Thursday, June 28, 2012

Chocolate Chip Strawberry Banana Bread

Ok, yum.

I think this may have been the best idea since sliced bread.

Wait, this is sliced bread.

My son really wanted a banana last night, so I told him to help himself. He did, but quickly dropped it after realizing it was a little, shall we say, ripe.

"Ew" for him, but perfect for me, because I've been wanting to make me some yummy banana bread!

I had a bunch of strawberries that had to be eaten so I decided to add them to the mix. And what goes better with strawberries and bananas than chocolate? That's right. Nothing.


(Original recipe from Food Network, adapted by me)

Ingredients:
1 stick butter, softened at room temperature
1 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas
1Tbsp milk
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup strawberries, chopped
3/4 cup chocolate chips


Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.

Cream the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Mix in the milk and cinnamon. (I actually prefer to put the bananas and the milk and cinnamon in the blender. The result is a nice smooth banana taste throughout the bread).

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Add the banana mixture to the creamed mixture and stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until flour disappears. 

Fold in strawberries and chocolate chips.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, invert onto rack and cool completely before slicing.


Spread a little butter or cream cheese on top and enjoy!

Linking up:
Clean & Scentsible


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Sunday, June 24, 2012

Summer Mantel, Rustic Coastal Style

Well now that the Ready 4 Summer party is over, I can finally GET READY FOR SUMMER! 

I switched out my mantel decor over the weekend. 

I started with my seagrass star basket from Pier One. If you've been with me for a while, you might remember the funny story that goes along with it, and how I got this basket for FREE, and why I can never shop at Pier One again.


I layered it over my painted wood framed chicken wire memo board, to which I added a printable of some lyrics to one of my favorite Beatles songs, "Here Comes the Sun."


Have I reminded you lately how happy I am that I painted my fireplace?

Some dried curly willow in a bottle, next to the basket adds a bit of rustic,


while a few starfish and seashells give me that fresh coastal look that I crave.


(I really need to start painting the backs of things if I'm going to put them up against the mirror...)


I've recently discovered an addiction a passion for collecting vintage glass bottles.


The small ink bottles, that were a gift, just feed my addiction. Aren't they so pretty?

I'm so glad this part of the room is finished. I'm starting to feel like there is an end in sight for my living room! Although, while I'm decorating in a summery fashion, I'm fearing it may be ready to transition to fall by the time I'm ready to share it with you!

Have you finished your summer decorating?


Linking up with:
The DIY Showoff
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Clean & Scentsible
Savvy Southern Style



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Friday, June 22, 2012

Planning a Tiki Party {Ready 4 Summer Entertaining}

Here we are at the last day of the party already! Maggie and I are so grateful for everyone who participated:


Weren't they all amazing?? And to you, our faithful readers, thank you so much for the comment love and for joining the linky parties! We are still going through all of the links, and will be featuring some of our favorites next week.


Today's topic is SUMMER ENTERTAINING!

I mentioned on Wednesday that we are taking a vacation in Hawaii this summer. Since my kids have birthdays only a few weeks apart, and they fall shortly after our vacation, we are having just one birthday party to try and keep the costs down. I thought what better theme after a Hawaiian vacation, than a LUAU!

Actually, a Tiki Room party to be exact. My kids favorite place to be at Disneyland is the Tiki Room. It may have something to do with the Dole Whips, I can't be sure.


I have been busy gathering ideas for our September party, so busy gathering in fact, that I haven't had any time to execute any of my projects! So I thought I'd share with you some of the great inspiration I've found.

This entire party from Kelle at Enjoying the Small Things is absolutely amazing. Every detail was so well planned. And of course the photography is stunning.



I saw this image on Pinterest and fell in love with the tikis. They are made out of corrogated cardboard, and I was lucky enough to score an entire roll of it! My girl Kate and I will be busy making these....probably for the rest of the summer!


I cannot find a link for the image, but if you know who it belongs to, let me know because I ALWAYS like to give credit!

The next two pictures were from a party featured by Amy Atlas:



A friend of mine actually already made a wreath like this and I'm commissioning another friend to make the cake below! It's it beautiful?


I love the cute party favors in little sand pails.




And what would a Tiki Room party be with Jose and Fritz (two of our favorite birds in the real Tiki Room at Disneyland. Aren't these fantastic?



Another fabulous Luau was found at Amy Atlas.



This one had cake pops! Pineapple cake pops! Cute, right??

I love the vases made out of mini tiki torches are great, and I am seeing mini tikis all over right now!



I even found a recipe for Pineapple Dole Whips. Unfortunately, at $6 for four servings, I'm thinking we may have to skip it for our party.









I posted a quest for Luau party ideas on Facebook a while back and one of my favorite responses was to make nametags for each guest with both their English and Hawaiian names. I will definitely be doing this! Find your Hawaiian name here.



(hey, by the way, have you liked Simply Klassic Home on Facebook yet??)

You'll be seeing lots more Tiki Party ideas as we get closer to the big day, but for now, I hope I've given you a few ideas on how to create your own luau party this summer!

More inspiring ideas for your home decor can be found at these participating blogs:

My Fabulous Co-Host: 

Our Lovely Guests:

Your turn! Link up your summer entertaining post(s) below. Your links will appear on both of the host blogs!

Please be sure to link to the hosts with either a text link or by grabbing a button:



I'm really looking forward to seeing your ENTERTAINING posts!!


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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Rustic Coastal Summer Decor - An Interview with Salvage Dior {Ready 4 Summer Home Decor Linky Party}

I hope you are all enjoying the party as much as we are!! It's gone by so fast, I can't believe it's almost over!!

If you missed out on any of the fun, here are links to the previous posts:

Summer Recipes
Summer Crafts & Printables
Summer Activities & Ideas for Kids

PLEASE remember to ONLY link up themed posts. Thank you!!


Today for my Summer Home Decor post, I have a fabulous interview with the hugely talented Kate from Salvage Dior! {queue applause}


If you want to know a little more about Kate and her blog (and who that guy is in the pictures with her) take a look at this post.

Since I am in the process of re-decorating my living room, it's a bit of a disaster at the moment. I had planned to show you my mantel, but it's a little bit empty. So, I asked my friend if she would help me out and share her favorite tips for creating that beautiful coastal look we all love.

And besides, her house is what my house wants to be when it grows up. Hand to God. It told me.

Welcome Kate!

What is your decorating style?
My style is defined as a mixture of rustic coastal with industrial elements. I am not a ruffles kind of girl. I love clean straight lines and I am usually drawn to more masculine pieces. 


How do you define "coastal decor?"
The coast is so peaceful and tranquil I love elements that give me that feel. I tend to use coral, twigs or branches to create that look. A neutral pallete balanced with layered textures and an abundance of whites.



What's your favorite quick summer update?
When I want a quick makeover, pillows is my go to staple. Pillows change a room in a matter of minutes! I keep at least twelve shams on hand to change out with my down inserts. These are some of my favorites, made by my friend Rose at The Tarnished Crown.


What techniques do you use to transition your home from spring to summer?
First is to lighten up even more. I introduce more whites and scale down my accessories in the rooms. Then I tend to create simple vignettes that give a fresh jump into summer feeling.






Thanks my friend for allowing me to share some of your beautiful home!!


Kate has been a Corporate Event & Wedding Planner by trade for the past twenty years, and has recently begun transitioning to design stylist, thanks to a recent feature in the June issue of Romantic Homes. Salvage Dior is located in #31 at Country Roads located in Orange, Ca.


More inspiring ideas for your home decor can be found at these participating blogs:

My Fabulous Co-Host: 

Our Lovely Guests:

Your turn! Link up your summer home decor post(s) below. Your links will appear on both of the host blogs!

Please be sure to link to the hosts with either a text link or by grabbing a button: 




Now come join the party!

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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

How I Keep My Kids Entertained on Long Trips {Ready 4 Summer Kids Linky Party}

It was another great turn-out for Tuesday's summer recipes party!! The linky will be open all week, so feel free to jump in at any time.


PLEASE remember to ONLY link up themed posts. Thank you!!



Summer is the time when lots of families hit the road for a fun vacation. Whether it's a weekend road trip or a flight across the country, you have to get creative to find ways to keep your kiddos entertained (and keep them from killing each other!).

Here are some tips that I have used for keeping my kids happy on the way to our vacation desitnation!

Scour the Dollar Bin
I start scouting the dollar bins and clearance aisles at Target for little silly activities and books a couple of months before the trip. Some of what I've collected so far:

  • Coloring books
  • Activity Packs
  • Magnetic characters
  • Stickers
  • Small toys
  • Mini Dry erase boards
  • Small pouches
  • Small Books
  • Color Wonder Paper & markers


If possible, have the items be related to the trip. For example, this summer we are going to the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii, so I picked up some Mickey Mouse coloring books and some Hawaiian themed note pads. I'll be on the lookout for some more Hawaiian items to add.

Small, Individual Portioned Snacks (and lots of them)
I have a few special treats that my kids don't get very often, and these always come on long trips with us! Pack individual portions in snack size ziploc baggies for easy distribution.
  • Sugar free lollipops or Dum Dums (take a while to eat - I always give these when we are taking off and landing to help with their ears)
  • Fruit snacks
  • Granola Bars
  • Goldfish
  • Snack Mixes
  • Juice Boxes
DVD Player & New Movies
Being the iPad age, you can just put movies in your iPad, but if you don't have one of those (like me) I would definitely recommend a cheap DVD player. I got ours for about $50 at Christmas time, and we only use it on long trips. We have another one in the car that actually has two small screens and that was about $75 at Best Buy. Totally worth it! Pick up some of the $5 movies at Target, or that new movie your kids have been wanting to see.

A New Backpack!
Placing a few of their new goodies in a cool new backpack is even more exciting!

I always watch for Pottery Barn Kids clearance, because when they do go on sale or on clearance, the prices are pretty good. Of course, you can always find backpacks at TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Target. I get the kids' lunch pails from PBK as well.



A Couple of Tips:
  • If you're taking a long car trip, take the time to wrap each of the items in gift wrap or even newspaper. Adds to the excitement and keeps them interested a little longer. If you're flying, however, the airlines won't allow this. 
  • Purchase small zippered pouches or tote bags to place like items in. For example, all crayons/markers in one pouch.
  • Make sure to have addtional items stored in your luggage for the return trip.
  • Keep most of the new treats in your own bag so they can't pull them out at will. Then when they start to get restless, let them reach in and pull out a surprise.

The key to keeping your kids entertained is having NEW things for them to do. I've taken car trips to Arizona (about four hours long) by myself with my two kids and we (almost) have no problems!


I'll admit, I am a little nervous to put both of my kids on a plane. The first time I traveled with a child on a plane, it was only Cooper and he was two and a half. But I had my mom and her BFF along and we could take turns entertaining him. That's three to one. This time there's two kids, my mom and me. That's a ratio of two to two, which, in kid terms, kinda means we're outnumbered!

 How do you keep your kids entertained on long trips? I'd love some more tips!

More fun ideas for the kids can be found at these participating blogs:

My Fabulous Co-Host: 

Our Lovely Guests:

How do you keep your kids entertained during summer break? Come party with us!! Here's how it works:

Link up your summer, kid-related post(s) below. Your links will appear on both of the host blogs!

Please be sure to link to the hosts with either a text link or by grabbing a button: 



Thanks for partying along with us!!

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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Good Day Sunshine Printable {Ready 4 Summer Crafts & Printables Party & Linky}

Well so far, so good! What a great turn-out we had for Monday's summer recipes party!! The linky will be open all week, so feel free to jump in at any time.

PLEASE remember to ONLY link up themed posts. Thank you!!

Today's theme is summer crafts and printables and of course I've got a fun new printable to share with you!!

My good bloggy friend Pamela (of PB&Jstories) asked me to create a printable for her son's bathroom makeover. She and I apparently have similar taste, because she asked me to use the same lyrics for her printable that I asked her to use for the sign she made for me!


So I made this printable for her:


I hope you realize what a privilege the above photo is - you are getting a SNEAK PEEK of the upcoming bathroom reveal!!! Seriously, if you've seen anything else Pam's done, you know it will be just as amazing so be sure to follow PB&Jstories so you don't miss out!!

Ok, back to the printable! Now, what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't share it with YOU too?

To download for yourself, just click on the image, then right-click and save to your computer. I recommend printing on cardstock.

For PERSONAL USE ONLY. Not to be claimed as your own or sold for profit. Thank you.

More summer craftiness can be found at these participating blogs:

My Fabulous Co-Host: 


I'm linking this post to
Savvy Southern Style
BBQ Bash at One Dog Woof
Inspired by Charm

Do you have a summer craft or printable you'd like to share? Come party with us!! Here's how it works:

Link up your summer craft or printable post(s) below. Your links will appear on both of the host blogs!

Please be sure to link to the hosts with either a text link or by grabbing a button: 



Thanks for partying along with us!!


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Monday, June 18, 2012

Limeade Ice Cream Pie {Ready 4 Summer Party & Linky}

Hey everyone! Welcome to the Ready 4 Summer Party!!



Just in case you've forgotten the lineup, you can check out this post for all the info.

Here's the schedule:

Monday - Food & Drink
Tuesday - Crafts & Printables
Wednesday - Fun for the kids
Thursday - Home Decor
Friday - Entertaining

Don't forget, there will be a linky at the end of each post!!!

Today I've got a super easy summer dessert recipe to share with you, using one of my favorite summertime flavors:


Super easy, because it's only got THREE INGREDIENTS! Summer, because it's light and refreshing, and dessert because, well, it's ice cream.

Anyway...

I have not made this recipe in ages, but I first made it in my Foods Class in high school. Yup, so it's been a couple (18) years.


Limeade Ice Cream Pie
1-1.5 quart vanilla ice cream
1-15 oz. can frozen limeade concentrate
1 LARGE graham cracker pie crust
Limes for garnish (optional)
Green Food Coloring (optional)

Mix up your ice cream and limeade concentrate. You could add some lime zest or a few drops of green food coloring if you so desire. I added juice from one whole lime because we like it EXTRA tart!

This is what it looks like without the food coloring:


Pour the mixture into your pie shell and freeze for at least five hours. Since I bought the smaller pie crust, I had some ice cream leftover. And I was totally cool with that!


That's it!


I think it would fun to try replacing the limeade with any other frozen concentrate, like pink lemonade, or maybe a tropical fruit punch. Or maybe pineapple juice with chunks of pineapple. Yum!


More delicious summer recipes can be found at these participating blogs:

My Fabulous Co-Host: 

Do you have a summer recipe you'd like to share? Come party with us!! Here's how it works:

Link up your summer food or drink recipe post(s) below. Your links will appear on both of the host blogs!

Please be sure to link to the hosts with either a text link or by grabbing a button: 



Thanks for partying along with us!!



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Friday, June 15, 2012

Cities of Germany Rustic Wood Planked Sign

If you haven't noticed yet, my family is from Germany.

(If you want to read the history, check out this post.)

When I started planning out what I really wanted in my living/dining room, I knew that I wanted to pay homage to my German roots. I've incorporated them here and here, but I really wanted to include a map of some sort.


The problem was, I looked around and couldn't find one that was right.

My friend, Kate, was looking around Country Roads one day, sending me pictures of all the things she thought I should have. Then I got this one -


Immediately a lightbulb went on and I knew what I wanted to make.


Cities in Germany. Eislingen/Fils is the small town where my family is from. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Plochingen is another family town and the others are some of the most widely known cities in German. The cool part? I've been to all of them.


To make the sign, I purchased a long piece of basic wood, and had them cut it into five equal pieces that were about two feet each.


I then sanded the wood a bit and stained it with Minwax grey stain (awesome stuff!!).

Here's where I ran into trouble. I tried to hand paint the letters, but let's face it, I suck at freehand painting.

So, I emailed one of my bloggy besties, Pamela from PB&Jstories, who makes GORGEOUS handpainted signs for her shop. She cut me some stencils with her silhouette and shipped them to me, FROM VIRGINIA!


How awesome is that???

Once I had the stencils, I used some Martha Stewart creamy white craft paint I got on clearance at Michael's to paint the city names.


I spaced the planks just slightly apart and nailed some thin scrap pieces of wood to the back to hold the planks in place.

I haven't decided where to put it yet, so it's sitting on my mantel. I kinda like it there, but I'm planning on hanging it up soon as I get the hardware.


I kinda think it's the coolest thing I've ever made!

Don't forget the Ready 4 Summer Blogger Block party starts on Monday!



See you then!

Sharing at:
Jennifer Rizzo
Funky Junk Interiors
DIY Showoff
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
French Country Cottage
At the Picket Fence



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