Tuesday, April 24

TIDBITS.


1) making a minor dent in my vintage fabric stash.
2) a new wall-hanging for my boys (inspired by this book.)
3) banana-sour cream pancakes with lemon zest.
4) Red Jacket apple-strawberry juice. Yum!


5) flowers from a tree at the park.
6) popcorn for dinner... twice.
7) amazing thrift find.
8) a rare occasion.


9) the product of a 'happy' sink.
10) I tried marmite for the first time and loved it.
11) plum preserves.
12) a homemade preschool project.


A few things:
- chocolate ice cream and pretzel sticks are a dangerous combo- I'm addicted.
- does Gotye remind anyone else of Phil Collins?
- scented trash bags were the worst idea I've ever had.
- is anyone looking for vintage fabric? my mother-in-law has some great stuff in her shop.

I have a few DIYs in the works that are perfect for mother's day- see ya soon!
-Amanda

Monday, April 9

OATS.

 

Oats have a bad rap and I am here to change that for good. I have loved oatmeal my entire life, but up until last year, the only oatmeal I ever ate was seasoned with loads of cinnamon and came in a little packet.   Over the past few months I have been obsessing over oats. I literally wake up excited to eat oats and still crave them throughout the day. Now, I am not assuming that you will feel that way after you try my recipes, but then again, maybe you will ;)
I have created five recipes on the fly. This wasn't a "challenge" I made for myself, it just happened naturally. I  did not purchase any ingredients specifically for making oats, I used what I had and that's it. That being said, hopefully you will have most everything of hand, as well.

Quick Oats:
Boil 2 cups water and then add 1 cup quick-oats (or multi-grain hot cereal). Stir for around 5 minutes, until it is nice and thick (less thick if you prefer).  Remove from heat and add a dab each of butter and coconut oil. This will be the base for the following recipes.

Prepare base, divide among two bowls and top each with the following...

Strawberries and Cream Oats:
 Add a splash of cream (or half & half). Top with 1/2 cup chopped strawberries, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of raw sugar (optional).

Maple Oats:
 Add a tablespoon butter, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and a sprinkle of maple sugar (optional).

Banana-Whipped Cream Oats:
Whipped Cream: Combine a 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Whip, using a hand-mixer for about 3 minutes, until very thick and fluffy. 
Add a 1/2 cup sliced bananas and a large dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Coconut-Chocolate Chip Oats:
Add a handful of bittersweet chocolate chips and a generous sprinkling of sweetened coconut shreds

Granola Oats:
Add a 1/2 cup sliced bananas, a handful dried cranberries, and a drizzle of honey.



yep. I did just write this post but I tend to have new 'standard meals' everytime we move. 
Are you the same way?


happy breakfast!
-Amanda



Tuesday, April 3

TIDBITS.


1) incredible, vacant shop sign. 
2) a sunday "baking" project with E.
3) a little flower from my little gentlemen.
 4) banana-nut bread. < link
5) new $5 walmart rug.