Posts by Bekah Banihashemi
Wormies by jana Passion Perspective Recap and Giveaway Winner
Monday: Get to Know Jana and Her Wormies!
Tuesday: Learn more about Jana’s Journey of Her Wormy Business!
Wednesday: Read about Jana’s Passion Perspective Interview and her faith has played a part of the journey of developing her Wormy business!
Thursday: Real Reviews from Real Moms on why Wormies are so great for their kids!
And the winner is…
KIM RAY!!! You won a WORMY!!
And guess what…We have another winner…
ALINA SHAPOVAL!!! You won a WIGGLE WORMY!!!
You will be receiving an email soon with directions on how to customize your wormy or wiggle wormy!! We hope you all enjoyed our Wormies by Jana Passion Perspective!
If you did not win our Wormies by Jana Giveaway, you can go order your customized Wormy and/or Wiggle Wormy here!
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Read MoreWormies Reviews from Moms!
…Read More“When it comes to finding that special little something to give to a precious newborn baby [& older!], Wormies are your best bet! I’ve ordered several of these original and custom wormies as gifts for baby showers, young birthday parties and even Christmas. Jana does such an amazing job coordinating with you to best customize each individual Wormy. She focuses on the small details from color and pattern themes, to the style or personality of the young one, and especially each Wormies’ hand embroidered face and child’s name on the bottom. Each of these details help create a unique wormy to perfectly represent the child you are gifting! I recently contacted Jana to create two more Wormies for some special baby boys in Kona, and I can’t wait to see the first time they play with their very own Wormies! The best feeling is when the mother sends you a picture of their child at older ages, still clinging tight to their playful and cuddly Wormy.” (Kayla Jones)
“I have purchased many Wormies from Jana over the past years. They are the perfect gift to give at a baby shower or even a first birthday. Wormies are soft and the perfect size for a baby to hold and cuddle! Jana always puts together the perfect colors and patterns, and she even embroiders the child’s name onto the Wormy’s tail piece. They are one of a kind gifts for sure! If you know anyone with young children, get them a Wormy!” (Jillian Albert)
“Ellie’s wormie was her favorite tummy time toy. It was so soft and easy to grab. She loved to look at the little face, and I never had to worry about her putting it in her mouth because the face was sewn on and everything was very
Pasta in a Pot
We have a family tradition of letting each person in our family at specific times pick the celebration dinner meal, whether it be a birthday dinner, a significant guest coming for a visit or other special occasions to honor someone we love! One month ago we had the awesome privilege of hosting missionaries from Rwanda. Pasta in a Pot was their special request for their first night meal. Pasta is a Pot is a favorite of all my girls and I consider this missionary couple family because the wife is one of my “girls”. She lived with us for most of the year before she began her missionary career with YWAM and she has now transitioned to running her own missionary organization called “Do Something”. So here is our favorite pasta dish that was used all throughout our girls high school sports careers.
Ingredients
1 package (16 oz) large shell macaroni
8 oz provolone cheese grated
8 oz mozzarella cheese grated
2 cups Greek yogurt
1-2 lbs ground turkey
3 cloves garlic smashed
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil or 2 Tablespoons fresh basil chopped fine
2 quarts spaghetti sauce homemade or your favorite store brand
Brown the ground turkey in a large pan with the garlic and spices. When brown, add spaghetti sauce and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the shell noodles as directed. Drain and mix in a bowl with the greek yogurt. Grate the cheeses. In a large casserole, layer the creamy shell noodles, the sauce and the cheese, repeat. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Serve with a big green salad and crusty french bread.
What is one of your favorite family meals-one that has become a traditional special request dish?
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Tea Time!
As we are nearing the end of our time in Grenada, I have not been too creative with our dinner meals. However, we have recently been on a tea-kick. So, I decided to share with you our favorite types of tea! You may automatically think that because we live in the Caribbean that this would always be iced tea. Yes, it is hot outside all the time; however, inside our home, we are usually very cold. At least the inside temperature makes for a great environment for a warm mug of tea. We have some core favorite teas in the Bani Bungalow. But, being “newer” to tea drinking, I sought the help of the other Weisser Women for their tea recommendations, as well.
Our Favorite Hot Teas:
Trader Joe’s Organic Spiced Rooibos Ruby Red Chai Tea (My absolute favorite — Great for anytime)
Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Green Tea (New Holiday Favorite)
Honey Vanilla Camomille (Camomille teas are soothing and have a balanced flavor)
Green Tea (Good comfort tea)
Chai Tea (Spicy, love the cinnamon taste of chai)
Vanilla Rooibos (Sweet flavor)
Ginger Tea (Ginger has become more of a favorite since finding the great benefits of ginger while being in Grenada — Ginger is useful for digestive problems, arthritis, soothing a sore throat and it has anti-inflammatory properties)
Lipton Power Berry (This is one of my favorites! I like having a more fruity flavor for afternoon tea times.)
Melaleuca Tea (Ginseng flavor is for energy, Evening flavor is similar to Camomille, Lemon flavor refreshes and relaxes and is great iced, and Apple berry is refreshing and soothing)
Sleepy Time (Really does help if you have trouble falling asleep at night)
ICED TEA:
Green Tea is an all time favorite — The Weisser Women LOVE their green tea!
Tazo Green …
Read MoreEaster Table Runner & Napkins in Less than One Hour!
A simple table runner and napkins can really make your Easter table look great this year. This craft is so simple, taking less than an hour to complete, and will cost you about $5!! Go to JoAnn’s and choose a fun Spring-colored fabric, a bright floral-patterned fabric, or find a fabric that matches your Easter printables! You haven’t purchased your Easter printables yet?!? You still can right here!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/
Once you choose your fabric, you are an hour away from having a new table runner with matching napkins!
Here is what you need:
1 yd. cotton fabric (45″ width)
Thread
Iron
Scissors
Instructions:
1. Fold fabric in half lengthwise (matching selvages) and cut on fold from top to bottom. You will have 2 pieces 36″ x 22.5″
2. Lay one piece (36×22.5) aside. This will be your Table Runner.
3. Fold other piece in half (width wise) and cut so you have 2 pieces 18″ x 22.5″.
4. Fold those two in half again (lengthwise this time) and cut so you now have 4 pieces each 11.25″ x 18″. These will be your 4 napkins.
5. Fold and iron 1/4 inch on all 4 unfinished edges of each of the napkins and table runner. Fold over 1/4 inch again to make finished hem and iron in place.
6. Put contrasting color thread in your machine and stitch with a zigzag setting on all 4 sides of table runner and all 4 napkins.
7. Press and place on your dining room table.
8. Set table with all your Easter decorations and treats!
What is your favorite way to decorate your Easter table?
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Baby Shower on a Budget
A few friends and I just recently threw a baby (Ba-BEE) Shower for one of our closest friends, who is pregnant with their first child! It was BEE themed and so much fun to plan! As we are all wives of med/vet students, we are all on quite tight budgets, requiring us to be creative which ended up making the shower unique and a lot of fun!
Here are a few steps to have a great party on a tight budget:
1. Use printable decorations. This will save you money and will also serve as the fun, colorful decor, allowing you to use solid color paper products which is another money saver.
I found these great bee-themed decorations online. I printed and created the signs with card stock and twine, and I used more card stock to make DIY paper flowers on small dowels. We used TING bottles (a popular Grenadian soda) and wrapped twine around them to look like bee hives.
2. Have a DIY photo booth!
Our Mommy-to-BEE does not know what she is having, so we created a photo booth to let our guests guess the gender of Baby S with some fun props!
3. Ask friends to help with food. And/or find a friend who can make and decorate a cake to go with your theme!
We planned the party to be in the early afternoon which allowed us to have light snacks and desserts. As soon as we sent out the invitation, we were already getting asked how our guests could help with the party! We decided that we could use the most help with food! We had friends bring peanut butter & honey sandwiches (The Sweet & Salty), Homemade pretzels with chocolate (Stinger Stix), “The garden” of veggies and dip, as well as …
Read MoreLavender’s Blue Designs Recap and Giveaway Winner
Here is a Recap of our Passion Perspective week with Lavender’s Blue Designs…
Monday: Get to know Becca and Lavender’s Blue Designs!
Tuesday: Dive more into the Journey of Lavender’s Blue Designs!
Wednesday: Learn more about Becca and Lavender’s Blue Designs through our Passion Perspective Interview!
Thursday: Read reviews from actual Lavender’s Blue Designs customers
AND THE WINNER IS…
Kristen P!!!
Kristen, check your email!! At some point today, you will receive an email with your Easter Printable Pack Giveaway Gift!
Super bummed you didn’t win? Don’t worry, keep reading!! This printable pack (Click to see photos at the bottom of the linked post) will be available to you for the next 2 weeks at only $10! This pack is a sure fire way to have an awesome party of your own and to be your best Easter yet! Click the link below to purchase:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/
We know that Becca’s work is so amazing that you may have been distracted by these posts all week and possibly have forgot to sign up for The Dating Divas Marriage Makeover Conference! And, remember, this conference is ONLINE- Yep, you can listen to these amazing speakers from the comfort of your couch!! 😀
The Dating Divas are thrilled to present you with the 2014 Marriage Makeover Virtual Conference! Last year’s online event was such a huge success for so many people that we’ve created a full 7-day Online Conference, focused on strengthening the most important thing in each of our lives… our marriages!
We’re bringing together 6 of the TOP experts in marriage, parenting, intimacy, communication, and happiness to help you reconnect, re-energize and truly make-over your marriage, right from the comfort of your home, the week of April 6-12th!
Of course, we’re The Dating Divas, …
Read MoreLavender’s Blue Designs Products & Reviews
“Lavender’s Blue is a design studio offering custom stationery designs for all the celebratory events in your life, whether it’s a wedding, new baby, birthday, or just because. I also offer coordinating items such as menus, place cards, favor tags, and decorations to help you create an event that is truly unique and memorable.”
“I am a designer and teacher with a degree in architectural design. I have a passion for smart and thoughtful design, whether in architecture, drawing, graphics, photography, sewing, or crafts. Stay up to date with my current design projects at my blog www.lavendersbluedesigns.com.”
Lavender’s Blue Designs has a 5-star review on Etsy and plenty of enthusiastic reviews from very happy customers after working with Becca. Not only is Becca’s work greatly enjoyed, but customers really appreciate how detail oriented, efficient, and creative Becca is with her work through Lavender’s Blue Designs.
“Best Etsy seller I’ve worked with! So sweet, super cute packaging, and lightning-quick turnaround!”
“So friendly and efficient. She even sent me a little extra as a thank you! I will buy from her again.”
“Beautiful packaging! Timely arrival, friendly seller! Thank you!”
“I love this idea!! You are such a creative teacher.. Those kids are lucky to be in your class!! I hope you’ll have a full map. Please post a picture of it when you do get your postcards back.” Chau for the DIY Balloon Launch Postcard
“Becca is one of the most caring people I know, and her thoughtfulness fuels her creativity. Her designs are clean and modern, and nothing she does is ever without extensive deliberation. Her concern for her quality of work comes out in everything she does – even little things for friends! She is definitely a designer at heart! I have seen her designs range from eye-catching promo …
Read MorePower Balls
Power Balls are a great snack for a busy, on-the-go day or when you need a protein packed, peanut buttery deliciousness pick-me-up after a hard workout! They are delicious, healthy, and so easy to make!
[Makes about 20 balls]
INGREDIENTS:
2 Cups Dry, Old Fashioned Oats
1 Cup Peanut Butter (I used Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Peanut Butter from unblanched peanuts in one batch and Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter in the other for a sweeter version for my husband)
1 Cup Ground Flaxseed
1/3 Cup Honey
2 Tsp Vanilla
3/4 Cup Chocolate Chips (Optional, but a good option :D)
1/4 Cup – 1/2 Cup Raisins (Optional)
Saran Wrap
The fun thing about this recipe is the possibilities are endless. You can add other dried fruit, coconut flakes, nuts or other types of chocolate 🙂
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and stir well (you can also use a stand mixer on low with a paddle attachment to mix the ingredients). Because there are so many options for this snack, you can also separate the recipe into two halves to make two different flavors. Once everything is thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl with saran wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. Once it is completely chilled, roll into balls and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Your kids and husband will love these! And, you will too! It is also a great recipe to let your kids help add the ingredients and use as a fun activity! Here are some fun ideas to make an easy recipe into a great learning experience for your kids! A peanut butter protein power ball is a filling, but light snack so one batch will go a long way! Enjoy! 🙂
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Peace
I am currently in a book group/bible study/accountability group with my closest girlfriends here in Grenada. We don’t really have a name for it so I just call it my “Girls Group”. And, it is just that– Our husbands always seem so surprised when we always go overtime and can’t seem to figure out what we have to talk about for 4+ hours! 🙂 We read a book together, we talk about life together, we laugh and cry and encourage, we pray together and worship God together. The last few months we have been reading Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. (If you have never read anything by Shauna Niequist, I HIGHLY recommend it!! Cold Tangerines is my favorite so far) I had actually read Cold Tangerines in college with my softball D-group (devotional group). But, it has been really neat to go through it again in such a different place of life. It relates to my life in ways so completely different than the first time I read it and in other ways, quite similarly! Here is an excerpt from her chapter called Shalom…
“There is a way of living, a way of harmonizing and hitting a balance point, a converging of a thousand balance points and voices, layering together, twisting together, and there are moments when it all clicks into place just for a split second- God and marriage and forgiveness and something deep inside that feels like peace- and that’s the place I’m trying to get to…The word I use for it is shalom. It is the physical, sense-oriented, relational, communal, personal, ideological posture that arches God-ward. That’s the best way I can describe it. It’s equilibrium and free-fall, balance and shake. It’s a new dance, a new taste, the feeling of falling in love, the knowledge of …
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