Yearly Archives: 2013

Family Travel // family moments at zion national park

May 17, 2013

My little family was able to spend a little bit of time in St. George Utah last week, and Zion National Park.

I don’t know about you, but I can never get over how beautiful the red rocks are in Utah.  It really is something!

We love to spend time together as a family, and one of our favorite things to do together is to get out into nature and explore and go on adventures.  We decided to take the children on a hike at Zion National Park.  We ended up hiking up to the upper Emerald pools.

The children were little troopers, and made it to the top!  Well, Tommy rode in the backpack.

Norah surprised us this hike, and was Miss speedy on the way down!

It even rained a little, but it was still amazing to be in such a beautiful place!

It’s neat to think this kind of stuff is in our own “back yard” here in Utah!

Have you been to Zion National Park?  What’s your favorite hike?  Mine is Angels Landing, we couldn’t do it this time with the kids, but boy is it an amazing view from the top!

It’s fun for us to take our kids out and let them explore.  I always say that nature is the best babysitter.  You just let them free, and they have endless hours of entertainment!

We loved making memories as a family and sharing a fun moment!  Be sure to share your moments, and tag them #HDmoment, and Haagen Dazs might share your moment over on their tumblr page.

[all photos by me, taken with my Iphone]

[Disclosure: Haagen Daz sent over product samples and gifts in exchange for me blogging about their “Moment’s for Me” campaign.  All thoughts and opinions are my own]

asian style sesame almond green beans …

May 16, 2013

I love to eat fresh vegetables, and to add a little unique flavor to a vegetable that I wouldn’t normally think of.  I love the combination of freshly cooked green beans with sliced almonds and sesame.  It is the perfect addition to your meal!
Asian Style Sesame Almond Green Beans
1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced into little slivers the size of a dime
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Sea salt and Fresh ground pepper
In a large skillet, place green beans and 1/4 cup water over medium heat, and put the lid on it.  Allow the beans to steam until fork tender.
Drain the beans and set them aside.
Heat olive oil, sesame oil over medium heat.  Fry the sliced pieces of garlic on each side until golden brown and then add green beans back into the skillet a long with the almonds, sesame seeds, and some salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.  Stir over medium heat, and continue to cook until green beans are soft, but still firm.  Serve immediately.
Enjoy!

DIY giant fringe balloon …

May 15, 2013

A fun new trend hopping around is using giant balloons for party or even wedding decor!

We used these giant 36 inch round balloons I found at Zurchers at my daughters 3rd birthday party and they were a hit!

I dressed them up with some fringy crepe paper, and they really added to the event!

I am sharing my full step by step picture tutorial over on my post for Project Wedding today!  Be sure to check it out!

[all photos by me, Caroline Armelle Drake]