Thursday, September 30, 2010

Cozy Books

Fall has definitely arrived here.  The days keep getting shorter, the air is cooler, and there are crunchy leaves on the ground for Dottie to chase.  It all makes me want to snuggle up under a stack of blankets with a book, preferably a cozy, comforting one.  


I remember reading the Little House books growing up, and they always gave me such a warm, fuzzy feeling.  Perfect for fall and winter.  I'm not sure if I read the whole series, and I know I didn't read them in order.  So!  I have decided to read all of them from start to finish.  It's going quickly, and I am already halfway through On the Banks of Plum Creek (The part where Laura has her first encounter with Nellie Oleson - eek!).  When I finish this cozy book project, I think I'll start on the Anne of Green Gables series.  Any other cozy book recommendations?

Friday, September 24, 2010

Etsy Finds Friday

Inspired by my home state, and also the AMAZING video in my previous post, the theme for this week is OHIO!




(the fact that she will put the heart wherever you want it makes me love this even more!)









Thursday, September 23, 2010

Ohio Grrls

My friends MaryAnn and Jo wrote, recorded, and made a video of this most excellent parody of Katy Perry's "California Gurls".  I think it really captures the essence of the Buckeye State.  Warning:  this song is super catchy.  Enjoy!
  
Edited to add: I have a cameo role.  I'll let  you figure out who I am.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

A Recent Thrift Find

Hello, friends!

As you may have noticed, I have been absent for a few days.  Etsy Finds Friday didn't happen last week.  Well, I have been nursing some stomach troubles since the middle of last week, and blogging had to be put on the shelf for a bit.  Hopefully things have settled down for now, and I can get on  with my regular-ish posting schedule!

Anyway, will you just take a look at this guy?
I mean, really.  How cute is he?  I walked into Goodwill, and there he was, looking up at me from the "Last Chance" bin.  I knew I had to take him home.  50 cents.  A steal if you ask me!

And then!  THEN!  My mom suggested that we hang him by my thread rack.  It looks like he's choosing thread!  GENIUS!  My mom is so smart.  

This lovely piece of art work was painted by Sandy Kaiman of Hawthrone, California.  Sandy Kaiman, I like your style.  Maybe someday I will find more of your work to add to my collection.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Saturday, September 4, 2010

A grain free, gluten free (but not taste free!) cake





My parents's birthdays were at the end of July and the end of August.  I was unable to celebrate with them during those times, but they are visiting this weekend.  So, I decided to throw together an impromptu belated birthday dinner!


I wanted to make a cake for the occasion, but sugar content is a concern because my mom is diabetic.  Enter the grain-free gluten-free chocolate cake recipe from Emily at Joyful Abode!  This cake looked totally scrumptious when I saw it on her blog a couple of weeks ago.  It was super easy to make (I knew it had to be, Emily threw it together shortly after having her first baby), and, most importantly, I had all of the ingredients on hand.


I thought this would be a super dense cake, but it was surprisingly light.  My ganache turned out a little on the thin side, so I just spread it across the top and let it drip over the sides.  The cake went over very well, and I found it to be especially delicious after being in the refrigerator overnight.


If you haven't already, check out Joyful Abode.  Emily posts a lot of healthy recipes, crafty stuff, plus super cute photos of new baby Anneliese!    

Friday, September 3, 2010

Etsy Finds Friday

Fall is fast approaching, and that means apple season is on its way!  There is an orchard in a nearby town that has apple picking during the last couple of weekends in September.  Somehow we always end up having previous engagements during that time.  Not this year.  I am DETERMINED to pick my own apples.  It will happen.  IT.  WILL.  Apple crumble for one and all!!

Oh, and this week's theme is apples.


(eeee I just love Vera Neumann!!)


















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