tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77442699378574372412014-03-30T10:28:31.932-06:00The Funambulist DamselThe Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-10330571201310968722014-03-30T10:24:00.000-06:002014-03-30T10:28:31.944-06:00The Funambilist Damsel is now- THE LAYERED LIFE! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">WE ARE NOW ON YOUTUBE!</span> </div> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/thelayeredlife"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/user/thelayeredlife</span></strong></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have done some rearranging and merged with a very talented friend of mine! Find us on YouTube with our lifestyle channel for women! We post videos every week, from recipes to home décor, dressing for your body and more...don't miss it!</span> <br />The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-56746792156254292772011-04-26T16:32:00.001-06:002011-04-26T16:38:09.264-06:00"Mums the Word" Cupcakes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTYttpcZro8/TbdGGiJ4k-I/AAAAAAAACfs/MJUROpZBmFk/s1600/IMG_7285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTYttpcZro8/TbdGGiJ4k-I/AAAAAAAACfs/MJUROpZBmFk/s400/IMG_7285.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div>With Mother's Day and hopefully some decent Spring weather coming...I thought these little beauties would be perfect! They do take some time, but are <em>very simple</em> once the busy work is done. <br /><br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">NEEDS:</span><br /><span style="color: black;">12-24 cupcakes</span><br />white frosting<br />1 bag, mini marshmallows<br />food coloring<br />sugar<br />good (very clean) kitchen scissors<br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You will begin by cutting the mini marshmallows, across the diagonal of their shape. Creating a petal like formation.You will need about 22 cut mallows for each cupcake. Only cut 3-4 at a time, because they begin to dry out before you can dip them in sugar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rq6vZzqzzfY/TbdFTQVq7FI/AAAAAAAACfo/yyoV654NPoo/s1600/IMG_7280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rq6vZzqzzfY/TbdFTQVq7FI/AAAAAAAACfo/yyoV654NPoo/s320/IMG_7280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Press them sticky side down into colored sugar. (for a short cut, just put a few drops of food coloring into regular white sugar and mix with a fork till blended) I used, yellow, green and pink. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You will repeat this step...a lot! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CniMksh69Q/TbdGoa-JufI/AAAAAAAACfw/rCHLynGLFSU/s1600/IMG_7283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CniMksh69Q/TbdGoa-JufI/AAAAAAAACfw/rCHLynGLFSU/s320/IMG_7283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you have all petals, in all desired colors, begin frosting your cupcakes with a normal amount of frosting. Work cupcake by cupcake so the frosting doesn't dry out. Start by arranging the petals in the middle and work your way out! Super simple and because nature isn't perfect- you don't have to be either! I added a nonpareil mint chip for the center, but you could really use anything cute! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqLmiT3Nz4Y/TbdHpYfJWzI/AAAAAAAACf0/VjTi8J7qhCw/s1600/IMG_7296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqLmiT3Nz4Y/TbdHpYfJWzI/AAAAAAAACf0/VjTi8J7qhCw/s400/IMG_7296.JPG" width="316" /></a></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-90454886264906998342011-02-07T14:49:00.000-07:002011-02-07T14:49:01.801-07:00Sweets for your sweetheartPeanut Butter Balls.<br /><br />Oh, so easy. <br /><br />Pretty. <br /><br />Tasty. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TVBoUxVoxrI/AAAAAAAACb0/dOuzcGZJJUA/s1600/2011-01-27+13.04.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TVBoUxVoxrI/AAAAAAAACb0/dOuzcGZJJUA/s320/2011-01-27+13.04.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">NEEDS: </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">1 C. peanut butter</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">1 C. Honey</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">2 C. Powdered milk </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mix all three ingredients in a large bowl until all clumps are gone. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on wax paper. Let cool in the fridge for 25 minutes. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once they are cool, you can roll them in powdered sugar, nuts, sprinkles OR go the fancy route and melt Almond Bark, roll in chocolate and then sprinkle them with festive loveliness.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TVBoeYRdqTI/AAAAAAAACb4/uf76XHSASu0/s1600/2011-01-27+13.03.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TVBoeYRdqTI/AAAAAAAACb4/uf76XHSASu0/s320/2011-01-27+13.03.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice the flat pieces of candy in this mix? I had leftover melted chocolate, so I grabbed flat preztels and dipped them too! There's really nothing you can't dip in chocolate...am I right, ladies?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-21050984343579645442010-11-23T23:30:00.002-07:002010-11-24T08:19:28.746-07:00NUTELLA. Need we say more?Just made this as a trial run for the Holidays. Maybe a little too bold for the Thanksgiving crowd...but definitely bustin' it out for Christmas!! Mmmmm...I am now naming this <span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>"HOLIDAY SOUP." </strong></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TO0s4d8f31I/AAAAAAAACV8/1AqHoRATUBg/s1600/I__heart__nutella_by_meppol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TO0s4d8f31I/AAAAAAAACV8/1AqHoRATUBg/s200/I__heart__nutella_by_meppol.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4 cups light cream</div>6 ounces sweet chocolate <br />1/3 cup granulated sugar <br />1/2 cup Nutella <br />4 egg yolks <br />1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped, for topping <br />1/2 cup flaked, toasted hazelnuts, for topping<br /><br />Combine cream, chocolate, sugar and Nutella in saucepan over medium heat, stirring until chocolate and Nutella have melted. Thoroughly beat egg yolks. Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate soup mixture into egg yolks, then whisk egg yolk mixture into soup. Simmer, stirring for 5 minutes. Serve hot or cold, garnished with whipped cream and nuts. (I liked it hot....) Dip anything you want in it...graham crackers, bananas, shortbread, chocolate chip cookies...pretty much anything already loaded in sugar and pure awfulness. INDULGE!The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-42619383136334945672010-11-13T10:59:00.003-07:002010-11-13T13:32:21.322-07:00Gourmet Grilled Cheese & 5 Can Chili (AMAZING)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TN7MJfTrNcI/AAAAAAAACUk/9IBv2MotbTk/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TN7MJfTrNcI/AAAAAAAACUk/9IBv2MotbTk/s400/IMG_5631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delicious. Tasty. Crispy. Melty. GOODNESS. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is much easier than you think!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Key Words: Artisan bread, Cheesemonger, Butter</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My oldest brother Shane is quite the imaginative chef. He and I will call each other and discuss recipes, the latest tips from Alton Brown and of course, 80's movies. We decided to get together and make a gourmet/hillbilly dinner. </span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That's right. Gourmet ingredients, with Hillbilly flare. </span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Grilled Cheese:</span></strong> We selected a Roasted Garlic Artisan bread from Harmon's. 1 loaf, cut into 1 inch sections. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Cheeses:</strong></span> We used a mild Fontina and a smoked Applewood Swiss imported from Denmark. Remove any wax and cut into thin slices. Then- its just old fashion grilled sandwich assembly after that. **NOTE** Artisan breads take longer to toast than regular bread. Cook on a low heat for 10-15 minutes and your cheese will melt perfectly, while your bread toasts evenly. These were AMAZING. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TN7Ox-k7V1I/AAAAAAAACUo/m25O7V965OE/s1600/IMG_5628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TN7Ox-k7V1I/AAAAAAAACUo/m25O7V965OE/s400/IMG_5628.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">THE CHILI</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another special family member that gets MAD PROPS for this recipe is my sister-in-law Camillia (not married to Shane, but my other brother Bryce....she also likes to invent in the kitchen). She gave me this recipe years ago and it... by far... is the best homemade chili ever! AND it only takes 7 ingredients, 5 of which you just open and dump in a pot! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">NEEDS: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1.5 Lbs ground beef. Browned, drained and seasoned with S&P. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 can- Buch's chili beans in mild sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 cans- Ranch style beans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 4 oz. can- chopped green chili's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 8 oz. can- tomato sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 Cups salsa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 packet of taco seasoning (not pictured, oops) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Brown meat, set aside. Open up all cans and dump contents into pot. Open taco seasoning. Add to pot. Add Meat. Stir. Let simmer for 20 minutes. EAT. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Does it get any easier than this!?!? NOPE! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TN7Qcjny3_I/AAAAAAAACUs/i0zrFB3ihr0/s1600/IMG_5622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TN7Qcjny3_I/AAAAAAAACUs/i0zrFB3ihr0/s400/IMG_5622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TN7Qj67OX_I/AAAAAAAACUw/dhTyCTRBu8Y/s1600/IMG_5623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TN7Qj67OX_I/AAAAAAAACUw/dhTyCTRBu8Y/s400/IMG_5623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To round out the evening I also made an incredible Chocolate Cake from</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "<u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.justcookalready.com/2010/03/mocha-pudding-cake.html">Just Cook Already</a></span></u>." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We watched the '<em>3 Amigos'</em> and laughed until we cried. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I highly recommend following this post to its entirety. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TN7RuW3sWxI/AAAAAAAACU0/KMhj_SOnJzs/s400/3_amigos.jpg" width="268" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**You can find a Cheesemonger at most Harmon's grocery stores in Utah. Google your zip code and <em>cheesemonger</em> and see if that helps! Its not necessary to use one, but they KNOW CHEESE! They can help you make tasty combinations, let you try the cheese before you buy it and can give you specific directions to keep your cheese tasting great**. </span></div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-78125765434013323842010-11-09T23:56:00.002-07:002010-11-10T12:26:14.562-07:00No Turkey? No Problem!If the thought of shoving a huge raw bird in your oven scares you- then we have a lot in common. Thankfully the extremely important and terrifying task of cooking the Thanksgiving centerpiece has not been given to me. As a detour from a traditional Thanksgiving, you might consider trying this incredibly tasty alternative...perfect for smaller family gatherings, or even a week night dinner if you have neighbors you want to impress!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNrxYnQs9VI/AAAAAAAACUg/V6-5HFgR_EY/s1600/dlandchristmas09+164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNrxYnQs9VI/AAAAAAAACUg/V6-5HFgR_EY/s400/dlandchristmas09+164.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I took this picture last Christmas Day. These birds looked and smelled amazing AND had a flavor that shouted "Compliments to the chef!" </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon salt </div>2 tablespoons lemon-pepper <br />1 tablespoon dried basil <br />1 tablespoon poultry seasoning <br />2 tablespoons olive oil <br />6 Cornish game hens, about 1 1/2 pounds each, rinsed and dried thoroughly <br />1 green bell pepper, large dice <br />2 stalks celery, large dice <br />1 onion, large dice <br />4 oranges (cut and separated into sections leave the peel on) <br /><br />In a small mixing bowl, stir together salt, lemon pepper, dried basil and poultry seasoning. Rub olive oil all over the hens and season each with the salt mixture. Place the hens on a baking sheet pan with plenty of space between them. You may need to use 2 pans. Loosely stuff the cavities of each hen with some green bell pepper, celery and onion and orange slices. Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F and the juices run clear. Remove the hens from the oven, loosely tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes before carving or serving.<br /><br /><br /><strong>TIPS</strong>: Line the baking sheet pan with foil under the wire rack for an easy clean-up. The veggies and herbs stuffed in the cavities of the hens will impart flavor to the meat as it cooks. Be sure not to crowd the hens on the baking sheets or else the skin won't crisp up properly and they will take much longer to cook.<br /><br />Bon Appetit!The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-91892362461831258932010-11-08T13:00:00.005-07:002010-11-08T15:17:29.833-07:00Milky Way Mug CakeIf you're familiar with my <a href="http://funambulistdamsel.blogspot.com/2010/04/8-minute-cake-amazing.html"><span style="color: #274e13;">8 MINUTE CAKE</span></a>...you're going to LOVE this one! Its fun, simple and the kiddos will love being able to make their own miniature cake! <br /><span style="font-size: large;">NEEDS: </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1 medium egg</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2 tsp. vegetable oil</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1 T. water</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1/3 Cup Chocolate (dry) cake mix </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Milky Way 'minis' or half of one full candy bar. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNhUqGZgzOI/AAAAAAAACUQ/7a27cIwX2ts/s1600/IMG_5607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNhUqGZgzOI/AAAAAAAACUQ/7a27cIwX2ts/s400/IMG_5607.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Begin by chopping up the candy bars into small chunks. Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and set aside. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients and mix well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNhVhnEOLbI/AAAAAAAACUU/NQ6oAetexs4/s1600/IMG_5609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNhVhnEOLbI/AAAAAAAACUU/NQ6oAetexs4/s400/IMG_5609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Combine all ingredients into one bowl and then pour into the mug. Microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds. Serve immediately! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNhWY6FrqOI/AAAAAAAACUY/mskKnYtB-o8/s1600/IMG_5610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNhWY6FrqOI/AAAAAAAACUY/mskKnYtB-o8/s400/IMG_5610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-20929893914658319542010-11-07T15:44:00.005-07:002010-11-07T15:47:45.361-07:00Its been far too long...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNcr2r39s-I/AAAAAAAACTk/N3jA-BxOUZA/s1600/funback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TNcr2r39s-I/AAAAAAAACTk/N3jA-BxOUZA/s400/funback.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">After nearly a 3 month absence...we are back and ready for the holidays! </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Get Ready.</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Get Set. </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Go! </span></strong></div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-4788415394314765602010-08-17T12:02:00.002-06:002010-08-17T12:04:03.001-06:00Be our guest!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Boy when you see talent and creativity like this- you just gotta share the love! I first met this incredible designer, Jenny a few years ago. I was so impressed with her creative ablilities- she makes her own clothes and does a dang good job at it. She has an etsy shop and I wanted to show off some of her amazing creations! Enjoy! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TGrPAglgyzI/AAAAAAAAB_8/EIQjPMHnK3g/s1600/iusb_760x100_7553377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TGrPAglgyzI/AAAAAAAAB_8/EIQjPMHnK3g/s400/iusb_760x100_7553377.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TGrNTfj49nI/AAAAAAAAB_k/PCsK3xySGUM/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TGrNTfj49nI/AAAAAAAAB_k/PCsK3xySGUM/s320/DSC_0371.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TGrNbFMPLoI/AAAAAAAAB_s/Y82md4rfR8s/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TGrNbFMPLoI/AAAAAAAAB_s/Y82md4rfR8s/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TGrNeZ_KUYI/AAAAAAAAB_0/kWqiCBVPASg/s1600/il_430xN.152172621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TGrNeZ_KUYI/AAAAAAAAB_0/kWqiCBVPASg/s320/il_430xN.152172621.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Check out the rest of Jenny's awesomeness!</span> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jcawley07?ref=seller_info">The Pink Parasol</a></span> </div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-48976638041769329872010-07-27T10:13:00.001-06:002010-07-27T10:15:46.262-06:00Egg Carton craft...to die for!I thought this was TOO STINKIN CUTE to pass up! Thought I would share the idea... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TE8E_gJ37NI/AAAAAAAAB54/hjNwFjWQ-oI/s1600/egg_bud_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TE8E_gJ37NI/AAAAAAAAB54/hjNwFjWQ-oI/s320/egg_bud_10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Head on over to <a href="http://simpsonizedcraftsandthensome.blogspot.com/2010/06/using-egg-carton-for-decor.html"><strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">SIMPSONIZED CRAFTS & THEN SOME</span></strong></a> for complete instructions...SO FUN! I am offering my apologies well in advance...but with my recent run of morning sickness- I'm lucky if I get my hair brushed and clothes on before noon. Once I'm feeling better, I hope to execute and post the ideas I've had lately! Fingers crossed! </div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-62362973844256479442010-07-21T14:05:00.001-06:002010-07-23T10:02:14.404-06:00dollar store apron revamp!My boys both earned enough gold stars to visit the dollar store! Hooray for them! While wondering through the aisles of cheap and what I like to call "2 minute toys" (they break in that amount of time) I spotted a semi-cute, full of potential apron! I grabbed it and immediately started planning what I could do to make it...well you know...CUTE! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdRokucg5I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/8In8J7jksCI/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdRokucg5I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/8In8J7jksCI/s320/IMG_4742.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Forgive me for putting my 4-year-old boy in a pink apron with a butterfly on it.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdR8J0hZuI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/cV_vlzyFEso/s1600/IMG_4745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdR8J0hZuI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/cV_vlzyFEso/s320/IMG_4745.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Basic 1st layer to cover the up the butterfly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdSE73bZdI/AAAAAAAAB3g/snWPigZT_98/s1600/IMG_4746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdSE73bZdI/AAAAAAAAB3g/snWPigZT_98/s320/IMG_4746.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Overlap with another layer to form a pocket. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdSOMCWSgI/AAAAAAAAB3o/Mx3f8tU3-as/s1600/IMG_4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdSOMCWSgI/AAAAAAAAB3o/Mx3f8tU3-as/s320/IMG_4748.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add some rick-rack to finish the edge and throw on a hand made flower for</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">even more added cuteness. Finished with a bright yellow button! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdSeI4VDGI/AAAAAAAAB3w/D_fhm8ojJHQ/s1600/IMG_4757+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEdSeI4VDGI/AAAAAAAAB3w/D_fhm8ojJHQ/s640/IMG_4757+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">My cute model, Maggie!</span> </div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-80774266120980796562010-07-16T14:10:00.001-06:002010-07-16T14:10:54.422-06:00Reward Charts!Last weekend at my brothers home, I noticed the coolest reward chart my sister-in-law made! After trying to replicate the same chart they had, I just decided to do my own...I am not as savvy with Microsoft Office as my awesome sis-in-law- you rock Krista! But from her idea, I was inspired to create charts for the boys. Son #1 obviously obsessed with Star Wars and son #2 just had to have a Cars themed chart. I think they turned out pretty well! They've each already earned 2 gold stars by wiping down the leather couch and cleaning their rooms. How is that for child labor?!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEC8KIaYVvI/AAAAAAAAB24/1b5ySfeQuFY/s1600/carterrewardchart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEC8KIaYVvI/AAAAAAAAB24/1b5ySfeQuFY/s400/carterrewardchart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEC8cSii-aI/AAAAAAAAB3A/w_xzIGROEtg/s1600/Rewardchart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TEC8cSii-aI/AAAAAAAAB3A/w_xzIGROEtg/s400/Rewardchart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Send me an email if you are interested in a customized chart for your little person! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:funambulistdamsel@yahoo.com">funambulistdamsel@yahoo.com</a></div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-48091102060969932932010-07-03T13:42:00.003-06:002010-07-03T13:55:05.916-06:00FOUR!! Golf course cupcakesMy husband is an avid golfer (to say the least).<br />When I asked him what fun cupcakes I should make for our family celebration today (4th of July, WHOO) he jokingly said..."Hmmm. a golf course." Well here you go, Mr. Jokester...with a bunker included.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Happy 4th of July everyone!!</span> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TC-SgC6klfI/AAAAAAAAB1E/Q8B08lc3ICE/s1600/IMG_4457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TC-SgC6klfI/AAAAAAAAB1E/Q8B08lc3ICE/s400/IMG_4457.JPG" width="323" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are actually easier than you might think. Really!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">NEEDS: 24 Regular sized cupcakes in green liners.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">1 tub of vanilla frosting</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">10 Nilla wafers (crushed)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Green food coloring</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Green gift shred (for the sides, optional) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Chocolate golf balls (found at Partyland) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Frost 6 cupcakes with white or tan frosting (to make tan, mix 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder and 2 drops of yellow food coloring.) Then dip the tops into the crushed Nilla Wafers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Frost 7 cupcakes with green frosting, then dip tops into green decorating sugar. Arrange ALL of the cupcakes now, in the pattern you would like your course to look like. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tip the rest of the cupcakes with tinted green frosting- leaving peaks after each stroke to mimic grass. Fill in the gaps in between the cupcakes with frosting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you are finished piping, add the chocolate golf balls, stick a flag near the hole (made out of a junior mint)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">GRAB YOUR CADDY AND ENJOY! </div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-66416504155775280632010-06-24T09:40:00.000-06:002010-06-24T09:40:20.077-06:00Accordian Sandwich- so summertime!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is such a fun and simple meal option- we gobbled it right up! (makes about 6 servings) </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">NEEDS:</span></div><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">1 loaf french bread</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">cheese</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">meat (I used ham, turkey & pepperoni) 1/2 lb each. </span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">mustard spread (I used dijon)</span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">onion</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TCN6BabSy_I/AAAAAAAABzM/DV7KNqN-uNI/s1600/MayJune10+160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TCN6BabSy_I/AAAAAAAABzM/DV7KNqN-uNI/s320/MayJune10+160.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Begin by slicing the bread in one inch sections, <strong>but do not cut all the way through. </strong>You are creating a 'pocket' for the meat, so do not actually make slices. In the picture, you will notice arrows indicating the sections of bread you will "stuff." The 2 end pieces can be thrown away. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">In every other 'pocket' you will spread your mustard and begin stuffing the bread with your desired selections. For this go-round, I used shredded cheese, onions, & meat. You can certainly come up with your own combinations! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TCN67dvUfEI/AAAAAAAABzU/avhkN_QtkHg/s1600/MayJune10+162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TCN67dvUfEI/AAAAAAAABzU/avhkN_QtkHg/s320/MayJune10+162.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you have the bread completely stuffed, set the oven to 200 degrees. Bake the sandwich until the cheese is melted (about 10 minutes) Another twist to heating the sandwich would be to wrap it in tin foil- before stuffing and set it on the grill for 10 minutes...VERY yummy....</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TCN7iVqIRFI/AAAAAAAABzc/vA-rcoSZAV0/s1600/MayJune10+165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TCN7iVqIRFI/AAAAAAAABzc/vA-rcoSZAV0/s320/MayJune10+165.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the cheese is melted, you can stuff with lettuce and tomato and any additional condiments you wish!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Fully slice the sections of sandwich and enjoy! My next try- the Accordian Club. Did someone say bacon?</div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-5207655580976381642010-06-12T15:52:00.000-06:002010-06-12T15:52:40.298-06:00Luggage revamp!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So. Here I am, Saturday afternoon and I have to leave on my "trip" on Monday. Its raining and I don't want to go shopping for luggage. I had the most <em>adorable</em> matching set of pink luggage that we bought when we went to South Africa 3 years ago, but in the grand tradition of dirty cargo space in the bottom of our 3 planes- when I got home the luggage was BLACK! I was so sad! Since then, I have just used my husbands really nice, sturdy luggage he was given from a company he used to work for. I love the luggage, I HATE the branding on the front. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>So this was my husbands suggestion to me today. "Just cover it up with some of your flower thingies."</strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thank you Jason! Problem solved!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TBQBM2wrwEI/AAAAAAAABuU/OfOKrecIYRo/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TBQBM2wrwEI/AAAAAAAABuU/OfOKrecIYRo/s320/IMG_4173.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TBQBW1j7cBI/AAAAAAAABuc/orerw_gdiSA/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TBQBW1j7cBI/AAAAAAAABuc/orerw_gdiSA/s320/IMG_4174.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TBQBbQ48vNI/AAAAAAAABuk/0ug-3mPzUWk/s1600/IMG_4175+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TBQBbQ48vNI/AAAAAAAABuk/0ug-3mPzUWk/s320/IMG_4175+copy.jpg" /></a></div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-78750321153648694232010-06-06T15:52:00.000-06:002010-06-06T15:52:45.130-06:00Cake mix brownies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TAwXpulhyBI/AAAAAAAABuM/jNuq3UOtWnE/s1600/White_Chocolate_Blonde_Brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TAwXpulhyBI/AAAAAAAABuM/jNuq3UOtWnE/s320/White_Chocolate_Blonde_Brownies.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have been M.I.A this past week! Summertime is here with a vengeance- traveling, vacations and family time have just about consumed our lives! I took a break today and experimented with a few "Cake Doctor" recipes...this one is so delicious and a combination of 2 recipes. My husband ate a huge piece before it even cooled off! Needless to say- it is fantastic! ENJOY!<br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">NEEDS:</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">1 white cake mix (box)</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">2 eggs</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">1/3 cup oil</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">1 cup chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet)</span><br /><br />Mix the ingredients in a mixing bowl, lightly grease a 9 X 13 pan, spread mixture into pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. These are fantastic and SO EASY! <br />Ahhh. Feels good to be back!!! And did you see the followers!! Totally met the goal! Thanks everyone!The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-62822299875061568962010-06-01T13:05:00.002-06:002010-06-01T13:42:15.446-06:00A tip from our Financial Funambulist!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TAVTGn5x5eI/AAAAAAAABs0/28GQ0BfCbDI/s1600/Jason+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/TAVTGn5x5eI/AAAAAAAABs0/28GQ0BfCbDI/s200/Jason+001.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>I thought it would be fun to ask guest contributors to share insight and tips for things we all deal with in life. Because we face a world of economic uncertainty- we need to make sure we have taken the steps necessary to protect our families. This particular issue has been on my mind lately and I wanted to share with each of you some tips and "know how's" from <em><a href="http://www.silverlinefinancial.com/">Silverline Financial</a>. </em><br />Guest contributor (and my wonderful, handsome and wicked smart husband) Jason Rasmussen, Owner of Silverline Financial, chimes in with a few <br /><span style="font-size: large;">FREQUENT Q&A:</span><br />Q.<em>What is the difference between term & permanent life insurance?</em><br />A. I believe there is a time and situtaion fitting for both types of insurance. I personally own both kinds of policies.<strong> Term Life Insurance</strong> is designed to provide protection for a specified period of time. Though the policy does not accumulate cash value, if you have a temporary need for life insurance or are on a limited budget, term insurance may be the best option for you. Term Insurance is very inexpensive and is a cost effective way to protect your family. You simply pay your monthly premium and the life insurance promises to give your family the amount in the death benefit if you should pass away. Term Insurance usually has a set premium time period, for either 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. I personally believe everyone should have some kind of term insurance, in the event of a death. <br /><strong>Permanent Life Insurance</strong> has many different 'names' and options. The basics behind a permanent policy is to pay enough in premiums so that the policy is fully funded and there is no need to pay premium amounts into the policy. The policy is purchased by paying the premium for a set period of time. These policies have become more flexible and easier to work with into what you want accomplished. Because permanent policies are complex and wide spread, you should contact your Financial Specialist for more information. <br />Q: <em>What are the major reasons to own a life insurance policy?</em><br />A: Studies have shown that the average American does not "like" to worry about death, retirement or disability (shocking, I know) But the fact of the matter is- you never know when life could change and being prepared with life insurance is the safest bet you have in the event something does happen. Besides offering major tax benefits, life insurance is the only investment I have felt 100% confident in. Its never too late to start investing in your future. As my motto says, "Plan today, for a prepared tomorrow." <br /><br />Best regards,<br />JasonThe Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-72530505763520566052010-05-28T08:55:00.003-06:002010-05-28T08:56:54.608-06:00AND THE WINNER IS.....<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S__UGt05tAI/AAAAAAAABr8/-2fQs5T22f8/s1600/IMG_4026.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476328883751597058" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S__UGt05tAI/AAAAAAAABr8/-2fQs5T22f8/s320/IMG_4026.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 252px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #674ea7;">From Arizona...</span></span><br /><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">CAROL ANN GUTHRIE!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">Which is very exciting for me...Carol has been a faithful follower and has made lots of the ideas shown on the Funambulist Damsel! She is a mother of one sweet little girl, has a wonderful husband and one cat named Sparticus. I know the random.org randomizer made a good choice!</span>Carol will receive the ultimate cupcake lovers decorating guide book,<em> Hello Cupcake!</em> Thank you to the publishers of this awesome book for donating a copy for our giveaway! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And for everyone else who follows the blog, leaves comments and offers so much support I say </span><span style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU and I look forward to sharing many more fun giveaways and ideas!</span> </div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-3723861751178476502010-05-25T07:58:00.001-06:002010-05-25T12:22:05.746-06:00A fantastic day for the Funambulist!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_vWwLUIiVI/AAAAAAAABr0/ZskMw5HwT54/s1600/top100_2008_xlrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_vWwLUIiVI/AAAAAAAABr0/ZskMw5HwT54/s400/top100_2008_xlrg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you everyone so much for becoming a follower to this crazy little blog. I have had such a great time creating, sharing new ideas, visiting the 2,456 other craft blogs that exist in the world...It's great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please leave a comment on THIS POST so you can be entered in the FIRST giveaway!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As promised- enter to win a cupcake "all inspiring" page after page book of AMAZINGNESS!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">THANK YOU AGAIN!</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Winner will be selected using<a href="http://www.random.org/integers/"> <span style="color: blue;">random.org</span></a> number generator on Friday, May 28th!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(way to be totally honest my peeps)</div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-9169460802965857592010-05-24T10:09:00.001-06:002010-05-24T10:14:00.517-06:00Homemade Crustos!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Derived from our favorite fast food taco place- Taco Time, I thought I would share the most simple Crustos recipe known to man. SIDE NOTE: Contrary to what my brother-in-law Stevie thinks, Crustos are served at <em>all </em>Taco Time establishments and not just the one in Price, Utah. This one's for you Stevie! :D </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_qiwdfURBI/AAAAAAAABrk/V-K_1LbIPH4/s1600/IMG_3932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_qiwdfURBI/AAAAAAAABrk/V-K_1LbIPH4/s320/IMG_3932.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">NEEDS: 1/4 Vegetable oil (or canola oil)</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Flour tortillas</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Cinnamon & Sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Frying pan </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_qjc7oX3VI/AAAAAAAABrs/ZDk8qEL90bo/s1600/IMG_3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_qjc7oX3VI/AAAAAAAABrs/ZDk8qEL90bo/s320/IMG_3930.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Begin by cutting your tortillas in fourths (or strips if you desire) and set them aside. Heat the oil in a frying pan. (I used a small pan, so 1/4 cup of oil was all I needed- bigger pan...use more oil) <span style="color: red;">TIP</span>- heat your oil on high, you want them to brown fairly quickly to avoid the tortilla soaking up the oil. If you fry them fast, they will crisp instead of turn soggy. Place the tortilla in the hot oil. Have tongs in hand, so you can flip quickly and easily. Brown on both sides and place onto a plate covered in paper towel. Immediately sprinkle with a generous helping of cinnamon and sugar. Repeat the process until all the tortillas are done. Even our picky, picky 4 year old scarfed these fry puppies up!! Enjoy!!</div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-53111778302658475192010-05-22T08:53:00.006-06:002010-05-29T09:20:21.676-06:00Who wants some PIE?<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_fvDUKrZ_I/AAAAAAAABrM/14eywBpUDeY/s1600/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_fvDUKrZ_I/AAAAAAAABrM/14eywBpUDeY/s400/IMG_3877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_fvTl0BaHI/AAAAAAAABrc/qacv-QkaHD0/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_fvTl0BaHI/AAAAAAAABrc/qacv-QkaHD0/s320/IMG_3875.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_fvI28HAvI/AAAAAAAABrU/NGqfEZt2rm8/s1600/IMG_3876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_fvI28HAvI/AAAAAAAABrU/NGqfEZt2rm8/s320/IMG_3876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Blue and Red M&M's, vanilla frosting with 4 drops of yellow food coloring and 1 1/2 Teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa. Thats all you need to make these adorable mini pies. A huge hit and so dang adorable...it should be a crime to eat them!! Other cute cakes: <a href="http://funambulistdamsel.blogspot.com/2010/04/chicken-dinner-cupcakes.html"><span style="color: red;">Chicken dinner cakes</span></a> & <a href="http://funambulistdamsel.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-does-your-garden-grow.html"><span style="color: red;">Garden cupcakes</span></a></div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-3533451361917738832010-05-20T08:53:00.003-06:002010-05-21T09:11:57.587-06:00Link Party #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_VMjtglx-I/AAAAAAAABq8/gmDyTvV7BB0/s1600/linkparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_VMjtglx-I/AAAAAAAABq8/gmDyTvV7BB0/s320/linkparty.jpg" /></a></div>Join the link party! Enter whatever you want..your ideas, someone else's ideas, old ideas, ideas you want to try...it really doesn't matter. Let everyone see what you are currently gushing about! <br /><br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/picturecaption_linky_include.aspx?id=28397" type="text/javascript"></script>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-31564356136932956482010-05-19T13:40:00.003-06:002010-05-19T14:27:43.232-06:00Swimsuit revamp #2<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q9Z8ue0sI/AAAAAAAABqs/r1FSgYyiBC8/s1600/IMG_3870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q9Z8ue0sI/AAAAAAAABqs/r1FSgYyiBC8/s320/IMG_3870.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div>It is amazing to me, what you can do with a dollar and some scraps. I recently revamped my own inexpensive swimming purchase- <a href="http://funambulistdamsel.blogspot.com/search/label/ruffles"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Swimsuit revamp #1</span></a>. And loved how it turned out. I thought this was worth a try as well. <br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q8h6bWtlI/AAAAAAAABqU/4OxUBKkxBPw/s1600/suit+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q8h6bWtlI/AAAAAAAABqU/4OxUBKkxBPw/s320/suit+copy.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I found this simple purple (looks pink from my phone camera) at the Dollar store. It is a 18-24 month, perfect for my cute niece having a birthday! I started out by adding a ruffle, much like the first swimsuit revamp, but on a much smaller scale. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q7TEO348I/AAAAAAAABqM/ZiH_67qjCzc/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q7TEO348I/AAAAAAAABqM/ZiH_67qjCzc/s320/IMG_3862.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I then made 3 small metallic yo yo's. I had some of this fun fabric in the big bags of fun I got from my grandmother. I'm certain it is from <strong>1987</strong>. If you are curious what the yo yo makers look like- here ya go. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q9FYG-MXI/AAAAAAAABqc/9kH8GOqiuCU/s1600/IMG_3864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q9FYG-MXI/AAAAAAAABqc/9kH8GOqiuCU/s320/IMG_3864.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Top side of the Yo Yo makers (<a href="http://www.nancysnotions.com/">http://www.nancysnotions.com/</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q9SV3u7uI/AAAAAAAABqk/wuaxwwcngQk/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q9SV3u7uI/AAAAAAAABqk/wuaxwwcngQk/s320/IMG_3863.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Bottom side</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q-Nhf-GsI/AAAAAAAABq0/MfoQcWFdfnc/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_Q-Nhf-GsI/AAAAAAAABq0/MfoQcWFdfnc/s320/IMG_3868.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Add the 3 small flowers to the neckline and the suit is ready for some serious fun in the kiddy pool! </div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-45017911775326756662010-05-16T22:10:00.003-06:002010-05-17T09:48:03.811-06:00Tiny Yo-Yo's...oh so cute.My mom bought me the coolest thing(s) for Mothers Day! An entire set of Yo Yo templates. They take the guess work out of making these fun and fabulous creations in all sorts of sizes! <br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They are popping up everywhere...and now I can make them all day long if I want to! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_DCBuiDetI/AAAAAAAABqE/WR28wZ9eTLs/s1600/yoyo_bag-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_DCBuiDetI/AAAAAAAABqE/WR28wZ9eTLs/s320/yoyo_bag-1.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_C_9PQdNCI/AAAAAAAABps/4wCIC023ZOo/s1600/fabric_yo-yo%27s_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_C_9PQdNCI/AAAAAAAABps/4wCIC023ZOo/s320/fabric_yo-yo%27s_2.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I used the smallest yo yo maker template and created the smallest little flowers. My dear friend Renita is celebrating her birthday and wears clip-on earrings. So I fashioned her 2 pairs of custom ones! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_DAtopJytI/AAAAAAAABp0/17izC8qWAOE/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_DAtopJytI/AAAAAAAABp0/17izC8qWAOE/s320/IMG_3818.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_DA0Sl4kEI/AAAAAAAABp8/HcgLS1koHgo/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S_DA0Sl4kEI/AAAAAAAABp8/HcgLS1koHgo/s320/IMG_3820.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The first set is a delicate pink satin with rhinestone centers. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The other was done in her favorite color, green with pearl centers. I also made a yo yo pin to match the green but didn't get a picture, trust me- it was cute! The possibilities are endless! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">If you want to order your own yo yo maker(s) set, here is the website my mom ordered them from. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nancysnotions.com/">http://www.nancysnotions.com/</a> </div>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744269937857437241.post-78745780578227605422010-05-13T16:51:00.004-06:002010-05-20T08:51:12.426-06:00Link Party Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S-yFQ2-L-cI/AAAAAAAABpc/5t3-Srur1qs/s1600/linkparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cIKRjEENtiY/S-yFQ2-L-cI/AAAAAAAABpc/5t3-Srur1qs/s200/linkparty.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div>We are having a party...and YOU are invited! Every Friday, the Funambulist Damsel is having a link party! Its very simple and a BLAST to follow! Just click the "click here to enter" button, add your link, upload a picture and you're done! You can post from your Facebook, personal Blog, or website. We want to see all of the fun things you do- cooking, cleaning, photography, tips, good deals...you name it! Every person that reads the Funambulist Damsel will get to see your creativity at work! I hope you will join our link party and enjoy the time you spend with us! <br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=27635" type="text/javascript"></script>The Rasmussen Family noreply@blogger.com3