{Strawberry Shortcakes} Worth the Calories...

This is the ONLY way I like my strawberry shortcakes...made with good ol' Bisquick!  They're so good, you won't care how many calories you're eating.

{Recipe via Betty Crocker}

INGREDIENTS

4 cups sliced strawberries

1/4 cup sugar

2 1/3 cups Original Bisquick mix

1/2 cup milk

3 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons melted butter

whipped cream

STEPS

1.  Heat oven to 425*F.  In large bowl, mix strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tbsp sugar, and the butter until soft dough forms.  On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by 6 large spoonfulls.

3.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. 

4.  Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped cream.

ENJOY!

{Sweet Inspiration} One Thousand Gifts

Not too long ago I posted a short video clip about Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts.  After watching the clip, it was apparent that I NEEDED to read this book.  I ordered it via Amazon right away and had been waiting for my Spring Break to dive into it.  I am mid-way through, and loving it!

Here's a little bit about the book...

Just like you, Ann Voskamp hungers to live her one life well. Forget the bucket lists that have us escaping our everyday lives for exotic experiences. 'How,' Ann wondered, 'do we find joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties? What does the Christ-life really look like when your days are gritty, long---and sometimes even dark? How is God even here?' In One Thousand Gifts, Ann invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God's gifts. It's only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we've always wanted ... a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others. We come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are wildly loved --- by God. Let Ann's beautiful, heart-aching stories of the everyday give you a way of seeing that opens your eyes to ordinary amazing grace, a way of being present to God that makes you deeply happy, and a way of living that is finally fully alive. Come live the best dare of all!

I highly recommend reading this book!  If not, at least follow Ann's blog, A Holy Experience.  She is such a talented writer!

For those of you who like to "test drive" a book before purchasing, you can read the first chapter here!

{GENIUS!} Peanut Butter & Nanner Ice Cream

Being a teacher has its perks.  One of those perks?  SPRING BREAK! 

My husband and I are both teachers, so we have recently been asked this question quite frequently: "What do you have planned over Spring Break?" 

Answer:  NOTHING!

To say we've needed this time off is an understatement.  We decided to take a stay~cation this year, and we are loving it!  Lots of time spent with family, friends, and each other.  Time to get back into an exercise routine.  Time to do some small home renovations.  And of course, time to try some new food!

I saw Claire Robinson make this on 5 Ingredient Fix this week {ahh...the joys of watching Food Network at home on a weekday morning!}.  Anywho...she made this ice cream with only 3 ingredients...yes, 3 INGREDIENTS!

Ingredients

2 to 3 ripe bananas

1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter*

1 to 2 tablespoons honey {depending on banana sweetness}

Directions

Cut bananas into one inch pieces and freeze.

Put frozen bananas in food processor** and puree, scraping down sides periodically until smooth.

Add the peanut butter and honey and puree.

Serve immediately or refreeze until ready to enjoy!

* I used Laura Scutter's peanut butter and I added WAY more than 1 tbsp.  Hey, it's healthy, right?

**I don't have a large food processor, so I made my ice cream in a blender.  Worked just as well.  Just make sure to add a bit of milk to get the bananas going.

Trust me ~ it turns out into rich, creamy, all natural ice cream!  This is a must~ make! 

Ella's "You are my Sunshine" 2nd Birthday Party!

It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating Ella's 1st Birthday.  This year, my sister-in-law had the best idea to have a "You are my Sunshine" themed second birthday for adorable Ella!  It was the perfect theme for such a bright and happy little girl!

I used a friend's Cricut for the banner ~ I am officially hooked.  I NEED one of these!

Vanilla cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

Chocolate cake pops ~ a favorite!

View from the backyard ~ gorgeous!

The Etsy print that inspired it all!  {Also a birthday gift to Ella from Auntie & Uncle}

Cocktail Umbrella Topiaries ~ so easy to make!  I'm already thinking of more occasions where I can use the left-over colors!

AND NOW...PREPARE FOR CUTENESS OVERLOAD...

The birthday girl herself, dancing to the Biebs!

Beautiful Ella & Mama!

Too much!

Silly girl!

Mmmm!

We had such a good time celebrating the cutest little sunshine girl!

We love you, Ella Marais!

Welcome to the World, Brooklyn Jane!

Baby Brooklyn is finally here!

Look at that sweet smile!

Maddie is ready to go meet her little sister!

Auntie Heaven...sigh!

Such a sweet moment!

I love my nieces...they melt my heart!

Speaking of nieces...I PROMISE to put pictures up of Ella's "You are my Sunshine" party tomorrow!  Stay tuned for cuteness overload - she was ADORABLE!

Keep Calm and Hop On!

{Printable available at A Mama's Two Cents Worth via Tatertots & Jello}

Just a cute little reminder for another stressful week!

Count Down to Greek Easter!

My big fat Greek family is celebrating Easter Greek style this year.  I'm so excited for this delicious meal!  It will also be the perfect send-off for my Grandma who is returning to Greece in early May.

Here are some of the yummy dishes I'm looking forward to:

Happy Holy Week!

Easter Cupcakes!

Look how cute these are!  I think they will be a must~bake this year!

{image via Torie Jayne}

Recipe and instructions found HERE!

{Sneak Peek} Ella's "You are my Sunshine" Birthday Party

I can't believe our second-born niece and goddaughter, Ella, is two today!

We are celebrating her birthday this Sunday.  One of the first songs Ella learned to sing was "You are my Sunshine."  My sister-in-law saw this Etsy print, and the inspiration for the party was set!

Here's a sneak peek at what I have planned...

{Mama, Ella, Dada}

Happy Birthday, Sweet Ella Marais!  We can't wait to celebrate YOU this Sunday!

Love, Auntie Ashley

{Tutorial} DIY Spring Topiary

I LOVE Tatertots & Jello!

Check out this DIY Spring Topiary Jen just featured using Washi tape!

Adorable!  Anyone going to try it out?