Sidewalk Paint Recipe

Super Sidewalk Paint

Inspired by a cool sidewalk paint kit we saw selling for $15, we came up with our own recipe using just a couple of common kitchen ingredients that cost about $1," says Danita Thomas. "This concoction comes in handy when the kids are a little restless and start asking, 'What can we do now?' They've used their homemade paints to design driveway murals, lay out roads for their bikes and toy cars, and even decorate the walkways for holidays."

Check out more fun ideas from John and Danita Thomas, the Kid Concoctions Couple.

Materials

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water

• Food coloring
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water. Stir in as many drops of food coloring as you need to get your desired color. Repeat this process for each paint color. Use a paintbrush to make fun designs on the sidewalk or driveway. To wash the paint off, simply spray the area with water.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   TIP: Super Sidewalk Paint isn't just for sidewalks. Put it in spray bottles and use it to color sand castles and snow sculptures.

I'm sure you're thinking messy! But I promise, It's not. This recipe rocks. It is such an easy, cheap and fun activity. I don't like the sound and the feeling of writing with chalk, so for me paint over chalk is always a good thing. My friend Merrily had this little activity for us to do while playing in her backyard last week. The kids loved it and had so much fun. I know you'll enjoy it! 

Thanks for the fun idea Mer!

Cj

Home Inspiration

Here's a few pics from the project I'm working on. 

This was a product preview @ one of my secret design inspiration spots :) 

Enjoy!

Cj

We've MOVED and we opened up SHOP!!!

We have moved our blog to Carly Brannon | Los Angeles !!! And also have also just opened our latest new fun venture Carly Jean Los Angeles, an online store at you can go directly to at this link - Carly Jean ! It's just like our old brick and mortar shop but online! You can be anywhere to shop and we can reach so many more customers than we ever could before. We are so excited and thankfully already so busy! Lots of changes and new things going on around here and a fun new details to share about it! If you are local to So Cal come kick it off with us at our POP-UP store in my home this weekend! We will have so much fun new Summer merchandise. Here's the invite! 

Email me @ carly@carlybrannon.com and follow us on c a r l y j b r a n n o n (@carlyjeanbrannon) • Instagram photos and videos to see and hear about store updates, instant recipes, mini-blog posts and all the latest over here! 

Easter Ideas...throwback post :)

(Since I'm not hosting this year, I thought I'd throw up some ideas and pics from a few Easter's ago)

We had a great morning at church, rejoicing in the resurrection of our perfect Savior. Knowing that we are hopeless left to ourselves, we are so thankful for the hope and forgiveness we have in Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for His great mercy and the life we can have in Him if we repent of our sins and turn to Him. I made some little cards with scripture on them to put around the house, and liked this verse...

"But these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."
I Corinthians 15:17

After church we came home and hosted my family for a late lunch. We had a great time enjoying our day together. Here are some pic's...

Testing 123 and a sample sale!

Oh my it's been a while. A reeaaalllyyy long while.  Instagram definitely ate my blog because it's so simple and convenient,  but recently I've been missing a bigger creative space to post ideas, recipes, and maybe even a online space to do a store again. Just thought I'd throw something up to get my feet wet again :) Here's a little Saturday morning downtown Los Angeles adventure idea!

Sample sales are the best. Nothing beats paying less than wholesale. I had to share! 

Pick up deals on women's and junior's contemporary fashion at Lumiere Sample Sale on April 4th. Prices will run $5-$20 on tops, sweaters, dresses, bottoms, and more. CASH ONLY! 

WHEN:
April 4, 2015 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

WHERE: 
Lumiere Sample Sale
2807 S. Santa Fe Ave 
Vernon, CA 90058

Latest Emma Photos

Here's some new pics from our latest emmaleigh shoot.

Thank you Emma for capturing our family over the years. I'm so thankful to you for capturing these images. You rock! Go check her other work out HERE

Label and Clip Art Freebies

I'm doing a little crafting/holiday entertaining sesh for the moms at Masters Kids in a few weeks and have been working on some fun ideas for simple homemade gifts and creative wrapping.

I came across this THIS SITE tonight and was so thrilled that these templates were FREE! There are a ton here and the options of what to do with them are endless!

I love these for gifts!







Aren't these so fun for gift tags or labels on homemade gifs?!



THIS would be so sweet framed in a vintage frame for a nursery. Super cute, practically free baby gift!?


I could just keep adding these on here, there are so many! Go check them out!

Enjoy,
Cj

vegetarian lunch, dinner and dessert...

                                   

I got a request for some vegetarian recipes so here a few I've posted in the past and LOVE and a new one that is becoming staple around here!

1. I found this Raw Vegan Pate recipe and was shocked at how tasty and flavorful it was. I love this book Raw Foods on a Budget by Brandi Rollins that a friend lent me . It has been very fun to play around with totally raw recipes! If you can do grains, you can use it on a sandwich as a chicken or egg salad substitute, or if  you're a stricter vegetarian or vegan can serve it with raw veggies and eat it more like a hearty dip!

1/3 c. raw sunflower seeds
1/3 c. raw cashews
1/3-1/2 cup chopped carrots
2 large celery stalks
1/3 medium apple
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/8 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp stone ground mustard

1. Process the sunflower seeds in a food processor until the seeds turn into a nutty flour. This takes 20-30 seconds.

2. Add the cashews to the food processor and process for 15 to 20 seconds.

3. Chop the carrots, celery, and apple. Add to the food processor and pulse until mixture blends smoothly.

4. Juice the lemon and add to the food processor. Next, add the salt and mustard and process until the mixture reaches the texture you prefer

You can watch how to make it here :)

2. This Giada soup recipe is so good and a favorite here. Just sub the chicken broth for vegetable broth! perfect rainy day dinner :)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 pound lentils (approximately 1 1/4 cups)
• 11 cups low-salt chicken broth
• 4 to 6 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2/3 cup dried elbow pasta
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan

DIRECTIONS

Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper and saute until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices. Simmer until the juices evaporate a little and the tomatoes break down, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add the lentils and mix to coat. Add the broth and stir. Add the thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils are almost tender, about 30 minutes.

Stir in the pasta. Simmer until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with the Parmesan, drizzle with olive oil, and serve.

3.  Dairy free, grain free, vegan cookies, that might change your life. :)
 GF chocolate chip cookies

1&1/4 c almond flour
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 c dark chocolate chips
1/4 c oil (grapeseed or olive)
1/4 c honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Mix wet and dry ingredients. Roll cookies into 1 inch balls. Place on parchment lined baking sheet. Press balls to flatten. Bake at 350 for 7-10 minutes. 

3 fold dinner :) Roast Chicken and Carrot Sweet Potato Soup

I posted  Ina's Roasted Chicken recipe a long time ago, and have heard feedback that it has been enjoyed and become a staple in a bunch of new peoples homes too. This chicken really does make about 2 full meals. The first night we do chicken and veggies with salad. The second I do enchiladas or chicken salad sandwiches, and the third night or meal I normally use the last bits for a soup. I adapted a little spin off, "take 3" recipe to it. This really easy carrot and sweet potato soup takes about no time, and is a great served with a yummy salad or piece of good bread. Here's the recipe!

When roasting your Ina chicken, sub the 4 carrots and fennel and do:

6-8 large carrots cut peeled and quartered (long)  

4-5 med. sweet potatoes quartered

I also cook it covered in my Round French Oven (one of the best birthday gifts ever. I use this thing all the time!) and I think it makes it taste even better. If you don't have a cast iron pot no biggie, you can also use a roasting pan. (just ignore the cookie sheet, I cooked it on in the post I linked too :/ )

Enjoy your Chicken for dinner and then save the carrots, sweet potatoes and any onion to the side for your soup the next day. Any left over juices and stock make it pretty tasty too, feel free to reserve any to add to your broth :)

The soup is this:

take approx. 4 c. carrot, sweet potato, onion combo, 32.oz chicken broth and any extra "juices" or stock from the chicken (makes the flavor SO good) and combine in a sauce pan on the stove til nice and hot. 

puree in a food processor or Vitamix until smooth, and return to sauce pan. add salt and pepper to taste.

so tasty and easy!

enjoy.

Cj

...bethany r. some vegetarian meals are coming tomorrow!

Basil Burgers and Roasted Carrots

Chad's mom was here with us last week from Houston. The day she got here she was starting a dairy free and grain free diet for 30 days. I had so much fun tweaking our normal meals to adapt them to be GF and not use any dairy! We joined her on her eating plan, so  I thought I'd post some of our meals and menus this week here on the blog. Here's a favorite!

                                

Naked (bun-less) Basil Burgers with Roasted Carrots and Salad

Fresh Basil Burgers

1lb. good grass fed beef, mixed with 1 egg, 1T dried garlic, 1 cup chopped fresh basil. Mix well and make patties. Grill or pan cook on stove 3-4 minutes per side or until thoroughly cooked. In a seprate pan, sauté 1 chopped onion, 1 reg. package of fresh mushrooms, sliced. and 4 cloves of garlic, chopped.  Saute on low heat until onions are translucent. Plate burger then top with mushroom/onion goodness :)

Roasted Carrots:

Pre.heat oven to 400. Wash and trim and quarter carrots (long ways). Lightly toss in olive oil and good salt and pepper.

Place on baking sheer and roast in oven for 15-18 minutes.

Easy Greens

baby greens tossed lightly in good evoo and balsamic. squeeze of fresh lemon juice and salt and pepper.

(serve under burgers or to the side)

Enjoy, more recipes coming tomorrow!

Cj

For more recipes and updates, you can find me on Instagram: @carlyjeanbrannon :)  

also get ready for holiday candles coming soon!!! :)

hi

Hello :)

I just had to post to say we are alive and well, and I have not given up on blogging...even though it looks like it?! I also had to post because I've had several offers of people asking if I needed help with laundry, since I mentioned I don't blog when I'm not caught up on my own life! That one made me crack up :) The laundry is done, it has just been a really full summer.

Looking forward to coming back soon!
Cj

Summer 2012 Candles!

I am thrilled about these! We've got a new look, new logo, new bigger jar and new amazing wax. 

These are not your run of the mill candles that anyone can make or buy. I just wanted to make sure you knew these were special :) We're talking Voluspa and Votivo quality, for half the price.

CJ Home candles are made of a premium, high end soy wax blend (not your average candle supply wax!)

They are made with signature scents that are custom blended and special to us! 

The burn time on the jars if burned properly is 60 hours

 (now thats a good candle :)

Our product is 100% hand poured, each detail of the candle is hand made. Our wax and wicks are lead free and clean burning. Jars are 100% recyclable and eco-friendly, also our jars double as votive holders, vases or drinking glasses. 

The Jars retail at $22 ea. 

We ship anywhere in the U.S and are offering $5 flat rate shipping right now!
Order at 

Carly Jean Los Angeles
 the online shop!

The Summer line consists of these 4 lovely scents, that remind me of 4 of some of my favorite cities here in Southern California!

Pasedena- Gardenia

This was one of my first scents when I started the line. We beat everyone else's gardenia (if I do say so myself :) This scent is so classic and so clean, you'll instantly feel like you're in the blooming garden of some fab Pasedena house. Its floral, yet clean and fresh. Right now this burning in our bedroom :)

Studio City- Grapefruit

Ahh. this candle was also in my original line and is just a classic for me too. It is a blend of Grapefruit and Vanilla, so it has a perfect combination of clean fresh citrus yet with warm vanilla notes. I'm burning this in the guest bathroom.

Ojai-Teak and Lavender 

Earthy yet floral, this candle is rich and relaxing. It is heavier and more complex than the others, this candle has the best blend of the earthy woodsy teak and the calm and clean lavender. If you enjoy the spa, this candle will transport you immediately there! It reminds me of one of my favorite local vacation spots, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa :) Buy the candle, it's quite a but cheaper than the vacation! It's burning in my kitchen right now :)

Santa Barbara- Red Currant 

This candle was introduced in my second line and has never gone away since. It has been one of my best sellers this year and really does give the Votivo version a run for its money :) Its such a lovely scent and I've fount it to be a great gift scent, because it;s loved by most. This is burning in the den right now :)

Also, each candle is tissue/fabric wrapped and tied, so it's basically girt wrapped for you!

I hope you'll enjoy them in your home as much as I do in mine!

Cj

25 fun things to do with your kids in Los Angeles...and most of them are free :)

I had plans to put up pics of our adventure to Grey Stone Mansion up tonight...but this is the only photo that will load...so for tonight, here's one pic :)

We enjoyed this place so much and love so many other fun places like it in town. Los Angeles is filled with wonderful adventure spots! Here's a handful of the ones we love, you just might enjoy them too :)

There's tons, so here's just a few ideas and the links to them below!

Unless it has a $ next to it,  it's FREE :)

1, Greystone Mansion Park: exploring, history and gardens

Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills - The Friends of Greystone

2. Leonis Adobe : Summer "Little Ranchers Program" (so fun!! and $2 for kids/free for parents :)$

Welcome to the Leonis Adobe Museum - Calabasas, California

3. Orcutt Ranch: for picnics, exploring, history and gardens

City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

4. Griffith Park Observatory

Official Site: Griffith Observatory Los Angeles, CA

5. Los Angeles Zoo $

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

6. Adamson House Malibu: exploring, history, picnic, beach

Welcome to the Adamson House

7. The Grove: kids summer program

The Grove Kids Club Calendar of Events - June 2012

8. The Americana: kids summer program

The Americana at Brand Kids Club Calendar of Events - June 2012

9. Local Public Library: reading times, craft times, movie nights

10. Malibu State Creek Park: wide trail hiking and exploring ($ for parking, but lovely wide trails easy for little hikers!)

Malibu Creek SP

11. Paramount Ranch: free parking, wide trail hiking and exploring

Parks | LAMountains.com

12. Scooters Jungle: SCV indoor bounce house warehouse (online/group discounts) $

Scooter's Jungle

13. $3.00 Movie Theatre in Pasedena/Simi Valley and North Hollywood  $

Academy 6 Theaters - Pasadena - Pasadena, CA

Simi Valley 10 Cinemas - Simi Valley, CA

14. Underwood Farms: play, fruit and veggie picking

Underwood Family Farms

15. Oak Park City Splash Pad

Oak Park Splash Pad - Oak Park, CA

16. The Beach:  Manhattan, Malibu, Zuma, Ventura...

17. The Getty Museum Los Angeles

The Getty

18. The Getty Villa Malibu

Visit the Getty Villa

19.The Los Angeles Arboretum $ (SO worth the drive and money, you will not be disappointed :)

The Arboretum — Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

20. Coldwater Park in Beverly Hills : nice park with fun water features to splash in on a warm day. Make a trip out of it or go enjoy a iced coffee and a walk on Rodeo after :)

Beverly Hills Website - Coldwater Canyon Park

21. Franklin Canyon Ponds and Nature Center

Parks | LAMountains.com

22. Travel Town @ Griffith Park (free admission, $2.50 train rides)

Travel Town Railroad

23. Los Encinos Park and Pond: Just a shady private park tuned right off Ventura Blvd. 

(duck food a whopping $.25 :)

Los Encinos State Historic Park Docents Association

24. The Noah's Ark Exibit @ The Skirball (Thursdays Free with reservation)

Noah's Ark | Noah's Ark | Skirball Cultural Center

25. Potluck picnic in the park or home: get your girlfriends and their kiddos to share lunch at a local park or a home

Do you have any free or close to free family fun spots you love around town? 

Please share!

Enjoy!

Cj

June Meal Plan Ideas

I've heard the meal plan ideas are helpful so I'll just keep them coming!

Here's a new line up of healthy, real food meal ideas! Here's about 2 weeks worth!

Dinner

Wild Salmon with fresh blanched green beans and side salad

Black Bean Burgers over baby greens with sautéed onions and garlic

"Brannon People" Summer Pasta Salad: Brown Rice Pasta, Red and Orange Peppers chopped, cilantro, basil, chopped tomatoes, chopped raw milk cheddar, chopped cucumber, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sea salt and pepper.

Veggie Enchiladas: layer corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, cheese, squash, bell peppers, shredded carrots, mushrooms, bake at 350 for 1 hour. Top with fresh salsa and avocado,

Giada's Lentil Soup recipe here: brannonpeople...the blog: perfect rainy day dinner :)

Real Food Pizzas: serve leftover veggie packed pasta sauce over sprouted bread, toasted with raw milk cheddar, serve with salad

Brown Rice Pasta with Mushroom, Squash and Onion Sauce: serve with salad

Italian Baked Potatoes (be sure to use organic):Top baked potatoes with good butter, add sautéed itallian squash, mushrooms, marinara sauce and finish with fresh shaved parmesan or raw milk cheddar.

Mexican Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with good butter and use taco salad ingredients (see below)

Spinach and Mushroom Quiche w/GF crust

Veggie Taco Salad: mixed greens/spinach, corn chips, black beans, raw cheddar cheese, olives, roasted corn, purple onion, avocado, pico de gallo/homemade salsa, with "follow your heart" southwest ranch dressing ;)

TJ's 17 Bean Soup Mix with a ham bone 

Grilled Raw Cheddar Cheese Sandwiches with Spit Pea Soup and Side Salad

"Brannon People" BLT's:  italian chop salad on sprouted bread topped with good bacon

Salmon and Avocado Salad with Greek Salad

Hearty Cajun Vegetable Soup

Homemade Shells and Cheese with Sweet Potato Puree

Lunch

(We eat lots of our lunches with dinner's leftovers!)

Veggie Wraps with Hummus and Raw Veggies and Avocado

Peach &Avocado Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing over Butter Lettuce or Romaine: add scallions!

Green Nachos

Raw Veggie Tacos: corn tortillas toasted with raw milk cheddar, raw red pepper, avocado, top with homemade salsa

Breakfast

Mini Frittatas packed with spinach, peppers and onion: make in muffin tins

Oatmeal with Fresh Berries

Scrambled Egg Tacos

Fried Eggs over sautéed Rainbow Chard: season with salt and pepper

Homemade Granola with fresh berries: serve as cereal

Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Mushrooms

Oatmeal with Bananas and Walnuts

Green Smoothies

Snacks

Sliced cheese and apple

Celery and PB

Soaked Almonds or Nuts

Trail Mix

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Homemade VitaMix Salsa and Org. Corn Chips

Raw Veggies with Sea Salt and Pepper: cucumbers, peppers, carrots, jicama...

Caprese Salad with TJ's raw milk cheddar": Tomato, Basil, and cheese slices or cubed drizzled with balsamic, oil and sea salt and pepper

Baby Food

Oatmeal Banana Puree ( with left over oatmeal and over ripe bananas:)

Carrot Banana Puree with Cinnamon

Carrot Puree

Pasta, Chard and Carrot Puree (with sea salt and dried basil)

BP Summer Pasta

Green Nachos

fresh bebe food, you can't beat the quality and price!

BP BLT's

fresh Vitamix salsa

Avocado Peach Salad

Veggie Enchiladas

fried egg with rainbow chard

Giada's Lentil Soup with side balsamic salad with fresh basil and cilantro

Sprouted Pizzas

Hearty Cajun Vegetable Soup

salmon salad with greek salad

raw tacos

And here's another salad dressing I've been making around here that we really like!

Simple White Balsamic Lemon Dressing

1/8 c. good olive oil

1/8 c. white balsamic vinegar 

2 Tablespoon. fresh lemon juice

generous pinch of sea salt and pepper

(emulsify for a minute, and enjoy...)

If you have any questions on recipes or questions on where to find things, 

please feel free to comment below! 

Happy Cooking!

Enjoy,

Cj