Lisa J Mast

Birthdays at our house always mean one thing...cake and more specifically (black bean) Chocolate cake.  We've been making black bean cake for years, and it is my most shared recipe. Although I don't spend hours in the kitchen, I will admit this is one of my favorites to make.   I won't claim it as the yummiest cake you'll ever eat, but I could almost guarantee that it is the most filling, delicious cake you'll ever eat. It isn't filled with flour or sugar but rather loaded with protein.  It is a cake that we happily give our children for breakfast,  and it is fabulous with a side of fruit and a bit of yogurt, no need for frosting. 

I had told Alex that after his doctor appointment that we could stop by Pinewood and Posies to pick flowers. When I realized it was supposed to rain all day, I attempted to divert him to an alternative place - but he wouldn't have it.  (to read about our first trip to Pinewood and Posies check out this post ) He was a champ at the doctors office, running from the van into the office declaring, "I am brave." He also was determined to watch the nurse stick him with the needle. He only let out a bit of a surprised "uh" So on the way home...we embraced the moment, because a little rain never hurt anyone.  We donned on rainboots and a rain coats.  (the long lane to get to the flowers) he was in his happy place, and it quickly became mine as well.  (how could he not love it, he had his very own clippers) Also, note we barely even got muddy despite all the rain due to the walkways. For which I'm so very grateful because in my haste to make...

I call this Crock pot recipe my "one pot wonder"  It is so simple and delicious that it doesn't seem possible. It is loaded with protein, and eating one burrito will leave you feeling so satisfied.  I typically make this recipe, we eat it over top of spinach, with hot peppers, cheese, and sour cream.  Then with the leftovers I wrap them up into nice burritos and use them for lunches for the next week or two. 

When we had an abundance of eggs two years ago I stumbled upon the best ever Egg Custard recipe from Eating Well. You can find the recipe here . I typically put in 1/2 cup of maple syrup and 1 cup of pumpkin, and then double the batch. I bake them in half pint mason jars. They are both delicious and darling in the same container.  Best ever fall treat!

The boys got these   red corduroy vest   for an early birthday gift from Aunt Anita.  tortoise and the hare clothing is quality locally made clothing.  When Alexander is wearing it, he gets awfully emphatic that He will keep wearing it when it's time to change. So we often wear the same top, or just change the shirt.  In the Boat with Ben   is one of my current favorite podcasts.  Ben and Rachel's share about balancing pursuing your passion and spending time with family. Their honesty and humor makes a fun and informative listen. It's encouraging and uplifting and I've learned so much! Cuddle + Kind   has me swooning at it's darling hand knit dolls .  Not only are they providing fair trade income to Peruvian artists each doll provides 10 meals to hungry children. I can only imagine our children being the ones with the hungry bellies, and sometimes I'm blown away with the vast needs around us. The Woodgat...

This week suddenly summer heat as come back, and we are attempting to soak it up quickly before fall. The boys have been such little troopers going to work with me at Kings Acres , so after and extra half day at work on Monday we decided to go for a treat. We've been listening to a tape from my childhood "It's a Zoo Day" with Mother Goose,  so Ryan has the zoo stuck in his head.... So we headed to the next best thing. THE PETTING ZOO!  Hayloft Candles Petting Zoo to be precise. The boys were delighted, there are no giraffes but a very sleepy kangaroo was resting in the heat. We talked to Rainbow the McCaw and feed several of the other animals   Susie the Scottish Highlander has the most crazy squishy tongue if you are brave enough to hand feed her some food. The littles were delighted with the ice cream, and it was some of the best I've ever tasted. I love that they make their own.! Plus, I was pleasantly surprised with the reasonable pr...