We love getting creative with art supplies, so you can imagine our delight when we heard about My Masterpiece Art Studio in Portland, Oregon.

This hands-on fine art studio offers all the high quality art materials and inspiration you need to sculpt, paint, draw, create collages, prints and produce amazing works of art.

The Open Studio is set up for a drop-in style between Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  For a flat fee, you purchase your art medium of choice and a world of art supplies await your creative juices.

From clay and monochromatic drawing to watercolor and acrylic painting – this art studio has it all and for every age Picasso.

Clay creations getting ready for the kiln.

This creative space is a conducive environment for children and their families to creatively interact in 3,000 square feet of creative space.

Art packages start at $8.00 for studio “singles” and pottery options and range to $18.00 for a Master’s Kit including canvas, pastel paper, sulfite drawing paper, a pound of clay, firing and tickets to glaze your clay creations.  Many other kits and options fall in between the categories.

In addition to the drop-in studio, the art studio also offers classes, special events, camps and art parties.  Themes change each month and new classes ranging from an hour or more to camps provide extra instruction.

Art classes begin teaching age two and extend upwards with workshops for adults.  Artists guide students in using imagination, memory or observation to create art masterpieces you will want to display.

One of the days we visited, a Harry Potter theme was being presented so art kits were available to match the theme along with tastings of Butterbeer, Harry Potter Jelly Bellies and other theme-related snacks.

Plan on at least several hours of dedicated art studio time.  Each time we visited, my kids groaned when it was time to leave as we did not allocate enough time before sport practices or other commitments.

I highly recommend this wonderful, creative art experience for kids ranging from 2 to adult!

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“The Garden of Awakening Orchids” – the meaning of Lan Su Yuan.

With gorgeous Chinese architecture flanked by water and thousands of authentic plants, the garden offers a glimpse into Chinese culture, history and ways of thinking.

We were delighted to discover that the garden is a treasure-trove of delights for visitors of all ages.   At every turn, stories and legends from Chinese culture are unearthed in this  educational garden.  As you move amongst pavilions through zig-zag stone paths, mysteries await as you help children see both “what is revealed as well as what is concealed”.

You can join in on a docent-led tour or use a helpful Family Discovery Guide, revealing items to look for while touring the garden.  In the Boathouse, the Family Discovery Guide challenges guests to spy five bats flying among clouds found in a wood carving somewhere in the premises.  Later, children can search for the double rainbows resting in the Clouds Bridge or the five bats inside a bat-shaped drip tile.

My kids loved learning how the stones in the Tranquility Courtyard were used similarly to reflexology to stimulate the feet, body and mind.  Each stone was hand-placed and configured to create a design and to serve a purpose.

We sniffed our way through the Fragrance Courtyard, exploring nooks and crannies and learning about new varieties of plants, trees and flowers, along with their uses. Trees and plants more than 100 years old flanked the winding pathways.

Pulling Fortune Sticks

One of our favorite discoveries were the Chinese Fortune sticks that we pulled to determine our upcoming good fortune.

Chinese Fortune Stick

Appropriately, my son’s read “Wealth will come to you through marriage or home.”

Our tour guide shared that a popular activity is to try to count all the fish in Lake Zither, so the boys jumped to the challenge.

Searching for fish in Lake Zither.

I highly recommend participating in the docent led tours.  Our engaging, knowledgeable tour guide entertained all four of our pre-teens with her captivating stories, information and note-worthy identifications throughout the tour.

Throughout the week, various events take place at the garden ranging from Calligraphy, Mahjong, Tai Chi and live music, for example.  Check the upcoming event calendar to plan your visit.

The Lan Su Chinese Garden is open to visitors seven days a week, year-round, closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Winter Hours run November 1 – March 31 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and during the Summer Hours running April 1 – October 31 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Admission gains access to the Garden, Teahouse and for public tours and exhibits and costs $28 for a family pass covering two adults and two students; or  $9.50 for adults; $8.50 for Seniors; $7.00 for students ages 6-18 and college students with identification.  Children five and under are free.

On the premises, a teahouse serves tea and traditional snacks while numerous Chinese restaurants, just beyond the walls of the garden, offer traditional Chinese fare.

Post garden visit, the kids loved sampling the varieties of Dim Sum and tea found in a nearby restaurant.

This was a surprisingly fun adventure and unlike any destination my kids and I had ever explored before.  We  recommend you immerse yourself in the culture of China and get lost inside this enchanted garden. 

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I, like many of you, have a new addiction.  That addiction is called Pinterest.  I now have more ideas and more recipes pinned than I could use in two lifetimes!  My goal is to try at least one recipe I have pinned each week.

I have found though that the comments on Pinterest don’t always hold true.  It’s a little bit of a risk when you try something you’ve pinned.

I found that the Melt in Your Mouth Chicken did not melt in my mouth.  It actually did nothing in my mouth.  Boring and bland.

The I Want to Marry You Cookies were good but not sure they were marriage worthy.

Then I saw a recipe for popcorn – the pinner assured us that they were totally obsessed with this popcorn and couldn’t get enough of it.  There was no link back to a blog so unfortunately I can’t give them credit because they were right!  My faith was restored in Pinterest.  I could believe what I read!!

This popcorn is pretty delicious.  How could anything covered in marshmallow, brown sugar and butter not be delicious.

The popcorn looks pretty gooey doesn’t it? Well it is but amazingly enough it doesn’t stick to your hands.   Our hands were in the bowl a lot so we know for sure!

I was worried that it wouldn’t be any good the next day but I was wrong – it wasn’t quite as gooey the next day but it was still delicious.  I just sealed it up in a plastic storage bag.  Let’s just say there wasn’t a whole lot to put in the bag but I did manage to save some because I wanted to see how it kept over night.  I had to place a big sign on it so no one would eat it!!

It is quick and easy to make because it uses microwave popcorn.  You microwave the butter, sugar and marshmallows until melted and mixed together and pour over the popcorn and stir until evenly coated.  Then you spread it out on a cookie sheet – or just pour it into a big bowl.  Start eating!  I promise you won’t want to stop.

I halved the recipe and it’s a good thing I did or I would have eaten even more!!

Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe

3 bags microwave popcorn, popped and unpopped kernels removed.

2 sticks of butter

16 oz bag of mini marshmallows

1 C brown sugar

Microwave butter, marshmallows, and brown sugar for 2 1/2 min. Take out and stir. Microwave again for 1 minute. Repeat until all is melted.

When done pour over popcorn and mix. YUM!

Source: via  Pinterest

 More on TodaysMama.com:

Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats 

Rocky Road Gourmet Popcorn (with mini marshmallows)

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1. Baby Bedding – Our baby bedding was really the focal point of our nursery.  My mother-in-law first asked us which color scheme and theme we wanted.  We gave her some ideas, and she found an absolutely adorable, modern pink and chocolate baby bedding theme.  From that point on, all of our baby blankets, mattress sheets, cushions, and nursery items all complimented our adorable baby bedding.  It’s a wonderful way to kick start the nursery
2. Pregnancy Pillow – My Boppy pillow offered me ultimate sleep comfort throughout my pregnancy and several months afterwards.  With a beach ball-sized belly, I could no longer rest on my back.  I couldn’t sleep without the Boppy in my arms and in between my legs.  The “S” shape of the Boppy also made it simple to use as a breastfeeding cushion.  It was truly a sleep necessity.
3. Diaper Genie – If you don’t already know, you will incur a massive amount of stinky diapers for a couple years.  The odor can linger like rotten cheese!  The Diaper Genie is essential to keep the smell under control.  It is easy to change and keeps the nursery smelling clean and odorless.
4. Baby Sling/Backpack – Holding your little one skin to skin is a precious way to bond.  However, when you need your hands free to take care of things, put your baby in a sling or backpack.  I prefer a front backpack so baby is snug against me and can listen to my heartbeat.  Since my daughter always wanted to be held, the backpack was the best way for me to get things done.
5. Sleep Sheep – It took us quite some time to show our daughter when sleep time was.  We created a routine to turn out the lights, feed, swaddle and play calming white noise.  The Sleep Sheep is a cuddly animal which plays calming sounds such as ocean waves, rain, whale calls and babbling brooks.  Our daughter recognized the sounds and it quickly put her to sleep.  We took it everywhere we went.
6. First-Aid Kit – There are many first-aid kits for babies that include everything for emergencies.  We actually have two that we keep in the bedroom and car.  It’s something you don’t want to need to use, but something you cannot be without.
7. Bouncy Seat – When you need to break away to do laundry or dishes, a bouncy seat is an awesome way to keep your baby safe and entertained.  It’s a great way to work your baby’s leg muscles to prepare for walking, and super fun for the baby.  There are many built-in toys that are great for your baby’s development.

These items have been the most helpful and memorable of the baby shower presents we received.  Whether you decide to get baby crib bedding or a Diaper Genie, choose something that will make it much easier for the parent-to-be.  Having a baby is more than a full-time job, it’s an incredible life change.

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Being outdoors, there is not much you can control.  You can’t control how the air smells, or the car that drives down the road, or the particular person nearby who is sick.  Sure, you make every attempt to keep your baby away from hazards, but you take the chance every time baby is outdoors.  What you can control is keeping your baby’s nursery safe, sanitary and totally free from dangerous toxins.

Cleaning

Keeping your nursery clean is crucial to providing a safe environment for your baby.  Make sure you regularly clean the carpets using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.  This filter will help get rid of the majority of harmful pathogens, allergies, dust particles, pet dander and more.  According to a 2002 U.S. Geological Survey, 80% of cleaning solutions leave behind a residue which may include antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides, etc.  That is a sad exchange for germ-free surfaces!  These chemicals can be very harmful if ingested or inhaled and can have an effect on the development of your baby’s immune system.  Go to the store and get yourself some non-toxic cleaning products.  They are just as effective and smell significantly better.  You can also try home remedy cleaning solutions that are tremendously less costly and free of toxic residue.

Crib Bedding

Your crib bedding is the last thing your little one sees before bedtime and the first thing your newborn sees once he/she wakes up.  You newborn will spend about 2/3rds of the time resting in the crib, so choosing safe baby crib sets and taking proper care of it should be one of your top priorities.  Mattresses containing wool or latex can trigger allergies, so try buying an organic mattress or allow a regular baby mattress to air out for at least one month prior to bringing baby home.  Buying organic baby bedding and clothes are also an ideal alternative.  Organic baby bedding is free from chemical finishing agents that are used to preserve the material.  Choose baby bedding which is 100% certified organic cotton so it is soft, comfortable and breathable.  Make sure to wash all items using fragrance-free detergent and no fabric softener.

Painting

Painting your nursery walls is a good way to create a nice ambiance for your nursery.  Make sure not to paint while your pregnant and also use paint that has no or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  This goes the same for sealers and finishers for furniture.  Buying unfinished furnishings is even better, but realistically, buying new furniture is not always feasible.  Again, give your nursery several months to air out before bringing baby home.  An air purifier with HEPA filter is also valuable in eliminating allergens, dust particles, asthma inducers, chemicals, biological contaminants and so on.

Take proactive measures to guarantee your baby’s nursery is safe and free from toxins.  I would recommend preparing and sanitizing your nursery several months before baby is due to ensure all possible contaminants are eliminated.  You may not be able to control outside variables from imposing harmful agents, but you can definitely control turning your nursery into a safe sanctuary for your newborn.  Taking eco-friendly precautions is not only safer for your treasured little one, but mother nature will thank you for it.

The post How To Keep Your Nursery Clean, Safe and Free From Toxins appeared first on Portland Mama.

Well, a few years ago I discovered how moist and lovely dark meat can be and started using chicken thighs in my cooking.  Not only are they nice and moist but they are also a lot less expensive!

This recipe calls for chicken thighs but for you non dark meat eaters it would also work just fine with a chicken breast.

I usually use boneless, skinless chicken thighs when I cook but this recipe works best with thighs with the skin on them which I could only find with the bone in so that’s what I used.  I have also made this recipe with the boneless, skinless chicken thighs but prefer the thighs with the skin on.

I know I’m getting some extra fat with the skin on but the skin forms such a nice lovely, crispy coating that is just so delicious it’s worth the extra calories!

This recipe comes together very quickly and the cooking time is only thirty minutes so you can get dinner on the table quickly!

Served with rice or potato it makes for a nice, easy weekday meal.

The main seasoning in this recipe is oregano but I think it you could substitute that out for another favorite seasoning such as rosemary, thyme or whatever your favorite is.

Oregano Chicken

Printable Recipe

6 chicken thighs, with the skin and bones

2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp minced onion

1/2 tsp garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 C olive oil

1/2 lemon, juiced

zest of one lemon

Rinse your chicken and then pat dry.  Mix together seasonings.  Rub the seasonings over the chicken pieces and place top side down in a 9 x 13 baking dish.

Mix together your oil, lemon juice and zest.  Drizzle half the mixture over the chicken.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.  Half way through turn the chicken pieces over and drizzle with the remaining lemon juice mixture.  After meat is cooked place the pan under your broiler for 5 minutes to crisp up the skin if needed.  Watch carefully!

adapted from a recipe at allrecipes.com

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You can used dried cranberries or change it up a bit and used dried pomegranate or dried cherries. I found both of them right next to the dried cranberries.

You have a creamy, yummy layer of dried cranberries, sugar and sour cream nestled in between layers of crunch oats, brown sugar and butter.

A great combination of flavor and texture.

Cranberry Sour Cream Bars

from Better Homes and Gardens

Printable Recipe

1 C butter, softened

1 C brown sugar, packed

2 C quick cooking oats

1 1/2 C flour

1 tsp baking soda

2 C dried cranberries, pomegrantes or cherries

1 C sour cream

3/4 C sugar

2 Tbsp. flour

1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

Heat oven to 350. In a bowl mix together butter and brown sugar. Stir in oats and 1 1/2 C flour and baking soda until mixture is crumbly. Press half of the mixture into an ungreased 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 10- 12 minutes or until golden brown.

In another bowl mix remaining ingredients except for reserved oat mixture. Pour over baked crust. Crumble reserved oat mixture over filling.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until top is golden brown and filling is set. Cool. Enjoy.

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I have recently become somewhat of a Pinterest junkie. My “To Try” recipe list has quadrupled as a result! Today’s recipe is one that caught my eye one day as I was Pinning away!

This recipe from Lake Lure Cottage is quick and easy just like any crock pot recipe should be. Isn’t that why we use our crock pot? We want dinner to be quick and easy!

I served it over rice with a little sprinkling of green onion and sesame seed. It would be great with some stir fried veggies too! This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs so the meat is nice and moist. The cooking time is only about 3-4 hours on low.

What is your favorite crock pot recipe?

Teriyaki Chicken in the Crock Pot

Printable Recipe

12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
3/4 C sugar
3/4 C soy sauce
6 Tbsp cider vinegar
3/4 tsp ground ginger
3/4 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp pepper
4 1/2 tsp cornstarch
4 1/2 tsp cold water

Place chicken in a 4 qt. crock pot. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, soy sauce, cider vinegar, ginger, garlic and pepper. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken to a serving platter; keep warm. Skim fat from cooking liquid or put it through a mesh strainer. Place liquid in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into liquid and stir until sauce is thickened. Serve with chicken and rice.

Note: I halved the recipe and it still worked fine in my crock pot. I kept the amount of sauce the same and it was done in about 2 1/2 hours.

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This recipe is one that I usually have all the ingredients on hand, or almost all. So when I don’t know what to fix for dinner, pasta is usually the answer.

This particular recipe calls for Italian Sausage but you could also use ground chicken, turkey or hamburger. Whatever you have.

If you don’t have fresh basil, use dried instead.

It uses canned tomatoes and I always have a few cans of those in the pantry.

I used penne pasta but any size or shape will do.

You can really just make it up as you go along. It’s hard to go wrong!

So what’s your favorite Go To meal for Fall?

Creamy Tomato and Sausage Pasta

Printable Recipe

1 lb. mild Italian Sausage

2 – 3 Tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 tsp fresh basil, sliced (reserve some to garnish with) or use 2 tsp dried basil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

3 cans (15 oz.) diced tomatoes

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1 1/2 C cream

1 box penne pasta

Brown the sausage . Cook pasta according to the box. Heat olive oil in a pan and add garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Saute until garlic is soft. Add in tomatoes and cream. Stir until it begins to thicken. Add sausage back in and then pour over pasta. If it seems to thick just thin it with some additional cream. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil.

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When we decided to go to a free symphony concert in the park last weekend with friends I thought it was the perfect excuse to make a cake. Who wouldn’t enjoy a concert in the park and a cake?!

Lemon is usually my flavor of choice when it comes to a cake.

My pink vintage cake plate and vintage tablecloth were the perfect addition to the more vintage inspired cake. I decided to just put the butter cream between the layers and let the cake edges show. Love it! That way I don’t have to worry about my poor cake decorating skills either!

When we arrived at the park for the concert there were quite a few oohs and aahs over the cake.

At intermission a nice lady came down and said, “I just have to ask, did you make the cake yourself? We’ve been discussing it throughout the concert if you had. I was sure you had.” She was so cute. I told her I had made it and then sent her off with a big piece of cake to share with her friends!

So don’t wait for a birthday to make a cake – make one just because!

This recipe came from an old Southern Living magazine that I have held onto for years. Not sure why I waited so long to try out this recipe!

Lemon Butter Cream Cake Recipe

Printable Recipe

8 egg yolks

3/4 C butter, softened

1 1/4 C sugar

2 1/2 C cake flour

1 Tbsp baking power

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 C milk

1 tsp lemon zest

1-2 tsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375. Beat egg yolks in mixer at high speed for about 4 minutes or until thick and pale. Beat butter until creamy and add in sugar. Beat well. Add in beaten egg yolks until well combined.

Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to sugar mixture alternating with 3/4 C milk. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix at low speed until blended after each addition. Mix in 1 tsp lemon zest, 1-2 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp vanilla. Divide batter between 3 greased and floured 9 inch round cake pans.

Bake for 13-17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for about 10 minutes and then remove cake from pan to wire rack. Let cool for 1 hour or completely cool until frosting.

Lemon Butter Cream Frosting

1 C butter, softened

2 tsp lemon zest

1/4 C fresh lemon juice

1 package (32 oz.) powdered sugar

2-3 Tbsp half and half

Beat butter until creamy, stir in lemon zest and juice. Gradually add in sugar. Beat at high speed for 4 minutes. Add in half and half until desired consistency for spreading is achieved.

Spread frosting between each layer of cake. Enjoy!

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