Busy, busy...

This past week I've been mired in a little project -- sewing slipcovers for my sofas.  I gave myself a deadline -- tonight.  Looks like I won't quite make it; one sofa will be sans ruffles for our pre trick-or-treating gathering.  I'm sure I'll be forgiven.

Tonight we are having folks over for soup and cider.  Before that happens I need to go shopping, make soup, bake some witches fingers, finish sewing one cushion and, oh yeah, take a shower.  Given that I'd best hup to it.

Back tomorrow with halloween goodness.

xo.

{This Moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you are inspired to do the same play along with SouleMama. 

xo. 

Muffins and Bunk Beds and Pencils. Oh my.

Inspired by Martha I baked pumpkin doughnut muffins.  I can't seem to get enough pumpkin.  Fortunately my family doesn't mind.  Let me tell you -- the cinnamon sugar topping makes these babies.   I swatted away more than one hungry hand to get this photo.  The muffins are rapidly disappearing as we speak.  I've implored the monsters to save a few for Papa -- hopefully they will.

Today I've been tired, sleepy and not entirely productive (i.e. still recovering from working Monday night).  I spent some time on Pinterest and am in love with this idea -- built in bunks in the bedroom.  Oh how I wish we could do this in the girls' room.  Carpentry skills where art thou?  Energy where art thou?  Ah well.  Perhaps someday.

And now Middle wants me to take her to Target.  She needs pencils.  And dance clothes.  And jeans.  It seems the lists of wants is never ending -- for Mama and daughter alike.  I suppose I could at least splurge for pencils.

Have a wonderful day!

xo.

These are the best days ...

This fall has been gorgeous.  Atypically warm.  Comfortable.  Every time I go outside I am mesmerized by the golds, deeps reds and oranges.  The trees simply glow.

Today I took advantage and walked Little home from school.  I was hoping for a fantastic stroll, mother and daughter hand in hand, chatting happily.  Instead Little marched twenty steps in front of me.  She was in a huff because I wouldn't let her stop to do homework.  Seriously.  What a bugger!

Now I'm sitting in my favorite chair and knitting.  See that delectable yarn?  It's turning into a scarf.  A little something just for me.  Something to celebrate the season.

And those pumpkins?  Homemade too.  Homemade and super easy.  If you are going to the pumpkin patch pick up a few extra stems and make a few of your own.  I filled mine with lentils and bird seed foregoing the polyfill.  I really like their weight.  They are sturdy, substantial.

And the flowers?  All from my garden.  You wouldn't know it to look at it.  There is definitely work to be done.  Dead heading and weeding and trimming.  But amongst all the mess -- simple beauty.

Tonight we're having left overs (either that or eggs on toast or ham and egg cups -- I can't decide).  I am trying to be frugal and stretch the budget.  To compensate for spending in other areas (cough cough yarn store cough).

In the oven are homegrown tomatoes -- roasting to perfection.  On the table beside me?  Iced coffee, the ghetto version made at home.

In other words -- today is a good day.  I'm happy to be at home.  To be off work.  To putter.  These are the best days.

xo.

Healthy Three Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe

Okay. I know this basic recipe has been all over the internet.  But I'm a bit slow on the uptake and have just gotten around to trying it.  And I am so glad I did.  Mr. Peculiar loved it.  The kids loved it.  I loved it.

And the next day?  When I had ice cream for breakfast?  No guilt.  None. Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch.

Ingredients:
Six Bananas
1/8 to 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
2 tsp Instant Espresso Powder (my secret ingredient)
Milk (optional)

Instructions:
Peel bananas, cut into slices and freeze for ~ 2 hours.  Place in a food processor and begin blending.  Be patient.  Blending took longer than I anticipated.  A touch of milk helps to speed up the processes.  As does scraping down the sides of the processor.   When nice and creamy add cocoa and espresso powder to taste (the espresso powder really helps bring out the chocolate flavor).  Serve and enjoy.

Many of the recipes recommend using very ripe bananas as, apparently, the banana flavor is less apparent.  Now me?  I like bananas.  And not only do I like them but I like them slightly green.  So that's what I used.  It resulted in a delicious chocolate flavor with a hint of banana.

You can also experiment with all sorts of additions.  Peanut butter.  Honey.  Agave.  Maple syrup.  You name it.   I can't wait to play around with different ingredients.  If you've not already tried this get thee to the kitchen ASAP.  You won't regret it!

xo.

A Day in the Life

I feel like the most boring person on the planet.  This past week I've been hunkering down, listening to books on tape and cleaning house.  That's it. The kids are in school.  Mr. Peculiar is back on day shift and I am blissfully alone.

I find when I'm listening to a book (rather than reading one) I like to keep busy.  And the chores go that much faster.  Currently I'm immersed in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris.  They're not something I'd typically pick up but I am thoroughly enjoying them.  Soon, however, I'll be done with the set.  And then what?

If the house is to stay clean I'm going to have to find a new aural obsession.  Any suggestions?

I've also snuck in a few crafts -- the freezer paper shirt above.  And I knit a couple of pumpkin hats.

I'd like to develop some sort of routine -- one that includes crafting, exercise, household chores, bagpipe practice *and* mental stimulation.   I'm still working out the particulars.

In the meantime here's what I'm loving today:

• Crisp cool days
• Hats to cover my not so cooperative hair
• A clean house
• Oricchette with Rapini -- mmm mmm good
• My reading chair (which is currently pulled into the living room as our couches are typically occupied by little people, sleeping misters and various furry critters)
• Burnt orange -- lovely burnt orange
• Naps
• And, finally, fresh flannel sheets on the bed.  Oh how I love my bed. 

xo. 

Weekending

It has been quite a while since I've had a real true weekend.  A weekend at home.  With little plans.  Pajamas till noon and serious puttering.  Pure bliss!

Things I'm loving today:

• When Harry Met Sally (seriously -- I watched it this morning)
• Fresh peaches and plums from our very own tree
• Alfredo Mac 'n Cheese bubbling away in the oven
• Crisp overcast days 
• Leaves beginning to turn
• Funny mottled molting chickens
• Movie night with the family
• Custom adult pumpkin hats -- knit to order
• Downtown festivals and friend's bands
• Crafts in the works
• Books on cd and listening while cleaning (it's amazing how much I can accomplish when I'm entertained)
• Halloween art work -- *love* my littlest vampire's drawing.  
• And, as always, sleeping in!

I hope you are having an equally wonderful weekend!

xo.