Monday, January 23, 2012

miscellany monday


write random and link below.




Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters




1. granola. granola. i am obsessed.  especially when it takes all of five ingredients.  the kids call granola bars cookies which makes my life pretty easy.  Sage was caught licking the batter and the oat crumbs produced the perfect evidence.  unfortunately for her, there was no getting out of this. except look at her sweet eyes... they rope me in and melt me every. time. forgive this pic for its grain, it was in honor of the recipe. ; )

i used this recipe and adapted it for the ingredients i already had.  



five ingredient granola bars adapted from here
4 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup natural peanut butter
2 tbsp flaxseed
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup agave nectar

(some great mix ins would include chocolate chips, chia seeds, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, coconuts, and wheat germ. trust me, use a mix in or two or five!)
Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, combine oats and flaxseed. Add  honey and agave nectar; mix to combine. Add melted peanut butter and mix until moistened.  If you're adding mix-ins now is your chance. You may need to get in there with your hands and work it. If dough is too dry (this can depend on your ingredients) add more peanut butter or syrup (or honey) 1 tablespoon at a time until moistened. Press dough in a greased (non-stick spray) 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes.

2. no shame, no gain.  for the sake of turning a tragedy into a triumph, i choose to laugh. and what else can you do, really, when you come home to find a ginormous chocolate spot from who knows where on your hiney for all the world to see?  i'm guessing the world didn't think it was chocolate. whatchya think? ((sorry for the awkward behind shot.))

3. it's official.  i give up being invested in politics and sports... this weekend was full of heartache. i'm sad for the 49ers, my hometeam, and politically speaking, bummed with the results here in SC.  that pretty much sums it up.

4. during the football games yesterday, Sage asked 5,900 times "where'd go ball?"  it was slightly annoying but mostly entirely cute.

5. my mom and step-dad got our kids a play kitchen for christmas.  i'm continually amazed by how much time this gives me to do my thang.  if you need a free babysitter, get a play kitchen. you may even get "micowabed" eggplants everyday.


6. our super rad friends, travis and ashley write amazing music and are the makings of wright family music. ashley wrote their new single in the midst of their infertility that highlights the tenderness of our loving God.  her voice will charm you ~ ((you can listen below, then download for free or donate))












carissa

53 {comments}:

Miranda said...

The granola bars sound great :-)

Catrina said...

I love the granola bar recipe picture, super creative! My cousin got a play kitchen for Christmas and as before he had it he spent hours with a cardboard box... now you have to try really hard to pull him away. The wooden eggs are the favorite.

Kimberly said...

I am going to try the granola bar recipe. Carissa, where do I put your button code for it to appear in my post. In my post - in a link?

a day in the life... said...

i'm definitely going to try that granola bar recipe soon! :)

Lindsey said...

Beautiful song! and granola? yes PLEASE!

we have the same kiddie kitchen and I eat all day long:)

Farmgirl Paints said...

I know my honey was pretty upset about who ended up in the Super Bowl. Bummer. That spoon pic was really cool!

Alely said...

good morning friend! so dissappointed in the loss of our niners. our house was in silence. however, win or lose we will forever be 49'er faithfuls!

i will have to try this granola recipe. i have your nutella hot chocolate recipe posted on my blog today. i think i am starting to get addicted to it since its been so cold.

your friend ashley has an amazing voice. what a great song they've written.

anyhoo, have a great week my friend. i still gotta get back to your email!

xo,
alely

hannah singer said...

granola. yes.
and gracious, this music, oh it is such a blessing.
thank you! happy monday, carissa xo

Sarah said...

now you can officially say you've got a butt shot on your blog... hilarious!!
:)

Ashley said...

I laughed at your chocolate "incident" because that happens to me ALL THE TIME! I will spend a lovely afternoon running errands or shopping, only to come home and find I have food/spit-up somewhere on my person! Oh to be a mamma! :)

Mandy said...

THe butt shot made my day ;) You are a brave woman! I recently became obsessed with making granola too, though I haven't tried bars yet... we just eat the crunchy stuff out of the jar. They'll be added to my list, though! Have a great day!

Kelli said...

Sorry to laugh, but I love the whole 'chocolate on the butt' incident! I've spent half my life (literally!) running around with something smeared, spilled or stuck on me! LOL! One of the joys of motherhood. <3

As for those granola bars...think soy butter would substitute well for the peanut butter? My little guy can't have nuts and it's tough for me to find granola he can enjoy.

Gwen Toliver said...

I just did a slow cooker granola recipe this weekend and it made the whole house smell wonderful all day --- mmmmm....

Rachel said...

I might have to get some gluten free oats and try your recipe. I'm for sure going to pin that super cute pic on pinterest. :)

Play kitchens?? Always a hit at our home. I still have some play food that Hannah got she was little. It's been "cooked" many many times.

And the chocolate shot? I've, sigh, done that before. And probably wandered through Target with it.

Have a great Monday, my friend.

love ya

rach

The Sweet Life said...

Ooohhh I have to try that granola recipe. Sounds delish!!! Happy Monday!

LeAnna said...

I can't wait to try that granola recipe! I love your spoons, too. My kids need a play kitchen, you've convinced me. ;)

Sarah said...

Do the granola bars come out crunchy or do they stay soft? I may try some. Your kids are so cute playing in the kitchen together. I can't wait to see Celia and Henry play together one day!

Little For A Little While said...

Yay, you posted the recipe for me ;) Never did get those carmelitas this weekend, maybe that's a good thing. Happy Monday!

Bree Holloway said...

Mmm, those granola bars sound delish! And so simple...very tempting. :)

Hahaha! Yes, I have sat in chocolate as well. Lucky for me I noticed it a few minutes later, but it was still rather embarrassing.

Hugs,
~Bree

Katie said...

Love anything granola! I should probably refrain from making that recipe because I will eat the whole batch!

Love that kitchen! Going to have to ask for one of those for next Christmas for my little. By then she will be able to really enjoy it!

Kelli @ RTSM said...

Your granola sounds so yummy! My boys used to spend hours playing with their kitchen too. It was even more fun for them when I bought an apron and chef hat for them to dress up with:)

Chelsea said...

I'm eating some homemade granola right now! So good over Greek yogurt. Mmmm.

And I'm sure that nobody noticed your giant chocolate stain ;)

Liz said...

Yum!! That granola looks great!!! I can't wait to try it! I love the picture with all the ingredients on spoons. Haha aww I would have thought it was chocolate on your bum. And I am right there with you I really thought we were going to have a Ravens/49ers super bowl. Don't get me started on politics, I really might shut my facebook down until December. Sweet Kitchen!! The song is beautiful!!

Hope you have a great week!!!

Liz

A Lil Story said...

Yum! we are granola lovers too! And soooooo sorry about your pants mishap ;) glad you were able to capture the memory! We gave our boys a play kitchen a couple years ago- it is amazing how much kids love that thing, they cook up triple decker burgers on the reg :)

~Lily

Tiffany said...

My MIL makes granola and it's sooo good. I've never tried to make it myself, though... I was bummed about the SC results, too. I wonder if we were hoping the same guy would win it. Hmmm...

Sara said...

That recipe looks delicious, plus I'm going to the health food store today! definitely going to pick up the ingredients to make it. Thanks for sharing!

Kate said...

Delicious looking recipe!! We love our play kitchen, too!! Have a great day!

Krystle said...

Those spoons look oh so lickable. I need to make this stat. Thanks for sharing :) :)

maNda said...

love the chocolate on the back on the pants. this happened to me at work the other day. lucky me one of my best friends works with me so it wasn't weird to ask her to clean my backside. haha!

Beth said...

Thanks for the recipe, Carissa! Sounds yummy! And of course, thanks goes out to your sweet littlin's for taste testing them for all of us! :)

Grace said...

I was just looking online for a good granola bar recipe and those look great ! Will definitely be giving them a try.

onceuponagrainofsand said...

Oh I so want to make those granola bars now! I have some mini chocolate chips in the cabinet that want to be used ;)

Also... play kitchen... may now be number one on my next-thing-to-buy-for-the-kid list

that song... thank you.

Lea also known as "CiCi" said...

Yummy! I love Granola Bars and so does my Princess so I just may have to try these babies.

How funny about a "chocolate hiney."

Cute, cute kitchen and looks like many happy hours for kiddos and Mommy.

Happy week Carissa!

Kelli said...

I adore granola and one day I'm going to tackle it. That Sage face is just priceless! I'm sad for the 49er's too though my hubby is thrilled about the Giants (we were a house divided last night). Play kitchens are a blessing :) Have a wonderful week.

Katie said...

I am so going to make that granola! I think my kiddos will love it! Thanks so much for sharing. :]

Terri said...

I am sooooo making that recipe this week! Thank you!!

Ande said...

the granola bars look good. i was going to bake some today but might try your recipe instead. thanks for sharing. good to be linking up again. i kinda took a little break and haven't been blogging regularly. hopefully it will be more often.

Emily w/Amazing Grapes said...

hahaha, awe, poor thing with the 'chocolate' on the bum. You don't have to save face with us..we'll still love you. ;)

I love your spoons picture. So creative! Your granola sounds very easy. I have all but 1 ingredient..and 1/2 the ingredients are not with me but at G's house..which doesn't really help me. =/
Listening to your friend's song now.
Emily at Amazing Grapes

Rachel~Wildflower Photography Studio and a little bit vintage said...

that granola recipe looks totally yum...will have to try. :) and...i totally get what you are saying about the play kitchen. i found one on the side of the road in our neighborhood with a "free" sign on it! in great condition...just needed a good scrub-a-dub-dub. my girls love it! :)

Elizabeth said...

Digging the recipe photo! So creative :)

Alicia said...

you take terrific pictures. you just do. the end.

and i was a little upset about the sports this weekend too :(

Laura@Cowboy Boots said...

OK CRAVING GRANOLA NOW...but what can i use instead of the nectar and flax? i got mini chips and something else...(don't want to go to store)

as for the play kitch too cute

and sc i completely agree with ya...but my choice would prob make ur shake ur head too....

R C said...

Love the kids kitchen set and Granola bar recipe. really yummy!!

Patrice said...

I cannot wait until I can get my act together again and Link up on Mondays. :) Love the new button!!

hopefuldays said...

I've been wanting to make my own granola for a while now, your recipe seems easy enough for me. Thanks for sharing and the picture is darling...

Jill said...

Those granola bars sound delish...I think I need to try that! What a cute play kitchen- I still love that you get served eggplants, so cute!!

Blissful Blooms said...

Oh my goodness girl! Your chocolate hiney pic made me laugh out loud! Oh the beauty of motherhood!
I made granola last night too! I've never made granola bars, I'll have to give that a whirl.
Have a splendid day!

Nessa Bixler said...

I love another woman with a chocolate hiney... I had mashed pumpkin on mine on Sunday... and rocked it through entire church service.

awake said...

love the song! thank you!

Ms. J said...

Your babies are getting so big!!

Love the song and her voice! Thanks for sharing!

deborah said...

Love the picture of the spoons for the five ingredient granola bars. Very cute idea!

Brittany said...

Sage's hair is so long!

Dove of Snow said...

The granola bars sound amazing! Do they turn out crunchy and more hard, or soft and pliable? Wasn't sure. :)

I love this post and the photos!