Friday, July 30, 2010

One treat (of many) I cannot pass up

A few weeks ago we had a baby shower for my sister. It was a lovely affair with primary colored pinwheels, little alphabet blocks, and of course, M&Ms. I think we hosted a nice little shower for her. What I didn't expect was that she was going to be bringing me a treat. For some reason, Laura felt inspired to make something called S'more Bars after finding a recipe at mybakingobsession.com.

Now, if you know me, you know I like marshmallows as much as anything. And if you know me well, you know that I have eaten more than four s'mores at a sitting (and could eat even more if no one was giving me that "are you seriously going to stuff one more of those in your face?" looks). I love s'mores. I really do. I also know that in the past, I have had s'more bars. Not impressive. I don't like the attempt at a graham cracker crust. Too buttery, to hard, and not at all like a graham cracker on its own.

Well, this recipe was different. Instead of using the crushed graham crackers mixed with butter, crushed graham crackers are mixed with a nice fluffy dough. Half of this dough is spread on the bottom of a pan. Next, you layer on two huge dark chocolate bars. Next, you spread a jar of marshmallow creme on top (I was dying at this point). Finally, you put the rest of the graham cracker dough on top of that and bake it. Mine were not as neat and tidy as my sister's, but they were delicious nonetheless. I think Jaime had one, I took four to my grandparents, and the rest were never heard from again. That's weird.

So, anyway, the point of this post is to say that this is THE recipe for S'more Bars if you have been looking for one. If you haven't been looking for one, make it anyway. And don't even think about commenting that they sound too sweet. I don't want to hear it. That is not even possible.

Here is the evidence that the bars, at one time, did exist. Now they are gone.



Wednesday, July 28, 2010

It came! It came!

Yes, that's right, the new cookbook that I ordered finally came (Amazon, I love you. Don't take that the wrong way--free shipping is awesome). I have been excited about this book ever since we saw it at Dillard's when we were registering for our wedding! I do enjoy baking, as you know, and The Hummingbird Bakery cookbook has lots of great, basic recipes to add to your (or my) repertoire.

I just got it today, and I'm aching to try something out, but ever since starting with this gym business, I feel like baking sweets is the absolute last thing I should be doing. So, perhaps I'll try something tomorrow and then take it to Jaime's work for a treat! That's always a good compromise.

So, on with the awesome recipes I'm going to try. One of the most appealing images in the book is that of the Frosted Brownies. If you know me, you know that I love brownies and make them for every occasion. These frosted brownies look totally rustic, gooey, chocolaty, and best of all, slathered with chocolate cream cheese frosting that looks like Mom's buttercream on steroids.

I NEED THEM.

Next, some delicious looking double chocolate cookies. You know, the ones that have a crinkly looking top? These ones crinkle, but they don't have powdered sugar (not that I don't love that...) on top. Anywho, they look awesome. Is anyone else craving pictures here? I am, and I have the book right in front of me.

Another thing that I want to try are the Black Bottom Cupcakes. They have dark chocolate cake and cheesecake baked together! And chocolate chips! And then you frost them! Oy!

In the non-chocolate realm, they have a delectable looking lemon meringue pie. I have always liked lemon meringue pie, but no one else in my family did, so I've never tried it. I think I must. I made my first pie with a meringue last summer and it was a success. Can that success be repeated? I think so.

So that's the run-down. I want to make everything in the book, but I'll save you the headache of reading my terrible descriptions. Check out the book online or borrow it from me. I never feel like I get enough use out of them.

A day in the life

This summer has been different for me, to say the least. I got married, went ona great honeymoon, got a new job, and moved into a new apartment. It has seemed to fly by (I know everyone is saying that, but it's true) so now I'm reflecting back and thinking about all the things I did or didn't do, but wanted to.

One thing that I did do recently was join a gym. We joined LifePointe here in Lincoln. It is a bit spendy and far from home, but we are enjoying it immensely. Very zen, very clean, very friendly.

Something I didn't do (yet) is finish my damn tunic! Bagh! I like it. I want to finish it, I just don't want to get everything out.

Another thing I did was use one of my awesome new wedding gifts--the Ona Pitcher from Crate and Barrel. It is glorious. And, by using the pitcher, I also did something else I enjoy: make lemonade! Delicious.


Isn't it just gorgeous? I made the lemonade the same way my mom does. Easy breezy.

1 cup water
1 cup sugar--boil these two until clear, then let cool

The juice of 4-5 lemons (my mom, Jacque, likes to add the lemon juice to the hot syrup mixture while it is cooling to "infuse" it with the lemon flavor--Jacque knows, folks)

Put the lemon juice and simple syrup in a pitcher and add around 6 cups of water. You could add more or less depending on your taste. Then, pour it in a glass, ice it up and drink it!

One thing I didn't do this summer is read much. I think I have read one or two books this summer. Pretty lame, eh? I love to read, but I also love to sit around and watch TV. Such is life.

The final thing that I am glad I did this summer is plant a potted herb garden! I just did it today. Let's hope it grows!

Hurrah for the things I didn't do, as well as those I did.

p.s. To all of you Albionites out there reading this--I should have done this post Cheers and Jeers style. I'm going to keep that on the back shelf for later...


Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Let's Round up Some Ric Rac!

Hello all--I know it's been a while since my last posting, so I have some updating to do. This past weekend the husband and I took a trip to Kansas City for my best friend's birthday. While he went to the city market. My bestie and I (and some of her wonderful friends) went to...
It was a great time. Lots of fun local arts and crafts. It turned out that I didn't buy much, but there were lots of excellent choices. Hammerpress was there with all sorts of beautiful cards, there was lots of jewelry, as well has hand-crafted sewing projects.








As you can see from the photos above, we also got to stop by at a modern quilt show at a shop down the street called Bon Bon (which is super-cute, by the way). I loved so many of the quilts. Some of them even looked do-able, so now I have the quilt bug. Especially for the one in the third quilt picture--it is bluish and orangish. It is made with Heather Ross's super-cute Mendocino fabrics. What I loved about it was the simplicity--the piecing all looked pretty darn easy. The cutest part about it, though, was that it was quilted with waves. Perfect for an oceanic little quilt. I think it was intended for a baby. It had a name embroidered down at the bottom. Made me want to get on it and make a quilt for my new little niece or nephew! Of course, that won't be happening.

I have a half made shirt just waiting for me. My plan is to finish it before I go back to school (only 5 more days, yech!). It's called the Schoolhouse Tunic. My sis has made two of them, so I decided to attempt it. We'll see if I ever finish it. It is hard to get the motivation to get everything out of the closet and onto the kitchen table to sew. Oh, the luxury of having space for such things! Here's the shirt--here's hoping I can finish it without any help!



Tuesday, July 20, 2010

My latest summer creation--breezy summer tunic!



Since both of my sisters have also been on a sewing kick--they tend to get me awesome birthday and Christmas gifts having to do with crafting. This year, for my birthday, my sister Laura got me a super-sweet Amy Butler pattern.
As you can see, it is super-cute and light and breezy--just what every summer-loving gal needs. And I needed it. I love the fabric they have in the picture, but here in Lincoln, Nebraska, we don't have access to such fine material. So, I had to go with the next best thing. Alco. Yes, that's right. Alco is a discount store much like Wal-Mart, but a lot smaller and not as cheap. I would say it's more like a Pamida.
Sometimes they have some cute fabric--usually remnants of corny holiday fabric, but sometimes there is a cute vintage find. I got some lavender "Aunt Gracie" fabric this spring, and this shirt was the perfect use for it.

You can tell from this picture that it is pretty simple--gathered in the back with elastic and cinched together in front with a halter. In fact, the directions say that it is a perfect mother-daughter project.
That's basically what it turned out to be because my mo
m was here visiting when we decided to make it!

It sewed up very nicely (with minimal assistance from Mom)! The directions were so nice. Very descriptive, but not too much. It gives the reasoning behind certain steps, which is always helpful. When I got finished and tried it on, I decided it was a bit humongous in the hips--but that's pretty much typical for me. I also think that I would use about one inch less elastic on the back. Mine tends to fall down in back
, thus making me safety pin it to my bra every time I wear it. Not fun, ladies. Not fun. So, to avoid that, tighten that elastic!


Here is the finished product. Look at that stupid smile on my face. Ridiculous. Like I said, it flares out a bit more than I would like, but whatevs. It will convert well if I ever have a baby.

Also included is a picture of the back. I love the back. It is my favorite part. Except if you can see my safety pins. Which I hope you can't. I would definitely consider the sun-surf halter for your next sewing endeavor. Just get ready to wear a strapless bra (am I the only one who hates them so much??!).

Monday, July 19, 2010

Leslie's history in under 100,000 words...

Before I start talking about my boring sewing history--I need to warn you--don't make your tags on the aforementioned taggie blanket too long. Otherwise it looks like a square octopus. Also, baby might go overboard with the chewing.

Back to the story, though. I have to tell you about my sewing morale lately. I got a sewing machine back in March, or so. I was really excited because I would finally get the chance to let my creative juices flow and make all the projects I had been aching to make for years. My first project was hemming a tea towel. Easy enough. For a few weeks, I continued my sewing endeavors with easy hems on tea towels and tablecloths. I thought I'd start slow until I got my "groove" back. I must also add, at this point, that my sewing career is rather lackluster. My first sewing experiences were through my 4-H club--aptly named the "Clever Clovers"--my mom took me under her experienced wing and showed me the basics--needlebook, pincushion, and later on, a patchwork pillow. Although my seams were perfect and I often got purples, I must not have been too into it (my lack of ambition has been a constant in my life...) and quit only three years after joining 4-H. I rarely sewed after that. Sigh.

Later in life, the sewing bug bit me again, and I made weird re-purposed crafts like a jean skirt and cell-phone holder. Embroidery also struck my fancy and I put my initials on lots of items.

When my sister got me the Simple Sewing book, I was re-inspired. I made one of her aprons and I'm now a convert! My sewing was sporadic until I got my machine. Now it's been pretty regular. My first baby project this year was a pair of baby bloomers for a friend's baby. Let's just say, these bloomers knocked my confidence down a few notches.

I quit on the bloomers about four times. I had to seam rip, re-sew, re-cut, and re-do more than I ever thought possible. Still, I finished them. With the leg seams inside out. Let me just tell you, bias tape is not easy. Not easy at all. Especially when sewing with gingham.

Tomorrow I'll tell you about how I redeemed myself. I know, I know. You can't wait. Well...

You'll have to. So there.

Let's play tag(gie)!


My sister is supposed to be having a baby in like--less than a month. I'm super-excited. We don't even know if it's going to be a girl or boy, but I'm excited for the little rugrat to come! I have to start going back to school on (gasp!) August 2, so I hope it either comes before then or on a weekend (is that really too much to ask, Laura? I think not). Anywho, back to the weird title of this post.

I have been in semi-craft mode for most of the summer, so let's talk about what I've been crafting. I guess we could say that this post revolves around my wonderful sister Laura, since
she and her hubby inspired this whole baby thing.

I got the idea for a taggie blanket from Lotta Jansdotter (idol)'s baby book. I own her book Simple Sewing and it is awesome. A taggie blanket is basically a miniature blanket with small pieces of ribbon sewn into the seams for babies to suck on! Amazing! It seems simple enough, so I tried it without a pattern.

Here it is, live and in the flesh, complete with accompanying baby! Not really, actually. That little guy is my friend Aileen's kiddo, Hudson. He was "testing" it.
















I am loving the look. I used some leftover Amy Butler fabric from an apron I made last summer. I'm excited to babysit the new niece/nephew and wear my matching apron! What's next?! I say matching Christmas jumpers--just for the holiday season!

Welcome to the test nest!

Hello and welcome to the test nest! This is a place where I will be writing about my successes and failures in all areas--particularly sewing, baking, and cooking. I'm a newly married, experimental, and sometimes creative middle school teacher--here's hoping that I can keep this thing up!

Friday, July 30, 2010

One treat (of many) I cannot pass up

A few weeks ago we had a baby shower for my sister. It was a lovely affair with primary colored pinwheels, little alphabet blocks, and of course, M&Ms. I think we hosted a nice little shower for her. What I didn't expect was that she was going to be bringing me a treat. For some reason, Laura felt inspired to make something called S'more Bars after finding a recipe at mybakingobsession.com.

Now, if you know me, you know I like marshmallows as much as anything. And if you know me well, you know that I have eaten more than four s'mores at a sitting (and could eat even more if no one was giving me that "are you seriously going to stuff one more of those in your face?" looks). I love s'mores. I really do. I also know that in the past, I have had s'more bars. Not impressive. I don't like the attempt at a graham cracker crust. Too buttery, to hard, and not at all like a graham cracker on its own.

Well, this recipe was different. Instead of using the crushed graham crackers mixed with butter, crushed graham crackers are mixed with a nice fluffy dough. Half of this dough is spread on the bottom of a pan. Next, you layer on two huge dark chocolate bars. Next, you spread a jar of marshmallow creme on top (I was dying at this point). Finally, you put the rest of the graham cracker dough on top of that and bake it. Mine were not as neat and tidy as my sister's, but they were delicious nonetheless. I think Jaime had one, I took four to my grandparents, and the rest were never heard from again. That's weird.

So, anyway, the point of this post is to say that this is THE recipe for S'more Bars if you have been looking for one. If you haven't been looking for one, make it anyway. And don't even think about commenting that they sound too sweet. I don't want to hear it. That is not even possible.

Here is the evidence that the bars, at one time, did exist. Now they are gone.



Wednesday, July 28, 2010

It came! It came!

Yes, that's right, the new cookbook that I ordered finally came (Amazon, I love you. Don't take that the wrong way--free shipping is awesome). I have been excited about this book ever since we saw it at Dillard's when we were registering for our wedding! I do enjoy baking, as you know, and The Hummingbird Bakery cookbook has lots of great, basic recipes to add to your (or my) repertoire.

I just got it today, and I'm aching to try something out, but ever since starting with this gym business, I feel like baking sweets is the absolute last thing I should be doing. So, perhaps I'll try something tomorrow and then take it to Jaime's work for a treat! That's always a good compromise.

So, on with the awesome recipes I'm going to try. One of the most appealing images in the book is that of the Frosted Brownies. If you know me, you know that I love brownies and make them for every occasion. These frosted brownies look totally rustic, gooey, chocolaty, and best of all, slathered with chocolate cream cheese frosting that looks like Mom's buttercream on steroids.

I NEED THEM.

Next, some delicious looking double chocolate cookies. You know, the ones that have a crinkly looking top? These ones crinkle, but they don't have powdered sugar (not that I don't love that...) on top. Anywho, they look awesome. Is anyone else craving pictures here? I am, and I have the book right in front of me.

Another thing that I want to try are the Black Bottom Cupcakes. They have dark chocolate cake and cheesecake baked together! And chocolate chips! And then you frost them! Oy!

In the non-chocolate realm, they have a delectable looking lemon meringue pie. I have always liked lemon meringue pie, but no one else in my family did, so I've never tried it. I think I must. I made my first pie with a meringue last summer and it was a success. Can that success be repeated? I think so.

So that's the run-down. I want to make everything in the book, but I'll save you the headache of reading my terrible descriptions. Check out the book online or borrow it from me. I never feel like I get enough use out of them.

A day in the life

This summer has been different for me, to say the least. I got married, went ona great honeymoon, got a new job, and moved into a new apartment. It has seemed to fly by (I know everyone is saying that, but it's true) so now I'm reflecting back and thinking about all the things I did or didn't do, but wanted to.

One thing that I did do recently was join a gym. We joined LifePointe here in Lincoln. It is a bit spendy and far from home, but we are enjoying it immensely. Very zen, very clean, very friendly.

Something I didn't do (yet) is finish my damn tunic! Bagh! I like it. I want to finish it, I just don't want to get everything out.

Another thing I did was use one of my awesome new wedding gifts--the Ona Pitcher from Crate and Barrel. It is glorious. And, by using the pitcher, I also did something else I enjoy: make lemonade! Delicious.


Isn't it just gorgeous? I made the lemonade the same way my mom does. Easy breezy.

1 cup water
1 cup sugar--boil these two until clear, then let cool

The juice of 4-5 lemons (my mom, Jacque, likes to add the lemon juice to the hot syrup mixture while it is cooling to "infuse" it with the lemon flavor--Jacque knows, folks)

Put the lemon juice and simple syrup in a pitcher and add around 6 cups of water. You could add more or less depending on your taste. Then, pour it in a glass, ice it up and drink it!

One thing I didn't do this summer is read much. I think I have read one or two books this summer. Pretty lame, eh? I love to read, but I also love to sit around and watch TV. Such is life.

The final thing that I am glad I did this summer is plant a potted herb garden! I just did it today. Let's hope it grows!

Hurrah for the things I didn't do, as well as those I did.

p.s. To all of you Albionites out there reading this--I should have done this post Cheers and Jeers style. I'm going to keep that on the back shelf for later...


Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Let's Round up Some Ric Rac!

Hello all--I know it's been a while since my last posting, so I have some updating to do. This past weekend the husband and I took a trip to Kansas City for my best friend's birthday. While he went to the city market. My bestie and I (and some of her wonderful friends) went to...
It was a great time. Lots of fun local arts and crafts. It turned out that I didn't buy much, but there were lots of excellent choices. Hammerpress was there with all sorts of beautiful cards, there was lots of jewelry, as well has hand-crafted sewing projects.








As you can see from the photos above, we also got to stop by at a modern quilt show at a shop down the street called Bon Bon (which is super-cute, by the way). I loved so many of the quilts. Some of them even looked do-able, so now I have the quilt bug. Especially for the one in the third quilt picture--it is bluish and orangish. It is made with Heather Ross's super-cute Mendocino fabrics. What I loved about it was the simplicity--the piecing all looked pretty darn easy. The cutest part about it, though, was that it was quilted with waves. Perfect for an oceanic little quilt. I think it was intended for a baby. It had a name embroidered down at the bottom. Made me want to get on it and make a quilt for my new little niece or nephew! Of course, that won't be happening.

I have a half made shirt just waiting for me. My plan is to finish it before I go back to school (only 5 more days, yech!). It's called the Schoolhouse Tunic. My sis has made two of them, so I decided to attempt it. We'll see if I ever finish it. It is hard to get the motivation to get everything out of the closet and onto the kitchen table to sew. Oh, the luxury of having space for such things! Here's the shirt--here's hoping I can finish it without any help!



Tuesday, July 20, 2010

My latest summer creation--breezy summer tunic!



Since both of my sisters have also been on a sewing kick--they tend to get me awesome birthday and Christmas gifts having to do with crafting. This year, for my birthday, my sister Laura got me a super-sweet Amy Butler pattern.
As you can see, it is super-cute and light and breezy--just what every summer-loving gal needs. And I needed it. I love the fabric they have in the picture, but here in Lincoln, Nebraska, we don't have access to such fine material. So, I had to go with the next best thing. Alco. Yes, that's right. Alco is a discount store much like Wal-Mart, but a lot smaller and not as cheap. I would say it's more like a Pamida.
Sometimes they have some cute fabric--usually remnants of corny holiday fabric, but sometimes there is a cute vintage find. I got some lavender "Aunt Gracie" fabric this spring, and this shirt was the perfect use for it.

You can tell from this picture that it is pretty simple--gathered in the back with elastic and cinched together in front with a halter. In fact, the directions say that it is a perfect mother-daughter project.
That's basically what it turned out to be because my mo
m was here visiting when we decided to make it!

It sewed up very nicely (with minimal assistance from Mom)! The directions were so nice. Very descriptive, but not too much. It gives the reasoning behind certain steps, which is always helpful. When I got finished and tried it on, I decided it was a bit humongous in the hips--but that's pretty much typical for me. I also think that I would use about one inch less elastic on the back. Mine tends to fall down in back
, thus making me safety pin it to my bra every time I wear it. Not fun, ladies. Not fun. So, to avoid that, tighten that elastic!


Here is the finished product. Look at that stupid smile on my face. Ridiculous. Like I said, it flares out a bit more than I would like, but whatevs. It will convert well if I ever have a baby.

Also included is a picture of the back. I love the back. It is my favorite part. Except if you can see my safety pins. Which I hope you can't. I would definitely consider the sun-surf halter for your next sewing endeavor. Just get ready to wear a strapless bra (am I the only one who hates them so much??!).

Monday, July 19, 2010

Leslie's history in under 100,000 words...

Before I start talking about my boring sewing history--I need to warn you--don't make your tags on the aforementioned taggie blanket too long. Otherwise it looks like a square octopus. Also, baby might go overboard with the chewing.

Back to the story, though. I have to tell you about my sewing morale lately. I got a sewing machine back in March, or so. I was really excited because I would finally get the chance to let my creative juices flow and make all the projects I had been aching to make for years. My first project was hemming a tea towel. Easy enough. For a few weeks, I continued my sewing endeavors with easy hems on tea towels and tablecloths. I thought I'd start slow until I got my "groove" back. I must also add, at this point, that my sewing career is rather lackluster. My first sewing experiences were through my 4-H club--aptly named the "Clever Clovers"--my mom took me under her experienced wing and showed me the basics--needlebook, pincushion, and later on, a patchwork pillow. Although my seams were perfect and I often got purples, I must not have been too into it (my lack of ambition has been a constant in my life...) and quit only three years after joining 4-H. I rarely sewed after that. Sigh.

Later in life, the sewing bug bit me again, and I made weird re-purposed crafts like a jean skirt and cell-phone holder. Embroidery also struck my fancy and I put my initials on lots of items.

When my sister got me the Simple Sewing book, I was re-inspired. I made one of her aprons and I'm now a convert! My sewing was sporadic until I got my machine. Now it's been pretty regular. My first baby project this year was a pair of baby bloomers for a friend's baby. Let's just say, these bloomers knocked my confidence down a few notches.

I quit on the bloomers about four times. I had to seam rip, re-sew, re-cut, and re-do more than I ever thought possible. Still, I finished them. With the leg seams inside out. Let me just tell you, bias tape is not easy. Not easy at all. Especially when sewing with gingham.

Tomorrow I'll tell you about how I redeemed myself. I know, I know. You can't wait. Well...

You'll have to. So there.

Let's play tag(gie)!


My sister is supposed to be having a baby in like--less than a month. I'm super-excited. We don't even know if it's going to be a girl or boy, but I'm excited for the little rugrat to come! I have to start going back to school on (gasp!) August 2, so I hope it either comes before then or on a weekend (is that really too much to ask, Laura? I think not). Anywho, back to the weird title of this post.

I have been in semi-craft mode for most of the summer, so let's talk about what I've been crafting. I guess we could say that this post revolves around my wonderful sister Laura, since
she and her hubby inspired this whole baby thing.

I got the idea for a taggie blanket from Lotta Jansdotter (idol)'s baby book. I own her book Simple Sewing and it is awesome. A taggie blanket is basically a miniature blanket with small pieces of ribbon sewn into the seams for babies to suck on! Amazing! It seems simple enough, so I tried it without a pattern.

Here it is, live and in the flesh, complete with accompanying baby! Not really, actually. That little guy is my friend Aileen's kiddo, Hudson. He was "testing" it.
















I am loving the look. I used some leftover Amy Butler fabric from an apron I made last summer. I'm excited to babysit the new niece/nephew and wear my matching apron! What's next?! I say matching Christmas jumpers--just for the holiday season!

Welcome to the test nest!

Hello and welcome to the test nest! This is a place where I will be writing about my successes and failures in all areas--particularly sewing, baking, and cooking. I'm a newly married, experimental, and sometimes creative middle school teacher--here's hoping that I can keep this thing up!