My 1st attempt!

I was pretty excited to make The Pioneer Woman’s Strawberry Sparkle Cake, after seeing Ree make it on an episode of her Food Network show!

I chose to use an angel food box mix, (instead of making from scratch) & I was thrilled with how it turned out. However…my strawberry mixture didn’t thicken. I think it was either because I used too many frozen strawberries or that they were partly thawed!? Either way, with dinner guests at our house already – I had to be creative! My girlfriend Elizabeth suggested we strain the strawberries out to fill the “trench” with and use the juice to ladle over the individual cake pieces. As I spread the whip cream out over the cake, I didn’t go all the way down the side to start & my friend thought it looked cool. Almost a lace look, so I left it!

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It tasted amazing!!! Yes I’m complementing my own baking. I had…2 large slices!!
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I think this cake tasted better than just serving a piece of angel food cake with strawberries & cream on top. Something about the layers of goodness and freshly made whip cream! I highly suggest this recipe and will be making again.

Domestic Goddess in Training,
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Heaven is for Real :: Book Review

While on summer vacation, I did a lot of reading!

Last Christmas, my mother-in-love gifted my husband the book, Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. I packed it with me, so I could finally dive into it.

It was a page turner, quick read and absolutely FABULOUS!! This absolutely amazing book about a real boy, has some incredible messages weaved through the incredible story.

As a Christian woman, I am constantly trying to become more faithful and follow God’s will. When life is amazing, I’m grateful to be a child of God and when life throws me challenges I lean on God’s strength for inspiration. My knowledge of scripture is very beginner, but I’m improving and learning more all the time. My awesome friend Erin recently introduced me to Beth Moore, by inviting me to attend her speak in Calgary in June. Little did I know after leaving the day 2 day event, with my cup overflowing, I’d be faced with a life changing situation. God was the first person I turned to and every day he helps me get stronger and see the sunshine in everything!

I must confess, I am far from perfect, with a less than ideal vocabulary at times. My potty mouth needs to be rinsed out with soap! I was reading from James this week and am putting some scripture into practice. I pray numerous times a day, from mealtime, to on my knees when it’s necessary, and even out loud. As a mother, I want to learn more to teach my children!

I highly suggest you read this book – whether you’re religious or an atheist! It may give you a new perspective on life. Have you read it? What was your opinion?

Keep living an amazing life every day!

Hugs,
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Awesome Aunt in training

Today my son Braxton and I are hanging out with my nephew Sloan, niece Harper and sister Rayel.

Sloan is almost 3 and Harper is just over 9 months old! All 3 kids play really well together. We’re so blessed to live closer to one of our families now – Braxton loves time with his cousins!

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I have a couple exciting projects planned for Sloan and I to complete!

This is what we’re going to make for lunch:

I discovered it on Pinterest!!

We’re also going to try our luck at a Milk Carton Bird Feeder craft. The dream would be it will look like this one:

However, the reality is our creation will be as authentic as this:

I saw an example of one at our local library! I even bought a carton of milk versus a plastic jug – with Sloan in mind!

Hope you have a tremendous day!!

Awesome Aunt in the works,
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Dear Fellow Mompreneur!

It is 9:29pm on a Monday night! My 13 month old son went to bed an hour ago. I downed a chai tea latte that I made in the microwave, cleaned up some toys and just spent 20 minutes reading Facebook status updates!20120326-215845.jpg

One part of me is ready to crash, the other is giddy and excited about getting some “me” time to tackle some fabulous projects in my home office!

This internal battle, I mean discussion, is something that I’m sure you can relate with.

I usually ask myself daily the question, “Would I hire or fire myself based on my income producing activities today?” Today, I would say that I would HIRE myself!

That response should be my clear answer that I’ve done at least 1 thing to move my business forward and as a stay at home Mom (SAHM) that should be celebrated.

I am excited, however I also know I have a million things that I could be doing.

Clearly if I knew “what” I should be doing, I would already be doing it – instead of writing this note.

Back to my question about hiring or firing myself. Lots of days I would have to say fire! I embrace those days and know that my time was clearly spent better being a Mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter, you catch my drift. It would be so easy to beat myself up about not getting this and that done. However I’ve chosen to flush these negative thoughts down the toilet and keep my amazing feet moving forward!

Back to my “action step” list tonight. I’m looking for something that is EXCITING to do. Not for the biggest priority because it can wait until tomorrow in my opinion. If I’m going to stay up any longer, it’s going to be doing something that I’m passionate and pumped up about. Working on a deposit or paying a bill isn’t getting me jazzed up right now. Some nights my mood might be different – I am spontaneous and roll with my energy!

SOOO… there it is – I’m sharing with you my intimate, unedited thoughts. As a Super Mom and Domestic Goddess in Training, passionate Mompreneur and human – I AM living an amazing life. I get the choice of how to spend my time – just like you. We all have the same 24 hours in a day and can either pursue our dreams in the nooks and crannies of our full, abundant lives OR sit on our butts and complain.

If you’re having an “off” day and not getting what you think you should be doing in your home office – walk away! Turn off your computer and go be a Mom. When you’re super duper motivated – you’ll be more productive with your time. You’ll complete the project or action step more effectively.

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Enjoy the moment. Dream big and break down your goal into small, attainable steps. When you have 5 minutes in your day, tackle just one of those small baby steps and celebrate that you’re 1 step closer to achieving the big goal!

Congratulations on being you!

 

Hugs from another Mompreneur,
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Price Comparison

I get the biggest rush going through sale flyers for grocery stores. I created a spreadsheet with the items my family buys regularly. Then when I see a “sale” in a store or flyer, I know whether it’s a good deal or not.

I first got the idea from my friend Sarah Deveau’s book Money Smart Mom! It took a bit for the idea to grow on me, as I used to make fun of my Mom for being a “Coupon Queen” when I was growing up! I vividly recall my Mom giving me a coupon for admission when going on a date in high school, in front of the guy.

Now I’ve got over myself and become a domestic goddess in training! In November, before I did a big cook (froze a bunch of meals), I went to a different store than usual just to buy 2 boxes of chicken breasts on sale.

Often when I go to the store I have a copy of my most updated grocery list with me. You can find me jotting down notes – new items, revisions, etc, in the margins. Then when I get a chance, I’ll update my spreadsheet, print off my newly updated document and put it in my purse for my next grocery shopping date!

I don’t prefer to shop for groceries at Wal Mart, but if I can spend part of my grocery budget there and have more to spend on other budgets, I will!

Want to make your own? DOWNLOAD my Excel spreadsheet, so you have something to start from OR create your own (Type A personalities)!!

*Please note the prices found in the image are based on my own observation! As the creator of my Grocery Price Comparison document, I assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor do they represent or warrant that the information contained herein is in all cases true, accurate, appropriate, or legal.

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About a year ago, I decided that becoming budget savvy needed to become my middle name.

Why do I go out of my way to save on groceries? So I can justify having a house cleaner, pedicures, and nice clothes! As an example, say a house cleaner costs $60 every 2 weeks ($20/hr for 3 hrs) to clean bathrooms, floors, and dust. If I can save $30 on groceries and chose to eat at home more instead of dining out, saving another $30 – then I’ve paid for a house cleaner!! To me, having a house cleaner is living an amazing life. I justify delegating the house chores I don’t prefer, by extra time doing income producing activities.

The best part of life is that you get a choice, of how to spend your time and money. You can save in places, to spend in others. Everyone’s motivation is unique to them.

What do you do, to save money?

Stay Amazing,
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Progressive Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite annual holidays to spend time with family and friends. I have many fond memories of spending it at my Grandma’s. This year my family of 3 decided to spend the day at home by ourselves.

Chef Beazley and I took turns in the kitchen creating our Progressive Thanksgiving dinner. Here are pictures from our feast!

Course #1: Butternut Squash Tomato soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons!!! Oh and every celebration deserves champagne.

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Course #2: Pumpkin Cheesecake

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Braxton loves solid food!

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Course #3: Chicken Fried Steak with white gravy, Green Bean Casserole and loaded Mashed Potatoes.

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Course #4: More Pumpkin Cheesecake…

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What delicious dishes did you enjoy for Thanksgiving?

It’s fabulous that I’m back to my 30 Day Challenge this week, as I really splurged on Monday!!

Stay Amazing,
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Naked Inbox

One morning last week, while I was getting my house ready to list and pack for vacation - I decided to conquer a success step that I had been procrastinating to complete. Clearly, I had nothing better to do! Right…

I had OVER 5000 emails in my Email Inbox and over 2800 of those had never been opened! If you’re a Type A personality, you may be cringing by this thought. Yikes… let me explain. I subscribe to lots of ezines from speakers, authors, inspiring individuals, so when I don’t have time to read at the time I receive, I used to “keep” for a rainy day to read. Well, my rainy day material got a bit out of hand. I have a new strategy to enjoy these ezines without filling up my Inbox, which I’ll expalin in another post.

My #1 goal was to review, relocate and delete the 5000 emails. I was left with a Naked Inbox!!!!!

I was beyond proud of myself and found the exercise extremely empowering!

Does your Inbox look like mine used to? Or how it does now?

Happy decluttering,
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