Modern yet Old-Fashioned

Before and After . . . hairdoos!

2012-07-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

My daughter and I have been growing our hair, for what seems like FOREVER (about two years) so that we could donate it! I kept telling her that when summer comes, we will chop it off and find a great place to send it that will make it into wigs for people in need. So, it was time.

We were so excited about going to the salon...just the two of us!

There are so many wonderful places that accept hair donations to make wigs and give them to men, women and children in need for free or minimal cost to them! We struggled with which organization we were going to send it to. We ended up choosing Wigs 4 Kids; it is a non-profit organization that creates wigs for every child and young adult in the state of Michigan suffering with hair loss.

I love these kinds of things that I can share with my daughter, and the boys too! It is fun and meaningful, with a great lesson behind it. They, I pray, will remember these things for the rest of their lives.

DIY Bird Nest Necklace

2012-07-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

I finally got some down time (with the kids on summer break, it doesn't happen that much!) and got to work on a project that has been on my to-do list for months!

Sarah at sarahortega.com, an awesome blog that I adore, has a tutorial on making bird nest necklaces that are just adorable! This is one of many tutorials on her blog; she has lots of fantastic information and craft inspirations! Head on over and check it out!

I love the bird nest necklace because it tugs at my heart strings a little...thinking of my own family, my home as my nest and children as "eggs". Well...it sounds better in my head, but you know what I mean!

I love how it turned out, too!

Enjoy your day!

Unparalleled Mac & Cheese

2012-06-25T07:06:00.001-05:00

It has been almost a month since the kids have been out of school for the summer and it has been that long since I have even looked at this blog, my favorite blogs, pinterest, and anything else online. Can you believe it?!?!

We have been so busy running around and mostly enjoying each other that I just haven't had a lot of extra time. I really think it's the longest I have ever gone without being "hooked". I do miss connecting and getting inspiration, and sharing it with you. So, here I am...I'm back!

Are you and your family lovers of pasta, particularly the childhood favorite, Macaroni and Cheese? I am, it's comfort food to me, and of course, my kiddos love it too. However, they have complained in past if it doesn't come out of a box. Imagine! It's goodbye to those days and hello to this unparalleled mac & cheese recipe. It's the best I have ever made, according to all that have tried it, including my kiddos! Seriously good, super easy, and quick! It doesn't get much better than that.

UNPARALLELED Mac & Cheese

Adapted from Macaroni and Cheesecake

Ingredients:
2 cups dried organic pasta
2 ¼-2 ½ cups milk (I used organic raw whole milk)
6 oz. organic cream cheese

4-6 oz. organic cheese of your choice, shredded by hand (I usually use white cheddar, but change it up based on your family’s liking)
1 tsp salt
1-1 ¼ tsp organic Dijon mustard

Directions:

In a small saucepan, add pasta and milk. Bring to simmer, and then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until pasta is al dente or soft, stirring frequently and ensuring milk does not boil.

Turn heat off; add cheeses, salt and mustard, and stir to combine. If not creamy enough, add milk a little at a time, and stir.

As a side dish this makes enough for 4-6 people with no leftovers.

NOTE:

Our family prefers to use elbows for this; we have used other shapes of pasta such as shells, and we thought the consistency of the elbows was much better.

We try to use mostly organic foods at our home, feel free to use what you’ve got around the house!

I hope you try it out for yourself! It's a super versatile recipe that can be changed to your liking. The idea of cooking pasta in milk had never before occurred to me and it has fantastic results even when making a non-cheese dish with a creamy sauce. It just seems to richen the dish a bit.

Don't forget to head over to Macaroni and Cheesecake and check out this adorable blog food blog! She has a ton of wonderful and mouth watering recipes and of course, she was the one that brought me to this fabulous UNPARALLELED Mac and Cheese!

Happy Monday! Have a great week!

Picture Me Domestic---My Self Portrait

2012-05-29T14:24:00.001-05:00

I was inspired by this Picture Me Domestic, a self portrait contest that consists of one taking their own picture in their domestic and everyday setting.

There will be three winners, who will each receive a prize from Pick Your Plum! I totally love it!

I am going to enter, humbly, of course, as I do not consider myself a creative or even competent photographer.

So, here we go...

The photo is meant to show how and who you are in your domesticity every day. Being domestic to me is, first, being a Mom, then being a wife, then attempting to be a home keeper, cook, gardener, etc:-) In that order!

With 3 kiddos running around, it can get pretty chaotic and loud at times! But amongst the chaos, there is always time for a quiet moment...like when someone needs first-aid. Usually a kiss will do the trick, or maybe a colorful band-aid or two or three.
Sometime a little more is needed, as in this case:

attempting to remove a sliver out of my little guys foot...

My tweezers came to the rescue and saved the little foot, along with a band-aid, of course! This is just one moment in a crazy day in my life, a life that I look back on at night while the everyone is sleeping and the house is quiet, and thank God for!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

My New Favorite Photo Editor

2012-05-25T09:49:00.000-05:00

I am in love with PicMonkey!

It's a photo editing website that has completely helped me transform my photos from bland and drab to interesting and eye-catching!

Here are some examples:

ORIGINAL PHOTO

ORIGINAL

It may not be how you would have edited them, but there are endless possibilities! PicMonkey is super easy to use and the best part is...it's FREE!!!

Go edit a photo or two of your own and see what you think!

Have a fabulous Friday and a delightful Memorial Day weekend!

Pallet Garden

2012-05-22T14:23:00.001-05:00

I adore flowers.

The problem is that I do NOT have a green thumb, as I think I may have mentioned before. Not only that, I am forgetful, and I forget to water the poor things. By the time I realize it, the neglected flowers are usually dried up and dead.

Every year I say it's going to be different...but this year I really mean it!!!

My Mom brought in a pallet and dirt when she was visiting, and then took my kids to pick out flowers. They planted a pallet flower garden! It is beautiful and so much love went into it. My Mom and my kids had SO MUCH FUN! I was surprised that my Big Guy, being 9 and all, really loved picking out the flowers and planting them.

Here are some photos of the process.

We have to let the pallet lay flat as pictured for 2 weeks, then we can stand it up. It is adorable already, standing up it will look amazing! I can't wait!

I will update you with a picture when we stand it up, and also for proof that I am, in fact, watering my flowers:-)

Have you ever planted a pallet garden? Let me know...I would love to see some pictures!

My Favorite On-the-Go Giveaway WINNER!!!

2012-05-21T15:13:00.001-05:00

Being part of Blog-A-Pal-Loosa was a lot of fun! The women behind the blogs that participated are so wonderful, creative and giving!

I love giving thing away, and thanks to my hubby at Life Fuel Supplements, I was able to give my favorite on-the-go things away.

The winner of my giveaway is....

Comment #26, Megan!!!

Congratulations!

If you are interested in ordering any of the items in my giveaway, head on over to Life Fuel Supplements.

Have a great day!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 14

2012-05-19T10:28:00.003-05:00

This is the most thought out giveaway!! Nina from

Atir Inspired Decor has put a lot of thought and love into her giveaway!! It is the LAST one of our

BLOGAPALOOSA so please stop by and sign up!!

Yeah, to day is my day. I am I so happy you stopped by to check out this treasure chest of a giveaway that you just might win! I agonized for days about this giveaway & what I wanted to giveaway since I have never done this before, I thought I wanted to add items that I would use & were related to my blog; home decor, thrifting, DIY, Cooking & Fashion. Here is what I came up with:

I had this piece of beautiful fabric on hand, maybe used for a bulletin board~

A Lovely Scented Candle~

Butterfly Drawer/Door Pull~

Paper Flower for a wreath, gift or as an accent on a vase~

Small Frame, these take paint so nicely, should you care to change the color~

Cupcake Bath Salt after a day if DIY'ing

A Nice Book to cuddle up with~

Necklace & earring set, to make you feel more beautiful than you are~

This was my thrift store find, a new wallet~

Add some bling with these~

Ball of Lip Gloss~

I believe in the written word, Note Cards~

Craft Paint & Decorative Ribbon to get your creative grove on~

Decorative Serving Dish~

So come on over to

Atir Inspired Decor

Thank You & Many Blessings

It has been super fun getting to see all of these awesome blogs and fun giveaways! If you didn't get a chance to enter, here is a list...you still have time!

Day 1: Randee's Organized Chaos (Closed)
Day 2: Rhapsody of Cacophony (Closed)
Day 3: Second Chance to Dream (Closed)
Day 4: Finding My Way in Texas (Closed)

Day 5: A Jennuine Life (Closed)

Day 6: Mammy Made
Day 7: The Grubery
Day 8: Little Sprinkles of Fun
Day 9: HERE!
Day 10: Measured by the Heart
Day 11: Claiming Our Space
Day 12: Don't Mess With My Tutus
Day 13: Inside My Present

Have a fabulous day!!!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 13

2012-05-18T08:42:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday!!! Blog-A-Pal-Loosa is almost over; don't miss out on the last of the giveaways. Today's is from Lauren at Inside My Present...

The winner of my giveaway will receive a $20 gift certificate to UUPP Prints Etsy shop! UUPP has fresh, inspirational prints displaying anything from a Julia Child or Jane Austen quote to an endearing message for your sweetheart! Here is one of my favorites:

You'll find this giveaway at Inside My Present!

Don't forget to stop by here tomorrow to see what the last 2 giveaways are and, if you haven't entered for the past few, here they are!

Day 1: Randee's Organized Chaos (Closed)
Day 2: Rhapsody of Cacophony (Closed)
Day 3: Second Chance to Dream (Closed)
Day 4: Finding My Way in Texas (Closed)

Day 5: A Jennuine Life (Closed)

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 12

2012-05-17T07:31:00.001-05:00

Day 12 of Blog-A-Pal-Loosa is upon us and I really think that it is going fast! Check out what Jennifer from Don't Mess With my Tutus is giving away today:

Howdy! I'm Jennifer from Don't Mess With My Tutus! - a sassy little place I used to use to sell custom-made children's clothing but now I keep to share my recipes, redos and realities of life! Since becoming a full-time SAHM, I have been having fun 'junkin' in jammies' most Fridays and recently took the plunge with Resuscitation Annie - Annie Sloan Chalk Paint that is! Now this fabulous paint that requires NO PREP WORK when refinishing furniture (HUGE bonus!!) was sold to me by fellow re-decorator AND courageous momtrepeneur Rhonda McCleskey from Restored ~ Home who has graciously offered us today's prize!!

3 samples of Annie Sloan Chalk paint and an ASCP color chart, 2 chip brushes and 1 bar of handmade "Painter's Friend' Soap!!

Rhonda has such a generous spirit and I am excited to let you know that in addition to this giveaway, 'local' gals can also enter to win An Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Techniques Class at Rhonda's new store in Alvin, TX - a $165 value!!

I'm sooo excited to introduce you to Rhonda and tell you about the Grand Opening of her new store Restored ~ Home, so head on over to my blog to read all about it AND register to win!

Good Luck!

I would love to win this! I hope you head over and check out Jennifer's blog! Here is a rundown of the blogs that have been participating in Blog-A-Pal-Loosa...there is still time to enter to win!

Day 1: Randee's Organized Chaos (Closed)
Day 2: Rhapsody of Cacophony (Closed)
Day 3: Second Chance to Dream (Closed)
Day 4: Finding My Way in Texas (Closed)

Day 5: A Jennuine Life (Closed)

Day 6: Mammy Made
Day 7: The Grubery
Day 8: Little Sprinkles of Fun
Day 9: HERE!
Day 10: Measured by the Heart
Day 11: Claiming Our Space
Day 12: Don't Mess With My Tutus

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 11

2012-05-16T07:55:00.000-05:00

Today is day 11 of Blog-A-Pal-Loosa, leaving us with only 3 days left! The good news is this: there are still 4 fantastic giveaways to come AND there is still time to enter to win many of the giveaways that were offered during Blog-A-Pal-Loosa!

Today Kristina who blogs over at Claiming Our Space is giving this away!

Giveaway items from Claiming Our Space will be a set of four hand stamped tumbled Travertine coasters along with two sets of hand stamped magnets - one set is made with slate and the other set is made with ceramic tiles.

Head on over and check out her blog and enter to win!

Also, here is a list of the blogs that have participated thus far...if you haven't had a chance, go on over and enter to win!

Day 1: Randee's Organized Chaos (Closed)
Day 2: Rhapsody of Cacophony (Closed)
Day 3: Second Chance to Dream (Closed)
Day 4: Finding My Way in Texas (Closed)

Day 5: A Jennuine Life (Closed)

Day 6: Mammy Made
Day 7: The Grubery
Day 8: Little Sprinkles of Fun
Day 9: HERE!
Day 10: Measured by the Heart

Enjoy your day!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day10

2012-05-15T08:14:00.000-05:00

Today's giveaway is from Connie @ Measured by the Heart and it is a fabulous one!!!

It is a giveaway of $50 worth of the best crafting, baking, home decor and fashion items. This giveaway comes to you from Pick your Plum.

Pick your plum is a daily deals site that scours the globe to bring you the best deals on high quality items. Because their deals are so HUGE, they can only offer 1 per day. They also come in limited quantities. Once they are gone they are gone. Some of their past deals include:

You can increase your chances of not missing these deals by signing up for their newsletter, or liking them on facebook. They post their deals daily on facebook before the newsletter even comes out.

Pick your plum has been nice enough to giveaway a swag box with $50 of the best crafting, baking, home decor and fashion items!!

To enter, use the widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone!!

Stop by to visit Connie and enter to win this AWESOME giveaway at her blog Measured by the Heart.

Day 1: Randee's Organized Chaos (Closed)
Day 2: Rhapsody of Cacophony (Closed)
Day 3: Second Chance to Dream (Closed)
Day 4: Finding My Way in Texas

Day 5: A Jennuine Life

Day 6: Mammy Made
Day 7: The Grubery
Day 8: Little Sprinkles of Fun
Day 9: HERE!

Blog-a-pal-loosa GIVEAWAY Day 9!!!

2012-05-14T07:12:00.000-05:00

It's my turn for a GIVEAWAY with BLOG-A-PAL-LOOSA!

I know I am not the only mom who feels like she is running a taxi service for kids; running here and there and everywhere! We have activities every night of the week, it's either softball, baseball, soccer, ballet, hip hop, youth ministries, or ALL of them!

Many times I have to have snacks and drink loaded and ready, even for the kids (and mom) who are just along for the ride for that particular happening.

We always rely on our Blender Bottles and protein/nutritional bars, along with some fresh fruit and veggies. I love Blender Bottles; we have several, and they are good quality and hold up well even with the tough beatings they get. This is the reason I was so excited when Blender Bottle recently came out with a new sleek and sexy bottle called the Sport Mixer.

The bars we eat vary, I usually give the kids Clif Kids Organic Z bars and for me...my newest favorite is Nogii Paleo Bar in the fabulous flavor Nuts About Tropical Fruit. I am picky about bars and these are hands-down the best bars I have found. Its like a tropical beach party in your mouth with each bite!

Thus, my favorite things to take on-the-go with us, is what my GIVEAWAY is! YEAH!

The winner will receive a Sport Mixer Blender Bottle, my favorite Nogii Paleo Bar and 3 Clif Kids Organic Z bars. Courtesy of Life Fuel Supplements.

You know how much I love giveaways and that I am more than thrilled to be part of Blog-a-pal-loosa, 14 days of giveaways! With that being said, I would only giveaway and/or promote products that I truly love and believe in.

Here is how you can win:

(make sure to leave a separate comment for each one)

1- Visit Randee's Organized Chaos (genius behind BLOG-A-PAL-LOOSA)

2- Follow Modern Yet Old-Fashioned

3- Like Modern Yet Old-Fashioned on Facebook

4- Follow me on Twitter

5- Share this post on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog

Winner will be chosen with random.org on May 21st at Noon.

Good Luck!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 8

2012-05-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Check out this great giveaway for Day 8 over at The Grubery:

I am so excited to be part of Blog-A-Pal-Loosa!! The first giveaway was so much fun and I am extra excited about today's Giveaway!!

Why am I extra excited about today's giveaway you ask? Well...you see...today is my day to give away and awesome prize to my amazing readers!

I wanted to give away something that has a real meaning and purpose behind it. Something that you will cherish and hold very close to your heart. Something that...well..you can eat! I post about food here so I might as well give away food related goodies. I don't think tonight's dinner will transport very well so I have decided to give away....

Eat This Not That Restaurant Survival Guide book and a $5.00 gift card to Jamba Juice!

Have a fabulous day!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 7

2012-05-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

A absolutely LOVE Thirty-One bags and totes! I am so lucky because my Sister-in-Law is a consultant, so that is what I receive as gifts from them, which is perfect! See what Little Sprinkles of Fun is giving away...
Alicia at Little Sprinkles Of Fun is giving away a Thirty-One flat iron case in circle spirals! This flat iron case is made of a sturdy canvas in a fun circle spirals print. The silver thermal lining can withstand heat up to 400 degrees- so have no fear if you need to pack up your hot iron directly after use!

Retail value of $20.

I love the print!

Head on over to Sprinkles of Fun and enter to win this cute Thirty-One Flat Iron Case and don't forget to enter to win the first 6 giveaways!

Day 1: Randee's Organized Chaos
Day 2: Rhapsody of Cacophony
Day 3: Second Chance to Dream
Day 4: Finding My Way in Texas

Day 5: A Jennuine Life

Day 6: Mammy Made

Have a super weekend!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 6

2012-05-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Day 6 of BLOG-A-PAL-LOOSA is a giveaway from Adele at Mammy Made. This from Adele:

It's Blog-A-Pal-Loosa day 6 and that means it is my giveaway day!! I have never done a giveaway before and I am so excited to be taking part in this group giveaway. It's been brilliant fun!

Find more Blog-A-Pal-Loosa giveaways here.

Today I am going to be giving away EITHER a purple gingham bow tie OR an apron skirt made in the same purple gingham and flowery broderie anglaise.

They both turned out so cute and I am excited to be able to make one for the little boy or girl in your life. I know you will love them too!

Both are toddler size but can be made bigger or smaller, depending on measurements.

Please bear in mind that I live in England. I do not mind posting worldwide but please allow at least 2 weeks for delivery.

Head over to my blog, Mammy Made, to enter :)

Don't forget to enter to win the first 5 days of giveaways.
Day 1: Randee's Organized Chaos
Day 2: Rhapsody of Cacophony
Day 3: Second Chance to Dream
Day 4: Finding My Way in Texas
Day 5: A Jennuine Life
Have a beautiful day!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 5

2012-05-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the 5th giveaway, from Jennifer at A Jennuine Life. Check it out below!

Today's giveway for Blog-A-Pal-Loosa is from A Jennuine Life for a custom reversible pinafore!

Jenn will handcraft an adorable reversible pinafore for the little girl in your life sized between 6 months and 6T.

The winner will get to choose colors, fabrics and details like a ruffled embellishment or pockets for stashing treasures.

It's so sweet...I love it!

If you didn't get a chance to enter the previous giveaways, there is still time!
Day 1: Randee's Organized Chaos
Day 2: Rhapsody of Cacophony
Day 3: Second Chance to Dream
Day 4: Finding My Way in Texas

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 4

2012-05-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today is another awesome giveaway, this time from Jenn at Finding My Way in Texas. Jenn has an oh-so-adorable shop called Lonestar Lovelies that you just have to visit! Check out what Jenn is offering up for her giveaway below.

Up for grabs today is a $20 credit to my online store LoneStar Lovlies

There are lots of new things in there! So be sure to check it out :) And if you head over to my blog to enter my giveaway you may discover a Discount code ;)

Also one of my fav bloggy people, Brandi has offered up a, super cute Gold Fish Pouch

Head on over the Finding My Way in Texas to enter! :)

Have a fabulous day!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 3

2012-05-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's day 3 of BLOG-A-PAL-LOOSA already! These 14 days of giveaways is going to go by fast. Don't miss out on this $20 gift certificate to Amazon! Check out what Barb from Second Chance to Dream has to offer...

Today's Giveaway at Second Chance to Dream

is a $20.00 Gift Certificate.

Come on over for a chance to win!

Don't forget to enter to win the giveaway for day 1 over at Randee's Organized Chaos and day 2 at Rhapsody of Cacophony!

Let the winning begin!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 2

2012-05-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Day 2 of 14 with this awesome group giveaway! Up today is an adorable little girls Apron with matching Chef Hat, handmade by Melanna over at Rhapsody of Cacaphony. Check it out below...

Pink Lemonade Apron and Chef Hat

with matching Recipe Cards

A 4T (ish - it could probably fit 3T-5T quite easily since it's adjustable), easy on/off (yeah velcro!) chef hat and apron set, hand made by me. The pink fabric has little tiny polka dots on it that don't show up on camera, so I think it's even sweeter in person.

Oh and of course I had to include some matching recipe cards, because every new chef has to start her recipe collection at a very young age!

So sweet, right?!? I am so sure that the little somebody in your life would LOVE this set! Head on over to Rhapsody of Cacophony to enter.

Also, if you missed out on day1, there is still time to enter...check it out here.

To enter, hop over to my blog Rhapsody of Cacophony. Good luck!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 1

2012-05-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello lovely readers!

I am part of this super sweet group giveaway called BLOG-A-PAL-LOOSA; it is 14 days of giveaways all from some wonderful bloggers! It starts today and goes until May 19th. I will be posting each day to let you know who is having the giveaway and what they are giving away, so you can go enter to win. Plus you get to check out these fabulous blogs along the way!!!

You know how much I LOVE giveaways! This is going to be so fun; I am so excited and thrilled to be part of it! My giveaway day is May 14th, and I almost can't stand to wait that long.

Without further ado, the first giveaway of BLOG-A-PAL-LOOSA is Randee over at Randee's Organized Chaos. She is also the creator and organizer of this whole genius idea! LOVE HER!

Here is a peek at what she is giving a way.

WOOOO HOOOOO!!! The day has FINALLY arrived!!! Today is the first day of

BLOG-A-PAL-LOOSA!!!

And I am the GIVEAWAY-ER!!! LOL!!!

Here is what I have for you today....and let me tell you, I am JEALOUS that I can not win this awesome set!! My great friend Stacey from over at the

The Glamorous Cowgirl

has graciously given us 2 FANTASTIC items!!

They have an $85 Retail Value!!

The BLING BLING "HIDE N SOLE" flip flops are to DIE for and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "ALBA" bag to match!! I can see me looking pretty darn cute in these all over town!!! ;)

See? I told you it's going to be fun! Head on over to Randee's Organized Chaos to check out the full giveaway. And don't forget to check back here each day to see what the days giveaway will be!

Good Luck!!!

Vegan Cookie Dough and a Frugal Food Tip

2012-04-10T13:20:00.001-05:00

I have ranted before and I will rant again...this time about canned foods. Cans contain the harsh chemical BPA (aka Bisphenol A), a known hormone disruptor, as cans are lined with a plastic coating containing this harmful and disgusting chemical that seeps into the food they hold. BPA has been linked to many illnesses and diseases, including but not limited to infertility and sexual dysfunction, neurological issues, and breast cancer!

NOTE: There are a few organic brands out there that don't use a BPA lined can, including Eden Foods; these cans will be labeled "BPA FREE".

This is definitely not on my list of things that I would feel good about serving to my family. So, canned goods are absolutely a NO at our house. Which leaves me in a predicament when we want certain foods, such as beans. Canned is just so much more convenient! I found a solution for my family that I would like to pass on to you.

FRUGAL FOOD TIP:

Buy organic dry beans! It's easy, start with a pound of dry beans and soak/cook them according to the package. When they are done, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or you can separate them into 1-1/2 cup portions and freeze them until you need them. VOILA! Easy, less expensive and much healthier!

I just made garbanzo beans and here is the financially breakdown:

$3.99 for 1 pound organic garbanzo beans (equal to approximately 5 cans)

$13.45 for 5 cans of organic garbanzo beans without BPA lining
PRICELESS is the cost of feeding my family healthy foods without harsh chemicals!!!

Vegan Cookie Dough {RECIPE}

Adapted from Let's Share Lenten Recipes

3 cups cooked Garbanzo Beans (or 2 cans)

1 cup Peanut Butter

1 cup Brown Sugar

1/2 cup Old-Fashioned Oats

1 1/2 Tbls Real Vanilla

1/2 cup Coconut or Almond Milk (I used water)

Pinch of Sea Salt

Vegan Chocolate Chips (I used Ghirardelli)

Add rinsed garbanzo beans with all ingredients except for the chocolate chips to the food processor and blend until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips and serve.

My family and I, kids included, eat this by the spoonful and we LOVE it! It sounds so strange, but it really is excellent and you can't even taste the beans at all!

Have a fabulous day!

Cherished Family Time

2012-04-08T22:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate today! Today is what we call "American Easter", this is because we are Orthodox Christians and in the Orthodox faith, we celebrate Easter the first Sunday after Passover. This means that sometimes our Easters are the same and sometimes they aren't. This year we are a week apart, so us Orthodox are celebrating Easter next weekend.

Nevertheless, it made me reflect upon family time as some of our family does celebrate today. On our last visit with my family, my Princess Cupcake begged us gals to play the game Jenga with her. We really didn't want to but we did anyway so as not to disappoint her. It turned out to be super fun, actually, I think us ladies had more fun that she did! There were four generations playing: my Grandma, my Mom, my Sister, me, and my daughter. I am so thankful to have this time to spend with them and I know it won't be this way forever, so I cherish it so, so much!

Check out my Princess in the background! LOL!!!

And she is still very worried here!

I had to share this because of the funny pictures!

Have a great week and don't forget to enter to win a some cute hair accessories from Emma Lee's Boutique, I am hosting it here!!!

Emma Lee's Boutique GIVEAWAY!!!

2012-04-05T13:16:00.005-05:00

I love hair accessories for my Princess Cupcake! She's growing up now, and doesn't like all of them as much as I do for her. After all, she is 7 now! Back in December, I won a headband set with a flower clip for her from Emma Lee's Boutique. I was so excited when it arrived in the mail and when she saw it, she was even more thrilled than I was. It is definitely the most loved hair thing in the house! I have actually had to tell her not to wear it because she had worn it for 4 or 5 days straight.

Derinda is the owner of Emma Lee's Boutique as well as the writer of the blog, DabblebyDerinda. She is a super sweet and creative gal! I love her boutique because not only are the items darling, they are also very reasonably priced, which means you can get more!!!

There is nothing that I like more than getting a good deal, as far as shopping goes. To me, getting a few (or more) hair clips for my sweet girl that she loves and that hold up to her very busy hands, is just that! Plus I always love that she has something unique and different than the average hair clip.

Go on over to Emma Lee's Boutique and check it out!

Because I won the headband and flower set, and I LOVE giveaways, Derinda and I having a giveaway here on Modern yet Old-Fashioned! There will be two lucky winners that can win one of these beautiful sets.

Silver Glitter Interchangeable headband estimated to fit girls 4 and over. Each Silk Puff measures around 2.5" and are each attached to a 1.75" partially lined alligator clip that fit in the interchangeable headband or can be worn separately.

Felt Flower Elastic Headbands estimated to fit babies to adults. Very stretchy and comfortable. The felt flowers (embellished with sewn pearls) measure around 3" and are permanently attached to a thin elastic headband...that are very comfortable to wear.

Here is how you can win:

(make sure to leave a separate comment for each one)

1- Like Emma Lee's Boutique on Facebook

2- Follow DabblebyDerinda

3- Visit Emma Lee's Boutique and tell me your favorite item

4- Follow Modern Yet Old-Fashioned

5- Like Modern Yet Old-Fashioned on Facebook

6- Follow me on Twitter

7- Share this post on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog

I will use random.org to determine the winners on Tuesday, April 10th at 5PM central.

UPDATE:

And the winners are...

#15 Kari

#5 Carlos, Elizabeth and Addison

True Random Number Generator Result:15

True Random Number Generator Result:5Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations!!!!

The Current State of My Favorite Windowsill

2012-04-04T14:30:00.000-05:00

Every year we plant a pretty large garden in our backyard. We are always thrilled to see it grow and to be able to feed our family (and sometimes neighbors) from it. It is so satisfying to walk out and pick a tomato or cucumber whenever we want to! Having said that, let me tell you a little secret...I am NOT Mrs. Greenthumb!!!

Last year I tried to start my plants from seeds (organic) for the first time and it didn't go well for me. Actually, it totally flopped and they all died after I planted them outside. We then went out to a local farm and purchased some plants. After much research, I am going to try my hand at starting my garden from seeds again this year. I planned on starting them mid-February, but ended up planting them mid-March. My kiddos helped out, which I think is so beneficial for them to feel some ownership. Every day we see if anything new has sprouted and how much the other seedlings have grown.

My corner windowsill is a perfect place to grow anything because it gets a lot of sun. And its right behind the kitchen sink, so I never forget to tend to them. This, of course, is NEVER a problem for me {sarcasm}!!!

Not the prettiest window sill decor, but by mid May, I hope it will be worth it!

Details on what I am planting this year. All are organic, non-GMO vegetables and fruits.

Blue Lake Green Beans
Beef Steak Tomatoes
Rutgers Tomatoes
Ashley Cucumbers
MM Cucumbers
Jalapeno
Cheyenne
Brussel Sprouts
Zucchini
Pumpkin
Watermelon
CA Wonder Green Pepper
Eggplant
Strawberries (come up every year)

I was also thinking about trying out some onions and lettuces in a different part of the yard. I always start out so ambitious and then fizzle out or run out of time.

Any planting tips for me that have worked for you?

Modern yet Old-Fashioned

Before and After . . . hairdoos!

DIY Bird Nest Necklace

Unparalleled Mac & Cheese

UNPARALLELED Mac & Cheese

Picture Me Domestic---My Self Portrait

My New Favorite Photo Editor

Pallet Garden

My Favorite On-the-Go Giveaway WINNER!!!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 14

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 13

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 12

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 11

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day10

Blog-a-pal-loosa GIVEAWAY Day 9!!!

Here is how you can win:

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 8

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 7

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 6

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 5

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 4

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 3

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 2

Blog-A-Pal-Loosa Day 1

Vegan Cookie Dough and a Frugal Food Tip

FRUGAL FOOD TIP:

Vegan Cookie Dough {RECIPE}

Cherished Family Time

Emma Lee's Boutique GIVEAWAY!!!

Here is how you can win:

The Current State of My Favorite Windowsill

Thanks for stopping by!