Fall Leaf

This leaf can't decide if it wants to turn yellow or stay green ;-)

Sun Drenched Flower

Vacation Tote, etc

I have added a couple more things to my shop. I am having fun making things out of my head and actually building them. This Vacation Tote is really pretty. I am thinking of keeping it ;-).

I recently stopped at a yard sale full of a bunch of nothing. The selection was really a "lets see if we can sell our junk" type, but there was one box that held treasures to include this vintage blue Thermos. When I asked about the items, the woman told me her aunt was just too old to live alone any longer and that this box was holding some of her "stuff". I was so excited to pick through it and find a few things that were really neat. I found an old book, a cupcake tin (which I had been looking for) and a few other things.

 The best part is I only spent pennies for most of it.

Miami

   

Trump Miami Resort in Sunny Isles

This is a beautiful resort and offers a myriad of activities. Right now, they are running all sorts of specials including a night free with a four night stay. Florida residents get a large discount and AAA/AARP have great discounts took. I recommend the Bay View Room with two queen beds and a kitchenette. The view of Biscayne Bay and the city scape are stunning and the rates are best on this unit type.
Not only is it a wonderful place for adults to relax, but Trump Miami also offers Planet Kids!
Check it all out here.

I had a lot of fun making these cute little animals on Friday. They make such a cute gift for baby or even a great decorative piece in a children's room.

Fall Quilt

I made this cute quilt just in time for Fall. You can take a look at it here.

Winter Travel Deals

East West Resorts - Big Sky is currently offering some amazing deals for the winter season!
Check out their website for more information. They offer professionally decorated Cowboy Cabins and luxurious penthouses in the Moonlight Lodge. One of the coolest options is to get a ticket for both sides of Lone Mountain.

If you decide to call, ask for Shelley ;-).


STAY AND SKI FREE PACKAGE
Stay 3 nights, get the 4th night FREE and ski 2 days at Moonlight Basin, get the 3rd day of skiing FREE!!!
What’s better than free lodging and free skiing?! East West Resorts and Moonlight Basin are offering you both this ski season.


The total package includes 4 nights of lodging in one of our fabulous ski-in / out accommodations and 3 fun filled days of skiing at Moonlight Basin for as low as $75 per person per night (based on quad occupancy) when you stay anytime between Dec 11 & 24, 2010 or March 26 & April 11, 2011. Get the same deal when the snow is abundant and you have the mountain to yourself, Jan 2 – Feb 12, 2011 for as low as $89 per person per night (based on quad occupancy).

Apples

Craig pointed this tree out to me the other day, so I grabbed my camera and walked back to this vacant lot with a long forgotten apple tree. To think that I can purchase apples for up to $2.00 a lb when these beauties are rotting away!

They made for fun photos though.

Soccer Clinic With a Pro

The boys were able to participate in a soccer clinic with this pro player. They had a bundle of fun.

Hot Chai

The other day I had a bright idea. Make my own chai from scratch!!

Cup of milk
Tea bag
Little sugar
Pinch of cinnamon
1/8 tsp Nutmeg

It is so simple to make and I can add or delete ingredients to fit my mood for any given day.

Check Out This Recipe

I found this recipe online, but have not tried it yet.



Chocolate Bread

One 9-inch (23 cm) loaf

Use very good cocoa powder; here I used Valrhona, since I think the darker color and strong taste are important in the loaf. But another brand of Dutch-process cocoa should work fine, too.


If you don't have the coffee powder, you can leave it out. I like it since it add a subtle boost to the chocolate flavor. This recipe works best with bread flour, but if you can't get it, all-purpose flour works well, too. I've made a few notes at the end of the recipe about yeast and flour substitutions.


3/4 cup (180 ml) whole or low-fat milk, heated until just tepid

1 envelope active dry yeast (1/4 ounce, or 2 1/4 teaspoons)—see Note

6 tablespoons (75 g) sugar

4 tablespoons (55 g) butter, salted or unsalted

3 ounces (85 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder (optional)

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 cups (280 g) bread flour

1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder


3/4 cup (3 1/2 ounces, 90 g) chocolate chips or coarsely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate

1/2 cup (70 g) toasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)


1. In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the milk. Add one tablespoon (11 g) sugar, then set aside in a warm place for 10 to 15 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface.


2. While the yeast is activating, in a small saucepan, melt the butter and 3 ounces (85 g) chocolate over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.


3. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, mix in the remaining sugar, the instant coffee (if using), the egg, vanilla, and sea salt.


4. Stir in half the flour and cocoa powder, then the melted butter and chocolate, then the remaining flour mixture, stirring until well-incorporated. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and beat for five minutes, until smooth. If making by hand, mix vigorously with a flexible spatula for the same amount of time. The dough will seem quite moist, resembling sticky brownie batter when ready.


5. Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.


6. Butter a 9-inch (23 cm) loaf pan.


7. Stir in the chopped chocolate and nuts, if using. Then use a spatula to fold the dough over on itself in the bowl for about thirty seconds, then transfer it to the buttered pan, pressing a bit to spread it to the corners. Let rise in a warm place for one hour.


8. Ten minutes before you're ready to bake the bread, preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC.)


9. Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes, until it feels done and sounds hollow when you tap it. You can stick an instant-read thermometer in the bottom if you're unsure; the bread is done when the temperature reads 180ºF (82Cº).