militar Map :: Once again, I'm inspired by Grandpa's earlier days working in the military, drawing maps. Perhaps I will bring some vintage military maps and display them in frames on the dressers.

Social :: SATURDAY :: BBQ Hoedown Throwndown

Yesterday we have our extended family over to celebrate my Grandparents 55th Wedding Anniversary with a dessert and game night. Our conversations throughout the evening were stories of my grandparents life together. At one point we were talking about how much my Grandma loved to dance, but was not allowed due to the strict rules her conservative Grandmother set for the family. She loved to square dance, but never found out her love for dancing until she was grown and out the house.

Inspired by our conversation and a new desire to have a hoedown, here is a photo collage to trigger some fun ideas for a lively evening of BBQ and country dancing!

*Sorry, I'm still trying to figure out how to make my collages bigger when I post them. If you know, I'd love the advice :)

Flavorful :: FRIDAY :: Carrot Bran Muffins

Thanks to Sue Gregg's recipe, I am going to make these healthy and low(er) sugar muffins this weekend...to go along with last week's Greek quiche recipe. What a flavorful brunch we will have tomorrow morning!

{Carrot Bran Muffins}

-1/2 c. raisins
-1/2 very hot water
-1-1/2 cups wheat bran (unprocessed-the real stuff!)
-1/2 c. honey
-2 eggs
-1 cup grated fresh carros (or unpeeled grated zucchini)
-1 cup buttermilk
-1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour (pastry flour works best)
-1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1 teaspoon of cinnamon
-1/2 c. chopped walnuts

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or spray muffin pan(s). Cover raisins with water and set aside to soften. Blend wheat bran and hot water together and let stand for 5 minutes, allowing the bran to soften. In a seperate bowl, blend together the honey and eggs with a whisk. Mix the grated carrots (or zucchini) and milk into the honey & egg. Blend whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a seperate bowl. Blend dry ingredients into liquid ingredients until just mixed. Next, gently fold in raisins (drained) and walnuts. Fill muffin cups evenly and bake for 20-25 miutes at 350 degrees. Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes before removing muffins from pan.

Let's hope my turn out this mother-watering flavorful looking!

Thumbprint :: THURSDAY :: Tents, Clubhouses & Forts...Oh My!

Growing up, I loved making forts. Whether it was covering every possible inch of the living room in bed sheets and quilts or using the plastic pipes with directions for an over-the-bed tent, I was such a sucker for the chance to throw up some blankets and crawl in my little house. Like most kids I had (and still have) a big imagination, so with a couple blankets in hand and a few tall objects to use, a fort could be made.

Here is a picture of the fort I made recently with the girls I babysit (well, more like hang out with): It was a raniy day...the perfect weather for an indoor play ground! Abby (pictured) is 9 and has such an outgoing personality. Her older sister Hannah (12), just got a cell phone that is able to take pictures and video. After Hannah captured a couple pictures, she began a video interview. It was so cute watching Abby explain how to make a fort and giving the camera audience advice for when they want to make one of their own. After our pictures and videos were shot, we climbed inside to watch a movie on a laptop...after every "hole" was covered though, of course. Can't have any light coming through in our fort/movie theatre :)

So with this recent fort building experience in mind, here are some more ideas to keep the kids busy on a rainy day:

{Cardboard Forts}New fridge, big box? Help construct a cardboard building, then let the kids make their mark.

{Sofa Forts}

Rainy Day + Fort + Good Book = the best!

{Teepee Fort} For the kids...or the kid in all of us :)

{Permanent Fort} Have a big basement? What kid wouldn't love their own permanent fort?

Wedding :: WEDNESDAY :: Summer Bouquets

I'm your typical girl who likes flowers. In fact, I'll go as far as to say that I love them. But I do have to admit that I am a bit of a snob. It's not that I don't enjoy these flowers, but there are just some that are over used (ie: red roses, gerbera daisies, and any un-naturally colored flowers).

So now that summer has un-offically begun, here are some wedding bouquet collages, organized by color, to inspire {summer wedding bouquets}: pink & purple, yellow & orange, blue & green, and white.

{Pink & Purple}

I adore peonies, especially dark pink! Calla lilies are so classic, so in pink they're classic and fun. Check out the bottom right picture...those are paper flowers. Awesome!

{Yellow & Orange}

I love sunflowers...not just because they're my home state's state flower, but they make a bold statement. I find orange a hard color to pull off, since it typically seems to be a very "in your face" color, but these are sophisticated arrangements making orange look fabulous.

{Blue & Green}

Along with peonies, I also adore hydrangeas; they make a great filler and have a classic look with a whymsical touch. Green is currently my favorite color, so I love these arrangements with cymbidium orchids, hydrangeas (again!), fillers, leaves, etc.

{White}

White. It's classic, delicate, pure, and looks neat and fresh. Although I'm not a big fan of roses, I love the tight bound bouquets. Calla lilies, orchids, anemones, and peonies (I know, imagine that!) look fantastic! Whether a white bouque to match the bride's dress or white bouquet against a bride maid's dress of a high contrast color (check out the white flowers against the pink dresses).

Typography :: TUESDAY :: Willoughby Design

I'm officially in love with this local firm, Willoughby Design! Although I have such a high admiration for this distinguished firm, I have a feeling that I will not be able to even come close in expressing how truly incredible and inspiring I think they are. I could spend hours on their website looking at their work, reading their staff bios, but what has impacted me the most is that their website alone has helped show me an area of design that I am not only passionate about, but that I could actually see myself doing as a career...and loving every (well, maybe a majority of every) minute of it.

Located here in Kansas City, Willoughby has helped design enduring branding for both large and small, familiar and new companies alike. With their fresh and innovative style, they create exceptional visual graphics that allow their clients to stand out amongst the crowds. They have a fantastic online portfolio that showcases their outstanding work. I have to contain myself from drooling all over the keyboard as I flip through project after project of inspiring graphic beauty. Here are a few (well, perhaps more than a few)of my favorites that I'd love to share with you now:

This was literally just a peek at the incredible work they have done. And since it's now after midnight and techincally not Typography Tuesday anymore, check out their Design Barn! Yet another reason why I love them and dream of working for such a design firm some day...

Make a Difference :: MONDAY :: Numana

Since I've been talking a lot about the timing of my entries, I would just like to say that I did in fact not only intend, but attempt to blog this morning...but Blogger was down!

So here, yet again, less than 15 minutes until midnight, here is my post for the day.

Want to make a difference in the life of thousands of people who are starving? Get a group of people, spread the word, locate a space large enough to hold you and thousands of pounds of dry rice, soy, vitamins, and beans and contact Numana: Saving the Starving

I, along with my mom and hundreds of fellow volunteers, spent Saturday morning packing meals for those in need in Haiti. Numama is the organization that brought us all together. I'm so proud to share a home state with such a need group of people. Originating from El Dorado, Kansas, this organization literally sends thousands upon thousands of dry meals to families in countries where food is sparce, due to economic hardship, natural disasters, etc.

We spent 3 hours and helped pack 100,000 meals! Take a few hours of our your weekend. Contact Numana today. Help feed the starving. Make a difference in a very practical way!

Spaces that Inspire :: SUNDAY :: Inviting Sheds

Stemming off from yesterday's post on summer night lights, today I've found some fantastic backyard sheds that will brighten, give value, and wow your friends & family. Whether you have a dingy, unorganized shed in the that has collected tools, ends & odds, and dust throughout the years, or maybe room & some cash for a new one, this post will hopefully inspire your backyard shed space!

{Garden Sheds}

{Work & Hobby Sheds}

{Read & Tea Sheds}

{Kid Sheds}

{Modern Sheds}

http://www.modern-shed.com/ - check it out for info on new modern pre-fabricated sheds!