Saturday, December 31, 2011

Cinnamon Chip Scones

I'm ending the year and holidays with one last baking endeavor. 

Cinnamon chip scones!


  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen (I used it from the fridge not freezer. 
  • 1/2 cup Hershey's cinnamon chips
  • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg


  1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater; use your fingers to work in butter (mixture should resemble coarse meal), then stir in chips.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk sour cream or vanilla yogurt egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Using a fork, stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. (The dough will be sticky in places, and there may not seem to be enough liquid at first, but as you press, the dough will come together.)
  5. Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7- to 8-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. of sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles; place on a cookie sheet (I used our pizza stone). Bake until golden, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature. 

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Slow down!!!

I was talking to my good friend Trina  yesterday on the phone about how fast this year has sped by. I cannot believe in just a few short days we will be saying goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012. I remember being a kid and feeling like it took forever to go from one year to the next. All I wanted was to grow up, to be an adult, to have freedom, but the days just moved slowly forward. Now as an adult all I want is for the days to slow down at a pace where I can enjoy each hour to the fullest, to not go to bed at night and think, "I can't believe the day is over."  I feel like life is going by so rapidly that one day I am going to be 70 years old and wonder how I got there so fast.  My favorite (and only) brother celebrated his 44th birthday on Tuesday and I was shocked at how quickly he has become middle aged. It seemed like  yesterday he was teaching me how to do a back dive into our neighbors pool or coaching my little soccer team. I wish sometimes we had  personal screens that we could sit down and watch our lives from childhood, adolescence and even recent events. It would be nice to remember moments as they happened and truly learn from our actions, mistakes and repeat the words and ideas that showed so much love. I guess I will just have to settle by taking more photos, using my time wisely and to choose the really important values of life. So cheers to a fantastic last year and here's hoping the days slow down in the new year just a bit like in the days of my youth.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

She and Him


I think Zooey Deschanel's voice is lovely. Just wanted to share a little bit of ear candy. 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

All that glitters is gold

I  have been obsessed with two things this past month 1.  Pinterest (if you have not checked it out you really should) and 2. gold spray paint!  I started out with my branch for my little doves to hang off and from there I was hooked. I spray painted an old Bourbon bottle The Peddler had laying around and loved how it turned out. I glimmered my old fake wreathe and the star on the top of the tree. Here are a few pics from the last few weeks as I have decked our halls with boughs of Jolly:)
No spray paint on the pears, just glue and glitter


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas Time Salad

In my attempts to blog more I thought I would share a quick thrown together recipe I made last night.

Every time I make pasta I always feel the urge to have a green salad, maybe it was the years of childhood where my mom said the food on the plate always needed color and she never cooked just a starch. Anyway last night I realized I was low on options for a salad and the only thing worth throwing into the leafy lettuce was a tomato. (which my husband does not enjoy) I also remembered we have no dressing in the fridge that anyone really likes. And my usual olive oil and balsamic vinegar was out of question, since there was no balsamic vinegar to be had.

As I looked around I saw all the apples on the counter and remembered my cranberries in the freezer and the 4 containers of poppy seeds in my cupboard and my brain began churning. I found some croutons and Parmesan cheese and went to town. The outcome was delicious!

Christmas Time Salad

Lettuce( I used green leaf)
Apples
Dried Cranberries
Broccoli
Croutons
Parmesan Cheese

Dressing
1/2 cup of Mayonnaise
1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons of Sugar
1-2 teaspoons of Poppy Seeds
1 teaspoon of Blood Orange Flavored Olive Oil-(probably could use Orange Juice too)

The exact measurements for the dressing may be off, as I just mixed it all to taste. (may want to add less vinegar and more sugar) I also think it would be delicious with bacon bits and or candied nuts.




Change

I love change! I always like to move furniture around our living room, or find new ways to set up our office. If we owned our house I would probably paint the walls a few times a year. So in response to my love of change and the inability to paint I decided to update the background on my blog.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

life changing book

I was talking with a friend last night about a book I read a few months ago and out of my mouth I said "it changed my life!" I think those are some pretty hefty words to say about a book. But if I am honest I would have to say this book has been incredibly instrumental in dealing with a few areas in my heart that I have swept under the carpet for the past 7 or 8 years. A sweet freind of mine, Robin Pasley is the author and her transparency is apparent in the pages. She has a wonderful ability to communicate parts of her journey in a way that makes it seem she is writing my own thoughts, fears and frustrations.There are parts of this book that have space to write after prayer and seeking out the Father's heart in certain circumstances, to help the process and restoration take place. 
I have never fully had a freedom in my heart to understand what it means to be a daughter to the King of Kings, the One who loves me and holds me close to His own heart. I have struggled most of my life with feeling as if I had to strive and work really hard to "earn my keep" in His Kingdom and not simply enjoy the life and freedom I have been given.  Romans 8:15 says it like this..."For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”


If you were to buy  yourself a Christmas present this year I would say let it be this book. Let the Father unfold the wonders of what it means to be a son or daughter and the freedom, love, joy and purpose it lays before us.


Can be purchased at Amazon or Worship Circle Records

Sunday, November 6, 2011

In Loving Memory...

I am not the kind of person to hold on to keepsakes. If anything I hang on to the items that make the least sense. I remember my move from Utah to Milwaukee and my friend Jeryl laughing at me because I had an $8 length size mirror in my back seat, one that could have been purchased at any Walmart or Target, but I was determine to lug it across the country with me.

There is however a keepsake I hold close to my heart, this keepsake could never be purchased or replaced, and has followed me for the last 9 years.  It is the keepsake of my memories of Jonathan Orpia. This day, November 6th, marks the day of him going to be with our Father. I do have a few journals and pictures, but nothing compares to the days, months and years I remember sharing with him. Even after 9 years, I can hear his laugh. Even as I have entered a new marriage (2 years ago tomorrow) and found my new best friend, I never forget the man who loved me first.

 Jonathan was talented, full of love and kindness, funny and full of life. He loved deeply the people who surrounded him and more than anything he sat as close as he could to the heart of the Father. I feel so honored to have been his wife and know who I am today was influenced deeply by his love for me.

"I am surrounded by a love that is great. I hear so many reflections, so many descriptions and poetic words that describe who You are. I come to a conclusion to say that no mere words can ever describe who You are. For when I attempt to say who You are I stumble over my words." ~a prayer by Jonathan December 30, 1999

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The Peddler's Thoughts


My hot husband started a blog a few months ago. His words are rich and his humor smart. Some posts are light and fun and others should be read with a cup of coffee, when you have a few minutes. 


Check it out-

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Milwaukee~"the good land"

I have been learning to call Milwaukee home for a almost 2 years now and I finally feel like I am achieving the goal. Today we spent a few hours at the Milwaukee Public Museum. It is one of our favorite spots to spend a rainy afternoon. Every time we go I learn something new. I read something today that rang true to my heart.

"Indian people have called Milwaukee by several names. the spelling of the word has changed over time and the meaning depended upon loose interpretations of Native words. Most refer to area as "the gathering place," "gather place by the waters," "council place," or "the good land."

As I read this my heart lept a bit, especially when I came to the last meaning "the good land." In the last few months I have felt my heart turn towards a the beauty of the  midwest, the wholesomeness of Wisconsin and the creativity of Milwaukee. As I read the term, it was as if someone stamped the phrase across the sky. I felt a huge sigh of relief. "THE GOOD LAND!"

Many times in the Old Testament God encourages His people to "marry the land" to settle in certain locations and call it home. Those slight nudges have been whispering to me over the past 6 months in regards to this place and as I read this little blurb today, I felt like i finally anchored myself to this Cream City. I am so excited to to explore this "good land" and learn from it's people and history.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

im not a pilot "need money for rocket fuel" teaser

Ear Candy

We just heard a great local Milwaukee band last week at the Peddler's daughters school... I'm not a pilot these guys fuse classical symphony sounds with pop/rock and are incredibly talented. If you are looking for new music, download them on itunes.

Milwaukee continues to impress me;)

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Skillet Granola

My friend Deziree is one of the most amazing cook's I have known. So any time she posts recipes I have to try them. Yesterday she posted on facebook a delicious skillet granola, so before I went out to shovel this morning I made a batch. Below is the recipe from Deziree, I added coconut and flaxseed (which pops when really hot so be careful). Let me know if you make it and any additions you may add.
Enjoy


Super easy. Melt 2T butter in the skillet. Mix in 2T honey then 1/4c nuts. Toast for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup oats and toast for another 3 minutes or so. Toss in some dried fruit and cool enough to eat or store. 




                              
                                   yogurt parfait with Mountain High Organic Vanilla Yogurt,blueberries and bananas

Saturday, January 15, 2011

GIVE AWAY!

Everyone LOVES free giveaways;) My friend Courtney at Simple City Life Blog is giving away a $25.00 gift certificate from All Modern which is part of CSN stores. All the details are on her blog!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

The Blackthorn Project


Have you heard of them?


Well they are not only two of the most amazing heart gardeners I know, they play music like it was meant to be played. I had the honor to meet them in 2009 and have been a bit obsessed with their skills, love for each other, and passion for the Father ever since. Right now they, in true Thorton style are doing a "Reckless" 10,000 digital copy give away of their new cd... "Reckless" for any "missionary, pastor or christian worker." Please follow this link below to encourage anyone you may know with their incredible sound, love for the Father and passionate communication of His love!




Give Recklessly

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Your Wife or Your Blackberry

I came across this article Your Wife or Your Blackberry today and had to laugh because it rings so close to home...well at least this top ten list does.


10 Signs Your Devices Are Hurting Your Relationships:
1. You can't get through a meal without emailing, texting or talking on the phone.
2. You look at more than one screen at a time, checking email while watching television, for example.
3. You regularly email or text, other than for something urgent, while your partner or another family member is with you.
4. You sleep with your phone near you, and you check your email or texts while in bed.
5. You log onto your computer while in bed.
6. You have had an argument with a loved one about your use of technology.
7. You text or email while driving.
8. You no longer go outside for fun.
9. You never turn off your phone.
10. When you spend time with your family—a meal, a drive, hanging out—each person is looking at a different screen.

Monday, January 10, 2011

owl calendar love

I came across this link last month and could not wait to put it up. I am really into owls right now..but only cute ones and only a little bit here and there in my kitchen. Wanted to share this:)

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

on the road again....

...just can't wait to be on the road again!

The peddler is off again as the season of traveling is ramping up in his business. This year as he has grown with his company he gets to jet off beyond the blurry midwest to the west coast and the rockies. I am a bit jealous as he leaves today for Seattle and then back for a few days until he departs for the magical land of Colorado. So in my attempts to be with him I am giving you a list of the some things  i would do and places I would visit if I were to stow away in his suitcase.

Seattle:
*Pikes Place Market....When in Seattle I always go here,I just love it...all the fresh flowers and the people not to mention the first Starbucks:)
*Next I would walk around down town and make sure to hit  up Fluevog Shoes and a Sephora and eat a delicious sushi dinner.
*Track down Grey's anatomy stars....hello Patrick Dempsey!
*Take the ferry from Seattle to Victoria and spend the day soaking up the Canadian culture and visiting my friends John and Krystal.
*Have coffee at one of the best bike shops, Dutch Bikes in Seattle.
*Take my friend Heidi out for Margaritas and catch up on life!

Colorado:
*In Denver Larimer Street is always a must, so many great boutiques. There is a great cuban place there called the Samba room with amazing food.
*Tour the art galleries and museums
*I would head south towards Colorado Springs with a stop at the Starbucks in Castle Rock to say hi to my friend Heather.
* spend some time shopping in old Colorado City have a coffee at Agia's Sophia and make my way to Manitou Springs to climb the Incline.
*Next I would head up the mountain to Pike's Peak to see the breathtaking views and ending in Colorado Springs with a yummy cocktail made by my friend Holly at the Broadmoor Hotel.
*I would continue towards Woodland Park to laugh the day away with my friends Ben and Robin.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Years!

Well as one of my many resolutions or maybe I should say hopes and dreams this year, (resolutions are too heavy for me) I have decided to blog more. In leu of 2010's busy days I am in 2011 skimming down my hours at Starbucks  and beefing up my time to help Cyclelogical, as well as write  music, get in shape and blog more. Sheeesh I am tired already just thinking about it...well at least the chaos will be found in my heart's passion. Honestly i feel as though the past year I have been in some blurry black and white dream. It was not a bad year, it was really great but I am ready to turn the corner to the colorful life that is before me and embrace all the desires and wants that have been placed in my heart.   It's 1-1-11 so here we go to seeing what this year holds!