Wordless Wednesday: "playgroup"

It's What's for Dessert: 3 Quick go-to desserts

I like to have dessert options on hand so that we can have people come by for dessert effortlessly.  My husband makes fun of me because I almost always give people at least 3 dessert options when they come over.  I think it's because I know that I am often in the mood for a certain kind of dessert so our guest might be too.  Am I right?  Click here to vote for me (just kidding).

I'm going to give you 3 quick and easy dessert ideas you can have on hand.
3 more to come next week!


For the chocolate lover:


Chocolate Chess Pie (Angus Barn recipe)
You cannot go wrong with this one.  Top with whipped cream or ice cream.


For the health nut:





Peach crisp
My mom's hippie peach crisp (only honey in this recipe) makes healthy eating seem possible. Chop 4-5 peaches and mix with a dash of flour, 1 TBS of honey, 1 tsp cinnamon, squeeze of lemon. Top with crumbly topping which is made of 2 c oats, 1 TBS cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1 TBS flour, dash of salt, honey (as much as you desire), chopped walnuts (optional). Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Top with ice cream.

For the last minute guest or light eater: TJ's frozen lemon bars Simply defrost for 40 minutes on counter. You'll never make them yourself again :/

Giveaway: Earrings from The Full Home Handmade

Hi there! I'm Crystal from The Full Home. Lauren and I are neighbors and she was awesome enough to offer to host a giveaway from my shop, The Full Home Handmade, on her blog!

So of course, I took her up on it.

I've been making jewelry for myself for years. I love all things DIY, and friends have always encouraged me to turn my creations into a business. When my son was born in June 2011 I quit my job as an insurance underwriter to stay home with him. Things were cray-zay for a while, but once they settled down I found myself with this desire to make beautiful things and to contribute to the family income again. Thus, The Full Home Handmade was born!

Today I'm offering a pair of handmade earrings from my shop-- you get to choose which pair!

You can earn up to 6 entries:

1. Visit my shop and then leave a comment on this post saying which pair of earrings you'd choose if you won.

2. "Like" The Full Home on Facebook and leave a comment here that you did.

3. Follow The Full Home blog and leave a comment here that you did.

4. Follow Simply Chic Mom and comment here that you did.

5. Tweet about this giveaway and comment here that you did.

6. Facebook mention this giveaway and comment here that did.

Lauren will select a winner at random from the comments and notify me. Then you can select your earrings, and they'll arrive in a few days! Easy as pie. Mmmmmm, pie.

Enter by Wednesday, August 15th. The winner will be announced here on Friday, August 17th.

One Beautiful July Wedding...

Gorgeous bouquets, dancing and dinner! Here are a few highlights from Gena and Alex's wedding at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. 

  

Congratulations to the beautiful couple!



Location: Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Caterer: SBB Gourmet

Event Planner: Soigne Productions (Tonya Szele)

Lighting: Bella Vista

Rentals: Discount Party Rentals

Florists: Toasts

Photography: Bernd Zeugswetter Photography

ADD Reading (7th ed)

Trying to get every ounce of non-school related reading done before I begin my MA classes in a few short weeks.  These books are kicking my tail (in a good way).

It's hard to read this without tearing up.  A book that helps you soak in what Jesus has done for you and why/how that changes everything.

Shines a spotlight on why we care so much about what people think of us.

A great counseling and discipleship resource.

Haven't actually read this yet but it is next on my list.

I've heard it is extremely encouraging for young moms.

Anyone want to loan it to me? :)

 

Behind the Scenes: "Staycation"

I'm going to give you 5 reasons to make your next vacation a "staycation" where you stay at home but live like you are on vacation.
This past week has been exactly what the doctor ordered for the Turner clan.

Reason #1: You save money on travel (that you can spend on eating out)

Reason #2: Sleeping in your own bed (we slept in every day)

Reason #3:You get the chance to explore your own city (we found new coffee shops, hiking trails, museums, restaurants, etc.)
Reason #4: Extended time at home gives you time to finish little projects that never seem to get done (I'm talking fun projects, not cleaning)
Reason #5: You can savor the people you love without having to rush off to sight-see
(I literally stared at Graham and Dave all week.  They are so cute :)
I bet you can think of some more reasons to try a "staycation" too...

Music Segment: Gungor

It is hard for me to grasp that there is no good in me apart from God.  None.  I constantly want to justify and explain myself.  He remembers we are dust and redeems the mess.

All this pain

I wonder if I’ll ever find my way

I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make me new, You are making me new
You make me new, You are making me new

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us 

Momstyle: vacation from my vacation

Last week was strange!  After 3 weeks away in Arizona, California and Hilton Head and being husband-less, it was hard to remember what normal life is like.  By the time Dave made it home Wednesday morning (12:30am to be exact) and finally recovered from jet lag by Friday we knew we needed to try to get away for a bit.

We found a great business hotel (Hyatt House) in town that is discounted on the weekends and a sweet friend to watch Graham and we took off.
I know Dave was most thrilled to get to take a "momstyle" set of pictures for me ;)

 

(Top: discount boutique in Dana Point; shorts: JCrew outlet; shoe: steve madden sale)

A week off...

Taking a week to "look up" as my husband often says. 
See you in a week.

It's What's for Dinner: healthy nachos

It's not easy to get back in the swing of making dinner after 3 weeks of vacation and mom's home cooking.  Thank you, Trader Joe's once again.

Pile up: 

-Black Bean and Quinoa chips

- Chicken Asada

- Shredded cheese

-Lettuce

- Tomatoes

- Onion

-Salsa

-Sour Cream

-Queso dip

**All ingredients from Trader Joe's

 

On a Personal Note: marriage perspective

Several great thoughts based on the book The Meaning of Marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller

Marriage in Gospel-Focus - Tim and Kathy Keller from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

Summer Inspiration...

Hello friends!

Wedding season has definitely hit The Parlour Brooklyn this season! Summer weddings are huge and with that being said, heres a little inspiration for all you bride and groom to bes out there...

I've noticed that vintage inspired weddings are making a BIG comeback this season, which are my favorite as far as hair and makeup are concerned...

I realize this last one may be  BIT over the top, but I'm really diggin' the modern meets vintage vibe.


Vintage inspired dresses are also big right now, and they come in different lengths AND colors...

Fear not grooms, you're important too! 

When in doubt, channel Paul...

Remember, we are available for all of your hair, makeup and planning needs! Book today!

Happy wedding planning ya'll

Travelstyle: west coast travels

Wrapping up 12 wonderful days in Arizona and California.  So grateful that God provided a memorable vacation for Graham and me while Dave is away.