On the Menu: Quick apple crisp

Dear Reader,

My son and I headed to the apple orchard this past week with his grandma and cousin.    We make it an annual event, and each year I'm amazed at how entirely easy it is to pick our own apples.  My son has collected many pounds of apples in a matter of minutes.  And, as you would imagine, I'm now finding ideas for what to do with all these apples.  Here's one idea.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."

- Julia Child

Friday's Feature: Jennifer Moss Handmade Adornment

Dear Reader,

I appreciate jewelry that is simple in style, but carries enough interest that I could wear one piece and feel that I'm wearing plenty.  I think Jennifer Moss Handmade Adornment (jemmetals) is a wonderful example of creating jewelry that is beautiful and surprising (dare I say stunning?!) enough to stand alone.  I have selected a few of my favorites below - some truly unique finds.  I hope you enjoy looking at Jennifer's work as much as I do.

Sincerely,
Abi

Poppy Studs Sterling Silver Earrings

Pod Earrings in Purple -  Ready to ship

Petals Stacking rings

On the Menu: Granola

Dear Reader,

This is my favorite recipe for granola.  My little boy and I can make it together.  We've prepared bags of granola as gifts for family and friends.  And it's a treat on yogurt or just as morning breakfast/brunch.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"Listen to your life.  See it for the fathomless mystery it is.   In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace."

-Frederick Buechner from his book Now and Then

Friday's Feature: Red Letter Words

Dear Reader,

I appreciate art that is simple and sparks a thought, a feeling, and a sense of enjoyment and gratitude.  I think Red Letter Words' shop is a lovely example of providing innovative design while simply presenting text.  And the variety of text options abounds -  words that bring us to destinations and hometowns, words that recall remembrances and return us to restful retreats, and words that inspire and bless.

Below are three of my favorites.  Please consider visiting Red Letter Words' Etsy site (and maybe check out the sister shop Talk Bubble Art too?!!)  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Chicago City Sights in Black 12X12 CAFE MOUNT

Sandcastles and Waves and Seashells - Beach Favorites in Black 12X12 CAFE MOUNT

Hope is an Anchor to the Soul - 12X12 CAFE MOUNT

On the Menu: Cherry-stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Dear Reader,

This is a recipe passed on to me from one of my aunts (she is amazingly creative in the kitchen!)  I have used this recipe with company, and it has such a nice balance of flavors.  Something about pork with cherry (or apple) seems so right for this time of year!  I have tried the recipe with both fresh cherries and dried cherries, and I would recommend using dried cherries.  They seem to hold up better during baking.

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."

- Elizabeth Lawrence

Friday's Feature: artgoodies

Dear Reader,

This week I am featuring three incredibly lovely block print tea towels which you may find in the artgoodies shop.  I love how amazingly well these items bring together a vintage influence with a modern quality to them!  And you have to check out Lisa's garage gallery - what an entirely fun use of space!  I would love to shop there!

I have pictured three of my favorites from artgoodies below.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

block print nest towel hand printed

block print chickadee towel hand printed

2nds SALE block print rooster towel hand printed

On the Menu: Oven Roasted Potatoes

Dear Reader,

If there is one side dish that I make most of often for company, here it is.  The rosemary is key; however, if you know your guests will not go for it, I have substituted diced onion and/or parsley.  Not the same, but still good.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery."

- Mark Van Doren

Dear Reader,

I'm thinking today of the many students and teachers who begin a new year of exploration and discovery.  And I am thankful to all of the teachers (in the classroom and otherwise) that encouraged, challenged, and inspired me. September has arrived.

Sincerely,
Abi

Friday's Feature

Dear Reader,

I've decided to begin featuring items from Etsy each Friday.  I love creating a treasury of favorites from time to time, but sometimes I have difficulty deciding on one item from a shop as so many deserve the spotlight!

I've made references to my Etsy shop and my craft endeavors, but never really talked about them yet, so I'm beginning this week by featuring my own baby blocks.  I've blown through a number of versions of baby blocks - some decopaged with lovely papers - and now I'm loving the painted and stamped iteration currently listed in my shop.   I hand paint and stamp the blocks, then seal them with decoupage, which adds the printed effect to the stamped image. 

I think baby blocks are such a classic item to give as a gift, a timeless keepsake to remember the early beginnings of a little one's life!  

I've included photos and links to the blocks in my Etsy shop.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Bird and Butterfly Blocks - Pink (Set of Three)

Clothesline Blocks - Green (Set of Three)

Clothesline Blocks -  Pink (Set of Three)

On the Menu: Chicken Salad Squares

Dear Reader,

I love to cook.  I try to bake.  And I often do both in a bit of a hurry since I have a three year old son who is usually ready for us to do something else.  I enjoy time in the kitchen for a number of reasons, one of them being because it is an opportunity to experiment and create.

I've decided to post a recipe each week.  Feel free to try them, comment on them, modify them, or even suggest others which would complement nicely. 

This week's recipe is for Chicken Salad Squares:

I hope you enjoy them!

Sincerely,
Abi