Connection Time {January 2018}

 Welcome to the first Connection Time Post of 2018!   If you are new here, this is one of my favorite posts because it gives us a chance to sit down and hang out.  Last night, I went out to dinner with some sweet friends and it is my heart to kind of recreate that here.  I know we can't all go out to dinner together (how awesome would that be?) but, we can gather here, on this little old blog and create some community and even make a new friend.

Basically, how it works is I share a few things going on around here and then answer some quick questions (the same ones every month) and then you pick one or all and join in the fun down there in the comments, or on Facebook, or on Instagram. 

So, let's chat!  Go grab a cup of coffee or tea and come join me. 

First of all tomorrow is February.  I'm kind of just trying to catch up from Christmas and yikes.  The kids even pointed out the other day that summer is right around the corner.  Wowzers!  It's been a whirlwind month of fun, adventure, yummy recipes, and even a sick kid. 

 Last week, we surprised the boys and went to Disneyland for a few days.  It was wonderful.  We ate all the important things that you eat when at Disneyland (Dole Whips and Beignets) and rode as many rides as we could get in (which was a lot!). 

 This picture was actually from our December trip down to UCLA.  The Starbucks in Westwood had this above one of the seating areas and I just loved it.  First of all, I just love a good game of scrabble and second, Pour your heart into it.  It's a wonderful quote and it is serving me as a reminder this year, as I say no a little more, so that I can honestly pour my heart into things that I need to.  I've already said my first no and man, was that hard.  It was necessary, though.

Now for the questions, let's do this!

Outside my window It is so sunny!  I think it might start getting in the 80's this weekend, which is great since I have some outdoor activities planned for Weston's birthday.  There is also a ton of lemons on my tree and I need to start baking and juicing.  I think some lemon curd is in order!

I am thinking all things Lego.   Weston turns 7 tomorrow and it's just crazy.  There is lots to do before his Saturday because I procrastinate way too much!  But, I'm thinking that a Hallmark movie and some crafting are up next. 

From the kitchen I have bread dough rising for later.  I made this coffee cake and it's amazing.  It's not too sweet and perfectly peanut buttery!  Jon was so excited some was left over!

I am wearing  my favorite skinny jeans, a white tank top, and this hooded zip up sweatshirt. 

I am creating Lots of Lego themes stuff for Weston's Lego party.  I can't wait to show you.

I am going absolutely nowhere.  I have two days to stay at home and get things done.  Seriously, I am so excited!  I love these days because I can just get things done and it really is the best! 

I am reading nothing at the moment.  But, I am going to be starting a new Bible Study next week and then the She Reads Truth Lent study starts on February 12th. I think after this week a fiction book is going to be opened.  My brain needs a break!

 
I am hoping I can get everything done that I need to accomplish. 

I am hearing the heater just kicked on, other than that it is so quiet, with the kids at school and Jon at work.  I am savoring it because in a few hours there will most likely be tired, whining, and homework.  Bleh. 

Around the House there are a few Christmas things I forgot to take down (oops!), clean clothes that need to be put away, and party stuff piling up! 

One of my favorite things I wrote last week about those micron archivial pens.  Seriously the best things ever.  However, going on adventures are my absolute favorite things and last week just really filled my cup. 

A few plans for the week party prep, party prep, and a few things that need to happen for our new Bible Study starting next week.   If you are local, my friend Dorina is going to be teaching her new study, Flourishing, at the The Bridge Fresno.  You should join us! 

What I am listening to right now, I am in the mood for some old hymns, so Wow Hymns is playing in Itunes.  I've also been listening to Johnnyswim and the new Rend Collective a lot lately.  And of course, the Greatest Showman soundtrack. 

Also. . . a few quick questions:

1.  I am planning for next months blog posts, what do you want to read about?

2.  Would you like me to do some live connection times ever either on Facebook or Instagram?  Let me know your thoughts about this? 

 Now, it's your turn!  Grab your coffee and let's connect! You don't have to do them all! I can't wait to hear from you! You can even private message me if you don't want to make it public.  

Outside my window
I am thinking
From the kitchen
I am wearing
I am creating
I am going
I am reading
I am hoping
I am hearing
Around the House
One of my favorite things
A few plans for the week
What I am listening to 

Friday Favorites

We've been off having a wonderful adventure, which is by far my favorite thing to do.  So, I thought I would share some things I'm loving right now with you guys.

1.  The Greatest Showman Soundtrack & Movie
We had big plans to go as a whole family to see this movie, but Weston ended up getting that horrible flu bug going around, so Ethan and Jon hit the theater alone.  I was kind of bummed, especially when they got home and couldn't stop talking about it and playing the music (which had actually been playing since before they saw it!).  When the kids went back to school, I headed to the take advantage of the earlybird special and watch it.  I've never been to 10:30 show that was packed out!  We ended up coming back the following Monday so Weston could see it.  It is a really amazing movie, whether you like musicals or not.  The storyline is fantastic, the music is addicting, and the lessons from the story are great!  We can't wait to watch it again. . . when it comes out on DVD! 

2.  New Pens
I decided that this year, I was going to find some pens that I like love.  I did some research and bought a Micron archival ink pen and some Staedtler triplus fineliners and I am swooning.  I just want to hand write everything!  It has been so much fun writing with them in my planner and underlining verses in my Bible.  They don't bleed, and they have write so smoothly, that I honestly can't get enough of them! 

3.  Hot Chocolate
I am in love.  It's been a long time since I've had a really delicious hot cocoa that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Those packets are loaded with milk and who knows what else (we still keep them on hand).  This year I discovered the Mininalist Baker recipe and it is so simple and quick that I've been making it at least once a week!  And then topping it with some SO Delicious coconut cool whip and I am just smitten! 

4.  Dole Whip
I really thought I only could get this at Disneyland, until this week we found it at Menchies.  The official Dole brand Dole whip.  Friends.  This just makes life happier.  It really is happiness in a cup!  Also, it's dairy free which is pretty much the most awesome thing ever! 


5. Salad Dressing. 
This stuff is amazing!  Dairy Free and creamy and delicious.  Plus, only those ingredients you see there!  It's so good for you!  It would probably be okay to just drink the stuff. . . just kidding.  That might just be weird.  But, really, this stuff is great and I can't wait to put it in my salad tonight! 

And that's it.  For now. 

Now, I need to go switch over the laundry and maybe go buy some groceries.  Have a great weekend!

Fingerprint California

 State art is kind of a thing.  At least I think it is?  Anyway, I needed to come up with a quick project for Ethan's class project that would be auctioned off at our school's silent auction and carnival.  I had done this same thing last year with Weston's class and it took me about 20 minutes total in the classroom getting fingerprints and once it was dry, stuck it in a frame and we were done.  It was so easy, but the look on the kids faces when they saw it finished was awesome. 

 To make this piece of art, I printed out an outline of the state of California and cut out the inside very carefully.  Then I taped it together with a piece of washi tape to a piece of cardstock and started dipping the kids fingers in paint one by one.  I probably did about 10-15 thumbprints per kid to fill up the state. Before I started the painting process, I used a sticker to mark our town, and then started painting.  I chose to do acrylic paints because they tend to leave a smooth, glossy finish as opposed to other paints.  Once it dried, I took off the state of California stencil that I had made and BAM, the state of California with fingerprints. 

Now, I think I need to make some time to go and make Ethan's teacher one. . . she's been wanting one ever since the carnival! 

More on School Lunches: Helpful products

Note:  I started this post this summer and I forgot to post it.  I hope in answers some of your questions after last week's lunch inspiration post.  

Schools are heading back to school over the next month and my kids start next week.  With that being said, there have been a lot of people asking questions about packing lunches for their kids and when I posted that I found or favorite Easy Lunchboxes at Target last week, I've had a ton of questions.  I did a instagram story, but those don't really last very long, so I thought I would write it down in a quick blog post.

I have previously posted other posts on packing your child's lunch and you can find those
here
and
here. 

I think packing lunches can be overwhelming.  I mean, everywhere you look, people post beautiful orchestrated works of art that they hope and pray that their children will eat. And on the other side, social media is filled with stories of food shaming and kids that are treated horrible for bringing an oreo in their lunch.  It's kind of crazy.  But, the reality is that you want your kid to eat their lunch so they can do their best at school.  I've been packing lunches for a few years and I've learned a few things that make easy and worth it!

First of all. . . A bento box where the food is all in one spot is completely worth it.  We like the Easy Lunch boxes and have been using them since Ethan was in TK (He's going to be a 3rd grader! He's halfway done with third grade!).  They are easy to open, dishwasher safe, and stack nicely for storage.  We like these because everything is in one spot and not a bunch of bags.  We also like the Lunchbotz metal box, but they are a bit pricey.

Both fit nicely into the Potterybarn Kids Lunch pail, which are long lasting and are machine washable.  We use the size of their classic lunch box.  These hold up so nicely and last for several years!  Ethan's is on year 3 and it will probably be retired this year, but it still looks great, minus some wear and tear.  We also use the Rubbermaid ice blocks to put underneath the bento box to keep it cold.  These keep the kids food cold well past lunch, which is great, because most of the year is hot and that food needs to stay cold and not go bad in the 3 hours it is in their classroom before lunch.

These silicon cupcake liners work really well for making sure you have little compartments for different, smaller lunch foods, like carrots, crackers, energy bites, etc.  (I can't find the square ones right now, but they have lots of fun shapes.  Plus, they go in the dishwasher. . . another plus!

Another favorite item is our Infantino Fresh Squeezed system.  It has been a lifesaver for Weston, since he can't have anything with dairy or soy.  It makes packing his yogurt way easier and it allows it to fit in his lunch.  It also looks like the applesauce pouches so you could make smoothies and send them in their lunch.  The possibilities are endless!

Easy Lunch Boxes makes the coolest little dip containers with lids that work great for our hummus and ranch, but we also like to use the 2 oz plastic containers as well as the 4 oz plastic containers. This way, I can make a batch of jello and it lasts several days and doesn't take up room in the fridge as much as 6 lunch boxes just hanging out in there.  

Also, feel free to come follow me on Instagram, so you can check out  #klassenlunches for some more lunchtime inspiration. 

I hope that making healthy lunches that your kids want to eat is a little less daunting after this post.  Also, don't be discouraged it they don't eat everything.  The point of it is to have choices and for them to learn how to make good choices.  We have a rule that if the treat is the only thing gone when they get home, no more treats for awhile.  Another thing is, kids talk.  Sometimes, they spend all their lunch eating time gabbing with their BFF and forget to take a bite.  Hopefully, by having all their food in front of them, they get some energy building food.  We also, check lunch boxes when they get home and if they have any food left (and it still looks decent) that becomes their after school snack.

I would love to hear what you do for your child's lunch or if you have any questions. 

NOTE: I feel like I should mention that NOBODY has paid me to tell you about these products.  These are just our favorites and I think you would like them too! 

Dining Room Chairs re-do {A tutorial}

 There comes a point when you look back on your decorating decisions and wonder "what was I thinking?"  Hindsight is always 20-20.  In our case, we were young, newly married and we hadn't had any kids.  We liked the table and chairs and we went with it.  Unfortunately, the chair cushions were white and did not stay white for very long.  So, for years we have hosted and fed so many people on these chairs. . . that were kind of embarrassing.  My friends who are reading this are probably shaking their heads in agreement!

So first lesson:  never buy white cushioned chairs when they will be around food . . . or kids.   It just doesn't work.  Now, if you have some magical potion that you would like to share that takes spaghetti and chocolate stains, or even water stains from wet swim suits out of white chair cushions, please share.

Our dining room set, like a large percentage of our furniture, comes from the magical place of IKEA.  Honestly, if you are decorating on a budget, this is really the place to go.  We've had this set for about 10 years and it still looks wonderful. . . minus the white cushions.  I really didn't want to spend money new chairs, so when the hubby gave me the go-ahead (we have been talking about this for several years), I headed to our local Joanns Superstore armed with coupons.

Second lesson:  Take advantage of JoAnns for their coupons.  Download the app, check their website, and sign up for the mailers.  You can use them all!  (Hobby Lobby and Michaels only let you use one coupon per purchase/day) .

In this case, I only needed one coupon because I was just buying 2 yards of fabric and since the coupon was per cut, one coupon was all I needed.  I think I actually didn't even use a coupon because they were already on sale for 40 percent off.

We used this home decor fabric that comes on the big rolls. . . I think the rolls are almost as tall as me.  I could be mistaken.  Anyways, they are big.  They are thicker that regular fabric (you aren't probably going to make a quilt or a dress out of this stuff!) and runs between 20-40 dollars a yard.  So, coupons and sales are you friends.

I picked out some fabric by Nate Berkus (you know the guy who Oprah made famous?).  I loved the pattern and thought it would look really good against our blue walls (it does!).   Even better, it is specially made to be stain resistant.  Score!

So, here's how you do re-do your chair cushions.

Step 1:
Unscrew the cushions from the chairs.  Keep your screws in a zip lock bag so you can use them to put them back in their rightful spot when you are done.

Step 2:
Lay out your fabric and lay a yucky cushion on top.   See how gross they were!  Cut around it making sure you have enough to go under. . . about 2-3 inches depending on the cushion.  You can always trim after you are done with the stapling.

 Step 3:
 Set your yardage of fabric aside and place the cushion upside down on the fabric (also upside down).  You want at least 2 inches overlapping so it can wrap around. 

Step 4: 
Staple corners with the staple gun.  Make sure you pull them tight. 

Step  5:
Continue stapling all the way around, making sure you are pulling it tight (you really don't want loose cushions).   Also, make sure to pay attention to where your screw holes are so that you don't accidentally staple into that hole. 

 Step 6:
Turn over and admire your handy work.  Keep doing this with all the chairs, making sure your fabric faces the same way for each cushion.  I didn't want my diamond print to be different on all the chairs. 

Step 6:
Screw the cushions back into the chair and enjoy!  Now, invite some friends over for dinner and enjoy not having stained cushions. 

 This project cost about $40, which was way cheaper than buying new chairs.  I mean, chairs are probably the most expensive part of buying a table . . . even at IKEA.

Dining room table
Chairs no longer available, but similar ones here
fabric

Happy Crafting! 

More Lunchtime Inspiration

   I have a love-hate relationship with making my kids lunches.  I might actually do a happy dance when the Friday comes because I don't have to worry about it for a few days.  The reality is, I really love making the kids lunch and making sure they are eating decent food for lunch.  The kids love taking them and never once have they asked to eat the lunches the school provides.  Every once in awhile I feel kind of stumped at what to make.  Coming up with new ideas for lunches that aren't peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is exhausting, which is why I thought it was time for a new blog post with some fresh ideas. 

It's been awhile since we've talked school lunches, so I thought I would share where I stand with lunches and why I think it is so important. 

1.  Kids need to eat and when they don't eat, they get cranky.  No one wants to deal with HANGRY, especially Hangry combined with post school exhaustion.
 2.  Kids need to eat healthy, minimally processed food and packing them lunches that they will eat provides them energy and brain power to get through the school day (and maybe a few errands after school). 
3.  We use bento boxes so that everything is in front of them when they open it up.  They may not finish their lunch, but they aren't just eating a sandwich bag full of chips for lunch.  They are eating a little bit of everything, so they are getting protein and fruits and veggies. 
4.  Most often both lunches are the same, but sometimes they are different depending on what's in the fridge or if it's a dairy or non dairy option (Weston has a soy and dairy allergy). 
5.  Protein is important.  I try to pack several options for protein and limit the amount of treats.  Every now and then, I throw a treat in there, because we all need a little bit of happy.  I also believe in moderation.  But, I also know my kids. . . usually these are the first things they go for.
6.  Before trying anything new, I make it for dinner, that way I can get a feel if they actually like what they eat. 

Here is some inspiration that isn't horribly overwhelming.  Nothing looks like it walked out of a magazine.  There are no sandwiches decorated to look like dogs.  Just easy peazy meals that don't take a ton of time to prep and prepare. 

 Little smokies , apple sauce, sunchips, cheese, and a small piece of dark chocolate.

Ham and Cheese roll ups, gold fish, apple sauce, treat. 
Make your own lunchable.

 Egg salad and crackers, jello, apple sauce, yogurt and a small rice krispy treat. 

Baked ravioli with marinara sauce, blackberries, tomatoes,and a mini babel cheese

English muffin pizza with Daiya cheese shreds, peanut butter crackers, chocolate zucchini muffin, cashews,and oranges.

 Tortilla pizza cups, pretzel slims/gold fish saltines, carrots and strawberries, chocolate

 Pretzel dogs, yogurt, chips and a small piece of dark chocolate

 sausage pancakes, applesauce, cookie, and maple syrup
bean burrito, apple sauce, chips and salsa
Peanut Butter and Jelly, pop chips, apple sauce, energy bite, fruit snack

 Peanut Butter and Jelly, jellow, apple slices, cheese, crackers

turkey roll ups, yogurt pop chips, dried mango

 hard boiled egg, jello, turkey roll ups, energy bites

tortellini, ranch, carrots, jello, energy bite

egg salad sandwiches, pumpkin muffin, gold fish, dark chocolate, applesauce

 Peanut butter and pretzels, apple sauce, hard boiled egg

penne and meatballs with marinara, jello, apple sauce

And that's all I have for now.  You can find more inspiration in my instagram feed with the hashtag KLASSENLUNCHES.

The original post of Lunchtime inspiration with more simple ideas is here.

Also, our Bento boxes are easylunchboxes and you can find them on Amazon here.

Happy Reading

Looking ahead into 2018: some encouragement on goal setting

This week was kind of bittersweet for me.   The kids went back to school and I felt torn.  

I truly enjoy this new phase and I had a lot of fun with the kids over vacation.  We hung out all day in our pajamas watching TV and cuddling. A spontaneous adventure was so much fun with these travel bugs. And we are at that stage where they can do their thing and I can get my things done.  We really are in a sweet spot!  Weston ended up getting a really bad cold/or the flu bug (not really sure which one), but that took up the whole week and we ended up not getting to do some of the fun things I had planned (super sad face right now).

The other side of me was totally doing a happy dance.   There are things I specifically don't get to do when these kiddos are home.  One of them being a peaceful Target run where no one is hanging off the carts or insisting we go down the Lego isle.  The other being, sitting down, having a quiet lunch and focusing on my goals for 2018, uninterrupted.

So, Monday, I celebrated (just a little) by heading Hobby Lobby to spend a gift card that has been screaming "spend me!!!" and treat myself to my favorite salad at Panera and sit in peace so I could focus on the upcoming year.  I brought along my Bible Study and started with that, because I definitely seek God first before I started making any goals.  I've been reading through the study Restless, by Jennie Allen with some wonderful women at my church and this week, as I poured through the section entitled "Passions," I couldn't help but think how fitting it was as I was getting ready to contemplate 2018. 

So the first thing I did was make a list of the things that truly make my heart happy. These are the things that energize me and get me excited to crawl out of bed in the morning.  The things things that came to mind for me were:

• Creating
• Gathering
• Adventuring

So, this year, as I sat there in a booth all by myself, I made goals based on these three main passions and some things that have been stirring in my heart lately. So here are my goals for 2018.

1. Slow down.  I can't make room for creative things if I am too busy, and the past year has been a bit busy, so this year, I am going to say no to some things so I can say yes to other things.  
2. Finish projects.  I have a list of some projects that just need to be finished.  So, this year, I am working on finishing those things and hopefully starting some new ones! 
3. Grow.  A big thing for me is learning new things.  By slowing down I am making more time to get into Scripture and read more.  I am also going to challenge myself to learning new baking skills over the next year.  One way I'm going to attempt that is by  participating in King Arthur Flour's monthly bake-a-long (remember the star bread?  Bring on more fun things like that!).  
4. Find adventures.  Take advantage of little get-a-ways and day trips with my people.  
5. Gather.  Continue in getting together with my mom friends on a regular basis and creating opportunities for women in my neighborhood to get together. 

So, there they are.  Now I've done it and made them public so you have to hold me accountable.  See what I did there?  Ha ha. 

Anyways, I've set my goals and now I've got to some work done.  The slowing down one is the biggest challenge.  But, I know that when I get too busy, I stop enjoying things and we can't have that.  Busyness steals my joy and makes me cranky.  We can't have that. 

So here are some of my tips for goal making:

• Don't make so many that you feel like you are drowning in a list.  
• Don't make them impossible.  
• Share them with a friend or a spouse.  Accountability is key.  Each year, my husband and I compile a list of things we want/hope to accomplish over the course of the next 12 months.  Then, we get together and share and see where ours overlap.  It is so much fun to see what happens with that list at the end of the year.  
• Write them down in a place where you won't lose them and can see on a regular basis.  I keep mine in my journal (and obviously here!), but there's a spot for them in my planner that I filled in, too.  Type it up and post it somewhere.  If you don't check it every now and then, you will forget all about it.
• Don't get discouraged if you don't accomplish all of them.  These are goals, not resolutions.  These are things you want to grow in, to accomplish.  They may bring about change, but they aren't there to change you. 
• Also, remember that it takes close to a month to make something a habit.  Practice, Practice, Practice.  
• Make a point to check back every month/quarter and see how you are doing, what you are struggling with, or if you need to revamp your list.  
• Be flexible.  By making goals, we are not declaring this is how the year is going to go.  We can't tell the future.  Things come up and sometimes those things are unexpected.  Just keep trying.  

Did you set goals this year?  Post one of yours in the comments and let's keep each other accountable!

Saying goodbye to 2017

 

Well, hello there 2018.  I'm not completely sure where 2017 went, but it sure flew by!  I've been thinking a lot about the past year and, while not everything went exactly the way I had planned, it was a really good year.  I feel so blessed that I get to share my heart with you, my faithful readers. 
This month marks the 9th anniversary of this little space, so I am working on giving it a makeover, making it more user friendly, and just all around a better place to build community as we navigate through the crazy of being a wife, mom, and _______ .  

So, let's take a look back and see some of my favorite posts from the year.

January

I started the year with a HUGE mess, when we decided to re do our office and make it a brighter, more organized space that we actually wanted to be.  It was a lot of work, but we got through it and we absolutely loved the results.   Read about it here. 

Then, there was this coffee cake the combined two of my most favorite things: blueberries and almonds.  Seriously, this cake was so good, I keep going back to it!  Definitely a show stopper at your next get together!  You can find the recipe here.

February

The month started off with my youngest turning 6 and a friends party at our local California Pizza Kitchen.  I really loved how this party came out!  Read more about the details here.

February also means Valentines Day, so we made some super cute Lego Valentines this year with our Lego ice molds.  These were so much fun and a great option if you don't want to add to the candy insanity that comes with Valentines Day! Read more about it here.

March

The spring air that came with March was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our Magnolia lined street with this easy wreath tutorial.  Check it out on the blog here. 

The schedule must have gotten busy, because I wrote a post on being overwhelmed.  Some great tips and I will definitely be revisiting that post a few times this spring! 

April

I had got creative with one of our empty flower beds with this inexpensive project.  It was a guest post over at my friend Dorothy's blog.  Click here for the link. 

I also shared my most favorite oven fries ever!  We can't get enough of these!  You should add these to your menu. . . pronto! 

May

The kitchen was clean, so I shared our kitchen redo.  We still dream of replacing the counters with something much better than yucky tile, but in the meantime, we are enjoying the finished cabinets and a few other improvements that I think really help improve it!  You can read all about it here.

June

June brought the start of summer and the Summer Pin Challenge where we chose a bunch of different pins and tried them at home! This kept us busy and focused on creating, instead of watching hours of TV.   I also wrote this post on how we survive summer . . . before you know it, it's going to be time to start our next summer challenge! 

July

The boys and I stayed pretty busy this summer with our Summer Pin Challenge, but I found time to get in a flag tutorial for you just before the 4th of July.  It was super easy and I think I made it in under an hour with fabric I had laying around the house. . . this made my hubby VERY happy!

 August

the end of summer brought the last few Summer Pin Challenge activities along with some back to school tips, but my favorite post of all this month was the one I did about coffee and friendship.  And not necessarily coffee, but anything that makes you happy where you could invite a friend, share some time and be encouraged. It really is good for your soul.  You should read it.  again.  You can find it here.

September

September marked the last big birthday party for our oldest and I think we went out with a bang!  An explosive bang, that is!  You can read more about it here.

I also made this amazing tart.  It's really all about the brown butter crust, which in all honesty is the best thing ever! I mean, brown butter and I have a thing going on (sorry Jon. . . ha ha!).  Go find the recipe and make it. . . with apples or pears or something.  Or go buy peaches from the freezer section so you can make this now. . . and then make it again this summer when you can get fresh produce.  You can find this post here. 

October

I didn't blog a bunch in October. . . I think things got really busy!  But, I did a Proverbs 31 post about your worth.  It's definitely worth a re-read, especially as we enter this new year.  Find it here.

November

Fall came in beautiful this November and so did this dairy free version of Corn Chowder.  Oh, and the leaves and gingerbread lattes.  Seriously.  It could stay like that forever and I'd be a happy camper!  You can find the recipe here.   As I type this, I know that Spring is on it's way and it's the first week of January, it only slightly depresses me. . . ha ha! 

December

This was only a few weeks ago, but it is bar far my favorite thing.  Baking bread is something that I wanted to learn, and learn well, so this past year or so, that's what I've been working on.  Honestly, this is probably one of my favorite things I've made so far.  It was really good, too!  I can't wait to post more of these King Arthur Flour Bake Along posts in the future!  You can find the recipe over here.

And that was 2017.  Crazy how much happened.  There were also some quilts, cards, more recipes, more thoughts, some meal inspiration, and so much more.  Oh and there was this recipe that was the MOST searched recipe on the blog!  I am excited to see where 2018 will lead me (and the blog).  And finally, a huge thank you for taking the time to read my blog and for sometimes leaving me a comment (seriously, the best things ever!). 

Did you create anything last year that made you so proud?  

What are some things that you would like to see on the blog in 2018

 (I'm always looking for new ideas!).