tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768485867182834752024-03-14T00:30:31.669-04:00Mama Make It!!Making home, by hand.Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-27390235906982588232014-02-03T12:37:00.004-05:002014-02-03T12:37:42.960-05:00A Hat... in a Tuesday night. For several years now fall and winter have been warmed a bit in my home by the weekly company of an amazing group of women. When it began we met twice a month on Tuesday nights. The plan was to provide a time of fellowship around yarn. Knitting, crochet, needlework.... whatever everyone was working on. No program, just time spent with like minded ladies.<br />
Since then, I'm estimating, a dozen ladies have learned how to crochet or knit (or both). We've moved to Monday nights this year and the faces have changed, but not much. Each week just after my littles are tucked into bed the kitchen table is wiped of the days meals and crafts, the table cloth is brought out of the drawer and snacks are laid out. And then it happens... I can't really explain it... all of the sudden my table is surrounded by laughter, always. No matter the topic that we start on, whether there has been loss or joy, heartache or happiness... we always end up laughing, often to tears - more often, late into the night. I'm not sure they know it, but these ladies feed my mama soul. So often women are so cruel to one another, passing judgement and such. That's what makes these meetings so incredible. Ladies with different lives, coming together over yarn and coffee and laughing with one another. It really is an amazing thing.<br />
From this group of amazing women, and lots of laughter, a hat pattern was written, tested, made, worn, gifted, rewritten, retested and finally published for sale.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCjey1X3ovN7kmolym0Be282PelpmfkSdk_SP2uxOiHzgp9nqTS0paa_1j0O5a94-ulNLmOEE5FrS7caB6Uhd23Wh6ntZCJ7XzNnr5o93Bli8CzZlZSCUKDFuwfj4e9G1okUzV7QkHtI/s1600/TNH+pnk+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCjey1X3ovN7kmolym0Be282PelpmfkSdk_SP2uxOiHzgp9nqTS0paa_1j0O5a94-ulNLmOEE5FrS7caB6Uhd23Wh6ntZCJ7XzNnr5o93Bli8CzZlZSCUKDFuwfj4e9G1okUzV7QkHtI/s1600/TNH+pnk+.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Please say hello to the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tuesday-night-hat">Tuesday Night Hat</a>!<br />
If you too are a hooker who enjoys bulky yarn and easy to work in just an evening hat patterns then this hat is for you. I am super excited to be sticking my toe in the pattern writing game. I hope to have a few more to have these Tuesday/ Monday night ladies test with me, but even if not another pattern is born, be sure that there will be loads and loads of laughter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIE49sTlfLL_vqMmD6fdV5_AIfduDxLUhJ0LDSsTw3GsyEXz1gxmzG2dPHbYlnIgIARgFrqHTdVQQpPrewFm43oW1vNZcZ5rHKSRkcsA6vV-E3m9v4LNPo9hldlp7k1CocNdR8nvXKtis/s1600/TNH+grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIE49sTlfLL_vqMmD6fdV5_AIfduDxLUhJ0LDSsTw3GsyEXz1gxmzG2dPHbYlnIgIARgFrqHTdVQQpPrewFm43oW1vNZcZ5rHKSRkcsA6vV-E3m9v4LNPo9hldlp7k1CocNdR8nvXKtis/s1600/TNH+grey.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope today brings you together with women you love and who make your heart smile.<br />
<br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-11086951160116471132013-10-09T12:37:00.003-04:002013-10-09T12:37:36.391-04:00More Yarn! More Hats!! YippeeMore pattern testing is happening here! Be sure to go check out<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cuddlepiecrochet"> Cuddlepie Crochet </a> on facebook and snatch up all her great patterns!<br />
I promise (to try) and write a better post soon, but for now pictures of all my new hats will have to do! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0yCxMOoormu0joQLNAhf_YuqJ8H-lsolPwL_CjV-3uThhfgQyCT4hmlj2L6nbG4OkgFrcoSsZViNr4PbxAhzBU4zDAhG91q2qecvcABtVgi7oUlE4E0rklLgz4q-MlSTzK7bBaIjqPA/s1600/cable+earwarmer+hat+test+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0yCxMOoormu0joQLNAhf_YuqJ8H-lsolPwL_CjV-3uThhfgQyCT4hmlj2L6nbG4OkgFrcoSsZViNr4PbxAhzBU4zDAhG91q2qecvcABtVgi7oUlE4E0rklLgz4q-MlSTzK7bBaIjqPA/s400/cable+earwarmer+hat+test+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqXZcNkxp4Tda2uYPEHiFjCGaBMswES8A-F9c789dIQaAj6ULSrokjo1gz9lemCp2xIXfLzatVgf0DvyRmypRYSJLaRq0tqdfNzHW8-pmXUOf0LPJMCmyv4tELAYGBwjyAUeHhyphenhyphenAsNM8/s1600/cabled+earwarmer+hat+test+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqXZcNkxp4Tda2uYPEHiFjCGaBMswES8A-F9c789dIQaAj6ULSrokjo1gz9lemCp2xIXfLzatVgf0DvyRmypRYSJLaRq0tqdfNzHW8-pmXUOf0LPJMCmyv4tELAYGBwjyAUeHhyphenhyphenAsNM8/s400/cabled+earwarmer+hat+test+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrrydJqY0FgutSMbjnI1kEAnSlbVuzWXXXCkLZV3n9eneqm3wKhQg-jKbrEYZzjuxdmsjDRn5vAPhfAE121F6Zz5W0MQ7dUxAcUe7sWdfEzod3hbQ7ZgiFrQyIxMp7dg7H8j3ZM6Uv48/s1600/cabled+earwarmer+hat+test+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrrydJqY0FgutSMbjnI1kEAnSlbVuzWXXXCkLZV3n9eneqm3wKhQg-jKbrEYZzjuxdmsjDRn5vAPhfAE121F6Zz5W0MQ7dUxAcUe7sWdfEzod3hbQ7ZgiFrQyIxMp7dg7H8j3ZM6Uv48/s400/cabled+earwarmer+hat+test+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you are soaking up every minute of this season we are in! </div>
<br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-59119636099762429662013-10-06T15:55:00.001-04:002013-10-06T15:55:28.406-04:00The Lola hat, back in the yarn. So it's that time of year again. Time for cooler days, frosty mornings, changing leaves, jeans, boots and most importantly.... YARN! Yep, it's yarny season!<br />
I kicked the season off right by pattern testing for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cuddlepiecrochet">Cuddlepie Crochet </a> and her new Lola Hat. I am in love with the bonnet feeling of this hat. I'm sort of in love with all things bonnet and hood like when it comes to hats this fall.<br />
Check out the pics of my lovely girl modeling her new hat and stay tuned for more yarny goodness to follow soon.<br />
Happy fall, ya'll!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0ns1Wdz_vUUKNuOM6hOpiPH6levMC9bQiuRnXU4pmRfmpZXThjqJ0eJV6w_uzuVmMthd5gjwiOZZNu4iOuxzTXzBHGa1SP8eBFha7ACG9UoyLKIZq-RaGEjTZBr-6tvRFcLKM4qfTFA/s1600/lola+hat+016+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0ns1Wdz_vUUKNuOM6hOpiPH6levMC9bQiuRnXU4pmRfmpZXThjqJ0eJV6w_uzuVmMthd5gjwiOZZNu4iOuxzTXzBHGa1SP8eBFha7ACG9UoyLKIZq-RaGEjTZBr-6tvRFcLKM4qfTFA/s400/lola+hat+016+square.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHODA2G0Uxg4qWHEfxpu61gObNfTw9tv2BHDcowYEMGQ9EShMoT5bGFT1sk-IDGjTZFbztSnkItrDHiZWFbi6QPHusnquHG5BD4KCoPbmVhgLwOHMtE9ITYqybUt7bYZhWolnXt1COEY/s1600/lola+hat+front+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHODA2G0Uxg4qWHEfxpu61gObNfTw9tv2BHDcowYEMGQ9EShMoT5bGFT1sk-IDGjTZFbztSnkItrDHiZWFbi6QPHusnquHG5BD4KCoPbmVhgLwOHMtE9ITYqybUt7bYZhWolnXt1COEY/s400/lola+hat+front+square.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEEvHBsutq2pacbx_7HO9Rdq3lxC1bhGe9YDlFRYZmMRFeM4KvX28W5lF11kCHhMNP1UtxPIawqS5RHq6FXO5LSBvMEd9at1o04oVNZtrgYFvBmtmf9tfVFLzF2kwN1JnGsu_DBt6nnw/s1600/lola+hat+back+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEEvHBsutq2pacbx_7HO9Rdq3lxC1bhGe9YDlFRYZmMRFeM4KvX28W5lF11kCHhMNP1UtxPIawqS5RHq6FXO5LSBvMEd9at1o04oVNZtrgYFvBmtmf9tfVFLzF2kwN1JnGsu_DBt6nnw/s400/lola+hat+back+square.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBrtdIt6Dmy_WL6-F6fKiuLrnaXo7_zc-ounWsm8etJQnEgIW5g263Ic8NuaczYTWkFZHpJyv-F5sPEFNdWPWvjzEYQB-euwIduuK3W9PsI3ZRigH7GNLOtIxYnVLX85sHTeW1TT5QTI/s1600/lola+hat+test+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBrtdIt6Dmy_WL6-F6fKiuLrnaXo7_zc-ounWsm8etJQnEgIW5g263Ic8NuaczYTWkFZHpJyv-F5sPEFNdWPWvjzEYQB-euwIduuK3W9PsI3ZRigH7GNLOtIxYnVLX85sHTeW1TT5QTI/s400/lola+hat+test+square.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-58094400300125367092013-06-28T14:21:00.003-04:002013-06-28T14:24:18.339-04:00Homemade Greek YogurtYou may remember that we've <a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2012/07/yogurt.html">talked about yogurt here before</a>. Funny, it was about the same time last year. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwVjcgUhOq0MNcw4dGg_KwtibNrHmwnvcMcUBV75MuEIxodHzJcPlOCGqKNxEeGov4DGTxeR3YmKUFbU1F7FNa0f_6GHWULvba7wGAn4Jt_qZbT6YZURsLFxSlXHoEhGSNHlzSteZ9J0/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwVjcgUhOq0MNcw4dGg_KwtibNrHmwnvcMcUBV75MuEIxodHzJcPlOCGqKNxEeGov4DGTxeR3YmKUFbU1F7FNa0f_6GHWULvba7wGAn4Jt_qZbT6YZURsLFxSlXHoEhGSNHlzSteZ9J0/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought I'd like to try it again but give the greek yogurt version a try. We've been using a ton of greek yogurt around here. In place of sour cream in my ranch dressing, and well in about everything else too. I followed <a href="http://www.eatingfromthegroundup.com/2013/05/we-can-always-talk-about-yogurt/">this recipe</a>. I love her book and use it often for homemade versions of processed foods. She's updated her yogurt making method and is using a crock pot, which makes the whole thing way less intimidating and super easy. The only thing I would add is that I had to turn my crock pot back on after a few hours because it wasn't setting up. I put it on the warm setting for about an hour to bring the temperature back up, then wrapped it back up with a towel and left it until morning. Total time I left mine wrapped up was about 16 hours. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-C9ToPJRSZdaUi96B26ylIC0t1V9Ng5wgjsSJr2pYEpGFl_mWCLbZIgHByj4GQt8t2AxxQtOWM_WDEjGKcJWhTS5avS_kZ6oRk0Gdt7w5NSmss_6keUFiF-mNWd-rwy4U7CE2UsvL0M4/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-C9ToPJRSZdaUi96B26ylIC0t1V9Ng5wgjsSJr2pYEpGFl_mWCLbZIgHByj4GQt8t2AxxQtOWM_WDEjGKcJWhTS5avS_kZ6oRk0Gdt7w5NSmss_6keUFiF-mNWd-rwy4U7CE2UsvL0M4/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGqldihXvuU2UQsEwrALlCyIyj2WB4y8ynVharHpEjbHcw0n_efGvoumemr7FYIQnpxiMoGfQ1cbE4OzJxtOG9SEigTCGJ_RO2FFT4gaJSyiT2wFGkJuNN8kuPwn0O6nQbQCkuhuOCtY/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGqldihXvuU2UQsEwrALlCyIyj2WB4y8ynVharHpEjbHcw0n_efGvoumemr7FYIQnpxiMoGfQ1cbE4OzJxtOG9SEigTCGJ_RO2FFT4gaJSyiT2wFGkJuNN8kuPwn0O6nQbQCkuhuOCtY/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmPx6agy_KGYF9Nlju5YLEvEjonfZgHKcVS4oY0gnWs9nnxg4P7EGRa1k_s92rNTYUIufZvn_rWEeFWDw_TbGVJ10l687TgpbRw46rZg4opB3eyX9u0WA9pbUtkU4GJpq71YQiP-_SBg/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmPx6agy_KGYF9Nlju5YLEvEjonfZgHKcVS4oY0gnWs9nnxg4P7EGRa1k_s92rNTYUIufZvn_rWEeFWDw_TbGVJ10l687TgpbRw46rZg4opB3eyX9u0WA9pbUtkU4GJpq71YQiP-_SBg/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think I'd like to try to freeze some. Brielle has already decreed that it's better than Sweet Frog! Total ingredients used - 2. I used 1/2 a gallon of whole milk from the local (well closest thing we have to local) creamery and 1/2 cup of Fage 2% greek yogurt. Total cost about $4.25. I got 1 1/2 quarts of yogurt and almost a quart of whey. You could use any milk that's not ultrapasteurized. Mine is a bit pricey compared to store milk. <br />
I highly recommend you give it a try. Happy Friday! Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-83226713458935663602013-06-25T13:27:00.001-04:002013-06-25T13:27:57.211-04:00SharingWhen I started this blog 3 years ago I just wanted a place to share things I made. It's turned into something I'm proud of and love sharing with you. As life always does, things have been shifting a bit here and in this warm season of summer when things are growing and life is keeping us busy outside, not much making has been going on here. <br />
There has however, been lots of farmy goings on. We've decided to make a go of raising poultry here on this piece of earth. It seemed a natural transition to add a place to write about those things separate from this place. <br />
So, without further ado, please take a minute to check out <a href="http://wagonwheelfarm.blogspot.com/">Wagon Wheel Farms blog</a><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_673329661"></span><span id="goog_673329662"></span><br />
I promise not to abandon you here. I actually want to stop back by soon and share about our recent pickle making! Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-92022461780464263062013-06-24T15:33:00.002-04:002013-06-24T15:55:44.667-04:00Tomato SoupLast night a magical fairy appeared at my house and delivered some boxes of produce that were no longer "saleable" (is that a word?). I went through two boxes of tomatoes and while each had a bad spot about half of the total was still very edible. So, what's a gal to do with about 30 cups of tomato chunks? Tomato soup! My littles love tomato soup. A lot. I found a recipe and tweaked it a ton and I have to say, I'm thrilled with the results! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts3slmY8omiEVugD4lzEV_80IONgm93eMHXrXSUSXmg9BYp5ELrh9k9rQs2HTd-2Tcrp8k5LA4ZULk75FkYaWEYJE8-FYPSghTsA0PQ9a0s5hguCEuWn23pvtDRJBQRcBSdBEvbKwtA4/s640/blogger-image-918752602.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In a large stock pot I added:<br />
about 30 cups of tomatoes<br />
10 fresh basil leaves <br />
5 bay leaves<br />
5 large onions, chopped<br />
<br />
Simmer until all the vegetables are soft. Turn off heat. Then run it all through a blender or use an immersion blender. Strain it thru a colander or sieve. <br />
Return to pot. In a small bowl mix one cup of melted butter and 1 cup of flour. Slowly add the butter mixture to the pot of soup, stirring so you don't get clumps or scorching. Add 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 Tablespoons of salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of pepper. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K6skImzcd2q8JLl3iSA2yaZPkLkC78ri4tIQoEf3pkgGzUJRzqIN6HKDf2bAhReRiyTt4dRvEF3NU0AKacWu0W2iu5nmXcqj8wtMQV4aBjOxHQHxiPlU2CsE1JUGuknVK7kXg0b1ubQ/s640/blogger-image-1589073643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K6skImzcd2q8JLl3iSA2yaZPkLkC78ri4tIQoEf3pkgGzUJRzqIN6HKDf2bAhReRiyTt4dRvEF3NU0AKacWu0W2iu5nmXcqj8wtMQV4aBjOxHQHxiPlU2CsE1JUGuknVK7kXg0b1ubQ/s640/blogger-image-1589073643.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOejAeJAEoZKfWdN3GUrEnWKCG6lM30gW6mN59LYILnr0LVD6bRV30v-ASxCKjej2ho03oDzcDXNx2JXsL0-bn1GsbKtsTCmWrKCKpJnSXZkGzEo72L6sNGS4p32zlSJPIZElYMMed6c/s640/blogger-image-1583026617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOejAeJAEoZKfWdN3GUrEnWKCG6lM30gW6mN59LYILnr0LVD6bRV30v-ASxCKjej2ho03oDzcDXNx2JXsL0-bn1GsbKtsTCmWrKCKpJnSXZkGzEo72L6sNGS4p32zlSJPIZElYMMed6c/s640/blogger-image-1583026617.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This makes a ton. Not even my clan of littles could eat it all so I let it cool then poured it into quart Ziploc bags to freeze. This worked out to about 5 quarts for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The kids were happy to eat it just like this, but you could add milk right before you serve it if you prefer a creamier soup.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am so excited to know that in the midst of a cold winter I will be able to warm our bellies with all the best tastes of summer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What are you putting up for colder days?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<em>I apologize for all the instagram shots, but Poppy had my camera all weekend. </em></div>
Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-16785960808182737512013-06-11T11:54:00.000-04:002013-06-11T11:54:48.634-04:00 chocolate chip cookies... from a magnetI, like most adults (and for that matter most kids), have had a pretty vast variety of chocolate chip cookies in my 30+ years. Some have been moist and yummy, some dry and crumbly. I think everyone has a recipe that is their favorite. Their version of perfect. I found mine on a magnet. I don't really even know where the magnet came from, I just noticed it on the fridge one day. I'm not sure what prompted me to try it, but I did and I have made. no. other. recipe. since. It's amazing! Super simple and always, always delicious. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjxGZP0oHDBNHOY6Ee9y1ayZKxDRbpJRojGTOhdTvX0RPcFdDga8zo9KgTxmN3Cy9wZSns5pmzaHUtmT9zjxUuvE0iNTLSlHbt0yCtj2zTwGvQsBnrvHzilsdxjvNUEgKwgWXZ-xo12Y/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjxGZP0oHDBNHOY6Ee9y1ayZKxDRbpJRojGTOhdTvX0RPcFdDga8zo9KgTxmN3Cy9wZSns5pmzaHUtmT9zjxUuvE0iNTLSlHbt0yCtj2zTwGvQsBnrvHzilsdxjvNUEgKwgWXZ-xo12Y/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The day my babes broke the magnet was not my finest parenting moment. It's broken, I'm not pleased, but now it lives on the tippy toppest regions of the fridge where it can be safe from little destructive hands. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1wqN_4B8v2YVtO6X3t3THFCMURz1oK5f0zMOs-sgPk4DZD9CrUUkBK88uoeS5Pk_tLTUlpz14VoAASQ7SR1jgPgJqYtC7YHT8BG4v0Vm_O9BCAFYyWyrOv3gcTQogY9VDTyyGRwviDg/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1wqN_4B8v2YVtO6X3t3THFCMURz1oK5f0zMOs-sgPk4DZD9CrUUkBK88uoeS5Pk_tLTUlpz14VoAASQ7SR1jgPgJqYtC7YHT8BG4v0Vm_O9BCAFYyWyrOv3gcTQogY9VDTyyGRwviDg/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0OlrBDfDVdMwvPEBgViTBTx1H-b-qYBXF_OfINqc-92wSzdreE4M2TNfpNWl3f0X0GkQrallq_O2iJejk8r_T2zMzIBYZ7e56kiaB6siijHkA0yglltUjsjDjGH0AwXmmYEzhOi8RHM/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0OlrBDfDVdMwvPEBgViTBTx1H-b-qYBXF_OfINqc-92wSzdreE4M2TNfpNWl3f0X0GkQrallq_O2iJejk8r_T2zMzIBYZ7e56kiaB6siijHkA0yglltUjsjDjGH0AwXmmYEzhOi8RHM/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaixNOZLnI6nja6w79NULSUQ9FeNh-ykRYsDxkxrbIFvkMSJ7tvRAGeyskRihyphenhyphenYOSKnsW5jGDIv5x81Fs9PQNYQIx_Bl7-KIXhrUbKSx_DVz8qONt10s0xI6r3ry6g1KDQN8g6H3Pv1Y/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaixNOZLnI6nja6w79NULSUQ9FeNh-ykRYsDxkxrbIFvkMSJ7tvRAGeyskRihyphenhyphenYOSKnsW5jGDIv5x81Fs9PQNYQIx_Bl7-KIXhrUbKSx_DVz8qONt10s0xI6r3ry6g1KDQN8g6H3Pv1Y/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFUuPT8WCSBqzPF06e1I7du-QK4CAYhjnLQoqR8V-jHtHrrInhhfe3hZNg_kmgwrwIZ3FaWxL7VsPreWz534bE-ZgHdD-bFOhDoi6VbzRVtHaMhHmIlapeRhyc2LBME-3jHjjs48_CEU/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFUuPT8WCSBqzPF06e1I7du-QK4CAYhjnLQoqR8V-jHtHrrInhhfe3hZNg_kmgwrwIZ3FaWxL7VsPreWz534bE-ZgHdD-bFOhDoi6VbzRVtHaMhHmIlapeRhyc2LBME-3jHjjs48_CEU/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm going to share the recipe with you (it's probably on the back of every pack of Hershey's chocolate chips... shhh, please don't tell me)<br />
<br />
<u>Hershey's Chocolate chip cookies</u> (with some additions I make) <br />
<br />
Heat oven to 375. Beat 1 C. butter, 3/4 C brown sugar, 3/4 C Sugar and 1t vanilla until creamy. <br />
Beat in 2 eggs. Stir together 2 1/4 C flour, 1t. baking soda & 1/2 t. salt (I use coarse salt and up it to 1 teaspoon)<br />
Gradually beat into butter mixture. Stir in 2 C Hershey's semi-sweet choc. chips and 1 C. chopped nuts. (I also add one cup of rolled oats)<br />
Drop rounded teaspoons onto un-greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes until lightly browned. Cool and ENJOY! <br />
<br />
That's it, just as it's written on my magnet. Chocolate chip cookies are the emblem of home and family and these cookies are the perfect version for our family and family friends! A dear friend's little boy comes to mind each time I make these because he loves them so much. That's the point of it all really, why we bake, to make the people we love smile. <br />
I hope today finds you smiling. Happy Tuesday! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-44253643236786866282013-05-22T20:01:00.002-04:002013-05-28T11:05:55.141-04:00"Gaining Ground" review and a Giveaway! So the social assumption that farmers are dummies is no good for me. I think farmers, especially good ones, are rock stars! I mean what's not awesome about a man (or gal) who gets up before dawn to tend to the land, plants and animals that will feed us?! Nothing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8ziTVVbXvA/UZ1cEdRNU8I/AAAAAAAACLE/UfR07xESN5U/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8ziTVVbXvA/UZ1cEdRNU8I/AAAAAAAACLE/UfR07xESN5U/s320/13+-+1" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had the GREAT honor of reading an early copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gaining-Ground-Farmers-Markets-Saving/dp/0762787252/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369266662&sr=1-1&keywords=gaining+ground">Forrest Pritchard's new book, "Gaining Ground</a>" and I was completely caught off guard.... in the best way! As a mama of three I don't get tons of time for reading so I mostly steal away little bits here and there. I couldn't wait to get back to it. I laughed (out loud) so often and obnoxiously that hubs asked me (more than once) what in the world I was reading. Oh and I even cried once. This amazing story of a man who believes enough in his family's farm to go against the norm and fight through (hilarious, after the fact) circumstances would be enjoyed by anyone. I'm certain of it. Whether you are a farmer (or farmer at heart), a big city kid or a suburbanite, I promise you'll fall in love with this family through these stories. <br />
On more than one occasion I had to remind myself that these people don't know me. I'm not part of their family and it would be wildly inappropriate for me to show up at their farm to give them all big ole hugs. That's how I felt when it was over. As though, I had experienced the struggles with them and could cheer in my loudest voice for their success!<br />
Want to know what's super cool?! I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader! Here's how you enter to win.... <br />
Leave a comment below with your favorite farm memory or dream (even if you don't have your own, a movie moment will do). Get a second chance to win by "liking" the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/smithmeadows?fref=ts"> Smith Meadows page on</a> facebook. Be sure to come back here and leave a comment that you did or I won't know to check. <br />
I'll use a random number generator to pick a winner on Saturday morning. Good luck! <br />
<br />
I've been lucky enough to visit Smith Meadows, it's an incredibly beautiful place, I can't imagine if this rock star farmer had given up (any of the numerous times that he could have) and such beauty had been lost. Find a farmer, I know you can, and give them a big ole hug! <br />
<br />
<em>Congratulations Corinne!! You won our giveaway!! You'll be getting your book soon! Thanks for all who participated. </em><br />
Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-91105545201830614902013-05-06T12:29:00.001-04:002013-05-06T12:31:14.823-04:00Hellos and Goodbyes.... I embarked on a journey in January with the arrival of my first batch of chicks. I had never raised my own chicks before and, in my style, I jumped head first into the deep end. Over the course of a month I put nearly 70 chicks in brooders. My plan was to sell half to pay for the hens I would add to our laying coop. <br />
This weekend I attended my first chicken swap. I've been very anxious about selling my birds. I took 25. 13 Silver Laced Wyandottes and 12 Golden Comets. I also had 3 roosters that I was selling for a fella who let me use his crates. I had no expectations. I took the advice of a good friend and made up signs that showed a little info about the breeds as well as their hatch date and when I expected them to begin laying. With the help of a couple great friends I got set up, took a deep a breath, crossed my fingers and waited.....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k5F20XzcMLo/UYe-kbvRC-I/AAAAAAAAB_4/V398dirDrqs/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k5F20XzcMLo/UYe-kbvRC-I/AAAAAAAAB_4/V398dirDrqs/s400/13+-+1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My set up at the swap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z763gR1OVa4/UYe-kXmRfYI/AAAAAAAACAM/b3kR0Yo_sKo/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z763gR1OVa4/UYe-kXmRfYI/AAAAAAAACAM/b3kR0Yo_sKo/s400/13+-+2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My information sign for the Wyandottes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgVWhzXNyt8/UYe-kWdpTcI/AAAAAAAACAU/JbmmSaUbbdg/s1600/13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgVWhzXNyt8/UYe-kWdpTcI/AAAAAAAACAU/JbmmSaUbbdg/s400/13+-+3" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and for the Golden Comets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l1TWTltD3is/UYe-kZHry0I/AAAAAAAACAE/eUEYqQeORmw/s1600/13+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l1TWTltD3is/UYe-kZHry0I/AAAAAAAACAE/eUEYqQeORmw/s400/13+-+4" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had fliers set up for the amazing Adam and his custom built houses and I did a little card with my contact info. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To my absolute delight, I sold everything I had, save 2 Wyandotte roosters, in an hour and 15 minutes. I was completely floored. I couldn't believe how quickly I sold out. <br />
Yesterday 20 more young hens made their way to new homes and away from our little piece of the Earth. I was a bit sad to see them go, but only for a moment..... <br />
<br />
<br />
Because this guy showed up!!<br />
Say hello to Edgar. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1CHG04jcJeIB9frMPYoroG_JRqa9S65kPWxbQ1QJ819ZhXkbZmBHFWOQWd_IdjnT2Wa93cBSkEDNfP1YhQbUPheHK01bO6VnoHVpU3pf9o7GyppEsVchCE-nKBwnUBPB5Qxpgf6l104/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1CHG04jcJeIB9frMPYoroG_JRqa9S65kPWxbQ1QJ819ZhXkbZmBHFWOQWd_IdjnT2Wa93cBSkEDNfP1YhQbUPheHK01bO6VnoHVpU3pf9o7GyppEsVchCE-nKBwnUBPB5Qxpgf6l104/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCM-qQ_sWHO20lkJlNXCCMk2Va5O1ABvcWeCNGgqyB-mWjaCUqUDe7AJlm8fCQxcFS6xlGPYZZHWdAyFeq58x7B_2J8UTYuLxu90NPIy3mYmCqJ6SQ6XmlrYubGVq63VopBSzYwy9vGgo/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCM-qQ_sWHO20lkJlNXCCMk2Va5O1ABvcWeCNGgqyB-mWjaCUqUDe7AJlm8fCQxcFS6xlGPYZZHWdAyFeq58x7B_2J8UTYuLxu90NPIy3mYmCqJ6SQ6XmlrYubGVq63VopBSzYwy9vGgo/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbm46FtELUZSZvwj4EoAA9-imr013e4HrfU52tjKnwAgocFms60j9GKon4ZF2APKMLbivw4nzwgR8iPwutVYmUh_cah-SA1OjZNVY0ndO2y3a7q5LNESwSVuzENvARPV5s-rZImSusZU/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbm46FtELUZSZvwj4EoAA9-imr013e4HrfU52tjKnwAgocFms60j9GKon4ZF2APKMLbivw4nzwgR8iPwutVYmUh_cah-SA1OjZNVY0ndO2y3a7q5LNESwSVuzENvARPV5s-rZImSusZU/s640/044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_644109997"></span><span id="goog_644109998"></span><br />
<br />
While Edgar is likely destined to be a fine supper, for now we are so enjoying him. He's absolutely beautiful and there's nothing quite like the sound of gobbling turkey in the morning. <br />
<br />
I suppose that is the way of farm life, you say "goodbye" while knowing that the next "hello" is just around the corner. <br />
<br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-27023753447863529062013-05-02T13:25:00.002-04:002013-05-02T18:25:41.558-04:00 The most amazing chicken house! So a lot has been going on here with the changing of seasons and the coming of spring! Warmer, longer days, growing chicks, sprouting seeds, mud puddles and the lovely sound of nature coming out to play after a long winters nap. I promise to give you updates on loads of things in the days to come, but for today I must MUST give you a tour of our ladies new abode. <br />
We have been blessed with the most amazing gift. We've recently befriended a family that lives nearly across the street. By miracles chance, the mama is wonderful and she and I have become quick and dear friends, our husbands get along and our kids play well together too!! I know, it's the trifecta of parenthood!! While my hubs is always willing to try his hand at constructing my current wishes, this neighbor papa has a bit more know- how and has been so incredibly gracious at sharing that with us. One evening sitting around the kitchen table I told him of my dream of a mobile chicken house. I wanted it to be big enough to hold 50 layers, have an open bottom so I didn't have to clean it as much, and be totally movable with hubs 4-wheeler. He didn't roll his eyes at me one time! There were sketches and ideas tossed around. Then there wasn't much more talk of it. <br />
On the eve of my birthday, well after dark, I heard a strange noise outside. I found my dream chicken house coming down the road behind his tractor! It was the prettiest parade I'd ever seen! <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tKL2a3t9gJB8P7nYJXBg2rHv1fl4s0SMm1TBjDHEJpLyY7m1_wK6dVf0eQaWjknzIW70Y6FaiGhGH3rYJxdyAHDwzmQjTKIvTn6_9uh1xbD5NwnxZ3A9TWmO8kyo5QR7HmJdEnkl3-A/s1600/ckn+house+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tKL2a3t9gJB8P7nYJXBg2rHv1fl4s0SMm1TBjDHEJpLyY7m1_wK6dVf0eQaWjknzIW70Y6FaiGhGH3rYJxdyAHDwzmQjTKIvTn6_9uh1xbD5NwnxZ3A9TWmO8kyo5QR7HmJdEnkl3-A/s640/ckn+house+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new mobile coop with the old barn in the back ground.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4VlCgdSCbjF5BSBhGD_O5D6AieV00CYEhG2JRzFk3jNBjjTgA5vUS-2ZTGcAq9xDZRHQ7FB7eZEKC-kkN6JwrLS-107BB4ma5JcENtVKixjupUJTV6OBT6anU5MM_nRHF_YqekAH6E8/s1600/chkn+house+use+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4VlCgdSCbjF5BSBhGD_O5D6AieV00CYEhG2JRzFk3jNBjjTgA5vUS-2ZTGcAq9xDZRHQ7FB7eZEKC-kkN6JwrLS-107BB4ma5JcENtVKixjupUJTV6OBT6anU5MM_nRHF_YqekAH6E8/s640/chkn+house+use+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He stenciled above the door for me!! It's mine all mine. And my nest boxes are accessible from the outside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLIFrqS6dMC5TB12JR5UeR_Zb51AX8SbMpmKFNxm0lWPUxJSd1w-mwr2DapPzcdcYQcMTDtWwjwiP7NMobMqtUu2CY3klmXEAbp8b5wWTWcNV7fdd4yayv8y7JTWIEiFH6yTMqUUFmXQ/s1600/ckn+house+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLIFrqS6dMC5TB12JR5UeR_Zb51AX8SbMpmKFNxm0lWPUxJSd1w-mwr2DapPzcdcYQcMTDtWwjwiP7NMobMqtUu2CY3klmXEAbp8b5wWTWcNV7fdd4yayv8y7JTWIEiFH6yTMqUUFmXQ/s640/ckn+house+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean have you seen anything so pretty in all your life?! so I may be a tad overzealous about a chicken house. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xj8hcl91B1dlHOKjwszZmfrjFFjZuAD_tkqBFLXcogHvAstil9BeZezwoPalKEvPBjeIy7oObU7OePgDgrWQJ6EOyt_XwUmHZtnPZsacTmJNTDPP7XmJWsLldpEW40GlFcBbp5HS3yY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xj8hcl91B1dlHOKjwszZmfrjFFjZuAD_tkqBFLXcogHvAstil9BeZezwoPalKEvPBjeIy7oObU7OePgDgrWQJ6EOyt_XwUmHZtnPZsacTmJNTDPP7XmJWsLldpEW40GlFcBbp5HS3yY/s400/004.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
He made the floor wire so the clean up is minimal! It just falls right thru and fertilizes the fields. Then it's moved onto a new spot after a few days. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fXWfehYDMnYCA1SJBcwWUB2N6w1upd5PTg8N5I6ngxkBf6gW1mZpPI41JZ9lYqVefKIlqF36Pa_CJBnYfRjZwsAFe9vLBTxBeTkJFddQs7CY82lRbkEMlvw5WtP8_IAf7OgTHUCnW20/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fXWfehYDMnYCA1SJBcwWUB2N6w1upd5PTg8N5I6ngxkBf6gW1mZpPI41JZ9lYqVefKIlqF36Pa_CJBnYfRjZwsAFe9vLBTxBeTkJFddQs7CY82lRbkEMlvw5WtP8_IAf7OgTHUCnW20/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a smaller version he made for himself! He's decided he enjoys the chicken house business and has started taking custom orders.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
*read this in your best crime show/infomercial voice* If you or someone you know is in need of housing for your chickens please call Adam at 304-676-3782. Seriously, if you live in the Eastern Panhandle of WV or surrounding areas he can build whatever you need and even deliver. </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-78792614032247092032013-03-13T09:19:00.000-04:002013-03-13T09:19:27.429-04:00A sunny day with the ladies. We've been blessed with more and more sunshine and slightly warmer days. Yesterday I decided to take my camera along on my afternoon rounds and thought I'd share some of my favorites of the lovely ladies that reside on our little piece of earth.... just because. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtqEjuk2hRF9O1p5vGNovY4DcS94ouUuZ4_wo-7y6xGmOCMSNb-3L-fE_pTteMh4cs439NkD3DpqDkSUvYH26C78t7O9Su7Fy2YQ8XDoc3_3DhpvpaIAyYBwhReco221zOf4SD4n_vXY/s1600/ladies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtqEjuk2hRF9O1p5vGNovY4DcS94ouUuZ4_wo-7y6xGmOCMSNb-3L-fE_pTteMh4cs439NkD3DpqDkSUvYH26C78t7O9Su7Fy2YQ8XDoc3_3DhpvpaIAyYBwhReco221zOf4SD4n_vXY/s640/ladies+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPcpd7Sz_6cs_HfsUR9DK2wCSwKA1kGBFy9Rvg6PN7Xch_nX1rX0LhtbOWdcy-Udfesf6t2Kdz9J2fZjYmzfkRAhe78sOK-hcom0vwnmoCTd57RqwALb3YPyNAyBItCKc3b5A2V5Cak4/s1600/ladies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPcpd7Sz_6cs_HfsUR9DK2wCSwKA1kGBFy9Rvg6PN7Xch_nX1rX0LhtbOWdcy-Udfesf6t2Kdz9J2fZjYmzfkRAhe78sOK-hcom0vwnmoCTd57RqwALb3YPyNAyBItCKc3b5A2V5Cak4/s640/ladies+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBoxBfXOjnLyT4NhdibUmgSkUEwrA6a1k_tCtyKSRVGR4tuAXvSj_b5RV3hFmg3gFps-rGB7kJxy9V5ZjeWHo2w6IVYQNgE3-yd75XIIFtSlAaVogYhfdrpc18UW_QPU0mDeXced5MP4/s1600/ladies+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBoxBfXOjnLyT4NhdibUmgSkUEwrA6a1k_tCtyKSRVGR4tuAXvSj_b5RV3hFmg3gFps-rGB7kJxy9V5ZjeWHo2w6IVYQNgE3-yd75XIIFtSlAaVogYhfdrpc18UW_QPU0mDeXced5MP4/s640/ladies+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the first day these chicks had been out of the brooder. I am trying to go against the norm a bit and allow them outside time while they are still really young in hopes that they will forage a bit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhfXPLYxm-SszCUszslFa0KFViRfA2qN5_fjqcbSugw00ZOu4tjr_r7DeWSTsgj_YtHUp1vruYw0F3H_8m4_Cihdwc8t3lmjZQMXpkJrQKCb9Rc3INH-Hyqrd6LCHZ5Emp_EM5y03k0w/s1600/ladies+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhfXPLYxm-SszCUszslFa0KFViRfA2qN5_fjqcbSugw00ZOu4tjr_r7DeWSTsgj_YtHUp1vruYw0F3H_8m4_Cihdwc8t3lmjZQMXpkJrQKCb9Rc3INH-Hyqrd6LCHZ5Emp_EM5y03k0w/s640/ladies+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpVR6DL8VE7ZIr6iYFYBzNjxUKVfCSNu8twmk5SZVZ8I5QIPch__w5BIVhFlaxvV0JCd2GRh3-hgQl-HUL99YkVThCk12vWyHLAbREN6waJjs8N0YiottZHxsHHi1TeD7txTxrMN5mc4/s1600/ladies+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpVR6DL8VE7ZIr6iYFYBzNjxUKVfCSNu8twmk5SZVZ8I5QIPch__w5BIVhFlaxvV0JCd2GRh3-hgQl-HUL99YkVThCk12vWyHLAbREN6waJjs8N0YiottZHxsHHi1TeD7txTxrMN5mc4/s640/ladies+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievKY_E_TWluFto_JzrMmpBudfn0ZG1R8qxetuliWo27SCMEHmLUQ8a5Ta2tcUYM24iGVQqfWJmy89BJq68Rt9GYa7t-Lo3ymmpNP_CTmYspP45LL1-VzHCBq0i6RZBJPN5WqwsV13bXM/s1600/ladies+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievKY_E_TWluFto_JzrMmpBudfn0ZG1R8qxetuliWo27SCMEHmLUQ8a5Ta2tcUYM24iGVQqfWJmy89BJq68Rt9GYa7t-Lo3ymmpNP_CTmYspP45LL1-VzHCBq0i6RZBJPN5WqwsV13bXM/s640/ladies+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope you enjoyed meeting some of our chicken friends! Soak up sunshine today if you can and take a look around, spring time is coming!! Happy Wednesday! Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-85713582327445099302013-03-05T14:33:00.003-05:002013-03-05T14:33:50.313-05:00Tiny glimpses of spring! Has anyone else become caught by the blahs of winter? We've been plaqued with sickness, both the little and big people among us. I've found myself feeling a bit stagnant. Just not super motivated to do much of anything beyond the regular day to day. <br />
Well, that's all a changin'! It's March!! Oh yeah. Around here that means a few days sprinkled with sunshine and warmer weather. It also means seed orders, baby chicks and more time spent in muck boots. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evtaLLiI21g/UTZHskuFWWI/AAAAAAAABd8/zP-bvCjbYBw/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evtaLLiI21g/UTZHskuFWWI/AAAAAAAABd8/zP-bvCjbYBw/s400/13+-+1" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We've decided to up our laying flock from the 8 we had in August last year, to well, a whole bunch more. We currently have 22 in the laying coop. We have 24 in the outside brooder in the barn and 23(ish) in brooders in the garage. Why yes, I have lost my mind. Oh, did I mention I have 25 more on order for delivery next week? hehe<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYhom2McbPk/UTZHsryv19I/AAAAAAAABeQ/vZyY47zj1a4/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYhom2McbPk/UTZHsryv19I/AAAAAAAABeQ/vZyY47zj1a4/s400/13+-+2" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So here's the plan... Raise the chicks to ready to lay age and sell 1/2 of them to cover the cost of the half we keep. That makes sense right? I'd like to finish out with about 50 laying hens.<br />
We have become friends with an incredible couple who live just down the road and the man half of said couple is building me a mobile hen house. Yippeeeeee!!! I mean seriously, diamonds and fancy clothes don't do it for me. You want to make this farm girls heart swoon? Build me a chicken coop!! My hubs is helping and I am beyond thrilled. I promise pics once I get to see it. <br />
I am going to be swimming in eggs by summer. If you still buy your eggs from the supermarket and think you are getting a comparable product revisit <a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2013/01/lets-translate-your-egg-carton-shall-we.html">this post</a> on understanding what your carton actually means. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFixGcQOQTI/UTZIEmqmRJI/AAAAAAAABe8/bcXx0NULl3k/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFixGcQOQTI/UTZIEmqmRJI/AAAAAAAABe8/bcXx0NULl3k/s400/13+-+1" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy tiny glimpses of spring friends! What are you doing with your warmer days?Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-20125795049364682212013-01-28T10:45:00.002-05:002013-01-28T10:45:44.883-05:00Sweet and Spicy Roasted AlmondsOne of my biggest cravings during the Daniel fast is sweets. I miss them. I need them. I have dreams about them. Well I found a crave satisfying treat. Who doesn't love a bit of salty, sweet and spicy? No one I know!! These have a nice blend of all three. If you find you'd like a bit more spicy or salty just adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYb_-_rvnMCTSfl4kY4H12956B4dFNUDEDjgPcCmDsF4bsZEmpTjxy59G2ZeL5yejwNPkT-ZA92p-kcd6N4R7nQJJxVZxrDp_5-2nPDMd6a329wx4GeCzqm2nJreikDlMrDcZrqn8GF8/s1600/8AD4D0AB-2E12-4A98-93C3-3CF8D9EE352B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYb_-_rvnMCTSfl4kY4H12956B4dFNUDEDjgPcCmDsF4bsZEmpTjxy59G2ZeL5yejwNPkT-ZA92p-kcd6N4R7nQJJxVZxrDp_5-2nPDMd6a329wx4GeCzqm2nJreikDlMrDcZrqn8GF8/s400/8AD4D0AB-2E12-4A98-93C3-3CF8D9EE352B.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Honey Cayenne Sweet and Spicy (Daniel fast approved) Roasted Almonds:</u><br />
<em>adapted from Lemons and Anchovies</em><br />
<em></em><br />
2 1/2 cups of raw almonds<br />
1/3 cup honey <br />
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper<br />
1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt (really any salt will do)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 325. Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper. <br />
Melt the honey in a skillet over medium heat. Add cayenne and the almonds and stir until nuts are well coated. <br />
Spread the almonds on baking sheet in single layer and bake for about 10 minutes. <br />
<em>** this next step is super important. I waited too long to remove the almonds from the wax paper and ended up picking very small pieces of paper off some of the almonds**</em><br />
Remove the wax paper and toss the almonds with the salt. Spread almonds back out on bare sheet pan and allow to cool completely. <br />
Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy! Store in air tight container. <br />
<br />
Here's wishing you a Happy Monday! I hope today finds your home filled with warmth, love, laughter and a bit of sweet! <br />
<br />
Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-43494354897230775802013-01-25T12:52:00.002-05:002013-01-25T13:49:32.207-05:00Let's translate your egg carton, shall we?I've been given the green light by hubs to expand my laying hen flock this year. It's a very exciting time! Just yesterday I ordered 30 chicks that will arrive next week. <br />
If you aren't sure about whether or not it's "humane" to ship hatched chicks in the mail, read Joel Salatins book "Folks this ain't normal". He breaks it down very simply (and it's a great book that I think every food eater should read). The jist is this, God made them that way. Mama hens have eggs hatch for a few days, since they are laid over the course of days they don't all hatch at once. Because of this, they have to sustain life under her until she takes all the chicks out to find food and water. So hatcheries can ship chicks the day they hatch and you get them by day two or three. <br />
As much as I'm looking forward to having extra eggs to pass along to friends and family. I feel a little apprehension. Very often I find myself explaining why my eggs (and all local and pastured eggs) are better (and sometimes, more expensive). I thought I'd use this space to put some of that info together. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0O4Dz5cUrk3q_-0mRoPhlIDLFx8DlOLpiSYtOYd_bOFHAddMVwquLDCanPbkCvR6Ii701W3mHzD_eBC6HqKaNmTQq3a8T4tz9Bj-1uNwCwKugT9b1ETKd78q-YoA1NkfbSMHBMtVcvA/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0O4Dz5cUrk3q_-0mRoPhlIDLFx8DlOLpiSYtOYd_bOFHAddMVwquLDCanPbkCvR6Ii701W3mHzD_eBC6HqKaNmTQq3a8T4tz9Bj-1uNwCwKugT9b1ETKd78q-YoA1NkfbSMHBMtVcvA/s400/eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="sidebarbody">
<em>"Conventional egg production — that is to say, the vast majority of egg production in the United States — is not a pretty business. Laying hens are crammed five or six to a cage in stacked rows of cages designed for automated feeding, watering and egg-collecting. As many as 100,000 birds can be confined in a single warehouse, each bird with less than 67 square inches, about two-thirds the size of a sheet of paper, to call its own. The crowded conditions lead to cannibalism and other destructive behavior, so the birds’ beaks are cut off at an early age, a procedure that could be likened to cutting off a child’s finger tips, in terms of its impact on the animals’ dexterity and sensory experience. The industry favors windowless warehouses with prolonged artificial light to stimulate maximum egg-laying. When egg production drops off, food is withheld as a way of sending the birds into a forced molt followed by another round of egg laying before being disposed of.</em></div>
<div class="sidebarbody">
<em>The adoption of practices like these has paralleled the spread of salmonella as a bacterial contaminant in eggs — the reason you’re cautioned not to eat raw cookie dough or Caesar dressing anymore. Crowded conditions, genetic uniformity and the widespread use of antibiotics in industrial agriculture favor the development of new and potentially more devastating pathogens" from MEN article (see link below)</em><br />
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzN_KdtNJrg/UQLFPKCFmyI/AAAAAAAABbU/HSWOkA6GFHk/s1600/13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzN_KdtNJrg/UQLFPKCFmyI/AAAAAAAABbU/HSWOkA6GFHk/s400/13+-+3" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After I posted about my eggs on facebook last night I started to wonder how much "store eggs" cost? And what the differences are. So as I was walking thru the grocery store last night I stopped in to see. I was baffled. There were a few that were less expensive and a few that were more expensive, but none, not one, that was comparable in quality. So how can folks question the cost? Then it hit me! Bam! They don't know what they are getting at the store. The cartons all sport words like farm fresh, all natural, cage free, vegetarian fed. Do consumers know what those words actually mean? Do they think farm fresh means that they came from a farm with a red barn and a white picket fence? Do they think cage free means chickens pecking around rolling fields of green? Do they think chickens are supposed to only eat vegetarian? <br />
I found a <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/2007-04-01/How-to-Decode-Egg-Cartons.aspx">good article</a> in Mother Earth News about this topic and am going to use some of those points. Everything take from that article will be in italics.<br />
<br />
Ok, let's get started. First off, none of the verbiage on these labels is really regulated, <em>"although there are some third-party verification programs".</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBHo0_6494I/UQLFPGYL1QI/AAAAAAAABbo/8TG0GZ7mAtc/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBHo0_6494I/UQLFPGYL1QI/AAAAAAAABbo/8TG0GZ7mAtc/s400/13+-+2" width="400" /></a></div>
<em></em><br />
<br />
<strong>Cage Free-</strong> that means, simply that. They are not in cages. They live in big warehouses but are not required to have roosts or nesting boxes to behave as normal chickens do. <em> “Cage-free” does not mean outdoor access."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<strong>Free Range</strong>- often times that means that they have access to the outdoors, but doesn't mean they forage or even that there is grass. <em>“free range” usually means the laying hens are raised in large flocks in big open warehouses rather than in stacked cages. They can walk around, flap their wings and preen their feathers a little. </em>Usually means? huh.<br />
<br />
<div class="sidebarbody">
<em><span class="sidebarbodybolds"><strong>“Certified Organic.”</strong></span> Production methods must comply with the USDA National Organic Program, including organic, vegetarian feed, no use of antibiotics and no cages. <span class="sidebarbodyital">Debeaking and forced molting by starvation are allowed.</span> Organic standards require producers to “maintain livestock living conditions which accommodate the health and natural behavior of the animals.” How much access to the outdoors this requires for chickens is still being hotly debated. At this time, on large organic chicken farms, it may mean nothing more than a small door opening onto a concrete yard.</em></div>
<div class="sidebarbody">
<em></em><br /></div>
<div class="sidebarbody">
<em><span class="sidebarbodybolds"><strong>“Omega 3.”</strong></span> All eggs contain small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, thought to be beneficial to human health. Omega-3 levels in eggs can be raised by supplementing the birds’ diet with things such as fish oil, flax seed or alfalfa meal (or by simply allowing the birds to forage on lawn or pasture).</em></div>
<div class="sidebarbody">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="sidebarbody">
As I was finishing up this post I found <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/19/how-to-read-egg-labels_n_1609012.html#slide=1143891">this! Please check it out.</a> It shows loads of labels along with what they mean. Super helpful. </div>
<div class="sidebarbody">
</div>
<div class="sidebarbody">
Now, I'm going to get up on a soap box for a minute. If you'd rather not experience that please feel free to leave this page now. Good, you stayed. Folks, just buy local! Even if you buy your eggs from a family with 4 hens that only eat in their small back yard, you are getting a better, healthier product. Do a test, take a store egg and a pastured egg and crack them side by side in a pan. Eggs should have a bright yellow (even orange sometimes) yolk that stands up nicely, with a firm (not runny) white. Do you know what pastured means? You won't find it in the store, at least not yet. Farmers who raise pastured laying hens usually have those hens in movable coops that they move from place to place daily or every few days. The chickens only spend the dark hours in the coop the rest of the time they are foraging in pasture. Pastures full of bugs, seeds and grasses. Because they are moved on a regular basis the chance of disease is lower and they get an abundance of naturally occurring food. You see chickens aren't vegetarian. They eat bugs, big bugs, little bugs, even mice sometimes.</div>
<div class="sidebarbody">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQf49sEuMk0/UQLFPJQsddI/AAAAAAAABbc/BO7CP6lBM5I/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQf49sEuMk0/UQLFPJQsddI/AAAAAAAABbc/BO7CP6lBM5I/s400/13+-+1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg mobiles at Joel Salatin's Polyface Farm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="sidebarbody">
</div>
<div class="sidebarbody">
So if you drive past a farm and see a big funny shaped trailer surrounded by chickens stop in and buy some eggs, they will blow your mind!! I'm sure like me, you want to feed your family the best that you can. When it comes to eggs, you won't find that in a store. You'll get that from your local farmer, your neighbor or the folks down the street.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-69403735080228516522013-01-21T11:35:00.000-05:002013-04-02T17:50:40.804-04:00Grr... GMO's in the flour too? About 6 months ago I called King Arthur flour company and was thrilled that a real live person answered the phone. I asked about GMO flour and was told that there is currently no GMO wheat being sold in the US. Shew! One less thing to worry about. Or is it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zO_DK0Bk0pQ/UP1tOmshzII/AAAAAAAABXA/oYY-vLvZ1KE/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zO_DK0Bk0pQ/UP1tOmshzII/AAAAAAAABXA/oYY-vLvZ1KE/s400/13+-+1" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I consider myself fairly educated on the world of GMO "foods" and the products that are made from them. I know that almost all the corn and soy grown in the US are GMO. I look out for it on all labels, I buy organic popping corn, I don't use vegetable, corn or canola oil. So I am a incredibly saddened to learn that while the wheat that makes our flour is not GMO the way that it is often grown is not what I would have thought. <br />
An amazing friend of mine spent many years traveling the country and met loads of folks along the way. One such folk is a farmer in Kansas. While visiting said farm my friend learned that after the wheat is harvested, soy is planted in the same field. Ok, that doesn't seem so bad at first, but this soy is Round Up Ready soy beans and they are sprayed with the poison during the growing season to prevent weed growth. Here's the problem... the wheat is then planted in the same place after the soy is harvested. Yep, that yucky Round up has soaked into the soil, the gmo soy seed has left behind who knows what as it grew the franken-soy plant. <br />
Ugh!! So now I must add flour to my list of organic only. Why, oh, why must we put poison in and/or on so much of our food?! <br />
Don't our babes deserve to eat food that is made from real plants? Not a version of a plant that a scientist created in a lab somewhere. A plant that more science than not, says is terrible for them and can lead to all sorts of health problems? I can grow my own corn, I can grow my own veggies and raise my own <a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2013/01/lets-translate-your-egg-carton-shall-we.html">chickens for eggs</a> and meat, but I can't find a local mill that's making non-GMO flour. So, I must settle for organic. This really does just make my heart sad. If you haven't educated yourself on GMO's please do. If we as consumers continue to assume that the food system is looking out for our well-being than we are to blame for the consequenses. Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-280365904194676382013-01-07T19:54:00.002-05:002013-01-08T12:12:52.688-05:00Quinoa with corn and black beansIf you've followed along in this space for very long you may remember that January is a month that hubs and I make a few changes to our diet for a 21 day Daniel Fast. Well, it's January. We start this weekend but as I was eating dinner tonight I realized it was "fast approved" (and quite tasty!). I thought I'd share it here for anyone who is planning their menu for the weeks to come. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OTDrbzaPzdURh6a-LApaj0S5A24QUeT7kNY_EUb_Wq9shtyUnz1Nivfpj0mVc1qMmIjA2dHvJ_0T5uLMuMo0SvBSVDJnBfN4drYXHbIPequwjonSCxD5lNC0prIm3xkIIHJHPX61s_U/s1600/EFBF8DC3-E876-4F48-BEA7-6F14FE3B40F7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OTDrbzaPzdURh6a-LApaj0S5A24QUeT7kNY_EUb_Wq9shtyUnz1Nivfpj0mVc1qMmIjA2dHvJ_0T5uLMuMo0SvBSVDJnBfN4drYXHbIPequwjonSCxD5lNC0prIm3xkIIHJHPX61s_U/s400/EFBF8DC3-E876-4F48-BEA7-6F14FE3B40F7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Quinoa with Corn and black beans</u><br />
<em>(because I can't come up with a better name)</em><br />
<em></em><br />
1 1/2 cups uncooked Quinoa, cooked (you can cook quinoa in your rice cooker, just fyi) <br />
1 can black beans (if you are fasting be sure to check your labels.... no sugar or corn syrup)<br />
about 2 cups of frozen corn, heated<br />
1 Tablespoon cumin<br />
2 Tablespoon olive oil <br />
1 Tablespoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped<br />
1 teaspoon onion powder <br />
1/4 cup dried parsley (if using fresh, double amount)<br />
1/2 cup dried chives (if using fresh, double amount) <br />
chopped tomatoes to garnish. <br />
<br />
In a skillet sautee garlic in olive oil until soft (I didn't have any, but I think chopped onion and green peppers would be excellent in this as well).<br />
Add rinsed black beans and corn. Add cumin, salt, onion powder. <br />
Once heated, add cooked Quinoa. Gently stir in parsley and chives. Salt to taste.<br />
Garnish with fresh tomato and chives. <br />
<br />
This would also be good with a few baked blue corn tortilla chips on the side. Oh, and maybe some avacado too! <br />
<br />
<em>Please be sure to visit the Daniels fast page tab on the top right of my home page. It will take you to a page dedicated to the fast. It includes the list of approved foods as well as recipes that folks have submitted.</em> <em>Also, on the right side of the home page under "labels" click on Daniel fast and you ill be taken to all the posts that I've written that apply to the fast. May God do amazing things in your life as you enter this time of fasting. </em><br />
<br />
<br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-52574747091209984972013-01-07T19:39:00.001-05:002013-01-07T20:15:06.413-05:00Ringing in the new, with a little old. I hope everyone had an amazing holiday! We spent the days close to home, cuddled in with the babes and the ones we love. Ringing in the new year is much different in this season of my life than it used to be. Gone, for now, are the days of late night parties, sparkly dresses and champagne. This year we spent the evening with dear friends playing games and warming our bellies with my (much improved) chili. I was tucked snuggly in bed by 10:30. This year, I can honestly say, I don't miss the old.<br />
Sure, I could do without being up all night with sick babes. And there are certainly days that I'd happily hand over my puke and snot stained yoga pants for a sparkly dress (or anything clean for that matter). I know it's so cliche to say I wouldn't trade my bratty snot nosed kids for one night of my old life, so I won't. Some days, I'd happily make that trade. For one day.... or three. At the end of the day though, I love my life. I am blessed beyond measure. I have 3 beautiful healthy babes and a super hot husband who loves me and our family. <br />
And.... I have a good stash of vintage sheets that I just rediscovered and fell back in love with. Let's talk about that for a bit, shall we?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krcki0mE1q8/UOtqHu9FxmI/AAAAAAAABRg/75hQ6F0ugA4/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krcki0mE1q8/UOtqHu9FxmI/AAAAAAAABRg/75hQ6F0ugA4/s400/13+-+1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a small bit of what I'm using and loving right now. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've always leaned toward buying used. I stand behind the philosophy, but sometimes it's just not as convenient. So I made a pledge to myself to only buy new when absolutely necessary. Now, let me be clear. This does not include hygenie items, undies or anything else that I might catch someone elses ebola from. I mean that I will be more diligent with hitting the thrift stores and craigslist before I just pick up a new made in china, wrapped in plastic whatever. That is what sent me in search of those vintage sheets I mentioned above. It's so easy to get caught up in the new fabrics even. I wanted a new curtain for over my kitchen window. I had started looking on all my fave fabric sites when it hit me. That's buying new too. Just because I'm going to make it into something doesn't mean I shouldn't use what I already have first. I really should give some credit to a dear friend for sparking all of this with her gift of a flannel sheet. I wanted to make the littles Christmas eve pajamas but couldn't seem to get to the fabric store. She mentioned that she had a big, king sized flat sheet that I could have. Duh? Why didn't I think of that?! They turned out super cute. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0WFRse--8E/UOtlOTVrgQI/AAAAAAAABPQ/qjb0N7eo9oQ/s1600/pjs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0WFRse--8E/UOtlOTVrgQI/AAAAAAAABPQ/qjb0N7eo9oQ/s400/pjs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bW-r9SHAf0/UOtmMHMVkZE/AAAAAAAABPY/8qXVcoILFNQ/s1600/171302" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bW-r9SHAf0/UOtmMHMVkZE/AAAAAAAABPY/8qXVcoILFNQ/s400/171302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And don't you just love the doll house that Poppy made the babes for Christmas?! Amazing.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now back to that curtain.... I found my favorite of the sheets and with a couple quick seams and a crocheted borer I had a super cute curtain that is just right!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyYSOyoyCSA/UOtm08SCGzI/AAAAAAAABQU/DH8bfjW5Qkw/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyYSOyoyCSA/UOtm08SCGzI/AAAAAAAABQU/DH8bfjW5Qkw/s400/13+-+1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pic shows the crocheted edging a little bit better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-un1WIOW6Fjw/UOtmxGteK_I/AAAAAAAABQE/XqvKB_wZQDY/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-un1WIOW6Fjw/UOtmxGteK_I/AAAAAAAABQE/XqvKB_wZQDY/s400/13+-+1" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I promise to try and share some of my finds as I continue along this journey. Something felt just right with making something new for my home out of something old at the start of a new year. <br />
<br />
I hope your holiday was full of love, family, friends, giggling babes, yummy food and loads of laughter! <br />
<br />
<em>I apologize for all the instagram shots but Poppy has the good camera. </em><br />
<br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-11423281817331431202012-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-21T16:15:20.610-05:00birthday crown pattern and tutorialI am so in love with the crowns that I made for <a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-princess-party.html">Brielle's princess party.</a> I know that the "pattern" is pretty basic and isn't really necessary for an experienced sewist (is that a word? I'm never sure. Is it sewer, sewist? Someone please help me out and clarify).<br />
Never the less, I thought I'd give really clear instructions on how to make it so that you could skip the figuring it out part and get right to the making. Because, after all, everyone <em>needs </em>a crown on their birthday. <br />
Ok, lets get started. You can use anything for your pattern: tissue paper, card stock, fabric or felt. I liked the felt because it sort of sticks to the felt underneath and removed the need to pin. Truth be told, I'm not a huge fan of pinning so I am always happy to skip that step. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmItg-jAV95HeFvNGvDmElNW4lOP_c4D7N781_zVf5JRL_Y39QYGViRAtYgNckrEQpoI0tmk2WSnUhWDo_pWKp78ajf9j5Q2f8sCKm-DwFc1QqIx9npJCCEWLFmW8RsYc9UOvazGv9LLY/s1600/bday+crown+tute+001+w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmItg-jAV95HeFvNGvDmElNW4lOP_c4D7N781_zVf5JRL_Y39QYGViRAtYgNckrEQpoI0tmk2WSnUhWDo_pWKp78ajf9j5Q2f8sCKm-DwFc1QqIx9npJCCEWLFmW8RsYc9UOvazGv9LLY/s640/bday+crown+tute+001+w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
First off, draw out the bottom line of the band which is 17 inches wide. Next, measure 2 inches up from the bottom of the band and draw a second 17" line. It's much easier to have a rectangle drawn out for the band. <br />
Ok, now you are going to lay your measuring tape or yardstick across the top of the band (about where I have mine laid) and make a dot on the top line at the 1 1/2", 4, 6 1/2, 10 1/2, 13 and 15 1/2" mark. (We are going to call these the interval marks) These are the bottom of the crown points. <br />
Then find the center of the points (either the 1" mark for the small points or the 2" mark of the large point) and measure up 2" for the small points or 3" for the large point. Make a mark. <br />
Draw a line from the top point mark you just made down to the interval marks you made along the top of the band to create crown points. This will create the crown points evenly.<br />
Cut out your pattern piece along the outer most lines. (see top photo if you aren't sure of where to cut) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YM_s3n0pYskESkzJn0sQVbZnP5jiBGC_I-b5IRV4INvh1pbSiIYWmkqVKEX957PbbWmvEBBDyIUE4HVfQKC3ZibRwJikPvkMgI_gDfEb426qYMTdJMmu4Qpnrx_YXtCDA4yRjM3As20/s1600/bday+crown+tute+point+height.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YM_s3n0pYskESkzJn0sQVbZnP5jiBGC_I-b5IRV4INvh1pbSiIYWmkqVKEX957PbbWmvEBBDyIUE4HVfQKC3ZibRwJikPvkMgI_gDfEb426qYMTdJMmu4Qpnrx_YXtCDA4yRjM3As20/s640/bday+crown+tute+point+height.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Trace your pattern onto a double layer of felt. (Each crown is two pieces of felt thick, this gives it the sturdiness to stand up nicely). Cut out both layers of felt along line you just traced. I think next time, I will try using pinking shears along the crown points to get a different look. <br />
You can use any ribbon, bias tape or other material of your choosing to create the tie. Cut your tie to 38". <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxK76kBiXJWTdmh_WN0NuDpl6lV-XcOVO_ZWjgk6T8hpD4A7pOYV1Z_MXmpnm8uEJBO970Ba35-fkJwK23Rc-oHKUrIsjFthiBW-Akh2in1NSNDQLIQq9_mdmcQJMbM2NI07LGU7QmWw/s1600/bday+crown+tute+use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxK76kBiXJWTdmh_WN0NuDpl6lV-XcOVO_ZWjgk6T8hpD4A7pOYV1Z_MXmpnm8uEJBO970Ba35-fkJwK23Rc-oHKUrIsjFthiBW-Akh2in1NSNDQLIQq9_mdmcQJMbM2NI07LGU7QmWw/s640/bday+crown+tute+use.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Time to sew. Sew from the bottom of the band on one corner up to the top of the band and around all the crown points. Stop when you get to the other corner of the band bottom. You can use any stitch and seam allowance that you like. This seam is to hold the two pieces together and give a visual quality to the crown. Get creative if you like. <br />
<br />
Lastly, pin the tie centered at the bottom of the crown band and sew from one side of the band to the other sewing the tie on while sewing the last seam together. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXCcBEowDD2PgF0IndqZhLx5sKwBAu1KJslA4gQtaN7SyGGucsR9hjKPkh4v3A9v6L1U25EG9Nerbb-3t7wNqOWDG_aWcUh7iAmvV6gSmKSQ7G3T6bRl-uaQikxDM1M2fViRfIaFkcyI/s1600/bday+crown+on+j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXCcBEowDD2PgF0IndqZhLx5sKwBAu1KJslA4gQtaN7SyGGucsR9hjKPkh4v3A9v6L1U25EG9Nerbb-3t7wNqOWDG_aWcUh7iAmvV6gSmKSQ7G3T6bRl-uaQikxDM1M2fViRfIaFkcyI/s400/bday+crown+on+j.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
That's it! Tie that beauty on a little or little at heart and watch them smile like true birthday royalty. <br />
<br />
<em>This is my very first time writing out a tutorial and "pattern". Please share any comments, questions or thoughts you might have. And I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see any crowns that you make. </em><br />
<br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-61059219974933549102012-12-12T14:40:00.000-05:002012-12-12T14:49:15.779-05:00Aprons, to order. The neatest thing happened about a month ago. I got a message on Facebook from a gal who purchased an apron from me at my very <a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2011/10/at-festival.html">first craft fair/festival</a>. She wanted to order a mommy and me set as a Christmas gift. <br />
How cool is that? I was a little hestiant at the idea of making something that may be a disappointment but, went for it anyway. She chose her fabric so I am sure she'll be happy with that aspect (fingers crossed). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmF05wPjSOhWT23bsmDaVBhxAQq2CfKgihqIIiQ2fkfFytONHe1abm71vIhTT8UQB7JwmMvFe-kuiNu1jOTsqlzYeNW8mMXZy2jOEN6M9huK2ZTf2ZNVpFe4fKyORGzh74RRZmYr1r5Y/s1600/apron+blog+12-12-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmF05wPjSOhWT23bsmDaVBhxAQq2CfKgihqIIiQ2fkfFytONHe1abm71vIhTT8UQB7JwmMvFe-kuiNu1jOTsqlzYeNW8mMXZy2jOEN6M9huK2ZTf2ZNVpFe4fKyORGzh74RRZmYr1r5Y/s640/apron+blog+12-12-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was so fun to make this pattern again. I haven't made aprons in a long time. They really are so super cute, don't you think?<br />
<em>Please excuse the photo quality, I finished these up last night and indoor light at night is no bueno.</em> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m-mOLBOWn6GviVVl_r0FiPoo6R9VatMvUYwmawfCIle7FgqkYuas7BHpSlZgC6rbPfRS1twdXqSCB5IDUN69l6D_p7ptt4_Kvho9xPzB4488Vwv9-0bu6jAjVySCoh1YJ45m80_ok8Y/s1600/apron+blog+12-12-12+2+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m-mOLBOWn6GviVVl_r0FiPoo6R9VatMvUYwmawfCIle7FgqkYuas7BHpSlZgC6rbPfRS1twdXqSCB5IDUN69l6D_p7ptt4_Kvho9xPzB4488Vwv9-0bu6jAjVySCoh1YJ45m80_ok8Y/s640/apron+blog+12-12-12+2+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you find that you would like to order something that you've seen here, or just to say hello, please feel free to click on the louleelou button on the right of this page. That will take you right to our facebook page and you can let me know what you're looking for. We haven't quite gotten that etsy shop of ours up and running yet. Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-35857894651703457322012-12-06T17:16:00.003-05:002012-12-06T17:26:15.641-05:00A Princess Party<br />
This weekend my oldest babe turned 5. She was very clear as to what her birthday party theme was to be... princess, princess and PRINCESS. Oh, and Pink. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftt2bL8j5t3rlDiUxt0bp24nNJ5K2I2oFwDDSCqztBTuikslW9hkBOAa7Deqj4K745mXDvMSNjQljlT8LCa3fGSyOu-S8iUoXURopKeZpn6c9inYrDnNELAh5Yic9Jgss-HcZElI3e3Q/s1600/b+bday+instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftt2bL8j5t3rlDiUxt0bp24nNJ5K2I2oFwDDSCqztBTuikslW9hkBOAa7Deqj4K745mXDvMSNjQljlT8LCa3fGSyOu-S8iUoXURopKeZpn6c9inYrDnNELAh5Yic9Jgss-HcZElI3e3Q/s400/b+bday+instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We used a huge 16ft door and some cinder blocks to create a short table in the living room floor that would allow all the kiddos to sit on the floor instead of having to use chairs. (put that in the great idea column) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTNyHBcSV8EnJ37fsUcrhZoB_QjsoK55FE9xuGqy7l6gwSUT6mh4vPaIj13p-ekCH17f1Y_QRWV0fXVh3y3pBs1c2Vs1FEJGt9AhFctfwCtgSZ8biFU3QU1EReyqcnj_pKQG-O3I99pk/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTNyHBcSV8EnJ37fsUcrhZoB_QjsoK55FE9xuGqy7l6gwSUT6mh4vPaIj13p-ekCH17f1Y_QRWV0fXVh3y3pBs1c2Vs1FEJGt9AhFctfwCtgSZ8biFU3QU1EReyqcnj_pKQG-O3I99pk/s640/blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The fabric store had a great sale black friday weekend. All of their tulle was $.50/yard. I think I ended up with 25 yards! This may seem like a silly expense, but it isn't. You see, in the spring I will once again, plant a garden. And surely, I will have bugs and surely, I will need bug netting. Voila!! 25 yards of pink bug netting bought at $.50/yard.<br />
The table was so pretty with the tent of pink tulle and balloons. Each little picked their own felt crown when they arrived and got to making it their own. I had glitter glue, pom poms, "jewels" and glue. All the essentials for making one super cool crown. (I will be posting later in the week with a pattern and more info on how to make these.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKsCOjTCch8-FYVMJfvGvj53UA_DtgV9ZFSBCa389YqWjh7s40idoxMbWOgxXIc9gpd89FVk5FOP-thzTQHk_JDR8ZplFjfSBDpgvau61OCZZzJxW1FZDyv_rR1J0jR8PuvNQqFLUfj8/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKsCOjTCch8-FYVMJfvGvj53UA_DtgV9ZFSBCa389YqWjh7s40idoxMbWOgxXIc9gpd89FVk5FOP-thzTQHk_JDR8ZplFjfSBDpgvau61OCZZzJxW1FZDyv_rR1J0jR8PuvNQqFLUfj8/s640/collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Oh and the food.... So good! We had crown shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit, veggies and <a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2012/03/holy-unhidden-valley.html">homemade ranch</a>, ham pinwheels and pink popcorn. Instead of cake we had i<a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2010/12/ice-cream-cake.html">cecream cupcakes</a>.<br />
<br />
I am so happy with how the party went, but at the end of it all, I have a beautiful, independent, strong willed (I don't know where that comes from *winkwink*), kind, caring and wonderful babe who had a wonderful time enjoying her special day. <br />
<br />
<em>(We are just going to completley ingnore the fact that I took 2 whole months off from this space, welcome back.)</em> Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-59601850467550900232012-10-02T13:11:00.000-04:002012-10-02T13:11:02.061-04:00Just checking in<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs866qPiUXJDWI2Sl9BTZu21K17Xrzu6MDgdpaksLLuTLFqarAaJJOYEB_9rRm_frOVkIepUfQjY_ju692m_bKfU-AWR9qTZ_KABWZPoCXEauSqBDlWPr6-2Uj1KSM2Y7UbGqEB9k8QVU/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs866qPiUXJDWI2Sl9BTZu21K17Xrzu6MDgdpaksLLuTLFqarAaJJOYEB_9rRm_frOVkIepUfQjY_ju692m_bKfU-AWR9qTZ_KABWZPoCXEauSqBDlWPr6-2Uj1KSM2Y7UbGqEB9k8QVU/s400/photo+(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I just wanted to check in and give you a glimpse into what's going on here today..... Oh yeah, it's applesauce cooking day! It's cool and rainy outside and perfectly warm and wonderful inside. This my friends is fall. Plain and beautifully simple. Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-73631720073978269992012-09-25T10:21:00.000-04:002012-09-25T10:21:16.916-04:00The first chillAutumn Solstice came and went and I missed celebrating it here in this space. I am a huge fan of fall it may be my favorite season, at least a seriously close second to spring. I love that it's staying dark a bit later and I get to watch the sun move across the fields each morning. I love that I need a sweater when I head out to do my morning chores. I love that I <em>need </em>coffee every morning, tea or iced coffee just will not do. <br />
It's that first chill in the air. The chill that says, "hurry and get in the last of the harvest before the frost", "walk a little faster in the evenings if you want to do your chores in the day light", "and slow down a bit and get your hands in some yarn". Oh how I love this season we are in. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbSjbNxpaO0UteqWy3JfR96tucup0kiT-S2B3e_jbzL776RG5QBdBGK6oIgyTIY34U4daUCgXP7t9uQmrnkMqbxGPcZkH2NRC9mLm5E_dib1-mmOK6FBLlNezLuQ_ASXq4NIY_UvBRBA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbSjbNxpaO0UteqWy3JfR96tucup0kiT-S2B3e_jbzL776RG5QBdBGK6oIgyTIY34U4daUCgXP7t9uQmrnkMqbxGPcZkH2NRC9mLm5E_dib1-mmOK6FBLlNezLuQ_ASXq4NIY_UvBRBA/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Late last week I sat down to have my coffee and check in on the world via the interwebs and realized that my toes were cold. Seriously cold. It was time to pull out my slippers. Well, last years slippers have gotten lost somewhere in the abyss of my closet so I found my old favorite pattern and made a new pair. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ9sTCzU9CysHljhyoCTZcS5u37Jvk-dEovt4wy2t-fOHsAgbFkqXI8quH1JOFSCCjOSeLT7ns6irU95UV2PaxvpumbUrNCvC1AG0FdwiR0UGszQ814uL7Jnjk5RDQrU5eWC4PTD7lsI/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ9sTCzU9CysHljhyoCTZcS5u37Jvk-dEovt4wy2t-fOHsAgbFkqXI8quH1JOFSCCjOSeLT7ns6irU95UV2PaxvpumbUrNCvC1AG0FdwiR0UGszQ814uL7Jnjk5RDQrU5eWC4PTD7lsI/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In a manner that is unusual for me, I decided to make a few extra pairs in anticipation of the craft fair that I have in early December. Look at me, planning ahead. So there's been lots of yarny happenings here and new slippers just in time for chilly mornings. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mfcSFlkldrqqWgHaStEEkTiNRFQrDkzZ-jttBSn9d2ToEVNGTUC80klXLH9Jy26YSWpE_YRvfmWASZgfzwbYzpi3aHmwmOR0YD2SHuciezIK20CwWp-4hoFAmh93VQzDzr27Q0AYlzU/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mfcSFlkldrqqWgHaStEEkTiNRFQrDkzZ-jttBSn9d2ToEVNGTUC80klXLH9Jy26YSWpE_YRvfmWASZgfzwbYzpi3aHmwmOR0YD2SHuciezIK20CwWp-4hoFAmh93VQzDzr27Q0AYlzU/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What are you doing to get ready for the new season ahead?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-81344903837345668072012-09-14T12:43:00.000-04:002012-09-14T12:43:11.784-04:00a cardi for the big girlWell, it's finished. The Swing Set Cardigan that <a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-itch-i-had-to-get-my-fingers-back.html">I started for Brielle</a> is all finished. Just in case you missed the <a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2012/09/sweet-sweater-love.html">last one</a>, the pattern is from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307586588/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d1_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=05587GZXWDYMZ8BY1TMW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846">this book.</a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dpPO59xtklwEd75DvtqhiwCwm0FA9YmnVzQMHKwBo-PpCflcaGYPOisj7l2INpAacOQbNFjZahUN3yqrsCcLd-grneozeb4uTSzjIhI-N37jVwxXkGlk7Epmiu8wywqVYbxkO347U2w/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dpPO59xtklwEd75DvtqhiwCwm0FA9YmnVzQMHKwBo-PpCflcaGYPOisj7l2INpAacOQbNFjZahUN3yqrsCcLd-grneozeb4uTSzjIhI-N37jVwxXkGlk7Epmiu8wywqVYbxkO347U2w/s640/037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I made a few changes to the finishing. I felt like the scalloped edge was a bit too pretty for my growing to fast babe. <br />
<span id="goog_190369221"></span><span id="goog_190369222"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDPolENS-bQ0ElCWG8eATVkFp18LrM0JYPRw3iChqA7jUOP9NpHHu2TGjcoLTy9hNwBEbgaWH2h0rgHoQnEYYc3278KJzSWABEcQJ2kt6EPYv_PdCwpVjokcb2HEyODKmt6YhE9OomKg/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDPolENS-bQ0ElCWG8eATVkFp18LrM0JYPRw3iChqA7jUOP9NpHHu2TGjcoLTy9hNwBEbgaWH2h0rgHoQnEYYc3278KJzSWABEcQJ2kt6EPYv_PdCwpVjokcb2HEyODKmt6YhE9OomKg/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once again, the buttons are vintage from my stash. If you make things that require buttons I sure hope you are scooping up tins and jars of them at yard sales and thrift stores. I am amazed by the treasures I find. I swear one of my jars has buttons from every decade starting in the 20's. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1vj9q6ayPhjUdPgfT_-bZOUnlxvIKLfHZDjBCTHDFJRF0rKUHV0_xk9NRJqkaF-vxSdyqeXHOZAQMCq8T7mpKTqBvI9_AUm-8vafxnrbfqXmRmuB7c1Av1bfxcDzxqSrNkBZHtZ7taQ/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1vj9q6ayPhjUdPgfT_-bZOUnlxvIKLfHZDjBCTHDFJRF0rKUHV0_xk9NRJqkaF-vxSdyqeXHOZAQMCq8T7mpKTqBvI9_AUm-8vafxnrbfqXmRmuB7c1Av1bfxcDzxqSrNkBZHtZ7taQ/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She wasn't sure that she loved this mama made. You see it's not pink or purple, there are no sparkles and the princess buttons she thought it should have do not exist in our house. I offered to give it to her sister since she didn't like it.... that fixed that. She wore this lovely around for hours before she was ready to take it off. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXVdDsf-e1A_SkDqX-IdOLH-ph1z91W6PLBVzHBh48MQueRnYYomzfNwY7gEJG0mM8i3ktju5cncSIhdQrVoGSw7AQiUFgrQDVtbaQHmtXEZAsGpCpeTGz-BoHsqwGeyfHedUJAtqdwU/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXVdDsf-e1A_SkDqX-IdOLH-ph1z91W6PLBVzHBh48MQueRnYYomzfNwY7gEJG0mM8i3ktju5cncSIhdQrVoGSw7AQiUFgrQDVtbaQHmtXEZAsGpCpeTGz-BoHsqwGeyfHedUJAtqdwU/s640/044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkw55R2vrhlVtNyienVxuwk-ReYdctEZG71o4FCrI5s1DFsiEArmXHgLlEImRAsN0rMXbp-OHV8T2gQ2CHBSXZPEFz2V-cwOO3oOJi05odMTB7AqF6vDmRFc4OeabUxO8i-di3FHS1NYs/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkw55R2vrhlVtNyienVxuwk-ReYdctEZG71o4FCrI5s1DFsiEArmXHgLlEImRAsN0rMXbp-OHV8T2gQ2CHBSXZPEFz2V-cwOO3oOJi05odMTB7AqF6vDmRFc4OeabUxO8i-di3FHS1NYs/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There is nothing quite like finishing a big yarny project. I am so excited to find the next one to put on my hook. I have two more babes that need sweaters and I do believe that it is time to start thinking hats.<br />
Happy Friday friends. Here's wishing you a weekend filled with crisp mornings, warm cups of coffee, sweet giggles of babes and some yummy yarn in your hands. Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-57572984433845899072012-09-06T10:30:00.002-04:002012-09-14T09:49:17.200-04:00BeginningThe itch I had to get my fingers back in some yarny goodness did not stop with the completion <a href="http://mamamakeit.blogspot.com/2012/09/sweet-sweater-love.html">of the cardigan I made for my beautiful neice.</a> Instead there was a flare up. You see, this was the first piece of clothing that I have yarned. Ever. I've made hats and accesories. I've made blankets and bows, but I had never made something that could hang in the closet of a babe. <br />
I was so glad to give that<em> first </em>as a gift to someone I love. However, I found that I felt disappointment that there weren't any yarned mama mades hanging in the closets of my babes. After flipping through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Crochet-Modern-Designs-Toddlers/dp/0307586588/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346941283&sr=8-1&keywords=little+crochet">the same book</a> and browsing Ravelry, I started another cardigan for my oldest little. I figured she'd been without the longest so it seemed resonable that she would be first. I decided to make a version of the Swing Set Cardigan with a few changes to the edging. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqOxXpfCemnXK0f0XWz7NvA73nJglGzLov6l-x1B7WU4XcnVlgE6uI3jiA-77-hSpfPtJeILlXFkuoNbRMxFMFjT-aJ0lGVTUh5IpogLmo9rh_T4ON0wf0U6phNJh0kokFGCWi01K7N4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqOxXpfCemnXK0f0XWz7NvA73nJglGzLov6l-x1B7WU4XcnVlgE6uI3jiA-77-hSpfPtJeILlXFkuoNbRMxFMFjT-aJ0lGVTUh5IpogLmo9rh_T4ON0wf0U6phNJh0kokFGCWi01K7N4/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These colors are so much prettier in real life. It's less orange and more of a coral. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51y4nDJSpz0eYpWnR9Y8654H1AOgcU3O3vWks9xaVdXpDlJss0HltZdBJ0gYyRpn7fV9Y2LZoFK29hgqI8O5J9s0p6i7ksn2C0Ee53d8w9hoPuLNUmhmA48ZTbsCanIW-330WpZkvxvQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51y4nDJSpz0eYpWnR9Y8654H1AOgcU3O3vWks9xaVdXpDlJss0HltZdBJ0gYyRpn7fV9Y2LZoFK29hgqI8O5J9s0p6i7ksn2C0Ee53d8w9hoPuLNUmhmA48ZTbsCanIW-330WpZkvxvQ/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Ahh, it really does feels so good to have my hands in yarn again. <br />
<br />
Here's wishing you a lovely day and some time to get your hands in some yarn. <br />
<br />
<em>Color update: The yarn is Caron Simply Soft in Persimmon and Bone.</em>Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376848586718283475.post-84787889342912058442012-09-04T14:50:00.000-04:002012-09-04T16:41:02.602-04:00sweet sweater love<div style="text-align: left;">
My amazing sister celebrated the first birthday of her first babe, my sweet niece, last month. I try to think back and remember that first first birthday. It seems like a lifetime ago. What kind of hooking auntie would I be if I didn't gift a little yarny love. Albeit, 2 weeks late. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtk1ubpkmbU2D3eGn4OKQwFUvrZWSVbKOcL7LxaVrmI5l46uX4J0D5NF2EBEaQ5rcySsnp8d9RtkwNxK18mZ_1uLpOCJyZ_90NHUI02GYWd0OJLPEJ7viU7uiugGU4k5rUkOpqtWRoTA/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have we talked yet about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Crochet-Modern-Designs-Toddlers/dp/0307586588/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346779560&sr=8-1&keywords=little+crochet">this book?</a> Well, if you have littles that need crocheted for this is a great book. I have loads of crochet books and usually there are one or two patterns that I actually make or really like. This one has at least 5 that I plan to make this fall for my babes. Great baby shower gifts and toys too! I definitely suggest checking it out.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This pattern is Swing Set Cardigan. It worked up fairly easily. I will say that you really must be careful to count the first few rows, I was off by a few and it made things a bit wonky. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfwMi0D6pUGpSakc8gINsSh-xiqCUYt0ADtSTVCs8-i8mwse49dA-npjO8s5Iy2FnG3bUuvdHu38O5I1pLT_ubakb5JVCWvVfp0IN7U0qqbyrQ8DAR3d8z-PrMBf-zsnrJFHEGPqThJM/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfwMi0D6pUGpSakc8gINsSh-xiqCUYt0ADtSTVCs8-i8mwse49dA-npjO8s5Iy2FnG3bUuvdHu38O5I1pLT_ubakb5JVCWvVfp0IN7U0qqbyrQ8DAR3d8z-PrMBf-zsnrJFHEGPqThJM/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I used a few vintage buttons that were in my stash. I think they are just the right amount of pretty to complement the green. I just love the super cute sleeves. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIiMWyhwXRSklNE1okqWpHUndTj7DF-CSKqyUBGRX-RMVY6WvLuDI549r-TNasIAaS1UPRVYJntS-GQ6LVwOhGtqMHuQo8ZrfUxsNtAKKGePnsRSs2TOakIdTfyPXsRr4J7Z7JO6_vss/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIiMWyhwXRSklNE1okqWpHUndTj7DF-CSKqyUBGRX-RMVY6WvLuDI549r-TNasIAaS1UPRVYJntS-GQ6LVwOhGtqMHuQo8ZrfUxsNtAKKGePnsRSs2TOakIdTfyPXsRr4J7Z7JO6_vss/s640/033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It felt just right, in this season of shortening days, to get my hands in some yarn and make something pretty. As my time outside in the evening is ending earlier, I find myself drawn to my yarn stash and books with itchy fingers. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Are you finding yourself in the mood for yarn? What are you working on?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<em>Update: I should have posted this originally.... I used the Naturally Caron Spa bamboo blend in the color Green Sheen.</em> </div>
Emmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09948015034531244002noreply@blogger.com6