Cooking Day

A brisk walk this morning, has been followed by a full-on cooking day. After struggling to figure out what to cook most nights last week, I decided to cook once this week, stock the fridge and freezer and sit back and enjoy the week ahead. Why was I struggling last week to figure out what's for dinner? In part, I blame Pinterest. It was a much more appealing way to spend my time. And after spending way too much time on on there, at least I can say I found a few good recipes to add to my cooking day list. 

On the menu? [I admit, I am no food blogger. Figuring out how to capture detailed pictures while cooking, is not my forte]. A Greek Roasted Chicken with spaghetti squash, which is in the oven now. 

Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (found on Pinterest). 1.5 cups of oats; 2 ripe bananas; 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; a handful of dried cranberries or dried cherries and cinnamon to taste. Mix, spread on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Cornbread, Sausage and Cheese Muffins. Add cooked sweet sausage to the cornbread mix (follow instructions on the box), fill muffins wells, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. These are great with a hearty soup. 

Minestrone Al Pesto Con Formaggio, is being made as I write this, by my husband. 

And an interesting recipe, Sweet & Salty Roasted Chick Peas, also found on Pinterest. It has already proved good for snacking. 

Oh, and I do believe I owe you a link for the Lemon Custard Pie from last week. Boy, did this recipe hit the spot! 

Happy Sunday dear blog readers. 

Puttering Around

It's a pretty snowy Saturday here. Just enough snow to make the world seem a little quieter and a more peaceful place to be. Snow days are perfect days for catching up on little projects, sipping tea and just puttering around the house doing a little bit of this and little bit of that. 

I dug out one of my holiday gifts, a stamp making kit, and played for a bit. Making my own angel wings stamp has been on my list longer than I care to admit. After finding a royalty free angel wing clip art image online and sizing it, I traced it onto tracing paper with a pencil. From there, I flipped it over, rubbed it on a piece of Speedball Speedy Carve Blocks and had an outline that I could carve out using carving tools. In a matter of minutes, I was able to start using my new stamp and stamp markers. Can I just say, I love stamp markers?! You put the ink right where you want it and you're ready to go. No more messy ink pads for this girl. 

On tap for this afternoon is a new recipe for a lemon custard pie. If it turns out well, I'll post a picture and recipe later in the week. 

Happy weekend lovely blog friends :)

All is Quiet

It's been a quiet week or so with a nasty cold that had its hold on me. It was the little things around the house that kept me amused and happy.

This wild and wacky pepper. Every time I sliced it, another little 'internal vine' thingy appeared.

Afternoon grapefruit while soaking up the sun in the kitchen.

A surprise package in the mail from house guests over the holiday.

And snow, for my little guy to play in.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year lovely blog readers! I can hardly believe another year has come and gone. With the holidays behind me and things starting to slow down a bit, I'm now ready to focus on resolutions/goals/things to do in 2012. My list is long, as always, but why not try to live to the fullest?! And the way I like to approach it is, put the intentions out there and try. Everything on the list may not happen, but a lot of it will. 

For those that know me, I am quite particular when it comes to my calendars. So much so, that no one ever buys me one. Ha! I have to like the theme of the calendar and every single picture in it. And this year, is no different. I have looked all over and was about to forgo even buying one, when I picked up an old issue of Mollie Makes in the bookstore to discover the December giveaway (each month has one) was a calendar. And wouldn't you know, I liked all 12 pages. Phew! 

The focus on the calendar is simplicity, artful living and crafts photographed by Norwegian designer, Jeanette Lunde. Each month also highlights a quote and you know how much I love quotes. This month's, "There are people who have money and people who are rich." - Coco Channel 

Like most, I'm attracted to things, at times, without even realizing it until given a little time to reflect. Well my calendar certainly is reflective of my 2012 life plan. Here's a quick rundown of what I'm striving for: 

- A little more peace and quiet time, on my terms (easier said than done!)

- Exploring the land of fabrics: I'm not sure what's gotten into me, but I used to sew on a fairly regular basis. Just basic stuff, but I haven't done a thing in years. At this point, I'm almost afraid to start again. Tomorrow I have my first knitting class and I'm in the process of signing up for a fall sewing class at Squam. 

- Taking a real vacation. Location is TBD. 

- Selling my hand scrub wholesale. It was a huge hit over the holidays, which was a big confidence booster. I already have my first client with a deadline in a week for 50 jars! 

- Entering some artwork into this art show I keep talking about. Deadline I believe is mid-year. 

- Furthering my photography skills. 

- Starting a second blog (I'm nuts, I know ;)

- Giving back. Being a mentor. Helping girls get the start we all deserve. 

Wishing you all the best for 2012. May all your wildest, heartfelt and dearest dreams come true.