A Bittersweet Birthday plus Winners of Teresa Collins Contest Revealed!

Life is unpredictable. Yesterday was a bittersweet birthday. My dear childhood friend, Natalie Rutishauser, passed away last Thursday and yesterday was her funeral. (Unfortunately I missed CHA but have lots of great associates who are taking good notes.) She grew up a few streets over from me. She was the girl who always had a smile on her face and was so full of life and energy. When she turned 26, she discovered she had that horrific thing called MS. For the past 14 years, she's been bed bound. Never once did she complain or say "Why me?" One of her doctors spoke at the funeral and he said she smiled until the end and withstood this huge challenge with courage and hope. This was the front of the funeral program.

During the opening song, I started crying really hard. They were a few tears of sadness, but mostly tears of joy. 1. That I knew this amazing girl named Natalie Rutishauser. 2. That I was surrounded in that room by people I've known and loved all my life--Sunday School and youth leaders, neighbors, friends, family, etc. What a great feeling of support for Natalie and for me. I know in my time of need, those same people will be there for me.

Here is a photo of some of the old gang who attended the service. You all know my sister, Angela, to the left of me. Terri Metler (next to her) was another neighbor and Paula Donaldson (on my right) is the person I've been friends with the longest. We met when we were three and have been inseparable ever since. (I set her up with her hubby of 23 years, Todd!)

Really, what a wonderful way to spend a birthday! Hanging out with people I love. God be with you 'til we meet again, Natalie.

When I got home, this scrumptious, very large chocolate cupcake with pink frosting was waiting for me. My pal, Janette, made it for me along with the cute apron. I didn't realize until I saw this photo that I have it on backward. Check out the "L" on the front!

Then my friend Allison called to say she'd made me my favorite carrot cake. She said, "It doesn't look very good" which I didn't believe. She's a fabulous cook and I've never seen anything but yummy things come from her kitchen. I went and picked it up and thought it looked great.

Then I saw the "other" side:

Her son, Carson (you know--the boy that ran away to my house a few weeks ago), just had to sample it before I came! I loved it--and it is the best carrot cake I've ever tasted. She makes it for me every year! (And I'm sorry to say it's almost gone or I'd bring you a piece!)

Sunday night my cute parents had us over for dinner and my mom got my favorite lemon pie. (Have I ever mentioned I loved anything sweet?) My dad has been in poor health so it was great having him at dinner (and he even played a game of Rook afterward!).

My cute mom made this apron for me!

I'm continuing to be spoiled this week. I've got lunch dates (went to Olive Garden today) and my birthday massage and pedicure with Kristy Banks on Thursday.

Also, last Friday night my neighborhood friends threw a "Lisa's Favorite Things" party. I tried to download the photos so I could give you some fun ideas to do at your next chick outing but I'm having technological problems. So--I'll save these photos and the details for a later date.

Now on to the contest! Teresa Collins line just rocks. I made each of these pages really fast thanks to all the journaling prompts and the beautiful paper.

The journaling on the page below is kinda a fun idea--a great way to write down all those mishaps that happen in your life. My niece, Chiara, sent me a family update using this idea and I knew I had to copy it. If you were a fan of the old cartoon show called Animaniacs (I've never heard of it!), you'll remember the little skits with good ideas and bad ideas. I wrote our family's version on the page below:

Good Idea:

Reading the Utah State Driver's Handbook before taking the learner's permit test.

Bad Idea:

Not reading the Utah State Driver's Handbook before taking the learner's permit test and missing the passing grade by only three points. (Collin)

P.S. He read the manual and passed the test (with flying colors) the next day!

Good Idea:

Exercising at the local recreation center.

Bad Idea:

Exercising until close then discovering you locked both keys in the car and are stuck in the dark, cold parking lot until Dad rescues you. It cost $40.00 the next day for the locksmith to unlock the car! (Kade)

Good Idea:

Draining the grease from hamburger and putting it in a yogurt container before adding it to Lasagna Soup.

Bad Idea:

Leaving the container (it was closed!) on the back porch. Maggie ate the entire thing and got really sick for a day (enough said!). (Lisa)

Good Idea:

Creating a 6th grade science project on citrus fruit and Vitamin C and adding glitter to the display board.

Bad Idea:

Starting the project the night before it was due and shaking all the "left over" glitter all over the carpet. (Brecken)

Good Idea:

Cutting your hair in a cute style.

Bad Idea:

Cutting bangs on an 8-year-old girl. It is constantly in her eyes. (Sage)

Good Idea:

Getting rid of the ice on our front porch

Bad Idea:

Using ice melt to do it. It crumbled the stamped concrete. (Steve)

Good Idea:

Having boys in the neighborhood over for an early Sunday morning breakfast and devotional before church.

Bad Idea:

Not telling your parents until 11:00 p.m. Saturday night. (Kade)

Good Idea:

Taking 50 balloons to a ninth grade basketball game to promote school spirit.

Bad Idea:

Giving balloons to students on the front row. The spectators in the back stands couldn't see the game because of all the balloons! (Lisa)

Okay--so you get the idea. Please leave me at least one "good idea" and one "bad idea" that happened in your life this past week!

So--Drum roll please. Here are the five winners of some cool Teresa Collins products.

1. Emily Simpson

2. Mindy 8:15 a.m.

3. Kristin 10:46

4. Kathleen Loughran

5. Tamikko

Please contact Vivian at vgrothe@ckmedia.com with your snail mail address.

Hope you're having a great week.

Lisa B.

"As Seen At CHA" Teresa Collins Contest!

Today is Sage's 8th birthday! Really--where did the time go? This is my baby and now she's all grown up. By the way, this picture is from "A Day in the of the Bearnson Family" photo shoot coming up in the Creating Keepsakes May 2009 issue. (Photo taken by Robin Johnson.)

Today was filled with lots of fun Sage things! Breakfast in bed (grits, toast and a blueberry chocolate smoothie), another special smoothie (strawberry-banana from Roxberry) delivered to her classroom for lunch, a fun treat for the class, dinner at Tepanyaki and shopping for a new bike. We found one she loved at Smith's Marketplace. While they were fixing the bike, we got gelato. Then they announced over the PA system, "We have a special little girl named Sage who is eight today. Sage, your bike is finished. Come take it for a spin!" She then proceeded to ride the bike all over the huge store while singing the old song from Queen "I love to ride my bicycle, I love to ride my bike" at the top of her lungs! Quite entertaining and so much fun! We finished the evening by watching the newest Kit Kittredge (American Doll movie) and American Idol.

Check out these nightgowns for her and her doll. Sage's 10-year-old friend, Hailey Chadwick, made them! So stinkin' adorable! Happy Birthday, Sage. We love you!

I had quite the treat on Tuesday. First of all my buddy, Kerri Bradford, sent me an e-mail telling me I had to see Teresa Collins new line that she's debuting at CHA. Kerri loves her stuff--she calls it a "clean sort of grunge."

Another gal, Lara Scott, also called and told me I HAD to see this line before CHA. So, Teresa, Lara and I met for lunch and we had a delightful time.

I've been acquainted with Teresa's work for years (big fan) and have known her in passing but never have spent quality time with her. Okay--so she's simply one of the nicest people I've met (we totally connected heart to heart) plus she's one of the most creative people on the planet. And--the new lines she's showing at CHA gave me CHILLS. That's right--I loved every little thing about them.

Teresa gave me permission to give you a sneak peak at her new stuff. The lines are called Family Matters, Documented, Journal-It Girl, and Haute Cruisine. First of all, the designs are breathtaking--so current, so hot. And the purpose of them is to write it down before it's too late. It handholds you through the process of telling your story--you know, all the details about your life and the things you love and value most--in a very easy way. She was inspired to create it after her mother's death a few years ago. She realized there was so much about her mom she didn't know or remember and she wanted to make it easier for others to record their special memories.

There are 12 x 12 papers that are jam packed with 3 x 4, 4 x 6 and 6 x 12 tags, quotes and journaling blocks plus other cool embellishments. The lines also include transparencies and 8 x 8 paper.

Here are some of Teresa's examples right off her blog:

You can create 6 x 12 books:

Or 12 x 12 pages:

So--I have this cool paper in my hands and am making a page to show you on Monday (which happens to be the second day of the show and my birthday!). Teresa is generously giving five sets of paper away to five lucky winners. Just send a happy January thought my way by Sunday night and I'll randomly draw five names.

Have a great night!

Sincerely,

Lisa

Ode To Oatmeal! My Favorite Comfort Food!

This is my Project 365 photo for Tuesday.

I went to lunch at Paradise Bakery with my pals, Kristy Banks and Kerri Bradford. The menu at this restaurant is amazing--sandwiches, salads, pastas, baked items, etc. But the only thing I really wanted was oatmeal which unfortunately they stopped serving at 11:00 a.m. (it was 1:00 p.m.). At that moment I realized that I really, really LOVE oatmeal. Not just for breakfast in a bowl with raisins, brown sugar and milk. I love it in so many recipes. It truly is comfort food for me. And guess what--January is national oatmeal month!

One thing that most people don't know about my family is we have a year's supply of food and water stored in our home. We've had this for years and rotate through the food. This is just incase there is a rainy day. Yesterday there was a killer deal on oatmeal at the local super market so just couldn't resist taking a picture of me hauling it in. (It really is heavy.)

This is one of my favorite cookbooks. There are 101 breakfast recipes including some fun ones for oatmeal.

This is one of the quickest, easiest ways to make oatmeal. I just put it in a crock pot the night before and wake up to really great oatmeal. It's a creamier consistency than regular oatmeal but I really love it.

Yikes--Please note that I goofed on the first recipe. I doubled the water but didn't double the rest of the ingredients. I changed it below. So sorry if you made it and had way too much water!

Creamy Slow Cooker Oatmeal

9 cups water

3 cups oats

3 cups half and half

2 tsp. vanilla

pinch of salt

1 cup brown sugar

Just before going to bed, combine the water 

and the oats in a slow cooker. Set to low, cover, and let cook overnight. In the morning, stir in the half and half, vanilla, and salt. Scoop into bowls. Sprinkle with brown sugar.

Here are some of my other favorite oatmeal recipes:

Pancake Mix

(from the kitchen of Kristy Banks)

9 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or you can use 4 cups of white flour and 4 cups of regular wheat flour)

2 cups whole wheat flour (regular)

1/2 cup corn meal

1 1 /2 cups oatmeal (blended in blender until powdered)

2 cups buttermilk powder

5 T. baking powder

2 T. baking soda

1 cup sugar

2 T. salt

Mix all ingredients together in a very large bowl. This recipe makes four quarts of pancake mix. Divide mix into gallon-sized freezer storage bags. Write the recipe for the pancakes and the date on the bag with a Sharpie or Slick Writer pen and store in freezer.

To make pancakes or waffles:

1 cup pancake mix

1/2 c. to 2/3 cup water

1 egg

2 T. oil

Mix ingredients with a wire wisk and cook on griddle.

Granola

(from the kitchen of Marci Leishman)

7 cups oats

2 cups coconut

1 cup oil

1 t. salt

2 cups nuts (optional--I use sliced almonds)

1 T. vanilla

1 cup honey

1 cup sunflower seeds (optional)

Mix all ingredients and spread on cookie sheet (make sure you put plenty of Pam on cookie sheet). Bake at 250 degrees for one hour. Stir and bake one half hour longer. 

Mom's Oatmeal Cake

1 cup oatmeal

1 1/2 cup boiling water

1 cube butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. salt

1 t. baking soda

Soak oatmeal in boiling water while preparing other ingredients. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, flour, cinnamon, salt and soda. Mix well, then add oatmeal. Bake for 35 minutes on 350 degrees.

Frosting:

1 cube butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 t. vanilla

1/2 cup nuts (pecans are good)

1 cup shredded coconut

Boil together butter, brown sugar and milk. Remove from heat. Add vanilla, nuts and coconut. Stir well. Pour over cake. 

Homemade Granola Bars

(My sister, Becky, gave me this recipe years ago and it's my family's favorite)

4 cups Rice Krispies

4 cups oats

16 oz. large marshmellows

1 cube butter

1 T. peanut butter (optional)

1 cup miniature M & Ms (found with the chocolate chips) or 1 cup miniature chocolate chips

Combine cereal, oats, chocolate and/or M & Ms in a large bowl. In a microwave-safe dish (I use a large glass bowl), microwave marshmellows, butter and peanut butter. Cook one minute; stir; cook one more minute; stir. Pour over cereal mixture, stir, then press into 9 x 13 buttered pan. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Okay--so here are some of my favorite recipes using oats. Please let me know some of yours. I love new recipes!

Have a great weekend. And don't forget to eat oatmeal!

Sincerely,

Lisa

P.S. Wow--My birthday is already starting! Look what my friend, Carrie, sent me from Montana. A homemade bag, smoothie book, plus white cheddar chocolate popcorn (to die for) and some yummy bubble bath. Thanks, Carrie!

What a crazy, busy week! Plus healthy, yummy recipes!

I've had a lot of fun taking photos for Project 365. I'd never heard of anything like this until Becky Higgins shared her idea. Since January 1st, I've been carrying my point and shoot camera around (my nicer camera has perpetually not been working--I've got to get to the bottom of it) and taking a photo a day plus writing a quick blurb of what happened in our lives. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a Project 365 kit before they sold out. (Anybody want to sell a kit to me?) But, I'm still committed to the project and having lots of fun with it. I keep a folder on my computer and store a photo each day in it (luckily it automatically dates itself). Then I keep a word document and write a quick note on what happened that day. For those of you who weren't able to purchase a kit, Becky and team came up with a great solution. Downloads in jpg and pdf versions of many of the components of the kit. Go here for the free downloads.

So here are some of my photos from the past week--some of these pictures I normally wouldn't have taken.

January 5th: Sage's nightly ritual of eating vanilla ice cream with milk before she goes to bed.



January 6th: Kade shopping for a tux for the big Preference dance.



January 7th: Collin posing with his Timberline 9th Grade Student of the Month award--given to him that day.



January 8th: Steve celebrating his birthday--Weight Watcher's style. Steve has been eating healthier and following the Weight Watchers plan. This was his cake--he loved it! (He's lost 10 pounds in two weeks!)



Strawberry Triffle
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups cold water
Whisk milk and water together.
Add:
3 oz. sugar-free instant vanilla pudding
Whip and let stand for two minutes
Fold into above ingredients:
8 oz. Cool Whip Lite

Cut 4 cups fresh or frozen (partially thawed) strawberries

Prepared Angel Food cake, cut in 1/2 inch cubes

Layer in glass dish in this order:
Cake cubes, pudding, sliced strawberries. Repeat three times.

Makes 12 servings. Only three Weight Watchers points per serving!

We always serve breakfast in bed on a family member's birthday and here's what Steve got:

Scrambled Egg and Cheese Quesadillas



Ingredients:
6 eggs (I used Egg Beaters)
6 flour tortilla (8-inch)
2 teaspoons butter (can use spray-on butter)
1/2 cup ham (diced small)
3/4 cup mushrooms (diced small)
1/2 cup green pepper (diced small)
3/4 cup shredded part skim mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Salsa (traditional or fruit salsa), optional

Scramble cook eggs, set aside. For each quesadilla lightly butter one side of tortilla, turn tortilla over on a preparation plate. On one half of each tortilla, spoon approximately 1/4 cup scrambled egg, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon each diced ham, mushrooms, and green pepper (or other toppings of choice*). Sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons shredded cheese of choice; salt and pepper to taste; fold tortilla over filling. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place prepared quesadillas on griddle and cook 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned on bottom; turn quesadilla over (fold side down) and brown opposite side. Cut quesadilla into wedges; serve hot with salsa and optional garnishes. To complete the meal, serve with a glass of milk and fruit of choice.

January 9th: Aaran and Collin battling out a Madden Football game. They have "Friday Night Lights" every Friday night!



January 10: Kade and his pal, Ellie, going off to the Lone Peak Preference dance (last one for Kade--so sad he's growing up!). He had a long-tailed tux on with a top hat and cane!



I took a photo yesterday of Sage right after she lost her tooth and today of Collin at his basketball game. He won, 59-55.

This has been so much fun and I'm excited about the results. Really a doable, easy project!

Hope you had a marvelous Monday. Can't wait for tomorrow night. American Idol begins!!!

Sincerely,
Lisa

My Favorite Smoothie Recipes!

Yesterday I mentioned that I make smoothies every morning for my children before sending them off to school. The reason? 1. They are usually in a hurry and this is something they can gulp down fast. 2. I load it full of wonderful, nutritious ingredients--it might just be the best meal they get for the day :) ! 3. It makes me feel like a good mom because I'm doing something great for my kids! 4. It's fast!! Literally two minutes and you're done. 5. It's a wonderful tradition. During the Christmas break I got lazy and the kids ate cereal. The children kept asking me "When are you going make smoothies again?"

Okay--so this little machine has made making smoothies a joy! My sweet sis, Angela, gave this to me last year for Christmas and my birthday and it literally has changed my life. Best investment ever (thanks, Ang). Go here to find out about this powerful blender (the same one they use at professional smoothie places).



I really just throw anything in the blender--frozen fruit, fresh bananas, Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink, fresh yogurt (or frozen), carrots, milk, pineapple juice, fresh apples, peanut butter, etc.

Here are a few of our favorite recipes.

Bearnson Blueberry Banana Buster

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups frozen whole strawberries
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 1/2 cups lowfat milk
1 cup lowfat yogurt, strawberry or vanilla flavor
7 ice cubes
A little honey (optional)

Blend together; makes four servings.


"Orange You Cute" Smoothie

Ingredients:
5 T. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup milk
2 bananas
1 cup lowfat yogurt, vanilla flavor
5 ice cubes

Blend together; makes three servings.

Chocolate Frosty

1 package chocolate Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink
1-2 cups milk
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup vanilla or strawberry yogurt.

Blend and enjoy. My family loves this combination!

My friend, Les, from Maryville, MO left this recipe on my blog. Since my family LOVES pina coladas, I can't wait to try it. And--it's healthy!

Healthy Pina Coladas

1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup or so of frozen pineapple
1 tsp or so of coconut extract
water or milk
5 or 6 ice cubes
4 ounces plain yogurt (Greek is my favorite!)

Blend together.

Have fun blending and share any of you favorite recipes with me!

Lisa

Project 365

I have been on the phone with Becky over the past several days and she has kept me in the loop on the situation with Project 365. First of all, please know how sorry and frustrated the entire Kit of the Month team are about the situation. We are thrilled about the huge enthusiasm you felt toward the kit but feel horrible about the fiasco you went through to order it. Our team works tirelessly on bringing you amazing products. It's exasperating when the final part of the project (getting it in your hands) falls short. Please know that our KOTM team is doing our very best to get answers and solutions. Stay tuned to Becky's blog and the KOTM blog for details as we know them.

Sincerely,
Lisa

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

We having freezing temperatures here in Utah! Wow--is it cold!! The kids have had a ball playing in all the white stuff.



Kade froze his tail off shoveling and taking the garbage cans out last Saturday.




There is a song that says "I cry the day I take the tree down." Well, all the Christmas stuff came down last Saturday and I didn't cry. Instead, I cry the day I take all the Christmas cards and photos down. I hang them all over my fridge and my kitchen cabinets and LOVE thinking of all my loved ones during this special time. In fact, I just can't take them down. So, they just might still be up when the next holiday season rolls around!

I got a belated holiday letter from my friend, Carol Van Bork, who comes from a small town in up-state New York. I loved how she wrote in the letter what was happening in her world right at that moment. So, I decided to take the challenge:

Right Now:

Out of my window: Snow everywhere (on the ground and flurries from the sky); quiet streets; gray skys.
I am wearing: Fleece sweats, my favorite green Polo Jeans sweatshirt (older than the hills); cozy slippers; no makeup!
I am hearing: The hum of my portable heater. It's freezing in my scrapbooking room and office.
I am thinking: About all the deadlines I need to complete, my scrapbook room that's a big mess from Christmas projects, laundry that needs to be done, family home evening tonight, getting Kade fitted for a tux for Saturday night's Preference dance and the over-ripe bananas that are begging to be made into my family's favorite muffins.



Here's the recipe:

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups smashed ripe bananas
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups flour (I grind my own pastry wheat flour for a healthier muffin. My family can't tell a difference.)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cream together butter and brown sugar. Then add bananas, milk, vanilla and eggs. Stir together, then add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate chips. Spray muffins tin with non-stick spray. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Makes 12 large muffins. Yummy!

I am thankful for: A warm home, a wonderful family, parents and in-laws that are still with us despite huge health problems, a great job, friends who are always there for me, my faith, music that cheers me up on gloomy, cold days.
I am creating: Scrapbook pages for articles and special issues; party invitations for Sage's 8th birthday.
I am going: to Costco to buy frozen berries, Carnation Instant Breakfast drink (great in smoothies--I make one every morning for my children), Shrimp soup (really good), salsa and who knows what else! You know how it goes at Costco!
I am hoping: My frozen shower pipe will unthaw and not break.
I am reading: The Shack by William P. Young
Around the house: Eerily quiet. Everyone is gone. It's the first day back to school for the kids.
One of my favorite things: Every night before going to bed I take a hot bubble bath with my favorite bubbles complete with sugar-free hot chocolate, a glass of ice water (that's been sitting for at least 30 minutes), a favorite CD and a candle burning.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Articles written, pages created, camera fixed, clean up scrapbook room, get on top of the laundry, thank you notes written, airline tickets bought for Spring Break, a call to two elderly widow friends, basketball games (Kade's and Collin's), Steve's birthday on the 8th, dentist appointments, Kade's Preference dance, help with homework, two friends birthdays, organize kids school scrapbooks, etc., etc.

Take this same challenge and share you answers with us! It will be so fun to read about your life!

Have a great, relaxing week (if that's possible!!)

Love, Lisa

P.S. If you purchased a Shutterfly photo book from QVC this past week, your welcome letter from me will be in your mailbox shortly. I'm so excited for you to create the book--you'll love the ease and professional results!