I'm Moving!

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Please visit my new website over at Jaimiebowman.com, and enter to win a copy of Melanie Shankle's book "Sparkly Green Earrings"!  

I will keep The Wonder Years up and running for product reviews, recipes and other helpful information, but you can find me blogging regularly over at the new site. Stop by and let me know what you think!

Winner! Winner!

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Thank you to everyone who stopped by from the Ultimate Blog Party '13, hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom!  I am slowly getting to all of your blogs, Facebook pages, and Twitter feeds. I can't wait to learn more about each of you who stopped by.

A special thank you to Kelly Bowers, Independent Designer with Origami Owl, for providing our first giveaway item of a medium locket, 2 charms, and a ball station chain.  Please visit her website at Kelbirds Lockets, and give her a "Like" on her Facebook page too.

And the winner is:  Jim N Elisa Luangrath!!  Congratulations Elisa!  

Another special thank you to  Jennifer Hall, who provided the Garlic Lovers Gift Set from Wildtree.  Visit Jennifer's Wildtree website to see all of the natural and organic food products that they sell.

And the winner is: Michelle Boor!!  Congratulations Michelle!

I will be contacting both of you in the next day or so to arrange for shipping your items.

If you are new to my blog, feel free to visit me on:

Facebook

Twitter

and become a blog follower (click the button on the left), or follow by email (top left).

On the 15th of each month, I highlight another blogger (Read last month's interview with Christin Slade here), so stay tuned for that coming up.  

You also might be interested in reading some of my most visited posts:

On Motherhood

On Faith

On Home Decorating

On Recipes

On Photography

Thanks again for stopping by!

Ultimate Blog Party '13 - WELCOME!

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Welcome!  If you are visiting from 5 Minutes for Mom's "Ultimate Blog Party," I am so happy you have stopped by!

 

This blog is for you, whether you are a fun mom, a messy mom, a tired mom, an overwhelmed mom, or the mom who has spit-up in her hair and old oatmeal on her clothes, because I have been there.  My desire is that this blog would encourage you and minister to your heart.  But even if you aren't a mom, you will find fun information here too!  I love to blog about home decorating, recipes, photography, family and faith.

My two boys are 5 and 7 years old, and I have been married to my husband for almost 14 years.  My husband and I work in ministry at a church near Los Angeles, CA.  For the last two years, I have been speaking at MOPS groups and churches, as well as writing my first book, which I hope to be released later this year.

But enough about ME, this blog post is all about YOU!

This week I am sponsoring a giveaway of 2 fabulous items! Read about each of the item below, and then simply complete the steps for each item you'd like to win.

1) Origami Owl Living Locket ($40-50 value)

This giveaway is for one medium locket of your choice, two charms, and one ball station chain.   The    sponsor of this giveaway is Kelley Bowers, Independent Designer with Origami Owl.  (Winner must be in the U.S.)  Visit Kelley's website at KelBirds Lockets, or her Facebook page to see beautiful examples of these lockets.

To Enter, complete any one (or more) of these steps:


2) WildTree- For Garlic Lovers Gift Set ($25 value)

This giveaway is for one Garlic Lovers Gift Set by Wildtree (all natural & organic).  The sponsor of this giveaway is Jennifer Hall. (Winner must be in the U.S.) Visit Jennifer's Wildtree website  to learn more about the Garlic Lovers Gift Set, as well as to see the other amazing food products that they sell!

To Enter, complete any one (or more) of these steps:


Both of these contests will run from April 5th until midnight of April 12th.  I will contact the winners of each giveaway on Saturday, April 13th.

Thank you again for stopping by!  Leave a comment to let me know you were visiting from the UBP '13, and I'll be sure to visit your blog too!

Valentine's Day Appetizer- YUM!

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I recently joined a fun group called the "So Cal Lady Bloggers," and this week we are having a Romantic Progressive Dinner, just in time for Valentine's Day.  Each person in the blog hop has a great recipe to share with you.

If you would like some yummy recipes to whip up for your loved one this Valentine's Day, you have come to the right place.

I was assigned an appetizer dish, and I found an easy but fantastic twist on traditional bruschetta.

Strawberry Bruschetta
24 slices French baguette
1 Tbls. butter, softened
2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
1/4 cup white sugar, or as needed

Directions: Preheat your oven's broiler. Spread a thin layer of butter on each baguette slice. Arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet.  Place bread under broiler for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted.  Spoon some chopped strawberries onto each slice, then sprinkle sugar over the strawberries.  Place back in broiler for 3-5 minutes, until sugar is carmelized.  Serve immediately.

The best part of this recipe is that not only is it extremely easy and inexpensive, but it is beautiful and presents well.  You can also use less sugar if you'd prefer. Some might want to experiment with using Splenda or another alternative sugar, but I'm not sure how that would fare under the broiler.  Also, if you do not have baguettes available, try Triscuits.

Next up in the blog hop is another great appetizer, hosted by Jeanne at The Jolly Tomato. She will be sharing the recipe for Bruschetta Hearts.

You can visit all of the other amazing recipes in this blog hop by visiting the So Cal Lady Blogger's Page.

Thanks for stopping by!

Last Minute Christmas Recipes

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This year we had 9 Christmas get-togethers to attend, and in the end I will have made a total of 12 dishes - Yikes!  I've been searching for new and different (but easy) recipes to make this year and thought I'd pass on a few.  Hope this helps if you're looking for some last minute recipe ideas!

Appetizer -

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Red/Green Tortilla Chips with Cranberry Lime Salsa

This recipe was easy and fast to make, and met with rave reviews.  

Spinach Artichoke Dip 

One of my favorites; serve it up warm in a bread bowl - so yummy!

Main Dish-

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I bought a smoked ham from Costco this year and it was really good. Definitely a good substitute for HoneyBaked Ham since that will run you about $80+, and Costco's was about $22.

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I also purchased chicken tamales from Costco and they were really good.  Another good main dish if you don't want to slave over the stove for hours.  They are not homemade but do taste like it!

Side Dish-

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Corn Casserole 

Easy and people love it!

Dessert-

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Andes Mint Brownies 

WOW. I have made these twice and had a lot of people ask for the recipe.  If you are in a rush and want to simplify this recipe, instead of making the first layer (brownies) from scratch, you could buy a mix of dark chocolate brownies and that would work too. Then make the second and third layers from the recipe.

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Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

This recipe has been on my blog before, but this one is always a winner!  A great substitute for pumpkin pie.

If you need more recipes, you can visit my past blog post on Christmas recipes here, or follow my recipe board on Pinterest. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Cooking!!

{Pinterest} You Know You're a Pinner If....

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Pinterest.  Beautiful, fun, addictive - it's a like a video game for women.  Only now men are catching on too.  If you're not sure what Pinterest is, it is a giant bulletin board of all of your favorite things from the web in one place.  Yet it's more than that - it's the "best of the best" from the web: recipes, decorating ideas, crafts, fun ideas for kids, quotes, and hundreds of more good things.  You can create your own boards of things you're interested in, and then "pin" photos to your boards. This way everything you like is in one place, on one site, and categorized well.

There are so many fun things to do on Pinterest that it can start taking over your life - in a good way, of course.  Here is my Top 10 list (in David Letterman-style) of things you probably do if you're on Pinterest.

You Know You're a Pinner If....

1.  You have 5 sweaters missing arms because you've decided to make boot leg warmers!

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2.  You have hot glue scars all over your hands, but tell everyone they are from Pinterest and wear them proudly!

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3.  You are on some kind of 30 Day Fitness Plan.

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4.  You are looking cuter than usual lately!

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5.  Suddenly you're the best cook on the block!

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6.  You have bags under your eyes and repeat in your sleep, "Just. One. More. Pin!"

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7. You check Pinterest before Google!
(I just had to post this one - too funny) :)

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8.  You have pallets lying around "just for fun."

9.  You have at least 2 projects in your house made out of burlap.

Burlap Wreath Link

10. 30 days ago you had never sewed, and now you're Martha Stewart.

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What would you add to the list?  ;)  If you are not on Pinterest and would like an invite, leave a comment with your email and I'll be sure to send you an invite. Sometimes that is faster than requesting to join yourself.  If you'd like to follow me on Pinterest, you can do so here.  Thanks for visiting, and "Happy Pinning!"

(Here's a prettier version if you want to "Pin It"!)

A Pinterest Party!

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 If you have not yet heard of Pinterest, let me tell you, it is amazing. Whoever thought of this site was brilliant!  Many of my friends are obsessed hooked, and it is inspiring me to try all sorts of new things, from wardrobe ideas to party ideas to home decorating.  If you are unfamiliar with Pinterest, it is basically an online bulletin board where you can post pictures you find from different websites (in one place).  You can make boards like: recipes, home decorating, hair ideas, wardrobe, funny things, etc...  You can also see the pictures your friends have posted, and re-post them to your own board.  It is a really fun time-waster hobby.

For instance, last night I was going to a concert with my husband (an Amy Grant/Michael W Smith reunion tour that was A-MAZING), when my sister took one look at my outfit and said I looked like one of the Duggar daughters. At first I thought she meant Jaycee Dugard and I was confused.  Then she clarified that I looked like one of the "19 Kids and Counting" Duggar daughters.  Um, yeah. Thanks, sister!  That's what sisters are for, right? Basically she said I was dressed like the Amish.

So, I remembered some pictures from my Pinterest board and came out dressed like this instead:

I call this one "I'm not pregnant, I just look like it."  Anyway, I digress.  I wore a Pinterest-inspired look and my sister approved, and off we went.

The day before, I had planned a Pinterest-themed surprise party for my best friend.  We wanted to keep it small and intimate, so there were only 10 of her closest friends invited, and all of them love Pinterest.  We chose Pinterest-inspired food and Pinterest-inspired dishes.  Each of us invaded her boards without her knowing, chose her favorite things, and showered her with love. It was SO much fun!!

I know, I know... I chose the side braid 2 days in a row, but what can I say? I got the idea from Pinterest!

My gift to her was a bubble gum necklace that I made (idea from Pinterest, which I will also blog about later this week)...

And this framed print that I found on Pinterest (but purchased from Etsy)...

While we were partying, we all pitched in and made her a wreath out of magazine flowers (another pinterest idea). It came out beautiful!

Overall the day was amazing - not only because of our amazing friend, but the fellowship and laughter we all shared together...

 Happy Pinterest Birthday Heather!!  :)

Easy Summer Dinner Recipe

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Jen at Graham Like The Cracker is hosting a Dinner Blog Train that she kindly asked me to join. How fun!

My first recipe is too easy to even be called a "recipe," but if you're looking for a very easy summertime dinner that does not involve cooking, this is it. My food processor has been up in my closet for about 10 years - seriously - until I recently pulled it out again. I decided to whip up a "chopped salad" since I had one at a restaurant recently and loved it. Something about salad chopped up into itsy bitsy pieces makes it so easy to love, and tastes so much better for some reason!

Here is my recipe for Chopped Salad:

-1/2 head of romaine lettuce
-5 Broccoli pieces
-5 Large Mushrooms
-5 Baby Carrots
-5 Tomatoes
-Any other veggies you want

Simply load all of this into your food processor, and pulse until it is in tiny pieces. Dish into 2 bowls, and sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. Slice some avocado and place on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add dressing of your choice. I personally love Bernstein's Italian Dressing for this salad. You can also add chopped turkey, blue cheese crumbles, sliced egg or bacon pieces to this salad for protein. YUM!

I've also added chicken to this, and used BBQ Sauce and Ranch for the dressing for a BBQ Chopped Salad.

Now - for my boys - who won't eat just salad for dinner....

I picked up Dinosaur Chicken Breast Nuggets from Costco -

Microwavable Brown Rice packets from Trader Joes -

A bit of the Chopped Salad (or a veggie of your choice)

And some fresh fruit.

They ate up every bit!

Please take a moment and go visit the other great recipes listed as part of this blog party. Next up: Pam at Keeping Life Creative!

You can also visit the other recipes in this blog train by visiting:
Jen
Kelleigh
Julie
and Pam

If you'd like to link up, just leave a comment below with your blog entry!

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Also, don't forget to enter to win my giveaway that ends this Friday!

Last Minute Easter Crafts

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Eeek!! Easter just snuck up on us this year, didn't it?  It is so strange having it later in April, and for some reason it just hit me today that it is only 6 days away!  I scrambled online looking for ways to celebrate Easter, and came across some cute crafts.  My plan is to do one each day leading up to Easter, taking time each day to reflect on what Easter is all about with my children.  I hope this helps you, too, as you prepare for Easter Sunday!

Day 1- Dye Easter Eggs (I am picking up a simple kit from the 99 cent store)

Day 2: Window Silhouettes (again, you can pick up these supplies from the 99 cent store)

Day 3:  Handprint Lilies

Day 4: New Life Seed

Day 5: Make an Easter Garden

Day 6: Easter Egg Hunt (on Easter)

I was going to be really cute and clever and post Scripture readings for each day too.  I didn't actually have time to do that today, but I did run across this website that has a great Easter e-book you can download and go through with your kids, complete with Scriptures, crafts, recipes and memory verses. You can even make a lapbook with your child and download the pictures for free.  I actually downloaded the lapbook and sample chapters from An Easter Adventure tonight and loved the book.

Happy Easter Week!

The Big Giveaway!

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If you are hopping over from the 5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog Party '11, WELCOME!  I am so glad you have stopped by, and this is the best time to visit, because I am hosting a BIG giveaway this week!  (Scroll down past the info. about me if you'd just like to enter the giveaway)

I am a huge fan of 5 Minutes for Mom and always enjoy their Ultimate Blog Party.  Recently I was honored to be a guest blogger for them and wrote an article entitled "Taking the Leap: Thinking About Starting a Photography Business?"

Here I enjoy blogging about my family, my faith, photography, home decorating, recipes and more.

I invite you into my messes.....

(Left: Micah, now age 5 / Right: Jaden, now age 3)
You can read about the food coloring incident here.

My parenting adventures

(The story behind this photo is here)

My cooking experiments

This dinner disaster was blogged about here.

My photography mishaps

My home decorating "hits" AND "misses"

And my walk with the Lord.

Photo courtesy Anne Elliott

So why should you follow this blog and all of it's messiness?  Because it is here that I hope you will be encouraged, laugh a little, and know that you are not alone.  AND.....

This week is The Big Giveaway!  There are two great items being given away this week.

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Giveaway #1 - The Ultimate Blog Makeover!!! 

SH Blog Design is donating an extreme blog makeover where one winner will receive a custom header with coordinating background, font colors, 1-2 columns, post title image, sidebar image, custom signature, and a link button. The winner can choose any digital scrapbooking paper kit from SH Blog Design selection to use in the design.  

Visit the SH Blog Design website for samples. Even if you don't win this giveaway, Shannon offers affordable blog designs starting at $50.  She also designs custom invitations.  Thank you Shannon for donating this awesome prize!
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Giveaway #2- Snippity Clip-Its!!!

Snippity Clip-Its offers fun, affordable, creative accessories for every little princess! This giveaway is for a bundle of goodies: a Busy Bee Headband and Buggin' Around Bee Clips (a $15 value)!   Become a Fan of Snippity Clip-Its on Facebook and leave Shannin some love!

Snippity Clip-Its is also having a Spring Blowout Sale, so visit their page today to see photos and place your order. Whether you are a mom, a grandma, an aunt or a friend, these make great gifts for little girls!  Thank you Shannin for your donation of this prize!
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To enter this giveaway:

1) Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know which item you would like to win.

2) You can gain up to 2 additional entries by becoming a Facebook fan of Snippity Clip-Its and/or following the SH Blog Design blog, and then coming back here and leaving a comment letting me know you did so.

3) Tweet and/or Facebook this giveaway for up to 2 additional entries (and again, be sure to leave a comment letting me know you did so).

Feel free to copy and paste this tweet:  I just entered The Big Giveaway!  You can enter to at:  www.wonderyearsof2.blogspot.com @jmebowman @5MinutesforMom #UPB11

(In all you have 5 chances to enter, so your chances of winning are pretty high!)

This contest will run from April 1-April 8th.  Entries will close on midnight of April 8th. Winners will be announced on Saturday, April 9th.  Thank you for entering and good luck!

NOTE:  Be sure if you enter this giveaway that you have contact information connected to your account where I can reach you!  Or simply leave your email address in the comments.  Thanks!