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As a recent knitting convert, I've become a bit of a zealot (another yarn post coming soon will make this very clear). Anyway, I am super excited to join Ginny's yarn along, after enjoying it from afar for way too long. I am currently finishing up a feather and fan scarf and reading Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned
Happy Knitting!
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I thought I'd share my favorite I-haven't-been-to-the-store-in-ages recipe. When the cupboard is fairly bare, and the fridge reveals only assorted bits and a handful of eggs, I know what we'll be having for dinner: frittata. It's the perfect way to use up random veg (even leftover pasta or potatoes). Easy, tasty, healthy, and cheap: my kind of weeknight meal.
I guess this is more of a set of guidelines than a recipe, I'm not sure I've ever made the exact one twice, but that's what I love about it!
Frittata
Eggs, two per person eating, plus one
Vegetables, chopped, any assortment, my favorites include onion, sweet peppers, leafy greens, summer squash, artichoke hearts
Optional starch: cooked potatoes or pasta
Optional extras: sausage, bacon, cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and pepper
1. Beat eggs and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a non-stick/cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. If using sausage or bacon that is not already cooked, cook it first, drain fat and set to the side. In the same pan, cook vegetables in a few glugs of oil until tender.
3. Add meat and starch to pan, if using. Spread ingredients evenly in pan and lower heat to medium low. Pour over the eggs. Sprinkle on cheese if using.
4. Set broiler to high. Cook eggs on stove top, scraping the sides gently until the bottom is set.
5. Place pan two inches from broiler until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set through.
6. Slice your frittata like a pie, serve, and enjoy!
P.S. - It makes great leftovers, if there are any!
Happy cooking!
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I guess I can add miniature hat making to my resume now.
Jude was given a previously loved Woody doll who had lost his hat. What's a sheriff to do? Nothing a little brown pleather and embroidery floss can't fix. Good as new, maybe better.
Happy Turkey Sandwich Day!
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Source: uppercasemagazine.tumblr.com via Carla on Pinterest
You know you've got a lot on your mind when you're standing in the shower, and you have no idea whether it is time for shampoo or conditioner. I'm fairly sure I washed my hair twice yesterday. My mind is racing with projects and to-do's. It's not a bad thing, in fact it's quite invigorating, especially with the extra shampooings.
I am currently: sewing up a storm of cool weather clothes, preparing to bake 36 mini pies, painting all the trim in my house, dreaming of 100 other creative holiday items, and knitting every chance I get. It's like adventures in homemaking on overdrive! If I can stop long enough, maybe I'll actually get half of it blogged.
How about you? Do you ever get crazy bursts of creative energy? Do you have any tricks for avoiding crafty burnout?
Here's to getting swept up in the most crafty time of the year.
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I was cleaning out the garage, and I stumbled upon this:
And having found the perfect excuse to stop cleaning, I turned it into this:
Want to make one?
Here's what you'll need:
Large hat box (mine was free, but they're cheap at Michael's if you needed to buy one)
2" foam to cover the top (I had enough left over from my headboard)
vinyl or oil cloth (I used clearance vinyl from Joann's, already in my stash from the ipad case)
duct tape
hot glue gun or spray adhesive
sewing machine
1. Using heavy duty scissors cut down your box so that it's about 3" tall.
2. Trace the lid of your box on the wrong side of your fabric. Then cover the lid in hot glue or spray adhesive and slap the foam on there, I actually used a few random pieces. Once the foam is stuck you can cut it flush to the box with a serrated knife. Note: it doesn't have to look good, the vinyl will hide all flaws.
3. Place the lid on the box, and duct tape around the seam to hold it in place.
4. Cut out your circle of fabric, cutting 1/2" outside the line your drew to allow for seam allowance. Cut a rectangle of fabric 8" by the circumference of your box plus 2" (mine was 46"). Depending on your fabric, you might have to join two pieces to get it long enough.
5. With right sides facing, sew the long side of your rectangle to the edge of your circle. Trick: vinyl is too hard to pin, just sew slowly, stopping often to line up a small section at a time.
6. Clip along the edge of your seam, turn it right side out, and fit it over your box. Flip your box over and duct tape like crazy, pleating the vinyl as needed.
7. Set it in your kid's new spot at the kitchen table and enjoy!
Here's to a fresh face at the family table.
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Jason and I snuck away for a much needed little vacation. A romantic, fancy, potty-learning-free vacation. Jude stayed with my parents, whom he loves and spends lots of time with. I knew that he would have a great time, but I also knew I would miss him really bad. I decided a special mama-made backpack would be just the right way to send him off. A nice little reminder of how much I love him.
I didn't use a pattern, I just winged it. I wanted it to be kind of old school style. The flap is held down with magnetic snaps, easy for him to do himself, and easier for me than sewing a zipper. The elephant fabric is from Spoonflower, and the red is outdoor fabric from my stash. I discovered too late that the outdoor fabric couldn't be ironed without sort of melting, not the best choice, but I made it work. Instead of interfacing, I ran bias around the inside seams to help make it more sturdy. I was going to try to figure out adjustable straps but then I just really needed to be done, so I tried it on him, guessed the strap length, and called it good. The straps are quilted with a little fleece and it must be comfortable because he refused to take it off.
The trip was a total success. It turns out I do still know how to relax, and while we both missed Jude terribly, it felt great to spend focused attention on each other. This parenting gig is serious business. The kind of job that often has us working in shifts. And when we spend time as a family, Jason and I are often side-by-side, looking out at our son and our future. It was so nice to take a few days to turn and face each other, reveling in the fact that we are still madly in love. Oh, and Jude? He didn't miss us a bit, he was way too busy having fun and turning into a four year old over night.
Here's to amazing grandparents, recharged parents, and the ever-more-independent little boy they love with all their hearts.
Thank you Na and Pa!
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Welcome to another installment of the Small & Friendly no obligation Baby Book Club. Today's theme is friendship. There are two books that Jude and I can't get enough of lately, and they both emphasize the beauty and importance of good friends.
The Farm Friendship: Little Blue Truck
Jude loves it because: the main character is a blue truck! Plus its got farm animals, great rhymes, and a dump truck!
Mom loves it because: it teaches you to be kind, friendly, patient, and helpful. Plus, the goat butt makes me smile every time.
The Zoo Friendship: A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Jude loves it because: there's an elephant. And so many great things to find within the illustrations.
Mom loves it because: the illustrations and story are both beautiful and touching.
I will admit that these stories are a little more involved and perhaps best for a toddler, but I'm sticking with "Baby Book Club" because I like how it sounds. If you are looking for a recommendation for the under one set, I think this
Have you read these books, and if so, did you like them? Do you have a favorite friendship book?
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{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Words (and inspiration) by Amanda Soule.
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