Coconut Flour Pancakes

I tried this recipe back in March, whilst the majority of my family was in Tennessee and I had lots of free time to experiment with new recipes and time to mess with food-photography. 

This is such a simple, fool-proof recipe...AND! Surprisingly, Mrs. Fauna baker over here actually followed a recipe to the T..and I didn't change anything! Shocker, right? *mouth drops open in disbelief*

So I present to you this yummy recipe via @Yummy Inspirations :

4 eggs

3 tbsp coconut flour

coconut oil for frying

Directions:

In a large bowl whisk together the eggs until smooth. 

Mix in coconut flour until smooth and thick.

Heat coconut oil in frying pan (who knew right?!...sorry, couldn't help myself)

When hot, carefully drop tablespoons of of pancake batter onto the oil.

When set, flip and cook the other side.

Once both sides are cooked and a lovely shade of golden brown, remove from heat and enjoy with your favorite topping(s)!

 Now I will further your taste-bud's love interest with this recipe and show you more pictures...

Be sure and wash it all down with a glass of fresh, cold, frothy milk.

Blessings - 

~ Aspen

 

Crazy Aunt Training 101

Crazy Aunt Training 101

 What are aunts for but to inspire their darling nieces and nephews to be just as crazy as them?! Well, in these videos below, we'll show you how to do just that! 

Video 

(click link to be taken to my photo-bucket account to see the video...)

Step One - Teach them how to scream like a wild Indian. Very important step, don't overlook this one.

Step Two - Once they've mastered Step One, you've got it. Let the craziness begin!

Blessings - 

~ Aspen

A Wedding of Special Magnificence

A Wedding of Special Magnificence 

May 23rd 2015...a day to be remembered.

On that glorious day we had the honor to witness the marriage of two love-stricken people, otherwise known as my dear brother Cimarron and his lovely wife (and my new sista!!) Courtney. A friend filmed and put this video of their wedding and reception together. Better grab a box of tissues, it's a happy-tear jerk-er. 

 ..Enjoy..

(You may have to click on the link and go to YouTube to watch it...) 

*wipes happy-tears away* So beautiful! 

Welcome to the Shannon Clan, Courtney dearest! <3

Blessings - 

~ Aspen

Feeling Hammered...

Feeling Hammered...

Yesterday afternoon was spent cleaning the pool, and by cleaning I mean little bro' and I were ankle deep in algae-green muck, with man eating water bugs swimming around us and other horrors, whilst we baled water up and over the side of the pool. 

After several hours of baling water, I felt like Chris Hemmsworth after his workout(s) for the Marvel movies. I've heard tell that he worked himself to the point of exhaustion, and had to be carried out on a stretcher...

"This mortal form groweth weak; I need sustenance!"

"A stretcher! Forthwith!"

Yep that's basically how I felt. My back and legs refused to quit acting like jelly, and instead of walking around like a normal human-being, I walked around like an octopus on land.. 

But, hopefully being able to swim and stay cool on these hot summerish days will pay off for my labor, sweat and blisters..

 Hanging up my hammer and calling it a day.

Blessings - 

~ Aspen

Love of The Simple (Yet Great) Things

Love of The Simple (Yet Great) Things

I cannot capture the depth of my love for the deep blue clouds that cluster in the enormous sky, or the ancient treelings that grow in vast numbers, casting and showcasing their beauty to the world... or to those who would see it's simple beauty. The modern society has not, and hopefully never will, capture my passion or love. My loves are bound up in the creational beauty, worked by God's sovereign hand. I want to bask in their great beauty, and in the quiet peace they offer, the peace and silence that I am convinced is provided by our Lord to remind us of Him, and His great strength, beauty, love and peace, that is found only in Him. Therefore, when asked why I hold such love for the simple beauties of nature, painted by our Father's hand, I can only conclude that it's a God given love of the beauties He Himself created. And Amen.

Blessings - 

 

~ Aspen

Pilgrims and Kings

Pilgrims and Kings

"In the exclusive images we see the actors as 13th century monks who must escort their monastery’s holiest relic to Rome and find their faith severely tested en route when they discover that the item is not quite what they thought. The relic certainly attracts the wrong kind of attention, which pressures them into joining forces with a knight (Armitage)."

More movie info here. 

How did I not know about this film before? I know not. I saw the below picture on Pinterest and I think my eyes bugged out. Like this: 0o

Pretty much all you need to know about it is: its medieval, filmed in Ireland and Richard Armitage plays Raymond De Merville. 

As of yet, I do not know of a release date. I'm sure you'll know when I find out... 

 A few more pictures to wet your appetite.

And, I happened upon this trailer for a retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth..and I can already tell from the trailer that it'll have some things that need to be edited out, but it still looks good. Honestly, I'd watch it just to stare at the beautiful scenery. ;) 

Macbeth - 

Blessings - 

~ Aspen

Sisterhood Award

Sisterhood Award

Rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.
• Put the award logo on your blog.
• Answer the ten questions sent to you.
• Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer.
• Nominate ten blogs.

 My dear friend, and gorgeous lassie Reyna Nicole, tagged me for this award! Thanks dearie! *sly wink*

• Do you prefer hot tea or iced tea (or are you not a fan of tea in general)? Depends on the weather. If it's hot outside; iced tea. Cloudy/rainy; hot tea!

• What are your thoughts on fanfiction? I love it! I've written some myself, and I adore reading others fanfic.

• Do you play any musical instruments? If so, what is your favorite kind of music to play? I used to play the mandolin and piano. Now I just play the radio. Actually, I adore singing and would love to pickup the piano again.
• Have you seen any movies in theaters this year or plan to see one/some others? Yes! "Beyond The Mask", and "Avengers: Age of Ultron". Planning on seeing "In The Heart of The Sea", "Mockingjay: Part II" and the 7th Star Wars movie!
• What types of poetry do you enjoy, if any? I do enjoy some poetry, but normally only if it talks about nature, etc.
• Have you ever thrown your mashed potatoes up against the wall?* Nope! I can't say I can tuck that feat under my belt! The closest I've come to that, was splattering green smoothie all over the kitchen ceiling...
• Do you like watching costume dramas? Oh goodness, YES!
• Would you rather live in the city or the country? The country, baby!
• What is one of the hardest things you have ever done? This can be physically, mentally, emotionally, all of those, etc. Oooh this is a very easy, and yet a very hard question! I don't want to pour my personal life out on my blog, so let's just say that relationships take a lot out of you, and strain you in ways you never thought possible. I'll say no more. (But they can be super rewarding!!)
• Do you own a pocketknife? If so, how often do you have it with you? Yes, several! The main one I use is attached to my pliers. I would have it on me now, except I'm in my jammies (uncomfortable for sleeping, you understand)... but normally I have them on me 24/7.

I tag:

Beth @ Adventures of An Elven Princess

Angelina @ The Randomness of a Teenage Writer 

Sarah @ Sarah'Sword 

Miss Laurie @ Old-Fashioned Charm 

Deborah @The Road of a Writer  

Martha Joy @ The Father's Kingdom 

My questions:

• Would you consider yourself a health-nut?
• Favorite movie adaption of Robin Hood?
• Favorite historical fiction book(s) set in the middle ages?
• Given a choice, would you rather live deep in a forest dell, or high in the mountains in a log cabin? Both are tempting I know!
• Favorite Disney prince? Why?
• Axe or sword? What's your weapon of choice?
• Favorite time period? Feel free to elaborate why....
• Top three places you want to travel to. Why?
• Tell me something that is near and dear to your heart.
• Favorite musical? Why? 

Bonus question:

• Post your favorite recipe.

Thanks again, Reyna darlin'! Oooh and darlin'...your welcome to answer the above questions..I fashioned several of them with you in mind! Plus, I want to see your answers! ;)

Blessings - 

~ Aspen

Beyond The Mask

Beyond The Mask

Friends, I muchly regret that I haven't posted about this delightfully splendid movie before this time, but I am now. ;) So pay attention, this is important!

Obviously, after seeing ^the above picture, you are excitedly jumping in your seat with uncontrollable anticipation for my review of this movie. Yes, I know..calm yourself and we'll get on with it, savvy?

We saw this film in theaters in April I believe; and where do I even begin to describe the utter fabulousness, adventure, (clean) magical romance and amazing plot of this Christian based film, produced by The Burns Family.

While I doubt I'll come even close to describing how much I loved this movie (can it come out on DVD already!! Oooh and the soundtrack too!), I shall attempt to convey some of my love for this film on this post. Get ready for a wild ride, where you will be swept into a revolutionary adventure full of surprising twists and enough suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the movie.

Let us begin:

"The leading mercenary for the British East India Company, Will Reynolds has just been double-crossed and now is on the run in the American Colonies. Working to redeem his name and win back the affections of the woman with whom he's never been fully truthful, Will now hides behind a new mask in hopes of thwarting his former employer. As his past life closes in on him, Will must somehow gain the trust and the help of his beloved Charlotte - as well as Ben Franklin - while he races against time to defuse a plot of historical proportions. As Will Reynolds discovers, if we let true freedom ring, history can be redeemed!"

 A short description of the movie, as found on the Beyond The Mask website.

 There have been lots of Christian-based films in the past, but let's face the facts, most (not all), but most were pretty lame. Yes, they were trying to convey a good message, but they just came across as rather cheesy. And as this reviewer put it, the main issue holding back small production Christian films from being big hits, are the lack of funds that most poses. 
This movie is the exception.
 It looks like something Hollywood could have produced, minus all the junk. Who says you can't make a film with action, adventure, a good message, and romance even, without all the obscenities? Well you can in fact, BTM has proved that!

Now let's take a minute and talk about the lovely actors and actresses;

Andrew Cheney 
I'd seen this actor in one other movie, Seasons of Gray, and loved his portrayal of the character. And he absolutely blew me away with his performance in Beyond The Mask. 

John Rhys Davies 
I know him best for his portrayal of Gimli in Lord of The Rings, and as always, he did not disappoint. Love this actor!!

Kara Killmer
I'd never seen this actress before, and to be honest I was concerned that I would not like her character, but she proved me wrong. I absolutely adored her as Charlotte! She had a mind of her own, and was willing to jump in (literally sometimes) and help where she could, but she maintained her femininity whilst doing it, and did not come across at all as the 'warrior chic' that we are so used to seeing, who can hold their own against all odds and never think twice about asking a man for help. She was not like that at all, thank goodness. ;)

A theme I always love in movies is the clear character transformation that takes place. A fine example of this would be Will. He starts out as a mercenary, blindly following orders, 

to covering as a clergyman,

 to falling (literally) in love with beautiful Charlotte, 

to The Highway Man,

and finally to the point of realization that nothing he can do can cover the sins of his past life, only through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ can he be made free!

And Amen.

I loved the humor that was sprinkled throughout the film, there were so many times where I caught myself giggling with delight over a well-placed line. And the romance...don't even get me started! I'm not even going to try and express my love for it. Let's just say, by the end of the film I was completely jealous of Charlotte and her dashing rogue! ;) 

This is another reoccurring theme in the movie that I loved;

The locations, scenery, and historic backdrops they used were breathtaking! I just wanted to crawl through the screen and live there. The costumes and setting were perfect, and the attention the filmmakers paid to every little, tiny detail made the movie that much more beautiful. So bravo on a job well done! I look forward to many more movies issuing from your fabulous film network! And if you ever need an extra...*raises hand enthusiastically* I'm willing to fly up and volunteer.


This swashbuckling adventure is sure to please all ages, of audiences everywhere!

You can find a list of cities showing, Beyond The Mask, here. Hurry! The cutoff line to see it is this weekend!


And just to get you even more exciterated, here is the official movie trailer for Beyond The Mask:

 Let's show Hollywood that we can make movies full of adventure, romance and general epicness that audiences love, without all the junk  they seem to think necessary to put in every. single. movie they produce! Let's join in the revolution of Christan filmmakers and

Buy your tickets NOW and go watch this epic movie!

Blessings - 

~ Aspen


And one last picture, because it's just adorable: