Living With A Purpose Everyday!

Five Guys

This weekend Daniel and I went on a date to Five Guys and to coffee. Might not sounds super romantic, but it was just our style. And it didn't matter where he took me i just wanted some alone time with my hubby. 

Fiveguys

I want one right now

Let me tell you something about Five Guys burgers! OMG they are fantastic. I guess they are the "it" thing on the east coast but we don't have any out here in CA, well until now. We have a location not far from us and everyone we know have been raving about it. So we thought we needed to try it, to see what all the hype was about. And it exceeded the hype. 

Being the true Californians that we are we have always been loyal to our In N Out burgers, so we were a little skeptical about how good these burgers really were. I have to say they were the BEST burgers I have ever eaten. Sorry In N Out :( I was shocked that i could even think that, but it was true. They were juicy, flavorful and I loved that you got to chose what went on it, also that they had grilled onions and grilled mushrooms, two of my favorite things. I couldn't believe how fast i ate it and that i want another one! They were just that good! The bun was soft but not mushy and the burgers were cooked to perfection. They tasted like the best burger that you could make at home with the finest ingredient you could find. I was shocked it was at a fast food place with peanut shells on the floor, you would have thought it came from some sit down restaurant. 

So Five Guys you have won my heart and are my favorite burger place. However i can get two burgers at In N Out for the price of just one of yours. So i think I will be eating at Five Guys every now and then, but still be eating my In N Out burgers on a regular bases. 

Photo of the Day: Sweet Laughter

Sweet Laughter

Eli is a happy happy boy and he loves his grandma Lorie. My mom has been close to both my children since birth and they adore her. I took this while documenting my nieces birthday and just fell in love with Eli's face and how much he is enjoying kisses from his grandma. It's so sweet! You can almost hear him giggling. He's got the best little laugh ever, you have to hear it. You would just melt it's so cute. 

I was very close with my grandfather and miss him so very much. I am thankful that my children have wonderful grandparents to love and to love them. This is a photo to remember.

Eli, you are deeply loved by your grandma, don't you ever forget it!

Happy 11th Birthday Kaitlin

The Beautiful Birthday Girl

I love being an aunt and i have been close to my nieces and nephews since they were born. And i love celebrating their  birthdays. On Saturday the whole family celebrated Kaitlin's 11th birthday. I don't know how that is even possible. I was 15 when she was born and remember the day very clearly. I had a modeling audition in LA and i was so annoyed that we had to hang out at a hospital. Teenagers are silly! Little did i know how in love i would be with this precious beautiful girl. She is amazing, sweet and kind and loves the Lord with all her heart. 

So both sides of Kaitlin's family came together to celebrate and shower her with love. Dawn and Steve BBQed and we all just kicked back and hung out. It was fun having babies in the house. Both Eli and Jacob and moving around and making their presence known. It was a fun time and full of family, fun and love.

Kaitlin, i hope you know how deeply i care for you and how much i love you. You are growing up to be a lovely young lady. I hope and pray that we will stay close and I look forward to seeing what God has planned for you! 

I am not Afraid, To take stand....

Not Afraid

I'm not afraid, to take a stand, everybody can take my hand, we'll walk this road together through the storm, whatever weather cold of warm just let you know your not alone. -Not Afraid by Gary Ward

I found this on twitter a few days ago. This song was performed live at Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, NV on August 22, 2010 by G-Blest (Gary Ward). He took the song arrangement by the artist "Eminem" and re-wrote the lyric as his personal testimony.

This song brought tears to my eyes and gave me goose bumps. So much of the song touched my heart and reminded me of my childhood. This guy has amazing talent and he is using it to tell Christ story to the world. God gave him a gift and he is using it! That's what we should all be doing. I have been challenged by this video! I want to take a stand for my God and continue to share the Good News with more people using my talents. 

I haven't be able to find the lyrics to have them typed out for you. But PLEASE take a minute to watch the video and listen to the words. Wow, is all i can say. Let me know what you think!

Photo of the day: Beauty of Her Lord

Beauty of Her Lord

Over all the Earth, You reign on high, Every mountain stream every sunset sky , But my one request Lord my only aim 
Is that you reign in me again, Lord reign in me, Reign in your power, Over all my dreams, In my darkest hour, You are the Lord of all I am, So won't you reign in me again, Over every thought 
Over every word, May my life reflect the beauty of my Lord 
'Cause you mean more to me than any Earthly thing, So won't you reign in me again.  -Lord Reign In Me

This is Hannah she leads worship at Canvas every few weeks and last night I was impressed by her. She is an amazing girl and has been since i met her a year ago. However last night was different. Hannah has been away all summer serving in the Philippians. And she came back different, changed in a good way. Hannah has always had a heart for the Lord and loves Jesus and lives for Him. But last night she glowed with a new light. Like something had caught fire. A true beauty glowed with in her that could only be from the Lord. She has seen what God could do and how powerful He is, and it has truly changed her. As i was editing this photo i was reminded of the song Lord Reign In Me. And one line in particular "May my life reflect the beauty of my Lord". And in this photograph Hannah's life reflects the beauty of her Lord. I am unbelievably blessed to know and love Hannah, it is an honor to witness her grow in her walk with Christ. This girl is going to change the world. So watch out!

 

Sienna's last first day of Preschool

Sienna and her new Teacher

Today was Sienna's first day of school. She is growing up so fast. This is her third and final year in preschool. Time flies by so fast. She is such an outgoing, sweet, sensitive and creative girl. I have loved to watch her thrive and grow at school. 

Sienna goes to a co op. Which means i would in her class. And for the past two years she has only gone one day a week and i went with her. This year she will be going two days a week, one day with me and one day with out me. Which is a big step for my big girl. However i think she will do great and will most likely enjoy her "Big Girl" time at school. 

Her Cubby

Today was just a get to know you day at school. We got to meet her teacher, Ms. Cheryl and got to explore the class room. She made fast friends with another little girl while playing house. And she can't wait to play with her again next school day. 

I am looking forward to this last year of preschool with Sienna. Soon she will  be in elementary school and i won't be able to be with her. She is such a blessing and I am so blessed to be her mama. Can't wait to see what she learns and what she will teach me! Hope your kids first day of school went well this week!

Cupcake Adventure: Sweet Arleen's

I Love Cupcake Boxes!

Today my friend Jennifer, my kids and I went on a Cupcake Adventure. I had posted earlier this week that i want to try all the cupcake shops in the LA and Ventura Areas. So today we tried out Sweet Arleen's. 

Jennifer bought a bunch of cupcakes to try. And i purchased three different flavors. I tried their Mocha Truffle, which was delish! The frosting was super light and creamy and the coffee flavor was just right. Sienna chose their Classic Vanilla, which she didn't finish :( and I brought Daniel their Chocolate Marshmallow, he said it was good but messy. So over all we gave them a 8 out of 10. I want to go back and try more flavors. So if you're in Westlake, stop by Sweet Arleen's for a yummy treat!

White Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream

I love Cupcakes!

Aren't they Cute?

This past weekend I discovered the Cupcakery in Thousand Oaks. They are amazing, a must try! Well i was browsing their website and found that they have two recipes posted. How cool is that? Pretty Cool! I mean they have yummy cupcakes and people are willing to buy them, and yet they are so gracious and share some of their recipes. This place just keeps getting better and better!

Well i am going to a BBQ tonight and needed to bring dessert so i made one of their recipes. The cupcake cakes turned out AMAZING! I love baking and have made my fair share of cupcakes, but these were the best by far. 

So here's the recipe for you to try. Let me warn you, this is not an easy recipe and if this is your first time baking you might want to try another recipe. There are a lot of steps and i think i dirtied every dish in my kitchen. hehe! But if you are willing to spend an afternoon making some of the most delicious cupcakes you have ever eaten, then try this recipe!

 

White Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter

Yum!

2 1/4 cups sugar

2 cups cake flour 

1 cup all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract 

1 cup milk

8 large egg whites

 

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees, line two standard cupcake pans with paper liners.

In a medium bowl sift flours, baking powder and salt. set aside.

In an electric mixer, cream butter until smooth, add two cups of the sugar and beat until fluffy.

Beat in vanilla

Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Set bowl aside.

In a separate bowl for the electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on low speed until foamy.

 Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. 4-5 minutes.

 Gently fold 1/3 of the egg white mixture into the batter until combined. Gently fold in remaining egg white mixture.

Fill cups about 2/3 full with batter. 

Bake 20-22 min, or until cake tester comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

 

Chocolate buttercream

1 1/2 pounds unsalted butter,softened

12 ounces milk chocolate

12 ounces semisweet chocolate

5 large egg whites, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 Tablespoons teaspoons high quality  vanilla extract

Chop the chocolates and place them over a double boiler, stirring until melted. Set aside to cool.

In a separate bowl,mix the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.

Place  bowl of egg-white mixture over the pan of simmering water and heat the egg whites until they are warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.

Return the bowl to the electric mixer and whisk on high speed for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is cool and holds a stiff peak.

Add the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, while beating on medium speed.

Add the melted chocolate and vanilla, mixing until chocolate is incorporated.

Frost and enjoy!

Sunset in Simi

Sunset in Simi

Jump for Joy

I love living an active life. It's feels so good to go for a walk or a hike after dinner at night and I love that my family feels the same way. Tonight after dinner we decided to hike up to our favorite spot and watch the sunset. It never ceases to amazing me at how beautiful and colorful a sunset is. Tonight sunset was all oranges and yellows, much different from the blues, pinks and purples from the last time we were up here. "Wow" was all i could say while watching the sun say good by to the earth. It made me wordless.

My Sunshine Girl!

The Afterglow

We stayed later then we usually do, enjoying the coolness after a hot summer day and I got to play with my camera. Hiking down the mountain in the dark was a new experience, Sienna loved the many bunnies that we came across and all the little creatures that come out at night. It's all these little moments as a family that make me love my life. I am so blessed to have my little family, that we are all healthy and thriving. God is good, thank you for another day to live and love my family!

Photo of the Day: Sun Kissed

Sun Kissed

I will never grow tired of pictures of my children. Sorry if you are. I love how the sun is kissing her face. How the rosy glow of the last light of day is brushing itself across her face. Plus i think she is just the cutest little girl in all the world. However my favorite thing is her necklace. Sienna is a little fashionista, she loves having her hair done and being excesserized. She can't leave home with out a necklace and a bracelet, not to mention a super cute purse. She is always styling, even on a hike. I look forward to telling her about this when she is older. It's pictures like this that make up Sienna's life's history. I am so honored to document it for her!