Barnabas Lane

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Top 10: Fun Summer Snacks

Today I've gathered 10 super fun/super ingenious-why-didn't-I-think-of-that Summertime foods to make for your kids, or for the kids at heart. (i.e.-I would be a giddy fool if someone made me these and I'm far from what you would classify as a "kid") Whether you're planning a Summer party or just want to make a Summer day more fun, try some of these ideas out!!

1.) Beach Pudding

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This is such a fun way to turn a simple pudding cup into a beach party! Rachel shows all the things she used in this here!

2.) Lemon Bowls

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This is such a cute idea for kids or for adults alike! As a little girl I would've felt so special if my mom would've served my ice cream in a lemon bowl like that. So simple to just save the lemon "shell" after you've used the insides, and it adds a delicious fresh taste!

3.) Fruit Necklaces

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For years we've strung popcorn, cereal, and even candy on string and worn it around as a necklace, munching as we go. Why in the world haven't we thought of fruit?! Such a fresh, healthy alternative that's perfect for kids on the go that may not like fruit as much.

4.) Pudding Pops

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How easy is it to make your own "fudgesicle" by using pudding packs! Simply cut a slit at the top for a spoon and pop in the freezer. I'd love trying yogurt cups like this as well.

5.) Flip-flop Cookies

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If you're in a quick time crunch and still want something a little festive, all you need is a package of Nutter-Butter's and a tube of frosting! So simple but cute!

6.) Watermelon Stars

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Make fruit fun for the kids by simply using any shape cookie cutter you have on hand!

7.) Beach Trail Mix

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Get creative with a few ingredients and a clean pail and shovel! My favorites in this photo are the goldfish, Kix cereal (to resemble beach balls), and yogurt covered round pretzels (to resemble life savers). Get creative with this one!

9.) Beach Balls and Pool Noodles

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Using small disposable cups for individual treats, or larger ones for a group centerpiece idea, use gum balls as balls or twizzlers for pool noodles!!

10.) Snow Cone Cupcakes

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How adorable are these snow cone cupcakes! All you need is a basic cupcake recipe, white frosting, 3 different colors of sanding sugar, styrofoam cups and straws!

Linking up with: Create with Joy, Inspiration Monday, Pin it Monday Hop, Making Monday, That's What Che Said, Mom's the Word

Monday, June 9, 2014

Tasty Tuesday-Mexican Lasagna & Link Party

Hi friends! Welcome to another Tasty Tuesday Link Up Party! Thanks for stopping by.

We like Mexican food around our house. Like a lot. We have it at ~~twice a week~~ occasionally. This is one of our favorites in our Mexican food rotation, and we typically have to serve it with lots of chips and salsa, and maybe even guac and queso if we're feeling real crazy.

We live kind of sheltered ya'll.

This is a super simple recipe, that makes up for not being so "picture pretty" in the flavor department. It's delicious, and there's a good chance you have everything you need already. So let's get started!

Printable Recipe

-1 package of flour or corn tortillas

-1 can corn, drained

-1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

-1 can enchilada sauce

-1 lb. ground beef cooked with taco seasoning

-2 cups shredded cheese

In a bowl mix the ground beef, corn, black beans, and 1 cup of the cheese.

Next take an 8x8 casserole dish and pour in a small amount of enchilada sauce until it just covers the bottom of the dish, about 1/4 cup.

Next start layering! Begin with one layer of tortillas. You may need to tear them like I did.

Next the meat mixture. (About half)

Repeat the layers, ending with tortillas. You can put as many layers as you like in this dish, I typically only do 2 though. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce on top and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Then take it out and top with cheese and pop back in the oven for about 5 minutes, uncovered.

Get ready to dive in.

Printable version found here!

We love this served with a side of the Corn and Black Bean salsa!

Linking up with: Emily, Mandy, Jam Hands, Make Ahead Meals, The Recipe Critic, Pint Sized Baker, Titus 2 Tuesday, Our Table for Seven, Simple Supper Tuesday, Kathe with an E,The Gathering Spot, Feeding Big, Making Monday

Now on to the party! Here are last week's features....

Jerk Chicken Mango Salad-Rattles & Heels

2 Ingredient Frozen Greek Yogurt Pops-momdot

Homemade Mocha Coffee Creamer-My un-entitled Life

Blueberry Basil Scones-Over the Apple Tree

If you've been featured grab a button!

Or the party button here:

An InLinkz Link-up

To the Brokenhearted...

So many times I aim to fill this space with the things in life that make me smile, in hopes they will for you as well. Projects, recipes, laughs, encouraging words, scriptures. But today I'm thinking of the ones reading this with a broken heart, and my heart is so tender towards you. Maybe I'm coming out of a season of utter brokenness that God allowed me to journey through for a reason such as this-to shed some light when it feels so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face.
I know. The dark is such a scary place, and it makes everything else seem so scary as well.
Maybe it's because a part of me is still in that broken place deep down. But I feel God moving and shifting my heart and my mind, and I'm ready to share some things He has taught me along the way.
Either way-I'm writing you brokenhearted friend, today to encourage you.

I know the longer the dark season lasts, the longer you feel it was always last. It won't. The longer you carry something the heavier it gets, and that's natural. If I handed you a glass of water to hold for 5 minutes you would probably think nothing of it. But if I walked away and left you holding it for 5 hours, your arm would feel like it's going to fall off.

To you who may be trying to push aside the "mess" and get on with your message-hold up. Wait before Him. Sit at His feet and soak up His healing. Have you ever seen a wounded soldier fight well? He wants to deal in us before He works through us. Sometimes (speaking to myself) we make the biggest messes out of ministry and out of trying to just push it aside and go on with it because we haven't allowed Him to heal, fill, and equip us with what is needed to serve.

Remember that Jesus came to restore all things. All things. Even if we were the ones who lost it to begin with. I know it seems unnatural, too good to be true. In the dark the enemy may even try to convince you that it isn't, but dear one, hold on to what you've known to be true...Him.

Remember Jesus understands and feels your broken heart. He sympathizes with you. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in John 11 it says when He saw how distraught Mary was that he responded like this...
"When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." (John 11:33)
He was deeply moved and troubled. But ya'll...He knew the end of the story! He knew that He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead right there and then, He knew that Mary's grief was about to be short lived. But Mary didn't know that. Mary was grief stricken and beside herself, so Jesus met her in that pain. Felt it. Experienced it with her. Only Jesus ya'll, only Jesus.

If you are finding yourself brokenhearted over grief-it's a clean wound. Grief is never anyone's fault, its simply the price we pay for loving on people and living in this world. It's a hard price when we grieve, but it's always worth it.

If you are finding yourself brokenhearted over guilt-it's a dirty wound. That's a heavy one to bear because we know it's our own fault. It was because of a dumb choice, a bad decision, a moment of weakness. We've all been there. The good news is we will never find Him in an unforgiving mood, that's not the character of our God. Stop and confess, turn from it, and turn the healing over to Him. He will be faithful to you friend, even if it was your fault. He is ready to wipe the slate clean and cancel the debt.

If you are finding yourself brokenhearted over rejection-it's the deepest wound. Someone has told you, or made you feel like you weren't good enough or you weren't wanted. This kind of pain can feel so lonely and isolated, but if there's anyone who knows rejection it's our Savior. He wasn't only rejected, He was rejected multiple times-and publicly at that. Take it to Him.

If you are finding yourself brokenhearted over some kind of abuse-it's the ugliest wound. After you've sought the help you need, remember that you didn't cause it. The abuser or the enemy or both may try to convince you that it's your fault or that you deserved it. It's a lie.

So brokenhearted friend-I'm praying for you. I'm praying God works and moves in your life like you've never experienced or expected. I'm praying you would allow Him to do some healing in you life. It may require obedience of some tough choices, do the hard thing. Don't wait for your feelings to catch up before you decide. It's the other way around. Feelings always follow choices. Remember that He didn't die on the cross for us to merely survive, it was much too high a price for us to just "get by" on.

As for my own story, Paul says it best...
When I was dead in my sins, God made me alive with Christ. He forgave me of all my sins, He cancelled my debt and everything that stood against me and condemned me. He took it all away, nailing it to that cross. (Colossians 2:13-14, personally paraphrased.)

Linking up with: A Proverbs 31 Wife, Moms the Word, Sweet Sharing Monday, The Modest Mom Blog, Keeping it Simple, The Joy Dare

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Scripture Sunday

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Top 10: Cookout Must-Have Ideas

It's that time of year friends! We're all dying to be outside so much after the long winter that we can hardly even stand to eat inside-so what better excuse to get outdoors for your next meal than to invite your friends and neighbors over for an cookout! Here I've gathered 10 of my favorite ideas for your next evening outdoors ranging from what to serve to how to serve it and how to keep the kiddos entertained! Let's go!

1.) Keep your guests bug bite free!

One year after a great night under the stars we had a guest go home with 20 mosquito bites covering her entire body, to make matters she was allergic to them and she was swelling up before our very eyes. Cannot begin to tell you how guilty I felt! I started researching different methods for keeping away mosquitos and trying them out. As weird as it sounds Listerine is a must. It really works! It has to be the original kind, and it cannot be generic, but all you have to do is slosh it around your yard about an hour before your guests are to arrive. You will have a bit of a minty scent, but it's not unpleasant and it is SO worth it! All my friends use this trick now as well and we all swear by it!

2.) Purposeful decorating

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I love this idea! Use this as a centerpiece for not only an impressive look but a delicious treat for your guests to snack on throughout the night.

3.) Make it cute, make it easy

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Let's face it-these days anything in a mason jar is instant cute. I love this idea though for making it super simple and cute! All everyone needs to do is grab a jar and they've got a napkin, utensils, and a drinking glass! No more fielding 10 of the same "where's a fork" question!

4.) Use what you've got

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Entertaining does not mean you have to go to the party supply store for the plates and other paper goods. Get creative and use what you've got! I love this idea of using a muffin tin for the condiments for a few reasons. 1-you don't have to use 10 different small disposable plates that blow off the table. 2-you've got everything together, no more pass the mustard, pass the tomato, pass the pickles. 3-you probably already have this, and if you need extra you easily ask a guest to bring one with them and just load it up when they arrive.

5.) Bubbles for the Kids

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Easy ways to keep the kids entertained and having fun means the adults get to have more fun too! I love this Bubble Refill Station because it is an inexpensive idea that the kids can come and go with all evening without anyone having to do anything with. I would highly suggest marking this very clearly so that nobody mistakes this a beverage, as well as keeping this in an area away from the food/eating area.

6.) Grab-it food for Kids

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Prevent the upcoming argument of trying to tame the kids in their seats long enough for dinner. Make some easy and quick to grab food options. The adults will enjoy it for the delicious factor and the kids will love it for the we-can-keep-playing factor.

7.) Set the Mood

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Grab every jar you've got-mason, pickle, jam, canning, anything! Secure them with wire and a place a votive candle in it and hang securely! When it starts to get dusk you've got some instant magic. Just make sure to hang this way out of kids reach if they'll be attending as well.

8.) Make clean up easy-for you & your guests

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Make your guests feel more comfortable and your job at the end of the night a breeze by designating (and clearly marking) a spot for dirty dishes.

9.) Keep decorating bright and simple

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Bunting is quick and easy to make if you don't want to spend any money to purchase it. Simply tie it among the tree branches or around the fences surrounding your yard for a quick and festive way to add color.

10.) Night Lawn Bowling

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This is one of those ideas that is fun for both kids and adults alike, and the perfect way to end the night!

Linking up with: Lamberts Lately, The Pin it Party

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Tasty Tuesday-Best Potato Salad Ever & Link Party

Hi friends! Welcome to another Tasty Tuesday, thanks for stopping by!!

I love a good potato salad more than the average girl. But I'm picky about it.

Too sweet? Yuck.

Too mustard-y? No thanks.

Too mushy? You mean yellow, cold mashed potatoes? I'll pass.

There's a sweet, perfect balance that has to be reached with potato salad for me to love it. This one has it. It is my tried and true standby and I never get tired of it.

Make this for your next cook-out, or just to devour all by yourself. No judging here.

Here's what you'll need:

Printable Recipe

-10 red potatoes

-6 hard boiled eggs

-1 cup mayonnaise

-1/2 cup ranch dressing

-2 tablespoons yellow mustard

-1/3 cup dill relish

-1 small onion, chopped (not pictured-oops)

-1/2 teaspoon celery salt

salt and pepper to taste

Begin by placing potoates in a large pot and cover with water. Bring water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and cover, simmering until the potatoes are tender for about 15-20 minutes. Once they are done drain and rinse with cold water, then refrigerate to chill. (I did this step the night before). Once the potatoes are cool just peel and chop into bite sized pieces. Chop up your hard boiled eggs and gently mix these in with the potatoes. Remember to do this really gently so that the two are mixed but not mashed.

In another bowl mix together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing (that may sound strange but trust me-go with it), mustard, relish, chopped onion, celery salt, and salt and pepper.