Archive for January, 2009

A while ago, we decided to rearrange our bedroom and I realized that in order to do that, I needed to get rid of some of my clutter.

One of the things I got rid of was my collection of Martha Stewart Living Magazines.  I had every issue since late 2003.  If I had somewhere to keep them, I would have, but we live in an apartment, which seems to get smaller by the year.  Besides, everything is available on the MarthaStewart.com website.  So I put them all out in the recycling, except for one issue each year – the February issue.

So, now I have the past 6 Valentine’s issues of Martha Stewart Living.

I have to admit that I was disappointed with this year’s (bottom right).  I was not disappointed with the amazing cupcakes inside, but the cover is just not up to snuff with the rest of my collection.

Speaking of Martha Stewart and Valentine’s Day, marthastewart.com is having a two-week online Valentine’s Day workshop.

Sign up for our two-week online workshop to learn techniques for creating unique cards, heartfelt gifts, and special treats for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

There are neary 20,000 people signed up.  Wow!

I am going to have my own little Valentine Extravaganza, with tutorials, crafts, recipes, and lots of links to great Valentine’s Day DIY.  It starts this Sunday.  Be sure to join me.

This was the view outside my window this afternoon.

Snow!

I am finally posting at my homeschooling blog again.  Today, I am talking about choosing curriculum.  Come join me.

South Meadow Academy

Argh!  I had a set back with my cold and I was in bed half the day today!  This is getting old.

I just wanted to do a quick post to say ‘hi’ and to get the previous post off the top.  I decided not to enter that contest.  I wanted to take on the artistic challenge, which I did, but I decided that that particular contest was not really my style.

I am still going to do the tutorial, but the soaps will be a more traditional Valentine’s Day flavor.

I love Valentine’s Day.  No so much the day itself, but the red and pink and heart-y stuff.  I hope to get at least a few crafts and recipes posted for that.

Dabbled is having an anti-Valentine’s Day contest.

Something a bit darker/creepier than you average valentine project–or however you interpret “Anti-Valentine”.

I am working on some melt and pour heart-shaped soaps that are a blackish-blue with a burst of pink mica.  Yesterday, I played around with techniques.  Later this week, I will work through a batch, take lots of photos, and post a tutorial.

Here’s a sneak peek (for which I probably should have taken the photo on black paper):

Almost two weeks ago, I posted that regular blogging would resume soon.  What happened?

I got sick.  Really sick.  Nothing major.  Just a cold.  But this was not just a cold.  This was the worst cold I have ever had – ever.  It was so bad that someone needs to make up a new word for it that sounds more dire than cold.

I am starting to feel better.  My worst day was Wednesday, when Bob actually had to stay home and take care of the kids because I was in bed all day.

I should be all better after the weekend and regular blogging will resume for real this time.  Honestly.

To make up for leaving you hanging like this, here is an awesome recipe.  It is the easiest bread ever.  You just mix the ingredients by hand and put the batter into loaf pans to rise.  Then, bake.  So easy.  The result is a magnificent toasting bread that tastes like English muffins.  Great with jam.   Mmmmm.

Here is the link to the recipe on Better Homes & Gardens: English Muffin Bread.  This recipe is in my favorite cookbook – the red plaid BH&G “New” Cookbook.  They always call it new, but it has been around forever.  That’s so funny.  It is my old standby and it never lets me down.

I even have a picture.  (Note my BH&G recipe box in the background.  Yes, I am that woman.)  Sorry that it is a little blurry.  I can’t find where I put my camera, so I had to use Big E’s.  It is clear enough to see the nooks and crannies, though.

English Muffin Bread

Everything is well with us. I have just been enjoying a wonderful long break from the internet. Bob had lots of vacation days to use up and I was enjoying some long overdue family time.

Things are back to business today. Bob went back to work, we went back to our school schedule, and blogging shall resume soon!