Me Time?!

Hi all!  I really am alive.  Just too busy to anything, but what MUST be accomplished for the husband, the kids, the home, the business.  That being said, I need to get right back to it.  ANyone know how I can score some me time?  Even 5 minutes would be nice.  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Prayer Request

Hi all!  Today's post is a simple one a simple request for a fellow blogger's family.  DC GOP Girl's cousin's husband stepped on an IED yesterday in Afghanistan and surely needs our prayers.  You can access her post here.  Take a moment to thank God for all that you have and for the men and women who fight for us every day.  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Coca-Cola Cake Recipe, the Right Way!

Hi all!  As promised, here is the correct recipe for Coca-Cola cake.  I should know better than to try to do 100 things at once!  Please do try it, I think you'll love it!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Coca-Cola Cake


Ingredients:

For Cake:


1 C Coca-Cola
1/2 C oil (again I use Wesson best blend)
1 stick butter
3 Tbsp cocoa
2 C sugar
2C flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 C buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

For Frosting:

1 stick butter
3 Tbsp cocoa
6 Tbsp Coca Cola
1 tsp vanilla
1 (16 oz) package powdered sugar


Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour (well, I use extra cocoa) a 9x13 pan.

In a saucepan, bring Coca-Cola, oil, butter and cocoa to a boil. In a seperate large bowl, combine the sugar, flour and salt. Pour the hot mixture over the flour mixture and beat well (again, I use my KitchenAid). Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda and vanilla and beat well. Pour into your prepared pan and bake fro 20-25 minutes or until done. Cool on a wire rack while making the frosting.

To make the frosting, in a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa and milk. Heat until butter melts, then beat in the other ingredients (for this, I just use a hand mixer). Spread this warm mixture on the cake when it's just cool to the touch

Where Did the Time Go?

Hi all and a happy Monday to you!  I can't believe I haven't posted anything since Thursday!!!  I had a migrane that lasted for two days and basically felt horrible.  Then I had to make up for all the down time.  One thing I did do this weekend was make the Coca-Cola cake I posted here the other day AND realized I totally screwed up the recipe.  I will repost it tomorrow correctly.  That's what happens when you are doing too many things at once.  Okay, slow down and breathe...

I really need to find a few minutes to post pictures from Eldest Daughter cheering and Eldest Son's football games.  Hopefully, Wednesday.  Which brings me to what I'm doing whenever I find a few free minutes.  I'm going to start reading the "Blind Side."  Yes, I've seen the movie and it was great.  That being said, I much prefer reading and look forward to the story.  After I finish it, I will also be reading "In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving," which is written by the Touhy's.  I'm very excited about both and look forward to telling you about them. 

Well, the older two are calling my name.  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Oh, Poor Coach Dooley!!!

Hi all!  Hope your week has been good for you.  If not, here's a little pick me up to make your day.  Coach Dooley can't figure out who he's playing for...

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1345089824?bctid=609841851001

TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Did you Know This About Music Cards?!

Hi all!  Well, I learned something new today and wanted to share it with you.  While not earth shattering, I believe it is quite useful knowledge.

With so many music cards on the market, I'm sure most of us (or at least our kids) have received one.  Well, did you know the post office charges extra for these cards?  And, if they do not have the extra postage they may very well return them!  It's not becasue they weigh more or have a different shape.  It's because they require more labor by the post office.  These cards can NOT be run though the machines.  If they are, the cards will NOT work! So, here's the advice I was given:  if at all possible, take these cards to your post office or mail center.  If not, add an extra stamp and write "Hand Stamp Only" on the card.  That way, your card won't be returned or, worse yet, ruined.

Just thought I would pass this little tidbit on.  Now, you can add it to all the "useful" trivia you have stored in your brain, as well!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Tied to the Cause

Hi all and a Happy Tuesday to you!  I swear, I don't know where my Monday went.  Well, I know at least two hours of it were spent at the doctor's office with Eldest Daughter.  Don't worry, she's fine.  We just had to wait and wait.  You know how that goes. 

Today I want to tell you about Vineyard Vines and it's support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  This month, they are supporting this organization through their tied to the cause program with these two adorable ties,

as well as being a national sponsor of the Luekemia Cup Regatta series.

This means a lot to me, as DH's best friend was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma a few years ago and has successfully completed treatment.  He is as healthy as can be and owes that to great doctors and treatments with research funded by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  So, go check out the ties and the Regatta series.  See what you can do to make a difference.  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Remember our Heroes -- Words of Wisdom

Hi all!  Just a few words to remember our heroes and all  our loved ones who were lost on that tragic day.  TTFN. 

Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew.

- President George W. Bush

 
 
XOXO,

Kim

Coca-Cola Cake Recipe

Hi all and a Happy Friday to you!!  Well, I figured I would keep the cake recipes going and, for today, I present you with a recipe for Coca-Cola cake.  I make this cake for a neighbor and she simply adores it.  She says it makes for a very moist and rich choclate cake.  I don't eat the cake, as I can't deal with the extra caffeine.  I've considered making it with caffeine-free Coke, but just haven't yet.  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Coca-Cola Cake

Ingredients:

For Cake:

1 C Coca-Cola
1/2 C oil (again I use Wesson best blend)
1 stick butter
3 Tbsp cocoa
2 C sugar
1/2 tsp salt 
2 eggs
1/2 C buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

For Frosting:

1 stick butter
3 Tbsp cocoa
6 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 (16 oz) package powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease and flour (well, I use extra cocoa) a 9x13 pan.

In a saucepan, bring Coca-Cola, oil, butter and cocoa to a boil.  In a seperate large bowl, combine the sugar, flour and salt.  Pour the hot mixture over the flour mixture and beat well (again, I use my KitchenAid).  Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda and vanilla and beat well.  Pour into your prepared pan and bake fro 20-25 minutes or until done.  Cool on a wire rack while making the frosting.

To make the frosting, in a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa and milk.  Heat until butter melts, then beat in the other ingredients (for this, I just use a hand mixer).  Spread this warm mixture on the cake when it's just cool to the touch.

  

Hummingbird Cake

Hi all!  Sorry my posts are a little scattered this week, but between the holiday and Ittybit starting a new year of preschool, I feel so far behind!  I've been promising this for a while and finally had the time to sit down and post.  For those of you who asked, here is the recipe for Hummingbird Cake -- with a few pictures of the family, of course!  This was the cake Eldest Son requested for his birthday.  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Hummingbird Cake

For the Cake:

cooking spray
3C (plus a little for dusting) all purpose flour
1tsp baking soad
1 tsp salt
2C sugar
3/4C vegetable oil (I use Wesson best blend oil)
3 large, ripe bananas, chopped
1 (8oz) can crushed pineapple with juice (I only use Dole)
1-1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1tsp ground cinnamon
4 large eggs, beaten

For the Frosting:

1 pound (1 box) powdered sugar
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese at room temperature
3/4 stick butter, softened
1tsp pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 and spray and flour three 8 or 9 inch round cake pans.  Tap out excess flour.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the cake.  I tend to use my KitchenAid to make sure all ingredients are incorporated without breaking up the pineapple and banana too much.

Divide among the three pans and bake for about 30 minutes.  If using more than one rack, make sure to rotate cakes halfway through for even cooking.  Cakes are cooked when the tops spring back after being lightly gently pressed.

Cool on wire racks for about 10 minutes in pans.  Remove cakes from pans and let cool completely, top side up, before frosting.

For frosting, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and beat until creamy.  You can add milk for your desidred consistency, but I don't use any.

Use about 1/4 of the frosting on the first layer, 1/4 of the frosting on the second layer and the remaing frosting for the rest of the cake.  Makes a beautiful three layer cake.  Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.  Bring cake back to room temperature before serving. 

Note:  You can also add pecans or walnuts  to the cake and/or the frosting, but we opt not.

And the Winner Is...

Hi all and welcome to a new, but short week.  Well, the giveaway has officially endeed and the winner has been chosen.  Do you want to know who it is?  Do you, do you?! 

Well, the winner is  Looking 4 Lilly!!!  Congrats to you.  Now, please contact Bleu Bird to create your spirit top.  I hope you all enjoyed this giveaway and have found a top (or outfit) or two or three that you will be purchasing from either Bleu Bird or Becs TweetFeet!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim 

Labor Day Words of Wisdom

Hi all and welcome to the last weekend of summer vacation for some.  Others of us have been toiling away for over a month now!  As we celebrate, don't forget these are the last days to enter the spirit top giveaway I'm hosting.  Entries will be accepted until midnight on Monday, September 6, with the winner being announced on Tuesday.  Now, here are the words I know I need to live by.  What about you?  Do you ever forget to relax?  To recharge?  Do you keep going endlessly?  TTFN.

The man who doesn't relax and hoot a few hoots voluntarily, now and then, is in great danger of hooting hoots and standing on his head for the edification of the pathologist and trained nurse, a little later on. ~Elbert Hubbard

XOXO,
 
Kim

We've Got Spirit... Tops Reminder

Hi all!  It's almost time for a great holiday weekend.  What do you have planned?  Hopefully, you'll be entering my spirit top giveaway!  Here is the original post with all the details!  Good luck to all who enter!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim


Hi all!!  Welcome to a new week and a very special giveaway that I'm super excited to share with you!


I would love to introduce y'all to Bleu Bird Deigns and Bec's Tweet Feet.  These two ladies have collaborated on some of the cutest clothing ever and they have gracioulsy offered one lucky reader their choice of spirit top ($50 retail value).  I absolutely adore the spirit wear they have made for my little ones!  Now, they can cheer Eldest Son on in style. 

 Here are some other spirit wear designs they have made.

 

And here are some other outfits made my Bleu for my cuties, as well as other examples of their work...

 

Well, since all of us can't win a spirit top, Bleu has generoulsy offered all my readers a 10% discount using the code Spirit10.  Simply, convo Bleu through her Etsy shop to receive your discount on any new purchase.


Now, here are the rules:


The giveaway runs until September 6 at midnight with the winner being announced on Tuesday, September 7.  What a fun way to celebrate back to school!


For one (1) entry you must follow this blog and let me know


One (1) entry for "friending" Bleu Bird on facebook, again comment this has been done


One (1) entry for "friending" Bec's Tweet Feet on facebook and comment this has been done.


One (1) entry MANDANTORY go to Bleu Bird Designs Etsy page and pick out your favorite item and comment about it here.


Two (2) entries for sharing this giveaway on facebook or tweeting about it (@4kidlets).  I must be able to verify.


Three (3) entries for blogging about this giveaway and letting me know to verify.


Please combine all of your entries into one post.  Good luck to all who enter.  TTFN.


XOXO,

Kim

Hello

Hi all!  Hope your week is going well.  Much too busy here and now were playing catch up since Eldest Daughter has been sick.  Thankfully, she's back to her old self today!  Yet, we had Ittybit's Open House today and I still have a few errands I need to run, not to mention the school work that needs to be finished.  Oh the joys of homeschooling!  Truth be told, I still wouldn't change it for the world!  I love watching my children grow and learn.  There is nothing more beautiful than seeing them grasp a new concept. 


Don't foregt about the adorable spirit top giveaway I'm hosting, as the deadline is fast approaching!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

No Rest

Hi all and welcome to another new week!  Eldest Daughter is sick, so I just wanted to remind you to enter the wonderful spirit top giveaway I'm hosting.  Just click here for all the details.  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Weekend Words of Wisdom

Hi all and a happy weekend to you!  With all the talk of fall and my "diet" recipe post from the other day, I thought it only fitting to post these words of wisdom.

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.

--Jim Davis

Hope everyone has a great weekend.  We're full of football here!  Which reminds me, don't forget to check out the spirit top giveaway I'm hosting.  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Eggplant Parmesean for a Friend

Hi all and a very Happy Friday to you!  For today, in honor of fall (and as a special request), I've decided to post my eggplant parmesean recipe.  It's so easy and so good.  Nothing like comfort food in the fall, or anytime you're feeling down.  Now, please understand, this isn't a healthy recipe -- well, it does have vegetables!  Kind of like saying fired fish is good for you.  Hope you all enjoy!  TTFN.


XOXO,


Kim


Eggplant Parmesan


Ingredients
2C seasoned breadcrumbs
1-1/2C parmesean romano blend cheese
4 eggs, beaten
2 medium eggplants, sliced 3/4" thick
2C+ Italian blend cheese
3C+ favorite spaghetti sauce
oil for frying


Preheat oven to 350


Dip eggplant slices in egg then into a mixture of the seasoned bread crumbs and 1/2 C of the parmesean romano cheese.  Fry until golden brown and soft.  Drain on paper towels.


Pour enough spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 13X9 pan to cover and layer 1/2 of the eggplant.  Layer with 1/2 the Italian blend cheese and 1/2 of the remaing parmesean cheese, as well as 1/2 the spaghetti sauce.  Repeat, ending with the cheese.  Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until golden brown.


I tend to be a little heavy handed when it comes to the cheese and a little lighter on the sauce.  I probably use that amount of sauce, if not a touch more and I know I up the cheeses some.


Great served with a Ceasar salad and fresh baked French bread.

Oh My!!

Hi all!  And a Happy Thursday to you!!  I only have a few minutes for a quick post, as I'm potty training Baby Bubba.  Yes, I'm sick of changing diapers.  Who can blame me?!  He is my fourth baby after all AND both of his sisters were potty trained before now!  In fact, Eldest Daughter potty trained her self at 18 months.  I so miss those days.  I know Baby Bubba is young and a boy, but I can't wait any longer!  TTFN.

Don't forget to enter my spirit top giveaway.

XOXO,

Kim

It's Getting Closer

Hi all!  Hope everyone is having a good week.  Still trying to get on a better schedule with the little ones.  I'm sure it will be much easier once we're not taking off random days for fun.  What fun would that be, though?! 

I can't believe the changing of seasons is fast approaching.  I can even feel it in the air here.  I know, I know it's still in the upper-80's here.  If you're in the shade though, and you feel the breeze, it's cool.  While I'm excited to debut my new fall wardrobe, I'm still not ready to let go of summer.  I love hot, lazy days!  Fall has it's good parts, like pumpkin and fall festivals, but that's really about it.  I truly do prefer warmer weather and long nights outside.  What about you?  What season do you like?  Or, do you like them all? 

With fall fast approaching, don't forget to enter the spirit top giveaway I'm hosting.  Talk about the perfect top for your daughter to support your her favorite team!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Happy Birthday!

Hi all!  Today Eldest Son turns 11 and I'm so not ready for it.  He's already telling me he's almost a teenager!  Where has the time gone?  Where is that little baby?  The first little boy I held in my arms and stole my heart.  He is my eldest, my first love, my first heartache.  We have grown together and made our share of mistakes, mainly him, of course! :)  Okay, I best stop this before I can't control the tears.  I know I don't say it enough, but I'm so very proud of this young man and can't wait to see the man he will be.  In the meantime, we'll make a Hummingbird Cake to celebrate the day and pizza tonight with his football team.  Not too much else, as we took him on a trip last week and he went to the movies with his dad over the weekend.  I still need to tell y'all about the trip -- delightful!!!

Here's a picture of Eldest Son taken on our trip on his special day of dolphin watching.

Happy Birthday Eldest Son!!!  TTFN.

Oh, don't forget to check out my giveaway!

XOXO,

Kim

Weekend Words of Wisdom (A Hint)

Hi all!!  Happy weekend to you.  Well, this weekend's quote comes from the legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.  Kind of a hint for the giveaway being announced on Monday.  TTFN!

Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.

--Paul "Bear" Bryant

XOXO,

Kim

Just You Wait...

Hi all!  Wow, has this been a week!  Just got back from vacation yesterday to run to the dentist this morning.  Now, I'm trying to get caught up with laundry and all the other basic tasks I have to do every day.  I have to tell you about all I have coming up on the blog next week, I'm so excited!!!  First of all, I'm hosting a wonderful giveaway, so all you mommas of sweet little girls, best come back on Monday to check it out!  Also, next week I'll be telling you all about our vacation -- where we went, what we did.  It was SO relaxing and such fun, even with the four kids in tow!!  I think this is a place many of you will enjoy visiting.

Well, I hear the dryer going off and Baby Bubba is fussy.  So I better run!!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim 

Goodbye Summer, Already?

Hi all!  Happy day to you.  Well, I know summer is fast coming to an end and it makes me so sad.  How do I know this?  Eldest Son had his first scrimage football game, which means the "real" games will be here before I know it.  The team looks really good and they won the game.  Go Falcons!!  What also helped make it seem more like fall was the fact that it was rainy and gross and chilly. Oh so sad.  Okay, so I know 80 is nowhere near cold, but it sure felt cold to us!  One of the mom's was even wrapped in a blanket!  No, it wasn't me.  I was the mom with the three kids sitting her SUV when the rain was too much!  What fun fall activities do you have planned?  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

And The Winner Is...

Hi all!  Sorry this is so late in posting, but am beyond busy!!!  In fact,I just realized my weekend post never made it on here.  So, if you get a second, go check it out.  Enough of my complaining, though.  I'm so happy to announce the winner of my grilling giveaway is Entertaining Mom!  Please contact me with your mailing address so I can get all your goodies to you!  Thanks to all who entered and have played along.  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Weekend Words of Wisdom -- The Sea

Hi all!  Welcome to another addition of weekend words of wisdom.  I'm longing for the beach and quiet time with my family.  Hopefully, it will happen soon.  TTFN.

"For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)

it's always ourselves we find in the sea."

- e.e. cummings

 
XOXO,
 
Kim

Time's A Wasting

Hi all!!  So excited the weekend is almost here!!  What about you?  Well, just a reminder, today is the last day for the grilling giveaway.  Go check it out.  There are several fun finds included.  I'll announce the winner on Moday.  Good luck to all who enter.  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

It's Time

Hi all and a Happy Wednesday to you and a very Happy 40th to our dear Shopaholic in Alabama!!!  Hope this year is wonderful for you!

Something happened yesterday, that I thought would make y'all laugh.  Baby Bubba is reaching the ripe old age of 20 months, understand, by this time, both girls were COMPLETELY potty trained!  Well, Baby Bubba is a boy and isn't cooperating or is he just smater than they?!  Yesterday I told him we needed to change his diaper and he went and got one for me.  Okay, so he knows the words.  That's enough to make me know he's ready, but then he decides to run into the living room and grab a pillow for his head.  Yes, you read that right!!  He wanted to make sure he was comfortable.  All with the cutest smile on his face!  So, now I'm trying to potty train him, as much as he has trained me!!!  TTFN.

Oh, don't forget to enter my grilling giveaway.  The deadline is this Friday.

XOXO,

Kim

Oh What a Day -- Wordless Wednesday

Hi all!!  I wish you all such peaceful slumber...

XOXO,

Kim

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Hi all!  In honor of my grilling giveaway, I felt only it appropriate to share this link of Jimmy Buffet's "Cheeseburger in Paradise," complete with photos of all sorts of great grilling burgers!!!  Enjoy!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Grilling Giveaway

Hi all!  Well, it's another hot week here, which seems to be the new standard.  With all the heat, I haven't been baking as much and have even started using my crockpot more.  Anything to try and keep the house feeling somewhat cool.  Though it really doesn't matter the temperature, we have been doing a lot of grilling here which inspired me for this...

That's right, I'm hosting a grilling giveaway with these fun items.  These are all from my personal stash and contain some of my favorite products that I think you will enjoy, too.  Included are a chicken roaster pan -- you can put beer, wine or other marinades in it, a bottle of W ketchup (thank you to Entertaining Mom for introducing me to it!), a bottle of Smack Yo Mama BBQ sauce (I buy it every year at a Fall Festival), 3 different types of seasoning blends and a tomato relish.

So, here are the rules.

For one entry you MUST be a follower, either become a follower and let me know or let me know you already follow. 

For another entry, leave a comment about your favorite grilling experience/recipe.

For two entries either tweet this contest (@4kidlets -- so I know you have) or blog about it.

Please put your comments into one comment and let me know how many entries to give you. 

The giveaway will run through Friday, August 13 at midnight eastern time, with the winner being announced on Monday the 16th.  Good luck to all!  TTFN!!

XOXO,

Kim

Weekend Words of Wisdom and a Clue...

Hi all and a happy weekend to you!  The following quote is a clue about next weeks giveaway. 

"A mighty porterhouse steak an inch and a half thick, hot and sputtering from the griddle; dusted with fragrant pepper; enriched with little melting bits of butter of the most unimpeachable freshness and genuineness; the

precious juices of the meat trickling out and joining the gravy, archipelagoed with mushrooms; a township or two of tender, yellowish fat gracing an out- lying district of this ample county of beefsteak; the long white bone which divides the sirloin from the tenderloin still in its place."

~ from the writings of Mark Twain, while touring Europe in 1878

Any guesses? Please share. TTFN.



XOXO,


Kim

Inspiration, Please!!!

Hi all!  Well, this didn't take long.  First week of school and I'm already uninspired for this blog, school ideas I have aplenty.  With that out there, any one have any ideas to share?!  No particular topic, I just need some inspiration.  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Wordless Wednesday -- Toothless Fairy!!!

XOXO,

Kim

My Hero

Hi all!  Well, it's been a little rocky here, but I think we'll survive.  It's always fun getting back into a school routine!! I just wish I could be as tough as my little hero here...

My poor Ittybit gave herself her first black eye the other day and is wearing it as a badge of honor.  She tells everyone how cool it is and loves showing it off!!  Not only would I not find it cool, I would be hiding under the covers worrying that everyone would find me ugly.  I'm so proud this little girl has such confidence and realizes this is an outward symbol of her great strength.  Now, will her great strength and wisdom wear off on me?!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

How Hot is It?!

Hi all, welcome to a new week, and month.  Hope this finds y'all doing well!!!  As you know, the two oldest started their classes today, so if you have a moment, please say a prayer for a peaceful transition back into our school schedule.

To start preparing ourselves for the fun of a new school year, I decided Friday was to be a day of eggsperiments and other eggsperiences!!  Okay, so I'm not the funniest girl in the world, but my guys had fun.  First, we went to our local egg farm and picked up our usual order -- a flat of farm fresh eggs.  These truly are the best eggs and the best deal -- 30 extra large eggs for $2.  Yes, we go through that many eggs every week!  I also had a few store bought eggs here to use for comparison.  We thoroughly went over our eggs and discovered how strong, and fragile, they can be, as well as finding out if eggs could float by follwing these experiments.  We are also working on the "naked egg" experimemt.  Simply put, you cover the eggs with vinegar and it "eats" the shell.  This has been a lot of fun and watching the kids observe the differences between farm fresh and store bought has been fun -- I love when they really pay attention to detail.  By the way, we have observed farm fresh eggs seem to have a thicker shell. 


Now, how do we know it's hot here?!  Well, we could simply turn on the local weather report or even step outside to roast, but Husband and I had a better idea.  We discovered it's so hot outside you can...

Oh, yeah, we fried an egg!!!  Well, I must be off for our new adventures in learning.  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Weekend Words of Wisdom

Hi all!  As previously posted, the eldest two kids start their lessons on Monday.  That is why I chose the following quote for this weekend:

What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child. ~George Bernard Shaw

TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Last Weekend...

Hi all and welcome to another fun filled weekend!!  Well, at least everywhere, but at my house.  The kids start back to school Monday and Eldest Son is none too impressed.  Eldest Daughter, on the other hand, can't wait. 

I know many of you must think I'm crazy having the kids start back to school so early, but it really isn't all that early here.  In fact, our county schools start August 9th.  Just wanted to let y'all know it may take some time for me to find the balance that works best for all of us and blogging may be a little crazy.  Know that I'll do my best, but please cut me some slack for a couple of weeks!!  Besides, I have a fun giveaway in the works I think y'all will enjoy that I will announce next week. 

Well, I'm going to enjoy these last few "lazy" days.  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Oodles and Oodles of Snickerdoodles

Hi all!  Hope your week has been going well.  I'm still on my baking rampage, so last night, I made the following snickerdoodle recipe for the kids' swim instructors and for us, of course.  I simply doubled the recipe and it worked out great.  These are some of the best snickerdoodles I have ever tasted.  These are the same ones I made for Eldest Son when he was away at camp and even one of his cabinmates said I was a better baker than his mom.  Here you go...

Snickerdoodles

Cookies:
1/2 C butter, room temp
1/2 C shortening
1-1/2 C white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2-3/4 C flour
2 tsp cream of tarter
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Topping:
2 Tblsp white sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400.  Cream together butter, shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla.  Add the dry ingredients until incorporated.  Mix the ingredients for the topping in a shallow dish or plate.

Roll rounded tsp sized pieces of dough into balls and roll in the topping.  Pleace 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes until just set.  Leave on baking sheet for no more than 2 minutes and then remove cookies to a cooling rack.  The cookies should be soft with a small crunch around the edges.  Enjoy!!

Wordless Wednesday -- My Mermaid

XOXO,

Kim

The Evolution of a Family Picture!

Hi all!  Hope you like the new header picture and, of course, it was taken by Ken Rada.  What I want to do today is explain the evolution of this photo -- it was a year in the making!!!

It started when I found this jon jon online at In the Pink

Unfortunately, they only had it in a size 12-18 month and Baby Bubba was only about 5 months old, but I had to have it.  I also found Eldest Daughter's shorts on the site (her top is from The Pink Paddock)

and, I believe, Eldest Son's shirt is from there, as well.

Then I found my pants at Belk in Atlanta, of course they were about 4 sizes too big, but I had to have them.  Thank goodness for a GREAT tailor!!  My top is from Lilly Pulitzer Southlake.  Husband's shirt is from Under the Palm Tree and Ittybit's top is from Persnickity Palm, I believe.

So, a year and six Lilly stores later, we have a new family picture and header for this blog!  Thank you to all who helped in this task.  Did you ever think one picture could take so long and involve so many people?! ;-)  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Monogram Love

Hi all!  Hope your week is off to a great start.  Well, last week ended on a great note, so I know this week will also be fun!  I received these delightful Stephen Bonanno sandals in the mail on Friday, and just can't keep from salivating. 

I love that I can wear them practically year round, save for those bitterly cold months! 

Now, I'm thinking I need to order a pair of clogs in black and red for Eldest Son's football games and Eldest Daughter's cheering.  Probably a pair like this

What do you think?  You can check out more great designs, as well as some other wonderful monogrammed gifts, at The Pink Giraffe.  I have bought several items (including the above sandals) from them and am always happy with their service.

Also, if you "like" The Pink Giraffe on facebook, between now and August 2, you will be enterd to win a $25 gift certificate.  They are also on Twitter.

Just wanted to share this with you and let you know about another great place for your monogrammed gifts.  You know me, I love to share great customer service experiences, and they rank high!  Also, The Pink Giraffe in no way influenced me to write this post, unless you consider their great service an influence.

You must also visit Miss Janice's blog for the cutest GRITS giveaway!!


XOXO,

Kim

National Tequila Day Words of Wisdom

Hi all and welcome to the weekend edition of words of wisdom.  Seeing as today (Saturday) is National Tequila Day.  I thought I would share this funny quote:

Computers have enabled people to make more mistakes faster than almost any invention in history, with the possible exception of tequila... -Mitch Ratcliffe

Don't believe me about National Tequila Day?!  Just go to Wiki and read up on all you may want to know about tequila, and then some!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Friday Follow Fun

Hi all and welcome to another beautiful Friday!  Today is especially wonderful, because Bethany from Maryland Pink and Green asked if I would like to host Friday Follow with her.  How could I ever turn such a fun request down?!  I hope you will join us and meet some new friends along the way.  Now, each week Bethany has tried to reach at least 50 bloggers, let's try to reach that goal, if not surpass it!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Happy Friday! Welcome to Kim from My Life Through Pink (Green and Blue, too) Colored Glasses for hosting today's blog hop with Maryland Pink and Green. She is so sweet and has the most adorable family.

Just like last week, on today's blog hop you only need to link your blog to the list once and you can add it on any of the 2 blogs hosting the Follow Friday.

Blog readers will see the same list on all of the blogs and will be able to "hop" from blog to blog. What a fun way to find new friends! If you have not joined previous weeks, be sure to add your blog to the list today. Even if you've already added your blog on another blog hop, add your name to the list today since every week is a new list. Find new blogs to follow and be sure to follow the lovely hostesses of the blog hop. Be sure to follow someone who follows you and let them know that you found them through Follow Friday.










Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click for instructions and code…