it's me

Post Heart Day Goodies

2012-02-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a couple more Valentine goodies with you!

To me Valentines Day isn't only about my Sweetie Pie, but about my girlies, family and friends. Ever since they were little my girlies have always gotten a little Valentine gift from us - and my hubby has always gone shopping on his own and brought his girlies (me included!) his own special gifts and cards. And...as you saw on my Heart Day blog I love to give Valentine gifts.

Well this year I received a very special Valentine gift from a very special friend! Just look at this lovely home-made cake!!!

Not only did it look gorgeous, but it tasted so yummy! We enjoyed it so much...for dessert...for breakfast...for lunch...for anytime at all actually! Thank you Special Friend!!!

I also wanted to share the Valentine that I made for my hubby 'cause it was easy to do and you could make one too! And it could really be for any occasion.

I made a little book of all of the things I love about him...well a lot of the things anyway!

I love to cut things out of magazines and books (old books of course!) and I mixed some of those images with phrases that I printed from the computer and some fun papers and other items.

I made a cover from cardboard ( I have a drawer-ful of cardboard -that doesn't surprise you does it? - that I have saved from various places...old boxes, drink carriers, packaging...)

I punched holes in all the pages and the covers and then tied them together with some cord. I creased the front cover so it would be easier to read the book...

and Voila! there you have it a handmade book for my special someone! He liked it very much...and by the way bought me the most beautiful card that made me cry - the happy tears!

So...you really don't have to wait until next Heart Day...go ahead and make a little book now, tell someone how you feel about them!

xoxo Elizabeth

Happy Heart Day

2012-02-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

I like to make a little bit of a fuss on Valentine's Day...

and of course eat a little Valentine's candy!

I made some little heart hairpins for my girlies to give to their ballet students...

If you would like to make some gather these supplies:

Some fun fabrics
Some coordinating felts
Bobby pins
Needle and thread, of course...and don't forget the scissors
...you can either fold your pieces of fabric and felt and cut your hearts freehand (they don't all have to be exactly the same) or make a template out of cardstock or cardboard
Oh and some glass beads!

So ... cut out some hearts from your fabric and then cut coordinating hearts of the same size from your felt. Now cut out some tiny hearts to decorate with. Stitch your small felt heart to the fabric heart with a little bead and then put the fabric and felt hearts together back to back and blanket stitch around the edges. It's that easy...

secure a bobby pin to the back of the heart with a few stitches and Voila! you have a Valentine hair pin. These would actually make a cute gift for any time - not just Valentine's Day.

I also made some little Valentine tokens for myself to give away (but true to form I did not get the ones I was going to send to friends in the mail on time!?)

Before these are given out they will get a piece of twine tied to the branch so they can be hung up. As long as you don't live too far away (like where a mailman would be involved...) you might get one of these Valentines!

I hope your Heart Day is a happy one!

xoxo Elizabeth

My Current Etsy Favorites

2012-02-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

As a part of the relaunch of my own etsy shop, Studio 1215, I would love to introduce you to some of the many wonderful items available on etsy.com. Fair warning...once you realize all the wonders of etsy you may find yourself called back again and again to browse it's lovely wares!

So here goes.... the first monthly installment of 'My Current Etsy Favorites'...........

This charming little doll is made by a friend of my brother and sister-in-law...whose name is Elizabeth Buenrostro. My brother, Brad, and Tina received two of these dolls for their wedding - fashioned to look just like them!

Her shop is Applesauce Designs and she also makes the most darling children's clothing - with a mixture of new and vintage fabrics. (just click on these photos to visit her shop...all of the following photos are linked to the shops)

This little dress even has 'fancy pants' (as we call them!) to go under it!

This next shop comes to us all the way from Montreal...Royal Mint makes adorable felted creatures and objects...

I am feeling the need to have this wonderful pencil topper. Wouldn't it be just the right thing atop my perfectly sharpened pencil!?

This necklace is on my wish list...it comes with one gemstone and you can add more as you like. Lillian Ginebra who makes the gorgeous things for this shop is another California girl! She has so many other beautiful pieces you must go and take a look-see!

And this little ring... I may just go and buy it as soon as I am finished with this post! I love wearing lots of tiny rings all stacked up and ScapeStackRings is a great little shop to find some. So go pick one or two or three and sit back and anticipate your package's arrival all the way from Scotland!

Just another great thing about etsy - you can shop around the world even without going around the world!

This is just a smattering of the many things that you can find on etsy...vintage items and supplies are also available. Next time you need a gift or have some fun money to spend - head to etsy and your $$$ won't be in your pocket for long!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo Elizabeth

Is There a Monkey in the House?

2012-02-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you have those days...when despite your best intentions...all of the bananas just don't get eaten!

To be perfectly honest - we even have bananas (lots of them!) in the freezer!!!

Many times we make Banana Muffins sometimes we make Banana Bread, but this time we were looking for something just a little different...and we found it...Banana Pound Cake!

The batter looked divine - the most beautiful yellow you have ever seen...

the recipe is easy and the end result was very yummy!

So go ahead...

get out your supplies...make a Banana Pound Cake...

and sit right down and have a little snack! You'll be happy that you did!

xoxo Elizabeth

A Day At The Swap Meet

2012-01-30T12:20:00.000-08:00

This weekend I was tricked into going to a swap meet....a car and car parts swap meet! Now I appreciate my car and the fact that it gets me where I need to go...but...as I ~~honestly~~ rudely said to my sister on the phone when we were talking about this "I don't want to spend a whole day looking at car parts!"

Well, I will now have to admit that I enjoyed my day looking at car parts! First of all there was the company, my sister and her hubby, who are always fun to be with. Then there were a few things other than car parts to look at not many, but well I did see a dragon...

and who knew that alternators can actually be sort of well...pretty...

I have a new fascination now...old grills...

when I have my Brick and Mortar one day I am going to use some of these for displays!

For some reason I felt I needed to purchase these...

but I resisted - at least until I come up with an idea of what to do with them!

Even steering wheels look good when there are a lot of them in cool colours...

these inside your tire, wheelie, round....well I don't know what these are, but they look good too!

There was lots of old stuff and I love old stuff...so that was fun...

I saw some creativity...

some great signs...

Another use for those old grills!

and tons of people...all with something in common...

the art of restoring, rebuilding, reinventing.....

it took some smarts to figure out how to haul all this home...

and the dedication, knowledge, time, and sweat involved in creating something like this just amazes me...

so from screws and bolts...to...

copper weather vanes...I would have to say I had a great day!

xoxo Elizabeth

Hey Red!

2012-01-29T11:16:00.000-08:00

My youngest girlie has always known what look is best for her...it started when she was about 3 or 4.
Lane decided that she wanted her long hair cut short. In my infinite wisdom as a mother I was sure that she was biting off more than she really wanted to chew. Cut off all that beautiful hair...she must not really understand what she is asking. So....I made her wait... and wait... and wait! A year later when she was still asking I finally gave in - and I learned a lesson. Lane knows what looks good on Lane! Her hair cut was adorable!

So recently when Lane asked if she could put some colour in her hair I said "Of course! What do you think you want to do?" ( I am trainable!)

Lane put some thought into it...maybe a bit of blue...maybe some green...and ultimately decided that with her current hair cut all red was the answer. So she asked her Auntie Colleen for some help and off we all went to Sally's for some red hair colour!

It's a messy process...

and takes lots of patience...

but we had a good time!

First it was red, then it turned a bright pink....

and then (Whew!) back to red!

Now...time for a hair cut...

and then - Voila! - from brunette to......

red-head!

What a beauty if I do say so myself!

And Lane is off and running..well walking - towards life as a red-head!

Great choice Lane!

xoxo Elizabeth the wanna be red-head!

Some Italian Yumminess...

2012-01-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

During our Christmas break we decided to make some favorite foods...we love gnocchi and ravioli and we used to make them with my mom on special occasions.

First I started a pot of sauce so that it could simmer up while we made our doughs and shaped our goodies.

Next a few potatoes for our gnocchi...to be truthful I got carried away and we now have enough gnocchi dough in the freezer to feed all of Rhode Island!!!

We made long rolls of our gnocchi dough and then...

Voila! Little gnocchis...I, myself, was not very good at this...it seems I just don't have the knack for gnocchi!

Next came the ravioli...we even did it the old fashioned way without a pasta machine!

Not bad, huh?

It was a great day of cooking and memories of making all of these treats with Mom.

Thank you Mom for teaching us all this good stuff! I love you,

xoxo Elizabeth Anne

A Kitschy Christmas

2011-12-29T14:22:00.000-08:00

A few new ornaments....

and a love of flamingos inspired our Kitschy Christmas this year!!!

I hung my new mushrooms...

added some gnomes from my collection...

strung a new garland...

and dug out the flamingo ornaments, the red tinsel tree and of course the pink feather boa...
...and a Kitschy Christmas wasn't far behind!!!

There were of course traditional items here and there...

because in the Toel house we love every...little...thing...about - Christmas!!!

I hope that your holidays were as happy as ours!!!

Many wishes for a Happy New Year

xoxo Elizabeth

Nutcracker!!!!

2011-12-08T10:01:00.001-08:00

Well the magic of Nutcracker has come and gone...and what a Nutcracker it was!

Things came off without too much kicking or screaming....

There was actually quite a bit to laugh about - and then there were those moments where you laugh because you just don't want to cry...

Like this one...when despite the lovely dancing we can see that trouble is brewing. All that nice smoke in the picture is supposed to be fog - lying along the floor. Instead of staying down it went up and then set off the smoke alarm!!!!

Then there was the Nut Boat incident...there was a small accident and the mast and snowflakes came crashing down! But a nice Ballet Mom (thanks Sam!) called her handy hubby (thanks Mike!) and he fixed it better than ever!

Some comic relief put us all into hysterics when Mother Ginger showed up with very big hair and a bright pink bow!

AND THEN one of the Ballet Moms popped out from under her skirt!!!!!

My cheeks hurt from laughing!

But in all seriousness the show was just fabulous! All of the dancers did so well and everyone worked together to make the sets, the costumes and the special effects the best ever!

On a personal level my girlies danced together on stage in two dances...

Snow....

and Flowers!!!

Lane was a beautiful Spanish Dancer...

And Madison had her first Pas de duex...

A big thanks to her partner, Steven, you did a wonderful job!

As for costumes and such....

We had a cannon this year and as you can see it actually worked!!! (thanks Wally!) No mice or soldiers were injured in the process!

We made some new rat heads this year (thanks Colleen and Margie!) and they looked fantastic! Brian voted for the battle as his favorite part of the Nutcracker!!!

Our cake got all spruced up and look at that gorgeous skirt it has (thanks Annie!).

Madison made a beautiful wand and crown for the Sugar Plum dance and Lane made all new candies for the Bon Bons to carry in to the Land of Sweets...(I couldn't find a picture of the candies - sorry Lane)

Lots of hours of beading and sewing (thanks Stacy!) made all the costumes very bright and sparkly.

These pictures are from dress rehearsals so you will see an occasional leg warmer or such...not to worry none of them made it on stage in the actual production!

Nutcracker is an amazing experience that I treasure. It is very hard to put into words the feelings it evokes....for my girlies (and all the wonderful girlies and guys) at the studio to be able to experience dancing a full ballet...there are no words. For all the help that Ballet Moms and Dads give to make this happen...there are no words. For the dedication that Jane and Jen have to make this come about....there are no words. There is just nothing quite like it and I am very thankful to be a part of it.

From the Arabian wings....

to the petal skirts...it was all just magical.

Bravo!!!!!!!!!

xoxo Elizabeth

Watch Your Step!

2011-11-13T05:46:00.000-08:00

A lot of times I am so busy looking around - up, down, here, there...that I am not really watching where I am going - just more of what I am going past...luckily I was doing just that when I came across...

these crazy little things just beginning to poke out of the soil. They caught my eye and it took me a bit to figure out just what they were.

Funny fungi just making their way into the forest...

and possibly turning into something like this...

my...what a creation!

Then upon looking up - there was more wonder to discover...

Makes you feel kind of small - and not so old!

and a bit of one of my favorites - the delicate green moss that tells you which way is North!

So next time you are out and about - don't just look where you are going....take a look at what you are passing by and enjoy!

xoxo Elizabeth

Mountain Magic

2011-11-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

Another trip to the magical mountain cabin this last weekend....where the air smells like a mixture of pine and wood fires...where the squirrels run from the trees down onto the deck and back again...where food tastes amazing and friends and family are close by.

This crazy little clock greets us every time we arrive at the cabin and it never says the correct time! Because who needs to know what time it is when you are relaxing in the mountains!?

If you really need an idea of the time you can check your tummy...or step outside and see where the sun is!

This weekend we did a little birthday celebration for my oldest who just turned 17!!! Oh my how could that be?

My sister brought the flowers from her farmer's package and we made a pretty table decoration.

And that same sister, the auntie, Jennifer, made the prettiest cake for her 17 year old niece! Look at those beautiful layers.

This weekend we were lucky enough to have our good friends the Avalos' join us at the cabin and they treated us to some of the best chicken in the world...

It gets a special marinade and then is thrown in this thing (well actually carefully hung) for a couple of hours and what comes out is pretty amazing...

Isn't that just gorgeous? Thanks so much Dave!!!

Since it was so close to Halloween we also had some fun with pumpkins...

Tatum carved a very nice free hand bat...

and I attempted something new...I had a hard time deciding about the positive and negative spaces on that pumpkin....what would get left and what would disappear if I cut here or there??? Took me back to my junior college days and trying to draw those crazy diagrams of weirdly shaped objects....

So the bat, some happy faces...and can you tell what mine is?

What about in the dark? Does that help?

We also made some of the cutest little acorn cookies...I found these in several places on the internet.

Just as sweet as can be and easy too! A mini Nutter Butter cookie, a Hershey's Kiss and a Reeses piece all 'glued' together with melted chocolate. The absolutely right size to pop right in your mouth!

Another thing from the wonderful world of the internet...break a glow stick into a mason jar, screw on the lid shake it up a bit and Voila! a mini glow in the dark lantern!

So....

some beautiful nature...

some wonderful family and friends...

a few 'punkins' as I like to call them...

a little bit of crazy fun...

good food and a few cocktails....and you have the ingredients for a fantastic little get away!

Thanks everyone for a great weekend!

Did anyone guess what my 'punkin' was supposed to be? (An Owl)

xoxo Elizabeth

Halloween Adventures

2011-10-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well, we certainly got into the spirit of Halloween this year! We got started making decorations and we just couldn't be stopped...

these crazy bits

turned into these crazy things!

these became eyes

and adorned our silly little green monsters.

Our bluebirds of happiness all got masks so that they could join in the Halloween fun!

And Madison and I taught ourselves how to crochet funny ghosties...well, truth be told Madison taught us and I became very frustrated, but kept at it and in spite of my refusal to rip things out when my stitch count was off - I still ended up with a cute little guy!

So...our dining room ceiling is very festive and rather Halloweeny with all the creatures that are hanging out there.

Next on the list....pumpkin carving!!!!!!!!

xoxo Elizabeth

The Candy Corn Debate

2011-10-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

First of all I just don't understand how anyone can dislike Candy Corn!!!! (See how I capitalized it there...because it is just so good!) That being said whether you like to partake of the sweet treat or not - it is definitely a Halloweeny item.

A good friend and I were recently checking out one of our favorite stores and she saw some giant candy corn decorations...rather than considering purchasing them my first thought is always................ "I can make those!"

So here goes....

I started by making a candy corn shape...normally I would have scrunched up newspapers and taped them into the shape I wanted but I didn't have very much newspaper!! So I cut up an old box and taped it into a candy corn shape. For this project I think this actually worked better.

I cut up some white tissue paper and made a paste of flour and water...

and paper mached over my forms. I put them out in the sun to dry and then did one more coat before I let them bask again.

I let the candies dry over night - just to make sure there were no soggy spots. After some research on google as to just what the proportions of orange, yellow and white are on the candy I was ready to paint...

the orange section is just a little bit bigger than the yellow or white section!

A little glitter cause even candy corn can use some sparkle...

and...Voila!!!!

Giant Candy Corn Decorations! Now I have to go and buy some real candy corn because they are making me hungry!

Here is a hint at our next project...in fact that is what I will be doing today. So go make some candy corn and come back to see our next Halloweeny adventure.

xoxo Elizabeth

Water Colour It's Not!!!

2011-10-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

I love water colour painting....house painting - not so much! But...this weekend the family gathered at Mom and Dad's and we all pitched in and now the house just looks so pretty!

Thought I would share a few thoughts with you...

First of all...these guys were no help at all! They just goofed off the entire weekend.

Second...gadgets are good! And did you know that some people keep their paint brushes in those little boxes that they come in - like forever!? And another thing...those people...well their brushes look really nice still!

If you do things right - there are little packages to open up when you are all done with the painting!

Just look at that! A light fixture!

Sometimes along the way you find little treasures...I think there might be a pot under all of those baby tears...and I think it needs a little bitty flower in it!

A couple of tips - not because I am such a good painter, but because I seem to learn the hard way with painting...

don't keep cleaning your brush off all of the way around your paint container until there is hardly any room left to rest your brush...

don't forget to open the door when you are painting the threshold...and as I have been informed - it is not an art project!!!! So I guess the 2 or 3 hours I spent painting this door was a tad too much?

Here is a biggy - this is not how you paint!!!! It is dangerous and your mother would not like it!

Sometimes the dog gets painted...but that's ok he's washable!

My mom's pretty cushions look so nice all dusted off and straightened out! But now there is a rousing discussion going on about just what colour all of the wicker and such should be painted...

the little outdoor shelves and knick-knacks are all cleaned up, but are hollering for some fun paint! My vote is turquoise - I think it would be so great with the white house and red trim. My sis says that is just too crazy (or maybe just plain ugly?) - maybe a nice olive green. At any rate at least all the cobwebs are off now and everything looks very nice.

So with lots of coffee and some great food (my sis, Jennifer, made this and it was yummy!) we got the job done.

As one of the bunch said today "Many hands make light work."

So true, so true - I think I might have made that comment a time or two on this blog. And isn't that what life is about...being there when people need you, doing it together to make it that much easier, and making the work a little lighter by laughing and talking with people you love.

So what is your vote - turquoise or olive green?

xoxo Elizabeth

It's Good to Send Cards!

2011-10-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Don't you love it when the mail holds something other than bills and junk mail? It makes my day when there is a card or letter in my mail slot!

I was so happy to find that my old (and that is said with a lot of love) house had it's own wonderful mail slot! I do not like those new-fangled mail boxes that are placed at the end of a street and hold every one's mail!!!

Several of the spaces on my To Do list right now are filled with reasons to send a card to someone. I hate to admit it, but one is a Christmas thank you! I also need to send a get well/thinking of you, and a couple of other thank yous. I love to send hand made cards...I think the last ones I did were origami kimonos. This time I decided to do some little sketches.

I cut and folded some cardstock...

I got out my coloured pencils - a nice set of coloured pencils is right up there with a brand new carton of Crayolas!

I searched my knick-knack shelf for some interesting things to draw...

and got to work sketching. I will tell the truth - at first I got frustrated...I don't sketch as often as I should and it didn't go well right off the bat. With some encouragement from my girlies I kept at it and got some things that worked.

I made some copies of my sketches and got out my paper scrap box. We rarely throw anything away around here!

I did some tearing,

some cutting,

and some gluing...

...and soon some special people will be receiving some handmade cards!

So grab some pencils, some paper...and go to town! I had a lot of fun and now I have a stash of little sketches to use when ever I need them. As I can attest to, some days aren't good sketching days...and on a day like that you could use images from the web or magazines in place of sketches. That makes a nice card also.

Have fun!

xoxo Elizabeth

Mariposa

2011-09-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

This last weekend the family took a little jaunt up towards the mountains. Mariposa was calling our name.

I am always happy as we drive up toward the mountains - having grown up in the Morgan Hill/San Jose area I miss those surrounding hills. On our trip we talked about ideal places to live....Brian and Lane opted for the top of a large hill or small mountain. Madison and I agreed that we love being in town - but - I have always imagined my 'perfect' spot would be with my comfy house nestled in at the bottom of a hill. There would be a stream running nearby and an orchard surrounding me. It could be just at the edge of town maybe!

Well when we pulled into Mariposa and ventured down the street...guess what we stumbled upon!? A stream!

I love the fact that the stream runs right behind the businesses and you can wander down and look at it. There is another great stream in Murphys....we like to get our lunch and go put our feet in!

We wandered around admiring all of the things that make these mountain towns so wonderful...rock walls....

of course the streams... and bridges...

all of the 'old' architecture and gardens...

I can never resist the antique stores...

and you must watch out for those trees that sneak up behind you!

It is nice to have so much nature all around you...

and in Mariposa almost every street ends in a gorgeous view like this.

It was great being out and about together...

and Madison was able to get one of her photography assignments finished. Check, Check!

I think we might venture into Sonora next...another charming mountain town.

xoxo Elizabeth

The Contest

2011-09-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

A month or so ago my youngest daughter, Lane, found this great website (threadless.com) full of wonderfully designed T-shirts. Then she found out that there is a contest (threadcakes.com) where you choose a T-shirt design and make a cake that is inspired by it....kind of zany I know...and kind of a big undertaking! But, Lane is like her father in that way - they get an idea and nothing can stop them! I on the other hand am often getting ideas and then immediately convincing myself that it would be entirely too much work!

Not Lane...she was determined...so step by step she created her masterpiece.

First of all she choose her T-shirt design...and made a sketch of how she might do things...

there was, of course, baking to be done...

and around here we sometimes use a box of cake! This was perfect because there was just so much for Lane to do...

after baking the cakes Lane had to trim them and cut pieces out...

there was filling involved...

a strawberry jam crumb coat and some butter cream frosting...

...meanwhile a special homemade fondant was prepared...

rice crispy treats were made and cut into the proper shapes for the 'little guys'...

a lovely ganache was made a poured over the top of the cake...

fondant was coloured and rolled out - and soon became tiny creatures...

such cuties!

Lane made arms and legs out of modeling chocolate...

a little bit of assembly was required and...

Voila!!!!!!! A beautiful finished product.

Now I think you can understand what I meant when I said there was a lot involved in this process. It goes without saying - but I am going to say it! - I am so proud of my girlie! Lane showed so many wonderful qualities by setting this goal for herself, figuring out how to go about it, and completing the job! Bravo Lane! You can go here to see her entry and here to see the winners of the competition.

I am truly in awe when I look at what Lane accomplished...bravery, confidence, ingenuity, creativity, perseverance...just a few of the qualities I admire in you my girlie!

While I am going on and on about my girlie - I need to give some kudos to her big sister, Madison, who was by her sister's side for the duration. Madison was there for moral support and took all the photos that Lane needed to enter the competition.

So go and check out all the crazy T-shirts and cakes and see which one is your favorite. Or maybe even pick the T-shirt you will make a cake for!!!

xoxo Elizabeth

A Reason to Relay

2011-09-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

It all started with a request for boobie cupcakes....it used to be that in 'polite' society you didn't talk about breasts. That has all changed (and for the good) with The American Cancer Society's campaign against Breast Cancer! Boobie talk is everywhere! And when our friend Annie asked the girlies if they would like to bake boobie cupcakes for the Atwater Relay for Life - of course they said YES!

There was some discussion about how the boobies would be formed...can you name these parts?

Can you find the boobie?

Well, 4 1/2 batches of frosting, 72 cupcakes, some sliced and dipped marshmallows and a couple of handfuls of pink Good n Plentys later...Voila! Boobies everywhere!

I'm sure everyone has heard of The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life...

That is where our cupcakes were headed. Our wonderful friend, Annie, had her own team at a local relay this year. Annie is an inspiration - she is in her third battle with cancer and teaches us all everyday about positive thinking, giving back, and living life to the fullest.

This is Annie and I at last year's relay

Having a team for relay is a lot of work...Annie's Team Sofranek had signs,

she gave everyone a T-shirt...

it even involves sleeping out overnight...You see the idea behind relay is that Cancer never sleeps and so there is someone walking the track for 24 hours straight. The team members take turns and all through the day and night some one represents and walks the track.

Of course raising money is a big part of Relay for Life and that is done in as many ways as people can creatively come up with. Thus the boobie cupcakes were sold at relay. I donated a flower pot full of my handmade items that was raffled off.

Annie's team made over $3000!!!! All together the Atwater Relay for Life made $95,000 - what an amazing contribution to finding a way to rid the world of this ugly disease.

In keeping with the Team theme Annie had baseballs, footballs, basketballs, volleyballs...you get the idea...for people to write their own reason for doing the relay on. She displayed these so people could read them as they visited her 'camp' site.

Madison was a trooper (and relay is full of people young and old who are troopers just like her)...she raised some $$$, she (with Lane's help of course!) made the cupcakes, she helped Annie on Friday night, she helped set up the 'camp' site on Saturday, spent the night - walking several times and once in the early morning hours all by her lonesome, and helped tear down the 'camp' site on Sunday. Madison loves relay and she did it all with a smile on her face...after all... it's for Annie! And as she wrote on her basketball...

"My Grammy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching her go through chemo and radiation broke my heart. But her strength inspired me. I relay to spread cancer awareness and to honor the women who show their strength in the fight against cancer."

Boobie cupcakes are silly...but selling boobie cupcakes to fight this battle is not silly at all.

xoxo Elizabeth

Summer's End

2011-09-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

We had one last party at our pool before the season ended and we decided to try our own pizza on the BBQ!

We found directions that told us how to BBQ right on the rack and got a new pizza dough recipe to try. Have you ever watched Jamie Oliver's cooking shows? His pizza dough recipe was easy and great!
(We used his recipe, but with regular flour...worked fine)

We rolled the dough out...but...when you stretch it out by hand it does give it a different texture...a bit more chewy. Both ways make a good pizza!

The trick when you are doing the pizza right on the grill (instead of on a pizza stone) is to cook one side...then take it off and put the toppings on the cooked side and send it back to the grill to finish it off. We brought along the top to a fry pan and covered the pizza towards the end to get the cheese to melt nicely.

This pizza had a white sauce that Madison made...cream cheese, sour cream, white balsamic vinegar and some garlic salt in the mixer...and then we topped it with cooked chicken, fresh basil, and mozzarella. It was very tasty.

So a successful day of pizza making wound up our fun at the pool for this year...before we knew it the last day had come and it was time to say goodbye to lazy days of reading by the pool.

At the end of each summer I sit and contemplate why my favorite summer place must close it's gates for another year....

It is such a serene and happy place - always at least 5 or 10 degrees cooler here than at our own house!

There are wonderful trees to shade us from the constant Merced summer sun...

and a cool breeze comes in off the creek that runs behind the pool area.

As they drained the pool (the girlies are standing in the 4 foot section in this pic)...

and everyone pitched in to scrub it all down....

and my contemplation came to it's end...I realized (as I do at the end of each summer)...that the pool is special for the specific reason that it is only open for a few months...those wonderful days of summer when we can postpone our daily chores a bit, leave the responsibilities at home...and laze by the poolside. For Heaven's Sake if the pool was open all year my house would never get cleaned!

So as our motto goes - Summer is over when they drain the pool...sad, but true.... I would like to know just one thing though......if summer is over - THEN WHY IS IT STILL IN THE NINETIES!!!!

Hope you had a wonderful summer...we are looking forward to Fall and the Pumpkin Patch!!!

xoxo Elizabeth

Braiding Bread!

2011-08-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Last year we learned how to make a wonderful Butternut Squash soup...and sometime around then I found a recipe for Butternut Squash bread. It took me a while but I finally made it the other day - and was it ever worth the wait!

I found the recipe while cruising from blog to blog checking things out - click here to see the recipe.

One hint that it is going to be good is that it has brown sugar in it!

Look at that gorgeous colour...and it just smells so good while you are mixing it, then while it rises, and again while it is cooking!

Now a little patience is required while the dough does it's rising...

So...covered with one of my wonderful towels hand made by Auntie G...we wait...

there it is....

it just amazes me every time!

The braiding isn't as hard as you would think...of course I just did what I thought would work! There might be some special baker's braiding technique that I am not aware of!

This recipe makes two loaves...so you'll have plenty to invite friends over or share with a neighbor. We were going to do that - but....we ate it all!!!

Voila! Braided Butternut Squash bread...isn't it just something that you can make wonderful things like this right in your own kitchen!?

Don't forget...one of the first rules of bread making - you must sample it warm and delicious right out of the oven!

I want to send out a big Thank You to Stacy for bringing baking back into my life. I used to bake a long time ago and for some reason I stopped. It was so nice to cook with Stacy and Tatum this last year and get back to some baking!

Now off you go, bake some bread and enjoy!

xoxo Elizabeth

Crepes...or as we say 'French Pancakes'

2011-08-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

When I was just a young 'un' my grandfather - who will be from this point on referred to as Honey - made a special breakfast for us when he came to visit. French pancakes...probably better known as crepes.

Honey was a special, special man....very much ahead of his time...and a great teacher for all of us. His love shone through in everything he did and maybe that is why his French pancakes were so special.

So, in keeping with tradition I make French pancakes on special occasions...maybe a birthday, a sleep over...or a birthday sleep over!

This weekend the special occasion was....Mom wants French pancakes!

Out came the ingredients and we got started...

Here is the recipe that I have used for years

1 1/2 Cups milk
3 eggs
1 1/2 Cups flour (can be sifted or not)
3 tb melted butter

You can mix all these ingredients in a blender, a mixer, or by hand...then let the batter rest for a bit before you start.

I usually have two pans going at one time...I use my crepe pan (top pic) and a small cast iron frying pan ( because I am too cheap to buy another crepe pan! The crepe pan really works the best.)

With some melted butter at the ready and your batter nearby you are good to go...

I am by no means a superior crepe maker - but here's a secret - they taste good no matter what they look like! Your pan should be warm (medium heat, but adjust as you go) and I spray with cooking spray for the first crepe. Put between 1/4 and 1/3 cup (depending on the size of your pan) of batter in the center of your pan...

and with a circular motion spread the batter out to just about fill the pan...

cook the crepe until it isn't wet looking anymore and the edges are beginning to brown a tiny bit. Sometimes you see crepes that are very pale and other times you see crepes that are golden brown...this is all a matter of taste - or in my case a matter of trying to manage two crepe pans, get the table set, cut up some fruit, get the juice out...you get the idea. Once you flip the pancake over butter the cooked side, give the second side a moment to cook and then fold it in half and then in quarters...buttering as often as you like!

We keep our crepes in a casserole or such in the oven til we are all done creating...that way we can all eat at once!

Here are a few kitchen pics to break up our crepe making instructions! The shelf above the stove (don't look too close - we forgot to dust it when we cleaned the kitchen!)

My corner shelf with some goodies I've collected, you can see our chalk wall in the background...and a glimpse of one of my favorite things in the kitchen...a chair from my kitchen set from Nonnie and Honey.

This is a cool old knife rack from my Auntie Sue's house (my Nonnie's sister) and it has accumulated a crazy array of items! When it was in it's prime there was a piece of glass that slid in and kept the knives protected...I repainted it but never replaced the glass - it works better as a catch-all this way!

Back to our crepe making....when Honey was down to his last bit of batter he always made us a special little treat...he would fashion little creatures or such from the batter and each one of us would have our own little gift on our plate. I am sure you can guess what is coming...we NEVER make French pancakes without making little creatures or such...so here Madison is making something...can you tell what it is going to be?

Yes....a palm tree!

Here is a step by step tutorial for making a crepe batter ballerina....

First step the ballerina needs a head...

...the body...

the all important 'ballet bun'...

the ruffly tutu...

beautiful ballet arms...

and some jumping legs...because to tell the truth we ran out of room for any other kind!

and Voila! a jumping ballerina for your plate! Good job Madison!

So...with all our French pancakes in the oven (thanks Lane for helping so I didn't have to do both pans and take pics!) and all our special pancakes ready we set the table and sit down to enjoy.

My plate...with a flamingo!!!

We love to put sugar on our French pancakes...sometimes syrup or jam...and then we use our fork to roll them up...Yummy!!!!!!!

We tried something new the other day on our pancakes - and it was delicious! The girlies put nutella and blueberries!

So there is a little tradition of ours...do you have one you want to tell me about? I'd love to hear!

xoxo Elizabeth

A Funny Twist of Fate

2011-08-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

When I was a junior in high school....just before my boyfriend took me to the prom - I CUT ALL MY HAIR OFF!!! I can not recall exactly why I did it...except that I had always wanted curly hair. My new hair was very short and very curly (but without naturally curly hair I am guessing that there were some rollers involved - can't quite remember) and it was truly a 'round ball head' hair cut!

I wonder now just what that special boy - or young man - thought when he saw me...but he never made me feel anything but beautiful.

In a funny twist of fate just recently (and in her junior year!) my oldest told me she wanted to cut all her hair off! This coming from some one who could be brought to tears by mentioning that her hair might need a trim....

Her wonderful Auntie Colleen agreed to do the honours....

That is Madison's 'I'm excited and scared' face...and Colleen's 'getting ready to work' face.

A pony tail was made so the hair could be sent to Locks of Love...

...and off came the hair! No turning back now...

careful consideration was given to each cut...

notice the red lipstick in anticipation of a wonderful new hair style!

...and Voila! Our beautiful girl and her beautiful new hair style!

So my long haired beauty...

has turned into....

my short haired beauty!!!!!!

and they are still friends - even after all that hair came off!!!!

Funny how two different people can at the same time in their lives do something so similar....maybe there is something to that old saying - Like Mother...Like Daughter

Your junior year....a time for change, for experimenting, for trying something new!

Wonder what Lane will do.....her hair is already short!

xoxo Elizabeth

PS Can you tell which are Madison's photos? They are a little more artistic looking!

April Showers Bring May Flowers....

2011-08-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Many years ago...ok many many years ago...one of my very first jobs was working at a plant nursery and florist. I loved watering in the green houses - the musty smell of green plants and dirt always made me happy. I loved pruning the young maple trees....and I really loved it when I got to go inside and watch (and then finally one day help) the designers making the flower arrangements. Tom and Millie...they taught me so much about making beautiful flowers....Tom taught me how to hand wire a wedding bouquet - and I have always been proud of the fact that I am able to do that! Thank you Tom!

Well last Spring I had the pleasure of doing the wedding flowers for one of our favorite ballerinas - Miss Sarah! Which meant to start off the fun I got to go to one of my all time favorite places...the San Francisco Flower Market! It is an amazing place.

You can find anything you could imagine there...from gerber daisies to...

daffodils....

to any kind of tulip you can think of....

to which ever shade of ranunculus that you might be looking for....

need dried flowers? They have those too...

maybe some flowering branches...you get the idea it is all there!!!

I got my first taste of the flower market when I worked for a florist in Emeryville. A trip to the flower market with her was a story in itself! Great memories!

So for Sarah's flowers we went to the market with her and her mom a month or so ahead of time to get a feel for what she wanted.

Another wonderful thing about the San Francisco Flower Market is the cafe there...and we were treated to a wonderful lunch! It's something you should do when you go!

And then just before the big day in May...my girlies and I took another trip to San Francisco to pick up what we needed!

We had ordered some of our items and then tooled around the market looking for the best prices on the other items we needed. Hydrangeas, ranunculus, viburnum, amaranthus....

So.... the results of our labor...the photos at the wedding were taken by Patrick Pike - if you are looking for gorgeous, innovative, unique, thoughtful photography he is the one for you....AMAZING

Here are some photos that we took at home....nothing like Patrick's so please make sure you go to his site and look at his!!

To see pics of my flowers (mine and my girlies...they helped a lot!) go to Patrick's site - there is a little bar on the bottom of his pics to scroll left and right...scroll to the right to find #115 that is Sarah's wedding and my flowers!

So last spring the April showers brought Sarah's May flowers...and I so enjoyed being in the midst of flower making again after a long time away from it.

xoxo Elizabeth

Jam Session...(sorry just couldn't resist!)

2011-07-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

Last year we managed to pick and eat them....made a few things, but I never got around to the jam...

This year...we gathered and washed the jars...

cut up lots of peaches (well Lane did!)...

threw them in a pot and stirred and stirred!

And it is almost just that easy to make jam...there's a little (more than the fruit actually) sugar involved, some pectin...and the stirring I mentioned...did I say lots of stirring? Well cause there is...lots of stirring - I don't know why my arms don't look a little more muscular!?

The colour is so beautiful....

They sit on their little heads for a bit and then...

Voila!!!!!!! Jam session complete!

We made lots and lots...cause we like to share...and...

cause there are lots and lots of peaches...still...!!!

We also made a peach pound cake delicious you need to try it!

The feeling of accomplishment is so satisfying...there were peaches on the tree...they were harvested...and we made something to sustain ourselves...Ok that's a bit dramatic - we won't be living on peach jam or anything like that, but....I think you know what I am trying to say!

The fruit is getting used and that's a good thing!

Thanks Lane for all of your help...and thanks Daddy for all of the picking and the sugar and Sure Jell!

Now it's time for another slice of that pound cake!

xoxo Elizabeth

Something Funny Going On Here.....

2011-07-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

There is an exotic female living in my dad's front yard! Sounds shocking doesn't it? But really it's ok - it is just this amazing Cycad!

This wonderful plant has been carted from here to there by my dad for years. Moved with us from house to house until finally it has found it's most happy place...how do we know that...well just look at what it did...

A month or so ago Dad walked me over to his well traveled Sago Palm (not a palm or a fern actually, but a member of the Cycad family...Cycas revoluta...) and this is what I saw!!!

The center of the plant had become this funny mess of stuff...orangey seed like things wrapped in fuzzy shapes....strange and interesting. You just want to keep going back for another look!

Well, my dad is a patient man ( as evidenced by the many times he lovingly dug this plant up and brought it with him)...and just this last week he showed me his plant again....

Right out of that strange mess had grown a whole new set of beautiful fronds!

So brand new that they were still curled on the ends!

Some research has revealed that a Sago producing the orangey seeds and such is a female plant (the male produces a cone) and so now my dad has the pleasure of visiting an exotic lady when ever he likes!

She'll just need a minute to get the knots out of her hair!

So all of the digging and replanting of this special plant has paid off and we are all enjoying one of nature's many miracles.

Thanks Daddy!

xoxo Elizabeth

Success

2011-07-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the art room at Tomodachi Gakko just seems a bit crazy...as we work I think "How will this ever all come together!?"

...but somehow the sacks of concrete...

the bits of shell and glass....

the burlap, the pieces of paper, the wooden discs....somehow they all turn into pieces of art!

Our Family Trees....

...and some stepping stones!!! Well lots of stepping stones actually - about 70 of them! My poor Madison mixed the concrete for all 70 of them!!! Those ballerinas are strong!

The crazy art lady is awesome! Thank you Sarah!!!!

I love the look of the tables after the art is done...I always hate throwing the papers out!

The art room always makes some thank you gifts for people that help out at Gakko...but this year....

I got a Thank You gift!!!!

This is my last year in the art room at Tomodachi Gakko...and this sweet note made me feel so good! Thank you girls!!!

I have enjoyed the experience of Tomodachi Gakko so much - I have met so many wonderful people and learned so much more about a culture that I have always loved. Thank you to everyone for the gift of Gakko!!!!!!

Arigato

xoxo Elizabeth

PS....Thank you to Madison - most of the photos in my Gakko posts are hers!

Another Day in the Gakko Art Room!

2011-07-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

Some mason jars...

some coloured pencils...

stamps and Kanji characters....

even bamboo tiles...mix these with willing hands...

and the projects in the art room come to life.

Time Capsules - ready to fill with Tomodachi Gakko mementos and stash away to be rediscovered when Gakko days are a happy memory!

The Art Room is overflowing with projects! More to come!

xoxo Elizabeth

A Labor of Love....

2011-07-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

For quite a few months now a very special group of people have been getting ready for a very special event...

Tomodachi Gakko

It takes quite a few volunteers to run the Tomodachi Gakko or Japanese Friendship School in Cressy...and each year they reconvene in the heat of July to make a special place of learning and...well...friendship as the name says!

My part in Tomodachi Gakko is the art room. I started working there as a helper when my girlies were young and lately I have been in charge of the art room and my girlies are some of the helpers!

Madison.....

and Lane....

This year we recruited a new helper...our Amy!!! She just fits right in!

We decorated the entrance a little bit....some cherry blossoms and photos...

This year the Gakko theme is Family, Friends, and Home...this pic of the local orchards fits right in!

Tomodachi Gakko offers cooking, singing, taiko, kendo, karate, Japanese language, history of the Japanese internment, guest speakers, and of course....the art room...

The art room is a beehive of activity...and it all seems rather crazy until the end of the week when all the students have created some really wonderful pieces of art.

This year we are working on making cards to send to children in Japan, creating a family tree, putting together time capsules for the students to save and revisit later, and we will be making a stepping stone to commemorate this year's Tomodachi Gakko!

The art room is only one small aspect of the Tomodachi Gakko experience. Each teacher for each grade offers so much to all the students and it is truly a week of new adventures and experiences.

Stay tuned for updates on our art projects!

xoxo Elizabeth

Happy Father's Day Daddy

2011-06-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

This Father's Day I want to share some things about my Dad...and yes...54 years old and I still call him Daddy...it just seems right.

My Dad is one of the 'Good Guys' ....we were raised hearing about the 'Good Guys'...the ones who did the right thing no matter how hard, the ones who put others first, the ones who you would want around when things get tough...yes my Dad is one of those 'Good Guys'.

I love to talk to my Dad...

He thinks things over a lot...and so he has a lot of good stuff to say.

It's fun to play games with Dad...he taught us cribbage and pinochle...and I think he is the one who taught me to play solitaire!

Dad has a short friend who goes almost everywhere with him...they are quite the pair.

Dad has a soft spot for those who serve and protect...he has taught us all to hold them dear in our hearts...and he has been known to get a bit choked up while sharing a story about some one's sacrifice or service.

We are all wiser because of the wealth of information that Dad shares with us...he introduces us to topics, ideas, and points of view that help us learn and grow.

Born is San Francisco, the love of that city - in fact in our family we call it 'The City' (is there any other!?) - has been passed down to all of us.

Dad does nice things...like calling Madison to tell her the wisteria is in bloom so she can take a picture, or going to a friend's house and fixing something that is broken or working long hours for Habitat for Humanity to build a family a home. He has taught us all about service to others and doing something for someone else with a smile in your heart.

My Dad loves his children and grandchildren like no body's business....he gives the best hugs of anyone I know...but the greatest gift my Dad has given to all of us...

is the love and devotion he has given to his bride...Barbara, our beloved Mom and Grammy. Through his actions he has shown us what real love is... what it looks like, feels like and how it makes everything better.

There are no words, Daddy, to express what you mean to me...I think you know though because you hug me like you do and I can hear the smile in your voice when you say "I love you too" after I've said it to you.

Thank you for all of these things and more...Happy Father's Day

xoxo Elizabeth Anne

Come and See Us!!!

2011-06-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

We are having another boutique this weekend and would love for you to stop by and visit!

Saturday the 18th from 1 to 6 we will be all set up and waiting for company!

With lots of things for you to take a look at...

and if there is something you see that you would like in another colour or such...we do custom orders also....

So come on by the house for some iced tea and have a look around!

Hope to see you - email me if you have any questions

liz_toel@sbcglobal.net

xoxo Elizabeth

It's That Time Again!

2011-06-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

Another ballet!!! This year the studio - Merced Academy of Dance - is performing Sleeping Beauty - lots of fairies, lots of sparkle, lots of solos! Don't miss it!

We've broken out the glitter....

we are dying fabric...

the tutu umbrella is being put to good use....

we are making our lists and checking them twice....(no one is naughty, everyone is nice!)

we've gathered the flowers...

Red Riding Hood's basket of goodies is all prepared....

So, don't miss your chance to see just who will be wearing all these beautiful costumes!

The show is Wednesday June 15th and Thursday June 16th at Merced College Theatre - 7pm....

I hope to see you there...I'll be the one with the purple sequin glasses perched on my nose and a thread and needle in my hand!!!

xoxo Elizabeth

Cheers!!!

2011-06-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Brian loves a good cocktail and we have created a nice bar area in our dining room. Now, I don't mean to make it sound as if the drinking in our family is one-sided...but it sort of is. I love the taste of fancy cocktails...but I am quite the light weight! I rarely ever finish even my first drink! But I do love to try new things and it is fun at parties to make a special drink or come up with non-alcoholic concoctions for the girlies and their friends.

Over the years we have gathered some cute and interesting bar items.

I just love these little guys!

It has been fun during our trips to antique and thrift stores to pick up items here and there.

And sometimes we are gifted some pretty fun things too!

When Brian and I are lucky enough to go on a little trip we like to bring along cocktail fixin's or wine or some such treat. My mom and dad always had a little travel bar and so when I found this I knew that I needed it for Brian...(had to leave the label on cause it's vintage!)

With some retro images I was able to customize the outside...

It's always five o'clock (cocktail hour) somewhere in the world!

Our own vintage travel bar!!!

Speaking of cocktails....just yesterday I introduced my friend to her first Mojito...my favorite summer cocktail. As soon as it finally heats up here I will share that recipe with you! So fresh and cool - perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Salute!

xoxo Elizabeth

Welcome Baby!!!

2011-05-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

This year there are a lot of babies coming into our family...yeah! We just love babies!!!

The girlies and I made the favors for the latest baby shower and they turned out pretty cute.

The invitation was our inspiration... see that cute little baby peeking out - and the little blue bird? (We had a huge debate over whether the bird is a 'blue bird' or a 'humming bird'...you'll see what we went with...)

...and the pretty blossoms...since we know the baby is going to be a girl we were able to go all pinkish with these!

First on the 'to do' list - tiny birds (can you tell which one we decided on?) I drew 50 little birds on water colour paper...

and then - surprise - I water coloured them! First a layer of a pretty lighter blue..

next a bit of darker blue detailing and some black for the beaks...

time to cut them all out, turn them over, and do it all again! I also added a tiny loop of string so we would be able to hang them.

This particular favor involves several mini projects within the bigger project - we had to make the babies now! A walnut for the cradle...

Lane took charge of cracking the walnuts for us and saving only the perfect halves...

Madison painted and glittered the shells and we added some twine so they too would hang...

Now it is time to put the babies in the cradle...

we used little wooden beads for the babies heads...and because we didn't want to paint them all we had to use coloured pencil to make the faces. The beads were porous and sharpie and paint both bled.

So the sweet little faces were added, the babies were swaddled in a bit of felt...and into their cradles they went.

To hold the babies and the humming birds we made tiny trees...

mini french flower pots and some sticks from the garden and the trees begin to appear...

a little plaster of paris in each pot and voila! tiny trees...that are home for a little baby and a tiny humming bird...

a bit of moss covers the plaster...but every detail isn't there yet...we need a few blossoms to adorn the tree...

small pale pink tissue paper circles make tiny blossoms...

we put two circles together, twisted the back and glued on a pink bead...and they were ready to glue onto the trees...we put three on each tree (we were doing 45 favors and at three per tree that was already 135 flowers!!!)

Add a small wooden clothes pin and you have a label to welcome baby that turns the favor into a photo holding treasure for guests to use at home. Both the baby and humming bird are removable so this tree can be tailored to any one's decor.

Here they are all done and packed to travel. We only had a couple of casualties...some of the wooden clothes pins fell off...that's why I always pack a little travel emergency kit. Extra clothespins, a few extra humming birds, a bit of moss and a glue gun...that way any necessary repairs can be made.

And here they are at the party!!!

The favors and some beautiful fresh flowers and the tables were good to go...

These could easily be adapted for many different party themes...and each guest goes home with something they can use in their own home.

Arent' babies wonderful!? Love and Best Wishes Angela!!!

xoxo Elizabeth

Home Sweet Home

2011-05-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend Habitat for Humanity in Merced moved yet another family into a brand new home....

There was a flag and the family was given a bible...two things that say so much about the wonderful people that volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. God loving people who believe in our country and the people in our country.

There is a sweet picket fence that presents a pretty face to the neighborhood...

A sturdy roof and strong walls to provide shelter for the loving family inside this house...

the front door that opens first to welcome this family and then to welcome their family and friends...

a gate to a back yard full of future dreams...BBQ's, maybe a veggie garden, garden parties, a game of tag or hide and seek...

some new plants that will grow with the family...

My dad talked about the many hours of volunteer work that went into making this house...the 'old guys' alone put in over 2000 hours! The family puts in hours and there were several groups of young people that helped and other organizations from the community - including the wonderful Mennonite men who make such a great contribution.

But this house...this particular house...is very special to our family because of an honour that the Habitat for Humanity board bestowed upon us...

This house was dedicated to my mom...Barbara Allen....

We smiled and we cried and we thought of our Mom, Wife, Grammy...and we are thankful for this honour.

And I believe I can speak for all of my family when I say that we wish the family in this home many, many years of love and happiness.

xoxo Elizabeth

Hands On

2011-05-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we went to the first annual local Hartsfest. We got to play in some clay!

The Merced County Community Action Agency (boy that's a mouthful!) had a little set-up where you could form and decorate a bowl.

These bowls will then be fired, glazed, fired again and turn out looking oh so pretty!

But the really wonderful thing is that these bowls will be sold to benefit the hungry right here in our area.

Rhonda Lowe of the MCCAA explains it this way:

The Empty Bowl dinner will be Nov. 3rd at 5:30 pm at the Atwater Community Center. It will be $20.00 and you will get to choose your bowl which will then be filled with soup and served with warm bread to symbolize the thousands of people in our county who go without every day.

If you would like more information or to see other photos go to Facebook and friend the MCCAA at merced caa.

What a wonderful way to involve the community in an art project and in turn help people right here in our area!

I am hoping I can find my bowl or Madison's to purchase...but as you can see in the top photo - all the bowls are awfully nice!

So, if you are looking for a great way to combine art and giving to others head to Atwater Community Center on November 3rd and find a bowl to purchase!

And thank you to my Madison for more of her wonderful photos.

Don't forget to mark your calendar...go on... go and do it right now or if you are like me you won't remember!

xoxo Elizabeth

Graduation

2011-05-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

This is my Bethanne....

She's not really mine - but I like to claim her and I have been trying to steal her from her Mama since the day she was born!!!

My niece Bethanne is graduating from college today...all the way across the country.

She worked so hard that she is not only getting her degree... she has also become a dental hygienist!

We are sooooooo proud of her - and she's really nice too so that makes it even better!!!

That sweet smile and those smarts in your 'little' head are gonna take you places girlie!!!

I love you my Bethanne and I wish I was there with you...but you know my heart is there.

With love, with pride, with gratefulness for you....

xoxo Auntie E

The view is different from up here....

2011-05-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

Recently my dad had a chance to tour around our area in a small plane (thank you Mr. Sanford) and he borrowed my camera...

and it's true...we really do live in an agricultural area!

You can see our Bear Creek running through this photo

Sometimes when you live in the midst of a neighborhood it is easy to forget that this Valley provides so much for so many.

But, here's the proof...and isn't it beautiful!

Here you can see the contrast pretty well...city and agriculture - side by side.

And...here's another thing we are proud of ...our University! UC Merced!!! The home of the Bobcats and the infamous Fairy Shrimp. That is Lake Yosemite out there beyond the UC.

We love going out to the lake. It is cooler out there, and if feels like you are in another place entirely. You can take a walk, get a snack at the snack bar...even ride a paddle boat.

This is looking back towards the University from past Lake Yosemite. (I am relatively sure about that!)

And...here is one of my favorite places in all of Merced...the water tower marks the spot...you can see Bear Creek is nearby...see that red roof directly behind the water tower??? Mom and Dad's house!!!

Well that concludes our tour of Merced...please return your seats to the upright position, fasten your seatbelts, and prepare to land!

Thanks for the tour Dad!

xoxo Elizabeth

There are all kinds of heroes

2011-05-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

This last week we got to see a hero in action...

we were visiting friends up in these beautiful hills...having lots of fun - cooking, talking, watching movies, playing games - when suddenly there was a noise and someone yelled "Fire! Run! Outside!" Well as you can imagine my girlies and I didn't quite know what was going on...were we supposed to be running from a fire? Should we be gathering up special belongings? Should we grab a nearby animal??? We were a bit confused....until we heard..."grab the camera!" Then we knew...we were safe, but there was something extraordinary about to happen.

We followed our friends to the top of their property and sure enough there was smoke...

and a helicopter....

hauling a huge bucket. The helicopter was literally making circles around the property - filling this bucket and dumping it over the fire.

Madison got some fantastic shots as we all stood there in awe of this amazing pilot who during some mighty strong winds was maneuvering his helicopter (loaded down with many gallons of water) as if it were nothing!

Just amazing........everyone watched with breath held...

even the horses and goats stopped what they were doing and gave their full attention.

Annie ran herself ragged trying to keep up with that helicopter! She chased it along the property line on it's way to the nearby pond where it was filling the bucket...and then back up the property as it approached the fire and dumped it's load of water.

The feeling you get watching something like this is hard to describe...this pilot was risking his (or her) life to make sure that we on the ground remained safe and sound. We knew we were in the presence of a hero...and yet we had no way of letting that person know just how thankful we were.

So here is a shout out to that brave soul that protected us and the hills that day...
Thank you!!! Thank you for making us safe, for keeping us from harm's way...for protecting the hills that surround the homes of families. We all wished we could have invited you for dinner!

Every so often - or maybe all the time...we need to pause and give thanks for the people whose job it is day in and day out...to keep all of us safe. Those men and women who while doing their daily jobs make it possible for us to live the lives that we do.

There are so many of you and I am thankful.

xoxo Elizabeth

The Bunny is Back!!!!!!!

2011-04-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

This year that fun ole Easter Bunny hid the eggs again!!! (He had moved on to other houses for a while because there were only big kids over here!)

We did some egg dying....

so we had plenty of eggs for the bunny to hide.

And the hunt is on!

.... we found those eggs everywhere!!!

He also hid some pretty wonderful Easter baskets!

These two decided to make some pretty spectacular cupcakes for all of us to enjoy...

there were little marshmallows involved...

coloured sugars...

and Good and Plenty.

You cut the marshmallows on the diagonal and dip them in the coloured sugar...

and then place them on a frosted cupcake...

til they look like this!!! They turned out so pretty - and it's not too hard, just time consuming.

The cupcakes and directions are in this fantastic book...along with lots of other cute ideas - like this one.

Here's Jen getting her perfect pic!

So, with flowers blooming...

eggs in the garden...

and goodies in their proper place...we celebrated and welcomed that Easter Bunny back into our yard!

And...you know what's coming...A good time was had by all!!!!!!!

I hope your Easter was just as enjoyable.

xoxo Elizabeth

PS Madison contributed some of the photos for this blog...can you tell which ones? Her camera does some things mine won't...and she is pretty artistic!

Getting Artsty/Craftsy

2011-04-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

This week we had an Art Time class...

at first the table was set all nice and Easterish...with an example of the Charm Tree that we were going to make...

my little laughing bunny....there was a year when these were all the rage!

then I started adding all the things we would need...

there must always be snacks...

we needed tulle (in my opinion you can never have too much tulle)...

there were plenty of pots to choose from...

twine and trim...sticks and fabric...and it is beginning to look like crafting will be done here!

Everyone got to work...

and with just the right amount of fun and silliness...some beautiful things were made!

Our Charm Trees were planted in their pots and adorned with flowers and a few tiny bugs (made out of shells of course!).

One of the things I love about doing Art Time is that as everyone works you can see their idea of the project emerge...

we had an all yellow tree where the flowers were attached right to the tree...

and a lovely green and white tree where some were attached and some were hanging...

accented by it's precious little container.

New friends were made (another one of the things I love)...

Mom's and kiddos crafted together...

as I demonstrated here and there.

The table became my favorite kind of chaos...

and a good time was had by all !!!!!!!!

You must come and join us next time!

xoxo Elizabeth

Daffodils!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was at Trader Joe's and the daffodils were in!!!!! Every year I look for them in the Spring - it is so nice to be able to grab five or so bunches and put them all into one vase to make a huge bouquet.

For some reason when I told my family I had gotten the daffodils I called them daffodil down dillies...of course everyone looked at me like I was a bit daft (that happens a lot around here) and I wondered where my little brain (something Madison used to say) had gotten that bit of silliness.

After a bit of research I found this nursery rhyme....

Daffy-down-dilly
Has come to town
With a yellow petticoat
And a pretty green gown.

and here she is...Miss Daffy-down-dilly! So - I am not daft after all!

Here is a little something else that always makes me thing of Spring...the sweet little birdies that my Honey (my grandfather) made many years ago. Two little peepers with their mouths wide open waiting for the worm that Daddy has brought.

This is my contribution to Spring - a little 'Charm Tree'. This one is filled with Spring flowers and even a few little Spring bugs...I am working on what the Summer charms will be.

Spring is such a fleeting thing...it lasts only about as long as these daffodils will...so go take a walk or pull some weeds in your garden before that crazy Summer sets in!

xoxo Elizabeth

Sending out Love....

2011-04-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today I have a great feeling of accomplishment....

I have successfully made, wrapped (in pretty stuff), and wrapped (in brown bag stuff) and addressed many things to send off in the mail.

There were cards and packages...some for babies, some for grown-ups...some to say thank you, some to let someone know I am thinking of them.

And, I am so happy that by tomorrow they will all be traveling on their way to their various destinations...spreading love and warm thoughts...

One might even be headed your way!!!!!!! Now those of you who (like me) have things lying around that need to be wrapped and mailed... or maybe a card that needs to be written...you can do it! And it feels so good once it's done!

xoxo Elizabeth

Boutique = Success!

2011-04-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

Our boutique was so much fun! We picked flowers from the garden...

brewed some lovely iced tea...

and my girlies made the most beautiful cookies I have ever seen!

Just look at that wonderful detail...they look a bit like lace. The cookie idea came from University of Cookies - there is a great tutorial that leads you right through the process. What I think is so fun is that even though you watch the tutorial and follow the directions you achieve your own version of the cookie!

We displayed all of our wares throughout the living and dining rooms - the only draw back there is that sometimes people want to buy my things!

Here are the Spring mice sitting on their hunks of 'cheese'...

some little hat picks to stick in your summer sun bonnet...

These are my newest set of earrings. I make a collage on water colour paper...first I swirl it with colours...then I cut images out of magazines until I am seeing stars...and arrange them on the water coloured paper...I add tissue paper, more layers of magazine cuttings...and just keep going til I can hardly find a space on the paper. Usually Brian and the girlies tell me "That is enough! You must stop now!" Then I take the whole thing down and get it copied front and back and laminated. After that I am ready to cut out shapes, add beads and make earrings!

This happens to be my own personal piece of furniture...Lane painted and adorned it for me for my birthday...but she is now doing custom work for anyone who would like to have their own piece!

The detail is amazing...all the large beads are handmade out of paper and each of the seed beads are placed one by one!

My Hoot Owls attended the party...

as did the Bluebirds of Happiness.

One of Lane's decoupage boxes...

my new little 'purselets' - these are knitted and then I added a little fabric rosebud to each. They are tiny and will hold little things that might get lost in your 'grown-up' purse!

The girlies and I made some garlands - so easy you can do it too! We stamped self adhesive paper, cut circles (with a paper punch), then stuck three together with a string in the middle. You can make them as long or as short as you like. I saw something similar here and it inspired me.

I am very happy with my fairy wands...and I even made fairy head pieces to go with them...I will try and find a little fairy for a photo shoot so you can see just how they look!

Madison contributed the photos for this blog...thank you my Madison! It was nice not to have to think about taking pics on that day! But...she didn't take pics of any of her own work! She made some beautiful jewelry that will be in our etsy shop soon.

I want to thank everyone who came to support us...it was so much fun having you all here - felt just like a party! We are looking forward to doing it again soon!

xoxo Elizabeth

Spring = Boutique

2011-03-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

Come on over to the house on Saturday...we are having a little boutique!

I've made some new earrings...

the Spring mice are here...

and my 'Forever' corsages turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself!

The pincushion idea that has been in my little head for a while is working well...

and Stacy and I collaborated on some baby hats that are adorable!

My wonderful girlies will be making special cookies...there will be iced tea and coffee...so come by for a chat and look at all our fun Spring items!

I have some new hair accessories, some fairy wands, some new tiny knitted purses...lots to peruse and we love to visit!

We'll be here at the house this Saturday, April 2nd from 1 to 6 with everything set up for you to look at! Hope to see you!

email me if you have any questions....

liz_toel@sbcglobal.net

xoxo Elizabeth

Spring = Cherry Blossoms

2011-03-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

To me there is no better harbinger of Spring than the cherry blossom...

When I was going to Berkeley I met a wonderful friend, Eric, he is Japanese and at that time volunteered at the Golden Gate Park. At one point he had some cherry trees that had come from San Francisco's sister city in Japan. I was lucky enough to be the recipient of one of these trees.

Not having an appropriate place at the time for this amazing gift...we planted the tree at my mom and dad's house.

Every year it rewards us with these gorgeous blossoms...and announces that Spring is on it's way...

Thanks for taking care of the tree all these years Dad!!! You raised it up right!

xoxo Elizabeth

Twistin' the Night Away!!!

2011-03-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

The last time we got together with our cooking buddies we did some crafting and some pretzeling!

Pretzels are so fun to make, but don't quadruple the recipe like we did cause it just makes things kinda crazy!

The recipe we used was from... The Tasty Kitchen.

Tasty Kitchen is Pioneer Woman's recipe site and there are always good recipes to be found there.

So if you go here you can just print the recipe out!

The recipe says that it makes only 8 pretzels...so in my infinite wisdom I decided that we of course would need more than that!!! Well I am sure you can see the writing on the wall...

after mixing...

and rising...

and shaping...we had pretzels coming out of our ears!

Everyone had lots of fun practicing - and yet we just couldn't figure out how they do it in those pretzel shops...they just fling the dough around and Voila! make a pretzel.

We got the hang of it...and made some pretty nice pretzels.

One of the fun things about making pretzels is that they have to be put in hot water with baking soda before you bake them...

I think it makes the outside a bit chewy...

Of course we had to have a snack and Madison spread banana bread with cream cheese frosting for us. These baking days are not for the meek!

We coated the pretzels with butter and some got salt while others got cinnamon sugar!

Look how pretty and they were very yummy!

While the pretzels were baking the girlies made purses from old pairs of jeans.

Here is the link if you would like to make one yourself...Thread Banger

They are fairly easy to make...

and good for practicing a little bit of machine sewing.

They have a cute braided handle...and I think next time we get together there will be some decorating!

The girlies pulled the pattern up on Lane's new Ipad and just followed the tutorial.

They may have gotten a little side-tracked at times!

So off to ballet the girlies went...tummies full of pretzels and new bags on their arms!

Try making some pretzels...just do it one recipe at a time!

xoxo Elizabeth

Reclaiming the House!

2011-03-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

The family and I recently had a discussion about our house...should it be decorated for 'company' or should it be arranged for how we live in it? For example...I do my sewing in the living room while we are all watching our shows together - on a card table with TV trays and such around me to hold the things I need....well if that is where I am going to sew all the time then maybe it should be a little prettier and a little more permanent!

So...here is my new 'old' desk!!!!!!!! I originally painted this desk years ago - before I even had any girlies! I believe it was my Honey's desk...and I truly love it.

As you can see it has shelves and drawers - lots of places to put stuff!

It is nice and large so I can fit a lot of my favorite things on it! I just need to leave some room to work!

Here is a letter box that my Honey (my mom's dad) made for me.

With beautiful Columbine flowers painted on it...

and sitting next to it - a doll from my mom's room, a gift from someone that loved her!

Her name (the doll's!) is Great Aunt Nita...and look at that sweet face.

You can never have too many Sharpies and I am a big fan of Miss Spider.

While I was cleaning up I found some cute little boxes that I didn't want to get rid of - so I put some stuff in them and set them on my desk!

Here is a clay piece that my wonderful friend, Karen, made me many years ago...it has scenes from my birthplace - San Francisco (or as we call it, The City) on it. And next to it a fun Ebay find...a Bakelite container.

You can see the front of it here...and....

it opens up like this!

As I sit at my desk I can see some notes that are special to me...

on my lamp and....

on the piece of board that covers the top of the desk...

this one is just practical...so I can measure while I am sewing!

Some buttons I like...I save cool wrappers (you know, gonna make something with them one day!)...and fortunes saved for my Lane (she's gonna make something with them one day too!).

Some teeny notebooks that we made...

and my newest form of storage - Mason jars! I am keeping them on the coolest old gum rack that has a story all it's own that I will share with you one day!

Well that is my new space...just the beginning of changes around here - this weekend we tackled the family room and it looks great too! The family room is where all my flamingos are and I really want to show them to you - but the room is very dark and so far my photos haven't turned out well. I think I may have to enlist Madison and her new camera to do the job for me!

The consensus on decorating for us is - a little of both - pretty for company (and us!) and practical for how we live also.

Next we will deal with our classroom which, because Lane graduates from 8th grade this year, will become our studio - a place for all our combined art supplies. I'll let you know how that goes!

xoxo Elizabeth

Nature's Strength

2011-03-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

I feel compelled today to ask anyone who might happen upon my little blog to stop and take a moment to send kind, positive, loving thoughts towards the people in Japan...

In reflection today I was thinking about how strong we feel...how much we accomplish...technology, medicines, going into space...and yet how much stronger nature is.

Hokusai's print that has brought me so much pleasure, so many times - today fills me with sadness for what the people of Japan are enduring.

May our thoughts of goodwill sweep over them like a fan on a hot summer day...

May our hearts beat with theirs like a friendly drum...reassuring them that there are people who care...

May they find some small bit of peace in these frightening days...

May they find the strength they will need in the days ahead.

xoxo Elizabeth

A note...all of the prints shown above are from the great artist Hokusai

Scrabble Anyone?

2011-03-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

The other day the girlies and I played Scrabble...

It was a beautiful day out and we couldn't decide just what to do - there was a difference of opinion...go on a walk...do a craft...make cookies...play a game....

We compromised on playing a game outside on the porch - I love compromise!

We at first decided we were going to play triple solitaire - it's like solitaire only bigger.

Here we are at the cabin playing quadruple solitaire...no actually I think it was quintruple!

Well, it was a little windy and we feared the cards might blow away...and oh how I hate a deck of cards that is not the full 52! So we got out the old Scrabble board.

We ended up with one of the worst Scrabble set ups that you could imagine....everything happening in one corner...no words long enough to make other words...we even had to get the dictionary out! (I know some of you that are true Scrabble players probably always have the dictionary out!) We soldiered on though until all the tiles were gone...at the end we even added some of our own words...

Can you find them?

Lane had one quite good play where she lumped a bunch of words together with a word that we were sure wasn't real...until she found it in the dictionary! See if you can guess where that is!

So, we got some sun time, enjoyed some ginger ale, mountain dew, and root beer...and learned some new words! All in all a good afternoon.

What game should we try next time?

xoxo Elizabeth

Art Time Class!

2011-03-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Spring is coming and I have a project to get you in the mood!

Come on over and make this Springtime Charm Tree with us...

There are twelve sweet charms on this tree - four different styles that I will show you how to make. There is tiny bit of sewing and some easy wire work. Nothing too complicated, but the end result is a small tree (about 18 " high) that you can change up for the seasons, holidays, or any special occasion.

Here is the little 'bug' that we will be making for the tree.

So...the details....

March 19, 11:00 to 3:00

$25.00 per person
Materials included

Space for 10 students

...email me so I can save a space for you or if you have any questions

liz_toel@sbcglobal.net

xoxo Elizabeth

A Getaway!

2011-02-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

Not that we have things we want to get away from, but my sweetie whisks me off once in a while to one of our favorite local places - Sonora.

I was a little bit bratty...ok a lotta bit bratty...about this little sojourn. I was absolutely sure it was going to snow on us, and I tried to convince Brian that it just wasn't a good idea to venture out. I just hate driving in unsavory weather and the day we were to leave it was stormy. I had this information on good authority from my very own weather station near Lake Don Pedro where they were preparing for a possible power outage. Now, really...why would you get in your car and drive towards that!?

As you can plainly see...it turned out to be quite a gorgeous day (why is it that when ever I put my foot down it seems to end up in my mouth!?) Beautiful blue skies, cotton candy clouds...and what? No snow, No rain!!!!!! A good start to a our little outing.

The drive to Sonora is really quite beautiful...and I truly love the hills when they are that amazing shade of winter green. One of the things I miss about living over in the Morgan Hill area is the proximity to the mountains...so when we drive up this way I feel right at home.

One of my favorite sights on the way up - Flat-top Hill - I just made that up...I have no idea what it's called but it looks just like someone chopped the top right off. And an extra treat - a waterfall!

We made the trip without any snowstorm calamities, but as you can see - there had been some snowing going on at some point! In fact lots of the stores were closed because such a bad storm had been predicted - so...I wasn't the only scaredy cat!

We had lots of fun eating out, going to the movies, and doing a tiny bit of shopping...this is a new place we found (with the help of the nice lady at the yarn shop). An Italian family that has been in the area since 1879 opened this restaurant in their old family home. Excellent food - we heard a lot of it is fresh from their farms. If you want to try it out - they are open for breakfast and lunch only. 1210 Sanguinetti Road.

Speaking of the yarn shop...that is one of my favorite places to go - such a pretty little shop.

Every time I am here I wish I could knit more than just straight-line things! The nice lady told me she was sure that I could learn...I have been reading up and want to try.

Aren't these gorgeous, don't they make you want to run out and buy yarn and some needles!?

I always think I have a favorite colour until I come in here and then all the colours are my favorite! I did buy a few things...and I will share with you later what I make with them - so fun!!! And...I am going to try and make something other than a straight-line thing! When you are in Sonora be sure and drop by this darling shop...By Hand Yarn

They give classes and there are projects throughout the store to inspire you...I am going to save up to make this amazing shawl that I saw.....but maybe I had better ~~finish~~ ok start the project that I bought last time we were there!?

There was definitely evidence that there had been some weather in the area...this is normally a very calming little area with pretty green water not roiling muddy brown water. And...when we came out of a shop on Saturday...there it was...SNOW!!!!!

Here is the evidence!!! Little bits of snow on us!

We high-tailed it to Jamestown - where it was sunny and dry...for about twenty minutes! And then the snow hit there too! The snow didn't stick though and soon it was fine for walking around to our favorite shops...then we grabbed a coffee (raspberry mocha and pumpkin spice) and headed home - in the sunshine.

So, thanks Handsome for a wonderful trip...for dragging me out kicking and screaming - and bringing me back all happy that we went!

The girlies had a great time with their Papa. They cooked him dinners, had great conversations, and were introduced to Lawrence Welk! I watched him with my Nonnie when I was little..

And I heard them making plans for next time - talk of playing cards, trips to Super Target and things like that! Thanks Daddy - it makes me happy when my girlies get to spend time with you.

So get in the car everyone...and go somewhere...we only traveled an hour and look what fun we had!

xoxo Elizabeth

Eggs...In A Cup!

2011-02-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

Down through the generations in our family...if you were a little sick, or maybe down in the dumps, or just wanted to feel special there is a food that Nonnie's, Grammy's and Mommy's would always prepare...

Eggie In A Cup!!!!!

Have you had it!?

This last week we had sickies in our house so this Mommy made Eggie In A Cup. It's easy peasy and just tastes so yummy!

First of all - do you have one of these?

Mine is old (of course!) and the newer ones have Teflon in the eggie cups so it makes for less scrubbing.

The way this pan works is water goes in under the little egg cups...about half full...then
I put a teeny bit of butter in each little cup (sometimes I just spray them with cooking spray), put the heat on medium and wait for it to melt a bit...

While I am waiting I choose my bowls...this little gnome-y guy is from a set that my mom and sis gave me - is he so cute!!!!!! By the way can't wait to see Gnomeo and Juliet!!! It has all my favorite things in it - gardens, flamingos, gnomes........just adorable.

Ok, so I have my bowls picked out...and you can see my eggies up there waiting to go. The butter is melty and in go the eggs...

With these four eggs I am going to make two Eggie In A Cup - or as you've noticed by now Eggie In A Bowl. My Nonnie called it Eggie In A Cup so what ever it is placed in it will always be Eggie In A Cup to me! For some reason Madison doesn't like eggs - go figure - and so this is not her comfort food. I think that for her it would be Seven Layer Chocolate Cake! These Eggie In A Cup will be for Lane and I.

The trick here is to get the eggs cooked just right...not hard-boiled and not to gooey - cause that's just yucky! So just lift the lid every so often and take a peek.

Not quite done...so I will get my bread ready...

I tear up a slice and a half of bread into each bowl - you can also use saltine crackers - that tastes great too. And then check the eggies again...

Looking perfect - time to dump them in the bowls...

add some salt and pepper and mix it all up together...

As my friend, Annie, would say "yu-um!"

So that's our Eggie In A Cup comfort food - don't wait to get sick...just try it for the comfort part!

xoxo Elizabeth

People Are So Kind

2011-02-21T00:15:00.000-08:00

Just this last week I got a call from one of my mom and dad's wonderful friends...she had a question to ask me, but to start off our conversation she asked how I was. I thought about my answer and decided to tell the truth..."well," I said "actually I have two sick girlies...." This kind woman offered me some advice for a possible sinus infection, asked me her question and we said good bye.

Not a half an hour later my dad shows up at the door - in his hands are a casserole, a sinus rinse kit and four See's suckers!!!! All sent over by the sweet lady that I had been talking to just a bit before!

Kindness means so much and can just turn a tough situation right around. Thank goodness for kind friends and thoughtful fathers!!!!!! We appreciate it so much.

With a thankful heart that is looking forward to passing on my own kind deed to keep this moving forward....

xoxo Elizabeth

The Ballet Meatloaf

2011-02-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

We have a long-standing tradition that revolves around what we eat when there is a ballet performance approaching.

Performance weeks are full of long hours and lots of rushing around...

After a couple tries with 'fast food' (which I have nothing against) I decided that I wanted something else for the girlies during those busy weeks. And the Ballet Meatloaf was born. It is easy to make, can be prepared ahead, and can be served hot or cold and be equally delicious. Thanks to Colleen it has it's special name...we were describing what we do to her one day and she said...oh, the Ballet Meatloaf...and history was made!

To make your own Ballet Meatloaf...or Soccer Meatloaf, or Gymnastics Meatloaf...you will need:

(This recipe made three...which can all be cooked at once or cook one and put the others in the freezer or cook them all and put some in the freezer or well... you get the idea)

4 # hamburger meat
1 yellow onion diced (med. to lg.)
3 slices whole wheat bread (or any bread you have or want)
3 eggs
Catsup
Salt and Pepper

So throw your hamburger meat into a large bowl, tear up the bread and toss it in...add the eggs, onion, salt and pepper, and squeeze a bunch of catsup in there too - maybe 1/2 a cup or so. Mix it all up really well and you are ready to go.

I usually use my hands - it seems to be the easiest way to get it all mixed together. Then I wash them really well about 6 times because truth be told raw hamburger meat grosses me out!

Grease some baking dishes and put equal amounts into each one...now for the part my mom taught me - the part that makes it really yummy...

More catsup! Squirt a good amount on the top of each meatloaf...it really makes them taste great. I think that originally my mom used to put Chili Sauce on them. It comes in a sort of roundish jar and should be in with the condiments at the market.

Stick them in a 350 degree oven for at least an hour and Voila! Ballet Meatloaf!

This last performance while the Ballet Meatloaf was cooking I did a little Valentine project for my girlies. Which come to think of it goes right along with the ballet performance theme I have going on here. Being a ballerina there are certain aches and pains that are unavoidable...and sometimes you need a little something to make you feel better....(of course chocolate works well also!) I made each of my girlies a little bundle that they can put in the microwave and heat up if they want to apply heat to various body parts.

I got out some of my felt and made four rectangles (remember I am making two) about 5" by 20"

Next I found some decorative fabric I thought my girlies would like and cut some pieces to sew onto the front of the bundles

I love this batik fabric!

and some cute, funny monsters! I sewed these to the right side of two of the rectangles of felt. Taking one rectangle with a decorative fabric and one without I pinned them together and sewed around three sides (leaving one of the small sides open for adding rice)

I filled each bundle about 2/3 of the way with rice...adding in a tea bag for a little fragrance when they are heated up. This used not quite 5 # of rice - and just my luck rice was on sale at the market!

Here are the finished Ballet Bundles...ready to pop into the microwave for a tiny bit and be cuddled around a sore neck, knee, ankle - what ever needs a little TLC.

So with the project finished and the meatloaf cooked to perfection...

We moved right on to enjoying our Ballet Meatloaf! When it comes out of the oven there is liquid in the baking dish...this can be left or poured out - I have done both and the flavor is good either way.

Well, the next time you have a ballet performance, a soccer match, or maybe you just don't want to have to think about cooking...try the Ballet Meatloaf. I think you'll like it!

xoxo Elizabeth