Slacking!

Hey there!

So I admit, I've been slacking off lately...and horribly!  I haven't touched my needle punch in a week...all I need to do is attach a small embellishment on the front, and my name to the back.  I also purchased thread and a small paper mache box to make my next craft and haven't started it yet.  I need to get out of this lazy slump!  In my defense, I've been busy at work (surprise!) and at home we have been rearranging a few rooms which has kept me very busy the past few nights.  I'm not a big fan of throwing anything away.  If I can find a way to make something work somewhere else, I do.  So when we made the decision to upgrade our old clunky 29 inch tv to a flat screen...we quickly realized that the armoire that housed our old tv simply wouldn't do!  I have always loved armoire's in the bedroom...and our's is a simple enough design and style that it fits just perfectly with our envisioned bedroom theme.  So last night the hubby and I muscled the 7(ish) foot armoire up our stairs and into our bedroom (not without a little bickering and scuffed walls mind you).  And it looks great!  For now....LOL!  My goal is to someday refinish it.  It is cheap pine, but still solid wood.  I can't decide whether to paint it or use a darker stain.  I really would like a distressed look.  I'm afraid that the quality of the wood will keep it from absorbing the stain to give it the look I hope for.  Looks like I'll be consulting the woodworking master (my Stepfather) for his expertise :)
Hope everyone has a great weekend!       

New recipe...

I just wanted to take a minute to share this recipe with everyone.  I haven't tried it yet, but just as soon as I can get into the kitchen and bake I will!!

Apple + Carrot Bread

courtesy of Cooking With Apples and Pears by Laura Washburn.

 

Apple bread with carrots sounds too good to be true, especially when we tell you that your whole family will gobble up this naturally sweet and nutritiously filling loaf in minutes.  The cold days are here to stay for a while, so fill your home with a comforting aroma from this fruit and veggie baked medley.

• 1 3/4 c all-purpose flour
• 3/4 c light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• Pinch fine sea salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp each of ginger and allspice
• 2/3 c of apple juice
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 lg eggs, beaten
• 1 lg granny smith apple, peeled, cored and grated
• 1 c grated carrots
• 1/2 c coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and spray a 9x5x4 inch loaf pan with non-stick baking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.  Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the apple juice, melted butter, and eggs.  Gently fold this mixture into the flour mixture to combine.  Use your hands to squeeze every last drop of moisture from the grated apple and carrots then add to the mixture, along with walnuts (optional) to combine.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared sprayed with non-stick pan, and level the top.  Bake in the preheated oven until a skewer inserted in the center of the apple bread comes out clean, 1-1 1/4 hours.
5. Leave the loaf to cool in the pan for a few minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool.
6. Slice as you would bread to serve, enjoy!

A large loaf goes a long way and keeps well.  This apple bread will keep in an airtight container for 4-5 days and just tastes YUM plain or if you want to indulge, spread with some whipped honey butter or cream cheese!

What I've been up to...

Hi there!  So in an attempt to become a skilled needle puncher (practice makes perfect, right??) I took on creating a small little rug to gift as a 'pay-it-forward' item I signed up for on Facebook.  It hasn't been the easiest craft project.  I foolishly assumed that backing and edging a rug would be a piece of cake.  I think my thumbs are still sore!  So here is a looksy at it before I backed it...

Once I get it completely finished I will post another picture :)

Have a wonderful day!!

Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!  I will do my best to keep you updated as neat and exciting things happen :)