What's in store for the weekend...

The back door, where we leave and where we enter each day.
And there is something about a weekend that makes me really grateful for this place. On the docket for this weekend.

Soup making this evening, some Skype love. (Not meant to be dirty, David... Just getting to talk to you, Miss Rebekah and Noah was love!)

Live art, happening. Arts Live Eco Art Project-- part of the winter games up at Okoboji. Plus, my beloved Emily. Hot cocoa. Mexican Food. Yes, please.

Finishing up an article.

Inspired Bread baking (it didn't get done last weekend... we need good bread!)

Cleaning out of playroom closet (it's in dire need of purging).

I need to visit this place (fiber in a Victorian house!), but not with scary winter driving involved.  

Mostly just knitting and staying warm... and lovin' on the little people.

What are you up to?

Do you see that? I caught sight of it briefly, just a fleeting few minutes.

Sunshine, afternoon sunshine. It has been so long since we've seen each other. But as the children were bathed in the light, I couldn't help but love it.

Sunshine, please come back. Often. Soon.

corner view:: favorite hangout

I've always been a homebody. Even in high school I'd rather snuggle up with a couch, a friend or a movie.

I find myself back there when the wind is blowing outside-- and the blizzard like conditions never seem to end. I love to be with my family, a cup of tea, knitting or a book. We make a this seasonal cocoon, and I want to stay inside of it until spring.

“There is a magic in that little world, home; it is a mystic circle that surrounds comforts and virtues never known beyond its hallowed limits”-- Robert Southey

What is your favorite hangout?

To see other hangouts visit:

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,

caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeannette, outi, ritva, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, skymring, elizabeth, allison, lise, cate, crescent moon, erin, otli, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, nicola, vanessa, britta, april, b, kyndale samantha, kristina, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, mcgillicutty, aimee, sunnymama, jenell, britta, juanita, pamela, inna, daan, myrtille, cris, ibb, jodi, gillian, travelingmama

athena, pienduzz, latisha, clairette, kelleyn, iris, demara, mus, ninja, guusje, di, sammi, theresa, cherry b, victoria, kathryn , lisa, liza, juliette, braja, mulot, anne, lucy, leonor, elizabeth, helene, dominique, shokoofeh, cole, jenna, podane, grey-lemon, line, nihal, urbaNiche, inner toddler, puna, lucylaine, adrienne, emily, lynn, skywriting, eliane, the wanderer´s daughter, carole, anna, dorit, kenza, sherry, conny, susan, l´atelier, elis, kamana, anne, rosamaría, marinik, elisabelle, victoria, malo

Let's Make: Easy Bake Oven Goodies

We are in serious giddy circumstances around here-- giddy about miniature baking that is.

Isabel got an original 1964 Kenner Easy Bake Oven, with the original cookbook and pans for Christmas. O my... Why didn't I think this was fun before? This oven is awesome, we have so far successfully made two cakes, a pizza and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

I like that I can make a cake, brownies, pizza.... and then pop a little batter or ingredients into the easy bake and the kids love the minuteness of it. So I am developing some recipes for the little teal oven that Izzo has named 'Easy'. She's four ok? She doesn't know it's not cool to call something Easy as a name...

Anyway,  if you have an Easy at your house, break it out, and develop some recipes with me. Here is the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe we used last night, but I'd add an egg white too. Remember my 'Did you know eggs are a binder?' Question of a year ago? It's true. These oatmeal cookies were like moonsand, again, but delicious. The kids didn't care one bit. *If you are wary of eggs and lightbulb cooking... you can leave it out and add another tablespoon of butter. That should help (:

Ok, here goes. Cooking times totally vary, depending on the lightbulb, the year your Easy-Bake-Oven was made and such.

Easy-Bake Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
2 tbsp soft butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
dash of salt
1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoons milk
1 egg white
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons quick-cooking rolled oats
Small handful chocolate chips (mini ones would be awesome too!)

Lightly beat egg white. In a small bowl combine egg white, milk, butter, sugar and salt. Add flour, baking soda, and quick oats. Mix in chocolate chips. Place 1/2 of mixture in
greased pan. Press down in pan with fingertips or back of spoon. Bake about 20 minutes. Let cool and cut into slices. Use other half for second batch of cookies.

NPR did a story on Gourmet Easy-Bakin' check it out!

Weekending

This face::

The train set (hours of entertainment)::

Being at home (this was outside):: 

 

Kiss the ground (after hours of scary winter driving)::

Light::

Window Garden::

How was your weekend?

And the Winners are...

The winner of the bib is Dara! Congrats!

And the card winner is Amanda!

Please send your contact information to theyellowdoorpaperie[at]gmail[dot]com.

Thanks for all who entered! And thank you to The Dotted Duck for their great products!

GiveAway: The Dotted Duck

Kim and Katie are two crafty mamas and beautiful friends, I've bragged about them here before. And now these girls opened their own home-based business! They make beautiful towel bibs and great custom cards!

Their new website is just adorable, and towel bibs are a great gift for any new babies or for older babies too. They are large enough to grow along with you. We used them for years with my kids. Sturdy and washable, but soft too.

And I love their cards don't you? With Valentines Day coming up, this would be the perfect gift for your sweetie. So stop by their store to browse around.

Today, I am so excited the ladies from The Dotted Duck want to give away their beautiful products!
Enter to win a towel bib or a custom card! We will have two winners!!!

How to enter:
-You have until Midnight CST on Sunday, January 24th to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment. One entry per person, please.
-For an extra entry "follow" my blog
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced Monday, January 24th. Check back Monday to claim your prize!

Ice and Snow, Snow and Ice

Yesterday, we had an ice storm and it left the most beautiful pattern's on the windows. My friend, Ann took these beautiful photos.

Stay warm, and out of winter's way. It sounds like from California to Iowa, we're all experiencing some extreme weather!

What's the weather like where you are? 

:::::::::

Wendy donated two bags to Craft Hope, all proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders in Haiti.  Please check out the store!

Some House Keeping

Hello Dear Ones,

My blog cleaning has finished and I've implemented the last of the changes. Starting on this post--- I've installed a new type of comments to encourage a little more conversation. And I'll be able to answer your questions right in the post! If you have any issues with it, let me know. You should be able to use it just as you used the other comments.

As always, you can find some great handmade goodies on etsy,  become a fan on facebook, visit my inspiration board on tumblr and check out our photos on flickr!

Have a wonderful day (I'll check back in with another post in a few minutes)!



*Photo taken by Missy McLeish

corner view "personal style"

This is my first week participating in Corner View. A group of people from all over the world blogging on the same topic-- a window view or a view of their proverbial corner. 

And so when I saw the topic personal style I started to giggle— it is kind of comical for me. I have a lime green corduroy coat and a blue scarf. My gym bag that I carry everyday to work is maroon patterned. I tend to surround myself with things I consider beautiful or well made. No matter if they don't match. 

More than my lime green coat, I doubt I have ‘style’ in the traditional sense, but I love eclectic, patterned and comfortable things to wear with jeans. 

 Scarves are wonderful aren't they? There purpose is two fold, coziness and great color.  My scarf collection is more based on where my friends have visited Lithuania, Bahrain and Morocco... Throw on a pair of funky flats in any color and you’re dressed like me.

Unless your wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt with no make up and a headband. In that case you’d also be dressed like me.

So, what is your personal style?

Some other stylish people visit:

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,

caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeannette, outi, ritva, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, skymring, elizabeth, allison, lise, cate, crescent moon, erin, otli, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, nicola, vanessa, britta, april, b, kyndale samantha, kristina, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, mcgillicutty, aimee, sunnymama, jenell, britta, juanita, pamela, inna, daan, myrtille, cris, ibb, jodi, gillian, travelingmama

athena, pienduzz, latisha, clairette, kelleyn, iris, demara, mus, ninja, guusje, di, sammi, theresa, cherry b, victoria, kathryn , lisa, liza, juliette, braja, mulot, anne, lucy, leonor, elizabeth, helene, dominique, shokoofeh, cole, jenna, podane, grey-lemon, line, nihal, urbaNiche, inner toddler, puna, lucylaine, adrienne, emily, lynn, skywriting, eliane, the wanderer´s daughter, carole, anna, dorit, kenza, sherry, conny, susan, l´atelier, elis, kamana, anne, rosamaría, marinik, elisabelle, victoria, malo

Nikonites

Image from starwitness

So I haven’t wanted to complain but now, there is good news that follows my rumblings.

Eric gave me a new NikonD90 for Christmas, and it’s taken FOREVER to get here. Mostly being stuck in multiple facilities over Christmas. Thank you, UPS.

I sold my Olympus and I’ve been without a SLR for almost a month! I've been using our little-five-year-old-point-and-shoot camera from when we got married— it’s nice to keep it in my purse for just-in-case pictures, however not for the degree of everyday documenting that I fancy doing. Pssst. Tell you a secret. 90% of our Chicago pictures were taken on the point and shoot— so I really can't complain too much.

I digress.

My camera is coming by the weekend... I am stoked.

Taking a different road

Photo from carlwwycoff

Lucy (the dog) and I were out on a late walk last evening, the kids were tucked in and Eric was in his pajama's doing the dishes. I bundled up, grabbed the leash and ran out with Lucy.

It was so quiet. My breathing and the crunching of the snow beneath our feet were the loudest noises.

I always walk in the alleys of our town. When I was in college, we lived in a little apartment in the middle of town. I walked back and forth to the college, between classes. And almost always through the alleys. Our alley's are not smelly, trashfilled, forgotten concrete places. But it is an extension of the street. If you haven't been to town-- there are almost no fences. Maybe a picket fence here or there to keep in a dog or a crop of children but the 6 foot tall fences we grew up with in California, are few and far between.

So, in these well kept alleys you really get a window into a family's life. And you could imagine the town before paved roads. Most of the houses are older, restored Victorian's and or practical old farm houses. And walking along the gravel alleys, you can totally envision yourself in a different era.

Walking in the dark, with Lucy on the march. We stepped into stride, breathed the cold air in and listened to nothing.

What's in store for the weekend...

My hopes for the weekend...

::: Rest and snuggle -- lots and lots! More to come...
::: A trip to the library-- we didn't make it today. But perhaps a trip to the bookstore tomorrow!
::: Homemade Bread
::: Take a walk in the weather
::: Clean my room--Done!
::: Read books with the little ones--Done!
::: Finish up knitting a cowl-Done!
::: Snow play-- AND water play!
::: Plan Meals--- and cook ahead for the freezer
::: Make these, they remind me of my grandma
::: Call my sisters-- I talked to all of them on Friday night (: 
::: Write some notes-Done!
::: Eric's homemade lattes and morning slowness-- Latte's check! Change of plans and morning with my girlfriends! Perfect.

What is on your list this weekend?

*if you are in google reader a new header is up...

O What a Chocolaty Morning

I am totally inspired by chocolate this morning. 

Orangette and BreadandHoney had some lovely chocolate posts— chocolate mousse— o my. How Audrey-Hepburn-sitting-in-a-french-café-wearing-a-striped-t-shirt does that sound? 

And I totally forgot to share a winter weather must make recipe.

Over the Holiday Season, I got together with my co-worker Megan, and we made Hot Chocolate Mix. It is good good. Smooth and not too sweet. I tried it first at Kim’s house and used Katie’s recipe but tweaked it based on what I had in the house.

If I said I didn’t drink 1+ cups every day for three weeks, I’d be lying. It’s that good. Isabel, the hot chocolate connoisseur, gave it the foamy upper lip of approval. And that’s saying a lot.

It isn’t as thick and gooey (fake) as the packets.... Good thing! It is the perfect balance of warm, creamy and chocolate.

We kept a air-pot thermos of hot water and a box of cocoa mix on my desk— while it’s still cold and snowy you can do this in your office (home) too! More people will come and visit you...

Dry Hot Chocolate Mix
1 box of non-fat dry milk
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup of nesquick
1 cup powdered sugar (add up to 1/2 a cup more or less to taste)
1 tbsp corn starch (If you want to steer clear of the stuff, it doesn’t affect taste just thickness)

Mix well. Use 1/3 cup per 8 ounces of water.

Mix in ideas:
A few chocolate chips for some chocolaty oomph!
A candy cane— you know you still have some from Christmas... If you’re in to mint.
1 tsp of instant coffee or instant espresso powder— mocha anyone??
These homemade marshmallows. O yes please. 

What is your favorite warm drink in the winter OR what is your favorite mix in for hot chocolate?
*Photo from sxc.hu

All quiet on the home front.

We were on our way home yesterday afternoon and Izzo says. "I want to drive straight home. Get on the couch with my pink blanket and snuggle you, Mama." If there were any more precious words, I don't think I've heard them.

We didn't snuggle right away, but our home--with all the busyness-- feels like a place to come rest in.

I don't know if that makes sense. But I felt it last night. During dinner preparations, the kids occupied their time with window markers on our big front window. Giggling. Truman made Eric draw T's all over the window. Singing almost a song of "And uh nother T, and uh nother T..."

Then there was supper-- o my... which was amazing--left over mashed potatoes make the best shepherds pie. Our pie was not just the sloppy stew covered over with a glop of mashed potatoes but, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, garlic and onions and this wonderful tenderloin. Cooked extra hot in the oven to make just the top of the potatoes crispy. You know you've hit a great meal when there is no negotiating bites at dinner. Just eating!

About 10 minutes before bath time that was unoccupied by tasks. I picked up my knitting, Isabel was painting, Truman was fixing 'sum-ting' with his Handy Manny tools and Eric was chilled out. All in different rooms. What a difference 10 quiet minutes can make in an evening.

The kids giggled through bath time and then we snuggled on the couch for book reading and praying time. I read some new library books to Izzo, while Truman sang out the title words of Leslie Patricelli's book, Higher, Higher! (at the top of his lungs).

This night filled me up to the brim. As if we were in a whole evening of snuggling-- not just a few minutes during book time.

What has filled you up lately?

Snow and Winter, Winter and Snow

If you haven't heard about the weather in the Midwest, it's been cold and snowy.

Now, don't be alarmed. This is normal.

However, the amount of snow boggles the mind (24 inches Christmas eve/day alone). Snow, teamed with wind and negative temps (-30 one morning before windchill... yikes!).

So here are some pictures of the house, when it warms up to 12 degrees or so, we let the kids bundle up and play outside!

In everything give thanks...

Well, I had to start off my day with a mantra and it was: Thank you for today.

And that consisted of: I am thankful for this snow. I am thankful for the extra 2 1/2 hours with my kids. Thank you for our crazy dog. Thank you for this warm cup of coffee. Thank you for a car that works. Thank you for a heated house. Thank you for yellow and orange playdoh. Thank you for chickens who are still laying eggs.

Now here's where it gets a little harder: Thank you for the 50 mile an hour winds. Thank you for almost 3 feet of snow. Thank you for the ice on the road.

But with all that: Thank you for safety.

Grocery Store Gratitude

We were in the grocery store last night, and I was holding Truman. He was whining to me “I want chippies.... I want more bananas.... I want those...”(pointing at the white puffy marshmallows).

After saying, “Not today, honey” about a thousand times. I looked him square in the eye and said, “I don’t want to play the I WANT game. I think we should play the Thank You game.”

Thank you for the milk in the cart. Thank you for buying juice. Thank you for buying bread and eggs. Thank you for feeding me. Thank you for holding me in line, even if I’m almost 40 pounds.

And after a tea-time talk with a dear friend yesterday afternoon. I realized that no matter how well we raise our children (hers in high school, now) they develop a case of the I WANTs. And that case has to be treated and groomed out of them, repeatedly— this is a life long lesson, even as adults. We need a gentle reminding that other people in the world don’t get everything we have. We are not comparatively poor, but comparatively rich to the rest of the nation and the world. And a sense of gratitude, not entitlement should envelop us, but it doesn’t. Not for me anyway.

I want to instill in my kids the gratefulness of heart and gratitude of spirit. How do we go about doing that when— especially around Christmas time— when we’re receiving all kinds of presents and then the season ends. We still have that lingering I WANT hanging around.

What if I started my day with a simple mantra, “Thank You for this day?”

A year ago, Eric and I started to end our days with a question, posed sometimes in darkness right before we turn over to sleep. What is your gratitude for today?

What a centering question. We now bring up instances in our days that made it worth living. Yesterdays was simple for me. A talk with a good friend, while our children played in front of us. His was similar, for his friends and the pervasive sense of belonging and home we have now. Both simple and profound blessings.

What was your gratitude for today, what are you grateful for? Will you join me in turning our I WANTs into Thank Yous?

*Image from The Marquette Educator 

Family Traditions and Food, Glorious Food

For Christmas we flew back to California to be with family. We had this restful but busy time. Lots to do, but we did get to sleep in, snuggle and watch movies. Eat and laugh. And drink coffee-- how can you resist a 60 degree morning on the back patio with a cup of coffee? I can't. And after hearing about the 24 inches of snow and negative double digit weather. I reveled in the 60 degrees as long as I could!

One of my favorite traditions is the annual watching of The Family Stone. If you have a big and quirky family, than this movie is for you. We have most of it memorized-- this year there were several viewings to accommodate various schedules and two time zones. With a few phone calls between my sister, Megan and I,  "Where are you in the movie?" It was so good to be able to sit with my sisters and watch the ending of it all together. Our other family favorite? Little Women. Don't laugh. Is it a coincidence that Claire Danes is in both movies? I think not.

We did all the regular traditions but, this year we added one more. Remember when I told you that Megan was learning how to cook? She is now just honing a god-given talent. Armed with a Real Simple recipe book... lord, it's amazing... she created the most delicious Monday after Christmas dinner. And now I'm hooked on Goat Cheese Bruschetta. 


She got the original recipe from Real Simple, but I'm also in love with the Butter Lettuce and Radish Salad (which has lots of lemony-goodness). So here is my take on the recipe. Do yourself a favor and toast up some cocktail rye bread and have a beautiful (and EASY) appetizer. People will think you're all fancy with the goat cheese too!

Goat Cheese Bruschetta

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

6 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs-- chive, parsley, basil and sage

1 clove of garlic finely chopped

1 chopped shallot

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper (or more if you like)

1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar

-----

2 packages of cocktail rye bread, toasted

Two 4oz packages of Natural Goat Cheese

Mix all dressing ingredients. Place opened goat cheese on a decorative plate, drizzle with vinaigrette dressing. Serve with cocktail toasts.

*Goat Cheese Bruschetta Photo from Real Simple

Should We Start With Solstice?

Hello Dear Friends,
This holiday season, was a different one... all joy and pain, sickness and health, snow and sunshine, beauty in all forms. We had a wonderful time, getting to be home in California longer than expected, due to some extenuating circumstances. We were just glad to BE. Home to love and hug, to drop off and pick up, to bake cakes and wash dishes. It's all in the little things isn't it?

I think I jump right in to telling you about our holiday season: Solstice, Christmas, New Years- Like I said, it wasn't as expected... but, isn't it just like December to change plans on you at less-than-a-moment's notice?

Our Solstice evening was amazing and cozy, the calm before the big winter storm. Amazing in the way that two women I love very much (and their equally lovely husbands) were able to share a holiday dinner with us. The meal consisted of roast chicken, herb roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes, cranberry pomegranate relish with ruby red grape fruit, red bean casserole and fresh baked corn bread. An apple crisp, few bottles of sparkling cider and wine topped off the night.

We laughed, had some great discussions and my kids got naked (see Truman with inside out pants on?). They do find every opportunity to get undressed when we have company over. Why is that?

Here are a few photos....

*If marked, the photos are taken by Emily Sweet (middle in the picture of three) the unmarked photos were taken by Larissa Poppen (left in the picture of the three of us).