Everyday Art

Healthy Fudge

2012-02-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, you read correctly, this is healthy fudge.

AND it tastes good--honest!

I have this problem--I love high-quality desserts. No candy and Snickers bars for me, I'm all about creme brulee and chocolate truffles.

BUT I also like healthy food. I cook with pretty much all self-ground, whole-wheat flour, we reduce our sugar intake, (in fact, we have "no sugar week" the first week of every month--with some exceptions) and we try to eat lots of produce. LOTS of produce.

So, I regularly have this conflict in my mind--wanting to whip up a batch of molten lava cakes but thinking I should probably just eat a smoothie instead. Balance--it's all about balance.

Well, sometimes I try to strike that balance with "healthy" desserts. Now, I know some of you would snear at the thought of ruining a perfectly wonderful dessert by trying to make it healthy, trust me, much of the time I am the same way. BUT I figure I can have dessert more often if it is healthy sometimes. :) right?

Plus, I really like making healthy desserts with the kids. My older one is starting to realize the difference, but for the most part, they still think that smoothie popsicles and "jello" jigglers made with Knox pectin and real fruit juice are the best desserts out there. Score for me.

So, with all this background in mind, when my friend Jamie said she had a healthy fudge recipe, I was interested, but quite doubtful (sorry I doubted you Jamie). I mean, go ahead and make some desserts healthy if you can, but chocolate--don't mess with chocolate.

However, I gave these a whirl one week for one of our family night treats, and was pleasantly surprised at how good they were. I was not impressed after the first bite, but once I realized that it isn't really fudge and it won't taste that way so don't expect it to, well then I liked them a good deal.

Then I couldn't stay out of them!

Then I ate half of the pan! And mmm mmm did I enjoy it. :) The kids loved them too. I made them again and we ate them with fresh strawberries, TO DIE FOR!

So, here's the recipe for ya. Give it a whirl; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Healthy Fudge

1/2cup pitted dates

1/2cup raisins
1/2cup soy milk (or rice milk)
1cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
1/2cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4tsp vanilla extract
1/3cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Beginby soaking the dates and raisins in the milk so that they chop easier. In foodprocessor, chop dates and raisins until very fine. Pour chopped mixture into abowl and mix in remaining ingredients. Press into an 8x8, lined with wax paper,glass baking dish. Refrigerate.

Click here to print.

How to improve your food photography

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Taking pictures of your food is fun.

Taking really good pictures of your food is awesome.

So what's the secret?

How do you get from the top cookie picture to the bottom cookie picture?

Well, I'll be the first to say I don't really know what I'm doing, but I have been learning some, and I am getting better. And I'm having a lot of fun in the process. :) The pictures above were taken with the same camera, but here's what the differences are:

1. different lighting

2. different background

That's it!

The top picture was taken at night, in my kitchen with a flash with a the cookies on a plate.

The bottom picture was taken in the day, by a window, without a flash, with a white board under and behind the cookies.

That's it!

Remember these yummy cheesecake pictures?

Some of the best food pictures I've ever taken. And the secret is the same--gentle natural light with the white boards.

Here's my set up:

Seriously, I was taking pictures of the cheesecake and just stepped back a few feet and took a picture of the set up. You can see that there's nothing fancy going on--my preschooler is hanging out with me, the table is getting ready for my husband's Superman birthday party, etc. But, you can see how I have the white foam boards below and beind the cheesecake and you can see a bit of the window off to the left there. I used the same thing for the cookies.

So if you are ready to improve your food photography, the simplest thing I think you could do is to get a hold of some white boards and work on improving your lighting.

Good luck!

Linking up here.

Neiman Marcus Cookies

2012-02-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

The other day seemed like the perfect day for a warm chocolate chip cookie. So I made some with my kids.

Then I got to thinking, when is it NOT a perfect day for a chocolate chip cookie? I can't think of a time that I wouldn't want to eat one. I mean, sure, the summers can be hot and turning on the oven isn't always the smartest idea, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't do it if I wanted a chocolate chip cookie.

And these cookies are the best chocolate chip cookies out there.

And by best, I mean the best.

I've tried a lot of chocolate chip cookie recipes in my day, and I've been a real stickler for my Great Grandma Storm's recipe, but these ones are just plain incredible.

Soft, wonderful texture.

Grated chocolate bar right in the dough!

YUM!

Sometimes I even like to add coconut. Sometimes I leave out the grated chocolate and put in coconut (like shown below) or perhaps pretzels or maybe chopped up heath bars or peanut butter cups or....

I think that's part of the reason why I like chocolate chip cookies so much--they're so basic, but they're so versatile also.

I couldn't resist...I had to have a bite...or two.

Do I have you convinced that today is a perfect day for a chocolate chip cookie? Well, here's the recipe for ya.

Ingredients

5c. oatmeal, blended

1c. butter
1c. shortening
2c. white sugar
2c. brown sugar
4eggs
2tsp. vanilla
4c. flour (I like to do 3 c. all-purpose, 1 c. whole-wheat)
1tsp. salt
2tsp. baking powder
2tsp. baking soda
1bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
18-oz. Hershey’s chocolate bar, grated
3c. chopped nuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375.
Measure the oatmeal and blend in a blender until a fine powder (or not, if you like some texture to it).
Cream the butter, shortening and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy.
Mix the dry ingredients together: flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add to the wet ingredients
Add the chocolate chips, grated Hershey’s bar and nuts. Mix.
Roll into balls and place two-inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.

Note:Since this recipe makes so many, I often halve the recipe with great results.Alternatively, I sometimes freeze the remaining dough in log-shapes and thenslice and bake them at will.

Click here to print the recipe.

Caterpillar Birthday Cake

2012-02-17T13:00:00.000-06:00

My baby girl is turning 1 soon, so I've had birthday on the brain.

Then I was thinking... I don't think I have ever posted my son's first birthday cake.

A Caterpillar Cake!

The caterpillar is made of chocolate cupcakes. The head I frosted yellow and the body green and blue-green. I lined them all up on a cookie sheet and added the decorations. Mike-n-Ike, licorice ropes, and M&Ms. Cute and tasty. And more importantly.... easy.

here's where we link

Cheesecake with Glazed Fresh Berries

2012-02-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Who wouldn't want this fabulous cheesecake for their birthday? Now that's a question.

My husband and I always joke that it was part of our prenuptuials that I had to learn to make a mean cheesecake. He informed me that I have succeeded. :)

Silky-smooth cheesecake that's the pefect amount of sweet, perfect amount of tanginess.

All decked out and bejewelled with fresh, glazed berries.

YUM!!!

And what was my request in our prenups you might ask?

No whipping your wife with a towel!!!

He too has kept up his end of the bargain.

For that, I will gladly make him cheesecake to his hearts desire.

Now, this cheesecake recipe is literally tasted and tweaked to perfection. I started with the Best Recipe's version of a New York cheesecake (btw, that's the best cookbook out there), but then changed some things to make it better. Like the crust for instance--I like graham cracker crusts and all, but they are a tad on the sweet side for me. Enter this yummy lemony shortbread-like crust. Perfect!

THIS is the cheesecake recipe you've been waiting for. Give it a go. :)

Cheesecake with Glazed Fresh Berries
Crust

1 c. flour
¼ c. sugar
1 tsp. lemon zest
½ c. butter, softened
1 slightly-beaten egg yolk
¼ tsp. vanilla

Filling
5 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese,softened
1/8 tsp. salt
1 ¼ c. granulated sugar
1/3 c. sour cream
2 large egg yolks
6 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
3 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. lemon zest

Glazed Berry Topping
3 lbs. fresh berries (strawberries,blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, any one or combination you like)
½ c. sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 c. fruit juice
2 Tbsp. corn syrup

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Prepare crust: Combine the flour, sugar and lemon zest in a bowl. Cut inthe butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add the egg yolkand vanilla, mix well. Pat about 1/3 of the dough on the bottom of a 9”spring-form pan with the sides removed. Bake at 400 for about 8 minutes oruntil the crust starts to appear golden brown. Remove from the oven and allowthe crust to cool. Now, butter the ides of the pan and attach the bottom (withthe cooked crust). Starting at the bottom, pat the remaining dough on to thesides of the pan. It should go up about 1-2 inches.

Increase oven to 500 degrees.

Filling: In a large mixing bowl, cut cream cheese into cubes and then beatuntil smooth; add salt and sugar a little at a time while mixing, keeping speedon the mixer at medium-low. Scrape the bowl; add the sour cream, lemon juice,lemon zest, and vanilla and beat on low for about 1 minute or untilwell-combined. Scrape the bowl; add the egg yolks, beating well on medium-lowuntil well-combined (about 1 minute). Scrape the bowl; add the eggs, two at atime, beating thoroughly on medium-low and scraping the bowl between additions.Pour into crust; and bake for 10 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduceoven temperature to 200 degrees and bake until the cheesecake registers ~ 150degrees with an instant-read thermometer. This should take about 1 ½ hours and themiddle should be mostly set (when the pan is gently moved, the center willjiggle slightly).

Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for about 3 hours. Run a paringknife between the cake and the pan sides. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap andrefrigerate until cold, at least 3 hours but up to 4 days. Let the cake come toroom temperature before serving (take out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforedesired time).

Topping: Combine the sugarand the cornstarch together in a small bowl. Dissolve the sugar-cornstarchmixture with the fruit juice in a small saucepan. Cook until thickened; stir inthe corn syrup. Bring back to a boil and remove from heat. Cool.

Preparethe berries by washing and slicing them if desired. Dry them. Place them in alarge bowl and poor about ½ to ¾ of the glaze over the berries and gently tossto coat. Arrange on top of the cheesecake and enjoy. J

Click here to print.

Bon appetite!

Valentine's Ideas

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

It seems like such a waste to have all these great Valentines ideas stockpiled from past posts and not share them again.

So here you go. A bunch of post I thought might help you with your Valentines plans this year!

Lots of love and Happy Valentine's everyone!

Turtle Birthday Cake

2012-02-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Here's my son's second birthday cake...

a TURTLE!

He was crazy about turtles at the time, so this one was a hit.

I baked the body/shell in a round pyrex bowl. (I think it took one cake recipe for the body and another for all the parts).

The head was baked in a large muffin cup and the feet in regualr muffin cups.
I cut the bottom of each cupcake at an angle so they would tilt how I wanted.

I frosted the whole cake light green, then added the dark green with a star tip.

(oh, and peanutbutter M&Ms for eyes)

Then I couldn't waist the rest of the batter, so I made coordinating cupcakes.

here's where we link

Fancy Cookie: Chocolate-Cinnamon Tuilles

2012-02-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

So, after the chocolate-cinnamon heart cookies I made a few weeks ago, I've had a serious hankering for more chocolate-cinnamon yummines.

Finally I got my fix--these Chocolate Cinnamon Tuille Cookies are everything a fun new cookie should be--delicious and beautifully unique. LOVE 'EM!

I mean, how fun is it to have pretty shaped cookies like this?

Especially fun because I served them for our Valentine's Tea. :) They were a great little tea cookie.

Admittedly, they were a little tricky to get the timing just right at first, but I soon had the bugs worked out and they were quick and easy to make. And now you have some step-by-step photos (above) and directions so it should work pretty smooth for you. :)

Here's the recipe.

Chocolate-Cinnamon Tuilles

Recipe originally from Cookies by Hilaire Walden

Ingredients

1 eggwhite
¼sugar, preferably superfine but regular will do
2Tbsp. all-purpose flour
3Tbsp. butter, melted
1tbsp. cocoa powder
½tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions

1.    Preheat oven to 400°.Lightly grease two large baking sheets.
2.    Beat the egg whiteuntil soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar to make a smooth, glossymixture.
3.    Sift the flour overthe mixture and fold in evenly. Stir in the butter. Transfer about 3 Tbsp. ofthe mixture to a small bowl and set aside; this will be used to make themarbling effect.
4.    In a small bowl,mix together the cocoa and cinnamon. Stir into the egg white mixture.
5.    Drop 4-6 spoonfulsof the chocolate-flavored mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, then spreadeach gently with a spatula to make a neat, even round.
6.    Using a smallspoon, draggle the reserved plain mixture over the rounds and then spreadslightly with a spoon to give the marbled effect.
7.    Bake for 4-5minutes, until just set. Use a spatula to remove them from the baking sheet,one-at-a-time. Quickly drape each over a rolling pin to cool, giving eachcookie a curved shape as it hardens.

Note:If the cookies cool too much before you are able to drape them over the rollingpin, just pop them back in the oven for a minute. This will soften them backup. Do not put them in the microwave. This will ruin the cookie. J

Also,I use a kid-sized rolling pin to give a more pronounced curve to the cookies.

Click here to print.

Valentine's Tea

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

I can't think of a better way to celebrate

Valentine's with your girlfriends and the ladies in your family than with a Valentine's Tea!

We had such a fun time gabbing and of course eating all the delicious tea cookies and sandwhiches.

Here is our menu (with recipes to follow on future posts).

Menu

cucumber sandwhiches

roaste red pepper tea sandwhiches

ham salad sandwhiches

creamy-stuffed strawberries

strawberry scones

cherry winks

swedish heirloom cookies

variety of teas including herbal blends of

raspberry-pomegranite

strawberry-pomegranite

Seriously fun. I sense a traditionion in the making!

What are you doing to celebrate Valentine's with your girlfriends and family this year?

Make a Gift Cone

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a cute, fun way to give a gift.

Cute, fun and simple.

Hope you're enjoying getting ready for Valentine's day!

Here's where we're linking up.

Carnation Mobile

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

I've always loved mobiles and things dangling from the ceiling (hence my many glittery stars this past Christmas or the snowflakes before that). So, naturally, I wanted to try and make a romantic carnation mobile.

Good ol' Martha recommends using waxed floss and then your carnations "won't slip." Not true. Mine still did, but a little knot in the floss kept them right where I wanted them to be. Easy peasy.

Happy Valentine's decorating!

Photo Valentines

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

Here are the Valentines I'll be sending out this year.

A sweet Valentine and an update on the kids all in one.

To make your own, start with a photo of your kids.

(I just took pics of mine sitting on a white sheet by an open window-for light)

Then edit the photo. In photoshop I used a combination or the 'dodge tool' to lighten the edges and the 'eraser' to erase and soften the edges. (You could always just crop the photo to the shape you want if you're going for extra easy).

Next put your photo on a background. I made my background the same color as the sheet so it would blend right in. I knew I wanted to print mine as a 4x6 picture so I made my background 12x18 (3 times a 4x6. I make it bigger to ensure the printing quality/focus is good).

Add the type.

And most importantly, send to someone you love!

(the great thing about making your Valentines on the computer is if you don't get them printed in time to mail out, you can always just send them in an email. :)

If you like these, check out our Valentines from a couple years ago...

click here for instructions!

Now hurry and make your own... and send us one so we can see!

here's where we link!

Easy Flannel Blanket

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

I like to make these flannel blankets to use as receiving blankets for babies or just fun blankets for kids.

They're soft and cozy and couldn't be easier to make!

Here's how..

1. cut 2 pieces of flannel to be the same size.

(flannel is usually 45 inches wide, so if you buy 1 1/4 yards or each you'll have a square blanket)

2. layer the fabric, wrong sides together

3. fold the edge over about 1/4 inch and then again 1/2 inch (like a hem) and pin in place.

like in this picture...

4. stitch close to the inside edge of your hem all the way around. Make sure to sew the fold on each corner down as you go- again, just look at the picture :)

You're done!

Now make a couple more and you'll have a sweet baby gift or two on hand.

Paper Dolls

2012-01-28T05:30:00.000-06:00

I made these paper dolls for my little nieces when they turned 2 years old.

I designed the dolls to look like them- just for extra fun.

Since the girls were only 2 years old, I decided to make them a little more durable by laminating the dolls and clothes and adding stick-on velcro.

I made a bunch of different fun outfits for each girl- because girls need lots of clothes...

and becuase once I got started I just couldn't stop.

Then I shipped them off the the birthday girls.

2 years later (a few days ago) Jaime reminded me about these dolls and said her second little girl, who's now almost 2, played with the dolls all through church (a great quiet activity).

And then we got to thinking... since the work is already done, why not share with you too?
So click on the link above each picture below and print your own!

a few tips..
*I used my little at-home laminator which uses the laminating envelopes and is a little bit thicker than having them laminated on the giant roll. I'm sure either will work but thicker = more durable.
*Print dolls and clothes on cardstock (again to make them stronger).
*I bought a roll of sticky-back velcro so I could cut the pieces the size I needed. Put the rough side of the velcro on the doll and the fuzzy side on the back of the clothes.
*I somehow lost one of the pages of clothes, sorry. Like I said, it's been a couple years. If I find it I'll post it later :)

Have Fun!

here's where we link

Knit Infant Hat

2012-01-25T15:44:00.000-06:00

These are the perfect baby shower gift--so cute and soft and quick to make. I whipped them out while watching a movie one night with time to spare.

I love this baby-soft pink hat.

But, I have a real thing for anything cream, tan, or brownish. So this hat is my favorite. I love it! I think I'll adjust the size and make one for me. :)

Here's the pattern. Like I said, it is super soft and super simple. A keeper for sure.

Knit Infant Hat

Size 15 knitting needles

Super Chunky yarn

Cast on 28 stitches onto 3 needles. Work in the round.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Knit 1, Purl 1

Row 3: Purl 1, Knit 1

Row 4-14: Knit

Row 15: Knit 1, Knit 2 together

Row 16: Knit

Row 17: Knit 1, Knit 2 together

Row 18: Knit 2 together

Take yarn through the remaingin stitches and weave in the ends.

Voila!

Here's where we're linking up.

Chocolate-Cinnamon Valentine's Cookies

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Nothing says I love you like chocolate, unless it's chocolate shaped like a heart. :)

And, mmm boy, do I love these cookies. I'm not usually a chocolate-cookie kind of gal, but now I realize that I'm definitly a chocolate-cinnamon cookie kind of gal. These cookies are fantastic!

I once had a wonderful Mexican hot chocolate that had cinnamon in it, and it's a complete mystery to me why it's been so long since trying the chocolate-cinnamon combination again. It really is delicious--kind of warm, kind of complex tasting. I found myself wondering how these would taste with just the tinsiest dash of cayenne in them? Probably fabulous.

Then, just for kicks I tried sprinkling them with powdered sugar for a different look.

Super yummy cookies, and I highly recommend making them for someone you love.

Added bonus? My kids ate a ton of sweet potatos for lunch today with the promise of chocolate heart cookies afterwards. :)

Chocolate-Cinnamon Valentine's Cookies
adapted from Cafe Johnsonia

3/4 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

4-6 oz. bittersweet chocolate plus 1 tsp. vegetable shortening
-OR- powdered sugar for dusting

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, being careful not to overmix. Chill the dough several hours, preferably overnight. (The dough is quite soft, so I actually rolled mine out between pices of plastic wrap to cut down on the sticking-to-everything-under-the-sun issue.)
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
4. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface--1/8 to 1/4" depending on how thick you want them.
5. Cut into desired shapes and place on baking sheets. Bake for 5-6 minutes, more if the cookies are thicker. Let cool completely.
6. Melt bittersweet chocolate and shortening on 50% power in the microwave. Dip half of the each cookie into the chocolate and lay on parchment or waxed paper and let the chocolate harden.
Enjoy!

Here's where we're linking up.

Stitched Valentine's Cards

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Back by popular demand--hand-stitchd Valentine's cards!

Who wants to make some super cute and easy Valentine's? I made these last year and everyone really liked them.

I saw these a few years back *I think* in Parents magazine, but, alas, I could not find it on the web to provide a link. I had stored the idea in my memory for a time when my oldest child would be old enough to help. I may have jumped the gun a bit--at 3 1/2 years, she still couldn't quite do it, but we had fun together anyway. And they turned out super cute. I was going to line the insides with scrapbook paper, but she wanted to draw on the insides, so I let her. She had a great time drawing pictures of her relatives and writing her name. :)

So, ready to make some?

Step 1: Gather Supplies

The supplies are pretty basic: yarn, cardstock, a needle big enough to pull the yarn, and a heart. I just drew a heart in Word and then filled it with lines to help me keep my stitches strait.

Step 2: Punch holes

Step 3: "Sew" your yarn in

Enjoy!

Hope you are all having fun getting ready for Valentine's Day.

Best,

Here's where we love to link up. :)

Here's one of our reader's St. Patrick's Day version. :)

Roll-up organizer

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here's an easy way to organize, well, any number of things.

I made this little roll-up organizer for Jaime a while ago.

I can't take all the credit though because it was totally my brother's idea and he asked me to do it.

(Jaime's married to my brother- remember.)

He bought her a whole set of wooden knitting needles and thought they needed a better home than the plastic bags and rubber bands they came in.

So I created this long roll-up organizer. It's basically a long piece of fabric with a pocket that is divided into several small slots.

I've been trying to think of what else this could be used for and the possibilities are pretty much endless.

knitting needles

crochet hooks

make-up and/or brushes

drawing pencils

kids travel coloring kit

(just to name a few)

Here's what it looks like full of Jaime's wooden knitting needles.

Want to make your own? It is so easy!

1. Decide your height, length, and pocket depth.

2. Cut your fabric (one for the outside, one for inside)

cut the height plus the depth of the pocket by the length

3. Layer your fabric pieces, wrong sides together.

Sew bias tape along one long edge.

Fold-up this edge to make you pocket.

4. With pocket folded in place, sew bias tape along 3 remaining raw edges.

(2 short sides and one long side)

5. Make slots by sewing vertical lines, spaced however you like, along the pocket.

6. Use remaining bias tape to make a tie...

Sew long folded edges of bias tape together (so it can't come unfolded).

Sew bias tape to the center outside edge of one of your organizer's short sides.

(you can see in the pic below, I sewed right on top of the existing seam)

Enjoy!

Guest Post: Summit Street Joy

2012-01-16T13:00:00.000-06:00

Hey ya'all! I'm Lauren from Summit Street Joy and I'm SO very excited to have the opportunity to introduce myself here at Everyday Art. { Jaime & Emily are seriously talented, no?! }

Family comes first, right?! So, first off, I'll introduce you to the little folks who fill our home with joy.

my littlest guy & me

Here they are... my {most-of-the-time} happy crew:

all 3 littles :)

While I've been blogging for several years on my personal/faith blog, Summit St Joy started as a creative outlet for me after moving into our new home last summer. My mind was sort of spinning with a million projects that I wanted to work on, & blogging about it all has helped me organize my thoughts {pinterest helps too!}. I LOVE sharing my projects & ideas with others, & finding inspiration from all the very talented folks out there, as well.

On Summit St, I mostly write about:

- thrifty finds turned into decorating treasure

{ like this dingy medicine cabinet turned colorful mirror }

- home decorating crafts

{ like this Dollar Store dish rag turned wreath }

- handmade gifts ideas

{ like this homemade pancake mix gift }

and of course you can also follow our journey of transforming these very empty rooms & white walls...

... into joyful, colorful spaces, decorated with thrifty finds on a budget!

{Little Girl's Sweet & Whimsy Room Reveal}

Be sure to check out Summit St's Fave{5}on Friday post every week for a fun list of my 5 favorite somethings!

Oh, and very last thing! Whenever I can find spare time {usually when I should be sleeping!}, I love love love creating pretty digital art. I love sharing new freebie printables with my readers, so be sure to stop back & see what's free! You can also stop by the Summit St etsy shop for other fun subway printables & other goodies.

Well, I think that about sums it up!

Thanks so much for having me, Jaime & Emily :)

Come on by Summit St for a visit anytime! :)

With Joy,

Lauren @ Summit St Joy

Thanks Lauren! She really is a fun gal with lots of great ideas. Head on over and check her blog out (we love her beautiful organizing inspirations she had in early January--anyone else feeling the need to organize a bit after the holidays???)

Thoughtful Valentine's Gift for Him

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is one of the gifts I am most proud of.

Last year for Valentine's day, this is what my husband came home to.

At the bottom of each balloon was a picture of us from years past, printed in a nice sepia tone from our home computer. Each picture was then glued to a piece of card stock with the balloon ribbon sandwiched in between. Then, on the back of the card stock, I wrote a reason I loved him.

To finish the romantic effect, I sprinkled the bed with rose petals.

Beautiful!

And, I might say, that my husband genuinly liked the surprise, so it was fun for the giver and the receiver.

I hope it can serve as inspiration for a romantic gift to your special someone.

Here's where we are linking up.

Crepe Paper Rosebud Ball

2012-01-12T23:23:00.000-06:00

What to do with leftover red crepe paper and Valentine's is around the corner?

Make a quick rosebud ball!

This is how to make that little rosebud ball I used on my Valentine's Mantel post 2 days ago.

It was quick and easy to do--I just started rolling the crepe paper, pinching it at one end as the stem, and rolled and rolled until the rosebud seemed to be a good size, then I tore it off and secured the bottom with some tape. After I'd made a bunch of them, I used a hot glue gun to adhere them to a wadded up ball of newspaper! Yes, newspaper. A styrofoam ball would have been infinitly better, but I took the crepe paper down after a party, and it either needed to be immediatly put to use or thrown away...no storing it while I run to the store for a ball. Anyway, the wad of newspaper wasn't ideal, but it worked and it was immediately available and it was free.

And now my shelf looks more Valentine's-y. :)

Valentine's Mantel

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

For some, it may feel too early to decorate for Valentine's, but I must say ,I pretty much think it is never too early to decorate for a holiday! :) I love to have all the fun decor out. So, when Christmas came down, Valentine's went up!

I decided that I didn't want to spend much on decorating, so shopped around my house and came up with this for my mantel.

Everything came from stuff I already had, except for the pink Valentine's canvas on the right.

For the pink paper canvas, I simply bought a cheapy 12 x 12-inch canvas, sprayed it with spray adhesive and then stuck a piece of Valentine's scrap book paper to it. Super easy and cute. The edges of the canvas were bare, so I sprayed them with the adhesive as well and then wrapped a big pink ribbon around it that I was lucky enough to have laying around.

The garland I bought last year at TJMaxx. It'd be super easy to make, but it was also super cheap to buy, so I just got it. :) Happy I did. And, amazingly enough, I hung it on the brick mantel with double-sided tape. It's been up for a week now and hasn't budged, so I think it'll last.

This little rosebud ball I made out of crepe streamer paper. More on that next time....

And last but most importantly, is my version of the Apple Blossom Canvas. Last time, Emily showed you a great tutorial on how to make these canvases. They really were quite simple to make and so easy--I felt like I was making real art, which was rather thrilling to me (I guess I'm easy to thrill...). It was fun to see how Emily and I made them together, using the same supplies and same techiniques, but our different styles really came through.

These canvases I have another coordinating canvas as well, and together they have been everywhere from the walls in my living room to the walls in my bedroom. And now, I'm using them for a romantic touch on my Valentine's Mantel. :)

Other things I included

A felt Valentine's wreath that Emily and I made together a few years ago--we shaped a heart out of wire and then tied red strips of felt to it.
A family portrait (the girls and I are even wearing pink!); nothing says love like family. :)
I'm sure my red amaryllis won't last until Valentine's day, but since it was still beautiful and blooming after Christmas, I tied a red bow around it and moved it to the mantel.
A candle stick and red candle that I got for my wedding ages ago, and one that I always thought of as Christmas decor. I think it fits better here.

Hope your Valentine's decorating goes well! Have fun with it,

Linking up here.

Apple Blossom Canvas

2012-01-07T05:30:00.000-06:00

Jaime and I have both been thinking that it's about time we put this project up.

We made these paintings/canvases together a couple years ago... yes years. So, yah, it's about time.

They were surprisingly easy and we both loved the results! And can I just say they are super durable. I think mine have been knocked off the wall more times than I can count (thanks to a little boy who likes to climb on the back of the couch) and they're still fine!

Honestly I get asked about them ALL the time!

(almost as much as people ask me what color I painted my walls.

I bought the paint at Lowes from the Martha Stewart line. Its called Green Olive MS248

and Yes I LOVE it! -I used the Valspar paint too, which is pricey, but totally worth it!)

So here's a closer look at the canvases. The ones that I did anyway (this is Emily just so you know).

I used some photos I had taken of apple blossoms as references.

Sorry, no step by step photos. We did these before our blogging days.

And don't worry, you'll get to see Jaime's soon enough. (she'll show you in another post)

Want to know how to make your own?

Click here to keep reading...

1- Start with your canvas, whatever size you like.

We used 24x36 inch

and go ahead and buy the cheep kind, they should work fine.

2- Paint the background

We just used regular acrylic paint from the craft store. I chose a dark paint because I knew I would be thinning it. Water the paint down until it looks like you're going to paint with watercolors. Then just brush the paint on the canvas. Add more where you want the color to be darker, use less or add plain water where you want it lighter. I used a large brush, but you could use a sponge or cloth or whatever makes you happy.

Jaime left her paint a little bit thicker than mine and pulled vertical strokes down the canvas which looked great too.

Just don't stress out and over work it. Put the paint on. Imperfect is perfect.

3- Draw your picture

I used photos I had, like this..

then I just arranged the flowers the way I wanted and drew them on with pencil, LIGHTLY.

If you don't have your own refernce, just find one you like on the internet, or on a piece of fabric, a t-shirt, look around.

If you aren't confident in your drawing skills, or just in a hurry, you can always use a projector :)

Also, if you are making a smaller picture, you can take your printed design on the back and hold it agains a bright window (or a light table) and trace.

4- Trace your design

Trace over your pencil lines with an ACID FREE marker.

DO NOT use permanent sharpie! The acid will discolor and burn through your canvas.

Your best selection for markers will probably be with the scrapbooking supplies.

*Add interest to your deisign by using thick and thin lines. What you want to be the focus, or what would be closest to the viewer (if you were looking at the object in real life) should be bolder!

5- Spray with a fixative (optional)

use an acrylic spray matte finish to seal your painting and prevent damage.

I didn't but think I should have.

Enjoy your lovely, new, and inexpensive artwork!

we link here

Pear gingerbread muffins

2012-01-04T22:01:00.002-06:00

Just in case you were STILL in the mood for some gingerbread (I could eat this stuff 12 months out of the year, oh wait, I do eat it 12 months out of the year!) here is some eye candy for you. So yummy and so pretty.

And yes, that is gooey chocolate sitting on top of that pear slice there. Yum!

Needless to say, these muffins didn't last long at all, which is really too bad because I'm itching to eat one right now.

Maybe I'll go make some more. Here's the recipe in case you want to whip some up too. :)

Gingerbread Pear Muffins
Slightly adapted from a BHG recipe.

Ingredients:
1 c. whole-wheat flour
1/2c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2tsp. baking soda
1/4tsp. salt
2/3c. mild-flavored molasses
1/4c. butter, melted
scant 1/4c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2c. boiling water
2 small pears, cut in 6 wedges each
3 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate broken in small pieces
Raw sugar, optional

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly coat twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray and flour.
2. In large bowl combine flours, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In a second bowl whisk together molasses, butter, brown sugar, and egg. Pour into flour mixture. Stir until combined. Whisk in boiling water. Divide evenly among muffin cups. Add 1 pear wedge to each muffin, press lightly.
3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Sprinkle with raw sugar. Add chocolate piece to top of muffins. Cool in pan on rack 10 minutes. Use table knife to smooth melted chocolate. Remove from cups. Cool completely on wire rack. Makes 12.

Enjoy!

Top 11 of 2011

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! We wanted to do one last post for 2011 to celebrate the good year that it was.

Here are our Top 11 of 2011 favorite posts.

Favorite Crafty Projects:

1. Girl and Boy Room re-dos. Ok, so there were many projects involved with these, and we can't pick just one that's our favorite. We love the tree mural and the frog and turtle paintings, the striped quilt and the canopy. The kids' rooms re-dos were a success!

2. The Halloween Book Wreath. Classy and spooky. Nice. :)

3. The Spring Moss Wreath. Why is moss so enthralling? We love it!

4. The Lemon Baby Shoes. Could they get any cuter?

5. The Felt Flowers. These flowers turned out great and were fun to make. Emily made an adorable yarn wreath with them.

Favorite Foods:

6. The Lemon Puff Pastry Dessert. Light and fluffy and unique and dazzling and fun. There aren't enough adjectives to describe this one.

7. The Strawberry Oat-Almond Bars. Can you believe these ones are actually healthy?

8. The Rustic Strawberry Cake. We can hardly wait until spring when the strawberries are on to make this again.

9.The Lemonade Bar. Such a fun party food for entertaining!

Favoite Fun with Kids:

10. Honeybee Birthday Party. Such a cute party theme for such a cute girl!

11. Food Dye Fun. We had lots of fun this year--making forts, painting, and just plain having fun, but this one was particularly new and unique.

It was a good year for us.

We look forward to 2012 and forsee it to be another year filled with tasteful home projects, delicious food, and fun with the kids--a year where everyday is an opportunity to make a little art.

Lots of love from your crew at Everyday Art,

Calendar Envelopes

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Wait! Don't throw out your old 2011 calendar yet!

Last year I showed you how to make calendar envelopes, and I'm going to do it again this year, so I thought I'd show you how again. :) I love the way these envelopes look and everyone likes recieving them.

Pretty much every year I take all the photos out of my old calendar and turn them into beautiful envelopes.

So much better than plain white, huh?

I usually make the standard envelope size and shape, but I also sometimes make appropriate sizes for cards I have. Everyone always enjoys receiving them.

Want to make some?

Here's what you need:

1. old calendar

2. scissors

3. tape

4. pen/pencil

5. template envelope (or you could just wing it) :)

Here's what you do:

1. Tear out any images you want to make into envelopes. Then, using your template (I just use another envelope) trace the shape of your envelope onto the wrong side of the calendar picture. Cut it out. (You can see here that I've been stock-piling calendars for awhile--this one is from 2000!)

2. Tape up the envelope.

3. And your done! Easy cheesy. I either apply blank address stickers in the appropriate places or cut out rectangles from some plain white paper and tape them in the appropriate spots so you can address your fancy new envelopes.

Here's my stash for the upcoming year!

Now, a word of caution: some calendars are copyrighted in such a way that you cannot take out the pictures and use them for other purposes. Calendars usually specify on either the back or first page, so check there first. :)

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Christmas Cookie Exchange

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

What a fun and delicious party this was!

Early in December I threw a Christmas Cookie Exchange, and it was such a wonderful time. Everyone brought some of their favorite cookies and we munched cookies, drank warm wasail, listened to Christmas music and gabbed for hours. I've been brooding for weeks though because I accidently deleted all of the pictures except these two (along with lots of other pictures of holiday crafts and festivities with my kids. I even took my memory card to a specialty photo-recovery place, but alas...they are lost forever).

ANYWAY, it was a lot of fun and put us all in the holiday spirit.

At the end of the party we all used gift boxes to take home a few of everyone's cookies. I sense a holiday tradition in the making....

Hope you are feeling festive!

Caramel Sandwich Cookies

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

I saved this recipe months and months ago and finally made it this week.

Let's just say it didn't disapoint!

Pecan Shortbread with Soft Gooey Caramel...

and White Chocolate.

Yep.

Delicious.

Surprisingly easy.

and SUPER RICH!

Find the recipe here!

here's where we link

Cranberry Orange Muffins

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

I made these muffins this weekend and oh were they good.

I just used the blueberry muffin recipe here

*instead of the lemon zest I used the zest of 1 orange and added coursly chopped fresh cranberries instead of the regular blueberries.*

Honestly, I think I like them even more!

here's where we link

Christmas Felt Hair Clips

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

A cute little gift for a cute little girl...

For the poinsettia clips, I just cut 2 'flower' shapes and layered them. (imperfect is perfect) Then I sewed them together and added beads. Glue to a hair clip and you're done!

For a bow, cut a rectangle. Round the narrow ends. Pinch together in the middle and wrap a thin strip of felt around. Sew in place. Glue on a clip.

here's where we link

Yarn and Felt Wreath

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

I love how this wreath turned out!

I didn't intentionally make it for Christmas, but the red and green works for this time of year :)

Just wrap a wreath (whatever is cheepest) with yarn. It takes less than a regualr scane.

Then hot glue on felt flowers and leaves.

for the leaves I just cut 2 leaf shapes (I didn't trace a pattern, just eyeball it). Then I layered them and hand-stitched down the center.

I made the felt flowers in this tutorial...

Hope you're having a wonderful day!

here's where we link

Dried Orange Ornaments

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Not only are these ornaments festive, they're inexpensive and SMELL DELICIOUS!

I've been making these on and off for a few years now. It takes a little time, but its easy and you won't regret it. So here's how to make your own.

1. slice some oranges. (I only had four, but really would have liked a few more.)

2. dab the extra juice off the orange slices with a paper towel. Don't 'squish' the juice out.

3. If you have a dehydrator, good for you. Use that. If not, line the orange slices on your oven rack. Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour and them 225 degrees for 2 more hours. Every once in a while open the oven door and smell (this also lets the moisture out of your over, and they'll dry better). Turn the oranges a couple times to prevent lines and curling. I lined the lower oven rack with tin foil because I was afraid the oranges would make a mess in my oven, but they didn't. Maybe one or two drips. They didn't stick to the rack either.

4. your oranges might be a little but sticky, but don't worry, they dry the rest of the way on their own.

5. use a needle and thread to string an orange slice, cranberries, and cinnamon stick together. Leave a loop at the top so you can hang your ornament on the tree.

6. Enjoy!

These are so pretty when its dark and the lights shine through them like stained glass.

Other ideas for using dried oranges....

tie a few to the tops of the goodie bags/plates you give to the neighbors

tie on the top of presents with name tags

put in a bowl or vase or mix with potpourri

hang them in the window so the light shines through

add them to wreaths, garland or other decorations

here's where we link!

Old and New Chritmas Ideas

2011-12-11T05:30:00.000-06:00

This year we've decided to mix in the old and the new.

So if you are one of the handful of followers that knew we were around last year, a couple of these Christmas posts are recycled. But honestly, lets face it, this time of year gets a little busy. This way you get to see twice as many posts- and good ideas, we have a little more time, and to most of you they're all new anyway! Hope you enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas Season!

Birthday Banner Giveaway

2011-12-08T23:33:00.000-06:00

Hi friends--we have something special and fun for you today!!! A friend of ours makes the most adorable birthday banners--we've seen them in real life, and we super want one ourselves. Some lucky, very lucky person is going to get one...

****GIVEAWAY****

Hey there! I'm Jamie from The Ginger Stitch shop on Etsy, and I am thrilled to be here on Everyday Art with Jaime and Emily. I feel honored to have made friends with these lovely ladies, not just out here in the blogging world but on personal basis. I have experienced for myself many of their yummy talents in the kitchen and have seen their crafty talent in and outside the home. I love coming over here to EA to see whats on the menu for the week and for great craft tutorials!

In my shop I sell homemade fabric Happy Birthday Banners.

These banners are made with high quality cotton fabrics, handmade bias tape, and felt letters that have been individually cut by hand and sewn onto to each banner square for extra durability and quality.

Whenever we have a birthday in our home, the first thing my kids look for when they wake up is the "banner!" It puts a smile on their face everytime!

See...aren't they adorable?!

You know you want one. :)

To enter the giveaway for the banner shown above, perform as many of the tasks below as you like. Each one will reward you with an entry (that's right, multiple chances to win!). Leave a comment on this post telling us what you have done so we know how many entries you have. :)

~~1. If you haven't already, become a follower of Everyday Art.~~
~~2. If you haven't already, like~~ ~~Everyday Art on Facebook~~.
~~3. Like~~ ~~The Ginger Stitch~~ ~~etsy shop on Facebook.~~
~~4. Spread the word for this giveaway using any social media you like--facebook, twitter, etc. Each method for sharing will reward you with an entry.~~

~~The giveaway will close on December 19th. Good luck!~~

Giveaway Closed!
Congratulations to Pam from Over the Big Moon!

New Recipes!!

2011-12-05T08:58:00.001-06:00

I've been trying a lot of new recipes lately and I thought I'd share a few...

Spinach, Pear, and Shaved Parmesan Salad
So simple and so good.

Smokey Braised Pork Shoulder
I have to admit that my motivation for trying this was the CHOCOLATE.
Cocoa, orange juice, and spices... delicious.

Cinnamon-Swirl Bread
I have made this a few times and it is sooooo good every time!!!

Coconut Cream Pie
Need I say more? Honestly, coconut is one of my favorite things.
I read the reviews on this one and made a change.
*Instead of using 3 cups half and half I used a can of coconut milk and then
enough half and half to equal 3 cups. Gave it a stronger coconut flavor.*

Martha Stewart's Baked Mac n' Cheese
Talk about comfort food. Plus I was my 4 year old's hero for making Mac n' Cheese for dinner :)

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
My 10 year old self would hate me for admitting that I now like oatmeal (and probably my mom after all the mornings I spent stirring it in a circle and eating the brown sugar off the top before dumping down the drain), BUT I do now like oatmeal, and this one is delicious.
*I used 1/2 cup quick oats instead of 1/3 cup Coaches oats.

Enjoy!

Knit Christmas Stocking Pattern

2011-12-03T22:31:00.001-06:00

Knit Christmas StockingPattern

Everyday Art

Materials:

4-5 Size 10 knitting needles
Chunky weight yarn such as

Instructions:

Cast on 40 sts onto 3 needles to knit ina round.
Rnds 1 through 6: K2, P2
Rnd 7: Knit, evenly spacing 4 decreasestitches—now 36 stitches
Rnds 8 through ~50: Knit

Heel:

Rearrange the stitches on the needles sothat 18 of the stitches on the back of the sock are placed onto one needle.These will make up the heel flap. Divide the other remaining 18 stitches onto 2needles. Now you should have one needle with 18 stitches along what will be theback of the sock and 2 needle with 9 stitches a piece which will make up thefront of the sock.

Working with the needle with the 18stiches, knit the stockinette stitch for about 12 rows, ending on a purl row.This will make the heel flap.

To turn the heel, continue working thestockinette stich. On the first row of turning the heal, knit (you should beworking the right side now—the knit side) until the last 8 stitches, then knit2 together (K2 tog), K1. Turn, leaving rem 5 sts unworked.

Sl 1 as to purl, P to the last 8 sts,then P2 tog, P1. Turn, leaving the rem 5 sts unworked.

Sl 1 as to knit, K to the last 6 sts,then K2 tog, K1. Turn, leaving the rem 3 sts unworked.

Sl 1 as to purl, P to the last 6 sts,then P2 tog, P1. Turn, leaving the rem 3 sts unworked.

Sl 1 as to knit, K to the last 4 sts,then K2 tog, K1. Turn, leaving the rem 1 st unworked.

Sl 1 as to purl, P to the last 4 sts,then P2 tog, P1. Turn, leaving the rem 1 st unworked.

Sl 1 as to knit, K to the last 2 sts,then K2 tog. Turn.

Sl 1 as to purl, P to the last 2 sts,then P2 tog.

Gusset:
Now you will need to pick up stitchesalong each side of the heel flap. I usually pick up ~9 stitches along each sideand slip them onto a free needle. Knit all around one time and divide stitchesonto 3 needles, keeping the heel flap stitches on the back needle as they were,but placing the newly picked up stiches onto the other 2 needles.

Rnd 1:

On the back needle (the one containingthe heel flap stitches), knit. On the next needle, K1, SSK, knit remainingstitches. On the last needle, knit to the last 3 sts, K2 tog, K1.

Rnd 2:
Knit

Repeat rnds 1 and 2 until there are 36stitches again.

Foot:

Knit until the foot measures about 2inches shorter than the desired length of the stocking.

Toe Shaping:

Now you will be decreasing on all 3needles. Half of your stitches should be on the “back” needle that did containthe heel flap and now contains the stitches that made up the bottom of thefoot. The other half of the stitches should be evenly divided between the 2needles making up the front or top of the foot. You’ll be decreasing along thesides—on both sides of the “back” needle and on the “top” needles where theymeet the “back” needles.

Rnd 1:
On the “back” needle: knit to the last 3sts, K2 tog, K1; on the first “top” needle: K1, SSK, knit remaining stitches;on the second “top” needle, knit to the last 3 sts, K2 tog, K1; back on the“back” needle, K1 SSK.

Rnd 2:
Knit

Rnds 3 on:
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until there are onlyabout 12-14 sts remaining. Then, using a tapestry needle, weave the toetogether.

Weave in all loose ends and you arefinished. I also chose to sew a liner inside the stocking so that stockingstuffers won’t get caught in the stitches on Christmas morning. J

DIY Train Table

2011-11-30T22:11:00.000-06:00

Do you have a kid who would love a train table for Christmas? (Let me re-phrase that, who doesn't have a kid who would love a train table for Christmas?!)

Last year my little girl really wanted a train table.

My husband I spent a fair amount of time shopping around and pricing things out to see if we could make her wildest dreams come true, but it soon became apparent to me that my husband was appalled at the options for the actual table. "$150 for that flimsy thing?" he kept saying.

Out came the paper and pencil and off to Home Depot he went. He soon figured he could make a bigger, better, stronger table for only about $40 rather than the $100-$200 we saw everywhere else.

Here's our finished product:

DIY: $40

BUY ONE: $100- $200

So, if you have the tools and the inclination to build a train table this year, here is the know-how:

Step 1. Build a frame. My husband used 2x2s.

Step 2. Attach either 1/4" or 1/2" ply wood to the frame to serve as the table top.

Step 3. Use 1x6s as an edge around the whole thing, leaving a lip around the table top (see images below).

Here is a view from the bottom of the table.

And here is a view from the top of the table. You can see where he screwed the top onto the frame.

Here is a view of the table top with the lip around the edge.

Step 4. Attach legs using 2x2s.

Step 5. Stain the whole thing.

Step 6. Put your trains on top. Not much of a train table without them. :)

Step 7. Feel the satisfaction of seeing your kids LOVE the Christmas gift Santa brought for them and of knowing it won't break when they immediately climb on top of it. :) Good Christmas indeed!

Now get to work! :)

Hoping your holiday gift-giving is fun and successful,

Here's where we are linking up.

Alphabet Magnets, 2nd Installment

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Remember our fun Alphabet Magnets we made last year?

Well, here's another fun edition--stripes! I made these for a Christmas present this year, and I think they turned out bright and cheery.

I got lucky this year and found the clear stones at the dollar store--20 for $1!!! What a steal.

I bought some extra-strength magnets since these are quite heavy and they are really nice, strong magnets now.

See the orginal post for the how-to.

How's your handmade Christmas projects coming along?

Here's where we are linking up.

Repost: Fabulous Eggnog Pie

2011-11-22T14:00:00.000-06:00

This recipe is too good to post just once!

I'm sure it's the pie recipe you've been looking for--the one that will wow everyone at your Thanksgiving get-together. :)

This pie is so good! Every year for Thanksgiving my family makes eggnog pie because EVERYONE loves it. I happen to be of the opinion that strait eggnog is a bit heavy and strong, but this pie mixes that wonderful eggnog flavor with vanilla pudding and whip cream and what you get is a PERFECT eggnog flavor and texture. You must bring this to your Thanksgiving celebration this year. It will be a huge success.

Ingredients
1 lrg box (~ 4 to 5 oz.) vanilla pudding, cook and serve

3 c. eggnog
1 c. heavy whipping cream, whipped with 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar and ½ tsp. vanilla

Directions
1. Combine the pudding mix and eggnog in a sauce pan. Stirring constantly, cook until thickened (about 10 minutes) then cool.
2. Fold the whipped cream into the eggnog pudding mix and put into a baked pie shell of your choice (pastry, graham cracker, gingerbread cookie…)

note: if you have only a 3-oz. box, use only 2 c.eggnog.

Print the recipe.

Here's where we are linking up. :)

Thanksgiving Recipes

2011-11-22T12:00:00.000-06:00

Still trying to decide EXACTLY what you want to make for Thanksgiving?

Here are a few of our past posts that might help you out...

or just give you more delicious options you can't decide between :)

I figured it would be best to start with dessert.

Pie Crust Inspiration

Apple Pies

Pear Plum Pie

And now here are a couple sides.

Basalmic Pears and Green Beans

Grandma's Baked Yams

OK, I realize there is no picture for the baked yam recipe,

but some things are too good to stop and take pictures of!

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Recipe Review: Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter

2011-11-21T19:30:00.000-06:00

May I just say YUM-O!! with much enthusiasm? :) I love this pear butter recipe!

From Good Life Eats

This fall I bought a whole box of pears--they were wonderful and we gobbled them up. But, it soon became apparent that we were not going to finish the box before they turned to mush, so I started a hunt for some pear butter. This was the recipe I tried and we truly have enjoyed it--it is marvelous on homemade bread and also great on french toast and pancakes. If you are in the market for pear butter, this would be a great recipe to try. :)

The only thing I did differently was to add half of the sugar called for, and frankly I'm still surprised how sweet the finished product turned out. In fact, my only complaint is that it is still a little too sweet! I would recommend also cutting back on the sugar. Enjoy! Thanks Good Life Eats.

Build a Fort!

2011-11-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

It's getting cold outside and we find ourselves in more than out. So, we had to make some fun.

The kids loved the 'fort'.

(and yah, check out that baby girl's hair. I'd like to say it's static from the blankets, but honestly, it doesn't do anything else :)

Cranberry Walnut Muffins

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Like I've said before... I LOVE muffins.

This recipe is no exception.

I got the recipe here: Cranberry Walnut Muffins

It's so easy AND pretty darn healthy.

I always use chopped fresh cranberries instead of the dried variety.

(If the cranberries have been frozen just chop them and toss them with flour before adding then to the batter.)

It's such a good basic recipe too. You could change it up and put any add ins you like, apple, orange zest, pecans... whatever.

Yum.

here's where we link

Folding Table RE-DO

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to have this 'new' folding table!

Especially since it's actually bigger than our kitchen table, so having people over for dinner can be a bit tight.

So here's the finished product.

And here's the before.

Gross, with a few tears.

But when I saw this baby out by the dumpster I knew it still had potential.

I flipped it upside down and enscrewed the top from the frame. Then I tore off the old fabric covering.

I layered a nice thick fabric and clear plastic on top (the kind you buy by the yard at the fabric store).

Then set the frame back on and screwed everything back in place.

And it's done!

A nice, new clean, spill-proof table!

I think it would also have been fun to spray paint the frame a fun color and use bright fun fabric for a kids table. Just another idea.

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Recipe

I had ripped this recipe out of a magazine a few months ago and when I saw a couple extra ornages on the counter this week, waiting to be used, I remembered this. It's a good thing I did too because it was divine!

Perfect for fall.

Moist and full of flavor.

Maybe a nice alternative to gingerbread.

(Jaime, you have to try this one :)

Enjoy!

Seriously.

here's where we link

Teepee Treats

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Now this was a fun preschool snack!

When it was my daughter's turn to take snacks to her preschool and it happened to be "I is for Indians...and Pilgrams" day (they were learning about Thanksgiving), I couldn't resist but to make these treats for the kids.

I think they are adorable and evidently they were a big success with the kids. :)

To make them, I just dipped sugar cones in some melted chocolate chips, sprinkled with some sprinkles, and then used more melted chocolate to help "glue" some pretzel sticks coming out the top opening (which I had enlarged to fit the pretzels).

Here's where we are linking up.

Fall Harvest Mantel

2011-11-10T15:29:00.001-06:00

Now that Halloween is long since over, I was ready to change my Halloween mantel into something a little more appropriate for Thanksgiving.

I'd been debating about several different ideas when I walked into Fred Meyer one morning and all their squashes were on sale. So I bought some squashes. A lot of squashes.

I love squash and I love the idea of harvest, so this was perfect for me. Squashes are kind of amazing--they come in so many funky colors and shapes, and it is fun to see them all together.

And when Thanksgiving is over, we can eat the decorations!!! :) How's that for cost-effective? Butternut and Apple Harvest soup anyone? Or Pasta with Roasted Squash?

Anyway, I love how colorful and festive it turned out. My daughter also had a great time helping place the squashes.

Best wishes,

Here's where we are linking up.

DIY dollhouse

2011-11-08T14:39:00.003-06:00

A few years ago my husband I spent many of our December nights painting and gluing this little beauty for our little girl's Christmas present. I still think it is the cutest dollhouse I've ever seen. :)

We knew we wanted to get her a dollhouse for Christmas and spent way too much time looking for the perfect one--the one that fit our style, our size, our wallet, etc. Then one day we got lucky and found one of these dollhouse kits on Craig's List FOR $10. Yes, $10, not $100 (which still would have been a good deal the way these kits are priced!).

We immediately bought it and went to work. We had so much fun making it too. These dollhouse kits are definetly made for collectors and not for parents to put together in a few nights for their little girls--it took WAY more time than we expcted. But, honestly we had fun. We painted and glued while we listened to audio books.

We painted the interior a variety of colors to make it a little whimsical too.

I love all the molding and the front porch--too cute. The door even has tiny little hinges.

We added some extra little birds to the house because she had a thing for "birdie birds" and then painted a pink tree in the yellow room upstairs since at the time my daughter had a pink tree mural in her yellow room as well. We thought that'd make it fun and personal.

All-in-all it really is the sweetest little dollhouse ever. Not only is it adorable but it is also memorable--all the time my husband and I spent working on it together means a lot. That being said, like I mentioned earlier, these dollhouse kits really are meant for collectors not little children. My oldest daughter has a more mild, gentle personality and so she played with it easily without damaging it. However, that is not the case with her younger sister or any other kid we've ever had over. The door has been ripped off its hinges LOTS of times, window panes poked out, molding ripped off the roof, etc. So I would advice against giving it to any child younger than about 6.

Hope that inspires you for Christmas!

Here's where we are linking up.

Men's Knit Beanie

2011-11-05T14:21:00.003-05:00

This is my go-to pattern for knit winter hats; I use it for pretty much everyone, just adjusting the sizes as needed. It's not quite as cute as the children's knit earflap hat I made a few years ago, but an old stand-by for sure!

The specifics here are for a man's winter hat, but like I mentioned, I have successfully modified it a bit for women and children's heads in the past. I recently made one for my toddler by casting on 40 stitches and starting to decrease after about 3 1/2 inches (still using the bulky-weight of yarn).

Men's Knit Beanie

Chunky weight yarn

Size 10 double-sided knitting needles

I prefer to work in around with 5 needles, so that is how the directions are given.

Cast 60 stitches onto 4 needles.

Connecting the hat into a circle, knit two, purl two for 5 1/2 inches.

Begin to decrease as follows:

Knit 4, knit 2 together around the hat.

Knit the next row.

Knit 3, knit 2 together around the hat.

Knit the next row.

Knit 2, knit 2 together around the hat.

Knit the next row.

Knit 1, knit 2 together around the hat.

Knit the next row.

Knit 2 together around.

When you get about 7 stiches at the end, pull the thread through the remaining stitches and weave-in loose ends.

Happy Knitting!

Here's where we are linking up. :)

Farm Girl Granola

2011-11-03T14:31:00.002-05:00

I've been making homemade granola for as long as I can remember, and I've tried a lot of different recipes, but this is the recipe that I've stuck with over the years.

I don't even know where I got it--it's just this random recipe in my recipe box called "Farm Girl Granola" and we all love it.

It's the perfect amount of sweetness, crunch and wholesome goodness.

I also really like this recipe because so far it has with-stood all my massive amounts of tweaking. I never really make it the same way twice, and somehow it always turns out yummy.

Without further ado, here is your favorite granola recipe:

Farm Girl Granola

8 c. old-fashioned rolled oats

2 c. chopped nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.)

1 c. flaked or shaved coconut

3/4 c. oil

3/4 to 1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. honey/molasses combination, depending on your own taste preferences

1 Tbsp. vanilla

Optional additions to add to the last 8-10 minutes of roasting:

dried fruit

wheat germ

roasted sunflower seeds

spices--cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, etc.

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix the oats, nuts and seeds, and the coconut together in a large bowl.
3. Mix the oil, sugar, honey/molasses, and vanilla together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.
4. Mix the oat mixture with the oil/sugar mixture. Spread onto two large jelly-roll pans or rimmed cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 8-10 minutes. You may need to rotate the pans around if they are browing unevenly, or if you are lucky enough to have a convection oven, then just stir and don't bother rotating the pans.
6. Add any of the additional add-ins you wish during the last few minutes of roasting.

Hope you enjoy your granola! It really is a wonderful recipe and you really can't screw it up (as long as you don't burn it in the oven!). It's wonderful using any of the listed combinations above, but my favorite is slivered almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds along with dried cranberries. I've thought about adding some orange peel for the holidays....

Here's where we are linking up.

Recipe Review: Braided Apple Loaf

2011-11-01T14:41:00.001-05:00

Few things are better than a slice (or 4 in my case) of freshly baked bread stuffed full of what is essentially apple-pie filling.

This bread was warm and delicious and the complete essence of fall.

Once you eat it, you will promptly have the burning desire to put on your favorite sweater, find a cuddly blanket and a good book and sit in front of a fire place reading and savoring the bread. It's that good.

I got this recipe from Eat, Live, Run and obviously enjoyed it. The only tinkering I did to the recipe was to use half whole-wheat flour and omit the glaze, which I'm sure was delicious but I wanted my bread to be more hearty and less sweet.

If you are in the market for something yummy, relatively healthy (as compared to a batch of double-chocolate chip cookies), and full of fall produce, this is the recipe for you!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T10:37:00.002-05:00

We've been having lots of fun this Halloween season at our houses!

Wishing you a Happy Halloween!

Honeybee Printables

2011-10-29T12:32:00.000-05:00

Remember this adorable birthday party that Jaime threw for her little girl?

Well I thought it seemed silly to do all the work of designing the invites, tags, banner... and not use them again. So I'm sharing with all of you!

FREE

Honey Bee Printables!

All I ask in return is that you leave me a comment.

Easy right? It would be nice of you to follow too :)

So here we go. All documents will print on 8 1/2 x 11 sheets

Just type you own info on the invites or blank circles.

Honey Bee Invitation

2 invites, 4x6 inches

Honey Bee Cupcake Toppers

12, 2 inch circles

Honey Bee Tags

6, 2.5 inch circles

Honey Bee Placecards

8, 2x3 inch cards

Honey Bee Thank Yous

3, 3x6 inch cards

Honey Labels
12, 1.5 inch Circles

Honey Bee Birthday Banner

3.5 inch circles

Honey Bee Banner Part 1

Honey Bee Banner Part 2

Honey Bee Banner Part 3

Scrabble Coasters

2011-10-26T10:13:00.000-05:00

One of my dear friends recently had a birthday party. I wanted to give her something simple and not over the top yet also said I cared. Something handmade, something fun, something she wanted. So, I made her some Scrabble coasters. :)

Probably not everyone would enjoy Scrabble coasters, but I knew she would--I searched through her Pinterest and found some things she had pinned and made a list of ideas from that, a list which included Scrabble coasters. In the end, I thought these coasers would be the most fun, so I took a trip to the thrift store and got lucky--they had Scrabble. :)

To make them, I just cut the scrabble board to be a little smaller than 5 x 5 Scrabble tiles and then used E6000 glue to adhere the tile pieces to the board. It was quick and easy and cute and thoughtful. Perfect.

It's that time of year again when everyone is thinking of gift giving.... I wish you well in trying to find meaningful gifts for everyone on your list. We'll have lots of good ideas coming your way.

Happy gift giving....

Fall Boredom Busters

2011-10-23T14:32:00.002-05:00

Today we have an inspirational guest post with ideas for great fall fun with your kids. You'll love these ideas! We think fall is a wonderful time of year and these tips will be sure to make it even more memorable and enjoyable for you and your kids.

A special thanks to Emily Patterson of Primrose Schools for her great article. :)

Is there anything worse than a chilly, crisp autumn day on which your children stay indoors because you did not plan any activities?

Many parents have problems when their children tell them they feel bored on a sunny day that offers so many interesting things to do. It is highly probable that your children are sure to make remarks regarding boredom at least one time during the approaching fall season.Research indicates that children only retain up to 40 percent of the topics they study in the classroom, unless their brains receive proper inspiration. The way to overcome boredom and loss of knowledge during the autumn season is to promote games and recreation, and create a strategy that keeps your children occupied when the season changes from summer to fall.

The concept of keeping your children’s brains engaged during the autumn months is an essential idea, but the realization of this philosophy does not need to cost a great deal of money, nor does it require an expensive trip in order to spark their interest. The ability to imagine different things and situations does not cost any money.Autumn is a wonderful season in which you can influence your children to set their imaginations free. During the time that your children attend school, classroom agendas tend to take up a lot of time for structured activities, and extra time for creative pursuits are not as frequent. The fall months give your children opportunities to engage in creative activities without interruptions. This gives your children the chance to invent their own creative projects.

Use the following 10 ideas to energize the minds of your children during the autumn months:

1. Create a Boredom Buster jar: When fall first approaches, get together with your children, and spontaneously think of different activities they want to do by themselves and activities they want to do with you. Ask your children to volunteer their own unique thoughts, and ask them to assist you in the creation of a jar called the Boredom Buster jar. They are sure to feel as though they are part of the project, and appreciate the idea, if they have opportunities to offer their own inventive perspectives. Next, record each person’s concepts on pieces of paper, and have the family make a decision as to which papers go in the jar and which papers do not go in the jar. Anytime a person in the family feels bored, he or she simply reaches into the jar and grabs one of the pieces of paper, and the written suggestion conquers the autumn boredom blues.

2. Make stories seem real: Even though reading seems as though it is a simple idea, it is a significant way to help stimulate your children’s minds during the autumn season. Stories cause more enjoyment when they seem real, so try to find ways that make them seem authentic. For instance, in the book Roxaboxen, by Alice McLerran, children invent a town that is not real. They create this town, located in the desert, from rocks, boxes and their own inventive minds. Read this book to your children, and then encourage them to invent their own towns with available items in your backyard.

3. The art of raking leaves: Children love to rake leaves outdoors during the autumn months. The different shades of red, orange and yellow strewn all over the grass offers their minds artistic insights, and the act of raking leaves challenges them to learn how to organize and make things look tidy. Some children thoroughly enjoy raking leaves, and they not only rake them, but also toss them about in the air. Raking leaves is a fun activity that also enables your children to spend a lot of time outdoors.

4. Go for a bike ride: Although going for a bike ride may sound simplistic, children love riding their bicycles, and the cool, clear fall days during the autumn season provide them with perfect bike riding weather. Physical exercise also stimulates the mind, and simple bike rides give your children new creative thoughts the next morning.

5. Apple picking: Plan a family outing to a local apple orchard and let your children experience the thrill of picking their own apples fresh from the apple trees. Apple picking also provides them with a good way to learn about the different varieties of apples and the various ways that different apples taste. You can teach them how to make homemade applesauce or apple butter when you bring home the colorful apples. Perhaps you want to show them how to make a delectable apple pie. Apple picking inspires all sorts of creative activities.

6. Teach your children how to make a pumpkin pie: Pumpkins and squashes love to grow during the autumn season, and this is a good time to teach your children the secret art of how to make a delicious pumpkin pie. Your children are sure to feel as though they are professional bakers when Thanksgiving rolls along, and you then have the advantage of receiving extra help when you prepare your Thanksgiving dinner.

7. Listening game: Sit down in your backyard, on your patio or at a local park and listen to all of the sounds. Ask your children what they hear and ask them if they hear the same sounds. Ask them if they want to try to imitate the sound of a bird or a dog. This game teaches your children to take some time out and pay attention to sounds they normally ignore.

8. Do a fun fall craft: Anything from painting pictures of pumpkins to making collages out of leaves will stimulate your kids' imaginations. They'll be sure to love their masterpieces.

9. Camp out in your backyard: Pack a picnic basket filled with goodies, and camp out in your backyard on a sunny, fall afternoon. Do not feel surprised if your children beg you to camp out all night.

10. Build a fort: While you are camping out, help your children to build a fort. Utilize all sorts of household and backyard items to build a strong, private fort.Use the Boredom Buster jar as a reference, and then continue to add new fall activities to the list.When children participate in creative activities during the autumn months, they develop greater self-determination, soaring imaginations and creative thoughts. Make sure you challenge your children’s minds, but keep the challenges at their levels of learning.Now that you have a few ideas to work with, spend some time with your children this fall, and help them to experience an intriguing, creative and enjoyable autumn season.

Thanks again Emily Patterson for those great ideas. Head on over to Primrose Schools and check out their website--you won't regret it.

Halloween Mantel

2011-10-20T15:01:00.000-05:00

This is my first time having a mantel to decorate for the holidays, and I must say it has been a lot of fun. Here is my Halloween mantel:

For some reason this year I am really into Edgar Allen Poe and The Raven, so I knew for sure I wanted a raven. After much searching, I found one at Michaels, and, lucky me, it was 50% off. :) I also got the skull there.

My kids especially like the spider web and little spiders. In fact, you can find wads of the web taped to the wall throughout the house--apparently they are spider egg sacs.... If asked whether or not they are creepy, make sure and respond, "VERY creepy." Bonus points for you if you also respond that they "give you the chills."

Happy Halloween decorating!

Halloween Book Wreath

2011-10-18T15:32:00.001-05:00

Today I completed my Halloween wreath, and I'm loving it!

Yes, those are book pages. Yes, I destroyed an old book in the process of making this wreath, which I feel a tiny bit bad about, BUUUTTTT I think it looks great, and it was an old book no one was reading anyway. :)

I first got this idea from Heidi at Vacuuming in High Heels and Pearls, and loved the potential.

So I gathered by supplies:

a wreath frame ($1 at the dollar store)

an old book (thanks mom)

and a glue gun

I started carefully ripping out the pages of the book. I took each page indivdually and krinkled it up with the middle poking down and the edges all poking up.

Applied some hot glue onto what used to be the middle of the page...

...and stuck it onto the wreath frame. Easy peasy.

After the whole wreath was filled, I cut out some bat silhouettes and used the hot glue gun to apply them to the wreath.

Love it. Hope you are having fun preparing for Halloween?!

Here's where we are linking up.

Halloween Treats!

2011-10-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

Every year our neighborhood has a fantastic Halloween party for the little kids. We usually have the party during the day, sometimes with lunch. Everyone pitches in and brings what they can, the kids (and the cool moms) wear their costumes and everyone has a blast!

Before its too late, I thought I'd share some sweet Halloween treats from last years party!

*I didn't make all of these- other wonderful and talented friend brought most of them*

First off- Marshmallow Pretzel Spiders

Stick pretzels in a large marshmallow (like legs), dip the whole thing in chocolate and add mini M&M eyes.

Skull Cookies

Your favorite sugar cookies sanded with white sugar (she had a skull cookie cutter)

Goldfish & Pretzels

Two of the toddlers' favorites as a fun black and orange mix!

Witch Hats

A grasshopper (chocolate mint) cookie with a dab of colored frosting and a hershey's kiss on top.

Brownie Owls

Mini brownies with white frosting holding on mini M&M eyes and candy corn beaks.

Pizza Snakes

Make your favorite pizza dough, roll the dough into a large rectangle and add toppings. Then roll back up cinnamon roll style. Stripe with colored egge wash. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes (or until done). Add black olive eyes and a pepperoni tongue. Slice and eat!

I can't wait to see what we have this year!

We'd love to see some of your Halloween treat ideas too- send them our way!

Trunk Makeover

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hi! Today we have something special from some talented family of ours, Shaun and Megan.

Take a look at the fabulous makeover they gave this trunk (which, btw, they found at a garage sale for $4).

How did they do that? With a shower curtain!

Yep, folks, some leftover shower curtain fabric and some Mod Podge.

They lathered the Mod Podge onto the trunk, flattened the shower curtain fabric over the truck with a bone folder, and then used an X-acto knife around the edges to expose the brackets and hardware. For extra durable hold, they reapplied the Mod Podge to the top of the fabric around the edges.

AND it only took 2 hours. Now I just need a nice $4 trunk... :)

Thanks for sharing Shaun and Megan!

Felt Flowers (Sunflowers)

2011-10-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

These were so fun and easy to make. I admit they took a little time, but not too bad. So if you want to make one of your own keep reading!

Start by cutting a circle for the center (about 2 inches). Next cut your felt squares, about 18 of the large and 12 of the small.

Cut you squares into petal shapes. (This picture is obviously from another tutorial, but I forgot to take a picture of the petal shapes before i sewed them on the sunflower, but you cut them the same).

Now fold the sides of each petal in and sew into place with a couple of stitches.

Continue all the way around making sure they're really close together, even overlapping a tiny bit. Don't worry if you don't use all the petals- no one's counting.

Cut two circles of brown felt. One about 2 inches and one a little smaller. Clip the edges all the way around.

Layer the smaller cirle on top of the larger and set in the middle of the flower. Stitch around in a circle in the center. As you pull your stitches tight the edges of your brown cirles will pop up.

Sew some beads in the center and you're done!

Now make a couple more in varying shades and sizes.

If you missed our MUM tutorial, go check it out too!

Decorate Halloween Pumpkins

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

What could be better than decorating with pumpkins?!

Personally, we just love stacks of unadulterated pumpkins or classic jack-o-lanterns, but here are some really fun ideas to add some variety to your fall-decorating.

Love this "hardware store" pumpkin from Fresh Home.

These ribbon pumpkins from Good Housekeeping are festive and cheerful.

If you want to go with a pretty look, the Ladies Home Journal has some beautiful stenciled pumpkins.

How about some creepy black and white insect pumpkins from Fresh Home?

If you like the warm glow of a carved pumpkin but are looking for something different than a regular-old jack-o-lantern, perhaps these dots from Martha are the ticket for you.

What are you planning on doing with your pumpkins this year?

Fall Leaf Luminaries

2011-10-03T21:47:00.002-05:00

I love luminaries--the soft warm light they give is a perfect mood-setter.

These fall-leaf luminaries were fun to make, and easy enough that I did it with my [young] kids.

First we went on a leaf-hunt around our yard, collecting various sizes and shapes (which in and of itself was quite fun).

Then I rolled up some scotch tape and taped the leaves to the bags.

Then I gathered up some toll paints and sponge brushes and away we went, painting all around the leaves. We made QUITE the mess, but we also had a great time, and I think they look great.

Happy Fall!

Here's where we are linking up.

Peach Pandowdy

2011-10-01T13:55:00.000-05:00

Just in case you've never heard of a Pandowdy, its alot like a pie without the bottom crust.

And trust me, You'll be so busy eating you won't miss it.

I like to make mine with Peaches and Blueberries. Love that combination. Sadly, I had no blueberries this time, but it was still delicious.

Start by pealing, pitting, and slicing about 8 cups of peaches. Don't measure, just enough to fill your pie dish.

Add a couple tablespoons of flour and sugar (more sugar if you like it sweeter) and sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or whatever other fall spice you like. Toss it together a bit to coat the peaches.

Prepare your crust and put it on top. Crimping the edges to be pretty of course.
(Check the bottom of this post for a to-die-for crust)

Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 45 minutes. Take a spoon and push some of the crust down into the filling. (I know you just spent all that time making the cust pretty, but this step is part of what makes a pandowdy). Then bake 15-20 minutes more. I forgot to push my curst down until it was pretty much done baking this time, so it didn't work quite as well. So push more of the crust down than is show in this picture.

Let it cool on a wire rack for about an hour- if you can, and enjoy!

I think it's best with ice cream of coures.

Toasted Pecan (or Almond) Dough

1/4 cup pecans or almonds

1 cup flour (sometimes I do half wheat and half white)

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup cold butter, cut in small pieces

3-4 Tbsp ice water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast pecans/almonds on a cookie sheet for about 10 minutes. They should be a little golden and smell really good. Let them cool and then coarsely grind in a food processor. Add flour sugar and salt and process til combined.

Add butter. Precess till it resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds.Gradually add ice water while processing just until dough comes together.

Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour or up to a day before using.

*If you don't have a food processor, just finely chop the nuts, and instead of chopping the butter use a cheese grater and grate the cold butter into the flour mix. Use a fork to mix.

Fall Foliage Bouquet

2011-09-29T15:08:00.000-05:00

Is it Fall in your area of the world? It is in mine! The mornings are crisp, the apples are on, the pumpkins are out at the stores, and I've been making pear butter and gingerbread pancakes with glazed apples. :)

Today I decided it was time to make a Fall Foliage bouquet:

I'm lucky enough to have a burning bush in my backyard, and I've been very much enjoying its intensely red leaves the past week or so. Today I wanted to bring some of the color indoors, so I simply filled a vase with water, headed out back with some shears and clipped myself some branches. And now it is autumn time in my dining room. :)

Why not go on a fall foliage hunt in your own yard? I hope you find something beautiful to bring indoors.

Happy Fall,

Peach Oven Pancake

2011-09-26T07:45:00.000-05:00

Peach Oven Pancake

flour 1/3 cup
sugar 1 teaspoon
salt 1/4 teaspoon
milk 1/3 cup
eggs 2
yogurt 1/2 cup, vanilla or plain
peaches 2 medium, or
2 cups frozen sliced
peaches,thawed and drained
high-fiber cereal 2 tablespoons (optional)

1 heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray round nonstick baking pan, 8 x 1 1/2 inches or 9 x 1 1/2 inches, with cooking spray. Heat pan in oven.

2 beat flour, sugar, salt, milk, and eggs with a hand beater until smooth. Poor into hot pan.

3 bake 15 to 20 minutes or until puffed and browned on edges. Immediately spoon yogurt and peaches into sunken pancake center. Sprinkle with cereal. Serve warm.

Peachy Chicken and Basil Pasta

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Who says peaches are only for dessert? They happen to go very well with basil, chicken and pasta. :)

I made this for dinner the other night because we had loads of peaches and it was a warm autumn day so I wanted something fresh tasting. It turned out to fit the ticket exactly. :)

Click here for recipe from Delish.

Here's where we are linking up.

Felt Flowers (Mums)

2011-09-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

Gorgeous... Yes.

Cheep... Yes.

Easy... of Course!

Want to make one?

Start by cutting 3 sizes of felt squares. I cut 12 of largest, 10 of the next, and 7 of the small.

Trim your squares into petal shapes, leaving one of the large and one of the medium squares for later.

(I just free handed it because petals aren't all the same- right?)

Cut a circle for your base (I used leftover denim, but you could use more felt or whatever.)

Fold the sides of a petal in toward the center secure to the circle with a couple stitches.

Continue all the way around keeping your petals nice and close together. (I used 11 of them.)

Start your next row by stitching the medium petals in closer to the center. Continue all the way around.

(I used 9 petals.)

Add your smallest petals on the same way. (I had 7 around.)

Take you unused large and medium square and trim them down to circles. Then cut slits all the way around.

Stack them up (med. on large)

Stitch in the center or your flower. When you pull the stitch tight the center will pull down and all the little 'fringe' will stand up.

Wha-la! a Beautiful Felt Flower!!!

(or two or three...)

Check back soon to see what I did with mine!