Posts by Bekah Banihashemi
Bruschetta – A Hot or Cold Appetizer for a Warm or Chilly Fall Night
The seasons are changing. For some of us, that means dropping weather, changing leaves, and warm soups and stews. For others (like us in So Cal), we aren’t experiencing much of a weather change yet and may not for a while! It was 103º, feels like 107º today. Ha. But, here is a bruschetta recipe for either experience, one that can be made as a cold or hot appetizer.
What You Need:
1 Loaf of Whole Wheat French Bread
4 Tomatoes
2 TBS, 2 tsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Balsamic
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
Sliced Mozzarella Cheese (For the Hot Bruschetta)…
Read MoreMemories Trunk
School is back in session! Sometimes you may be planning a mini party on the inside when this time of the year rolls around; in other moments, you may enjoy reminiscing on the fun family times from the summer or even think about the previous year and how your child has grown. A memories trunk is a fun craft to keep your child’s memories organized on the inside and the outside. It is also budget-friendly if you are willing to take the time! I decorated my trunk as a wedding gift that I gave to my now-husband with our engagement photos. Right now it is being used for storage, but eventually, when we have more space, I would love for it to be filled with memories of our love adventure! I am also now inspired to find one for each of our children in the future!
What you need:
Vintage Trunk
Paint and paintbrushes (Optional)
Stencils (Optional)
Photos
Mod podge
Embellishments (Optional)
How to:
1. Buy a trunk! It definitely took patience and determination to find a trunk in good shape for a reasonable price. But, I eventually found a great trunk at a thrift store for $60!
2. You may want to paint your trunk. My trunk started as a forest green color. I decided to paint the base of it as a more neutral color that would match better in our home. The top I painted purple to be more unique.
3. Embellish! Use stencils to put your child’s name. Find creative ways to spell our your child’s name – I used old typewriter keys, that I found at a swap meet, to spell out a phrase and date on my trunk.
Put photos on the top of your trunk from your child’s first day of school each …
Read MoreRoasted Veggies
Vegetables are always a staple side dish in our family! They usually get eaten within the first 5 minutes after being prepared- so if you are ever over for dinner, you better be on your game to get your fair share of the veggies 😉 Here is a quick and easy way to roast your vegetables in the oven…
Combo #1: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts [Halved] (I used Broccoli and Cauliflower)
Combo #2: Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Bell Peppers
What Else You Need:
— Cookie Sheet with a High Rim
— Foil
— Olive Oil
–Your Choice of Seasoning (I used Complete Seasoning and Garlic Powder)
WHAT TO DO:
1. Choose your combo of vegetables and chop them up. Place a sheet of foil on the cookie sheet and all the veggies on top.
2. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle seasoning over the veggies.
3. Place in the oven to roast veggies at 450 for ten minutes. Continue at 350 for another 10 minutes. At this point, check them and continue at the low heat if needed.
What is your favorite way to eat vegetables?
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Moving On Up
A few weeks ago, my husband and I were notified that we had been placed in Southern California for his rotations and last two years of medical school! We were very excited as this was our first choice of placement! However, we knew it would be a quick turnaround to get right to work to find a place to live in a very short amount of time. We went to look for our new home- our first time getting to actually pick an apartment since we have been married! We are definitely rookies as we didn’t know ALL the questions to ask and EVERYTHING to look for in each apartment; however, we think we still were able to find what we were looking for! Moving can be stressful, but it really helps to do research before on the area you are moving to! Contact friends or friends of friends who live or have lived in the area, and think about what you are wanting in your new home so that when it comes down to decision time you know what you are willing to potentially sacrifice and what aspects you will not budge on!
Here are some great questions and checklists to consider when renting a new home…
1. This checklist from LifeHacker.com is a great way to remember to ask the important questions and have a clear way to record the answers. The article states…
“The checklist form is in PDF format and you can download it via the link below. Just print it out and take it with you when you’re at an apartment showing, and fill out the two pages with the answers you receive. This will provide a nice refresher when you’re going back and trying to choose the right apartment. You may also want to …
Read MoreTrader Joe’s Yummies
On Saturday, we will be heading out with our loaded moving truck to move to our new home! Trader Joe’s is a 6 minute drive from our new place! This was one of the first places I checked once we received our placement and will be one of our first stops once settled in. I love Trader Joe’s, and after living out of the country without it, I love it even more! I feel like I fill my basket to the brim and am always so surprised with the affordability of the groceries! Here are a few of my favorites…
Breakfast: Rolled Oats
You wouldn’t think that a brand or style of oats would make that much of a difference, but it really does! And the rolled oats from TJ’s are definitely my favorite!
Cereal: Puffins
Great with milk or to just toss in a bag for a snack while you are out!
The Healthy Snack: Organic Apple Strawberry Fruit Wrap
An easy on-the-go snack to throw in your purse!
The Somewhat Healthy Snack: Peanut Butter Pretzels
These are delish, but be careful, it is very easy to eat too many (or half the bag)!
The Healthier Chip: Flaxseed Chips
A crunchy chip with a healthy twist!
The Side: Farro
Takes 10 minutes to make and has a variety of uses! Make as a side for Mediterranean or Mexican, or use it as your base for a salad
The Peanut Butter: Creamy Salted Peanut Butter from unblanched peanuts
My all-time favorite peanut butter! Made from roasted peanuts and salt, no added sugar, and delicious on anything and everything!
The Patty: Masala Burgers
A vegetarian patty with Indian spices!
The Dangerous Dessert: Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds with Sea Salt and Turbinado Sugar
If you have not tried these, you should stop …
Read MorePB Snickers Cookie Ice Cream Pie
At the beginning of our blogging adventure, Kerry/Mom posted how delicious Ice Cream Pie is and how great it is for any type of celebration! My husband finished his first set of medical national boards (Aka USMLE Step 1) and I planned a surprise party with family and friends to celebrate this big accomplishment! And, I decided what better way to celebrate than with an Ice Cream Pie- A Peanut Butter Snickers Cookie Ice Cream Pie! Mmmm 🙂
What You Need for This Pie:
Large Springform Pan
Package of Oreo Cookies – Regular, Not Double Stuf
Ice Cream: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cookies & Cream
Bag of Mini Snickers
Peanut Butter (Any kind will do, but I used Kirkland Natural PB)
1 Small Ziploc Bag (May need more if not using food processor)
Food Processor (optional)
The How To:
1. Take the ice cream out so that it is slightly melted once ready to be added to the pie. Use a food processor to crush about 20 Oreos. If you do not have a food processor, put 20 Oreos into a large ziploc bag and crush by hand into as small of pieces as possible. Dump the pieces into the springform pan and flatten the layer to create the crust. You can take a plastic or not sharp knife to the sides of the bag to scrape off what gets stuck and add to the bottom layer.
2. Use a flat ice cream scoop or 2 spoons to make horizontal slices in the ice cream. Start with Chocolate and place the slices on top of the Oreos. Do this until the Oreos are covered. Smooth the Chocolate layer out to create a flat layer. 
3. Put 1/3 of a cup of peanut butter into a …
Read MoreSister Encouragement
I love having sisters and being able to share interesting and encouraging things with each other. Yesterday, Jess sent us a text of a photo with a few verses that were such a great reminder of how our Heavenly Father cares for us!
In God’s heart, you are…
CREATED
“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14
CHOSEN
“The Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession.” Deuteronomy 14:2
CELEBRATED
“He will take great delight in you…He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
CHERISHED
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
Take these to heart and remember how much God loves you! Also, never forget how much a quick text can mean to someone! Even just a short hello or an encouraging Bible verse can make a huge difference!
and 
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Read MoreGluten Free Pumpkin Mini Muffins
This week, my mom and I are hosting a party where kids will be present! We wanted to find a healthy recipe for a morning snack that the children would especially enjoy! Not only are these muffins healthy (no flour, oil , butter or sugar!!), but they are the perfect size for a little snack. I found this recipe from Spokane Dinner Club and adapted it to become the Gluten Free Pumpkin Mini Muffins!
INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 Cups of Oats
1 Cup Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
1/2 Cup Honey
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1 TBS Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice (Also used in our Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls)
– 2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
– 1 tbsp. ground ginger
– 1 tsp. ground allspice
– 1 tsp. ground cloves
– ¾ tsp. ground nutmeg
(Optional) Mini Chocolate Chips, Raisins, Walnuts
DIRECTIONS: [Makes 45 Mini Muffins]
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin tins with cooking spray.
2. Combine the Oats, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Pumpkin Pie Spice in a mixing bowl. Combine all other ingredients in a blender. Mix together and add the oat mixture 1/2 a cup at a time. If you are using any other mix-ins, you can either stir them in after all other ingredients are blended together or sprinkle them on top of the batter in the muffin tin.
3. Divide batter into the prepared muffin tins and bake for 15 minutes.
ENJOY 🙂
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Father’s Day Crafts
This Sunday is Father’s Day- a great day to celebrate such a meaningful person in my life! And, fun for us, it happens to be our dad’s birthday on Sunday, too! Here are 2 fun and easy craft ideas to make your dad or your children’s dad feel very special on his day!
(1) For the last few weeks, we have been minimizing STUFF in the house so Bethany and I thought of a way to create a sentimental gift without it adding to the stuff in the house. We are making a bag of ALL THINGS POP! Pop, or Poppa, is what we call our Dad, but don’t worry you can still do this idea if you don’t call your Dad Pop! What we are doing is finding all types of foods and treats that have pop in the name or things that pop- the other way to do this is just to make a grab bag/basket/crate/bucket of all your dads favorite things or even use ideas that utilize all different names for Dad! You can even make the treats theme specific to your Father’s Day plans! Our list includes…
POPcorn
POP Chips
POPsicles
LolliPOPs/Blow POPs
Homemade Rice Krispie Treats (Snap, Crackle, POP)
Bubble Gum (Goes POP)
Soda Pop (If your dad likes Root Beer, it’s cute to get Dad’s Brand for this gift)
POPpyseed Bagel
Cake POPS
(2) Another cute idea I found from The Dating Divas…Let your dad and/or your children’s dad know how much you love them with The Dating Divas Printable (find it here) or make your own!
What you need:
Frame
Photos
If you choose not use The Dating Divas printable, you will also need…
Letter Stickers
1. Find a frame (12×12 or 11×14) and a piece of card stock and letter …
Read MoreEstablishing Family When Your Family Is Not Around
My husband and I arrived back in the states a few days ago after living in the Caribbean for two years. Although we are glad to be back and excited for the next step in this medical school journey, there are also a lot of things we will miss about our life in Grenada- the beaches, the warmth, the beauty…but most of all we will miss our Grenadian family! When you live on a small island where most of the people you interact with are in the same life experience as you, you are bound to make friends. But, we were blessed with so much more than just friendship! Our core group of friends really became our family! We celebrated holidays together, we were in Bible studies and book groups together, we laughed with one another, and we cried! We encouraged one another on our “I hate Grenada” days and we prayed for each other! These friendships were definitely evidence in my life of God’s abundant faithfulness! It still has not fully sunk in that our little family will no longer be on the island together, but I am excited to see where we end up meeting up next! Because when we all left Grenada, I said my “See you later”s, not “Goodbye”s!
If you are in a time of your life of many unknowns or you have just moved to a new place or you are just feeling lonely, keep your eyes open to the friendships God is giving you! See God working in your life through the encouragement of friendships and be a light in those friends’ lives, as well! And, always remember to be the kind of friend to others that you would want to have in your life!
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