My weight battle and a Healthy recipe

Hello everybody! This year is just being hard to get the groove of things, I had a respiratory flu last week, that wasn't a good way to start the year... Thankfully I am much better but still fighting the residues of the congestion and my ears, well... those hurt a lot!

On the bright side I am doing much better with my eating/exercising... Most of you don't know that I am in a weight-loss journey and I've been at it since January last year... Today is actually my "anniversary"! Happy Anniversary to me! This never started as a "New Year Resolution" ... I just got tired of my extra weight, which has always been a struggle for me... Particularly being a foodie and food blogger! Come on! How can one keep the waist line in check with such passion for food/cooking/baking!!! But it IS possible and I am doing it! So far I've lost over 40 pounds and I am going for more! This will be MY year!

Even when in the past I've lost/gained again/lost again and so on ... all the extra weight... I had never actually done it for the right reasons and in the right way! I had always lost my weight just "to look good" which isn't bad in itself... but it can't be "the only reason" why one loses the weight... Because if "appearance and my image" is the only motivation ... then it's easy to resort to "shortcuts" and "easy/fast" ways to get rid of the pounds that "look so bad" ... This time I am doing it because I want to be healthy, I married the most wonderful man on the face of the earth and he's never actually "met ME" IYKWIM ... he's never really seen the "real me" that's been hiding inside all these extra pounds! and I am doing this to enjoy my life (which I already do) but to enjoy it more with him and my girls for longer! To avoid illnesses and just the "exhaustion" that comes from being overweight! And I am doing it "the right way too" just eating healthy and exercising A LOT! who knew! that actually works! LOL! And it's not a "quick or temporary fix" it's "the real deal"

So... today ... I am going to share with you a very healthy recipe, it's not only healthy but also very satisfying! I actually found the original at Allrecipes.com but this is my version... so... I hope you enjoy it! Don't worry... I'll continue to blog about luscious desserts and comfort food (LOL!) ... I've learned to resist the temptation of eating them... I can now cook them and just indulge moderately on special occasions... But I'll also try to share with you more and more healthy recipes like this:

Kale and Potato Soup with Cannellini Beans
Yield: 8 servings
Calories per serving: about 270

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium white onion, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped garlic 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped 8 cups water 6 cubes chicken bouillon (I use Knorr)

1 (15 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes 8 red potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans (drained if desired) 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 2 tablespoons dried parsley salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.

Heat the olive oil (at medium-low heat) in a large pot; cook the onion and garlic until soft. Stir in the kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Stir in the water, vegetable bouillon, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Increase heat to med-high and bring to a boil. Once the soup is boiling, reduce heat to med-low and simmer soup for 25 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

© Paloma K.

First day of normalcy

Today was the first day back to my "old routine" ... Hubby went back to work after he spent two weeks at home just off for the holidays... I really missed him... I know! it's just a few hours... but he truly makes my days brighter! I always tell him that when he walks in a room it's like the sun came out just for me!

With my love!

I guess it was harder because I just got a cold, the day was gray and cold and I didn't feel like "facing the day without him" (especially with two little ones that still eat, play, run and need all my attention and energy!) but ... I still made it through the day and I must even say it was a productive one... I enjoyed dancing with my 4 year old and re-starting our homeschooling!

Tomorrow... Tomorrow will be better! I am sure... I am very thankful for the comments I receive on this blog! And I encourage you to keep coming, trying my recipes, sipping a cup of coffee (or whatever you prefer) and just sharing about yourself! I do read all your comments and they mean so much to me, sometimes it takes me a little bit to get back to all of you but I do try!

Don't forget to "mention coffee" in any of your posts of the week so you can link-up with us!... Now that everything is back to normal we're re-starting our "Coffee Friday Party" tradition and we'll have a great featured blogger! You won't want to miss it!

See you around!

© Paloma K.

Last post of the year.... Thanks and MORE!

Hello everybody! December has been hectic with good activities here "en Mi casa" which is "Tu Casa" too! I've had visits from Mexico, friends and family! I also had lots of baking to do and cooking, I sold tons of Christmas Cookies and Chocoflan Cake so I got a new camera with part of the money I made from alll the baking (I was soooo needing it for better pictures) and I've also been enjoying hubby being home! He's been off of of work for about a week now, he'll go back to work on Wednesday (I wish I was rich to keep him always to ourselves! LOL!) So... it's been impossible to post more often or reply but once things go back to normal I am sure everything will be better here!

I just want to take the opportunity to thank you all for being with me in 2012! This year has been the "come back" of  "The Coffee Shop" and I've been very blessed to get to know more people through this blog! Thank you all for being here! For sharing, for commenting, for being so supportive! And for encouraging me with my projects! Thank you for trying my recipes!

I hope 2013 will be filled with new blessings that we can all share together!

Do you have any goals/resolutions for this year? Would you like to share? Whether they are personal or blogging goals... feel free to share

I lost 40 pounds in 2012 and I'm going for the rest this year! I hope I'll do a better job with homeschooling and finally have a serious calendar/schedule that I'll adhere too... and in the blogging area ... well... I hope our Coffee Friday Party just "takes off" !

By the way... join us this Friday ... we will have a featured blogger!

Pic: New Year's Eve 2007 ... I was the photographer -sigh-

... Anything else? Well... I just wish you all a Happy and successful 2013!


© Paloma K.

Picture Post!

ooh! Lots of catching up to do replying and commenting on other blogs! I hope once January starts everything goes back to normal and I can blog more... I just want to say I'm here, we're enjoying the feeling of Christmas all around us and ... well... here are some pics of how we're enjoying!

Paper Snowflakes

More Crafts

Nutcracker!

Love!

My princesses

Of course!

© Paloma K.

Tuned-In Tuesdays - About Peace!

Today... I thought about sharing some quotes on Peace! Since there's all this rush of the Holidays coming... I hope we focus on the things that really matter and stay calm! And stay peaceful! And enjoy it all! Even the mishaps :) ... SO ... enjoy the quotes.... (some serious, some humorous, all good!)

Thank you for Joining!

 “Peace begins with a smile..”  - Mother Teresa


"My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished 2 bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.” - Dave Barry


"For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer." - John Wooden

"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." - Psalm 29:11

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." - Isaiah 26:3

“Peace is the number one beautiful ornament you can wear, I really believe that. They say you should always wear a smile, but I don't believe that you should "always" wear a smile, seriously, you're going to look stupid! But peace, you should always carry peace within you, its the most beautifying thing you could ever have or do. Peace makes your heart beautiful and it makes you look beautiful, too. You want to have perfect physical posture when you stand, sit, and walk, and peace is the perfect posture of the soul, really. Try perfect posture outside as well as inside. Peace creates grace and grace gives peace.” - C. Joybell C.

Have a great and peaceful rest of the week!



© Paloma K.

Freedom isn't Free

Source: Pyzam

 Looking for images for Veterans Day I found many that said "Freedom isn't free" ... And it's true... Physical Freedom isn't free.... Someone had to pay for that.... It's great to have physical freedom and something many times we take for granted...... and... what about Spiritual Freedom? it isn't free either... Jesus had to pay for it... have you let Him Free you? Have you Thanked Him also?

Thanks to all those who have served to this country, thanks to all who still are far away from home, fighting for us to keep our freedom...

Linking up with: Fibro, Fit and Fab / Twenty two Days of Thanks

© Paloma K.

Fall is Here! - School Memories

 Hello friends... Fall has arrived to "The Coffee Shop" I will be working on sharing with you some delicious fall recipes, Thanksgiving ideas (including my whole menu) and everything "Autumn Related" I love fall and I embrace it!... as you can see I started with my blog... and added some fall leaves to the background... I hope you like it!

Now... I will share with you a School Memory... There's a "Fall Challenge" starting today on The SITS Girls and I am taking it, at least for today... we'll see what the rest of the days are like and see if I can combine it with my already planned posts for the season!

Today we are supposed to write some memory of our school years... I will post something about my childhood... although it's been a while ago I still have some fond memories that seem very fresh... Let's see...

I am the first one from left to right... I wasn't the oldest in the picture btw...  I was about 6 there, the rest are some cousins, my sister is the 4th. one from left to right. :)

I started elementary school in the city where I was born, in Mexico, Monterrey, N.L. to be more specific (you have to google images of that city to get a better idea how gorgeous it is!) then we moved to Matamoros, Tamps., a border city (don't google it, please! LOL!) not so gorgeous but still... I have great memories... my sister and I used to go together to elementary school, I am 3 yrs. older than her but I was 4 grades ahead because I started school 1 year earlier than I was supposed to (smart girl! LOL!) anyway... There was this time when we were particularly late, way later than our usual, so my little sister was following me to my classroom instead of going to hers, I asked her why and she said: "Look, it's soo early there's nobody here yet" until she realized there was nobody because everyone was actually in their classroom! That's actually an embarrassing memory! LOL! but yes, we used to be late quite often! My parents are sooo great but my mom was always running to get to work, always kissing us too! So... we were probably late for so many kisses! Better kissed and late than not kissed and early! Am I right?  In school I loved the street vendors that gathered at the gates and by the walls around school during recess and when it was time to go home! I always bought stuff with hot pepper in it... I don't know if there's any kid in Mexico that is not into that stuff! Tamarind with chili powder, mango or watermelon flavored hard candy all covered in chili powder as well, "bolis and chamoys" oh such great stuff that could give anybody an ulcer! I remember holding hands with my bffs during the whole recess or sitting all on the floor in a circle talking about little girls stuff,  I also loved my teachers, they were very encouraging (most of them), I always felt like I was "the most important" kid in school! LOL! very weird... I guess every kid should feel like that! I did have some bad experiences, some kids would pick on me just because I was so tall (I am tall for a Mexican but not really in the USA) I am 5' 7" but I guess I reached that height pretty early... So.. I got picked on... and I was always a gentle giant so... I couldn't even defend myself... my dad had "bodyguards" for me in school though... rougher looking kids that my dad would "hire" to protect his princess... he would "pay them" with candy and treats from those same street vendors... My best memories from school I guess involve my dad... always there for me when the bell rang... I guess that's what made me feel so important too! Looking at his face look for me in the crowd of children made me feel like the luckiest girl ever... -sigh-

How about you? Do you have any good, funny, interesting, remarkable or even scary school memories to share? :) I'd love to hear all about it!

© Paloma K.

Happy Monday, right? at least joyous!

Hello friends! Ready for another Happy Monday? I know life gives us lemons and we can't always make lemonade with them but at least let's not rub those lemons on our eyes! I read something like that in a book once and it's so true... Yes... many times we have bad moments in life... and it's not easy to be laughing all the time... but hey! do we have to keep pondering and dwelling over the bad things that happen? Sometimes we rub those lemons and squeeze their juice into our wounds! Trust me... it's not that easy for me to wish you a Happy Monday right now... I've been dealing with some sad thoughts lately (yes... me... the happy girl! LOL!) I heard the news (totally by mistake) the other day... and they said horrible stuff that left me pretty shaken... I am still sooo disturbed inside of me... but I know I need to either do something about it and move on or just keep those sad thought and stay passive to all this pain... what am I going to do? I still don't know... I know I need to share the Good News of Salvation even more... I haven't been doing that... I need to spend more time praying and reading the Word of God... and at the same time I need to take some action... where to start? With two little ones I feel like my time is pretty consumed... maybe blogging about stuff? hopefully reaching others somehow... I don't know! I am shaken... wondering! and thinking even about adoption.. but is all this pain ever going to end? I have nightmares and fears and I wish I could protect not only my girls more but all children in the world... even from their own parents... ok... I am ranting now... you can probably deduct the news I heard involved children... and abuse... and it sickens me... ok... not a very happy Monday post I guess... what can we do? What can you do? -sigh- Let's try to live better, raise our children better, to care for others, to love one another, to stand for what's right, to not look the other way... to live for God...

Ok ... I know we can't be happy/giggly all the time... we live in a sad world ... people suffering all around us and it would be dumb to just be laughing 24/7 like we don't care... but we can still have joy... in the midst of it... choose to teach our kids better and to enjoy the time we have with them and/or with those we love, choose to have joy because we trust in the One that doesn't change... no matter how crazy this world gets... anyway... sorry for ranting here...I probably didn't make much sense... Thank you for reading!

Psalm 33:20 
Our soul waits for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
²¹ For our heart is glad in him,
    because we trust in his holy name.
²² Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
    even as we hope in you.

© Paloma K.

First Fondant Cakes ever for my birthday girl!

Hello friends! I had an amazingly busy couple days... Sorry if you've sent me e-mails or comments and I haven't responded yet... I am sooo behind with everything (blogging wise) but I am very proud to say my oldest girl (now 4) had an amazing Birthday! ... I opened a fb invitation for all my friends in the area who wanted to stop by to have a slice of cake with us (yesterday) and wish her a happy Birthday... well... It was total success! I am so blessed to have found such an amazingly loving church family and friends here! We are overwhelmed with such amount of love and affect we've received! My girl had an amazing day and my cakes turned out really great! I was afraid to work with fondant (ehem... I still am!!) but I wanted to make her cakes extra special! So I made two cakes on Monday (taking advantage hubby was off from work) and the hard part... the fondant... in the end was totally worth it! A friend even commented it was better than "The Cake Boss" cake and fondant she had in his bakery! So... wow! I'd say I did pretty good! and my girl loved the fact that her mommy made her pretty cakes!  We had people start showing up a little before 10 a.m. and the last person left after 7 p.m.! we had snacks, cake, coffee, great conversation, so much fun, even some rice and salad for some (lunch time) and a great time in the pool in the evening with those that were here after 5 p.m.!

Before I share the pictures I just want to remind you we have our Coffee Friday! And we will have a special featured blogger that... if your mom ever told you to not lick the plate where you eat... well... she'll have to forgive you because you'll lick the bowl with her recipes!

So... tune in! Don't forget to add some coffee to link up with us! I try to tweet and pin all those links who join on Friday! Plus I choose a post or two to feature each week (which I will do tomorrow with those who linked on Friday) ...

Now... My birthday's girl and my first cakes ever using fondant!

Ta-da!

Happy girl!

First round! Singing Happy Birthday!

Many friends!

Just with mommy!

Second round! Evening cake! Blowing candles again!

Happy Friends!

Let's swim!

So... you can see it was great... I will now just leave you with my "Coffee Friday Party" Button ... grab it to link back with us and spread the word!

<center> <a href="http://www.love4coffee.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="The Coffee Shop" src="http://goo.gl/XfoA6"></a></center>

© Paloma K.

Joyous innocence!

Look at my girls! Jumping around without any worry in the world! Isn't it sad to know... that one day... images like this one will be even blurrier in my mind? I always thought I'd always remember my little ones faces! When my oldest one (almost 4 now) was just born I thought her little face would always be with me, the expressions she made, the way she smiled... and now... only 4 years later I can hardly remember about it... and when I look at pictures of my girls only 1 year ago... I can't believe how much they've changed! How did that happen? When did I miss such a huge transformation? When did they start saying that word right? I hope I never forget it all! I hope I always remember how now my oldest says "Mommy! You are the best mommy in the whole live world" (lol) or how my little one loves kissing me and making eyes like she is angry and then burst in laughter, Oh! I am thankful for cameras that can capture such special joyful moments... their innocent giggles! I need to start some journal for the things they say! It's amazing what comes out of their mouth! it's so wonderful to see their personalities so different and at the same time so similar! they are both happy, healthy girls that want to discover the world, learn from everything around them!
My oldest one is more intuitive and cautious and my little one is just a "go getter" and almost a "dare devil" they love each other dearly and enjoy playing together and even when they fight they usually end up hugging each other! I hope  I never entirely forget... their phrases, the looks in their eyes when they discovered something new! Like yesterday that we went to the store... I can only imagine what was going through my girls heads when they saw piles of crabs piled on top of each other on ice looking almost like they were alive! I just explained... "they are crabs"... or last night when someone knocked really loud at our door (I didn't know UPS delivered up to 10 p.m.) and woke my oldest one up and she couldn't go back to sleep... I realized that was something very uncommon had happened for her... very out of our normal, peaceful routine... so I called her by me and guessing what she was thinking I hugged her and whispered to her ear: "Hijita (my little daughter - In Spanish -) I just want to let you know that there are no monsters, that we are safe, the man who came was just delivering a package for mommy and daddy and he is now in his house, daddy and mommy are ok and we are here to protect you and your sister, God takes care of all of us. You are a very special, wonderful, smart little girl and I am very proud of you! I love you very much! There is nothing to be afraid of... good night, now go to sleep" she looked at me relieved and surprised probably for how I knew what she was thinking! (Now I know how my mom always knew too!), she hugged me again, kissed me and went back to bed and fell asleep right away!

oh... these moments.. these moments I wish I could just grab in my hands, hold them tightly and put them somewhere safe where time will not make them all a blur!

Thank God we have cameras...  Thank God even when we might not remember every detail it's moments like this that form our family!

Linking up with

and her "best moment so far" link-up party! :) Thanx for inviting me to participate Jamie!

© Paloma K.

Roots and Wings!

Good morning everybody! The sheets of my bed got stuck to me so I couldn't  get up earlier! LOL! ... ah! I don't envy mommies that have kids in school... LOL! But I know I will go through that sooner than I'd like to! -sigh- It is a blessing to see our children grow... but it's hard too! Letting go and not only allowing but also ENCOURAGING them to learn more, to explore, to dream!

There is a wonderful quote I read in a great book  "A Mother's Heart by Jean Fleming" that is always in my mind... 

"The best thing parents can do for their children is give them roots and wings."

As moms we have such a big responsibility! I've had "important" jobs before... I had a position of authority in the Company where I used to work... I wore many hats and I thought what I did mattered, what I said mattered... One day one of the managers of said company approached me and said:

 "I know you will not be able to be just at home when you marry, you'll NEED to work, that's who you are"

and I told him:

"If you think this Company is important for me, wait and see how much more important my family will be" ...

 I knew that would be true... but being single and without children I couldn't even begin to imagine how much!... what I do today... dressed in shorts and with my hair up... while apparently I am just washing dishes or cooking meals, when it seems I do something as "un-important" as coloring with my little girls... Now I know that what I am doing will shape lives! As I color, talk and look into my girls' eyes I can see they are absorbing every single word! every attitude I have! And while it's an awesome feeling it's also a scary one! Praise God I am not alone on this! He's given me an amazing hubby who is a great daddy and cares for our girls as much as I do... he takes the time to play Play-Doh with them, let them use his bare back as a canvas while they enjoy turning daddy into their colorful masterpiece with crayons and markers, reads stories to them and helps them memorize Bible verses! I am not alone either because I have God... and  I pray that even the mistakes I make while mothering will not be significant or that I can identify soon enough to try and fix them!

This weekend I read something that really stayed with me:

“Be careful how you speak to your children, one day it will become their inner voice.” by Peggy O'Mara

And I realized how true that is! Many times without even realizing it I know it's my mom or dad's voice what I hear inside of me... Sometimes that's what makes me do or not do things... even if it's not as clear as "would my mom approve of this" I know is there... 

But this can't scare me... this can't make me be overly cautious around me! I have to enjoy it all, be free to have fun with my girls! I know if my priorities are in order ... with God above it all... everything will be ok...

So... Happy Monday! Happy HAPPY Monday to you mom who had to wake up early today to give breakfast and get kids ready for school... I hope you smiled while doing it... and if you didn't... well... you can make it up when they come back ... smile, hug, kiss, play AND PRAY a lot!

Oh... and before I close this post I want to thank my friend Laura from Pruning Princesses for giving me "The Versatile Blogger" Award ... I am so honored... Although I would probably say that in my case it would be more like "The Random Blogger" Award... LOL! ... Thank you Laura, this is so nice... and yes... it made my Monday even happier! If you still haven't checked her blog out... you have too! She is pruning princesses too!


© Paloma K.

Don't forget ... and Post Recommendations!

Hello dear friends! It's awesome to have a BUZZ going on here at "The Coffee Shop" it's great to always see people online, friendly faces leaving nice comments and new people join! I am so excited because there are more things to come! you can be sure of that!

For now... just do not forget to add some "coffee to any of your posts of the week" and link that post back to us... if you already mentioned the word "coffee" then just add a link to "The Coffee Shop" or this button:

<center> <a href="http://www.love4coffee.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="The Coffee Shop" src="http://goo.gl/XfoA6"></a></center>

And make sure you join us this Friday like every Friday for our "Coffee Party" ... We're having more participation and great posts linking with us!

Here are two great examples from last Friday!

Chipotle Chicken Tacos With Lime Scented Kale - From Cooking The Keys:

And a great cook book recommendation specifically dedicated to cooking for kids with ADHD and Autism.

ADHD & Autism Cookbook  From: My two Precious Boys

Sorry I skipped my traditional "Tuesday of Quotes" yesterday... I'll have some good ones next week.. It's been hectic here! I'll tell you more about that soon! Have a great day!

© Paloma K.

Even in the darkest storm...

 ... there is always some light...

and this Rainbow found it!

Beautiful! Thank you God for your Promises... Thank you for such beauty!

© Paloma K.

Tuesday of Quotes - ON Change!

Hello friends! It's been really busy here and at the same time not so much! Yesterday I (well... my two girls and I) took a very long (and very much needed) afternoon nap! It was very much "not planned" so I got behind on a lot of things! But I am very happy I could rest so peacefully!

I will come back and try to get more done around here... Plus tweeting more on your articles and sharing with the world about your blog posts! :)

BTW... I miss Tara from Nowhere to Go but Crazy anybody seen her? She hasn't stopped by the Coffee Shop lately... mmm... I think I'll have to go and comment on her blog too! It's not like I've been doing great with that!

So... anyway.. Today I'll take the girls to the Splash-Pad... I'll have to protect myself from the sun because it seems I've developed some over-sensitivity to the sun! I get this "allergic reaction" every time I am exposed to the sun... and IT BURNS! So... -sigh- I have to protect myself from that!

Now... some of my usual Tuesday quotes... This time they'll be about CHANGE! I hope you enjoy them!

 --------

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” - Leo Tolstoy


"The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” - Albert Einstein

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” - Andy Warhol


“And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.” - Libba Bray, The Sweet Far Thing

 “We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers - but never blame yourself. It's never your fault. But it's always your fault, because if you wanted to change you're the one who has got to change.” - Katharine Hepburn, Me: Stories of My Life 

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa 

ouch!!! Right?

 
 Very insightful quotes (to say the least) ... I know I need to do some changes in MY LIFE... there is always something to improve! To get rid of! To modify!

Some of the things I need to change/improve:

- Consistency! I need to be consistent with my work here at home, my discipline for my kids and the homeschooling for my almost 4 yr. old

- Diet/Exercising: (More consistency issues) I have been lazy with that lately! It needs to change! No more excuses!

- Sleeping Habits: I need to go to bed earlier... to wake up earlier be able to get blogging things done and exercise first thing in the morning so I don't take time from the girls and my house responsibilities.

- My Bible reading/Prayer Time: So many times I try to do things on my very own... when I know I've been doing bad in my time with God... everything else falls apart too! Lord... help me do your will... Forgive me for not talking to you and reading your Word everyday... I need you!

Those are some that come to mind right now! I have to start... TODAY! :) Change is painful, hard to embrace... but very necessary! Is there something you need to change too Are you with me? would you like to share?
 
© Paloma K.

Here comes the monster! ... all Ready for Christmas!

Happy Thursday everyone! It's been a busy and interesting week... First we had family from Mexico - My aunt, her husband and their 2 boys - 13 and 9 yrs. old -  (they just left last night) it was nice! ... My 3 yr. old picked up some new words in Spanish... that's awesome! unfortunately some of the phrases she caught was:

"Ahi viene el monstruo" (here comes the monster) ... LOL! so... you can imagine how much fun she was having playing with her cousins... unfortunately things like that really stick in her mind ... and what sounded like a lot of fun during the day might be frightening at night! KIDS!

Anyway... so... the visit wasn't hard at all on us... they pretty much were out and about most of the time... I am happy they had such a nice family time! Things for most families in Mexico are way harder than they are for families in the USA... my aunt's husband works very hard! His work hours are Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 or 11:00 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and this is his first vacation in 16 years!!! so... I was just happy to see them all together having so much fun! They got to enjoy the pool here in our apartment complex and visited many nice places in the area! very well deserved!

My girls and their cousins... Emiliano (the 3rd one from left to right) was very disappointed to have to leave!

 Then... last night... right before they left I had to go to Choir Rehearsal, I almost cancelled because my aunt and her family were about to leave but I had to go because it was the first rehearsal after 1 month off for summer! And I am so glad I did attend! It was soooo nice! There were lots of food and desserts (unfortunately I didn't have the camera with me! I know! Unforgivable!) and everybody seemed excited to be back! Then we had some games to get to know a little more about each other (that was nice because I am a very new member both of the church and the choir!) but later then the best came... we had some time to sing but it was pretty awesome because more than focusing on who's singing what or how it's being sung we just worshiped! I was sooo needing that! It is wonderful to sing praises to our good God who cares for us! and even better to do so in the company of His people! it was great! I felt full not only in my stomach but mostly in my spirit!

And then... they were even drawing names from a bowl with all the names of the people from the choir and mine got picked up... so I won a CD with Christmas music! I was very excited because I never win anything and I just LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Christmas Music!!! so... "Christmas: I AM READY!"

Ok... that's about it for today... sorry my post got long! I will finally have some more time to reply back and visit your blogs! don't forget to leave a comment! ... and don't forget to stop by tomorrow for our "Coffee Friday Party" it will be lots of fun! make sure you add some "coffee" to any of your posts this week and link back to us so you can LINK UP!

Have a great day!

© Paloma K.

Meet an artist! Fill your life with color!

Happy Monday Everybody! I usually have to start each week with a good attitude and a very upbeat post! Hopefully spreading the good mood to others and trying to fight the "I hate Mondays" mood that unfortunately goes viral week by week! So ... I thought of a great (and very colorful) way to start our week... and that is by talking to you about someone I really love... a person that I've only known for a brief period of time but I've come to admire deeply.... My very dear friend Adele Bower. She is a kind person, courageous and loving, passionate and with strong faith and with a very young heart!

Meet Mrs. Adele!

When I first met her, she was leading a Ladies Bible Study Group, I was instantly drawn to her! and I remember thinking "I hope people can feel like that around me one day" ... She is a great teacher of The Word and not only through her words but with her actions and with the love that just shines through her! I am very thankful for her friendship!

Well... she is also a very talented artist... (isn't it amazing? Some people just get it all! LOL!)  and I just love her art! It's so colorful and... well... why would I even try to describe it? I would just be short of words... let me share some of her artwork with you:

Santa Fe Girl - By Adele Bower (of course)

Gardenias - Adele Bower

Cat Nap

If you love her art... You can even make it yours... (I am sure you would love it! Wouldn't you?) You just have to visit her page HERE and you can get Prints and Greeting Cards with her colorful and unique creations!



I am sure my friend Adele will be surprised with this post (I am just letting her know I want to blog about her and asking her for permission to use some of her pictures here) so trust me ... I am not making any money inviting you there... I just want others to enjoy what she has to offer... she makes our world more beautiful!

You can also find her on facebook: The Art of Adele Bower. If you like her... let her know I sent you ;) ... Trust me you will love her ! :)

Have a great week!!!

© Paloma K.

End of Summer Day Camp

 Hello everybody! Thank you for joining us once again here at The Coffee Shop! If this is your first time here I invite you to find out why we are "The Coffee Shop"  and to read a little more About Me! ... I'd love to meet you! and pay the visit back! :)

Also... you can click here to find out how your blog can be featured! or click here to know how you can host a chat for an important and very big facebook page that will help you promote your blog "for a day"!

So... Feel right at home... navigate a little, get familiar with everything and hopefully come back soon! We love having new friends over for coffee...or... anything else if coffee is not your "cup o'joe"

and now... to my post! There's something I've been meaning to share!

So... my oldest ... (almost 4 years old) had a great week! She was part of Summer Day Camp at church! she did great, they had very nice activities and she came home happy every day! But the last day of her Summer Camp, hubby decided to surprise her and show up for the end of the Camp to take her out for lunch!

Hubby is a very hard working man... and his hours have been very long lately but I am so blessed that he did everything to be able to do this for her!

So... let's have the pictures speak for themselves!

All crafts and bags ready at the end of Summer Day Camp

You can see she had fun splashing in the water that day! happy to receive her "Award"

YAY! Daddy is here!

She loves Chick-Fil-A so... Chick-Fil-A it was!

Little sister was happy too! She is happy anywhere if there's cold water involved!

So... I am just very proud of my girl! And I can't believe how fast she is growing... I am blessed to see her grow in character and faith as well! May God keep her path always and may she grow to be a blessing to others and a servant of the Lord always!
 
© Paloma K.

A great FOOD photographer!!!

Well... hello friends! I just want to let you know that tomorrow we are IN for a real treat! Our featured blogger for our "Coffee Friday Party" will be a very talented blogging friend of mine... she is really good at what she does... and ... she has very special pictures to share with us to enjoy "Our Coffee"

So... if you haven't mentioned "coffee" on any of your posts this week, you are still on time to do so! That way you can link back to us within that post and LINK up in our linky thingy that, as you know, has gotten better with thumbnails and it will be pretty!

The Coffee Party is getting bigger and I have very special fellow - bloggers/friends that will come and support this feature! I am very excited!

So... go and at least add the word "coffee" randomly in a post... it will be "fun to find it" LOL! or you can do something special (like Bibi from Bibi's Culinary Journey who so far has brought "great treats" to our Coffee Parties... Last week she shared an amazing recipe to make "Cherry Streusel Muffins" 

And of course she made sure to mention "coffee" on her post! wouldn't they go great together? Those muffins and a cup like this:

YUM! Right? I hope I'll see you here tomorrow! even if just to say hi! comments are always welcome to our Party!

Also... If you link up to us... I'll be talking about one or two of the best "linked posts" that joined the party within next week's posts here! cool, right?

Have a great Thursday!


© Paloma K.

Showing off and Pizza Recipe!

Good Wednesday Everyone! How is the week treating you so far? It's been really good to me :) I've had a great time enjoying the pool, time with friends and doing some running last night! but the highlight so far is the sky yesterday! It was AMAZING right before the sun set! There were clouds like towers so tall and fluffy! there was even a rainbow and ... everything was just majestic! I kept wishing I had my camera with me when I was on my way to pick up my friend to go run together... in my car... singing a beautiful song that talks about God and who He is... and the sky was singing along with me! .... ♪♪♪"...Wonderful, Glorious, Holy and Righteous, Victorious, Conqueror, Triumphant and Mighty, Healer, Deliverer, Shield and Defense, Strong Tower and My Best Friend, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Soon Coming King, Alpha, Omega, Lord of Everything..." ♫♫ I was singing this SOOO loud! how wouldn't I, right?

 So... that's been my week so far... But the "showing off" part comes now...as I post a drawing my 3 yr. old made today in paint... she is really good with the computer (which scares me sometimes) she handles the mouse like a true pro, opens the program by herself, makes the space for the drawing bigger and then chooses her tools (lines, triangles, or the colors she needs) ... unfortunately she never has enough room left for the legs of her pictures LOL! but here's what she made today

Left to Right: Natalia (the artist), Karina (the artist's sister) and ... Daddy!

Isn't it neat? I think she does a great job... although I must admit I might be a little biased.

And now... our Pizza... shall we?

Pizza Dough
Adapted from original recipe found at: Allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole wheat  flour
• 5 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. italian seasoning

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let sit until creamy; about 10 minutes.
2. Stir the olive oil, whole wheat flour, salt, 4 cups of all purpose flour and italian seasoning into the yeast mixture. Mix in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and put in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume; about 1 hour.
3. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces and form into rounds. Cover the rounds and let them rest for about 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
4. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into the desired shape and place it on a slightly greased pizza stone or on a baking sheet or round baking pan (the one with little holes in it) , Pre-bake your pizza (without toppings) for about 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and increase the temperature @425F. Now cover the pizza with your favorite toppings (I used spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, green bell peppers, onions and ham) and bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for about 18 minutes or until the crust and cheese are golden brown. 

 You can also make individual pizzas if you'd like... I made one just for my hubby and he loved it!

Linking to:

Simple Lives Thursday
 
and    



 © Paloma King