Words of Wisdom

A new favorite blog of mine is Clover Lane. I just love hearing the stories from women with a bunch of little kids running around and she is one of those women. Yesterday I discovered her blog and the last story posted was this one. Which you all must must must check out. It is the sweetest proclamation from her about just taking time to live in the moment. Especially if you are a mother. Anyway I hope you check it out. It certainly helped me put my priorities in perspective.

An experiment

I've been seeing these winter headbands (or whatever they are called) all over lately. They are super cute and seemed easy enough to make so I thought I'd give it a try. I couldn't find a pattern on my trusty free site except for knitting and I have not yet learned that craft. So I made up my own pattern. It turned out pretty well don't you think? I think if I do this again I'll make the main part of the band much thicker, but other than that I still love what I was able to produce.

We've been baking

I love bran muffins. My mom has been making this recipe since I was little (I think she originally got it from my aunt) and I still cannot get enough of them. They are so good hot out of the oven and healthy too! I made these with 100% white flour because I didn't have any whole wheat around, but the added wheat makes them a bit denser (and yummier if you ask me). But this way worked out just fine.

Bran Muffins:
Mix together the following dry ingredients:
15 oz box Raisin Bran
1 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts or pecans) (I leave these out)
2 cups sugar
5 cups flour (1/2 whole wheat)
6 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. salt
Mix together the following liquids:
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 qt. buttermilk
Combine dry and liquid ingredients.
Fill muffin tins (sprayed with Pam) 1/2 to 3/4 full
Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes

I halved the recipe and only made six at a time so I could have them fresh everyday. The mix I just kept in the refrigerator with an airtight lid and it worked out just fine.
Oh and you must put butter in them immediately! That is the best way to eat them.


We've also been trying out this pasta maker my parents got hubby for Christmas. He LOVES it. We made lasagna noodles this night.