Family Fun

  • Recipe: Liege Waffles (Gaufre de Liege)

    My cousin Renelle made these waffles a few weekends ago and they are AMAZING!!!!  You don’t even need to put syrup on the waffles!  I ate mine with blueberries on top.  Later that weekend I had them just plain and they were sweet and tasty. You may want to make these the night before if you are planning on an an early breakfast otherwise they would make a great brunch since the dough has to rise.  They are just as delicious reheated as well.  Renelle made deep Belgian waffles for everyone, thanks Renelle for sharing such an awesome recipe with us!!!

     

     

    Liege Waffles:

    Sponge –

    • 4 1/2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
    • 1 1/3 cups warm Milk
    • 1 3/4 cups Flour
    • 1 tablespoon granulated Sugar
    • 1 Egg, lightly beaten

    Batter –

    • 9 tablespoons unsalted Butter (room temperature)
    • 1/4 cup Flour
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
    • Pinch of Salt
    • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
    • 3/4 cup Pearl Sugar
    • Extra Flour (for sprinkling)

    Directions

    Sponge –

    1. In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast over the milk.  Add 1 tablespoon of flour and sugar; set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy.
    2. Sift remaining flour into a large mixing bowl.  Make a well in center and add yeast mixture and egg.  Stir well to make a smooth batter.
    3. Cover with plastic wrap; set aside in a warm place and let rise until doubled or tripled in bulk, about 2 hours.

    Batter –

    1. Place butter, flour, vanilla, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and pearl sugar into a bowl and work with back of a wooden spoon to form a paste.
    2. Work butter mixture into a sponge mixture until well combined.  Cover, and set aside for 10 minutes
    3. With floured hands, shape dough into 10 balls.  Flatten one slightly and dust it with flour.  If dough seems too wet to handle, just pour the batter directly onto the waffle iron.
    4. Heat a waffle iron until medium hot.  Place a flattened ball in the middle of the iron; close top.  Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.  If waffle iron is too hot, sugar will burn.  Continue baking until all the waffles are done.  Waffles may be kept warm in a 200 degree oven until ready to serve.

    Yields:  10 Waffles

    Photo by EvinDC

  • Twice As Nice: Proud of My Girls

    I love those moments when your heart bursts with joy at seeing your kids demonstrate wonderful positive characteristics that make them stand out among the crowd.  As a parent it is essential that I continue to teach my children about life.   I catch them (and yes I am bias) showing these positive characteristics as they continue to mature but sometimes I wonder if anyone else sees these precious moments in their lives as well.

    Throughout the school year Brina and Karlie get random “rewards” for being a good example.  One of my favorite ones to see come home in their book bags is the one that gets awarded when a student shows positive characteristics when the other students are disobeying the rules.  It is nice to know that they can be polite and respectful even when their sister (in many cases) and friends are not.  The coupon is for a Free Chick-fil-A Kid’s Meal and is awarded when a student shows on of the following Core Essentials:

    • Respect
    • Initiative
    • Uniqueness
    • Joy
    • Determination
    • Kindness
    • Courage
    • Humility
    • Forgiveness

    There is no such thing as a perfect parent (or a perfect person for that matter) so when I catch my girls doing right, it truly makes me proud.  Nothing I do will force them to be good, kind, or considerate, however, the words I speak (and more importantly) my actions are showing the girls what is expected.  I cannot count the number of times, even in the last week, how they can innocently ask me a question that really makes me think about my actions and in many cases the questions can be quite convicting.

    For example, not long ago I was driving with the girls in the van when another car cut in front of us nearly side swiping our van which resulted in a honk from me……from the back seat I hear Brina say “Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear for the Father Up Above is Looking Down…….”  Wow, even though in my mind I was “justified” by making the car aware of our presence through the honk, but having her say those words made me really think about how I was reacting in a tense situation.  There is a great responsibility when you children daily watching your words and actions.  I know I cannot do it in my own strength which makes me even more grateful for a heavenly Father who helps guide and direct not only my steps but my kids as well.  They know I am not perfect, but thankfully they do know someone who is and He is much better example of how we should live.

    Twice as Fun is a series on raising Twins and all the joy that comes with it.  We have been richly blessed to have twin daughters in our lives and want to share with you our thoughts, challenges, wisdom and love for raising multiples.  Our girls have different interests and hobbies but they both know how to add excitement to our lives and make us chuckle.

  • Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive with United States Postal Services (Sat, May 14)

    You can help food for families in your local community who are in need of food.  All you have to do is leave a bag of food at your mailbox and it will be delivered to your local food bank. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is another great opportunity that allows you to demonstrate to your kids what it looks like to share with others and be generous, better yet have them pick out their favorite non-perishable items to put in a bag and have them help you carry it to the mailbox.

    Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Details:

    • Date: Saturday, May 14, 2001
    • What: Bag of Non-Perishable Food Items (Can and Boxed Goods)
    • How: Leave your bag at the mailbox for pickup by your mail carrier
    • Where Does it Go? The USPS will deliver your Food Items to your local Food Bank to benefit people in your community
    • More Information: Stamp Out Hunger

    We are blessed as a family.  Yes we have a family budget, use coupons, and shop clearance racks or buy used items but by being smart with our money it allows us the opportunity to share what we have with others.  The girls love participating in this event and I am thankful they enjoy giving to those within our community.

  • Fresh & Healthy: Our Garden – Fresh Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, & Broccoli

    Directly from the garden to the table! Fresh Spinach, Broccoli, and Radishes . Love Garden Veggies!

    I have been enjoying our Vegetable Garden this year. Many thanks to my amazing husband for putting in the time and energy to help get it started for me.  The girls are thrilled to help me pick veggies.  The vegetables are fresh, delicious and they can be taken directly in to eat at dinner.  This week we picked A LOT of lettuce (a variety of leafy lettuce), some spinach, a few radishes, and a couple small broccoli heads.  My broccoli doesn’t get as big as the ones in the grocery store but they taste good!  I even made homemade White Pie Pizza topped with fresh spinach from the garden, black olives (from the box sale), and mushrooms.  All the neighbors and some of their family members have received lettuce from our garden already this year.  It is amazing how having a garden will encourage your neighbors to come over and visit for a few minutes every week.  The girls helped me deliver lettuce to those who haven’t had the chance to stop by the house this week.  I am thankful that we have been blessed with a garden this year, I LOVE being able to eat fresh veggies and share with others.  It has been a wonderful adventure and has already been a great venue for teaching the girls about giving to others and how to cook what we grow.

     

    Fresh Garden Vegetables we picked this week! We were able to take lettuce around to the neighbors this week, we had a great time catching up with everyone!

     

    Fresh Garden Radishes, the girls comment on their taste was "SPICY"!

     

    Fresh Homemade White Pie Pizza with Fresh Spinach from the Garden, Olives and Mushrooms!

  • Family Outings: FREE Downtown Greenville Activities (Weekly)

    We live in an area with a beautiful downtown and plenty of fun free family activities.  Below are some weekly free family activities you can enjoy.

    Free Wednesday Night Activity

    Last week I introduced the Moonlight Movie series they are doing downtown Greenville throughout the month of May. If you are looking for a fun family activity tonight and you live near Greenville, SC?  The “Moonlight Movies” Series is at The Peace Center Amphitheater on Wednesday nights sponsored by Fidelity Investments!

    Event Details:
    • When – 8:00 PM (at sundown) on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
    • Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater & Wyche Pavilion (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
    • What’s Showing – “Batman”
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity (movies will be rated G or PG or family friendly Not Rated)
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or you can buy a wristband
    • What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
    • For More Information – Greenville Moonlight Movies / Phone:  864-467-5741

    If you cannot make it out to the movie tonight there will be more “Moonlight Movies” events coming!

    Future “Moonlight Movies”:

    • Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:00 PM – “Winchester”
    • Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 8:00 PM – Viewer’s Choice

    Even if you do not live in the Greenville area I encourage you to check out events in your local city.  Many towns offer free events that your family can enjoy.

    Free Wednesday Night Activity

     

    Bring your family and a picnic while listening to music on the Reedy River on Wednesday nights starting June 1st through August 31, 2011.

    Event Details:
    • When – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM starting Wednesday, June 1st to August 31st
    • Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
    • What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Country, Patriotic, Rock & Roll, Blues, Reggae)
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
    • What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Reedy River Concerts / Phone:  864-467-5741

    Free Thursday Night Activity

    On Thursday nights starting in March through August Greenville has Downtown Alive featuring live music.
    Event Details:
    • When – starting Thursday, March 17 to August 25
    • Where – Downtown Main Street
    • What Type of Music – A Variety (Rock & Roll, Blues, Funk and Cover Bands) Local, Regional and National Bands
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
    • What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Downtown Alive / Phone:  864-467-5741

    Free Friday Night Activity

    Bring your family to Downtown Greenville for Main Street Fridays featuring music, children’s activities and other special activities throughout the season.  Main Street Fridays start in March and goes through September.  Enjoy a meal at one of Greenville’s downtown restaurants, take a walk and enjoy the entertainment.

    Event Details:
    • When – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM starting Friday, March 18 to September 30, 2011
    • Where – Downtown Main Street
    • What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Blues, Oldies, and Soul)
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
    • What to Bring – Your Family
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Main Street Fridays / Phone:  864-467-5741

     

    Free Week Day & Weekend Activity

    Shakespeare in the Park

    Upstate Shakespeare Festival Events

    Bring your family and a picnic to Shakespeare in the Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater starting in May.  The plays are presented by Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks & Recreation.

    May through August
    The Carolina First Amphitheater in Falls Park
    The Upstate Shakespeare Festival (USF) celebrates its eleventh summer of presenting free productions of Shakespeare’s classic plays in beautiful Falls Park. These imaginative stagings exhibit the best of regional talent in productions that entertain the entire family. Bring a picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy exciting theater under the stars. USF is presented by the Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks and Recreation

    Event Details:
    • When – 7:00 PM Thursday – Sunday
    • Where – Falls Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater
    • What Type Plays – Shakespeare Plays
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
    • What to Bring – Your Family, a Picnic,  Lawn Chair, Food, Drinks & Snacks
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Upstate Shakespeare Festivals / Phone:  864-467-5741

    Upcoming Events:

    • May 26 – 29: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • June 2 – 5: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • June 9 – 12: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • June 16, 18, 19: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan (NOTE: no performance on June 17th)
    • July 14 – 17: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • July 21 – 24: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • July 28 – 31: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • August 4 – 7: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan

    Downtown Greenville has a lot of other great activities going on throughout the week and weekend.  If you are looking for a fresh produce and homemade goods you should check out their Saturday Farmers Market.

  • Teaching Our Children: One Word A Day

    We have recently begun teaching our girls “One Word A Day”.  The words we pick are ones that we believe will help them expand their vocabulary and provide a foundation for building healthy characteristics.  At dinner time we announce the new word for the upcoming day and discuss the words that we have been learning throughout the week.  We talk about the words meanings plus allow everyone to give examples of how we effectively used or demonstrated the meaning of that word. Even though this is a recent activity we have begun consistently with the girls it has always been our desire to broaden our children’s vocabulary while teaching them healthy qualities that are practical for the rest of their lives.

    Here are a few of the recent words we have been teaching and discussing in our family:

    • Initiative
    • Responsibility
    • Moderation
    • Efficiency
    • Focus
    • Generosity
    • Compassion
    • Hospitality

    You can do this starting with a toddler up to teenager (or older).  Make sure to pick words that expand their vocabulary and understanding, however, ones that they can pronounce.  Encourage them to use those words or demonstrate by their actions throughout the day and week. We strive to chose words that continue to develop positive characteristics in our children.  As a parent we need to be good examples of the characteristics we are teaching our children, we have all heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words”.

    Photo by ToolStop

  • Celebrating with a Friend!

    Our pedicures!!!

    A great friend, Ashley with Reflecting on the Simple Things in Life, is expecting her first baby soon so we decided to celebrate and spend some girl time together before life gets even busier for her.  We enjoyed a fun Girls Morning Out getting a Pedicure / Manicure, talking, and eating a late brunch!

    Our morning Activities:

    • Pedicure / Manicure at Nguyen Hands & Feet on Woodruff Road.  We got a great deal on a Pedicure / Manicure through Living Social (we paid $16 plus tip to have both our hands and feet done).  If you are looking to do something special with a friend or date night with your man I highly recommend you check out Living Social in your area.  Ashley got a pretty pink color on her toe nails and clear on her finger nails.  I got blue & green on my toe nails and light pink on my finger nails.
    • Late Brunch at Panera Bread – we each got a bagel and Panera’s and a amazing Frozen Mocha, one of the best Chocolate Mocha’s!   Thanks Ash for introducing me to something delicious and addicting!

    I am thankful for friends and the many blessings that come along with having them in my life!  I look forward to meeting Mike and Ashley’s new little boy in just a few weeks.  I know Baby G will be well loved by his great parents.

    Side Story: When the girls came home from school it didn’t take them long to figure out that I had gotten a pedicure / manicure (the last time was in 2010).

    • Brina’s first comment was “Do I get to go next time?”
    • Karlie’s first comment was “Silly Mommy, you picked a color pattern with sparkles!”

    Both comments fit their personalities to perfectly.

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of May 11 – 17, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.   Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Fresh Bone-In Split Chicken Breast – $0.99 per pound

    Pork Spare Ribs – $1.79 per pound

    Sugardale Bratwurst (14 oz) – $1.99

    Bone-In Assorted Pork Chops – $2.49 per pound

    Sugardale Super Dogs – $3.99

    Hillshire Farms Sausage – $1.99
    Use $1/1 coupon from Hillshire Farms
    $0.99 each after coupon

    Holten Beef Patties – $3.99

    Hillshire Farms Lit’ Smokies – $2.59
    Use $1/1 coupon from Hillshire Farms
    $1.59 each after coupon

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Fudgsicles or Popsicles – $1.00

    Borden Singles or Grilled Cheese Melts (12 oz) – $1.50

    Wylwood Mini Corn on the Cob – $1.69

    World’s Fair Ice Cream (1 gallon) – $4.99

    World’s Fair Round Top Sundae Cones – $2.49

    Crisp Premium Orange Juice – $2.69

    Take & Bake Pepperoni or Supreme Pizza – $5.99

    Take & Bake Cheese Pizza – $5.49

    Stouffer’s Party Size Lasagna (90 oz) – $8.99
    Use $1/1 coupon from Nestle Family
    $7.99 after each coupon

    Household

    Colortex Bath Tissue (12 double rolls) – $2.99

    Wrightware Foam Plates (100 count) – $2.00

    Solo Plastic Cups – $0.99

    Wrightware Napkins – $1.55

    Kindle Charcoal Lighter Fluid – $2.49

    Royal Oak Charcoal (8.3 pounds) – $2.99

    Produce

    Fresh Strawberries (1 pound) – $1.50

    Extra Large Green Peppers – $0.33 each

    Grocery

    Gatorade (1/2 gallon) – $1.69

    Cowboy Billy’s Pork & Beans (16 oz) – $0.50

    Senora Verde Tortilla Chips – $1.29

    Senora Verde Mild or Medium Salsa – $1.49

    Senora Verde Taco Dinner Kit – $1.99

    Senora Verde Refried Beans – $0.79

    El Monterey Steak & Cheese Taquitos – $2.99

    Kurtz Yellow Mustard – $0.69

    On the Side Pasta Salad – $0.99

    Kurtz BBQ Sauce – $0.99

    Portmann’s Real Mayonnaise – $2.29

    Kurtz Ketchup – $0.87

    Kurtz Sweet Relish – $1.29

    Save A Lot Brand Soda (12 Pack) – $2.29

    Crystal 2 0 Drinking Water (24 pack) – $2.49

    Frosty Flakes, Circus O’s or Captain Choco’s Cereal – $2.99

    Toast Em Strawberry or Brown Sugar – $0.99

    Malt O Meal Cereal – $0.99

    Ralston Crisp Crunch Cereal – $1.99

    Ralston Essentially You with Red Berries Cereal – $2.49

    Pebbles Cereal – $1.79

    Velveeta Cheesy Potatoes – $1.99

    Kraft Homestyle Mac & Cheese – $1.99
    Use $1/1 coupon from insert 4/17 Smart Source (Expires 5/17/11)
    $0.99 each after coupon

    Bakery

    Bakery Fresh Cherry or Apple Pies – $2.99

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.