An Easter Project :: Making Chocolate Bunnies & Hollow Treat Eggs

Chocolate bunnies are synonymous with Easter. Children’s baskets will be filled with these adorable little hoppers come Easter morning. By lunchtime, they may be missing their ears! So, why not make your own?

Today, I had some of my favorite ladies over for some adult play-time in the kitchen. We made bunnies, medallions, eggs, owls, frogs, and fireflies. We all have boys, so chocolate frogs and flies seemed like the perfect addition. I even made my specialty Passion Tea Lemonade and some mini quiches to add a little flair to the afternoon.

For the bunnies, you’ll need a rabbit candy mold, 1 package of candy melts (in your favorite flavor or color), cellophane bags with ties, and either a Wilton Chocolate Pro Melting pot or a handful of icing bags.

Let’s begin:

1. Melt the candy melts. There are several ways to do this. You can melt them in a low-temperature candy melting pot, like the Wilton Chocolate Pro Melt; or you can use and icing bag filled with 8 to 10 melts and heated in the microwave (on defrost) according to the candy melt directions. I have used both ways and prefer the melting pot.

2. Once melted, either gently pour from the melting pot into your mold or snip the tip of the bag and lightly squeeze the chocolate into the mold. Fill your mold to the brim and ensure overall even distribution of chocolate throughout you mold. Clean off any excess chocolate on the mold.

3. Place in the fridge or freezer for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on which works best for you. My freezer did the trick this afternoon.  Be careful not to leave the chocolate in the cold too long as it will begin to condense. You can tell the chocolate has set when it is firm to the touch and the chocolate appears to have pulled away from the mold. The cavity will also appear slightly grey.

4. Gently turn the mold over and lightly press down. Slowly! The chocolate bunny should release. If it does not, return the mold to the fridge for a few more minutes.

5. Take the chocolate bunny and place it into a cellophane bag. Then make a place for it in the Easter basket! Make sure the chocolate bunny is not exposed to direct sunlight or heat, as it will melt.

{To make a hollow chocolate egg that you can fill with candies or trinkets, simply fill both sides of a small egg mold to the brim. Allow them to cool for approximately one minute. Then promptly remove them and “dump” the softer chocolate back into the melting pot.  Then return the molds into the fridge to completely cool. Gently remove the chocolate shells from the molds. Fill with whatever you please. Take a royal icing, in any color, and seal the two halves together. You can decorate them any way you choose! }





Your little ones (and even big ones) will love knowing YOU made their chocolate bunny this year! Happy Easter!



A decorated chocolate medallion by one of my friends!



Note: Don’t wash your candy molds in soapy water. Simply rinse them out and let them dry. Otherwise, the soap will adhere to your molds and make your future chocolate creations taste odd. Also, if you make any other sugar art (like sugar eggs), do not use these molds for that purpose, as sugar scratches your molds and will change the chocolate texture.

I get my candy molds from Wine & Cake Hobbies in Norfolk, Virginia.

MomLife Boot Camp Recap :: Part 2 - Pouring the Water

Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. John 2:7 

One of my favorite speakers from the MomLife Boot Camp was Tracey Eyster. Tracey is the creator and editor of MomLife Today and was our hostess throughout the weekend. She is a vibrant, funny, and engaging woman. She has her first book, Be The Mom, due out later this year. While speaking with us, she emphasized the importance of "pouring the water" in John 2.

Tracey opened with the first miracle of Jesus - turning water into wine. While Jesus and the miracle are both important, the focus of Tracey's message turned to the water pourers. They had no idea why they were filling vessels to the brim with water, yet they humbly obeyed and performed the task at hand. Tracey related the work of the water pourers to that of a Mom.

As Moms, we are asked to do things for our children daily - some mundane, some life impacting, and some the basic fundamentals. All the while, being wary of what we impart upon our children. Just like the water pourers filled the vessels; Moms are also filling their children. Moms are the water pourers; and we must fill our children according to the Lord's will.

Tracey made an important point I'd like to share. If we are not filling our children to the brim or 100% each day, then someone or something else will fill them up. She went so far as to say that when filled with negative things, the negative aspects can displace the positive; thus undoing all we have previously poured. Continual pouring is vital!

So why is it important to pour the water as the water pourers did? Because, like the water pourers, we don't yet know what will become of the water. However, as his first miracle, Jesus turned the water into the finest wine. As our children are constantly poured into, they too will become the finest of their kind.

At the end of Tracey's speech, the ladies from MomLife and FamilyLife shared another gift with us. The oddly adorable clip we received in our Mom Survival Kit, now had a purpose. It was a stand for our Character Shines! Prayer Cards. Each card displays one character trait, its description, a scripture verse, and a prayer taken from While They are Sleeping by Ann Arkins. Some of the twelve traits included are discernment, forgiveness, and  humility. Thank you ladies for such a wonderful family gift!

As previously noted, the Character Shines! Prayer Cards were a gift from the company, FamilyLife, whom sells them for $9.99 a set.

April's Treat Yourself Right Challenge :: Day 2 & 3

Treat Yourself Right!

Yesterday's Treat Yourself Right goal was to plant something to become beautiful.

A month ago, my friend's daughter was fundraising for a mission trip. She was selling bulbs and plants. I purchased Begonias and a Bleeding Heart. They arrived last week and I took the time yesterday to put them in the ground.

Today's goal is to enjoy time with friends.

I have two special ladies coming over later this afternoon. I'm going to show them how simple it is to make chocolate bunnies for Easter baskets. And if I remember to put my SD card back into my camera, I'll share that with you all too!

Longview World of Wonders :: Online Fundraiser for the Month of April



As many of you know, I am a Board Member and the Fundraising Chairwoman for Longview World of Wonders. Throughout the month of April, LongviewWOW is having an online fundraiser via Global Giving in order to raise funds for an amazing upcoming program for the children of the East Texas region. I wanted to share a bit of the summary from LongviewWOW's fundraising page with my readers.

Summary

In September, LongviewWOW will host the Traveling Space Museum as our largest event to date. Our event, named Out of this World - a Children's Hands-On Science Expo, will feature 12 large-scale and fully functional simulators and other exhibits from The Traveling Space Museum. LongviewWOW is inviting local businesses and organizations to provide additional hands-on activities for youth, highlighting science, engineering, and technology. We are seeking your help to make this event possible!

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

LongviewWOW is a dedicated all-volunteer non-profit organization making an impact on our East Texas community through children's educational programming. Currently, there is a shortfall of science programming geared towards youth of all ages in our community.

How will this project solve this problem?

LongviewWOW hopes to inspire a life-long love of learning by giving children the opportunity to create and explore in a hands-on educational environment. Through Out of This World, LongviewWOW can further its mission. By offering this science and technology program, children will have first hand knowledge of scientific principles, space exploration, flight, forensics, and more.

Potential Long Term Impact

Currently, LongviewWOW is operating our Without Walls initiative as we raise funds to build and support our children's discovery facility. With the continued support of the community, LongviewWOW's first Brick and Mortar Capital Campaign will kick-off next year to make this facility become a reality.

Project Message

It has been so wonderful to see what happens at our events, from LEGO workshops, to activities based around literature and science - kids are engaged, laughing, having a good time, while learning.
- Jo Lee Ferguson, Board Member, Vice-President for LongviewWOW

Experimental Recipes :: Veggie Bites

While perusing my newest issue of KIWI magazine, I came upon a recipe called Zucchini Bites. We made them for dinner and our boys loved them! What a wonderful way to get in 2 servings of veggies they may not otherwise eat.

With some modifications to the original, these Veggie Bites are sure to be hit at dinnertime. Add crab or chicken (cooked) and they become lovely hors d’oeuvres at a bridal shower or weekend party.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. butter, melted.

2 large eggs

2 c. grated vegetable (zucchini, carrots, or butternut squash; you could also use chopped mushrooms.)

½ c. white onion, finely chopped

½ c. grated cheddar cheese (or any other hard cheese)

1 c. plain breadcrumbs

½ c. finely chopped Italian parsley

¼ tsp. kosher salt

Pinch of freshly ground pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Coat 2 mini-muffin tines with butter using a silicon brush.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk. Add the grated veggie, onion, cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian parsley, salt and pepper; fold together using a spatula.

3. With your hands or a melon baller, fill each muffin tin ½ way to full, depending on the desired size. Clean excess mixture off of tin prior to baking.

4. Bake the bites for 15 minutes, or until the tops are slightly browned. Transfer the bites to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Repeat with remaining mixture. Enjoy!

Makes approximately 3 dozen.

What veggie/cheese combinations did you come up with? Please share them!

Weekly Goals :: 4/1 - 4/7/2012

Goals for 3/25 - 3/31
Home
1. Get house back in order from the boys' weekend!
2. Weekly chores
3. Help youngest organize his room, again... He and his brother worked together on this!
4. Redo my reading nook
Kids
1. Help with this week's memory verse
2. Take Duchess to be spayed - Bob Barker would be proud!
3. Begin getting items made for Easter baskets4. Make a new sensory tub for Easter I'll be working on this today!
5. Finish reading the story of Odysseus. We have a little more to read : )

Volunteering
1. Bylaw committee meeting
2. Board meeting
3. 4H Fundraising Car Wash
4. Work on grants
5. Help with Wednesday night's children's program at church
Personal
1. Finish reading For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn
2. Make sure I am working at my friendships - playdates for Moms : )
3. Pilates and running
4. Improve my scheduling for my time5. Head to Ulta's Brow Bar On the list for today!

Goals for 4/1 - 4/7/2012

Home
1. Contact the auto collision shop to make an appointment for my car.
2. Hang remaining art work and bulletin boards.
3. Refill bird feeders and hang hummingbird feeder.
4. Groom roses and make a caterpillar repellent.
5. Clean out fridge, again.

Kids
1. Help with memory verse and teach about Easter each day this week.
2. 4H Round-Up Competition; register for District Entomology
3. Finish gathering/making Easter Basket Goodies
4. Family Night: Disc Golf
5. Finish Easter sensory tub
6. Finish the Odyssey.

Volunteering
1. Wednesday night Church kids class
2. Meeting with LeTourneau University
3. Junior Master Gardening - plants for garden and set up a time to go out to
    garden plot

Personal
1. Chocolate bunnies with friends!
2. Bake for Easter weekend
3. The April Treat Yourself Right daily challenge
4. Pilates class
5. Head to the Brow Bar today!

This is a "short" week for me, as it is Easter week. After Thursday afternoon, this time will be spent with friends and family, so I'm going to work a little harder at getting this list completed.

Treat Yourself Right :: A Fun Challenge for the Month of April

Treat Yourself Right!

As homemakers, we can sometimes forget home to treat ourselves right, so this month I’ve set a challenge for myself and you!  Below are challenges for each day in April; see how many you can accomplish! Let me know what you’ve done to Treat Yourself Right and I’ll share what I’ve done as well! Have fun!

1.       Indulge in a favorite beverage

2.       Plant something to become beautiful

3.       Enjoy time with friends

4.       Read a few chapters of a favorite book

5.       Do something unexpected

6.       Be as unproductive as possible

7.       Say “yes” to most of the day

8.       Enjoy time with the family

9.       Take a candle lit bubble bath

10.   Be spontaneous

11.   Free write for 10 minutes and share with the world

12.   Turn on the music and dance

13.   Bake your favorite dessert

14.   Act like a kid

15.   Be creative and make something for you

16.   Put your best face forward

17.   Watch a movie – one that you will like

18.   Plan an evening with your significant other

19.   Do something for your community (b/c when you do you do something for yourself)

20.   Make a bucket list

21.   Buy something that you like

22.   Pamper yourself

23.   Make a random person smile – keep count

24.   Get dirty : )

25.   Be kind to someone else

26.   Chocolate! need I say more?

27.   Spend the day outside – meals, chores, schoolwork, etc.

28.    Promote your favorite non-profit

29.   Try something new

30.   Indulge in a favorite beverage – you are awesome!

Since today is April 1^st, I’ve already completed my first challenge – I made a chai tea latte this morning! Hope your month starts off great!

The Review is In :: For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn

While at MomLife Boot Camp earlier this month, I picked up several great reads. I've already finished one of them, For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn, and for the sake of your current or future husband, I highly recommend reading this book. In fact, I've already got a sign-up sheet for future borrowers - shall I add your name to the list?

In For Women Only, wives or current brides-to-be are given insight into the most important things in a relationship that matter to men. Whether you are just starting your lives together or you have been married for ten years, all women can glean something from this little book.

Shaunti wrote her book based off of a statistical survey as well as personal and written interviews of hundreds of men. She crunched the numbers and presents her findings to the intimate questions and their responses to the reader, while giving insight into the inner feelings and thoughts of men.

The topics touched upon in For Women Only include respect, love, sex, burdens, man's visual nature, romance, our appearance, and more. Some of the answers revealed in this book may surprise you; others may not. Depending on your own self-confidence, some may tear you down, while others may have you saying, "Yes, I already do this."

The chapter that seemed to open my eyes the most was on respect. I've always respected my husband; and I hope he knows that, but after reading Shaunti's words I'm not so sure I have shown enough of it. I'm sorry Jake for always second-guessing driving directions or safety issues. I never knew that was a sign of disrespect to you.

How many times have you asked your husband to pull over for directions? Or asked, "Honey, are you sure?" You see, for women, those types of questions make us feel secure, but for our men, it tears them down, little by little, as they feel we have no confidence in them.

This book will change how you perceive what you say or show to your husband. I never really knew how different husbands and wives truly interpret things.  Ladies, I guarantee you will learn something new from For Women Only. I encourage you to read through this book to better understand your spouse's needs and wants.

As a side note, for those whom have boys, this book also has implications into their lives as they grow older. Moms should always want to build their boys up to be great men, so we need to know what they think and feel as well.

The $10 Challenge :: Update

I gave this challenge to my son last month after reading about it on Biblical Homemaking. My eldest son really took an interest in the project and made two great purchases. He bought a wooden photo album from AI Paper for $4 in excellent condition and the Dangerous Book for Boys Board Game for $4 in brand new condition. He spent $8.66 on his purchases, including tax.

He received $5 for Valentines Day from relatives and decided to add that to his challenge money. So, he now had $6.34 for his spending budget.

I love the fact that he took his recently received $5 and decided to invest it as well. He was beginning to show real interest in this challenge.

He sold his photo album for $10; and then explained to me how he had already made his initial investment back, as well as a $1.34 in profit. He was thrilled!

We then headed out for him to make his next purchase. What he found was a treasure and a history lesson.

He purchased two professionally matted and framed, signed and numbered Artist Proofs by the famous Amish photographer Bill Coleman. In fact, Mr. Coleman's gallery is the place these two photographs were framed.

My eldest called the gallery and while they could not assess the value, informed him they were from Mr. Coleman's earlier works and were quite prized. I do apologize for the photo, as it does not show the true beauty of these photographs.

My son researched Mr. Coleman and learned he was one of the only people to ever to take pictures of the Amish lifestyle while in their community. His gallery website has amazing images of this unique culture.

I've been informed, that these are for sale. If you are interested, please let me know!

Have any of you participated in The $10 Challenge? If so, how is it going?



Cleaning 101 :: Tip #4 : Color Coordination of Towels or Rags

When I clean, I prefer using greener products or at least repurposing things I have on hand. When I clean the bathrooms, I use terry cloth rags; I do the same with the kitchen and other areas of the house. I use micro fiber clothes when I dust. I also have adorable kitchen towels I use for the day to day spills as well as dish and hand drying. When those cute kitchen towels get old, they get repurposed into the cleaning towel supply.

You might be wondering how I keep all these towels and rags straight? While it is not hard for me, it can be challenging for the males in my household. Since I do the majority of the cleaning, I know the purposes and places specific towels and rags are used. So, how can you make this easier on everyone else? Easy!

Tip #4

When purchasing new rags or towels, keep in mind to choose certain colors for certain tasks or rooms. By creating a color scheme chart or just informing everyone, bathroom rags won't end up drying the dishes!

For example, white towels/rags in the bathrooms; green for outdoor use; blue for appliances; yellow for kitchen; and so forth. You don't have to create a rainbow; but pick colors you enjoy and will help you to remember their cleaning zones.

For those worn-out adorable kitchen towels, use a sharpie marker and write their cleaning zone or purpose onto them.