tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37431872675488825452012-01-27T16:59:15.706-08:00A sweeter take on lifeJelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-26815379135415095212012-01-27T08:32:00.000-08:002012-01-27T08:44:14.674-08:002012-01-27T08:44:14.674-08:00

 Photo CreditI'm one of those moms that particularly loves baby hats. I think that my little girl's head is dandy cute without a colorful topper, especially because she's been blessed with her daddy's thick locks, but there's just something about adding a sweet little hat that really seals the deal for me. Each of the hats I'm featuring today are handmade by Etsy artists. One or two may be

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-65366869195547082242012-01-25T20:07:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:57:42.596-08:002012-01-27T09:57:42.596-08:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's "What a Mom Wants" post, nursing pads are a quintessential item that nearly every new mom needs. Those blessed enough not to know a tee-shirt leak spot, please disregard this post entirely. Washable, reusable nursing pads are great, as they are eco-friendly, usually made of soft natural fibers, and easy to launder and reuse time and time again. I feel the same way

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-82965084459464991922012-01-25T07:57:00.000-08:002012-01-25T19:38:17.811-08:002012-01-25T19:38:17.811-08:00

Everyone has this classy, basic piece in their wardrobe, but if you're anything like me, it rarely sees sunshine. Since we're moving soon, and I'm purging all clothing that I cannot justify a reason to keep, I began searching out ways to get more wear out of this basic white button-down top. Here's today's outfit, and below are more anyone-can-wear-it inspirational photos. Linking up to the

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-51053704886041736842012-01-24T14:29:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:57:42.597-08:002012-01-27T09:57:42.597-08:00

Now that Summer Elizabeth is nearing 4 months, I feel I now merit the official  "Mom" title. As such, I'd love to suggest several products that have been incredibly useful-helpful-essential to our family's existance the past few months. When your next baby shower invitation arrives, don't forget that mom deserves her share of gifts too! Gift these momma "musts;" it's what a mom wants, trust me.

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-10694033774781794422012-01-22T06:51:00.000-08:002012-01-25T19:47:35.826-08:002012-01-25T19:47:35.826-08:00

This is my entry to the Hotpoint Family Baking Competition. The Cheesecake Factory is full of memories for me. My best friend and I used to down endless loaves of soft, warm, complementary bread loaves, enjoy a hearty meal, and then somehow find room for The Cheesecake Factory's (T.C.F.) spectacular namesake. Fast forward a few years to the newly wedded years:  I introduce Husband to my beloved

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-66464235319894125602012-01-18T09:14:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:04:04.330-08:002012-01-25T20:04:04.330-08:00

Tip of the Week: Add a dryer sheet to your storage boxes and suitcases to keep bugs out and the suitcase smelling fresh (unscented also does the trick!). If you have the type of suitcase with a netted inner pocket, place the dryer sheet inside the pocket so that it does not come in contact with any clothing or other items stored inside. Husband and I have a suitcase warehouse beneath our bed,

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-87784823744910656032012-01-11T06:45:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:04:04.331-08:002012-01-25T20:04:04.331-08:00

Who would've guessed that the easiest shoe polish & protectant lives in the garage with car wax? I began using Armor All to spiff up my heels a few years ago when I found that I couldn't bring myself to pay for shoe polish that I'd only use once or twice a year. The perks: Armor All is designed to protect from sun and heat. (And I imagine moisture, to some degree.) It adds shiny luster, and can

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-53934772540733029872012-01-09T11:43:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:01:51.710-08:002012-01-25T20:01:51.710-08:00

We are raising funds for our mission trip to Italy in March 2012. Here are some ideas of goodies we are selling to fund our trip. Other items available upon request. Enjoy!

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-89865997500641680432012-01-02T12:47:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:57:42.598-08:002012-01-27T09:57:42.598-08:00

We've got a girl! A sweet, tiny, cheerful, blessing of a daughter. As baking has taken a temporary backseat in my priorities list, I've been able to savor every moment of the last 3 months of my baby's life. Here's a peek at the girl we call Summer Elizabeth.

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-39394832337542453652011-08-29T14:58:00.000-07:002012-01-25T20:01:51.710-08:002012-01-25T20:01:51.710-08:00

I just wanted to share a quick photo post of a pretty orange cake I made for a bake sale at church. Great job to everyone who helped make the sale a success! The delicious recipe may be found here (for me it made this cake AND an 8"single-layer cake.

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-4176689974946397212011-08-17T18:22:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:48:57.783-08:002012-01-25T19:48:57.783-08:00

What is better than a pan of rich chocolate brownies?  Cookie dough-topped brownies, of course! These brownies are delicious, and even more so when cut into bite-sized chunks and tossed into homemade cookie dough ice cream. I highly recommend making a batch of these, cutting half into small pieces to share, and hoarding the remaining brownie bites in a ziplock bag for the ice cream. Honestly,

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-61175348481023850592011-08-01T14:31:00.000-07:002012-01-25T20:04:04.332-08:002012-01-25T20:04:04.332-08:00

Back to school is in the air, and if you know anything about teachers, they've been busy working on curriculum and lesson plans for weeks. Why not show a deserving teacher some love with these adorable s'more snack bags this August and get the school year off to a rocket start? This edible craft couldn't be snappier to make or quicker to gobble down. Fill zipper sandwich bags with chocolates,

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-28068783068930120092011-07-29T10:35:00.000-07:002012-01-27T09:57:42.599-08:002012-01-27T09:57:42.599-08:00

Baby on board "dumbstruck" realization #1: I have absolutely no idea what to do with a baby. Baby on board "dumbstruck" realization #2:  I have never babysat tiny children; ZERO experience. Baby on board "dumbstruck" realization #3: I have only changed doll diapers. Not so messy. Baby on board Supreme realization: God is in control. While Husband and I know nothing of baby-handling, we are

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-25631770105514389882011-07-27T14:01:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.148-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.148-08:00

Hello again, folks! Yes, it HAS been a very long time, such that this blog will soon have a new face and hopefully a plethora of posts coming soon.  Since last we've chatted: We've moved ...and we're looking again.  We're pregnant! I've saved recipe after recipe of mouth-watering treats that I cannot wait to share! Since Baby is on the way, and my ultra-certified nurse friend Rebecca

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-23714508350029664842010-10-26T17:00:00.000-07:002010-10-26T17:00:40.556-07:002010-10-26T17:00:40.556-07:00

Hello friends! For all of you who may or may not click back every so often to see if I've returned, you may be the first to know that soon the blog will be updated and running again! Beginning next week, my schedule will allow for more baking and more blogging. Hurray!!! Suffice it to say that the personal trainers will be seeing my face a little more frequently as a result.  In addition, my

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-86002914769710204212010-08-22T06:54:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.149-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.149-08:00

 Last week, I had a carton of rock-hard nectarines at my disposal, and no great ideas for how to ripen them without them turning into mushy brown-fleshed ickyness. Longing for "home-style" desserts, I opted to make a cobbler out of these potentially juicy, sweet fruits. Thankfully, the unconventional method of preparation for the cobbler recipe I tried made priceless gems out of these otherwise

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-32560297223635131442010-08-07T06:34:00.000-07:002010-08-07T06:34:38.311-07:002010-08-07T06:34:38.311-07:00

Hello friends! I just wanted to write a quick note to say that I haven't abandoned the blog, but rather have adopted a new job working in a school cafeteria, among other things. As you can guess, that keeps me on my toes most of the week, and detracts from my blogging time. I will be back---probably at the end of the month (or whenever Husband and I find a new apartment and get my camera out of

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-87607638064463751132010-07-15T06:56:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.149-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.149-08:00

Pineapple Cake. Nope, not that flipped over rings of pineapple coated in buttery brown sugar kind, the other one. Uh huh. Believe it or not, pineapple cakes can made using other techniques. Just do as I say, and not as I did. Do not.under any circumstances open that blasted oven door until you are within the range of 5 minutes to doneness. I tried to bake brownies alongside the cake to cut down

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-59597586633050873532010-07-06T11:28:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.150-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.150-08:00

Yesterday's dessert of choice was a new one for me. I'd never eaten nor baked a clafoutis, but the experience was worth it. This dessert is the most basic mix of butter, flour, sugar, fruit, and love. Nothing so simple has ever been quite so good....except perhaps creme puffs. If you have 5 minutes, you can mix up this oh-so-French dessert. It will impress. It will satisfy. It will make for a

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-44318741652545606322010-07-02T09:16:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.151-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.151-08:00

A couple of Couchsurfing friends invited us over to dinner last night, requesting we bring a cake. Of course, I was more than happy to oblige, as I love making the most of these opportunities to try new recipes. As most of you I'm sure have experienced, banana cake is an art. Some banana breads parade around potluck supper tables masquerading as cakes, but with the first forkful we're onto their

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-73589282023895513962010-06-28T09:21:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.151-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.151-08:00

Another recipe with no photos? Yes, I admit it, I'm terrible with the food photography. I forget. Nevertheless, I assure you that this key lime pie is perfect for summer. No-bake (Unless you too opt to make the graham crust from scratch.) Cold and citrusy = perfect summer pairing Five minute prep Recipe makes 2 pies; now, and later! Miz Jo Ann's  Key Lime Pie From Tasty KitchenMakes 2 pies 8 oz

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-90135892829556924662010-06-15T13:00:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.152-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.152-08:00

If you don't have a bread machine stop reading now. This post is only for the privileged kitchen adorned with the most efficient of bread machines. For those who still crave a soft loaf perfect for butter slathering, french toast, grilled cheese, and garlic bread,  I'll oblige you with a link to my favorite sandwich bread made with the strudy Kitchen Aid mixer, or by hand, for those who enjoy

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-44211675306586072312010-06-12T13:00:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.153-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.153-08:00

 chocolate cake + bananas + dulce de leche + fluffy whipped cream = Delicious This cake combo is a little odd, granted, but sure to please. Hershey's "Perfectly Chocolate" chocolate cake filled with bananas cooked in dulce de leche and frosted with sweetened whipped cream. What's not to love? Nope, didn't think you'd come up with anything. Simple, easy, fast, impressive. Just my kind of cake!

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-10106054455764877732010-06-09T09:04:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.154-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.154-08:00

Yesterday, I did something that did not please  Husband.  I mailed books.  Last week, I joined a couple of book swapping websites. This is a very good thing. You see, we are moving soon, and I hate, hate, hate packing. The fewer boxes, the better. Therefore, I joined Swaptree and Book Mooch (international!!), where you list the books you´re willing to part with and then make a wish list

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743187267548882545.post-21654237312788258502010-06-03T15:40:00.000-07:002012-01-25T19:59:57.154-08:002012-01-25T19:59:57.154-08:00

Everyone knows that the best desserts come from chocolate and pb combinations, right? That's just me? No, I didn't think so. If I could have kept any of these cuppies at home (which I purposefully did not), I'm certain that I'd have them all devoured by now, which is just about 24 hrs. to the second after the last chocolate cupcake was gluttonously smothered in glorious peanut butter frosting.

Jelli Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988158250488221291noreply@blogger.com6