stuck in the moustache.

We decided to indulge our sweet tooth and our imaginations and whip up these little ditties.

I've seen a chocolate moustache mold around, but decided to expand on the idea a little bit-- "How can I make this idea better?!" I always ask myself.

The flexibility to choose your own moustache style! Because, we all know that every moustache is as different and interesting as their wearer.

I know you are dying to make your own-- I'll divulge my most secret chocolate moustache recipe that even Willy Wonka would be jealous of.

Here is the recipe-- just good ol' melting chocolate bark. (I used the Wilton brand--)

That's it. Melt it down in the microwave, and pop it into a large ziploc freezer bag.

Cut the tip a teeny-tiny bit so you can pipe it onto a plastic wrap covered cookie sheet.

Just make your outline and fill it in! If you use real chocolate, you might have to refrigerate your moustaches-- but if you use the chocolate bark like I did, just a little time on the counter top will be sufficient for hardening.

Here we have the Einstein... all we need is the white frizzy hair.You can't talk moustaches with out the trucker special somehow worming his way in there.
The connoisseur has a special place in my heart. This one is curly and wild.
The abra cadabra is just as magical as it sounds-- and if you're lucky, a little will rub off under your nose, perfect for licking.
See, even you can make the perfect chocolate moustache with a few simple ingredients and some creativity. In no time you will have the perfect moustaches to share with friends!

getting our summers worth of sun.

Sorry, I can't blog right now... we are here today.

Splashing, picnicking, and being chased by a giant catfish that seems to not be alarmed by small children splashing in water.

Alas, life is amusing. Life is good.

My favorite part of the beach, chatting it up with friends.

Trying to catch up on our busy lives. Showing everyone my dreadful farmer tan and new swim moves.

That's right, did I tell you-- I've learned how to swim!

It only took 29 years.

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mr.cheesehead, and friends.

So, I've been told that the lunches around my place are getting pretty boring-- are lacking a certain "zing" or "flair".

I've been stuck in the-peanut-butter-and-jelly-sandwich-or-spaghetti-o's-for-lunch rut for about 2 months now, to my children's chagrin. This was brought to my attention right before, as my eldest asked the age old question "What's for lunch mom?"

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The answer actually brought tears to his eyes-- TEARS TO HIS EYES! I had to laugh, but also make a mental note to change it up a bit. I wouldn't want this subject brought up to any psychiatrist in about 20 years.

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Quickly, I grabbed the bread.

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What do I do? What do I do? I could feel the sweat start to collect on my brow-- I had 4 hungry boys chanting and waiting.

Remembering those very large, and oh so unnecessary crocodile tears, I put away the peanut butter jar. I know all too well about choosing my battles, and this one didn't seem fair. 4 to 1. I would loose for sure.

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This is when quick thinking delivered me an idea-- Mr. Cheesehead.

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I had limited ingredients on such short notice, but after a quick rifle around the refrigerator, I found some items fit for eyeballs, noses, and hair.

Chopping quickly, I placed the items on the table and set in front of each hungry boy a plate with a piece of bread topped with cheese. Lunch quickly became the Little Momma version of Mr. Potatohead, but cheesier!

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The boys were smitten with the fact that they could play with their food. Decorating their Mr.Cheesehead was just as much as an art lesson as it was lunch!

And oh! Even the veggies were gobbled down to crumbs. Who could resist taking a bite out of goofy Mr. Cheesehead's face? Not I.

having a gran{d}ola time.

Question: Can I make my own granola bars?

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I tried to this afternoon with wonderful results.

Easy peasy, and cost friendly too.

I call mine Trail Mix Granola Bars-- you will see why in a minute.

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Start with one part butter, to one part honey, to two parts brown sugar.

Place in a deep pot over medium heat.

Bring to a boil. Remove from heat.

Stir in granola, puffed rice cereal, and any other goodies-- I chose golden raisins, chocolate chips, and pretzel rods.

I waited for the mixture to cool until I added the chips-- so they would not melt. I just greased up my hands and pressed everything down into a cookie pan with a lip.

Refrigerate-- a good hour or so.

Dump pan onto a cutting board and cut into bars. It makes at least 20.

Enjoy one with a cold glass of milk. YUM.

1 stick of unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
3 to 4 cups granola, such as Back to Nature brand
1 cup rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup thin pretzel sticks
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

(ca-prey-zay!) caprese salad.

To market, to market to buy a fat pig,

home again, home again- jiggity jig...

Instead of a fat pig, I found some pretty little tomatoes in red, yellow, and orange.
They screamed CAPRESE! (ca-prey-zay!)

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Have you ever eaten a yellow tomato? I hadn't.

Have you ever had caprese salad? I love it.

Did you know I could drink balsamic vinegar by the shot glass? I could!

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This is my own kid friendly version of caprese.

Pan fried chicken, tomatoes, basil, and instead of fresh mozzarella, I buy it in a block. My kids like it a bit better.

Cut and assemble. Drizzle with oil and vinegar, salt and pepper. Add a piece of crusty bread to soak up the juices. Mmmmm!

Who says kids only want to eat chicken nuggets and corn dogs? Not I!

celebrating freedom.

A pictorial essay of our holiday:

(with a few words too)

Small town America-- we loved the quaint views and yummy BBQ!

Most of the weekend was spent in natures company.

I had a hay-day taking pictures of all of the creatures, including this gorgeous blue dragonfly.

But, our favorite activity included a bit of water---

(and me, back in my favorite spot-- the kayak!)

The oldest child has become fearless-- jumping off the dock into the cool lake water time after time.

I had to do a bit of sweet talking to get a kayak buddy.
My new sun hat-- do you recognise me?

peek a boo!


Jeff's favorite activity included lots of this!

And Ben was happy fishing.

He fished for hours and hours.

-- he got such delight these:

Eeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

The 4th is not complete without some hamburgers.

And sparklers...

Enjoying the cool night air, anticipating the fireworks!
A perfect ending.

just a little dutch baby.

My most requested recipe--

(and for good reason, it's absolutely delicious!)

Enjoy your 4th of July.

I'll be back on Monday!

Dutch Baby

3/4 C milk (I used skim)

1/2 C flour

2 large eggs

1 and 1/2 T sugar

1/2 t vanilla extract

3 T butter

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powdered sugar

desired fruit for topping

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15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450. Have a pie plate ready.Whisk together milk, flour, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Put the butter in the pie plate and place it in the oven to melt. When butter is just melted, brush the sides of the pie plate with it so the pancake will not stick.Slowly pour the batter into the hot pie plate. Bake it for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until pancake is well browned. Remove from oven and spoon fruit into the center of the pancake. Top with powdered sugar. Enjoy!