Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

These bars are so delicious. I got a thumbs up from a handful of hungry children after camp today. One little girl even asked me for the recipe. They could not be easier to make either. I hope you make these.

Recipe by The Pioneer Woman

1 3/4 sticks unsalted butter, diced (I used 2 sticks and they turned out fine)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1 packed cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 (10-12 ounce) jar strawberry preserves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl combine the butter and all the dry ingredients, using a pastry cutter or your fingers mix until it becomes combined. Press 1/2 the mixture into the bottom of a greased 13X9 inch pan. Spread the preserves on top then sprinkle the rest of the oat mixture on top of the jam and press slightly. Bake until light brown, 30-40 minutes. Let cool, then cut into squares.

Basil Spaghetti with Cheesy Broiled Tomatoes

I saw this recipe on Pinterest and made it for dinner last night. I love how quick it all came together. Perfect for a hot summer night. So good.

recipe by Real Simple

12 ounces spaghetti
3 large beefsteak tomatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds each cut into 4 thick slices)
3 Tbsp olive oil plus more for baking sheet
kosher salt, black pepper
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, grated
1/4 cup parmesan, shaved
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves

Cook pasta al dente according to package directions, drain, return to pot. Preheat broiler, arrange tomato slices on a lightly oiled rimmed baking sheet. Season with a 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper. Dividing evenly, sprinkle each slice with the cheeses. Broil until bubbly and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.

In a small saucepan heat oil, garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add the garlic oil, salt and pepper and torn basil to the pasta, top with broiled tomatoes and extra shaved parmesan.

Bathrooms (before and after)

They are completed. Our outdated bathrooms finally match the rest of our house. We couldn't be happier with the results. I apologize in advance for all the pics.

Before

After

Boys before

After

InstaFriday

 making bird feeders. the squirrels have carried them away. I really need a BB gun.

 good will frames, spray paint, happy day.

 Hobby Lobby already has Christmas decor out....Oh Dear.

 Wii bowling on the deck.

 little man broke his arm=very long summer.

 watching cousins swim meet., very exciting. Go HAYLEY!

Slow Cooker French Dip

Don't make these sandwiches because they look pretty...make them because they'll knock your socks off.

recipe slightly adapted from allrecipes.com

4 pound rump roast
1 bottle bear
1 can beef consomme
1 can french onion soup
1 can beef broth
1 onion, sliced
croissants
horseradish
provolone cheese

place sliced onion into slow cooker. Rinse and dry roast and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place into slow cooker. Pour in the beer, beef broth, soup, and consomme. Cook on low heat for 6 hours. Until the meat shreds.  Slice your croissants and place under broiler until slightly brown. Slather on horseradish, top with shredded beef and a slice of cheese. Place back under broiler until cheese is bubbly. Pour some of the liquid into a bowl for dipping. So.Good.

Happy Father's Day

No man can possibly know what life means, what the world means, until he has a child and loves it. And then the whole universe changes and nothing will ever again seem exactly as it seemed before.
                                                                                     
                                                                              ~Lafcadio Hearn