Wednesday, February 29, 2012

GF Congo Bars


Gluten Free Congo Bars

10 T. butter
2 c.brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 1/2 c. Mamas Almond Blend Flour
1 tsp. xantham gum
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2. tsp salt
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts

Blend butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs and vanilla 
and beat until blended. Add dry ingredients until well
mixed, stir in choc. chips and nuts.
Put into 9x13 greased pan.
Bake until very light brown, do not over bake!
Bake @ 350* for 20-22 minutes 

I only have one word to say about these...
YUM!!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Bridal Shower

My daughter-in-law to be had
her shower this weekend at my home.
The theme was garden party even 
though it was snowing off and on.
I got some pics of the decor but completely 
forgot to take any of the bride to be!
It was a HUGE shower and I was a little
scattered with all that was going on:)


 This suitcase idea was from Celebrations at Home

Monday, February 27, 2012

Engineer Hat

Our Challenge this week was to make
an accessory. I had already planned
to make this hat for Pierce's outfit
so I did that as my challenge.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Qucik Fix

Every time I have a big event in my home
I look at this one folding chair
and think..."oh dear!"
and then do nothing. But today I ran
up to my sewing room and did a 
quick fix that took about 5 minutes max.
Problem solved.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Glazed Pork Chops


Pork chops with Maple Mustard Glaze

(See Cooking Light for recipe)

I served these with a light version of Broccoli Salad
and baked potato wedges.

The guys in my family liked them a lot,
and so I think it was a success.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A Walk Around Bellevue

Me and My Guy went away for
a weekend of R&R
in Bellevue, WA.
In case you don't know where that
is -it is East of Seattle.
This is where Microsoft is based
and Bill Gates lives near there.
I lasted one day in the middle of the city
and then I just had to get out into the 
green spaces and walk until
I found some water and signs of Spring...
That's me...
I can find so much peace in Nature.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Coffee Time!

This week the challenge with
 was to take a photo, alter it and use it in a
project!
I took some photos of coffee, altered it with
color and texture and made this canvas
using different elements and papers.
I had so much fun with it that I made several more
with other photos and ideas:)

Friday, February 17, 2012

Fun things for the Wall

I have really been enjoying using canvases
in different ways...these
are a few examples. They will be for sale
at a later date in a Spring Sale
at my home.
Watch for details to come:)

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Jumbleberry Crumble



Jumbleberry Crumble
(recipe from Taste of Home modified for GF)

3 c. strawberries
1 c. raspberries
1 c. blackberries
1 c. blueberries
2/3 c. sugar
3 T. tapioca starch
1 c. GF all purpose flour
1 c. qucik cooking oats
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2c. butter melted

Mix berries, sugar and tapioca starch
together and let set for 15 minutes.
Pour into 9 x 13 pan. 
Mix together topping ingredients and 
sprinkle over berries. 
Bake @ 350*
45-50 minutes
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

This was very good!
Just the right amount of tart and sweet
and no one would guess it was GF:)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Vintage Girl on Canvas #2

I tried another canvas with mixed media
and a painted figure (2) actually,
but still had some trouble with getting
the faces in the right spot.
I love the color combo on this one 
and the use of the two figures so 
my quotes could be about friendship.

Monday, February 13, 2012

I'm a Star Outfit

This weeks challenge for
 was to sew an item of clothing for a child.
This is what I came up with for Pierce.
The vest is made of a very soft corduroy.
Simplicity 2292 (modified) for vest and pants.
I'm also making a hat but need to measure his head first:)

Friday, February 10, 2012

2 More Bags

I'm on a roll!
My stash of cut out projects is dwindling
at last...
And no, I'm not planning on having a
bag for every outfit!
These will be in a sale later this spring.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Baked Pasta

This recipe is an easy and light
version that I tried for my
Baker's Review
 I also made it Gluten Free and no one
even knew:)
Baked Pasta

8 oz GF Pasta cooked and drained
1/2 lb ground Turkey cooked with 
Italian seasoning, salt, basil, pepper, onion and garlic
to taste.
1 jar of Pasta Sauce (I used Hunts)
1 T. Basil
1 c. grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese

Toss all ingredients together except cheese.
Put 1/2 of pasta mixture in 2 quart pan,
sprinkle with 1/2 cheese. 
Cover with the rest of the pasta and 
remaining cheese.
Bake @ 350
30 min.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Button Jar

I managed to come up with a
quick idea so I could link up with Aimee

I have so many misc. buttons and have
just had them in a bag, but this
got me motivated to "cute up" a 
jar and put them in that instead.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Junk Salvation Show 2012

I managed to drag myself out of
the house today even though I have
a migraine and go to Hillsboro
for the Spring 2012 Junk Salvation Show.
I didn't buy much and felt kind of sluggish
from the meds I had to take 
but it was good show.
I just took a few pics as some of the 
booths were not allowing photos this time...
I've never had that happen before 
and am not sure why.

Perhaps a lot of copy cat designs 
are showing up in other shows? 
It is hard not to think,
"well I could make that and sell it for a lower price!"
So that could be the problem.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

My Chunky Monkey

5 1/2 months already and 
weighing as much as his big 
sister did at 18 months!!
Look at the rolls on his arms- you should see 
his thighs...LOL
Pierce
Grandma's 2nd pride and joy:)

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Tuscan Turkey Soup

Tuscan Turkey Soup

1 c. onion chopped
1 c. celery chopped
1/2 c. chopped red pepper
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 T. olive oil
28 oz chicken broth
1 lb. ground Turkey, browned
1 15 oz.can pumpkin
1 can white beans
basil
salt
pepper
grated parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan, saute onion, celery, red pepper 
and garlic until tender.
Stir in broth, turkey, pumpkin, beans and seasonings.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, 
uncovered 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve with Parmesan cheese on top.

This may sound like an odd recipe
 with pumpkin etc in soup, but actually it was delicious! 
The pumpkin is not readily obvious when you taste it, 
but it adds creaminess and fiber without fat and it
is packed with protein so it's a great 
soup for eating healthy too.