Winter Wonderland

Who would've thought a day at the beach in December could turn out to be so much fun? 

Let Us Go! 
(to the tune of "Let It Snow")

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the beach is always delightful
And since it still hasn't snowed
Let us go! Let us go!  Let us go!

We don't really care much for shopping
Instead would rather go hopping
On the beach while the tide is still low
Let us go!  Let us go!  Let us go!

The December wind chill blows in the air
But we simply just don't care
Because we love the sandy beach so
Let us go!  Let us go!  Let us go!

The sun is slowly setting
And, my sons, it's time for getting
Back home before it gets too cold
Let us go!  Let us go!  Let us go!

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Beginning to Look Like Christmas

It just doesn't feel like Christmas until the tree is up (even if the bottom portion is somewhat bare - we don't want our boys demolishing it!).

{ Cue Johnny Mathis:  "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas / Everywhere you go ..." }

And so begins the season, and December always ends up being a crazy, hectic month filled with holiday parties, church programs, birthday celebrations, Christmas shopping, work projects and so on.  I have a tendency to stretch myself thin, so I'm being very intentional about not going overboard and instead really relishing the holiday for what it is - a celebration of the greatest gift given to man. 

A baby named Jesus.

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The Joy of Holiday Giving

James and I want to be conscientious about teaching our children the importance of giving during the holiday season.  We are truly blessed with everything we need and so much more.  But there are many in this world who go without the basic necessities of life and literally struggle to survive each day.

Our desire is that Christmas would be an opportunity to share the joy, hope, and love of Christ with others.  A very practical and easy way to do that is by purchasing gifts that give back!  If you're looking for presents for your loved ones this holiday season and and want to help spread joy to others while you're at it, here's a list of some great gift ideas that help support various charities:

Cards from Africa
A friend told me about this organization, and I had to add it to the list!  Their products are made by hand in Rwanda and help families affected by AIDS and genocide to rebuild their lives.  They offer well-paid employment to those who need it the most, and their business model provides the skills to transition easily to another career or start their own business someday.  The cards are beautiful, and they have them for every occasion!  Perfect for Christmas!
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Where to purchase: http://cardsfromafrica.com/shop.php

Freeset Bags

I received one of these beautiful bags from my best friend for my birthday and absolutely love the product and the concept behind the organization!  Their motto is "In Business for Freedom".  Freeset exists specifically to provide freedom for women from sex trade and allow them an opportunity to restart their lives and regain their dignity. 

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Where to purchase:   http://shopforfreedom.justiceventures.org/freeset.aspx 

Giving Tree

Giving Tree is a branch of Bread & Water, a non-profit organization founded in 1999 by a friend of ours.   It is a fast growing non-profit providing relief in a increasing number of countries around the world and is run entirely by volunteers.  Some of their projects include an orphanage in Liberia, a school in India, and a village doctor training program in a remote part of China.  Giving Tree offers beautiful gifts (many handmade) and 100% of the proceeds go towards one of their designated projects.  We have all the gifts pictured on the left (CJ loves the bear!).
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Where to purchase:  http://www.breadandwater.org/gift_shop/index.htm

GoodShop

GoodShop is a service of GoodSearch - when you shop from the site, a percentage of your purchase will go to the partnering nonprofit of your choice.  If you want to purchase gifts from major retail stores and contribute to a charity while you're at it, this is the place to do it!  I discovered this service through one of their partners, Little Lights, an urban ministry organization I've been involved in and am passionate about.  I'm so thankful to be able to contribute in this way!
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Where to purchase:  http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx

IJM (International Justice Mission)

IJM is an organization my husband and I have come to know and love.  We attended IJM's Annual Prayer Gathering in D.C. this past April (highly recommend attending if you have the chance) and were simply blown away by the justice work God is doing in and through this ministry.  Partner with IJM by sending an e-card or by purchasing the "Freedom" compilation cd featuring artists like Third Day, Jars of Clay, tobyMac, and MercyMe (only $5!). 
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Where to purchase e-card:  https://secure3.convio.net/ijm/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1481&JServSessionIdr004=9o5u7kqu61.app306a

Where to purchase Freedom cd:  http://www.familychristian.com/shop/product.asp?prodID=133165&name=Various+Artists-Freedom

Life is Good

I've always loved the adorable t-shirts made by this company.  And now I appreciate them even more after discovering their line of fundraising products.  100% of the profits from these products go toward The Life is Good Kids Foundation which helps kids overcome life-threatening challenges such as violence, illness and extreme poverty.  What a terrific idea!
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Where to purchase:  http://www.lifeisgood.com/foundation/fundraising-products.aspx

One Day's Wages

James and I absolutely love the vision and mission of this organization and agree that our one day's wage can make a HUGE impact for those who go without each day.  We can make a difference and help battle poverty around the world.   So why not celebrate the holidays by partnering with ODW and raising funds to help those in need?  Get together with your family and friends and start a holiday campaign or throw a holiday benefit party.  What a great way to spread the joy!
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Where to purchase:  http://www.onedayswages.org/community/blog/2010/11/odws-holiday-campaign

OneHope Wine

If you know me, you know I love a good glass (or two) of wine.  So I was excited to find out about OneHope Wine!  This organization was started by eight friends who turned what started as a personal mission to help out a friend with her fight against cancer into a thriving business founded on a very basic, but compelling principle: giving back is good business.  50% of the profits go to one of their partnering charities (like the Fight Against Autism, Fight Against Breast Cancer, and Support the Troops).  This is the perfect gift for fellow wine enthusiasts.
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Where to purchase: http://www.onehopewine.com/

World Vision

World Vision is a Christian organization dedicated to serving children, families, and their communities worldwide to help alleviate poverty and injustice. Through its gift catalog, the organization provides a wonderful opportunity to purchase a gift for a family which will help nourish and feed them.  Purchase a goat or sheep on behalf of someone you love.
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Where to purchase: http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?go=gift&&section=10389


If you think this list would be helpful for someone you know, please feel free to pass it along.  And if you know of any other great gift ideas that help spread the joy in giving, please do share!  I'd love to hear them.

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Spicy Chicken Teriyaki

{ spicy chicken teriyaki.  it's what's for dinner.
the beautful ceramic bowl was handmade by my talented friend, olivia. }

Who doesn't love a good bowl of teriyaki over rice?  Chicken is my favorite, but the beauty of teriyaki is you can easily change it up with beef, seafood, tofu, whatever your heart desires (well, not really but you get the point).

The secret to this teriyaki?

These three ingredients:

- Korean hot bean paste (available at Asian supermarkets)
- Red pepper flakes
- Mr. Yoshida's marinade (available at Costco)

They do all the hard work for you.  All you have to do is add the protein and vegetable of your choice.

Directions:

Cut up chicken breasts into cubes.  Dice onions.  Place chicken and onions into a bowl.  Pour the Yoshida marinade over the chicken until it covers completely. 

[If you want to make a non-spicy version (particularly for kids), transfer a portion of the mix to another bowl before adding the bean paste and red pepper flakes.]

Add a spoonful (or two) of the bean paste to the marinated chicken and mix.  Spinkle with red pepper flakes (add more if you like it with a real kick!).  Mix and then refridgerate overnight (you can also cook right away but letting it soak in the marinade allows a richer flavor).

Once you're ready to cook, pour a little vegetable oil into a frying pan placed over medium-high heat.  Pour the marinated chicken and onion into the pan.  Cover and mix occasionally.  Once chicken is almost cooked through, add frozen or fresh vegetables (broccoli, peppers, and baby corn).  Cook until vegetables are tender.

Pour the teriyaki over a bowl of rice and dinner is served.

Mr. Yoshida's marinade is also perfect for an easy and quick way to make galbi (Korean marinated shortribs). It turns out amazing every time!

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Thanksgiving Highlights

Thanksgiving came and went just like that.  And this holiday we celebrated the faithfulness of the Father with:

a fire,

a feast,

fanfare for an infant,

and family.

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The Thankfulness Song

What we're thankful for this holiday season.

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Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting

{ rosy and buttery cupcakes }

I am a huge fan of cream cheese frosting because (1) it tastes great, (2) it's easy to make, and (3) you can make countless variations.

But I thought I would be adventurous and try something new and different this weekend.  So I attempted to make swiss meringue buttercream frosting.  This definitely requires a bit more time, but the frosting is so amazingly light, smooth, and buttery.

Since I was going all out on the frosting, I kept the cupcake itself very simple and used Trader Joe's Vanilla Cake Mix (I LOVE Trader Joe's products).  I simply followed the instructions on the box.

Here are the instructions for the frosting.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting
(Recipe from Martha Stewart)

Makes about 9 cups, enough for about 28 cupcakes

1. Gather ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 10 large egg whites
• 4 cups (8 sticks or 2 pounds) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2.  Place sugar and egg whites in the heat-proof bowl of an electric mixer. Set bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, and whisk until sugar has dissolved and egg whites are hot to the touch, about 3 minutes. Test by rubbing the mixture between your fingers; it should feel completely smooth.

3.Transfer bowl to mixer stand. Using the whisk attachment, beat on high speed until mixture has cooled completely and formed stiff and glossy peaks, about 10 minutes.

4. Add the butter, one piece at a time, and beat until incorporated after each addition. Don't worry if the buttercream appears curdled after all the butter has been added; it will become smooth again with continued beating. Add vanilla, and beat just until combined.

5. Switch to the paddle attachment, and beat on the lowest speed to eliminate any air pockets, about 5 minutes. If using buttercream within several hours, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature in a cool environment. Or transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator, up to 3 days. Before using, bring buttercream to room temperature, and beat on the lowest speed with the paddle attachment until smooth, about 5 minutes.

6.  And buttercream frosting is complete!

I tinted the frosting with Wilton's icing color in Rose Petal Pink to add the pretty pink hue.

I'll definitely be making this frosting again!

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