Saturday, April 28, 2012

Browned Butter Butterscoth Blondies!

I recently created an account on the wonderful site Etsy.com, and decided to sell, besides my paintings, jar mixes!

I LOVE jar mixes, especially to give as gifts and for holidays.  And as you know Mother's Day will be here before we know it!  I think mixes are really fun and easy for the recipient; all they have to do is pour the contents of the jar in a bowl, with a few wet ingredients of their own, stir together, bake, and voila, done!


They are cute too (if I do say so myself), with fabric tops and a decorated instruction card to boot.

Right now I am selling one of  my all time favorite jar mixes, I call them Brown Butter Butterscotch Blondies. Oh they are just heavenly!  They are chewy, sweet, with a hint of salty, dense, rich, buttery, delicious goodness...and the dough is to die for.  I like to bake mine until they are almost all the way done, but not quite, then I refrigerate them so they get a bit firmer.  Anyway, in the jar I use all natural ingredients, that are both high quality and delectable.  I would never sell anything I didn't feel comfortable putting in my own body.

 I wish shipping was cheaper, but that's what I get for selling something so heavy; but if you think about it, the amount of goodies this jar makes combined with the price you pay for them, is nothing compared to if you bought the same amount at a bakery, even with shipping.

Made with the toffee shown above, organic walnuts, natural butterscotch and white chocolate chips too!

So you can take a gander at my site (yay!) by putting this address in your search bar: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaynaKerr
Or there is a link at the bottom of my blog by my followers.  Thanks for taking a peek, it means a lot!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

A Simple Life Still Needs Vacation

My young life has been filled with roller coaster like events.  Many twists and turns, and ups and downs.  For some, a life full of turbulent rides might sound exciting and fun, but I prefer my roller coasters rides to take place exclusively in theme parks.  For as long as I can remember, I have just wanted my life to be a quiet silver ship sailing across clam, cool waters.

As I become steadily older, my life has increasingly become more and more stable.  My relationships have become more concrete, I have become more financially sound, and my education plans are almost complete. 

My successes continued when two days ago, my new fiance slipped a beautiful diamond ring on my finger.  We are now being swept up in a whirlwind of wedding and (most importantly) honeymoon possibilities.
 

Growing up poor was hard, we didn't really go on family vacations.  I never thought I would be planning such an exciting trip for my 'soon-to-be' little family.  Because I have always wanted a "normal" life, I consider going on vacation a staple in the American way of living.  That being said, I also feel many go overboard with vacation, spend too much, and become greedy.  Vacations can be experienced in moderation with a small budget, and still be amazing.

There are always ways to save on the grandest of trips.  Take cruises for example:

  • Book through a discount website
  • Travel during off season
  • Stay in a small inside room instead of one with a veranda (You can get a view all day by going to various decks)
  • Choose to do zero, one, or two excursions, you can always just go exploring!
  • Don't drink on your cruise, alcohol is not needed for an excellent time.
  •  Save the food from the ship (it's usually included in sailing fair) for the port days.  Just pack it away, and take it with you.
  • Give people post cards as souvenirs, or a refrigerator magnet and a picture of you on your trip.  You will save a ton if you can go easy with the trinkets you are bound to find. 
  • And for yourself find a few meaningful souvenirs, not everything in the gift shop
There are many more things you can do to save, you just have to brainstorm, and research your options.  I love vacations and can't wait for my honeymoon, but I will be looking for ways to save until we leave for our much needed get away.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

God is Good

God has been so good to me, and even when life gets hard, I have faith that everything happens for a reason.  He is uplifting and good; just as I attempt to be.  I will continue to do so to better myself, others in my life, and to honor him.

Thank you God, for my life.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Do You Miss BBQ Season?

I am just so anxious for summer to start already!  I miss the days of sandals, sun dresses, ice tea, and watermelon.  As much as I actually like the rain, I do have a great longing to relax outdoors this time of year.  But spring weather is just so unpredictable in Oregon, one minute it is sunny and bright, the next, there is a full on gale bashing outside. 

One of the best things about summer: sitting outside for meals.  Enjoying the great outdoors while munching--nothing beats it...except for maybe Disneyland :)

Broccoli & Onion Turkey Burger

Easter Morning Of Old

       Can you believe Easter is almost here again?!  Last Easter Jacob and I did something new.  We woke up bright and early, made a simple-as-it-gets breakfast, that we proceeded to nibble on while soaking up the early light.

       We took turns telling each other how thankful we were for one another, and then spent some time in prayer.  Thinking back, it was so lovely.  Perhaps simplifying Easter morning is the way to go...


Raspberries, Raw Almonds, Raw Cashews, Dark Chocolate Bits, and Tea!

  Happy Easter!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Sliver Bells and Cockle Shells

       Welcome to early April! Here in Oregon it has been pouring buckets day in and day out.  I must say, there is something simply enchanting about the way rain drops sound as they pitter-patter outside; especially when you are cozy inside.  I love watching the rain, listening to it, the clean earthy scent of it. I love the way it replenishes and refreshes the world anew.  I suppose it's a good thing I am an Oregonian!

        This spring I have decided (for the first time), to seriously plant a vegetable garden. The rainy season does wonders for the home gardener, so what a perfect month to start!  A few weeks ago, with the help of Jacob, I started all my seeds, and amazingly (to our surprise) they grew!  In the next few days into the ground they will all go, and hopefully in a few months time we will have a bountiful array of garden edibles to enjoy all season long.

Sprouts!
       There are so many benefits to gardening, and I encourage everyone to give it a try.  Even if it's just one small potted plant in your bedroom, I feel gardening improves the mind and spirit naturally. It is so nice to take care of something, watch it grow, and have satisfaction when it succeeds.  It is also especially rewarding when your efforts result in a source of fresh, healthy produce, or pretty flowers.  Gardening can ease stress, keep you limber, and even improve your mood.  Get back to nature this spring, and try planting a garden of your own.