This Moment

*This Moment* Inspired by Amanda Blake Soule.

A moment to remember.

Recipe: : Simple Pecan-Date Bars

Let's be honest. Lara Bars are expensive. It's only been on the rare occasion that I've eaten one and everytime I do, I think "I could have just made that!". There are currently 1.3 million copy cat recipes out there for Lara Bars (okay, maybe that number is inaccurate.) I figured I should contribute at least one more. 

I have made tons of Lara Bar variations in the past, but my most current one is a new one for me and it was delicious! 

Simple Pecan-Date Bars

* 2 - 8oz bags whole pitted dates

* 1 - 10oz bag whole pecans

* 1/4 - 1/2 cup dried, shredded coconut (start with a small amount first - you don't want the bars to be too crumbly!)

* 1 - 2 tsps. vanilla extract

* First, in a pan, toast up the pecans. (medium heat for a few minutes - constantly stirring until fragrant. Don't burn them!)

* Next, add all of the ingredients in your food processor and pulse for a few minutes until everything is chopped really small. When it starts to sort of "clump", it's probably ready. 

* To test and see if it's ready, take a small amount out of your food processor (while it's turned off of course!) and squeeze it together or roll it into a ball. If it sticks together, then it's ready!

* Get a small glass dish (or whatever shallow baking dish you have) and press the mixture in evenly.

* Sprinkle some shredded coconut on top and press (optional)

 * Place the dish in the fridge for 15- 20 mins to set

* Cut into pieces and enjoy! 

*Notes*

- I purchased my dates from Aldi. One 8oz bag only cost me $1.99!

- I had forgotten to oil my glass dish, but as I found out, after toasting the pecans, the oils released from them helped keep them from sticking to my glass dish.
- Even though your dates will say "pitted", always be careful because there could be pit fragments or even whole pits (like the one I found!) 

This Moment

*This Moment* Inspired by Amanda Blake Soule

A moment to remember.

Gratitude Sunday

         Today I'm joining Taryn over at Wooly Moss Roots for Gratitude*Sunday

In Taryn's words: :

G r a t i t u d e * S u n d a y

"{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}"

 (above is a photograph of my father(left) and me(right) - He was about 15 years old and I was only about 3 years old, 

I'm amazed at how much we really do look alike!)

This week, I'm grateful for...

* A wonderful Christmas with my family. Hectic, but still wonderful

* Family coming to visit! It's always a good time. 

* Music! 

* Cuddles with my children.

* Nights spent watching good movies! 

* Delicious home brewed beer! 

* Fun times playing our favorite game, Acey-Deucey!

* Seeing sunshine & rain. 

* And as always, God! 

Wishing everyone a happy week and New Year!!!!

This Moment

*This Moment* Inspired by Amanda Blake Soule. 

A scary moment to remember.

Outside.

Life Lately...

The Birthday Boy

 Advent: Week 3

 Just what I want to see in the morning.

 A typical scene

 Homemade chocolate-peppermint popcorn

A new wreath! Made of grapevines. (The Mr. is such a crafty guy)

Happenings.

My littlest child has a birthday coming up. His first. I decided to make my very first birthday crown for his special day. I am really pleased with how it came out. I found lots of inspiration on Pinterest and from there came up with my own pattern. It came out so well in fact that I think they might be making an appearance in the shop soon! 

-I've also started to learn to knit! I am very excited about this. It has proven to be a little challenging for me, but I'm keeping at it. My skills do not go beyond a scarf, but that's okay. 

-Yesterday I made the best coffee cake ever! It was so moist and sweet! Just perfect. 

-With the little one's being sick lately, It's time to make up a batch of Elderberry Syrup! 

Until next time, 

Kellie

Gratitude Sunday (2nd week of Advent)

           Today I'm joining Taryn over at Wooly Moss Roots for Gratitude*Sunday

In Taryn's words: :

G r a t i t u d e * S u n d a y

"{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}"

This week, I'm thankful for...

• Being alive! 
• Using my talents to help bring joy to people's lives
• Extra time to sleep
• Getting a little Nativity scene for our season/nature table
• My camera (even though I wish I had a much better one, I am so glad I at least have the one
  I have!)
• My husband. He's my rock.
• My cooking abilities. It comes in handy when there is "no food" in the house and I have to get creative!
• Christmas decorations! 
• Clean laundry
• Sweet cuddles from my little ones. 
• Finding my winter shoes that were packed away and thought to most definitely be lost.
• Reading books to my children. (even if I don't always have their attention)
• Having frozen homemade cookie dough on hand when the kids are wanting something sweet and I don't have the time (or energy) to cook.
• Most importantly, God! (Happy 2nd week of Advent!)

~Kellie

Gratitude Sunday (Happy First Week Of Advent!)

                      Today I'm joining Taryn over at Wooly Moss Roots for Gratitude*Sunday

In Taryn's words: :

G r a t i t u d e * S u n d a y

"{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}"

Lately I've been thankful for...

• Christmas music! I'm one of those "Get the Christmas music playing before it's even Thanksgiving" type of people. 
• Finding time to create a few things for my shop.
• Watching my littlest grow and learn new things everyday.
• Being able to talk about the things that weigh heavy on my mind to certain people without feeling judgement.
• Support from my family in so many ways.
• The start of the Advent season!
• Memories. Sweet memories.
• My Children, they drive me crazy, but I still love em'. 
• My husband, for putting up with my crazy. 
• Food. Specifically a simple pot of beans and cornbread. Is there anything that is so simple and tasty? I didn't think so.
• Above all, I am thankful for God. Not sure if I know where I would be without him.