I have a favorite food blog. Even if an article is about something I don't think I would make, eat, use, etc., the photos are beautiful and I learn something every time I read it.
I just found this post about homemade spoon butter (to moisturize wooden spoons.) It makes my heart go pitter-patter :) (See recent Thanksgiving/cranberry sauce/wooden spoon post of mine.)
So... now I need a good supplier of beeswax in the Humble area :-D
And, I must add, I love her photos of her wooden tools... I think I may need to branch out into non-spoon wooden kitchen implements :)
You know that sweet quote from "You've Got Mail"... the one about sending a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils? Well, I think my version would be a bouquet of wooden kitchen implements. Sigh. My heart is all aflutter just imagining it.
I'm crazy, I know.
...and now back to the real world... off to change a diaper and pick up the car from the mechanic...
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Surprise!
Yesterday Andrew rolled over for the first time! He had just finished a bath and was having Bum Time (naked baby time) and Tummy Time all rolled into one and was pushing up to see me and Poppy (who was visiting for a few hours during a layover en route to South America) when he pushed and leaned a little too far and *shwooop!* he landed on his back. He was definitely surprised! He gave us a look of "oh no! what just happened? that was scary!" and then started crying... poor baby :) What a treat for Momma, Daddy, and Poppy to all be there to see it! We tried video taping him today during Bum/Tummy Time but he wasn't interested in pushing up today. Maybe next time!
Here are some photos from Poppy's visit:
Chillin' on the futon with Poppy, with his favorite rattle.
the "Down Up" game... sure to make him laugh every time!
And now some other recent photos:
Bum/Tummy Time
This is what "getting ready for church" looks like for the menfolk (I'd already been up, fed the baby, showered, dressed, packed the diaper bag, and was starting breakfast at this point...)
Here are some photos from Poppy's visit:
Chillin' on the futon with Poppy, with his favorite rattle.
the "Down Up" game... sure to make him laugh every time!And now some other recent photos:
Bum/Tummy Time
This is what "getting ready for church" looks like for the menfolk (I'd already been up, fed the baby, showered, dressed, packed the diaper bag, and was starting breakfast at this point...)Thursday, February 3, 2011
Digital Scrap Booking + Baby = Awesome
I've spent the past few weeks going over and over all the photos we took of Andrew in his first three months. I love them. I love him. I could look at them all day and still want to snuggle with him and look some more :)
I've been working on a scrapbook for him. Almost 2 years ago I switched to completely digital scrapbooking... much less inventory to keep around and several major benefits. First, there's nothing to set up or clean up - so I actually work on the scrapbook instead of putting it off until I have an entire weekend to dedicate to cutting, sticking, and being creative. Second, everything you buy can be used over and over again (no more running out of the letter "p" in the middle of a title for a page), re-sized, and re-colored. Everything can match, everything can fit on the page, and the whole page can be filled up without having to go find something to stick in the blank spot. Any photo cropping and editing can be undone or redone with the click of a mouse, and even the photos can be re-sized and re-colored. There's even a "match color from page" function that allows your font (or whatever) to exactly match (or have an adjusted tint or hue) whatever is in the photo. The finished product is then printed as a hard-backed coffee-table-type book, which takes up much less space than traditional books and deteriorates much less quickly. They can also be shared online for people far away to view.
The only drawbacks I've found so far are not being able to attach memorabilia (hospital bracelets, for example), although anything that can be scanned into a computer can be included as a "photo" on the page. And the temptation to tweak every page incessently instead of "finishing" it and ordering it.
Anyway, I've just finished and ordered my first full length digital scrapbook (I did a small one for the Band before I left teaching). I really like it and I can't wait to start on the next one :) I also did smaller modified versions for both sets of grandparents, although James' mom doesn't know about hers yet because it's a birthday gift. Hopefully she's forgotten about this blog and doesn't see this post before her birthday ;)
Andrew's Baby Album: Zero through 3 Months
The software I use is two-fold: digital photo storage/cataloging (Memory Manager 3) and album/card/etc. design (Storybook Creator 3). They are by Creative Memories, which is a fantastic company (similar to Pampered Chef) that also works with traditional scrapbooking and faithbooking. All of their products are very high quality and their customer service is very good. Here's my consultant's page if you're interested in investigating.
Enjoy :)
PS - the current photos for the title of the blog were done with the same Storybook Creator 3 software.
I've been working on a scrapbook for him. Almost 2 years ago I switched to completely digital scrapbooking... much less inventory to keep around and several major benefits. First, there's nothing to set up or clean up - so I actually work on the scrapbook instead of putting it off until I have an entire weekend to dedicate to cutting, sticking, and being creative. Second, everything you buy can be used over and over again (no more running out of the letter "p" in the middle of a title for a page), re-sized, and re-colored. Everything can match, everything can fit on the page, and the whole page can be filled up without having to go find something to stick in the blank spot. Any photo cropping and editing can be undone or redone with the click of a mouse, and even the photos can be re-sized and re-colored. There's even a "match color from page" function that allows your font (or whatever) to exactly match (or have an adjusted tint or hue) whatever is in the photo. The finished product is then printed as a hard-backed coffee-table-type book, which takes up much less space than traditional books and deteriorates much less quickly. They can also be shared online for people far away to view.
The only drawbacks I've found so far are not being able to attach memorabilia (hospital bracelets, for example), although anything that can be scanned into a computer can be included as a "photo" on the page. And the temptation to tweak every page incessently instead of "finishing" it and ordering it.
Anyway, I've just finished and ordered my first full length digital scrapbook (I did a small one for the Band before I left teaching). I really like it and I can't wait to start on the next one :) I also did smaller modified versions for both sets of grandparents, although James' mom doesn't know about hers yet because it's a birthday gift. Hopefully she's forgotten about this blog and doesn't see this post before her birthday ;)
Andrew's Baby Album: Zero through 3 Months
The software I use is two-fold: digital photo storage/cataloging (Memory Manager 3) and album/card/etc. design (Storybook Creator 3). They are by Creative Memories, which is a fantastic company (similar to Pampered Chef) that also works with traditional scrapbooking and faithbooking. All of their products are very high quality and their customer service is very good. Here's my consultant's page if you're interested in investigating.
Enjoy :)
PS - the current photos for the title of the blog were done with the same Storybook Creator 3 software.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Cranberry Sauce, Wooden Spoons, and Thanksgiving Thoughts
Remember a few months back when we were celebrating Thanksgiving? I do. We celebrated with the Mayer family, who are great friends of ours :) In fact, we have standing arrangements to spend major holidays with them if neither family is visiting extended family on the east coast. (ps- Jackie, I promise I still like you - I'll call you and compare calendars to get our families together soon!) But I digress. Last year the Mayers invited another family... a family of vegetarians.
Vegetarians for Thanksgiving? But what about the turkey?
I know, I know. And then as we sat down to eat I realized something. Vegetarians are the best people to invite to Thanksgiving. Yes, I love a good turkey (or lamb loin or ham or whatever you're serving), but when someone asks you "what do we need to have for Thanksgiving Dinner for it to count as Thanksgiving Dinner?" who ever says "turkey"?!? It's always some sort of side dish that is proudly proclaimed and lovingly described, family recipes dug out and internet varieties consulted. Green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, creamed corn, cornbread dressing, stuffing, gravy.... the list is infinite. And who better than to perfect a delicious vegetable "side dish" (I may start a crusade to make the veggies the meal with a "side" of turkey) than our sweet vegetarian friends!
But the icing on the proverbial cake is the cranberry sauce to garnish that delightful slice of turkey that managed to squeeze in between the stuffing and the mashed potatoes.
Bring on the can.
I've loved the can since I was little... those little ridges showing you where to slice, the jello-like consistency that's so easy to portion onto pieces of turkey... but I may have to forgo the can from now on. I've met someone else. A cousin, in fact. Meet the homemade, whole berry, cranberry sauce. Maybe I've just been missing out for my whole life or maybe it was my determination that the chunky texture would not deter me this year, but I've found a new love.
As we feigned graciousness by offering the larger portions of the leftovers to the other families, hoping that this particular delicacy wouldn't be the "apple of their eye," I asked for some of the cranberry sauce. The main sauce is smooth with a hint of sweetness, flecked with tiny seeds and strewn with delightfully tart berries. The tartness got me. Don't get me wrong, it's still a sweet sauce, but the berries retained their bite, too.
Considering that my husband doesn't eat cranberry sauce, I was awfully brave in taking an entire tupperware container full of the stuff home. About a week later, with at least a cup and a half left in that bowl in the fridge, we were entering the "eat it or throw it out" stage. I can't throw this out.... I have to figure out some other way to eat this... other than just with a spoon...
And then it happened.
Ice cream.
I now have a new favorite ice cream topping. I'm sure it would also be good on vanilla yogurt. At first I was a purist and only put it on vanilla, wanting to be able to focus on the flavor of the berry itself. Then I tried it with a swirl of chocolate sauce, which was pretty good. And then when I mistakenly got some chocolate in my bowl (thank you, Blue Bell, for putting Homemade Vanilla and Dutch Chocolate in the same container so my vanilla was infiltrated by the chocolate... otherwise this may never have happened...) I found a new creation worthy of its own existence. If I had the ability to make my own ice cream and have it turn out as well as Blue Bell does, I'd make chocolate cranberry ripple with this cranberry sauce. Sigh. I can dream...
So why am I writing this on February first? Well, today I canned my own cranberry sauce. I've been stockpiling cranberries as the various grocery stores in the area put them on sale. I convinced Niki to give me her recipe, compared it to some recipes I found online specifically designed for canning (learning that cranberries are some of the most acidic fruit and are perfect for canning!). Voila. I'm tempted to walk to Kroger and buy some chocolate ice cream and a turkey so I can use a can tonight (I'm car-less today or this might actually be happening!) Maybe James can stop on his way home...
So here's the recipe, with notes on modifying it for canning.
1 bag fresh cranberries
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar
1 cup pomegranate juice (THIS is what emphasizes the tartness I loved!)
1/2 cup red wine or port
Bring all ingredients to a low boil and simmer for 10-15 min. Niki simmers hers longer to break up more of the berries. And she really was very gracious in sharing her leftovers last Thanksgiving... I'll have to thank her again...
Per Niki's recommendation for canning and according to the online versions I found, I left out the alcohol. I tripled the recipe and only had 2 cups pomegranate juice, so the third cup was orange. I also simmered the berries for over 20 minutes while I waited for my cans to boil, etc. The color is amazing! If you've been to my house... it matches the red wall in my kitchen :) I processed them for 12 minutes in boiling water and then enjoyed listening to them pop as they sealed on the counter. There was about 2 Tbsp left in the saucepan that I put on two spoon-fulls of chocolate ice cream from the dwindling reserve in the freezer (earmarked for James for tonight... definitely have to ask him to stop on his way home...). A. maz. ing. I added too much sugar, adding 3/4 cup instead of just 1/2 cup per third of the recipe... next time I'll know better :) And I might try adding some other spices to smaller batches in the future.
Here are some of the recipes I consulted:
Ocean Spray's official recipe.
Canning USA's recipe using different spices.
Just look at that beautiful color!
In all of my cooking joy this morning, I realized that I also love wooden spoons. I have a whole bunch of them, and they're definitely my favorite stirring option. The one I used this morning has been dyed a delightful dark cherry color. Or dark cranberry, if you will. Some of my favorite spoons have one straight edge on them, which is helpful for scraping the bottom of the pan, especially near the corners. Another of my favorites has a deeper curve so it can be used for scooping, not just stirring. I love the variety in the handle lengths. I love the different stains that certain foods leave behind. I love the texture of the wood in my hand instead of plastic.
I'm weird. It's ok... I'm ok with it :)
Anyway, I hope you make this sauce and try it with something other than just turkey. And when you do, let me know and I'll try that combination too :)
Vegetarians for Thanksgiving? But what about the turkey?
I know, I know. And then as we sat down to eat I realized something. Vegetarians are the best people to invite to Thanksgiving. Yes, I love a good turkey (or lamb loin or ham or whatever you're serving), but when someone asks you "what do we need to have for Thanksgiving Dinner for it to count as Thanksgiving Dinner?" who ever says "turkey"?!? It's always some sort of side dish that is proudly proclaimed and lovingly described, family recipes dug out and internet varieties consulted. Green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, creamed corn, cornbread dressing, stuffing, gravy.... the list is infinite. And who better than to perfect a delicious vegetable "side dish" (I may start a crusade to make the veggies the meal with a "side" of turkey) than our sweet vegetarian friends!
But the icing on the proverbial cake is the cranberry sauce to garnish that delightful slice of turkey that managed to squeeze in between the stuffing and the mashed potatoes.
Bring on the can.
I've loved the can since I was little... those little ridges showing you where to slice, the jello-like consistency that's so easy to portion onto pieces of turkey... but I may have to forgo the can from now on. I've met someone else. A cousin, in fact. Meet the homemade, whole berry, cranberry sauce. Maybe I've just been missing out for my whole life or maybe it was my determination that the chunky texture would not deter me this year, but I've found a new love.
As we feigned graciousness by offering the larger portions of the leftovers to the other families, hoping that this particular delicacy wouldn't be the "apple of their eye," I asked for some of the cranberry sauce. The main sauce is smooth with a hint of sweetness, flecked with tiny seeds and strewn with delightfully tart berries. The tartness got me. Don't get me wrong, it's still a sweet sauce, but the berries retained their bite, too.
Considering that my husband doesn't eat cranberry sauce, I was awfully brave in taking an entire tupperware container full of the stuff home. About a week later, with at least a cup and a half left in that bowl in the fridge, we were entering the "eat it or throw it out" stage. I can't throw this out.... I have to figure out some other way to eat this... other than just with a spoon...
And then it happened.
Ice cream.
I now have a new favorite ice cream topping. I'm sure it would also be good on vanilla yogurt. At first I was a purist and only put it on vanilla, wanting to be able to focus on the flavor of the berry itself. Then I tried it with a swirl of chocolate sauce, which was pretty good. And then when I mistakenly got some chocolate in my bowl (thank you, Blue Bell, for putting Homemade Vanilla and Dutch Chocolate in the same container so my vanilla was infiltrated by the chocolate... otherwise this may never have happened...) I found a new creation worthy of its own existence. If I had the ability to make my own ice cream and have it turn out as well as Blue Bell does, I'd make chocolate cranberry ripple with this cranberry sauce. Sigh. I can dream...
So why am I writing this on February first? Well, today I canned my own cranberry sauce. I've been stockpiling cranberries as the various grocery stores in the area put them on sale. I convinced Niki to give me her recipe, compared it to some recipes I found online specifically designed for canning (learning that cranberries are some of the most acidic fruit and are perfect for canning!). Voila. I'm tempted to walk to Kroger and buy some chocolate ice cream and a turkey so I can use a can tonight (I'm car-less today or this might actually be happening!) Maybe James can stop on his way home...
So here's the recipe, with notes on modifying it for canning.
1 bag fresh cranberries
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar
1 cup pomegranate juice (THIS is what emphasizes the tartness I loved!)
1/2 cup red wine or port
Bring all ingredients to a low boil and simmer for 10-15 min. Niki simmers hers longer to break up more of the berries. And she really was very gracious in sharing her leftovers last Thanksgiving... I'll have to thank her again...
Per Niki's recommendation for canning and according to the online versions I found, I left out the alcohol. I tripled the recipe and only had 2 cups pomegranate juice, so the third cup was orange. I also simmered the berries for over 20 minutes while I waited for my cans to boil, etc. The color is amazing! If you've been to my house... it matches the red wall in my kitchen :) I processed them for 12 minutes in boiling water and then enjoyed listening to them pop as they sealed on the counter. There was about 2 Tbsp left in the saucepan that I put on two spoon-fulls of chocolate ice cream from the dwindling reserve in the freezer (earmarked for James for tonight... definitely have to ask him to stop on his way home...). A. maz. ing. I added too much sugar, adding 3/4 cup instead of just 1/2 cup per third of the recipe... next time I'll know better :) And I might try adding some other spices to smaller batches in the future.
Here are some of the recipes I consulted:
Ocean Spray's official recipe.
Canning USA's recipe using different spices.
Just look at that beautiful color!In all of my cooking joy this morning, I realized that I also love wooden spoons. I have a whole bunch of them, and they're definitely my favorite stirring option. The one I used this morning has been dyed a delightful dark cherry color. Or dark cranberry, if you will. Some of my favorite spoons have one straight edge on them, which is helpful for scraping the bottom of the pan, especially near the corners. Another of my favorites has a deeper curve so it can be used for scooping, not just stirring. I love the variety in the handle lengths. I love the different stains that certain foods leave behind. I love the texture of the wood in my hand instead of plastic.
I'm weird. It's ok... I'm ok with it :)
Anyway, I hope you make this sauce and try it with something other than just turkey. And when you do, let me know and I'll try that combination too :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sign Language
This is an awesome online dictionary for American Sign Language!
I just have to say that the sign for Daddy made me laugh when I saw it :)
So here are the first few signs I'm going to start using with Andrew:
Milk
Mommy
Daddy
Diaper
Bed
Music
Please
Up
Signs that will become more useful in a few months:
More
Drink
Book
Eat
Thank you
Airplane
Down
It makes me smile that "love" and "hug" are remarkably similar :)
I just have to say that the sign for Daddy made me laugh when I saw it :)
So here are the first few signs I'm going to start using with Andrew:
Milk
Mommy
Daddy
Diaper
Bed
Music
Please
Up
Signs that will become more useful in a few months:
More
Drink
Book
Eat
Thank you
Airplane
Down
It makes me smile that "love" and "hug" are remarkably similar :)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Growth Spurt
First, here's a link to some new photos I put on Facebook :)
Andrew is getting so big so fast! Right now he's rolling onto his side while playing on the floor, sitting up with light support from my legs (or the Boppy pillow), teething (I can feel the top right canine - it's a little bump under his gums), and loves playing with rattles and whatever cloth he can reach (burp cloth, blanket, bib). He's also learning new facial expressions and sounds and likes to stand up on my lap. He loves it when somebody sings to him, and I think he's in a growth spurt - his neck is definitely longer, his whole body seems bigger, and he's been taking 40 minutes to nurse. And his diaper leaked a few times this week so I made it bigger and it fits around his legs better now... I sigh remembering the days that his little bum and legs were too small for the cloth diapers!
One of his little friends is already signing "milk" and "change"..... I guess I'm behind in learning and teaching my sign language! That's my goal for the next week - decide what words I want him to know first, find the signs for them, and start using them consistently. "Milk" and some sort of music/sing (depending on how easy the sign is) are definitely at the top.
His 4 month appointment is in 2 weeks... looking forward to getting the new stats! I think he's upwards of 17lb! That's my sweet, growing boy :-D
Andrew is getting so big so fast! Right now he's rolling onto his side while playing on the floor, sitting up with light support from my legs (or the Boppy pillow), teething (I can feel the top right canine - it's a little bump under his gums), and loves playing with rattles and whatever cloth he can reach (burp cloth, blanket, bib). He's also learning new facial expressions and sounds and likes to stand up on my lap. He loves it when somebody sings to him, and I think he's in a growth spurt - his neck is definitely longer, his whole body seems bigger, and he's been taking 40 minutes to nurse. And his diaper leaked a few times this week so I made it bigger and it fits around his legs better now... I sigh remembering the days that his little bum and legs were too small for the cloth diapers!
One of his little friends is already signing "milk" and "change"..... I guess I'm behind in learning and teaching my sign language! That's my goal for the next week - decide what words I want him to know first, find the signs for them, and start using them consistently. "Milk" and some sort of music/sing (depending on how easy the sign is) are definitely at the top.
His 4 month appointment is in 2 weeks... looking forward to getting the new stats! I think he's upwards of 17lb! That's my sweet, growing boy :-D
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
3 Months!
Our sweet baby boy is 3 months old today! Oh how time flies when you're having fun :)
I've been posting photos on Facebook... rather than upload them here (which takes 3 times as long) I'll include links to the FB albums for those of you who don't have FB accounts.
Fun Andrew Trivia:
*He likes to "help" when we change his diaper - when he hears the Velcro he lifts his legs and bum up for easier cleaning. He doesn't do this while playing yet - only during diaper changes!
*He slept through the night (9-5) for 2.5 weeks and is now getting up at 1, 3, and 5/6... I want him to go back to sleeping 8 hours!
*He "talks" a LOT! And last Thursday he realized he has control of the volume... it was LOUD all day! He's also found his blood-curdling scream... fortunately he doesn't do it very often.
*He found his hands while Grandma Barnes was here over Christmas and now enjoys looking at them, chewing/sucking on them, and grabbing things - primarily blankets.
*He rolled over (back to front) on New Year's Day! Granted, it was on the futon while I was lying next to him (so he had an incline to roll down) but it was still fun :)
*He loves music - especially somebody singing to him.
*If the TV is on he'll stretch and wiggle trying to see it... so it stays off while he's awake for the most part!
*He loves "This Little Piggy," "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes," and "My Heart Is" (I See the Moon), and recently discovered he likes bouncing on our knees ("William Tell Overture" theme and "This is the way the farmers ride") and learning "up" and "down"... I'm getting an arm workout lifting him up! We did squats yesterday to learn "down" more effectively... bring on the baby workout!
*He just grew out of the 3-6 month clothing and is now in 6-9 months... apparently this isn't odd, especially given the range in normal sizes of babies when they're this young. The larger "6 month" clothing fits, but most of it is closer to the 3 month size so it's being packed away too!
*He has now been alive for 1 year... how happy we were to find out about him last January and what a miracle it's been to watch him grow from that first ultrasound of just a tiny little circle sac into the big boy he is now! What a sweet, precious little person he is and I just can't wait for all of the adventures we're going to have together :)
I've been posting photos on Facebook... rather than upload them here (which takes 3 times as long) I'll include links to the FB albums for those of you who don't have FB accounts.
Fun Andrew Trivia:
*He likes to "help" when we change his diaper - when he hears the Velcro he lifts his legs and bum up for easier cleaning. He doesn't do this while playing yet - only during diaper changes!
*He slept through the night (9-5) for 2.5 weeks and is now getting up at 1, 3, and 5/6... I want him to go back to sleeping 8 hours!
*He "talks" a LOT! And last Thursday he realized he has control of the volume... it was LOUD all day! He's also found his blood-curdling scream... fortunately he doesn't do it very often.
*He found his hands while Grandma Barnes was here over Christmas and now enjoys looking at them, chewing/sucking on them, and grabbing things - primarily blankets.
*He rolled over (back to front) on New Year's Day! Granted, it was on the futon while I was lying next to him (so he had an incline to roll down) but it was still fun :)
*He loves music - especially somebody singing to him.
*If the TV is on he'll stretch and wiggle trying to see it... so it stays off while he's awake for the most part!
*He loves "This Little Piggy," "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes," and "My Heart Is" (I See the Moon), and recently discovered he likes bouncing on our knees ("William Tell Overture" theme and "This is the way the farmers ride") and learning "up" and "down"... I'm getting an arm workout lifting him up! We did squats yesterday to learn "down" more effectively... bring on the baby workout!
*He just grew out of the 3-6 month clothing and is now in 6-9 months... apparently this isn't odd, especially given the range in normal sizes of babies when they're this young. The larger "6 month" clothing fits, but most of it is closer to the 3 month size so it's being packed away too!
*He has now been alive for 1 year... how happy we were to find out about him last January and what a miracle it's been to watch him grow from that first ultrasound of just a tiny little circle sac into the big boy he is now! What a sweet, precious little person he is and I just can't wait for all of the adventures we're going to have together :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=523553&id=799610143&l=e7c9b69f97
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=528800&id=799610143&l=d5ff8c314a
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=546784&id=799610143&l=3ab371f7ce
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=555307&id=799610143&l=3352cb3e94
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=569591&id=799610143&l=f08e1a132a
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=569593&id=799610143&l=81787c81c3
I have Christmas photos but they're not uploaded yet... I would say "coming soon" except last time I said that it was 3 months ago!
Happy 3 month birthday, baby. I love you!
I have Christmas photos but they're not uploaded yet... I would say "coming soon" except last time I said that it was 3 months ago!
Happy 3 month birthday, baby. I love you!
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