spreading her wings.

russ is twenty-eight!

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my Brother, Russell Sean!!

My mom was telling me last night that 28 years ago, she started going into labor in the late evening, two weeks early. My Dad was watching one of his favorite shows "Hillstreet Blues" and let my mom know that the baby was going to have to wait until the show was over. First time Dad, obviously. :) Well, after the show ended, off to the hospital they went .. Mom did not have time to sign on the papers to get an epidural, before Russ popped out!

{he was named after a nice man they met while honeymooning in Malaki, Hawaii .. and middle name was after the actor sean connery}

gotta love my dad's head of hair and mustache that lasted way too many years! ;)

seriously, mom .. poor russ dressed up as a clown ..

everyone thought we were twins, or i was the older of the two.. nope just a big girl. and that sweater, priceless Russ!

Russ what a year you have had! The best and most important thing that happened you to this year was putting a ring on this hot little lady's finger!! Wahoo! We were all happy to have the two of you move back home to the United States after about 5 years in Poland. We love you very much and all look forward to what God has in store for your life.

You are the most laid back person I have ever met, who genuinely goes with the flow and looks on the bright side of things. Thank you for showing me how to be patient and let things slide. Love you Russ!

happy birthday old man.. two more years until you are 30!

my plans vs. His plans

2012-01-24T12:51:00.001-08:00

Hi, my name is Krislyn and I am a planner. A planner for my life. If I were to go back to my 16 year old self, this is what I would have told you about my life.

I'd attend a Christian University in Southern California.

While in school studying to eventually get my Master's to be a Counselor, I'd meet my husband.

My husband who would preferably be 3-5 years older than I was.

We'd get married right after graduation.

Stay in California and or move to a Southern State.

I'd enter my Master's program.

Become pregnant.

Eventually finish my Master's program.

Work a few days a week and be a Mom the rest of the time

All this by the age of 26.

I know I am not the only one who had what they thought was their "ideal" all mapped out for them. It's just a part of who we are, we like to at least "help" God along, right? But soon we realize He's pretty good at doing it on His own. Here's what has really taken place up until age twenty-six.

I didn't get accepted to the California school I was counting on.

Therefore stayed in Washington and attended SPU.

At the end of my Freshman year I had no idea what I was doing, so I moved.

To Bellingham, as city that is so not me, lived with my best friend and some girls.

Attended a community college for a year, and worked at a bakery.

Went on my first Mission Trip to West Virgina.

Decided I needed to go to back to SPU so I could major in Family and Consumer Sciences.

Loved my major, but not college life at all.

Spent my free time nannying Gavin, whom I adored and spending time with his family.

Be a bit lost on the whole Jesus thing.

Came around to the whole Jesus thing during my Senior Year, thanks to Heather's Bible Study.

Decide to take a huge leap of faith and move to Arizona, because as you can see my husband was no where to be found and I needed sunshine.

Was a live in Nanny for five munchkins for a year and a half.

Traveled to Europe.

For three months had no friends, and yet I grew closer to God during this time then ever in my life.

Was invited to a Girls Bible Study.

Read through and studied and memorized a Book of the Bible for my very first time.

Found a community like no other.

Went through some trials with my job, and feeling unappreciated.

Wondered where my life was heading after this phase.

Made the choice to move home and reconnect with who God was forming me to be.

Saw my parents go back to Church.

Moved into my very own apartment and obtained an incredible nanny job.

Realized what being in community at Church was all about and joined a Growth Group, where we read "Calm My Anxious Heart."

Was Baptized.

The Lord brought someone back into my life, who I now love and can not wait for our future together.

Went to Africa, where I was completely uncomfortable and saw God use His people to break my heart.

Struggled with having a long distance relationship, wondering why God hadn't allowed me to move when I wanted to.

Acted on the passion God put in my heart, and started my own baking company SheBakes Bakery.

Have been blessed beyond belief with a job and families that I adore, who have showed me what being a good parent is all about and raising your children in the name of God.

Eventually began to see with my eyes that His plan is much greater than my will ever be.

And there you go, my little life these past years. Funny how at 16 you think you know what you want in life, but gosh you have no idea. I am so thankful that my little plan did not go as planned because what God has done in my heart during His plan is something I would never take back. This is all just a reminder that as much as I would love to plan the next 10 years of my life, I clearly can't, because God will shake it up into something greater, so I need to just be open to what He has in store.

kari jobe: where i find you.

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Because we all know how much I love Kari Jobe! Kari has such an incredible voice, and her heart for Jesus and others is so evident in the words that she sings. Her first CD reminds me solely of living in Arizona.

driving up and down pima and scottsdale road late at night

making cards in my oh-so-tiny studio apartment

working out at lifetime

living with shey and mandy

With that her NEW CD came out TODAY! So I encourage you to hop on over to iTunes and purchase yourself Kari's CD. I promise you, you will be encouraged, lifted up, comforted, brought hope, refreshed, and so many other adjectives!

Here's a video of her singing Steady My Heart

You'll be blessed. I just know you will!

{snickerdoodles w/filling}

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Snickerdoodle time, with a twist! Russ and Agata came over for dinner on Sunday, and they had been complaining that I was slacking in the delivery of baked goods to them recently. It's been busy, what can I say? So, I decided to bake up some Snickerdoodles for them, and since Russ loves goodies with frosting and or fillings, I decided to put Cinnamon Cream Cheese in the center of these bad boys!

These Snickerdoodles are the best, and I am not trying to up my baking skills .. But gosh, they are good. Crispy around the edges and soft as you head towards the center. Everyone thought they hit the spot, and added even more moistness.

Preheat Oven 350

Makes 16 Cookies

Snickerdoodles

2 3/4 Cup Flour

1 1/2 Cup Sugar

2 Sticks Soften Butter

2 TSP Cream of Tarter

2 TSP Vanilla

2 Eggs

1 1/2 TSP Baking Soda

1/2 TSP Baking Powder

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling

6OZ Soften Cream Cheese

1/4 Sugar

2 TSP Vanilla

1 TSP Cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

2 TSP Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Sugar

1. Mix together eggs, vanilla, sugar.

2. Add butter, tarter, bs, bp.

3. Add flour.

4. Set aside.

5. Mix together cream cheese, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar {until it is smooth}

6. Mix together cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.

7. Take the dough {a little smaller than a golf ball} make into ball and flatten with your hands. Add a TSP of cream cheese mixture in center of dough, then wrap dough around it back into a ball. Roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture and place on cookie sheet.

8. Place in oven for 11-13 minutes!

This is a bit time consuming, but in the end worth every bite!

ENJOY!

last post about SNOW, i promise.

2012-01-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord!! Our snow is gone! It's off the streets and is slowing melting away off the sidewalks. I am crossing my little fingers that, that snow/ice storm was our one and only for the year.

Being stuck in the house for 3 whole days with these cuties, made me think .. How do parents survive in places where snow never goes away all Winter .. Because frankly, I'd go crazy! I had to asked the boy what he did since he grew up in Michigan, where the snow falls during Winter. He said he'd just spend hours outside building in the snow, and also that the streets were better prepped and prepared for snow! Still ... I'd rather be hot and sweaty, then frozen and cold!

Carson was too cute .. He'd bundle himself all up, and go play for 15 minutes then come inside to thaw out .... 15 minutes later he'd bundle himself all back up! He LOVES snow.

Oliver and I would watch from the warmth of fireplace. Oliver did go out a few times, but he would never play, his form of playing was opening and closing the slider door .. That was not going to work, so we ran around and played hide and seek.
It was great to get out and about yesterday with my Mom, we were dying to get out! The rest of the day was spent relaxing, catching up on a few things, and then watching these boys in the evening.

Now I'm thinking I'll bake something for the blog this week ... If only I knew what to bake!

another post about SNOW.

2012-01-18T17:19:00.001-08:00

It has snowed quite a bit in the past couple of days, and today most businesses were closed. Since I do not drive in snow AT ALL, my wonderful boss came to pick me up. They are both from Colorado so our snow is nothing compared to what they have dealt with, brave souls.

And with in 2 minutes of arriving, Carson had me outside in the freezing, snowy, coldness! I lasted about 11 minutes, and went inside to pour a cup of coffee. :) Through out the day I believe the boys were outside about 5 times, and I was out there a total of 23 minutes, at least I actually tried to enjoy the snow. Just way too cold for my warm blooded body.

Carson and I tried to make Snow Ice Cream, ick. So not good! We opted for Chocolate Chip Cookies! Much better. We also spent time playing Transformers and Power Rangers, along with that good ol' tent of theirs!

This video cracks me up. Carson is into spelling everything!! Which is so fun, and Oliver is following right behind his big brother. Here he is spelling his name ..

Not bad for a 2 year old, right?! I love his excitement. Overall, a good day! Made it home safe, and will be picked up in the morning.

sunshine and snow.

2012-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

I'm back, from probably the quickest visit ever. Great, but super quick. I headed out Saturday and by the time I landed in Arizona this is what Seattle looked like, SNOW! Claire and the boys sent me this text, of their home ... I left just in time! Many already know, but I highly dislike snow, I believe it was meant for the mountains and only the mountains. This is mainly because I do not drive in snow, I get anxious and it's just not good ... So I was glad to have arrived in sunny Arizona, well it wasn't really sunny.

Sunday morning was the Phoenix Rock n Roll Marathon/Half and the marathoners ran past the boys condo! So we headed out super early and walked to LGO {my favorite} had coffee and breakfast then walked back in time to see the first of the marathoners, "you know the hard core, I'll run the marathon at a 6 minute mile pace the entire time ..." The four or five guys were rollin' so I cheered them on and secretly wanted to join them. But then I realized how much I hated mile 11 in the half I did, and probably will never find any fun in running 26.2 miles.

We're a couple who believes our workout attire needs to be BRIGHT and a bit obnoxious.

I just love LGO. Their food, their COFFEE, their little shopping area, the atmosphere... Sunday morning was probably the quietest we have ever seen it, due to the marathon I am assuming, plus we were there super duper early. I munched on granola, fruit and yogurt, the boy had something with an over-easy egg on top {sick} .. Good conversation occurred, and I was loving the sun shining through.

Iced Vanilla Coffee. to die for.

The rest of the 2.5 days were spent mending to both of our sickness, helping out friends get their home ready to rent, running a few errands, seeing two girlfriends, yogurt, watching football, talking over a book we are reading, dinner on the balcony, extremely scary Walmart experience, and a little relationship building activity {i'll save this story for another post, it involves keys ...}

And dinner date at Black Chile Mexican Grill, delicious. I had the vegetarian tacos {lettuce, sweet potatoes, squash, red onion} light, fresh and tasty. Along with their black beans and rice, it was a bit sweet! We'll definitely go back.

Last, but not least .. We went out on a late afternoon walk yesterday! The sun finally decided to shine, and I was not able to let it go to waste so off we went. It was beautiful, and so very peaceful. Thankful I was able to soak up a bit of this Vitamin D, since I knew in a few short ours I'd be experience more SNOW!!

homemade monkey bread muffins

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Monkey Bread, I've mentioned it a few times on my blog, but this time I wanted to make the biscuit part homemade! And honestly, it does not take that much longer than using store bought biscuits. Monkey Bread is a family favorite so, I decided to bake these gems up for my brother and loaded them up with cream cheese frosting!

To make these muffins you'll need some yeast, don't get scared you'll only have to allow the dough to set for 30 minutes, unlike most breads with yeast, having to wait an hour and than another hour. So here you go!

Biscuits

3 1/3 Cups Flour

1 package of Yeast {2 1/2 tsp}

4 TBSP Sugar

2 TBSP Butter

1 Egg

3/4 Buttermilk

1/4 Water

2 TSP Vanilla

Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture

1 TBSP Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Sugar

1. Warm the buttermilk and water in microwave, about 30 seconds. Once out, add yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.

2. In bowl {you do not need a mixer} add softened butter, egg, vanilla, sugar and mix.

3. Add a cup at a time of the flour, pour in a bit of the buttermilk mixture, add another cup of flour, and repeat until all is mixed in.

4. Mix for about 4 minutes, then set dough aside for 30 minutes.

5. Mix together cinnamon and sugar in a bowl, side aside.

6. After 30 minutes, pull gum ball size pieces of dough and roll {if sticky just make sure your hands are wet and it will help you!} roll into cinnamon and sugar and place into greased muffin tin.

7. You'll add about 6 balls to each muffin tin.

Topping

5 TBSP Butter

1 Cup Brown Sugar

*Chopped pecans if you want!

1. Melt all ingredients on stove top.

2. Pour over dough in muffin tins.

3. Pop them into oven at 350 for 10-12 minutes!

4. Let them cool completely before removing them from muffin tin.

Cream Cheese Frosting

2 1/2 Cups Powered Sugar

4 ounces Cream Cheese

4 TBSP Softened Butter

2 TSP Vanilla Extract

1-2 TBSP of Milk

1. Beat it all together with a mixer.

2. Keep beating until completely smooth, you may need to add a bit of milk depends.

3. Put into a baggy and cut the corner .... Pipe onto muffins, and well... you're finally DONE!

These are perfect because you get your own little serving, and it doesn't leave you completely on a sugar high!

Enjoy!

weekly round up.

2012-01-12T18:30:00.001-08:00

I am exhausted and Friday hasn't even come! I've been a bit under the weather and pretty much feel like my head is going to explode .. Lovely, right? I am crossing my fingers that, a little bit of warmth and vitamin D this weekend will solved my horrible immune system lately.

My week started off with going to dinner with some longtime friends. We were there for 3 hours!! We had a lot of checking up to do our topic of conversation; weddings and babies. Pretty sure I have entered the season of my life where everyone and their mother is getting married or having babies ... It is so fun seeing the transformations, and where God has everyone going .. But it does makes me feel old! We also found out this night that our friend is having a BOY!

Here I am before I headed out. Yes, I wear my white pants year round, and I will also wear this white jacket year round also .. Who cares!

The rest of my week consisted of taking care of 120 fingers and toes! Tuesday's I spend my day with neighbors of Carson and Ollie.. Kingston and Sax are such easy going kids, and we added one more to the bunch, Brecken .. Another easy going one and a half year old.

The next day I had a 4, 3, 2, 1 year old to watch ... Talk about BUSY!! Now I was a nanny to 5, but they were a little older ... So a 2 year old and a 1 year old .. Plus a 3 year old and a 4 year old, never a dull moment. But honestly, as insane as it sounds it was not bad at all .. But I will not be having four kids. ;)

C and O actually sat for a picture and smiled!

This morning we headed to Frost for some donuts! Carson loves his sprinkles and Oliver is all about the Old Fashion Chocolate. The other day C was at the garbage and said "Krislyn, we haven't seen Sally and David lately." Sally and Dave are my grandparents, and he was right we haven't visited them in a while, so guess what we did?! We grabbed Gramps a donut and headed to their house. Pretty sure we made their morning! I love seeing them interact with the boys, and can't wait to see them with their great-grandchild one day.

Here is Mr. Ollie waiting on Grannie J to come visit after she got off work! Which was a life savor because nonny was losing energy by the second!

She seriously can't wait to have Grandkids ... Well, she CAN wait ... Because she has these two kiddos to keep her entertained. She even ventured into the tent, brave woman!

Wow .. I am exhausted after writing all this! Its been a good week, but gosh I am ready to relax in Arizona!

{oatmeal cinnamon cookie sandwich}

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

My brother loves cookies that have frosting on them, I mean who doesn't?! Frosting just adds to the sweetness of the cookies and a bit of moistness {did I just use this horrid word} yes, yes I did. Back to the cookie, I decided to do a regular ol' oatmeal cookie {a variation of a she bakes cookie} and add some cinnamon frosting to the middle!

Yields 15 Sandwiches

Preheat Oven to 350

Cookie:

2 Eggs

1 Stick of Melted Butter

2 TSP Vanilla

1/2 TSP Baking Powder

1/2 TSP Baking Soda

1/2 Cup Sugar

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

2 Cups Oats

1 1/2 Cup Flour

Filling:

3 TSP Cinnamon

2 TBSP Milk

2 1/2 Powered Sugar

1 TSP Vanilla

2 TBSP Softened Butter

1. Mix wet ingredients.

2. Add dry ingredients.

3. Form into small balls {a little more than a TBSP}

4. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges start to get golden.

5. Transfer immediately to wax paper.

6. Once cool, pop in freezer for 5 minutes so when you frost, the warmth of cookie does not melt filling.

7. To make filling, just add all ingredients to mixer, you may need to add more milk or more powered sugar!

8. Spoon about a TBSP of filling onto bottom of cookie and smash it into another cookie!

AND ENJOY!!!

{tone it up}

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am all about toning these days, not necessarily losing weight but toning up this body. For me, I have all the motivation in the world to exercise, I actually enjoy it .. crave it .. need it .. daily. This is not a post on losing weight, or what my goals are, or anything like that. I am here to encourage you and give you a little insight to something I found this summer and LOVE LOVE it!

{TONE IT UP}

These girls, Karena and Katrina are seriously some of the most encouraging fitness ladies I have come across, and their goal is to motivate women and being their "personal" fitness trainers from a distance. These girls are all over twitter, and have a great interactive community, somehow they keep you accountable without pounding on your door in the morning, or killing you in the gym. They are the real deal, and you can tell this is their PASSION!

Tone It Up has great website that educates you on nutrition, gives your fitness exercises, and allows you to interact. There are PLENTY of videos with amazing exercises that do not take you an hour to do, more like 15-20 minutes .. And trust me you are sore afterwards {their stairs workout is TOUGH} I love how weekly there are new videos, and encouraging words from these ladies. Also, if so you can purchase a lifetime membership with them, and a recipe guide is sent to you with MANY recipes, what to eat, why to eat it, when you should eat it ... I could go on and on, it's fabulous.

Alright, I get off my little promo box and just say check them out for yourself. It's all about a lifestyle change, not a fad diet ... And I want to warn you that they live in Santa Monica, California so MOST if not ALL of their videos are on the BEACH! Which if you are like me, makes you want to move there ASAP, and or live somewhere sunny 90% of the year, unlike {uh hum Seattle...}

Go see for yourself what Karena and Katrina are all about, I challenge you to do one of their work out videos tonight! And let me know how it goes. :)

saturday tid-bits

2012-01-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

1. You remember in the last post, the tent. Well, I guess sitting in a tent with a little cutie who has the flu is not the smartest of ideas, because this girl was down for the count yesterday! Thankful it hit me quickly and passed quickly.

2. I am currently baking homemade monkey bread with cinnabon frosting for my brother, let's see how they turn out. I love baking with yeast, but it definitely tests' my patience. If they turn out I'll write up the recipe for the homemade biscuits.

3. Booked my ticket for Arizona next weekend. Praise the Lord. Need Vitamin D STAT! Ohh and I really need to see the boy. ;)

4. And my mom and I just booked a girls weekend in my favorite beach town, Carlsbad! Can't wait to spend a mother/daughter weekend together, and we're praying the sun decides to show a little of its face.

5. Pretty sure January is my least favorite month, well January and March.

6. Someone got her first pair of Tory Burch Ballet Flats. Thrilled to death! My bosses rock.

7. Anyone else watch Passion 2012 on livestream?! I did, and I could not get enough of it. They focused their efforts on human trafficking at this conference, and I think it was SO powerful all they are doing to STOP this awful awful thing, got my mind thinking of what can I do. Also a few months ago a friend of mine gave me the book "Renting Lacy." It is a personal account of sex trafficking in OUR country, goodness did it open my mind and broke my heart. I was sickened when she told me the statistics of the amount of girls between 5-18 who have been sold, lured, kidnapped into the world of prostitution. I highly recommend given it a read.

8. One last thing. This verse is one I kept saying in my head this week, something I really feel like I need to work on lately:

Don't let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

enjoy the rest of your weekend!

not a camper.

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, my family went camping a ton during the Spring and Summer, but our type of camping consisted of a motor home. As a pre-teen, my friends and I would have sleep overs in my backyard with our huge two room tent, all of us girls would pile in and by mid night my Dad would be carrying us all into the house because we'd get cold, scared, or well it would start to rain. Tents and rain do not mix!

My one and only fond memory of camping was back in High School, there were 6 of us .. Best friends, three boys and three girls, we decided to go camping. It was somewhat of a fun experience, we found a camp ground, had our two room tent, and had many personalities to keep us occupied for days. Our first night the boys thought it would be fun to bake a pizza over the camp fire. This was a huge huge FAIL, and we were left starving and at the mini-mart. The following night we made camp in the middle of a trailer park. Yes, a trailer park. Good times good times.

But truly, camping is not me, at all. I hate the feeling of waking up in a musty tent, feeling damp, and just feeling truly disgusting. Nope, sorry can't do it.

With all that .. The munchkin's got a tent for Christmas and I decided to be the awesome handy Nanny to put it together, since I am a pro and all. ;)

Things got off to a rocky start, I was flustered and there were no instructions.

But with a deep breath and whole lotta strength I figured this darn thing out! And I had two happy boys excited to play inside. I am pretty sure they've been inside this tent 80% of our days, and yes they make me go inside too. But after about 5 minutes I am dying from humidity and need fresh air!

And, I mean what's camping without S'mores?!?! So, Carson, Oliver and I decided to make S'mores cookie style!

So there you have it. The diary of a girl who is a whimp when it comes to camping.

my stepdad, dave.

2012-01-04T20:06:00.000-08:00

My Step dad is British. Just kidding, as I wrote that he actually corrected me, he's English. I guess there's a difference. :) Whatever the case he has an accent that is a mix between English/Australian, people never get it right where he's from ... Maybe it's because he left England when he was 18 to travel the World ... Whatever the case, he is English and he cracks me up daily, so I thought I'd share with you some of his quirkiness.

- If you thought my picky eating was well .. picky .. this guy, is the king is pickiness.

-He's a vegetarian, a skinny vegetarian.

-Many nights I'll smell his go to meal "Chip Buddies." What are those you may ask? Well .. Its a french roll, or some type of heavy duty bread, with cheese and french fries on top .. it is then put into the oven and browned then made into a sandwich!! Cheese. Bread. Fries, what's better then that?

-Other items of food he loves; Chips, he puts about three types into a container and eats them, he especially loves the crumbs! Cheesy Bunnies as he calls them; Trader Joe Bunny Crackers. Suckers but he calls them Lollies. Pizza, loves pizza. Bagels, he eats a bagel a day. Soda, also known by Dave as "Fizzy Pop," after he runs he takes a big swig of this! Beer, Stella to be exact.

-He eats at super strange hours of the day ... Dinner is at 9pm, which use to be 11pm.

-Coffee ... Well, he LOVES 7-11 coffee... Because they always have weird flavors such as; Banana and Raspberry! gross gross gross!

-He believes wearing Camo and Plaid Shirts is stylish. Mom and I had to do an intervention on his outfit one time ... That went over well, as he still wears his camo pants and plaid shirts with his bright orange watch!

-Unlike many people who spend there time on their phone; texting, facebook, pinterest, tweeting ... With in 5 minutes of getting his iPod Touch, he had dowloaded this game called "Swampy" .. It's not really called Swampy, but if you've noticed he has a nickname for everything!!

-He believes his glasses he wears to do some of his work makes him smarter.

-He is English so he loves his "footy" also known as futbal or well .. soccer.

-He is obsessed .. Like might get a bit upset if we forget to record "Real Housewives"!! It's hilarious, him and I love to talk about it .. And my mom just rolls her eyes, she thinks we're crazy for watching it.

-At night him and my Mom watched recorded shows of "The Price is Right," and they just watched the show case showdown ... And from upstairs I can hear his famous "clap," this clap starts quiet and then becomes very loud .. A video needs to be made of this!

Alright .... I could go on and on and on, but I won't! This was so fun, and as I read this back to him and my mom I started crying of laughter, and so did she! I do love him, {pretty sure he was terrified of me for the first 4 years of their relationship} and he makes my mom SO happy! They are two peas in a pod.

My nightlife would be so lame with out the two of them! Gotta live this up before I am not their tenant anymore!

passion 2012

2012-01-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

This is what I have spent my night watching, and will be watching it as much as possible until Thursday, Passion Conference 2012 . In college I wanted to always go, but was never able to due to our classes beginning when it was held. But I love that anyone is able to watch it via the internet!!!

Passion is a conference filled with young adults, who are IN LOVE with JESUS and ready to make a change.

I mean, if you need a little Jesus lovin', some AMAZING worship, a message that gives you chills, and learning about some POWERFUL organizations working to STOP sex/human slavery .. You need to tune in as much as possible!

It's pretty darn powerful. And my heart is stirring! We were MADE for MORE!

This is also making me really want to go to a conference this year. I am checking out some Women of Faith conferences .... To my real life friends anyone want to join? Or I mean blogger friends too! Girls weekend?

This is how they worship at Passion! {last year's ... amazing christy nockels}

{coffee chip pancake muffins}

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

It's been way too long since I've shared any recipes! Sheesh, forgive me. So, I'm back in full swing with posting at least one recipe a week for you all to enjoy, or just drool over via the computer screen.

These little gems were inspired by the mini pancake muffins I noticed at the grocery store, which made me think I'd give these a shot for Dave's co-workers. The difference from pancake muffins and muffins is the texture. Muffins are more dense, where as pancake muffins are fluffy, airy, and have a little bite to them.

I decided to take a shot of making coffee chip pancake muffins, and I'm pretty sure they will be winners with the folks who pop them in their mouth.

Coffee Chip Pancake Muffins

yields 24 mini muffins

preheat 350

1 Cup Cake Flour

3 TBSP Sugar

2 TBSP Melted Butter

1 Egg

2/3 Cup Buttermilk

3 TBSP Instant Coffee {with three TBSP hot water}

1 TSP Baking Powder

1/2 TSP Baking Soda

1 TSP Vanilla

Some Chocolate Chips

Some Powered Sugar

1. Mix; egg, butter, sugar, vanilla, instant coffee {in a cup add instant coffee, pour 3 TBSP hot water on top stir and combine to mixture}, and buttermilk {if you don't have buttermilk, put 1 TBSP of lemon juice in bowl and add milk until it reaches 1 cup, let stand for 5-10 minutes}

2. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda.

3. Pour into greased mini muffin pans about 3/4 full. Add 2-3 chocolate chips to each mini pancake muffin.

4. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

5. Pop them out and shake some powered sugar on top!

And pop them into your mouth and enjoy!!

my hope for 2012

2011-12-31T13:25:00.001-08:00

I don't think I have ever had a New Year's Resolution. Nope, I haven't. And I won't this year.

But I do have some hopes for the year.

my hope is to be a better follower of Christ.

with this hope, i hope to spend daily time in the Word.

with spending more time in the Word, i hope to live it out in everyday life.

with that hope, i hope to love all; to love those who are hurting and love those who are praising.

my other hope is to continue to bake and take care of my body.

my hope is to serve, love, cherish, follow, my boyfriend more and more.

i hope to choose to be joyful daily.

there is a hope to be a better friend and to befriend others.

with choosing joy, my hope is to be joyful in the unknowns of next year.

many hopes. but looking forward to a new year

and seeing God move in bigs ways, as He did in 2011.

a {whole} year.

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

last friday the boyfriend and i celebrated one {whole} year of dating! who ever said long distance relationships could never work out? with lots of devotion, determination, sacrifice, prayers, God {oh and emailing, bedtime phone talks, plane rides, texting} and a whole lotta LOVE it all works out in the end.

i was so happy to pick him up at the airport last friday with the boys, they were almost as equally as excited as i was to see him! we ventured back to the boys' home and the fun began of watching d entertain the boys. it was pretty cute watching him interact with the munchkins since he's not around little tykes every day. after work we headed home to visit with my mom then headed to dinner at his favorite restaurant. well, maybe not his favorite but the place that has his favorite dessert {which i knew} but when asked if we were interested in dessert i quickly declined because i couldn't bare to put anything else in my stomach. girlfriend FAIL right here. oblivious to what just happened, left and then reality set in .. my bad. but in loving form he said it was okay, and we're just going to have to go back!

since we're both new to this whole anniversary thing, we were a little unaware of what people do on anniversary's?! we ended up doing what most couples do and reminisce about our crazy/fun/spontaneous year and how God orchestrated it all, along with writing out three questions that we hope to answer every anniversary down the road. all in all it ended up being a fabulous night followed by a fun filled weekend.

i love you d.

tour of seattle.

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Even though the boyfriend has been to Seattle four times, he had yet to actually see downtown Seattle. I took him around it one time at night, but that's not much of a tour, so we decided a day in Seattle would be a great way to spend the day after Christmas.

First off, I will say that a perk to having a boyfriend is you don't have to pump your gas! Coming from a girl who didn't pump her own gas until she was 18 and headed to college.

You gotta love a man who will happily hold your purse and Lululemon bag!

Walking through the Skybridge headed to Nordstrom, oh the excitement on his face. :)

After we grabbed a quick snack we had a little photo shoot on the balcony of Westlake Center.

PIKE PLACE MARKET!! I hadn't been down to Pike Place in forever, so we quickly made our way through the market {it was cold and smelled like fish, and we all know how much I love fish}. Also showed him the 1st Starbucks, we can't wait to go back and choose a little restaurant in the alley to check out.

Oh, Kerry Park on Queen Anne {my old college stomping grounds}. This park is famous for the beautiful view of the city, Alki Beach, the Ferries, Islands, etc .. A place many many Seattle Pacific University students go to proposed to their girls. We also made a pit stop at Gavin's house {the little cutie I nannied throughout college} but sadly they were all taking naps!

Look who we found in a parking lot?! Monica!! Just kidding, she was in the area and wanted to say hello to us, I love how she will go slightly out of her way just to say Hi to me and the boy. Love her. And LOVE my apron she gave me.

all in all a fantastic day in Seattle!

christmas 2011 {in pictures}

2011-12-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for a ton of Christmas pictures?! This is mainly for family who wants to see these, so don't say I've warned you.

Our Christmas morning began with getting a little work out in, followed by heading to my Dad's house to do Christmas morning with them. The boyfriend saved the day when we were having some breakfast; Grandpa sat down at the table and his napkin fell on top of the candle {grandma and i were in the mist of a conversation and were not paying attention} but as soon as the boy noticed he grabbed the napkin and basically smothered it in his hands. We all got a kicked out of it and how unaware we all were to it. Of course we laughed after it was all said and down! Seriously, good times.

I was super excited to get these great William and Sonoma cookie sheets! These were much needed.

Grandma is in the mist of making me an apron, I love the ruffles, and soon a pocket will be on it, and along with "She Bakes Bakery!" She made me try it on so she could pin some pieces together, and pretty sure she pinned me at least 5 times. ouch!

We then headed back to my Mom and Dave's. Where our power went out for about 2 hours in the afternoon!! We were all getting nervous if it was going to turn back on, it finally did, thank goodness! Or else it would have been one very long Christmas. :) Russ and Agata came over, along with the Grandparents and we began doing Christmas #2. I am pretty sure Agata had a great 1st American Christmas.

Dave loved his ASU beanie {and he loved my other present but that will be spoken about on a later date}!

So, if you know me, you'd know that I get quite excited opening gifts. And I don't hold back on the enthusiasm. So when I opened up these bad boys, let's just say Dave was pointing at the fridge telling me to stop "shouting!" haha, aren't these ASICS beautiful?!

My mom was SO SHOCKED when she opened up her gift from Dave. A new computer!! My mom has not entered the world of MAC computers. Yay!

And let's just say the boyfriend did fantastic. I love my bright pink Lululemon jacket! I mean you can't go wrong with Lulu.

And... watch!! Rose Gold and White. I love, I love.

I am so thankful that we were able to spend Christmas' together as blended family. And I love that my mom bought Champagne to "cheers" to my Dad and Rainey on their engagement. We all got some pretty wonderful gifts but more importantly we were all able to spend it together.

Success.

christmas eve.

2011-12-26T16:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was spent with relaxing and going to church, how it should be in my books. ECC featured a story of a man who is living with ALS. He is actually from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is a Pastor Ed Dobson {I encourage you to watch}. His story is about not putting a time on life, not giving up, about living life until God says it is time for you to go. About loving Jesus, and believing God has a purpose for your life. And knowing, "it ain't over till it's over."

The boyfriend and I made tacos for Mom {Dave was working} and then we watched a Christmas movie, followed by reading the birth of Jesus out of the Bible!

Look who we found at Church! Carson!! He was so excited to see us, and loved that D gave him some gum. Pure joy in his face.

New buddies.

hope you all had a great christmas eve.

carson and oliver: presents!

2011-12-22T19:08:00.001-08:00

Late this afternoon the boys and I ventured over to my house to have pizza with Mom and Dave, along with opening their Christmas gifts from them. We arrived and things were a bit stalled because the dishwasher that was suppose to be installed today, was well, not able to be installed. Luckily, the boys were there to cheer up my Mom. We then had some pizza while waiting for Dave to arrive home, and once he was home he was greeted by Oliver playing Rhianna's new song on my iPhone, and they proceeded to have a dance party.

And finally, after the boys waited so patiently it was time to open gifts! Oliver started opening "our" gifts under the tree, and we quickly caught him and gave him his own present... And that lasted about two seconds and he was more intrigued by the bags and not his presents. Go figure!

But Carson, oh Carson, he was a joy to watch open his gifts. His first gift was of course the best, and I knew all the other gifts were going to be over shadowed by this gift from Justine and Dave.

What did he get? ..... Handcuffs!! Or as Carson says, 'Handcops.'

You'll see in the video how amazed Carson was to get hand cuffs! He has been asking about getting some for a few weeks, and Dave thought it would be the perfect gift to give him. Pretty sure this little boy is going to get stuck in these more than once. :)

Immediately he says "Krislyn, you have been "copped" {carsons word for arrested} but I can't tell you why I am copping you!" Ha.. This is my scared face, and C's mean face!

I believe Oliver knows that Dave never has dealt with babies because he does not leave Dave's side whenever we see him. It's hilarious. I made Dave get Oliver ready for us to leave, here he is trying to figure out how to put a pair of crocks on a 2 year old!

What a super fun day we had. I just love seeing Christmas through the eyes of these sweet boys!

*warning, mom and i get extremely excited once he opens the gift*

santa photos.

2011-12-21T17:56:00.001-08:00

santa photos, anyone?

if only i showed you all of them, but i know that would bring you over the edge.

so i'll hold back.

i was a cute kid, right?!

a winter wedding!

2011-12-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

On Saturday a dear college friend Katie became a married lady! Katie is one of the most giving, and selfless person I know. I am so thankful to have met her my freshman year of college, and it has been a blessing to call her a friend. So, when she found her one, Adam I was thrilled.

The reception was held at Clide Mansion, in the evening so the ambiance was totally my style. They had a lot of finger food to choose from; Mini Pork Sliders, Baked Mac n' Cheese, Nachos, Teriayki Chicken in take out boxes ... Such a great idea! And Katie loves her donuts, so they had an array of Top Pot Donuts along with a cake to cut.

{i was obsessed with this look}

And .... to top it off there was a FLASHMOB Dance that we all surprised Katie and Adam with. Katie and her family are huge on "family dance parties," they are quite the little dancers, so this was a fun idea that her family came up with, and I am pretty sure Katie and Adam loved it.

All in all, a great night with friends and celebrating a new marriage. Congrats you two!

shebakesbakery.com

2011-12-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

{Oh my word, if only I could express how blessed and loved I have felt today!! There was only one minor glitch, and that should be figured out tonight so you can actually view the site on your phone. Thank you all for your sweet words of encouragement with She Bakes. It means the world, and I feel comforted by all your love as I start this little journey.}

I had a dream, a long time ago. Never thought I'd ever do anything with it, anytime soon. And then I got to thinking, "why not?" I realize that many people live their lives pushing things off, or not trying because they fear they {might} fail. For me, I'd rather take the chance in faith, hoping that if anything I'd learn from the experience. We will never know what can come of something if we don't try. Can I get an amen?! :)

And now I would like to announce that She Bakes Bakery is up ONLINE!

I have decided to open up shebakesbakery .com but will not be baking up orders and starting the delivery process until January 1st, 2012! With the holidays and all, I decided to hold off but couldn't wait to give you a glimpse of the website.

Many of you have been following this long journey, and I am so thankful for your encouragement and support. My love for baking definitely grew over these three years of blogging, and I am forever thankful for this experience! Now go along and check out Shebakesbakery .com and feel free to place an order for delivery after January 1st, 2012!

cupcakes galore!

2011-12-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

I was contacted a while ago to help my Dad's friend out for a surprise party he was going to be putting on for his wife. He was looking for cupcakes, and heard that I was in the process of starting a business and thought it was a perfect fit. I was super excited, and a little intimidated but ready for the challenge. He needed 8 dozen cupcakes, and half of them needed to be gluten free!! So, away I went preparing for this event. He gave me the flavors he was thinking of doing, and then I added in some Peppermint Cake Pops, for a bit of holiday cheer!

Friday night was filled with a whole lot of baking, about two and a half hours later all the cupcakes where made. And my kitchen was a MESS with cake flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and all that jazz .... And to add to that our dishwasher broke on Friday so my mom and I had to hand wash every.single.bowl.spoon.mixer. you get the drift. Come Saturday was Frosting Day! And it went quite well. But having to make four different frosting's means more bowls to wash.

And there you have it! All the cupcakes were ready to be dropped off and set up. Overall a great first experience {besides my brothers reception} to help cater and bring a bit of joy to a party.

And if you are in need of fabulous cupcake boxes WITH inserts to make sure the cupcakes do not move ... Go to Bake a Box great prices, quick delivery and these work like charms!

let's turn on the OVEN!

2011-12-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

a DOZEN eggs

8 CUPS flour
5 CUPS sugar
96 CUPCAKE holders
32 CAKEPOP sticks
9 CUPCAKE boxes

means a WHOLE lotta baking is going to be going on in the next TWENTY FOUR hours.

i love ...

2011-12-16T06:00:00.001-08:00

i love this version of the Bible, The Voice.

read about it here.

i love the new movie {new years eve}

seriously it was SUCH a good movie.

not TOO corny at all.

i love baking.

and get to do a LOT of it this weekend.

i love this guy.

but i don't love the sweet tea i am sippin' on in this picture.

i love that its friday.

i have a busy busy weekend ahead but excited for it ALL.

{winter} bucket list updated

2011-12-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

*COMPLETED* as of december 14th

picture next to love sign

d and i sure did this, remember i posted it!

i'll be home for christmas

d bought me this movie while in az and we watched it!

look at christmas lights

down in arizona.

bless a stranger {and still going}

random acts of kindness have been happening and it's SO fun.

make gingerbread men {well it was a gingerbread house with Carson}

i thought i had a picture. shucks.

bake mint brownies

make them for my family and were a huge hit.

deliver cookies

completed in arizona and i'll probably do it here too.

hot tub in snow

does rain count?! we completed this past weekend. loved it!

I still have a few to complete! I am already thinking this should be a yearly thing to make, helps get you motivated. Hope you all are crossing things off your list and ENJOYING this season because golly it's almost over!

my little man, cars.

2011-12-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

This little boy has such a pure and sweet heart. While I was in Arizona I received a few texts from his Momma saying he was missing me! Bless his heart, so of course I had D video tape me leaving him and his little brother a message.

We had a fun day today. And just like every other day I am reminded about how much these little ones soak up and are sponges. They hear everything, and they know more than you realize. He is at a stage where he is learning SO much, such as his letters! He is drawing new letters daily and learning how to spell every ones name. We had a little heart to heart on the carpet this afternoon, wonder if he noticed my heart was melting.

Thankful God placed this little man in my life,

and thought I was worthy enough to be his nanny.

breaking news.

2011-12-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

My Dad and Rainey are ENGAGED!They've been dating for what seems like .. forever {6 years}. And my Dad finally took the plunge!
From what I heard from my Dad, Rainey was shocked beyond belief. He did it while they were visiting their favorite little town, Leavenworth this past weekend. Dad decided to not tell a soul, so we were all surprised, but of course excited for them!

mish-mash

2011-12-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

1. Oliver looked super scrumptious the other day. I put him in his H&M Shirt I gave him for his birthday!

2. I did well beginning my Christmas shopping early, but I still have 3 or 4 things to purchase. Crossing my fingers I can make headway and be completed by next Tuesday. Hopeful.

3. It was a full full work week! I have such a great job, and from that job I've slowly been passed around their neighborhood to two other families who I adore, and more importantly just love their children. Little Miss Sax is one of the little ones, I just had to post this picture .. She is a little stylish toddler! And if you are looking for another blog to read, read her Momma's, she is a talented writer, and she doesn't get any more real!

4. Have I mentioned that next week I am going to be in baking mode.. I can't explain all, but let's just say my first "paying" baking job is next week!

5. And since we're on the baking topic .... Guess what arrived?! My business cards!! I jumped for JOY when I saw this package. Now waiting for the stickers..

6. Carson received some wonderful praises from his preschool teacher, and I teared up hearing her speak of Carson's "sweet spirit, and kind heart," she also mentioned that he is such a great friend to all the kids in the class. I'm a proud Nanny.

7. And most importantly .... I get to see the boyfriend this weekend! My heart is so happy!

five things.

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Creative writing, is not my forte' whatsoever, so this prompt that Jordan used recently for Mama Kat's Workshop was a great way to stretch myself a bit.

You may not know that I ...

have a tattoo.

didn't speak until age 4 and went to speech therapy until age 9.

am terrified of riding horses.

am all about routine.

i am {almost} legally blind .. thanks mom

I am pretty knowledgeable about ...

baking.

all things children.

frozen yogurt.

health and fitness.

organization.

I know nothing about ...

cars or basically anything with an engine.

the stock market.

history. {i know, it's bad, i should have listened more in high school}

sport players names and what team they play on. {but i do love sports}

make up. {it is guessing game/trial and error process.}

And I believe ...

that I would not be who I am today with out the forgiveness and grace of Jesus.

we all need to show one another love, with no strings attached.

God has given each of us a gift, and it is our choice to use it to bless others.

that God calls us not to discriminate who to be in community with.

looking at each day with an optimistic view, you never know what God can do.

a few favorite things.

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to make a list of a few of my favorite things right now.

1. American Eagle Jewelry; If you are looking for inexpensive, yet great quality jewelry A&E will not disappoint. I can say that 80% of my jewelry can be found at A&E.

2. Halogen Wallet; The boyfriend bought me this wallet for my birthday, and it is the best! Plenty of space for all your cards, gift cards, change and cash. Plus it comes with a clip on so you can use it as a wristlet if need be.

3. Bridgewater Candle Company; My friend Danielle introduced me to them after I commented on how great her home smelled. Something great about this company is with every purchase of a jar candle, one child will be fed.

4. Paper and Ink Designs; A company that personalizes stationary, children items, and items for your home. There was a great deal on Plum District recently, so I snatched it up and purchased a few items as presents for Christmas.

5. Starbucks Cold Cup; I take mine every where!

6. What Women Fear and Calm My Anxious Heart; These two books for forever be on my book shelf, and will be ones I will read yearly.

7. Lululemon Run Swiftly Long Sleeve; By far my favorite product at Lululemon, which says a lot since I am in love with every thing. These long sleeves are the best at keeping you warm on runs, its a shirt that does not wiggle its way up during a work out, and are quite stylish.

9. Jesus Calling: Just an all around great daily devotional. Sarah Young helps you to see God's presence around you, and opens your eyes to His daily involvement in your life.

10. BP Run away Boots: Need straight leg high boots that are super comfy? These are wonderful, and they even fit my big calves! I am not a huge boot person, but love love these.

I could go on and on. But I won't. :) Any must have's that you are lovin' these days?

two places.

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

It happened, I feel like I have a life in two places. I knew early on when the boy and I started dating long distance, that it was going to be hard. But I didn't realize how much it would effect me having a life in two places 2,000 miles away from each other. What I think makes it this way is the fact that I use to live in Arizona, so I have people I want to see and hang with, and well .. miss.. a lot. And yet, I have a life here in Washington, and over the past two years of being back I have created very deep relationships with some people. What I feel like I have to balance is hard, and well I feel like I am never doing it well enough.

When I am in Washington during the week, I work 4 days a week and spend the other days running errands, working on She Bakes, serving at church, seeing a few friends, hanging with my family, and wishing I was in Arizona. The days I do work, I love. Because I am doing something I love, with little munchkins I adore {along with their parents.} Working allows me to get my mind off of where I want to be, which is the same city as my boyfriend.

Things switch a bit when I am visiting with the boyfriend in Arizona. There are so many things I want to do, and want to cross off the list but then I get way ahead of myself and realize I am only down there for three to four days. Clearly not enough time to do everything. I want that time down there to be intentional, to grow as a couple, to see friends, be in community, create new experiences. But with all my good intentions, time gets the best of us and before you know it I am getting dropped off at the airport.

It's hard investing your life and heart in two places 2,000 miles apart.

But, I do recognize a few important things during this season we are currently in. I recognize that I have been given the opportunity to spend quality time with my Mom, and also get even closer to my step dad! I am able to fully invest in lives of the little munchkins I watch and also have the flexibility of watching other munchkins since my nights are not filled with hanging with the boy or going on dates and what not. For right now, this is where God sees for me to be, and He is using me here in Washington for His good. And I recognize that while I am in Arizona, though time is short, we do our best at making that time quality time, and need not to fret on the quantity of time.

Right now, we are both listening to God, and until He says "go" I will continue to try my hardest soak up each and every second I have in each place.

christmas tree shopping!

2011-12-05T06:00:00.001-08:00

On Sunday afternoon Mom, Russ, Agata and I {dave was working!} headed out to pick out a Christmas tree! We headed to our local hardware store where my Mom's favorite kind of tree could be found. I kept saying that we needed to get a tree that needed a family to love it, too perfect of trees bother me. After looking at just two, we found our family tree!

Russ and Mom did a fabulous job working together, and Agata and I watched and cheered on. We had a very nice man help us, and even volunteered to take our photo! I love nice workers.

We got our tree in the house, and I smiled with joy as I saw her imperfectness. Together we had the tree up and decorated with in an hour, it was fun to see Agata go through some of our ornaments from growing up.

Here is a little example of some of our beautiful ornaments.. My first Christmas. Someone, I will not name names said they were happy I decided to grow a chin! Haha, its true, I am thankful too .. But I still have my cheeks, they aren't going anywhere.

And here she is... Meet Helga, our family Christmas tree! Named by Agata.

cinnamon roll bread

2011-12-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

I had this Cinnamon Roll Bread recipe when I was in Arizona for Thanksgiving, I had made it before but it was too thin so I decided to double the recipe and it turned out perfectly. I saw the recipe on Pinterst, and we all know I am a sucker for cinnamon and brown sugar!

You will love this recipe, might even be a good one for Christmas morning. All I know is that it was gone with in seconds after baking it!

3 Cups All Purpose Flour

1/2 Cup Sugar

1 package of Active Dry Yeast

1 Cup Warm Almond Milk {in AZ I used Rice Milk and it worked awesome} or you can use Milk

6 TBSP Vegetable Oil

1 TSP Vanilla Extract

2 Eggs

Filling

1 Cup Brown Sugar

4 TBSP Melted Butter

1 TSP Cinnamon

Icing

4 Ounces Cream Cheese

2 1/2 Powered Sugar

1 TSP Vanilla Extract

3-4 TBSP Milk {I used Almond Milk}

In a bowl add; Flour, Sugar, Vanilla, Eggs ... Heat milk for 1 minute in microwave, add yeast after to cup of milk let rest for 5 minutes .. Add milk to dry ingredients, along with oil .. Mix for about 7 minutes, and let sit for 15 minutes. The batter will NOT beat into a ball, it will be a lot let loose.. Pour 3/4 into 8x8 pan..

Melt butter and add brown sugar/cinnamon to it and stir .. Spread this mixture on top of batter, then spread remaining batter on top. I did sprinkle pecans on top too!

Bake in oven at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Icing {warming I do this by eye so ingredients are give and take.} Just blend all ingredients until smooth! Adding milk or more powered sugar if needed. Then put in bag and pipe onto bread, or just spread into bread!

ENJOY!!!!!

love sign.

2011-12-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

You know the LOVE sign you see in movies? I honestly only thought it was in Philadelphia, the city of love, but I guess I was wrong. I did not learn about this LOVE sign until September, and since then I have wanted to visit it in Scottsdale. Well, I got my chance on Saturday night after the boy and I had a date night to Girmaldi's Pizza, he walked me over to the park where this sign is located. I had no idea, and I was extremely bummed with I realized 1. I had left my Nikon on my dresser back in Seattle, so there goes taking nice pictures this weekend and 2. I had forgot my little Nikon on the counter at D's condo. Fail times two! So, iPhone camera is what I had to settle with for now.

And I call this look I am wearing the "Tami Taylor" look from Friday Night Lights. Love her, and don't mind dressing like her one bit!

If you are ever in Scottsdale, go to Old Town and there is a park in Old Town where you can find the LOVE sign!

{happy birthday agata}

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another birthday in the house, today it's my SIL Agata's 22nd Birthday!

I am excited to be celebrating her first American birthday this weekend. We are all heading to Cheesecake Factory on Saturday night, pretty Amercian, right?! :) Agata, I hope you just have a wonderful weekend celebrating this new year. There are so many new and exciting things heading your way this year, and I can not wait to see it all unfold.

We love you!

look whose TWO!! part TWO!

2011-12-01T18:51:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Oliver's Birthday tonight with a few little friends! Every time we asked him how old he was, O would scream "TWO!" but pretty sure, he had no idea what was happening, and was a bit overwhelmed with all who were there.

Carson and I baked up some cupcakes; Vanilla {Carson insisted that we turn them green} and Strawberry {Carson really wanted pink cupcakes too!} One day Oliver will be able to choose.

Oliver loves all his grandma's a LOT, and "YUSTINE" has become like a 3rd Grandma for him. Oliver says her name all the time, it's hilarious. Don't you love his shirt? His Grandma Didi does great at giving personalized gifts!

Cupcake time! All the kiddos ate two cupcakes, and boy .. Were they all hyped up afterwards! Glad I was able to peace out soon after opening presents. ;)
During present time Oliver was more concerned with running back and forth upstairs .. Until the older boys opened his backpack, and Oliver went crazy. This two year old is ready for school!This little video is mainly for Oliver's grandparents!! Haha, he seems in a daze trying to figure out why 5 adults and kids are singing to him ... And why they are all encouraging him to blow out the candles!

look whose TWO!!

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Oliver Thomas!!

I am blown away by the fact that this little munchkin is TWO! I remember meeting him for the very first time, he was 7 weeks old sleeping in his swing and I was sitting at the kitchen table interviewing with his parents. God knows when to place people your life, and He did His thing when it came to placing Oliver, Carson and their parents in mine.

Ollie, you are ...

Adventurous.

A dare devil.

A talker.

A mover.

A lover of music.

Determined.

A problem solver.

A builder.

A snuggler.

Tough.

Joyful.

A love.

You are my forever little buddy.

Oliver, I can not imagine my life with you in it, and I am thankful for the opportunity to see you grow up before my eyes. I cherish our times together, going on adventures, grabbing Starbucks, running around the house, and dancing! You make my day so much brighter.

Oliver, you are loved to pieces.

And we all wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

vroom vroom!

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

On Sunday afternoon I decided to suck it up and go to a place I would not normally go to .. The Arizona Car Show. I'm not a car person, but the boyfriend is, so I said what the heck, he's been crafting with me I might as well, "Ooo" and "Awe" over cars. :) Honestly, it wasn't that bad at all, there was not much of a crowd and I enjoyed pointing out and sitting in cars pretending I owned them.

We sat in many of the cars, and I noticed that the first thing I looked at was the backseat space and trunk space .. Where as the boyfriend {and well all the men there} looked at the exterior, the look of the car, and the engine.. As you can see we have different priorities. I had my fun sitting in just one of my dream cars, a Tahoe .. Can you tell I am pretty darn excited? I felt on top of the world in that car.

Of course they also had the fancy fancy cars, and we quickly passed those up! Along with that the boy test drove a Kia and we got $10 gift cards to Starbucks! So, needless to say, I was thrilled about that. We both had a great time.

craft overload {finalized}

2011-11-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

We completed all our crafts! I am one who can not, not finish something. Having a craft sit there unfinished bothers me, so I was proud of us finishing up what we set {well what I} set out to do while I was visiting Arizona. I am pretty sure, we accomplished my goal of spursing up D's condo living room, and making it totally not look like a huge white room!

It was a ton of fun to do this together, and be able to work with one another on crafts/painting/hanging curtains/stenciling with out hurting one another. :) We came out on top and I was quite impressed by his abilities and willingness to help! I am happy that we bought most of the things on sale and everything else was pretty cheap, but took a lot of time to complete.

Here is the kitchen: I purchased the Jones Design Company print back in September and it has been waiting for a home. And on the laundry room door we hung the wreath that I was estatic about!

The bathroom is like any typical boys bathroom. The boy shook his head about my placement of the flowers I made, and also the ribbon on the B .. But hey I think it looks great!

And the living room, tada! I love how it turned out. First off, the boy has a green couch, green and well its hard to decorate around a green couch.... So, I kind of ignored the fact that it is a yucky green! The print on the wall was made using canvas', some paint, a stencil, and my lovely handwriting... "Let all you do, be done in LOVE!" 1 Cor 13:14 .. We both love this verse, and I think it works perfectly. Along with those curtains, now those were a labor of love! I'll be honest they didn't turn out completely like I wanted, but for now they will work. When the sun shines you can tell where I needed to use one more coat of paint. Oh well, I think that comes with the territory of DIY crafts.

We also grabbed a few huge frames from My Sister's Attic and spray painted them white and added canvas behind the glass. Not sure what will go on them, but I love how they turned out. Overall it was fun to decorate a place again, living at home my room is well .. small, and I am out growing it quickly! I think the boy loves how it turned out, even if it is a bit "girly"..

Glad we were able to do this together!

{1,095}

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

{1,095 days ago} I met a guy who had recently moved to Arizona from California via Michigan, wearing a sweater and driving a way too fancy car. We decorated cookies with others, shared stories, had laughs, I watched him clean all the dishes by hand, and soon after we became friends.

And then eleven months ago, we began dating.

To celebrate this date that {3} years ago meant nothing to us, we will be heading back into the kitchen to bake up some Christmas cookies .. And at the end of the night D will clean it all up just like he did 1,095 days ago!

Remember, God is moving in your life right now. And if only you could imagine what He can do in 1,095 days.

Thankful for how He does things.

a trip to hobby lobby.

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

When I got in on Wednesday, we quickly made our way to Hobby Lobby, again we don't have this place in Seattle so I try to head here every time I am in Arizona. Well, with all the projects rolling around on Pinterest and the fact that the boyfriends condo is a little .. Well .. Bland .. We went to Hobby Lobby determined to get some projects to work on for his place. And ladies did we ever get some projects!! I have to give D props for spending a little over an hour at HL, and actually was participating in picking things out.

Here are a fews things we have started .... First off I finally made my own flowers!! These were so easy.. Just some canvas, needle, thread, hot glue gun and a rhinestone. I can not wait to have some flower accents on things, the the boyfriend is a bit worried about how girly they are. haha I told him not to worry...
And holy molly!!! This was by far my most favorite thing we purchased, I even did a little happy dance when I found it. I have had my eye on this mirror for about ... 3 months now, and I just could not allow myself to buy it because of the price, I showed it to D, and he liked it but I told him we would not buy it.. Well, as I was looking at the clearance rack, guess what I found?!?! This beauty!! I mean it is missing two tiny mirror, that I plane to replace {super easily} and it was $10.20, and orignally it wasn $120.00! I mean please, two missing mirrors .. I was not going to pass up this incredible steal. love love love!
Lastly, a wreath .. I have pinned SO many of these and decided on this one because it was well .. Cheap to make! All you need is a lot of felt, some ribbon, a round circle thingy {don't know the name} and some pins.. After about 25 minutes you have a wreath!
More projects are in the works which includes spray paint, canvas', shelves, and more. Back to work! Oh how I love Hobby Lobby.

let's be thankful

2011-11-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2011

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly did here in the desert! It was great to start the morning with a 5 mile run, and not have to worry about freezing my tail off. Soon, I was delivered some LGO while I was baking it up in the kitchen. I ended up baking some cookies along with some pretty darn delicious cinnamon roll bread that I perfected to a "T" this morning. While baking the Thanksgiving Parade was on, and also some football.
In the afternoon we headed over to my Wednesday Bible Study leaders home where she hosted Thanksgiving. This is the house where D and I met almost three years ago! It was great to spend time with her family, and it was nice for D to hang out with his friends. So very thankful for them for allowing us to come on over and enjoy thanksgiving. Kathy did an excellent job at preparing all the food and making it all be done at the same time.. I am a little overwhelmed for the day that D and I host our first Thanksgiving ... Maybe we'll do some Mexican food instead, since you know I am not a huge Thanksgiving Day food fan. :)
Over all, a fantastic day. We were able to talk to our entire families and wish them all a "Happy Thanksgiving." I am so happy we were able to spend this holiday together, even though we did miss our families.

Happy Thanksgiving from D and I. Hope you all were able to enjoy your family and just be thankful.

miles are adding up.

2011-11-23T06:00:00.001-08:00

i'm leaving this.

and heading to this.
to see him.

and for that, i am {thankful}

i've got myself some {twine}

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

This pretty little spool of {twine} came in the mail yesterday, and I about leaped when it was handed to me. I am a little obsessed with the Caribbean Teal color, it matches perfectly with the She Bakes Bakery color scheme! The {twine} will be used for the outside of the boxes I will be using to put the cookies in, along with some other things. I realized it was the most cost friendly item to use compared to that of ribbon. And quite frankly, I love the simplicity of the {twine.}

I am headed to the desert for the weekend, and one of the things on the list of 'must do's' is get She Bakes going!! The website is completed, but I can't publish it until I have some other items in head and ready for the {business} I hope get. So, She Bakes Bakery is a comin' .. Slowly but surely, a labor of LOVE!!

Until then I will just stare at this beautiful {twine} from the Sweet Estelle's on Etsy! And wait patiently for everything else to come in and get completed.

because its too good not to share.

2011-11-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

eastlake just made this music video. they don't do this much. well, ever. and this song is too good not to share, probably my favorite of theirs. yes, my favorite. listen to the words closely. i believe we all {if we haven't we will, and we will more than once in our lifetime} loose hope, or feel hopeless .. due to a situation, tragedy, failure, you name it we've lost that hope we had. let's allow God to drop us on our knees for Him, knowing He will bring us out of that hopelessness we feel.

so here you go.

hope.

{cinnamon rolls}

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I saw a show called Top Secret Recipe on CMT, have any of you seen this show? If not, you should find it .. Pretty interesting, as the host goes to popular restaurants and tries to discover the secret recipe of their top selling food. For instance; Domino's Cheese Pizza, Outbacks Bloomin' Onion, and Cinnabon's Cinnamon Roll. In all the shows I have seen, the host is pretty right on with what he comes up with. Anyhow, a few weeks ago my mouth was watering over his recreation of Cinnabon's Cinnamon Rolls!! I had found memories of eating those growing up on special occasions, and when I walk through the mall food court I am always ever so tempted to have one! I mean, I do just love love cinnamon.

With that, I had another urge to use some yeast so I hired some help {carson and kingston} and got to work baking some cinnamon rolls. Due to the fact, I had four year olds on hand, the process was a bit rushed and we did not let the dough rise as long as it had called for .. And when looking at the ingredients that the recipe called for, I knew that us baking the Cinnabon Rolls was not going to happen on this attempt. So I made the decision to use another recipe and alter it a bit. The boys had a great time spreading the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, and probably eating some of it too.

After baking for 11 minutes on 400 degrees the rolls were ready for icing and to be put in those little munchkins tummies! All in all I was quite impressed with the taste and the look of them. I am sure if I would of let me rise one more time, they would have even double more in size.. I'm planning on trying out the Top Secret Recipe during the holiday, but for now these cinnamon rolls did their deed and brought smiles to many people's faces!

{cinnamon rolls}

4 Cups All Purpose Flour

1 Packet of Yeast

1 Cup Warm Milk

1/2 Cup Sugar

2 Eggs

1/3 Cup Melted Butter

1. Warm milk in microwave for 1 minute, then add your yeast. Let set for 5 minutes.

2. In bowl or {kitchen aide with hook} add the rest of your ingredients.

3. Once mixed add your milk mixture.

4. Beat it or stir it for a few minutes {if you are stirring, be prepared to have a bicep work out}

5. Once you have a ball formed and have kneaded it for a few minutes, cover up with a towel and put into a warm area {or oven on 100 degrees} for an hour.

Filling

1 Cup Brown Sugar

2 TBSP Cinnamon

Butter {i didn't measure just needs to be soft}

6. Roll out your dough on a floured surface {this also takes some arm muscle} roll into a rectangle.

7. Spread the butter all around, covering up all the dough {thin layer though}.

8. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, and then make a nice layer on top of butter.

9. Starting from the top of the dough, begin to roll very tightly towards you.. take your time!

10. Once you have a long log, start slicing into 2-3 inch {makes about 10-12 depending on your size.}

11. Place into a greased pan, about 1 inch apart from each other. {you can now let them rise again, or do what I did ... go straight for the oven.}

12. Bake at 400 for 11 minutes {slightly brown}

Topping

1 Cup Powered Sugar {roughly}

A couple dashes of milk {add a little at a time}

A dash of Vanilla

You just want you consistency to be that of .. melted ice cream. :)

Top with icing and eat! I hope you enjoy these. Seriously, they are good, and so worth the time!

{thankful} for malawi.

2011-11-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

I've blogged numerous times about the Mission Trip I took to Malawi back in June, but during this season of {thanks}, my experience in Africa came to the tippy-top of reasons why I am {thankful} this year.

I am {thankful} for the beautiful country of Malawi.

I am {thankful} for the beautiful people of Malawi that we were able to spend time with.

I am {thankful} for how God used a very uncomfortable situation to open my eyes to His grace.

I am {thankful} for being able to see the amount of faith and trust in God that each one had.

I am {thankful} for the group of incredible people who share the experience with me.

I am {thankful} for how smoothly the trip went.

I am {thankful} for each hug and smile I received for the little munchkins.

I am {thankful} for that I had the ability to be able to leave my job for two weeks.

I am {thankful} for all who helped get me to Malawi.

I am {thankful} for the singing and dancing I saw and got to partake in, and {thankful} I was able to record their beautiful songs of worship .. So I can listen on days like today!

I hope these songs get stuck in your head on this Thursday! :)

windy day

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

I spent Monday morning working on a "secret" project for this cute kids' parents! Oliver's second birthday is just a few weeks away {shocking} and since I had the morning with just Ollie I decided to start working on a little something-something. I thought the weather would be perfect for what we needed to do, but golly was it windy! And when you have two balloons and a little munchkin, your plans change quickly.

I think I got a few good pictures but... We will probably have to try one more time! Oliver did have a fun time talking to the ducks though, and running from a rooster that was twice his size.

Goodness, I can not believe he is almost TWO!

{twelve days of goodies}

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today over on Jenna's Journey she is continuing her "12 Days of Goodies," and guess who has a recipe up on there?! I do! Head on over to Jenna's Journey and check out the recipe I posted, it's delicious and a crowd favorite. Also I would encourage you all to check at the rest of the 12 Days of Goodies Recipes, so far I have found a few I can't wait to try, and you can never too many goodies during this Holiday Season.

Thank you Jenna for hosting "12 Days of Goodies," such a great idea allowing us to pass on favorite family recipes.

{winter} bucket list

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

To some this might be a bit early to post, but I'm that girl who loves this season and will be that girl who starts bringing Christmas decorations out before Thanksgiving. I thought I'd make a bucket list of all the things I'd hope to do this holiday/winter season, because more often than not I am looking back on the holiday's wishing I would have done this and that. I am hopeful that posting this now, and putting it in a frame will allow me to be aware of all the greats things to look forward to this season.

Now I hope to cross off each of these items {maybe adding some too} and when I do I hope to post on how I did so!

{just some random's}

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

1. I got my hair colored yesterday, something I love doing. But I am in a rut trying to decided whether I should go darker or keep it light, possibly adding more blond to it. I stayed with my normal color, maybe I'll get bold next time. And I brought my stylist Nicole, some cookies!

2. Does anyone else cry watching Ellen? I usually turn her on when I a

m watching the boys and we dance with her. But goodness, last week she brought real tears to my eyes. Her generosity speaks volumes.

3. While I am on the talk of shows, who loves Sing Off as much as I do?! Love love the Pentatonix.

3. I had an issue. I never finish a water bottle before grabbing a new on, and soon my night stand looks like this.

4. As you can see I am not lying, the website is really almost done. ;) Just finishing up some touches.

5. Next Monday {the 14th} I may or may not have a recipe featured on Jenna's Journey. She is hosting a "12 Days of Goodies" right now, I encourage you to go check it out, great family recipes are being posted for the next 12 days!

6. I am ready for Christmas, I made a list of Christmas presents I need to get people. I am trying to keep the presents; original, cost friendly, and from etsy or other small biz. I bought two yesterday online, and I am super excited about them!

Enough of this randomness, have a great day!

saturday=baking day

2011-11-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday was spent running around crazy in the morning, heading to Katie's Bridal Shower, then baking and taking pictures in the afternoon. In my eyes, it was a very productive and wonderful day.

The kitchen was in such a disarray, I am itching to have my own kitchen, and one that is not so small. Oh, I dream of a huge kitchen one day all I asked is for: two ovens, lots of counter space, and great natural sunlight! Not too much to ask, right?

I spent the time in the kitchen baking; chocolate chip cookies, toffee cookies, and maple brownies. She Bakes website needs some more pictures, so I had to try to put on my creative hat for some pictures, for the most part I feel it went great.. But I'm thinking a few more of the packaging will round it all out. Being a food artist, I am not. Down the road, I am sure I'll have some one who is way more advance help me in the food artist arena.

I am thankful for all my friends and being able to celebrate special times happening in their lives. I am thankful for the time I can spend in the kitchen with my mom peering over me, and tasting it all. I am thankful for this passion of mine that brings my heart so much joy. I am thankful that my boyfriend will spend his day off working on my website. I am thankful for the fact it was a gorgeous day to take pictures. And I am thankful these goods turned out fantastically!

lululemon

2011-11-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

If I could wear workout clothes daily, I would. But not just any workout clothing, mainly Lululemon, Zella, and some Nike. I am picky when it comes to what I wear while working out and running errands. Just because you are wearing workout clothes does not mean you need to look lazy and not put together. I feel like when you feel great in your workout clothes the more motivated you become to work out and find that extra 30 minutes to get in a walk/run during your busy day.

I love love Lululemon, and I'll be the first to admit that they do have steeper prices but I will also be the first to say that these articles of clothing last F.O.R.E.V.E.R {if you care and wash them the correct way}. They are well worth the price, feel great on, don't slide off when you are working out .. And you can just tell they were made well. Plain and simple. I recently have made a few purchases due to a lovely little birthday present and also a need for a revamp in the workout area.

Run: Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve .. I have this is two colors and I am obsessed with them. They are great for morning runs, to wear under a jacket for extra warmth and are super comfy.

Stride Jacket: Pretty much my favorite, I wear it about 3 times a week. It is long, warm and looks great on all shapes and sizes.

Groove Pant: If you need long pants, go for these! Fit amazingly on all your lady parts and are great for long runs outside.

Wunder Under Pant: These were a bit of a stretch for me, but the boyfriend loved them. They are reversible, the other side has very thin lines {which I love} and they honestly look great on. Plus super comfy, more of a yoga pant than a running pant due to the material. Overall pair it with the Stride Jacket and some uggs and you have my outfit for today!

So there you have it, just a few of my favorite items from Lulu!

weekend in arizona.

2011-11-02T06:00:00.001-07:00

I was in Arizona this past weekend, and it was quite fabulous. I had such a good time, and I am thankful for these weekends D and I can spend together. They never get old, but living in two different states has gotten real real old.. If you know what I'm sayin'!

We were able to fit in a ton of activities/errands/quality time into this quite quick trip. Saturday night was spent watching Twilight (which I swore I'd never watch, just because of all the hype) and yet I watched it and well .... Really liked it. D also made a great dinner, homemade Chicken Burgers ... Yes, as you know this is a big step for me, he's trying hard to help branch me out of my picky eating. Sunday was spent going to Church, which was just what my little heart needed. And the pastor told a great "parable" on this land in Carlsbad! My favorite city ever, so that was a sweet surprise, and a great story to learn from. And then we went and saw "Courageous," such a great movie and story line.

We also walked to a great restaurant on Sunday and then decided to get our competition on .. So off to bowling we went. Let's just say, I consider myself a pretty good bowler, so yes, I was a little confident going into this game... I'll just say that quickly D saw the side of me that is the "sore loser" side! haha, I lost ... two games in a row.. But afterwards I learned that he was on the bowling league when he was a young child! That's rubbish. The winner got to choose dessert, and well D loves this dessert at Outback (barf) so I had a feeling that's where we were headed, come to find out he took me to yogurt! Now that's love people. Considering, him and dairy don't mix.

On our way to dinner...Happy as a clam.

after loosing at bowling.. quite upset with my lack of ability.

Monday was spent running tons of errands (exciting ones) but tons of them!! And gosh, it was so hott ... Come on Arizona cool down to just 70 at least. But mid-day I needed a huge pick me up, I was starving and when I get starving I am not a pleasant person to be around. So off to Chick-fil-A we went. Now when I lived here, I loved getting their drinks because they serve the ice as pellets, but I never ate from here, until today. We shared some chicken nuggets and boy oh boy .. It was delicious, pretty sure I found my favorite fast food place, and well only fast food place. And had some ice tea with the lovely Ashley and Mandy!

Tuesday was the dreaded, its time for Krislyn to pack up and head back to Seattle! We ran some errands, relaxed and then off I went. It was a weekend spent with D that was quite amazing, and well made it hard to leave.

she bakes {update}

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

{Update} time! She Bakes was put on the back burner for a few weeks as I had to get my priorities in check, but we're back on track pushing forward. And, I am getting more and more excited for this little baby of mine.

While I was in Arizona my bakery was filed, and guess what folks?! I have an LLC!!! Wahoo! Never in a million years would I think I had a business, but hey I do! We also opened up a business account at a local bank. Crazy. Everything is falling into place somewhat smoothly, and I am thankful for this process that I have been on with SB. Quite eye opening, but thankful for all this knowledge.. And for a boyfriend who is quite patient in teaching me the ins and outs of the crazy business world.

We also finally after about a million and one tries and samples developed a logo I am completely in love with!! As you will see in the sneak peak, the colors changed a bit. And I am obsessed. So, now we are onto printing out the business cards, finalizing the menu, and finishing up snapping photos for the website. It's so close, so so close.
There you have it a small {update} on She Bakes Bakery. If you keep hanging around, you'll soon see the finished product!

{we come with donuts}

2011-10-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

On Friday we celebrated the end of a week of being sick with some delicious donuts! The boys and I headed on out in the morning, picked up some baked goods at Frost and headed over to my Dad's to visit Russ and Agata. We wanted to spread the love of donuts and bring them over a few since they'd never tried Frost before.

Carson loved seeing my "little kid house," aka where I grew up, while Oliver just could not keep his eyes off of Agata, he's still trying to figure this beautiful brown haired different speaking girl out. By the end he was giving her a kiss and saying "Buh bye Gaga!"

ollie staring at agata...

We also enjoyed playing the piano, playing pool, and dancing to Russ trying to play the guitar. Russ was also trying to teach Carson some Polish and decided to write down the word so C could "read" it ... Russ, he's four .. He might have a big vocabulary, but he's four, he doesn't read! I am pretty sure the hour we were there, we exhausted Russ, after 20 minutes he was saying "Man, kids are tiring..." I can't wait for them to have kids.

Overall fantastic Friday morning. Donuts. New Places. New Games. New Faces. New adventures. Carson already says he wants to go back to my "little kid house."

something i've learned.

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've been a Nanny for a long long time. And I love it. It's right up my ally of playing, learning, teaching, and loving little munchkins day in and day out. I love seeing them grow up, and I am blow away at how fast their little bodies grow. I adore getting to know families and working with them side by side. It is a fantastic gig. Truly. Especially if you find a very special family like I have.

But if I have learned anything it's that .......

Babies change everything!!!

I was reminded of this, this week as the boys have been battling a nasty illness, and guess what .. So have their parents! And what I am reminded of is the fact that when you have your own children, you are not able to lay in your bed and watch hours of TV while you are sick.. Because guess what?! You have little munchkins at your feet needing you! And when you are sick and all you want is a good night sleep, but you have little munchkins who are sick and can't sleep... You get my drift, babies change everything.

I am hoping and praying they all get better soon, and I am thankful this week for my great immune system. Knock on wood! So there you have it, just one little thing that changes when you bring a little one home. But I have good news, when they are sick they give the best snuggles. Hey, you gotta look on the bright side!

christmas music.

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Many might think it is way to early to be even thinking Christmas, let alone Christmas music! But I look at it this way, Christmas is a beautiful holiday and just spending one month listening to the music is not nearly enough time, so why not give yourself TWO months of glorious music & anticipating Christmas!?

I thought I'd share a few of my all time favorite Christmas Albums with you, in hopes to maybe get you in the Christmas spirit sooner than later!

#4 A Very Special Christmas: This CD is one that my family would listen to during the holiday's growing up. Great classics with a variety of artist singing the songs.

#3 Casting Crowns: Peace on Earth -- AhhhMAZING!! Honestly, it might not get better then this.

#2 N'SYNC: Home for Christmas -- I mean come on, whose with me on this?! I remember this coming out in middle school/high school and playing it non-stop. I can even remember myself and a few girlfriends creating a dance to the songs in my living room... In my eyes N'SYNC Christmas will be forever played in my home.

#4 Matt Wertz: Snow Globe -- Brand Spankin' New! We all know I adore Matt Wertz. So, Matt Wertz and Christmas music, huge hit!

I hope this helps start getting you in the Season of Christmas!

i'm weird about food.

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am picky, I'll just throw it out there. My family knows this, and so do my friends. I blame it on my Mom for not offering me an array of food growing up! Just kidding, sort of. When I was in Africa, our team quickly realized how picky I was, luckily I went prepared with my own stash of food. I have come to realize that a lot of it has to deal with four reasons why I am picky; some food makes me think of weird things that than freak me out, my taste buds are sensitive, my stomach is very sensitive, and I just don't stray far from what I know.

If I had to, I could stick to a diet of about 5-8 essential items and live a long, happy, healthy, and bland life. Sounds exciting right?! I promise I do love food, and I do eat a wide variety of things, just might be a tad picky on how they are prepared and served. Anyone else have this corkiness about them?! I am sure there are a few of you.

Here's just a {small} list of my weirdness about food!

1. I do not eat sea food. It literally makes me gag and the smell, oh the smell.

2. I don't like white sauces.

3. Mayo, just can't do it. Anything with mayo.

4. Mustard, ohh goodness, the smell. This also goes with Honey Mustard!

5. Meat that is red. If I am at a table and someone orders their steak medium rare, I can not watch them eat. Its the redness of it.. Can't do it. And to clarify, I can do beef tacos, or flank steak {though i don't remember the last time i did} but the meat literally needs to be burned in order to get me to at least try it.

6. Warm soups, I will eat them. Maybe once a year, I just hate the warmth of it in my stomach.

7. I love fruit, but I don't like fruit warm. Warm fruit in pies or instance. And I don't like fruit with chocolate, its a weird combo in my books.

8. Thai Food. The texture of the noodles freaks me out.

9. Juices; they make my stomach feel awful.

10. Bananas, I can do bananas in small amounts for pre-post runs. But everything else flavored with banana, I can not do.

11. I can not do eggs.

12. French Toast, its the sogginess of the bread and the egg.

13. Jelly, nope. Just peanut butter sandwich for me.

14. Milk, I can't drink it plain, it needs to be in something such as a coffee. And yet, I don't eat cereal with milk.

15. Frozen Yogurt and Ice Cream with Fruit Flavors can not do. Mainly, fruit desserts I can't do The sugar in the fruit reacts with my stomach.. Hand over the chocolate!

16. Thanksgiving food. Tragic right? Turkey, if I have to I will. I do like deli turkey though. Mash Potatoes, not thanks. Green Bean Casserole, nope ... Get my drift?! :)

You all probably think I am a little bit off my rocker, but I'm sure I am not the only person who is very particular with their food. Anything you guys can't eat or causes you to gag?! :) I'll make sure to post foods that I do love and eat a ton of because I do love food.

Oh, hair.

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Before I wanted to be a baker, I grew up wanting to be a hair stylist. We were fortunate enough to have the best hair dresser while growing up who decided to stop working at a salon, and do home visits with families she loved. I remember sitting in the chair and we'd talk about my "future" salon. This is also during the time I'd make my friend Jessica, sit in the bean bag chair as I rip her hair out and learn how to french braid on her.

Well, that dream kind of was pushed to the side, I am not sure why but it was.. And here I am someone who never does anything real extreme with her hair. I had a couple "signature" looks; bobby pin pinning my bangs to the side, the bang french braid, but honestly it is mostly in a pony tail by 12pm.

I can't complain much about my hair besides the point it doesn't hold a curl too long. So this is where I lack, because I am not a product person. I spray some hair spray and call it a day. But I know if I did a little product, my hair would last a little longer. I came to the conclusion recently I need to at least try doing my hair nicely every day, try to put a little extra effort into it.

So, I went in search of some hair tutorial's.. And I love what I found.. I'll attach a few video that I have studied in order to help this girl spruce up her hair! They are all pretty darn easy, and just take a bit of product, and a bit of knowing how to curl.

the tutorials i watched and re-watched.

Curling Technique

Wavy Hair

Next up, Make Up Tutorial. I haven't updated my makeup in a few years..... Yikes!

risky business.

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

you all know that scene, even if you haven't seen the movie {risky business} you know the scene where tom cruise slides into the living room wearing just socks and his work shirt. it's famous. you see it everywhere. if you have not seen this, you must never watch tv!

i had to take this picture of Ollie. i had changed his diaper and he ran away from me heading to his most favorite toy these days, the refrigerator. he doesn't do much in there mainly opens and closes the door. but please just look at cute he is with his popped collar, chunky legs and socks. he'll make some girl mighty happy in about 30 years!

this is oliver saying "Cheese!!!" he's a heart stopper these days. with all his words and his little personality coming out, watch out world!

oliver thomas you put on smile on my face daily and i can't wait until i hear your little voice say "krislyn." though i am banking it will be the last name you learn! its a toughie.

thirst.

2011-10-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

There are times when you have to take a step back from life and breathe. A time where you need to look at your life, and more importantly your heart to see where it is at. Yes, your heart. I recently had this feeling in my bones and body that I needed to re-evaluate and take an honest look at where my heart was. I realized rather quickly, my heart was thirsty. Thirsty for God, thirsty for more of Him, thirsty for that relationship with Him I had let go of for a bit because my focus was else where. I knew in my heart that it was missing something, and yet I did not want to look at it face to face.

But I did. I realized that I had let the world put ideas in my head that were causing me to look somewhere else, instead of looking to God. Getting caught up in the craziness of life, the ideals of life, the ideals of others. Satan saw an opening and knew what to do and what to say and when to say it because He knew I was vulnerable.

Looking deep down into your heart is hard, especially if you know there is something not right in there. I have been overcome with emotion, knowing that I was allowing the world to take hold of me instead of freeing myself to the Lord and allowing Him to do His will. I am thankful that what was revealed was revealed and I have grown from it, and have learned how important it is to have God in your life daily; reading His word which allow you to have armor on when Satan comes to rattle your spirits.

This all leads me to this new song by Casting Crowns, "The Well." It is off their new album "Come to the Well," and I highly recommend it. The song is about coming to God when you are thirsty, when you are weary and broken, and He will heal you. It rocked me.

pumpkin walnut muffins {healthy style}

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

I know I've posted a lot of pumpkin recipes recently, and I did recently post a pumpkin strussel recipe. But when my brother and SIL asked for pumpkin muffins I thought I'd whip them up my {healthy} muffins. {Healthy} meaning no butter or oil, instead applesauce, and whole wheat flour.

Preheat Oven to 400

Bake for 16 minutes

1 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour

1/2 Cup Apple Cinnamon Applesauce

1/2 TSP Baking Powder

1 TSP Baking Soda

2 Eggs

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

3/4 Can of Pumpkin Puree'

1 TSP Cinnamon

1 TSP Nutmeg

1 Cup Walnuts

Okay folks! No more pumpkin muffins, I promise. Enjoy these!

melts my {heart}

2011-10-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

claire sent me this picture of little carson sleeping. he now has to sleep with the bear that his "nanny krislyn" gave him and oliver last christmas.

house hunters.

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love House Hunters. My family loves it so much we make sure to DVR it weekly. And we always make guesses as to which home they are going to choose, Dave would say he's always right. I think it is fun being able to see different cities, what types of homes you find there, the different housing prices, and seeing what people desire in a home.

I remember in high school being in my friends basement playing some sort of game, and my response to what I wanted to be when I grew up was "Someone who looks a houses." I may or may not have said "big houses" but either way, even back then I had this fascination with homes.

I mean .. Let's just take a look at some pretty homes .. For instance if you are looking for a beach front cottage home ...

{source}

Or maybe you are more of a brick classic style home lover ..

{source}

Lastly, maybe the warmth of this Tuscan style home is calling your name ..

{source}

With watching this show my list of places I'd love to live keeps growing and growing. I guess that's good in the sense I'd be up for living in any state, to a degree that is.. To a big degree! I have also come to the conclusion that I would eventually like to be on this show, for one reason and one reason only. They give you three houses, and you have to choose between just three!! That means my indecisiveness, and picky-ness is pretty much contained to only three choices. Ha, I think it would make it easier for all involved!

Maybe I should have gone into Real Estate?! Anyone else love House Hunters or glancing at Zillow for homes?!

cinnamon bread{s} and cookie.

2011-10-15T18:42:00.001-07:00

I baked a lot, and it only took me two and a half hours. Gosh, I love being in the kitchen, baking not cooking, that is. After working this morning/afternoon with my little Oliver I had the itch to bake, so that's what I did. And decided to use the two yeast packets I had to do some sort of bread items. It was a huge success!

I needed to bake for Dave's co-workers, I've been off in Arizona or filling my time doing other things that I have left his co-workers hanging! So, I am redeeming myself with these Cinnamon Roll Squares I saw on Pinterest. I made a few changes but mostly stayed on track with the recipe. My mom HAD to try these! I also made some Monster Cookies; Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip and M&M's, my recipe, of course. ;)

And lastly we have the show stopper, that I took a picture of and sent it via text to my Dad telling him I'd deliver it tomorrow, and he responded they were on their WAY! Ha, I guess they couldn't wait... I mean shoot it's pretty! It's Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread and has been making it's rounds on Pinterest also, so I decided what the heck let's try it. Again, takes time but super easy!

{Cinnamon Roll Squares}

{Monster Cookies}

Finale. {Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread}

{closer look. seriously to die for}

If only you could smell our house, and eat these goodies through the computer.....

Have a wonderful evening and Sunday.

common theme: lindsay.

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

I just had to blog about this gift my friend Lindsay gave me for my birthday. Granted, I loved every single gift -- my friends and family are thoughtful gift givers. And let's be honest, I get excited about the littlest things in life. If you want someone to throw their hands up or scream in excitement for you.. Come to me!

Anyhow, I just adored this idea from Linsday; A silver necklace with a whisk and muffin tins! What every baker needs, well at least I tend to believe this. Gosh, every time I bake something I shall wear this little thing, which will mean daily. Thanks girl!!

And since I said the theme of this blog is Lindsay .. I better have something else to share ...

Linsday's boyfriend of a million years asked her to be his WIFE!!! That's right folks, Miss. Linsday is ENGAGED! Whoop whoop!

Congrats girl!

i survived.

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

thank you all for your sweet text messages, phone calls, emails and comments. i felt loved this entire weekend! sunday was spent going to church, relaxing, serving at church and heading to a new mexican restaurant in town with the family.

on my birthday d and i went to Starbucks and then headed to the dentist. yes, who makes an appointment for the dentist on their birthday??? this girl. dumb dumb. the rest of the day was spent working on SheBakes Bakery, i promise it's almost ready to launch. i want it launch so badly, it is just taking some time! sheesh. we headed to an early dinner, then of course had some yogurt.

all in all a great birthday weekend. though i have to be honest, twenty-six has been a rough age to turn. just keeping it real.

a {birthday} in the house.

2011-10-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

twenty six years ago after being ten days late my mom gave birth to a chunky 9.2lb baby girl.

{source}

happy birthday to me!

{birthday dinner with friends}

2011-10-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

Oh, birthdays. Gotta love them. Saturday morning I headed back to Seattle with the boy in tow to spend the weekend here celebrating with my friends and family. I was overwhelmed with love and kindness -- walking away truly feeling blessed by the friends God has given me. At one point Agata asked me how I knew every one around the long table .. It was a sweet reminder how God places certain people in your life during the times you need them the most.

Saturday night we headed to dinner with a load of folks! It was great for the boy to be able to spend more quality time with the people who I adore and have been apart of my life. I was impressed with his memory of their names, and how we were friends. Nicely done. It was a great night catching up with friends, having very expensive champagne {that waitress did her job right}, and just ... being.

It was so great to finally have my brother {and Agata} celebrating my birthday after a three year hiatus!

Thankful that Monica took the drive up to spend the evening with us! I am not sure if she was more excited to finally meet D or see me. :) Joking ... Thankful for her friendship for the past 7 years! And another one who drove a ways for this night, thank you Lindsay. I am OBSESSED with your gift. A necklace with a whisk and muffin tins, too cute. I must take a photo and show you all.

Ohh these beautiful ladies.. If I added up the years of friendship between us all, it would really make me feel old. Angie, Myself, Kailee {thank you for planning this night!}, Jessica {your confetti cake was probably the hit of the night} and Miss. Emily! Love you all to pieces and blessed by each one of you.

Bummer I didn't get a huge group shot, but at least I got one a photo of all the ladies. Times like these are what is most important in life, a true gift!

{let's recap year 25 of my life}

2011-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

My twenty-fifth year has almost come to an end.

I know this statement might be a bit bold ... But my twenty-fifth year of life was probably the best yet. I have had some good years, sure. The first half of my twenties was spent trying to figure out this thing called life, learning what a solid relationship with God looked like, figuring out where God was directing me to go, and how in the world would I use my gifts to live a life that He saw put for me. In many ways I am still trying to figure out all of these, but I will say I have gained a lot of ground in the years and at twenty five I finally felt as though I had a little gasp of it all.

Mind you I did not want to turn twenty-five, ask anyone I know. They'll tell you it did not come easy at all. But twenty-five was kind to me, very kind. Here's a little bit of a recap for all to remember.

Baptized: Probably one of the biggest high lights of my life, not just this past year. Standing up at my church and publicly stating that my life was for Jesus is something I will hold tight to my entire life. In a way a new beginning for the life God intended on me living.

Lion King: Something I was able to check off my Bucket List. Seeing Loin King in Las Vegas with my grandparents was such an experience. Having my all time favorite Disney Movie be physically happening right in front of me! Ohh CIRCLE OF LIFE, love love love.

Best Christmas Gift Ever: What more can I say, the boy was it. This is the best gift I have ever been given at Christmas. Sorry Mom and Dad! ;)

Moved out of my 1st Apartment: Though this was a tough decision leaving my very first apartment I had by myself, I know that it was the best decision. And I am honestly thankful for the past six months I have spent living with my Mom and Dave.

Brother was married: I thought this would either A) never happen or B) happen when it was 40! ha! I love Agata and I know these two were just meant to be.

AFRICA: How do I sum this up in two sentences? These 14 days were some of the most challenging, heart stopping, joyous, selfless, dirty, grace filled days I have ever and probably will ever see. My time in Africa shaped my heart and allowed me to see our World with different sets of eyes.

My Business: The start of a dream I have had for a very long time is coming true as I type. I am learning to not let the fear of failure tie you down. Go for it, life is way too short to not try something you have always wanted to.

Fell in Love: What more can I say. After spending most of my life as a single gal, God had it all figured out. And two years after meeting the boy, God would bring us together, have us fall in love, and have a plan for us together.

If anything, I have learned that God is BIGGER than you know. That He has so delicately planned out each detail of mine {and yours} life, and guess what? It is better {may not be easier} but it is BETTER than you could have EVER planned!

arizona october visit.

2011-10-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about Arizona are the late Fall/Winter mornings. You wake up to blue sky and sunshine, but also wake up to a crispness in the air! Ah, it's quite nice. The weather during the first half of the trip was HOT, like 100 degree HOT. But the last half it has been a balmy 75 degrees. Perfection in my eyes.

I have loved being able to run outside this week {to shane and shane's NEW cd} and go on many walks. It's my idea of a good relaxing time. The week has gone by incredibly fast, and I am not ready to leave tomorrow -- but it's life and life says it's time to go back.

In my books it was a time spent together that was much needed and I'm walking away even more in love with this boy.

{nordstrom} last chance

2011-10-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

Prior to moving to Arizona in 2008, I had been told by a Nordstrom employee that there was a store in Arizona called Last Chance. It is basically the "last chance" stop for all Nordstrom apparel, shoes and accessories. Many of these {if not all} are returned items, a majority of them have never been worn and are in good condition. Better yet their prices are more than HALF the original price of the item. It's pretty ridiculous.

When I moved here I never went to Last Chance mainly because I did not know where it was at. Then when I came to visit last Winter/Spring my friend Mandy took me there, and wow its a little bit overwhelming, I'll be honest. If you are a digger, you will love this place. Rack and racks of clothes that are not that organized, and piles of shoes! Granted they are amazing prices, but the amount of people there, mixed with the overwhelmingness of the clothes causes me to become very anxious, hot and claustrophobic. Ha.

Anyhow, I try to avoid the place. Until Saturday, I decided to give it a shot ... It was at night, the crowd wasn't too bad and I was feeling ambitious. Looking around the clothes, didn't see much I liked so I headed over to the shoes because I do need to revamp my shoes, I never buy shoes. Well, hello success! I found TWO pairs of shoes that I've actually had my eye on ..

TOM Wedges: $17.80

{comfy heels for my longer jeans} love.

Halogen Flats: $17.80

{adorable flower flats, I've had my eye on these for about 6 months

at Nordstrom but couldn't quite pay the $100 for them}

As you can imagine I walked out one happy customer of Last Chance. And I am pretty sure I got my fill for another year or so!

i am not an office girl.

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

{For my own personal record, I have started a series of blog post that I can refer to in the future as to the process I have been on bringing a dream of mine alive! And I promise you'll see the end result very soon. You can locate the others under the label "Bakery."}

Let me give you a little insight, I am a nanny. I have only worked in one office my entire life, during a summer internship at CPS. I do not know how to fax, I do not know how to photocopy, I do not know how to use phones with a whole bunch of "lines," and I do not know much about our postal system. I am a nanny, we do not do those things. Thanks goodness.

Once we got to the step of boxing the cookies and bars up, and then brainstorming ideas for shipping, it was me who had some learning to do. After I sent off my first batch of cookies to Ariz as a trail run, it was pointed out to me that our lovely USPS sends you free boxes. yes you heard me right FREE boxes. So unlike the shop I went to and purchased a shipping box for $4, I was told if I went onto the USPS website, I would run across "Free Flat Rate Boxes." Hmm, really? I come to learn, I was about the only person who did not know this.

AND did you know that you can request to have your package picked up at the time you request. Yes, this means you do not have to drive to the USPS building! They came to you! Gosh, I never realized how easy they make it on you.

This is great news to all my future customers, because since I do not have to pay for the "Flat Rate Boxes" and my She Bakes box fits nicely into it, I do not have to charge more for the boxes!

As I wrap this up, I have learned that:

1. I hope to goodness I never have to work in an office and if I do someday have to,

I will be that girl being scolded daily about jamming the fax machine.

2. I should probably research more before I go out being a bit naive.

3. My family enjoys watching me do the whole "trail and error" thing.

4. I love USPS.

deactivated.

2011-10-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

I took the plunge and I am feeling "oh so free!" I deactivated my Facebook account. It has been something that has been on my mind for a couple months now, and when FB started making all these changes that were 1. Confusing 2. Overwhelming and 3. Becoming more of a job to navigate through, so I decided now was the best time.

It is not that I do not like Social Media, I love it! I think it's a pretty great way to stay connected and in the know of things. But when you are staying in the know of people who you haven't talked to since High School and find yourself looking at pictures of people you do not know, you've lost it. Of course, I want to stay on top of my friends' lives and latest trends -- so I am not giving up everything. I'll still be connected to the World through blogging and my occasional twittering which normally happens when I am nannying because those boys do the darnest things. I figure if you really want to know about what is happening in my life, you can read my blog and or well call or email me. :)

And mainly I decided to use my time that I would spend on Facebook working on She Bakes Bakery, I want to spend more time investing in it to hopefully kick start it. It's my little baby and I want to make sure I put my all into it, no matter the outcome. I'll probably activate my FB once the She Bakes Bakery website is up to inform everything, and then say goodbye to it!

Who knows, maybe I'll be back eventually, for for this past week of limiting my time on it I realized I can SO do with out it.

week off.

2011-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Carson and Oliver are heading on a MAGICAL vacation -- DISNEY WORLD with their whole family!! I am so excited for those two munchkins, and slightly jealous.. I mean who else doesn't want to visit the happiest place on Earth? :)

And since they will be gone, I am heading down to Arizona for the week!!

Their vacation time worked out perfectly considering my birthday is in 10 days, so having a bit of a vacation during it is pretty nice. Planning on enjoying some time in Arizona with the boyfriend and seeing some friends! And then the boyfriend is heading back to Seattle with me to spend a couple days here for my actual birthday. Should be a good time rounding out the pretty fantastic twenty-fifth year that I have had.

I'll be blogging while I am away, couldn't think to leave the computer for an entire week. Plus I'll have some "work" to be doing!

Enjoy your 1st weekend of October.

skinnytaste.com

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of this site, Skinnytaste.com? If you have, why haven't you told me - maybe because you know I don't cook. Well, for all you who have not heard of Skinnytaste.com I am hear to inform you of a great resource for easy recipes that look good and are healthy.

Obviously, I'd say I am a pretty good baker ;) but boy I am far from being a pretty good cook. Let's just say I think I have cook 2 meals for dinner in the past 5 months. Not even joking. And no, I have not starved myself. I just make it easy for myself its called a salad with veggies and already cooked chicken or my obsession lately, edamame.

I'll admit that one of those two meals I cooked happened on Tuesday. I was helping my Mom make dinner for my brother and Agata, stir-fry how easy? Overall I did well, except I was caught using a metal BBQ spatula to cook the chicken. Mom quickly informed me I was going to ruin the Teflon pan using the metal .. I figured the plastic spoon would melt?! :) And about an hour later I was using that same BBQ spatula to get the cookies off the pan.. Yes, I am quite the cook.

Back to the main point of this blog post, check out Skinnytaste.com .. Pretty sure I'll try one of these recipes this week while I am in Arizona! Gotta "wow" the boyfriend with my skills!

vacation time for Mom and Dave.

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

As I was getting dropped off at the airport to head back to Seattle, my Mom and Dave were arriving in Phoenix. We literally passed one another on the road! They started their much need vacation in Carlsbad, California {my mom favorite beach town on the West Coast} and then drove to Phoenix a few days later to soak up some much needed Vitamin D.

This cute couple stayed at the Biltmore Hotel and were able to enjoy the luxury of sitting pool side every day! And since they were about a block or two away from the boyfriend they were able to spend time with him while he showed them around central Phoenix. Let's just say on more than one occasion I received a phone call and made them get off the phone with me because they were having WAY too much fun with out me.

Can I say that I am thankful for their blossoming relationship? Though I was jealous that I was not down their enjoy some Zips, or LGO it did warm my heart at the good time they were having getting to know each other even more.
And I also realized I am not a huge fan of living by myself now. Yes, I loved living in my apartment, having my own space .. Living back with Mom and Dave these past 5 months, I have realized how much I do enjoy living with people, having the house a little louder, and being able to say goodnight to someone. But yes, I do enjoy my "me" time too!

Their vacation was much needed and much deserved. And they had SUCH a wonderful time.

RW: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

2011-09-28T06:00:00.001-07:00

Wow, let me apologize for slacking on the Recipe Wednesday posts! I am sorry. My free baking time has been spent baking up cookies for She Bakes Bakery and taking pictures of them, so I have not had anytime for branching out on the baking side of things. But no worries, I am back in full swing, with something I've never tried.. Cinnamon Rolls! Pumpkin ones that is!

Let me first just say that when following a recipe in baking, you really have to follow it to the T. I think since I have all of my cookie recipes in my head, when it comes to using someone else's recipe, I tend to try to switch it up myself. Yeah, doesn't always work out. Baking is a chemistry!

These rolls were originally regular ol' cinnamon rolls, but my brother was asking me to bake something with Pumpkin so I decided adding in Pumpkin Puree and removing the Sour Cream the recipe called for. It all worked out mighty well.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat Oven 350

Adapted from Tasty Kitchen

Rolls

2 TBSP Light Brown Sugar

2 Cups Flour

1 TSP BP

1/2 TSP BS

Dash of Salt

6 TBSP Butter

1/2 Pumpkin Puree

1/4 Cup 2% Milk

Filling

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 TSP Cinnamon

4 TBSP Butter

Icing

1 Cup Powered Sugar

1/2 Cup Heavy Cream

1 TSP Vanilla

1 TSP Cinnamon

1. Roll; In a bowl add in brown sugar, flour, bs, bp, and salt. Add in 2 TBSP butter that is cut in cubes .. This will make the mixture like sand, pretty crumbly.

2. Melt 4 TSBP butter, adding to the pumpkin and milk and pour over dry ingredients. Mix these all up into a ball, this ball will be a bit sticky, if too stick add a little bit more flour.

3. Filling: Melt 4 TBSP butter add to brown sugar and cinnamon, this will become wet paste consistency.

4. Roll out dough on a flour surface, into a rectangle. Making sure you have enough flour on the dough. Spread the filling on top of the dough. Roll the dough as tight as possible, this is important!! Once rolled out, slice into 2 inch rolls.

5. Place rolls into 8 inch cake pan, leaving enough space for them to grow -- they will come out of oven all touching!

Bake for 16-18 minutes

6. Mix powered sugar, cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over warm cinnamon rolls!

Alright ladies, enjoy these little rolls of goodness!

hair did.

2011-09-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a good hair cut makes you feel worlds better, at least in my little life it does. This past year I have been growing my hair out, and I am surprise I have yet to chop it all off. But I think I'll hold on to the long hair for a little while longer, I love the versatility of long hair.

Well, with that this girl needed a hair cut. I have a habit that was passed down from my mom; picking at my split ends at every chance I get! Since I hadn't actually had my hair cut in about 4 months, this girl was in desperate need of hair lovin'. Let's just say Nicole worked her magic, brightened my hair up and cut off a few inches -- it feels so healthy!

Before

After

Great lighting happening in these iPhone pictures. :) Loving the color of my hair, and thankful for a hair stylist who I trust and let her do her thing!

oh the joys of designing

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Once I had down that my site would be named She Bakes Bakery, it was time to start talking design aspects; site, logo, stickers, colors, menus .. All that jazz. I immediately started searching blog designers and soon found that it would cost a pretty penny to get what I wanted, and even though I was willing to do it, the boyfriend said it would be ridiculous to pay someone a ton of money before I was even successful in this, sounds harsh .. But its true. Why not start simple, and if it goes well have the business pay for the updates! He's smart.

I will say that I was a bit hesitant to give the boyfriend the reigns of designing, I was pretty surethat he was not going to get the picture that was in my head and produce a site that resembled it. After many many examples, lots and lots of comprising and lastly me realizing I am indecisive, I was eating my words and loving the design.

In my eyes I wanted something simple and casual and girly. Easy right? As for colors I am a girl who loves peach, I mean peach screams Krislyn! But soon I realized that peach is a very hard color to work with and not make it look orange. I also love yellow, a lot. But again this color was piercing to the eyes, so I knew that yes I could use it but it would not be the main color. After many ideas and me complaining the colors screamed "baby nursery" we came with the conclusion to do a darker more magenta pink with hints of greens, blues and yellows!

Also, you have to make sure the colors look as good online as they do printed, which is why most companies stay with basic colors. And another thing that took forever was FONT! Holy cow, I am obsessed with fonts. Long story short, more then half my fonts I loved were hard to read. And I needed to put on my consumer eyes and see that fun/cute/flirty font was not going to happen.

My advice, when designing a site stay true to who you are, do not try to be something you are not. I caught myself doing this a lot, and when it is all said and done. You want your business to reflect you and also be simple to navigate for your consumer.

her golden birthday!

2011-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Monica's {golden} Birthday!!

If you have attended college, you've probably had the feeling walking into your dorm room for the very first time and praying that whoever is your roommate will; 1. Not smell 2. Be nice 3. Not steal your things. 4. Well, you get my drift. Basically you pray they are normal.

I must have prayed hard because God placed the most caring, genuine, and loyal roommate with me. Monica has been one of those friends who will do whatever it takes to make time for you, whether it is driving an hour and a half to visit you for a quick coffee, being their for your baptism .. To driving you around if you've had a little too much fun on your birthday, or meets you at the airport during a lay over. Seriously, she's pretty amazing. Anyhow, we spent 3 years of our colleges days living as roommates and we have seen the best and well worst of each other {my worst days were probably way more often.} She has prayed for me, and cried with me, and laughed with me.

Basically, I am thankful God placed her in my life as a naive 18 year old having no idea what I was doing in college.

I love you Monica, and I love that today is your GOLDEN birthday! Happy 26th. I am praying that this GOLDEN year would bring you so much happiness, new adventures and yes a GODLY Man! I joke a bit, but I know that God is going to bless you, and you will be showered with love and so much happiness in your life.

love you lady!

recap of week w/munchkins

2011-09-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

The boys are just growing so quickly, especially Oliver. He honestly is changing daily! It is so fun hearing his sweet voice mimicking us, and finally being less frustrated since we finally are understanding what he wants. I can't believe in three short months he'll be TWO! And what really makes me feel old is that in one week the first little munchkin Gavin, who I started watching when he was 2 months old is turning FIVE! Okay, I am old. Time is flying by.

Back to this week.

On Wednesday Carson and I made Banana Chocolate Chip Bread, can you say addicting?! So good!

Oliver is his own little world, sitting in his little corner, eating goldfish, and talking to himself. Pure Joy.

Carson has now left the robot faze {well, a little bit} and is onto being a Power Ranger. I guess I was being "bad" and well, he tied me up. Couldn't move. He's a little stinker!

And gosh, Oliver. I could eat him up. Cutest Kid in the World.

enjoy your weekend.

its all in the name.

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

{For my own personal record, I have started a series of blog posts that I can refer to in the future as to the process I have been on bringing a dream of mine alive! And I promise you'll see the end result very soon.}

Whether you are developing a non-profit, choosing your child's name, or picking a name for your business, finding the "perfect" name is not as easy as one might thing. I will say I was one that thought naming would be incredibly easy, how hard would it be to create naming dealing with baking? Well, it was hard.

For me this process took a solid three months, yes three months. In the beginning I would jot down ideas on my iPhone, and once I had a fairly long list I emailed them to some family and close friends. The feedback as fantastic, except there was a minor detail I had failed at; Are there other companies with this same name? I soon found out that yes, that one of a kind name I had created was actually not a one of a kind name. So, back to the drawing board I went.

Soon I realized that She Bakes was a name that many people were liking and thought it was just right for me, but I was fearful of commitment; What if another came up what if others weren't on board? After a few weeks, I realized that they were all right, She Bakes was it, it was simple and straight to the point. I am a girl and I bake.

My advice to any one figuring out what to name their next project; go with your gut, ask a few core family and friends, and in the end simple is best!

home decorating prints.

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

My creativity has taken a break since I have moved back home. While I lived by myself I would spend the weekends decorating my apartment and or switching things around, I loved it. I enjoy making your house/apartment/condo a home, and now a days with Pinterest I am itching at the chance to have a place to call my own again.

Well, recently I have decided to just keep doing my creative projects knowing one day they will be used, so I might as well make them and store them some where. Though as my mom would say, I am lacking space in my little 12 by 12 room, for instance one corner is piled with baking business items and another is filled with filing binders and books. Oh lovely.

One thing that I am ready to get up no a blank wall is a print I ordered from the every so talented Jones Design Company. Ever since I stumbled upon this blog a year or two ago, I was in love, and the fact that her sister works at ECC makes it even more a joy. I recently purchased these two prints; the top one for a Wedding gift and the bottom for my decorating pleasure. I would highly recommend stopping by JDC and looking through the shop, and guess what?! When you purchase something, you'll receive 15% off your next purchase. I'm down with that.

I plan to put my print into a bigger frame {it is a 8 by 11 print} and hang it somewhere special. Next up a true DIY project, I'm going to try to create a nice wreath to hang. Wish me luck.

september trip to arizona.

2011-09-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

I confess, I have been a horrible blogger this month. I don't really have a reason why, it just has been a month of blanking on blog topics. My hope? That I can leave September with a bang! So, here's to trying.

I am home from Arizona and had another fantastic trip to see the boyfriend. The weekend was spent doing some of the following:

Having dinner made for me.

Laying out.

LGO.

Talks about budgets.

Talks about insurances.

Talks about being an adult in general, where I will confess I cried.

Trip to Target where, I realized that my boyfriend matched his outfit to mine. Crazy kid.

Yogurtology.

Date night at MOTO Sushi {best Chinese chicken salad ever}, followed by a movie {his pick}, and my first taste of Frozen Custard at Culver's! Rich, but oh so good!

Packing for a upcoming move for the boy.

Baking.

Meeting new friends.

Meeting old friends.

Making dinner for him {tj's pizza}

Runs.

Walks.

Working on my project.

Wasn't ready to leave, but glad that the weekend went by nice and slow. And just as I was leaving my Mom and Dave were pulling in to Scottsdale for the week! It was {easier} to leave knowing I'll be back down there in 11 days. Happy heart!

hello, weekend!

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

hello, weekend!

please go nice and slowly!

what women fear

2011-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

I went to Barnes and Noble twice, then went to another Barnes and Noble once, and visited a Christian Bookstore, and then finally was just going to order this book online, until I got a text from my mom with the picture of the book! Yes, I finally have my hands on Angie Smith's new book "What Women Fear." If you have not heard of Angie, head on over to her blog she has an amazing testimony, and after reading a few blog entries you feel as though she's your next door neighbor.

I am looking forward to dive into this book; it is about fear {clearly} about how a majority of women fear something. Maybe it's fear of commitment, fear of love, fear of being "found out", fear of flying and to know that we are not alone, and that God knows our fears and is going to walk us through it. I am ready to look at the Bible at others who were dealing with being fearful and how God brought them through it.

I would encourage you to go pick this book up, and join Angie and her friend Jessica as they go through the book on their Bloom Book Club located on www.incourage.me! They will be posting videos {they are hilarious and full of wisdom} which helps you go a bit deeper in the book!

Ahhh.. I am excited, and I plan to read it this weekend in Arizona and also re-read it with the book club!

Lady Antebellum!

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yay!! I am SO loving that Lady Antebellum's new ALBUM came out TODAY!!

Gosh, I just love them and love their music SO much!

Hoping and praying that I can see them on their Fall tour in Phoenix or Las Vegas, boo to not come to Seattle!

Here's are a few previews of their NEW songs.

Okay now off to go listen to the album all day, and for well the next 24/7!

no screaming.

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

When I made the move back into my Mom's and Dave's, I was ever so grateful! I knew my Mom would love every second, and well Dave would hopefully come to love it. ;) All in all these past four months have not been bad, in my eyes at least. Though I think Dave can not wait for the day I am out of his kitchen, often when he gets home from work this girl is in his kitchen. Don't worry Dave, I am dying to have my own kitchen too!!

With that there is only one little issue I think {well I hope} Dave has with me in the house.

I get every excited, a lot of the time .. And when I get excited my voice get extremely loud.. Then put that on top of my mom and I thinking we need to talk really loud to one another, and you have Dave's BIG pet peeve. So, to remind us daily he made this little note and posted it on the refrigerator.

Every time that I or my mom start to raise our voice in excitement or normal conversation Dave will point to the fridge.

It's quite comical.

I think he'll have a party when I move out.. A silent party that is! :)

will always remember.

2011-09-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

pumpkin streusel muffins

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Clearly, it is not quite Fall yet, and I am in no need rushing summer out of here.. But Carson wanted muffins the other day so I decided why not give pumpkin muffins a whirl! He was a fan, and I considered them "healthy" compared to the cookies he had been munchin' on.

I am not a fan of pumpkin, never have don't know if I ever will. BUT if you love pumpkin these are the muffins for you, they scream Fall .. Plus add a nice cup of coffee and bam, you've got yourself a Fall breakfast.

Recipe

1 1/2 Cup of Flour

1 Can of Pumpkin Puree

1/4 Cup of Apple Sauce

1/4 Cup of Vegetable Oil

2 Eggs

1 TSP Baking Powder

1/2 TSP Baking Soda

1/2 Cup of Sugar

3/4 Cup of Brown Sugar

1 Large TSP of Cinnamon

In a muffin tin, lay a small scoop of batter into the tins. Layer cinnamon/sugar/brown sugar {about a spoon full}, then top with more batter! This makes the muffins sweet, and savory.

Bake for 17 minutes at 350 degrees.

Once cooled whip up some icing. This was totally eye balled.

About 2 cups of Powered Sugar

A few TBSP of Milk

1 TSP Vanilla

2 TSP Cinnamon

Ice the muffins any you like, I put it in a plastic bag and went to town.

Hope you enjoy! And PS: They turn up SUPER MOIST! :) Gotta love that word.

a {small} rant on our LDR

2011-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

"It is just a season, just a season Krislyn. Seasons pass, and this too shall pass." I tell myself this frequently now a days, as we continue on our eight month LDR {long distance relationship.} Honestly, it has flown by and I wouldn't take any of it back nor change a single detail, but I am human and so I'll rant for a few minutes.

Let's just say I would love to hop on a plane and change this LDR into a SCR {same city relationship} but then I realize that I have commitments here and that would be totally irrational. So, I won't. When the weekends hit its by far the hardest not having D to hang out with, or honestly sit and do nothing with. That is why I enjoy work during the week, keeps me occupied and my mind off of the fact the person I love is a mere 2,000 miles away.

And it is especially annoying when your boyfriend is being the best at helping you start up and execute the little project you are working so hard on. Annoying, because instead of you both sitting next to each other at a coffee shop bouncing ideas off one another, or dealing with the annoyance of making a website ... You are having to call each other on the phone or use email. Which is hard, because I would much rather him be on the computer and me sitting next to him trying to explain in as much detail as I can what I am liking he is doing or what I am not so keen on what he is doing.

It's hard. And it's annoying.

And I will conclude with a bit of bragging, D has been giving me so much help over these past 4 weeks or so with my little project. He has been staying up late, helping research, and helping develop items I need, on TOP of him working! And the fact that he is extremely patient with me, and for some reason can read my mind very well which allows him to execute the final product making it exactly what's in my mind that I failed to tell him. Also being encouraging when I get overwhelmed by reminding me to start small, eventually you can expand, and remember you are doing this because you are passionate about it and enjoy it. Oh yes, he's right. Seriously, I think I'll keep him.

So, there you have it. My little rant on our LDR. And yes like I said, it's a season. Soon it will pass and we will be greeted by more challenges but at least we won't be 2,000 miles from each other. :)

And on a positive note I get to see him in a week.

week in review.

2011-09-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Again, I love my job. And I am so thankful that I have been introduced to so many great Momma's these past twenty months, who have super cute and well behaved children!! These Momma's are definitely doing things right when it comes to raising these munchkins, and I am thankful to be able to soak up some of their knowledge for one day {FAR in the future}. Anyhow, Tuesday was a day that I was the "neighborhood nanny," I made my rounds to three houses.

Saxyn, is all girl! She runs with her behind out and has the "wave" down! And she is the only little girl I've watched in a long time. Boys and Girls = COMPLETELY different.

Here are Dodge, Kingston, and Sax watching the lawn men do their job. K, has a thing for any truck that makes noise. And can I also tell you the sweetest thing that I saw this day.. While eating lunch K was teaching D Luke 10:27 "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength and all your mind. And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself." I about died. K is three, and was pointing out his families constitution that hangs on their wall {which I plan to have as well, great concept} ... I believe his Mommy and Daddy are doing something right! D who is two, was jabbering his version right on back!

And this kid!! Oliver is a nut! He decided he would take his soccer goal right on up the ladder! He was actually doing a good job before I thought to myself, "this could turn out bad.." :) When you're older Ollie, go right ahead and try this!

Also, hello beautiful Sunny September Seattle weather!! It has been a gorgeous week, and someone was excited for the pool to be pulled on out.

I got this kid to cuddle with me while his brother was napping.. It lasted about 2.5 seconds!

Summer+Sun+Fun=Ice Cream Sandwiches!

it all started with an easy bake oven.

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was about 8 years old when I was introduced to the kid friendly, Easy Bake Oven by my summer babysitter. As my brother and friends played outside in the summer sun, I'd be in the kitchen baking up some incredibly delicious {insert sarcasm} cakes and brownies using the Easy Bake Oven. I was enamored by this little gadget, that in about three minutes an oh-so-sweet-and-tiny dessert would pop on out. It was in this kitchen, that my love of baking was planted.

Fast forward to the good ol' college years. I can't say these were the best years of my life, but I can say that it was here that I started to develop and perfect a few cookie recipes. I also spent these years baking for birthdays, bringing treats to bible studies and study sessions {I was more interested in baking then studying, but I did graduate college}. Once graduating I headed down south to the sunny state of Arizona, and again I found myself trying new recipes and baking up sweet treats for friends and my Wednesday Night Bible Study girls.

I, soon found myself posting many of my sweet treats on this here blog, and becoming more consistent in baking treats up weekly {to where now, I get antsy if I don't bake everyday.} After I would baked treats up they would be sent off with my Step Dad or Dad and their co-workers would devour them and rave about how delicious they were. I was a little shock, and of course flattered which gave me more passion and drive to continue to bake for people. I even sent them as far away as Poland as a special request from Russ!

Needless to say, baking is a passion of mine. My baking is nothing fancy, it is just homemade baked up treats with a whole lotta love inside. And from all the feedback I was receiving and all the time I was wanting to put into baking, I knew something needed to happen with this baking of mine, but on the other hand I was terrified to step out in faith to even try something. Or so I thought.

So, because of a simple little kid friendly gadget such as the Easy Bake Oven, a seed was planted and years later it would begin to bloom.

To be continued..

traded in the diet soda.

2011-09-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Now let me explain, I have never been "addicted" to Diet Soda, if I were to drink it, it was maybe three times a week, once a day. Or while living in Arizona I would swing by Circle K or Sonic because they have the ice pellets that just make your soda taste 10 times better, and it was a nice way to cool off from the heat with extra calories.

But I made the decision towards the end of July to lay off the Diet Soda, honestly just to see if I felt better and also I was clearly not drinking enough water. So for the past 8 weeks my handy Starbucks Tumbler has been my best friend. I take it just about every where with me, and I think it also makes the water taste better. :)

What have I learned these past 8 weeks? Water is truly SO good for you. It makes you feel more energized, makes your skin glow, does not leave you feeling blotted, and helps your little metabolism keep on working!

I will admit I did order a Diet Soda once and honestly, I realize I am not missing much. Also, I will say I am not swearing off ever drinking Diet Soda again, I just want to really limit myself and also limit myself to all that Aspartame stuff! And, yes this girl does get cravings ever so often for a caffeinated fountain drink, so to me it is all about limiting.

I challenge you to take away soda! Maybe start off by taking one off of your day, or week.

I promise you'll feel lots better.

spreading her wings.

russ is twenty-eight!

my plans vs. His plans

kari jobe: where i find you.

{snickerdoodles w/filling}

last post about SNOW, i promise.

another post about SNOW.

sunshine and snow.

homemade monkey bread muffins

weekly round up.

{oatmeal cinnamon cookie sandwich}

{tone it up}

saturday tid-bits

not a camper.

my stepdad, dave.

passion 2012

{coffee chip pancake muffins}

my hope for 2012

a {whole} year.

tour of seattle.

christmas 2011 {in pictures}

christmas eve.

carson and oliver: presents!

santa photos.

a winter wedding!

shebakesbakery.com

cupcakes galore!

let's turn on the OVEN!

i love ...

{winter} bucket list *updated*

my little man, cars.

breaking news.

mish-mash

five things.

a few favorite things.

two places.

christmas tree shopping!

cinnamon roll bread

love sign.

{happy birthday agata}

look whose TWO!! part TWO!

look whose TWO!!

vroom vroom!

craft overload {finalized}

{1,095}

a trip to hobby lobby.

let's be thankful

miles are adding up.

i've got myself some {twine}

because its too good not to share.

{cinnamon rolls}

{thankful} for malawi.

windy day

{twelve days of goodies}

{winter} bucket list

{just some random's}

saturday=baking day

lululemon

weekend in arizona.

she bakes {update}

{we come with donuts}

something i've learned.

christmas music.

i'm weird about food.

Oh, hair.

risky business.

thirst.

pumpkin walnut muffins {healthy style}

melts my {heart}

house hunters.

cinnamon bread{s} and cookie.

common theme: lindsay.

i survived.

a {birthday} in the house.

{birthday dinner with friends}

{let's recap year 25 of my life}

arizona october visit.

{nordstrom} last chance

i am not an office girl.

deactivated.

{winter} bucket list updated