camp-anna-wanna

We finally went camping!
Way out in the sticks. Wild coyote, domestic chickens and all.
Some friends of ours own a good piece of land and were gracious enough to let us pitch our tent on their front lawn. This means that it was really cheater camping. Because they let us use the bath in the house. But that's exactly the kind of camping I like.
We are stilling working on getting the smell of the campfire out of our clothes and hair and knitting projects. Yes, I brought a project along. :) Such a blast!
Next time, I think we'll remember to go before the temperature drops to 40 degrees at night.

Aren't these hilarious?

Check out these vintage internet ads.
( via Design mom)

fall fashions

Has anyone had a look at the fall Bonpoint collection? Talk about inspiration. I'd like to buy everything, but since that's not feasible. Maybe I'll get some ideas and go straight to the sewing machine/ knitting needles. Do any off you get all hyped and want to outfit your children in hand made clothing?

me in the eyes of my 4 year old

He's a charmer that little man.

it doesn't have a name

I get stumped in the kitchen. It happens way more often than I think it should. The last few days have been really bad. Like, a recent dinner made it into the 5 worst meals ever list.
Then, this salad was made. Kind of accidentally. But, it was refreshing enough to share. So here you go.

Salad

1/2 a head of romaine washed and chopped.
1 C defrosted sweet peas
1/2 15 oz can garbanzo beans
1/2 crown of fresh broccoli
1 small red pepper
1 C cooked chicken breast torn into small chunks

Dressing

1 T Dijon mustard
2 T red wine vinegar
1/3 C olive oil
1/4 C mayonnaise
1 T fresh dill ( or a t of dried)
salt and pepper


And just in case its not to your liking here's another. And another. Maybe you can be refreshed too.

knit-a-licious

I have been working on this sweater, from Last minute knitted gifts. I am proud to say I'm getting close to the end. (this will be my first sweater.)

I can't get myself past the idea of my children wearing hand knit sweaters. This one is for Ezra. Hopefully I'll have it finished for his first birthday in November. That should give me enough time.

In the meanwhile Joelle Hoverson had to go and do it again.

Did you see these?

I think I might need to buy this book. Very soon.

livingroom dreamland

Yes, please be my livingroom.

dining al fresco

The evening cool down quite bit here. So After a long hot day eating diner on the deck is a much smarter than eating in the hot stuffy house. ( did I mention we don't have air conditioning?)
We got this book from the library, it where they learned the phrase dining al fresco. Kinda of funny coming from little mouths.

potty

I put my children on the potty when they are 8 months old. Not quite as early as some others. Mostly because its cute. (see above for proof) But also because it makes for less diapers and wiping. Have any of you ever heard of this elimination communication method? Or tried it for that matter? I think its worth it.

coffee treats

A friend of mine gave me a one cup bialetti espresso maker at my baby shower after Ezra was born, and it has been everything a new mother of three should have.(or mother of one, or two, or 10 for that matter.) I've been making iced coffee with it since we are in the middle of a heat wave. So delicious. Also, this homemade biscotti goes with it perfectly. Want to come over?

Biscotti
1/4 cup lt olive oil
3/4 cup white sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract
2 eggs
1 3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder

Cranberries pistachios chocolate chips whatever
Preheat oven 350. Mix oil and sugar well. Add vanilla and almond extract. Beat in eggs. Mix dry ingredients well. Gradually stir into egg mixture. Mix cranberries and pistachios by hand.
Divide dough in 1/2 and form 2 logs 2" x 12" If dough is sticky wet hands with cool water.
Bake on parchment paper cookie sheet. Bake 35 minutes or til
light brown. Remove from oven and cover with kitchen towel. This helps the tops not crack, set aside for 10 minutes.
Reduce oven to 275. Cut logs on diagonal.
(Slow pressure when you are cutting makes for smooth edges) One inch thick, lay on side on the parchment paper cookie sheet again. Bake again 8 - 10 minutes until dry, cool : )