Ugh the weather!

The weather this weekend has really hindered my abilities to complete projects on my to do list.  Even more frustrating is that I had completed one of them in the nice sunshine then proceeded to go inside for the evening leaving my freshly stained/painted pieces outside to finish drying.  Then to what to my dismay did I hear?  Nothing but a good old fashioned thunderstorm in January!  Hugh ran out the backdoor to see if he could salvage my work.  Alas, he could not.  So I shall take that opportunity to document my progress in photographs.  Something I wish I did initially.  Now I have my chance.  So sadly I have no pictures for you.  But as promised I do have my protein bar recipe.  As you'll see there's not a whole lot of preciseness to the measurements. 

Peanut Butter Protein Bars
1 cup Skippy all natural peanut butter (I like creamy but am sure chunky could work too.   Skippy is  also the best natural peanut butter I've found.)
1 cup raw honey  (if you use less you get more of a trail mix versus a bar.  Both are still yummy)
3 cups old fashioned raw oats (do NOT use anything other than old fashioned.  Quick cooks just don't do the same.  Plus here you get so much fiber.)
1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (This is optional.  But I enjoy the subtle chocolate flavor and the protein boost.)
1/2-3/4 whole flax seed (also optional but gives great source of fiber and has other health benifits)
1 cup(ish) dried fruit (blueberries are my favorite but any will work here.)

It's as simple as this.  Heat the peanut butter and honey together until it's all melted and well blended.  Then add ingredients 1 at a time mixing well in the order: flax seed, fruit, protein powder, and then oats.  Once it is all blended take off heat and press into a greased baking dish.  I usually use a 7x13.  place into your fridge and allow them to cool.  Once they are cool cut into 16 squares.  I usually then place them in a zip bag and keep in the fridge.  But they are okay to keep on the counter as well.  Just remember to drink lots of water as you enjoy your yummy protein bar.

I hope you enjoy the recipe.  And as always keep checking back.  I have lots of big plans on the horizon and can't wait to unveil them to everyone. 

Stay Tuned

This weekend I am planning on posting several pictures of items we've made and projects we are currently working on.  I have decided that since the economy is not going to let me sell my house and get the one of my dreams I am going to do what I can to make this one even better (and on a super tight budget).  So keeping checking back for our progress.  One the to do list is build a breakfast bar, make and install solid oak counter tops, makeover the cabinets, and custom finish the concrete floors.  All of this done for less than $500; and that's just the plans for the kitchen!  I'll show you how we are doing some of these projects, so keep checking back.
I'm also going to post the recipe for my super yummy, super filling, and healthy protein bars.  It will have a step by step how to. 
Thank you for checking out my blog.  And refer your friends and family.  Especially as I really get everything kicking into high gear.  Feel free to post comments, suggestions, ideas, whatever.  I would love to hear from you.

I must be crazy!!!

I must be crazy to even consider doing this but here I go.  As though I don't have enough on plate as a wife, mom, nurse, and Pure Romance Consultant, I have decided to throw small business ownership into the mix.  With the support of my family it's going to be an adventure to say the least.  I am hoping to use this blog to chronicle our adventures as we launch this new endeavor. 

I have always loved nature and the mountains.  I love the idea of mixing old with new.  One of my favorite past times now is to look for amazing deals on various items and thinking of new and beautiful ways to display them.  My as of yet untitled company will in essence by rustic designs (unfortunately that name is already taken).  I do think that those two words some up my plan.  I want to make things beautiful.  I want to take items that people discard or don't know how to use and re-invent them.  With the help of my handy husband we will be creating custom pieces of furniture and home decor.  Additionally, at some point I am hoping to offer in home design services as well.

I don't want to limit this blog to just a business I want to use it to share those amazing things I find on the internet or the wonderful stories I hear.  I want to be able to share the crazy hijinx my amazing 2.5 year old gets into. So please follow my blog as I set out for one roller coaster of a year.