halloween!

So here it is Halloween and the costume is finished! It did require taking a needle and thread to school, but it is complete! Sorry you missed the fun this morning dad, we missed you. I'll take some better photos this afternoon!

comfort food

This is Mr. L's favorite dinner! No recipe really. I use the Martha Stewart pate brisee recipe and for the filling - simply 1 bag of frozen veggies, chicken, 1 can cream of chicken soup, a few tablespoons of sour cream, and 1/4 c. grated cheddar cheese. Bake @ 375 for 1 hour. Not the most healthy dish, but necessary every once in a while. Easy as "pie!"

new pjs for pajama day!

                                

There is no better excuse to make new jammies than for pajama day at school! I went to the fabric store to buy fabric to make the Halloween costume, but pajamas just seemed more fun at the moment. I got home and finished them before I picked L up from school. It was fun to surprise her with them!

peanut butter fudge

When I was growing up we used to buy homemade fudge from a lady named Evelyn. I can still remember what it tasted like, even though I haven't had it in probably 13 or 14 years. It was the most delicious in taste and texture! I got this recipe from a friend that is the closest I have found to Evelyn's yummy fudge. I try not to make it to often because I can eat the whole pan!

2 c. sugar

1/2 c. milk

1 1/3 c. peanut butter

1 7oz. jar marshmallow creme

Bring sugar and milk to a boil in saucepan. Boil for 3 minutes then stir in peanut butter. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow creme. Mix well. Pour into 8" square pan. Chill. Cut into squares.

A New Dress

This is by far my favorite article of clothing that I have made for myself. I got the idea from this blog. I have the hardest time picking out a pattern and thinking that it could actually turn into something wearable, so it was nice to see a finished product before I started. This was made from Simplicity 3530. I guess I could have taken the time to iron the pleats correctly....you know how Sunday mornings go though.

a little taste of winter

We had our first snowfall this weekend, which reminded me that this is, without a doubt, my favorite time of year!  I get butterflies in my tummy when the snow starts creeping down the mountain, the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven graces my senses, and we are all snuggled in the house together! I love this season... the holidays, the yummy food (especially Mr. L and L fighting over who gets the beater with the most frosting), the beautiful change of scenery outside, utilizing the all wheel drive, the family and friends!

it's beginning to resemble a home.....

Sewing/Piano Room to be shown in its entirety at a later date.

Laundry Room

1/2 Bath

1/2 Bath

Kitchen

Kitchen

I keep thinking that I will wait until the house is perfectly organized and everything is hung on the wall where it is supposed to be to post pictures......that could take years.  So, here are a few pictures of the downstairs.  Still much organizing and decorating to do, understandably as I am ever changing anyway.

Friday Pizza Night

We have a tradition that every Friday is pizza night.  It is one that we look forward to, and it is nice for mom to already know what to make for dinner. We each choose our toppings and have our own customized pizza party! I use the Martha Stewart crust and add 1/2 wheat flour and milled flax seed.  It makes a delicious foundation to yummy pizza! 

1 c. wheat flour

1 1/2 c. flour

1/4 c. cornmeal

1 T. yeast

2 t. salt

2 T. olive oil

2 T. milled flax seed

1 c. hot water (more if needed)

Combine all ingredients in stand mixer, knead using dough hook until smooth and elastic.  Place in a gallon zip-lock bag and let rise until double in size.  Place on lightly floured surface and knead. Make into 2 balls and roll out to fit desired pan.  Top with favorite toppings and bake in a preheated 450* oven. Enjoy!

Yummy!

I found the recommendation for these delicious coconut cupcakes on this blog. They were soooo good! I googled the recipe from Barefoot Contessa's cookbook. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!

Fall is here!

Do they know the way out of here?

Go Baby!

I have lived in C Valley for 11 years and thanks to Nadine, I made it through my first corn maze!  I guess Nadine and I should thank Mr. W, our determined map reader, for getting us through in 25 minutes! (and we were not sweaty, right Nadine!) We had a great time with Lauren's little friends and Nadine's humor!

Wrap Around Skirt

My mother-in-law gave me this great pattern that she used for her girls.  I used it last night, making a few modifications, to make this skirt for the girl!  I want to try the shirt next. I love these older patterns that are made with better paper and thicker lines making it easier to cut out. Surprisingly, L wanted to wear her new skirt today.  Success!