Pretty Pleeeeease, with sugar on top...?

hello, friends and faithful followers of my seemingly abandoned blog. I haven't forgotten about this personal blog, I just have been putting more of my energy and time into developing my new and improved blog Don't Mind if I Do. I would kindly ask...if you could....please come and "follow" me at this new blog location [scroll down and click on the blue "join this site" button]...you won't be disappointed ;) I'll keep you updated with my newest and latest diy projects, yummy recipes, snippets of real life (of course, with my boys)...anything and everything you want - I will do my best to DO! I am hoping to develop this blog into something more exciting, fresh, and filled with very lovely things.  I appreciate all your love and support! Looking forward to seeing you all there! XOXO

Happy Mother's Day!

I am so unbelievably blessed to have these three boys in my life. Life would be meaningless without them. Hm, how was life without kids...?? ....but seriously... It's not easy and I don't imagine it ever will be easy, but I feel a sense of belonging and worth that I have never felt doing anything else. Having them call me "mommy!" and how they can make any problem go away with their sweet smiles and endless amounts of hugs and kisses, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Also, I am so thankful for an amazing mother who showed me how precious this gift of motherhood and family can be. The best example that I turn to whenever I'm in need of guidance. The best mom in the world! I love you tons. I strive everyday to be just a little more patient and a little more caring like you.

To all you moms, grandmas, and moms-to-be, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

(click photo for my DMiID mother's day post)

Repurposing your old sweater.

Head on over to Don't Mind if I Do blog for a little tutorial for repurposing that old sweater into a more useful cardigan!

A BIG reveal.

..............................drum roll please...........................................

our new blog is up and running! Christal and I have been planning this for months, and since she is leaving soon :( we thought that this would be the perfect time to get it started. This way we can still keep in touch, do all of our cooking "together" and share it with all of YOU.

Don't mind if i do is a blog where we will be posting our favorite food and recipes, fashion/style tips, diy projects, and of course, our photography. I will still update this (my family) blog regularly, but mainly for personal use - updates of the kids and my random ramblings.

 If you have liked my recipes and DIY project posts, Please, please, PLEASE follow us HERE!!  

(click on the "follow" at the top left corner of the navigation bar) 

 There are already yummy recipes posted - you don't want to miss them!! Start following now! ;)

Thanks for your support! 

Summer Chicken Salad and Homemade Bread.

Christal and I have been on a roll with our cooking days. She is leaving the island soon, so we are using every chance we get to spend time together to cook, play and photograph. We are also working on something very special, which we will be revealing really soon. but for now, enjoy these healthy, summery recipes!

Zupas Summer Chicken Salad:

 Summer Chicken Salad
4 ounces mixed greens
2 fresh sliced strawberries
10 dried cranberries
5 red grapes
1 ounce diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 ounce chopped cashews (we used almonds instead)


Zupas Strawberry Vinaigrette
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup canola oil
4 strawberries
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar


1.  In a medium sized bowl toss the mixed greens, dressing, and chicken. Transfer into serving bowl.
2.  Top salad with dried cranberries, red grapes, and sliced strawberries.
3.  Sprinkle chopped cashews on top to finish.
4.  Dressing:.
5.  In a medium sized container mix the strawberries, salt, sugar and vinegar.  Blend well in a blender.

6.  While blending slowly add in all the oil, blending until smooth.  

Homemade Bread:

Quick and Homemade Bread (Recipe from FOOD.COM).

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup sugar

3 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast

2 teaspoons salt

3 tablespoons butte

1 1/2 cups warm water

5 cups all purpose flour

1.  Heat milk, sugar, salt, and butter in small saucepan until butter melts and sugar dissolves.

2.  Cool to lukewarm.

3.  Dissolve yeast in warm water in warmed mixer bowl.

4.  Add milk mixture and slowly add flour.

5.  Mix for 1-2 minutes on speed 2.  

6.  Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top.

7.  Cover and let rise next to warm over for 10 minutes.

8.  Put dough in greased loaf pan and leftover dough in greased muffin pans.  

9.  Let both pans rise in over (170 degrees) for 10 minutes.

10.  Bake at 425 degrees (12 minutes for biscuits and 25-30 minutes for bread).

story of my life.

I seriously have so many things on my plate right now its not even funny...really, not laughing here. There are so many things I want to post about, so many projects that keep getting pushed back, numerous endless photo shoots to prepare for AND edit...all on top of being a full time cook, maid, MOM - and all that joys that come with it.

But...

Despite it all, I feel pretty good, especially after hearing all the uplifting things during Conference. I feel like I can take on the world right about now....haha...well, its just a figure of speech, really...   I just have to remind myself :::: I don't have to be perfect, I just have to aspire and work towards it. I don't have to get 100% of my to-do list checked off. Not even 50%. there is always tomorrow....most of those things probably shouldn't have even made it on to the list anyway... Life is a journey and everyday is a learning experience. Try to learn something new everyday and work to improve something that I couldn't accomplish the day before. BREATHE. just stop. and take a deep breath, trust me, it works. And always, always put God and family first. Because at the end of the day, they matter most and will always be there for you, no matter what. I need a good reminder every now and then...I think everyone does. Today definitely was that...a good reminder.

 see.

 everything is OK.

 because. I Love you.

 and I will be there.

every step of the way.

laughing, smiling, and loving...

to the end of time.

Anniversary.

We got to get away. Kids-free, just the two of us. Even if it was just for a few hours, it was everything I could have ever asked for! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family that made it possible for us to have this time together.  You know who you are, Thank you! ♡ The day was perfect in every way.