Open for Business on Etsy!

I opened shop on Etsy just a few weeks ago! It's a humble shop, but I am enjoying the work already.

I am so amazed and inspired by the incredibly talented people who sell through Etsy. I could spend hours passing through pages of items. Inspiring!

Stop by my shop, and peruse others too if you need an artistic boost but can't make it to a local art gallery for inspiration (because your two-year-old will destroy everything in sight...)!

Four Sisters Wine Design

I have three incredible sisters. And two pretty amazing parents. And of course, three fantastic married-to-us-men (including my husband!). We are equally divided between Wisconsin and Florida and when we get together, we make it a good time!

We had so much fun during our last visit. Two parties in one day. We had a girls' night painting class (more on that to come! I can't stop raving about it!). We took cousin photos. And just hung out. All in four short days. Go big and then get back to reality, right?

One of the two parties was just to get together. My mom had this vision to have a wine bottle with "Four Sisters" on it. I took her idea and ran. With a little help from my very creative niece we came up with this invite (personal info removed...sorry for the dull space!).

After we created the funky invite. We realized that the party wouldn't be complete with our own bottles of wine to serve. So I went back and created wine labels! What fun! I don't think I could ever have so much fun with anyone else. Who would have thought that 20 years ago when we were all under the same roof fighting over bathroom space and clothes?! 

Maybe it's because we all drink wine now.

Cheers!

Luke & Jess Wedding Invitation

I can't believe that summer is here and gone already! I took a break from blogging to enjoy the fabulous, if too short, summer that we get here in Wisconsin. I also watched my niece and nephew two or three times a week this summer and we were too busy having fun to bum around on the computer.

The fun is all over and it's back to school. And back to blogging for me!

I have been waiting to post a wedding invite I created months ago...they have finally tied the knot and I feel like I can show off their invite finally!

The Bride and I had so much fun creating them. She had such a vision and we made it come to life! We went with a pocket-layering style so each of the cards were tucked over one another and just the top tab appeared. Lovely!

Congrats Luke & Jess!

  

Wives of Faith - Military Spouse Appreciation Week Day 1!

Twice each year one of my all-time favorite sites hosts a "Blog Carnival". I missed the Christmas one this year simply because I was swamped. But I'm gunning for it this week! I love the collective writing and reading all of the other posts!

Today's topic: 

Which scripture has been a life verse for you on your journey as a military spouse, or what scripture has God used to comfort you on this journey in military life?

The Bible has so many verses that I have relied on but one set I always come back to is Jeremiah 29:11-13.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,'" declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"

Wow. I sometimes get caught up in my daily life to remember that God has good plans for me. I sometimes feel so alone in this military wife journey. Living far from a military installation in Anytown USA, I forge my own way most of the time living my double life as military wife and common civilian. A stranger I pass in the grocery store doesn't know me. But God does. He knows each situation. He knows each day I wake up feeling alone. And He knows that this is all part of his grand plan. I can't help but smile to think that I have a place in God's plan. Most days I feel like a walking disaster. But God doesn't see us that way. If we're willing and open, we call out to Him and we seek Him with our whole hearts - boy, we won't know what hit us!

Things may not always be easy or good in life, but the more challenging situations I've lived through, the more I can see how God is using the tough stuff to help me fit right into His grand plan!

{Mini} Puff Pancakes - Gluten, Soy, Dairy Free

I love a good puff pancake. My go-to recipe uses a 9-inch pie pan. And a host of non-The Boy-Friendly ingredients.

With my niece and nephew around during Spring Break, I wanted to make mini-versions. Kids always seem to eat better if their food is miniature. I hopped over to one of my favorite blogs to see what they had. Sure enough, I found a Mini Puff Pancake recipe. 

I have adapted the recipe below to be gluten free, dairy free (and soy free). Give them a try!

Mini Puffed Oven Pancakes with Berry Sauce
recipe by ourbestbites.com - adapted by Tree of Life Creative

Ingredients
1/2 cup rice flour
1/4 tapioca starch
3/4 cup coconut milk
2 eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
2-3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
powdered sugar

Berry Sauce
6 large frozen or fresh strawberries or mixed berries
3 tablespoons berry jam

InstructionsPlace mini muffin pan in oven and heat to 400 degrees.  While oven is heating, place flour, milk, eggs, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth.  

Carefully remove the pan from the oven (don’t forget it’s hot!) and brush with melted butter. 

Fill muffin wells 3/4 full with batter.

Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until puffed and slightly golden on top.  

Remove puffs and place on plate or platter.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  

Drizzle with berry sauce and top with cool whip or whipped cream, or serve with sauce and/or maple syrup for dipping.

Quick and Easy Berry Sauce

Place berries and into small saucepan. Heat on medium until mixture is bubbly. Mash large pieces if needed. Drizzle over puff pancakes!

Yields about 24 mini muffin pancake puffs

Easter Egg Lunches

Three dozen...Easter Egg Lunches!

I celebrated Good Friday with my niece (9) and nephew (4) and The Boy (can you believe he's almost 2?!). I surprised them with an Easter Egg Lunch. An idea inspired by Pinterest. Of course. Pretty much all of my ideas from from Pinterest these day. 

I spent a few weeks purchasing eggs in these cool plastic containers. We go through a ridiculous amount of eggs each week so it didn't take long. The kids went crazy over the lunch. Next time I'll look for slightly larger eggs. I filled the eggs with strawberries, carrots, grapes, cheese (for the dairy eaters!), turkey, jelly beans, hard boiled eggs, and a tiny cookie. I did double up on a few. I would have loved to fit their sandwiches inside - cut into cute shapes - but the plastic eggs weren't remotely close enough to fit sandwich pieces. Maybe I'll try wraps next time!

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free Cornbread

• 
  
• The Boy loves to eat. At his last check up he was in the 85 percentile for his weight and height. Not too shabby for a strapping Midwestern boy. I have an inclining that he might be a chef, or at least enjoy cooking when he's older. He plays in his toy kitchen every day. Plus since he has been able to stand on his own he has helped me out in the kitchen. 
• 
  
• We do a lot of cooking around here because The Boy has allergies to dairy, soy and lately some sort of wheat or gluten intolerance that we are doing food trials on right now. 
• 
  
• The dairy wasn't much of a challenge for me - I often substitute dairy alternatives. Soy was challenging. Turns out soy appears in many forms in the majority of store bought products. Over the last year and a half I have gotten my cooking down pat. Then the gluten issue came into play and I've had to reinvent my recipes and get a even more creative and bold in the kitchen. 
• 
  
• And even more so when I start a recipe thinking that I have the key ingredients on hand...like in this recipe! It's very forgiving when you realize that you're out of cornmeal. Oops. Feel free to substitute cornmeal for the grits and polenta if you happen to have them on hand!

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free Homestyle Cornbread

• (heavily adapted from MyRecipes.com)

Ingredients

1/3 cup tapioca starch

2/3 cup rice flour

1/2 cup grits

1 tablespoon corn starch

1 cup prepared polenta (I used Trader Joe's fully cooked brand) OR Cornmeal

2 tablespoons sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 large eggs

1 cup (just under) coconut milk (or milk of your choice)

1 tablespoon vinegar

3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 to 1 cup corn kernels (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 8x8 inch square pan.
2. In a bowl, mix tapioca starch, rice flour, grits, corn starch, polenta (or cornmeal), sugar, salt, and baking powder. If using polenta be sure to mix very well - mixture will be very crumbly. 
3. In a measuring cup mix coconut milk and vinegar to form "buttermilk". Let rest until slightly thickened.
4. Once milk has thickened, add eggs and oil and mix until blended. In another bowl, beat eggs to blend with buttermilk and 1/4 cup butter; pour into flour mixture. Add corn (or green chilies, or bacon pieces...) if using. Stir batter until evenly moistened.
5. Pour into a well-greased 8x8 inch square pan. 
6. Bake until bread is browned and springs back when gently pressed in the center about 20-25 minutes.

Happy Easter

I jumped on the ombre wagon.

But not with my hair. I'm too particular about keeping my hair healthy and strong to dye it.

We had so much fun coloring eggs that The Man wants to do it again this weekend. We didn't end up with many because The Boy kept cracking them to eat before they were colored! Way too crazy for me!

Happy Easter!

Reflections on the Cross

This morning I received this in my email from Women Living Well. 

I'd like to share it with you!

Today we remember. 

(Taken from Matthew 27)

 We remember…

 the betrayal for 30 pieces of silver

the flogging

the crown of thorns

the purple robe

the sign “Hail, King of the Jews!”

the strike on Jesus’ face

the crowd shouting “Crucify Him!”

the long walk to Golgotha carrying the cross

the nails in his hands

the nails in his feet

DARKNESS

the words “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

the temple curtain torn in two from top to bottom

the earth trembling

the guards exclaiming “Surely he was the Son of God!”

Life is in the blood –the precious blood of Jesus.

To read the rest of the post - click here!

Homemade Lemon Peppermint Tea

Don't tell The Man...I'm using his Kuwait mug!

I've been struggling to make it through this never-ending winter. This tea is helping me get through it. It's mild and mellow and easily adjusted. Heat up your tea pot - it's tea time!

Lemon Peppermint Tea
1-2 slices of lemon
8-12 fresh mint leaves
1-2 thin shavings fresh ginger (optional)
1/8-inch piece vanilla bean (optional)
1 tsp honey (or to taste)

Heat water in your preferred method. I love my tea pot. Toss ingredients into favorite mug (or stolen mug). Pour very hot water over. Let steep. Enjoy!

Brain Brigade Store

I have been blessed the past few months to have a full to do list, especially when looking at my design projects. I am thrilled that one of my projects is working with my dad to help share his teaching knowledge acquired over 35 years with other teachers.

We are slowly getting his "store"off the ground at TeachersPayTeachers. It is so exciting too see this dynamic resource where teachers can support one another while also gathering innovative ideas.

Extra Green Guacamole

I used to be known for spending hours in the kitchen. If you had a time-consuming, pain-in-the-neck-inducing recipe - I was the girl for the job! Complicated instructions. Detail oriented. Particular.

But it was worth every overly nerotic nuance almost every time!

Then, along came The Boy. Now, I spend countless hours each week cooking for him. He is allergic to dairy and soy and we suspect something is going on with wheat and his digestive system. My cooking has gone from dream hobby to complete necessity. My child wouldn't eat much if I didn't spend time in the kitchen.

I also watch my nephew after school for a few hours and he likes to eat. So when you add it all up, I'm generally in the kitchen for about half of the day either cooking or cleaning up (which has been dramatically reduced since my awesome husband jumped on my bandwagon to install a dishwasher in our very old pre-dishwasher home just a few short weeks ago! Maybe I'll write a post on that one too one of these days. Dishwasher: Best. Invention. EVER.).

Back to the story. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

I haven't been particularly creative with my own food much in part to the fact that I have to be creative with The Boy's food. Today, however, I wanted something fresh and spring-like for lunch even if the weather outside wasn't exactly screaming "SPRING IS HERE!" (unless 15 degrees is spring-like for you - then you should probably go. I whine a lot about the cold.). As I was dishing up plates of food for the boys, I was trying to figure out what I could make for lunch that wasn't a straight-up salad but was still healthy and incorporated some green.

As I plated my not-so-fancy child lunch of their but favorite scrambled eggs, carrots and dip, and sliced avocado I realized that I wanted an avocado too. I noticed a few cherry tomatoes withering away on my counter. I was thrilled! I could make guacamole! Yes! Noooo. Noooooooo. No. I can't eat straight up guac for lunch. Yes it's green, but I needed more. Plus I'm out of tortilla chips.

I had a vague memory of a kale-guac recipe my family made a year or two ago and decided to replicate it. I was out of kale, but did have spinach.

The results were pretty awesome. Filling. And not too guilt-inducing. Considering that I'd rather eat a bag of jelly beans this time of year to try and keep up my winter layers (pudge) to stay warm during our incredible "spring". Did I mention that I dislike the cold? Whatever. This was better than jelly beans.


Give it a try. Simple. Green. Hurry-Up-Spring in a bowl.

Here is the recipe for my Extra Green Guacamole:

2 large handfuls of fresh spinach - chopped well
1/2 avocado
1/4-1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (to taste)
Up to 1 TB lime juice (I like lime)
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste
Garlic - to taste
Fresh jalapeno - to taste (if not allergic like me)

Using a fork or potato masher combine ingredients. Add lime, salt, pepper, garlic and jalapeno to suit your taste preferences. Eat straight up using a fork like a salad or more sophisticated scooping with broken pieces of tostada. Like me. Or wrap in white corn tortillas.

Enjoy!

Better than a McDonald's Shamrock Shake

Shamrock Martini

Out of desperation we concocted an incredible martini. I'm not even wasting time with a fun story.

Just follow this incredible recipe right now:

Shamrock Martini
1 oz Creme de Menthe
1 oz Whipped Cream Vodka
2.5 oz Half and Half

Fill shaker with ice. Add all three ingredients. Shake it up. Strain it out. If you feel like it, top with a little cocoa or chocolate shavings. Sip slowly!

KMKool

K visiting her aunts in the south!

My niece inspired me to get back on the blogtrack. Wow how time has managed to get away from me!

Stop by her blog - she just got it up and running. I hope to help her with some graphics when she needs something. That's what aunties do, right?

She's an adorable nine-year-old busy with school and gymnastics. She has a knack for fashion and a great sense of humor. She probably takes after me. Ha! I only wish!

Here's to you, K! Best of luck on your first blog!

Military Life Wins Again

I can't believe where the time goes when I'm tied up running our household. I am not complaining. I just have been inundated with one thing after another and that often means my writing gets pushed off to the side.

I am in my third week of a new Bible study with a friend of mine by Beth Moore. I am loving it. It is challenging my thinking and my belief in a whole new way.

My friend has a minimum of eight weeks left in her pregnancy. It is a high-risk pregnancy that is going very well. I believe that God is working through her and I have seen her faith grow over the years and  especially throughout this pregnancy. I'm glad we selected this study to do during this time!

Beth Moore describes "Believing God" as a present-active-participle. As a communication junkie, I love that terminology. It reminds me that my faith needs to be active every day. It's not always easy to believe God, but this study is showing me Biblical truths to affirm that:
1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. God's word is alive and active in me.

I didn't come up with that handy-dandy list. Beth Moore did, but it really helps me wrap my mind around the concept of believing God.

The Man has been on field exercises lately so we haven't talked much. In fact, I have lost track of time because we've been so busy with his job. I realize that I'm not going to work for him every day, but his job has a profound effect on my day-to-day life. Some people might be offended by that, but any military member who can't acknowledge that the spouses and families are impacted by their job may need a reality check.

Today, I had a little revelation during my quiet time today. Often, the time that we spend apart from each other is often when I do my most growing in my faith. The human part of me is not exactly excited in that fact, but love that I can find joy in our time apart. If it causes me to depend more on God and less on The Man and the world, then it's a sacrifice worth making.

I have also found that I eat fewer calories when he's not around.

It's a good thing I really love my husband or he might have something to worry about!

Face Your Fears

Even a baby bunny can be scary.

I just read this post at SpouseBuzz.com, a military spouse website regarding facing your fears.

The post made me laugh, but also made me so grateful for the other military spouses who take on military life with a sense of humor.

I often feel instantly connected with other military spouses I meet. In this instance, I realize that many of the same "fears" we face like palmetto bugs, spiders or bunnies with fleas, other civilian wives face too.

What makes a military wife different is that we know that at some point in time, usually sooner than later, we are going to have to face that fear head on, and it's always going to be when your husband is gone!

We can laugh about insignificant fears together because we understand that there are more serious fears to face. It's the deeper level of life that we live allows me to draw nearer to a military spouse.

Rather than shy away from those fears, I'm grateful for them because they allow me to live a fuller, more purposeful life. The fears also cause me to draw nearer to God.

2 Timothy 1:7 it says "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

Military life gives me the opportunity to push away the timidity that easily controls me and gives me a spirit of power. It's not power from my abilities, but God's. He gives me the strength to face my fears no matter how big or small.

When Pinterest Goes Too Far.

I love Pinterest.

The Man would consider me an addict.

I am not an addict. I swear I could stop using it anytime. But why should I?

THIS is why:

I clicked through because I thought there was some mistake.

Sure enough, it is a mesh bag to wear over your face to protect your makeup.

I thought bags were for covering your face when you weren't wearing makeup. I'd like to know how many of these sell.

Then I thought about a demo video so over to YouTube I went. Sure enough! I found two! The first was demonstrated with great commentary. Here's a much shorter video of another similar product.

I also checked the date, thinking that maybe I got an old pin from April Fool's Day. Nope, 7/6. Three days ago.

I am starting to keep a board just for some of the unique items I stumble upon through Pinterest feel free to follow along! It keeps me grounded when my addiction starts to get out of hand. And also provides a good laugh!

Gone Fishing.

Let me tell you about The Man. He's and outdoors man. He likes nice, fluffy things, but at the end of the day he'd rather be outside chasing some animal and cooking it over a fire. Since we started our dating and eventual married life together, I've know he likes to hunt. He's hunted antelope, elk, deer, and even tried moose hunting last fall without luck. I've learned how to cook wild food (sometimes over a fire) getting the "wild" flavor at least mellowed. I've come to terms with knowing he'll be gone for a week or two each year tromping around with a gun looking for animals and probably not showering. It's cool.

I'd never thought about him fishing, though. He had some fishing poles and a tackle box and once or twice a year he'd go out with his uncle or on a big fishing trip with the guys. Honestly, fishing was not on my radar. And I should have seen it coming.

This year he is obsessed with fishing. I don't know how, or when, or why it happened, but it did. And I can't get him away from the water.

So, a few weeks ago, The Man suggested I go fishing with him on "Give Fishing a Try Day" aka no fishing license needed day. I thought to myself, "I'm dying to get out of the house and get some fresh air, fishing can't be that bad." So I told him, "Sure!" and I brought a book along for good measure.

I caught a fish or two, but I was so frustrated with fishing that I gave up and read my book. I decided that going fishing was my thing, as long as I don't have to fish.

Fast forward a week or so, we're on vacation and we're tagging along fishing. I didn't have the desire to do a thing but read my book or throw some stones in the water with The Boy. Ehh. Fishing.

Rainbow Trout from the Flaming Gorge.

And then BAM. I decided to get a fishing license and try it again this week. We went out last night and I only caught three little fish, but I can't think of anything I'd rather do this week than get back out on the boat and try to catch some more. I think it's because it's like a mini vacation. When you're out there, you can't do anything but toss out a line (or read a book, I still plan to bring a book along!). We went near sunset and it was so peaceful and relaxing and I can't wait to do it again.

Plus it affords some much needed quality time with The Man. Our crazy mixed up military life schedule doesn't allow us normal days, or normal weeks. So if it means we spend time fishing, then I'm taking advantage of it. Who knows what you might catch!

Western Frontier: Part 3

Last photos, I swear!

These are all Utah photos. I can't believe everything we saw in those last two days! I can't wait to go back!



Driving through a mountain pass, we spotted this little moose eating some lunch from a pond on the side of the road!

Bridal Veil Falls

We climbed up a pretty steep little trail. It was worth my freaking out over it, because the view was beautiful and the cool mist from the icy falls felt great on the hot day.

Saw this in the parking lot on our way back from seeing the waterfall. I love it. And now I want one!

More fishing! The Man with a kokanee salmon in Strawberry Resevoir.

Western Frontier: Part 2

After we landed in Salt Lake City, we drove to Wyoming to meet up with the family. We headed north to a little tiny town called Pinedale. It was quaint. The ice cream stand was very popular. Then we took a drive so the guys could fish. The Boy and I caught some stunning views on a trail we took up a little mountain!

Wow!

Freezing. Cold.

 Next stop, Flaming Gorge which crosses the Utah and Wyoming borders. It's a huge recreation location in the middle of pretty much nowhere. The geology is incredible. As you drive, the rock types change drastically because of the way the land was moved, so it's as if you are driving into the earth. Click here to learn more - I'm not describing it well, and honestly, it doesn't look like this describes it perfectly either, but it's cool. Really cool.

The Boy and The Man catching trout in the Flaming Gorge.
Oh, yeah, The Boy and I are recent fishing converts. That's for another post.

Flaming Gorge from above.