Scrabble Cookies

Recipe and idea from bakeat350.blogspot.com

Giveaway...

A blog that I go to frequently for inspiration and ideas is giving away a sweet machine.



The blog : brown paper packages

The giveaway : a Silhouette

Check it out!

Sometimes we see these out our windows.

First Birthday!

Home exploration....

Saturday night when we came home from a family Christmas, we found that our toilet wasn't working. We were kind of nervous about the whole deal because we know that the corner of the house where the bathroom is located is prone to pipes freezing. (We need to do some work on that) Sure enough, the pipe that went to the toilet was frozen. Rob started running some heat in the basement to help warm it up. It was after midnight already, so doing more intensive work would have been really tiring. We got up the next morning, equipped with a hair dryer and some space heaters. Rob finally got it thawed with no damage to the pipes! What a handy man. The great part of the story is what Rob found while doing this repair. The place where the pipes are located are way in the back of the basement. there is a partial way and a crawl space with a dirt floor. Here is where he had to climb through...



While back there he found these things...

Having the family here, makes this place warm.

The Haan family came over to our house tonight, and we got to hang out with the nephews. We had a great time playing with blocks, LEGOS, watching the cats and Maisy (the bunny), and playing on the computer. I showed Jake how to run Photo Booth. Here are some of our great creations.





Even Sawyer got in on the action.



Jake really picked up on how to run the computer mouse. It sounded like he hadn't really had any experience with it before. Sawyer turns one tomorrow. It is great being able to see him grow. He even tried to take a few steps tonight. He was quick to grab on for help after he realized what he was doing. He will get the hang of it soon.

Anyone?

I am thinking about creating a Nativity Scene and an Advent Calendar to use for the Christmas season. I was wondering if anyone had any neat ideas for how to make one of these two things. I want them to be handmade and creative. Please let me know if you have seen one on a blog or website! I am open to any ideas.

Snowed in?

I don't mind. As a matter of fact - I liked the blizzard. I woke up, decided that it wasn't worth going to Sioux Center for work, and proceeded to make these...


They are a recipe from one of my favorite blogs

The recipe is from one of my favorite blogs - Bake at 350. She is amazing! This was my first attempt, and other than working on my piping technique, I think I did ok. I also made peppermint marshmallows.

We also spent some of our day watching the birds outside feasting at our bird feeder. It quite the site, seeing all the birds fighting the blizzard - having to fly sideways to get to our porch. They decided that it was warmer by our window. Ollie and Neko thought they looked a little tasty.



We ended the night with some homemade Chinese food and a movie. A wonderful way to spend the snowy day.

How did you spend yours?

Maisy Blue Blonnet

Here is the newest resident at the Roost - Maisy Blue Bonnet. Her job is to fertilize the garden and to look cute. She lives in a little bunny hutch between the garage and the soon-to-be chicken coop. She came to us from a farm near Doon, and we are glad to have her. She is about 7 years old and has soft brown and gray fur. She really enjoys a good carrot now and then.

I hope you can all meet her someday! She is a real joy!

*FYI - So far all of our animals have a first and middle name. The first names are picked in order to complete the middle part of the alphabet (L M N O P) and the middle names need to have a color reference.

Maisy Blue Bonnet
Neko Violet
Ollie Redford

Camera is getting fixed... finally. I have so many things I want to take good pictures of to show all of you. (the house, Christmas decorations, ornament swap results, Neko getting a hair cut, the new bunny)

Oh yeah. Rob and I are getting a 7 year old female rabbit from some people in town. They now longer what it, so they are giving us all the goods along with her. Rob picker her up this morning. We named is Maisy Blue Bonnet.

And Neko hasn't been feeling well lately. We brought her to the vet and they had to take x-rays to figure out what was wrong. It turns out she just has a big hairball. But while they had her, they gave her a hair cut because her fur was in rough shape. Now she looks like a wild lioness. Hopefully, no more hairballs! I will post a picture soon.

I am thankful for...

so many things. Especially for a day that we can celebrate those things and hang out with lots of family!

Have a great day everyone!

Yummy

Here is something to try...



Peanut Butter Goodness
1 1/3 cup finely ground peanuts (I used my food processor/can also use peanut butter)
2 tbsp powdered sugar
dash of kosher salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp honey

Mixed until a paste forms. Roll into balls and flatten into disks.

Melt 1 package of semi-sweet chocolate chips (or whatever kind you like). Spread a little chocolate in the bottom of cupcake wrappers, place peanut butter goodness on top, and coat with more chocolate.

Can you say yum?

School cancellations are...

ok.

Especially since I didn't find out until after I was already ready for school. I don't mind. That just means that I had a load of laundry folded and started, dishes washed, bills paid, and a lunch made all by 8 o'clock. Now to catch up with other things neglected around the house. And a special time for crafts.

Nope, I don't mind.

A giveaway....

One of the blogs I follow is having a giveaway just in time for some Christmas shopping! (Oh a little something for yourself) Go over to brownpaper--packages.blogspot.com. She has a lot of cute ideas for crafting and decorating.

The giveaway is from The Pleated Poppy. It is a little shop that sells handmade checkbook covers, little pouches, and hair pieces. Here are some examples.

Cold days mean...

the crafting is in full swing.

Yesterday, I went shopping to snag a new winter jacket. I found a cute black Columbia jacket that doesn't look like you are a ski junkie, some really warm black mittens, and this hat!



I also found a short scarf that buttoned in the front. I thought... I could make that. So... I am going to try.



But first I will make this until I find the right yarn.

New Bling...

You might see me sporting one of these bad boys soon. Yep, pretty excited about it. It could be that it has a meter that can run the pump. OR that there is a huge catalog of food already entered in it. OR that it is completely waterproof. Any of those options would be great... but all three! Sweet!

Oh, and I am getting the pretty blue color.

Back to old traditions.

I love Thanksgiving.
I love family.

Yet, I will miss the small gathering we had in Chicago for the past two years. Spending the holiday with friends was warm, thoughtful, and a little quirky without the turkey. Gathering around a table full of food prepared by loving hands really reminds you of what you are thankful for. I am happy that this year we get to spend this wonderful holiday with family, but I will still be thinking of those who we celebrated with for the last couple years.

To celebrate, I think I will prepare...



Apple Cranberry Raisin Stuffing
Ingredients

* 1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
* 1 (16 ounce) can whole cranberry sauce
* 3 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced
* 1 cup golden raisins
* 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
* 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup apple cider
* 1/2 cup melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a large casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, cranberry sauce, apples, raisins, lemon zest, and orange zest. Season with salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, cider, and butter. Toss the egg mixture with the bread mixture until evenly moist. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
3. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned.

World Diabetes Day November 14

I'm so in...

I am so excited for this!

One of the blogs I follow (freshlyblended) puts on a homemade ornament exchange, where you make 8-10 handmade ornaments and send them to a list of people you are assigned to. They could be from all over the country. In return, you get 8-10 unique handmade ornaments too! I think I have an idea for mine, but need to finalized the details yet. But what a cool way to share with people the things you make!

My tree is going to look fabulous!

I think the registration is open until tomorrow (Sunday, November 7) go here if you want to check it out!

I will post pictures of my project and of the ornaments as they come in.

What is more perfect on a dark and windy evening?

Ingredients

* 3 pounds butternut squash, halved and seeded
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, sliced
* 1 leek, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, sliced
* 2 (49.5 fluid ounce) cans chicken broth
* 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup sherry wine
* 1 cup half-and-half cream
* 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Pour a thin layer of water in a baking dish, or a cookie sheet with sides. Place the squash halves cut side down on the dish. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce the flesh. Cool slightly, then remove the peel. Set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, leek and garlic, and saute for a few minutes, until tender. Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the potatoes, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until soft. Add the squash, and mash with the potatoes until chunks are small. Use an immersible hand blender to puree the soup, or transfer to a blender or food processor in batches, and puree until smooth. Return to the pot.
3. Season the soup with cayenne pepper, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, salt and pepper, then stir in the sherry and half-and-half cream. Heat through, but do not boil. Ladle into bowls, and top with a dollop of sour cream.



Oh it was very tasty. We crumbled some crispy turkey bacon on top and ate it with a small salad. Perfect!

Somewhere in the dark...

Thank you to everyone who came last night. We enjoyed having our house filled with warm laughter and smiles.

Oh painting... I don't think I will be missing you.

A little over a week ago, I decided that it the kitchen and dining room needed a face lift. (Funny since we have only lived here for about two weeks) I thought that the dark tan and black in the kitchen was too dark, so I went for a color palate that I thought would compliment the time period of the house, something light and bright. I think the neutral colors will let the colors of our things stand out.


I also found this great rag rug in a store in Rock Valley. It reminds me of the colors in my small globe collection, which is also featured in our fresh kitchen.



(The second and third pictures have a kind of greenish tint to them because I took them with my phone. If you want to see the colors for real, you will just have to stop by on Saturday during our little get together mentioned on the previous post.)

Sure you can come see our new house!

Saturday, October 23 at 6:30pm, Rob and I are opening up our home for people to come and hang out. We want to invite you to our Housewarming/Open House! Rob ordered a small keg of Fat Tire and I will have some snacks around. We might even try out the fire pit, if you stay long enough! We have some pumpkins, gourds, and squash from our summer garden you can take home as well. It is sure to be a fun time. It is really informal, come and go are you please. But please come!

Something new to try...

This past Saturday was the Fall Party out on the farm. I needed to bring along some sort of squash dish to show off the produce from the garden... this is what I came up with.

1 butternut squash cut into chunks
1/2-3/4 c brown sugar
1 TBSP cinnamon
1/2 c water
2 TBSP margarine or butter

Combine and put into crock pot for until squash is tender.
Enjoy!

(the brown sugar and cinnamon may vary depending on how much squash you use or how sweet you want it.)



Started painting the kitchen and dinning room this weekend; therefore, I haven't been blogging much. I will post pics when I am finished. Rob doesn't like to help paint, so I said I would do it all if I got to choose the colors. And I did. So... much work to do!

And we made it...

It has been five days since we closed on our house and moved in. I am happy to say that we made it. We have collected most of our things, found a place for them, and mowed the lawn (well actually that was a collaborative effort between a handful of family members). But we are here and for the most part we will be seeing this for a while...



And these out our front window...



But I am ok with that.

If you want to see for yourself, you are more than welcome to check out our roost.

Today is the day!

The Homestead

Well, I think we have waited long enough. Rob and I are "unoffical" homeowners. We started looking this summer for a house, just in case we would find the "house of our dreams." Right now, I don't think it quite fits that description, but eventually it might. It is a small farm house in Doon, Iowa with a good sized pasture in the back. We hope to raise chickens and goats and have a garden. There are few more things brewing in the back of our heads, but not everything can happen at once. We are super excited and really can't wait to put our feet down in a place that we own. We are planning to move in October 1.

New Find

I have found a cute new blog. Bake at 350. It is all about cookies! Once we have my new kitchen set up, I think I will try a few. But for now, my mouth will just water.

http://bakeat350.blogspot.com

Made the Pot Stickers

And they are a tasty treat!
If you have butternut squash hanging around, give this recipe a try.
The recipe is a couple posts down.
Enjoy!

Things for outside...

Photos from apartmenttherapy.com

Love...

Photos from apartmenttherapy.com