Monthly Archives: January 2008

Valentine Brooches

Valentine Brooches

Here’s a sweet pattern that might help you with Valentine’s gifts this year. A few years ago, when I was a resident assistant at Winthrop University, I made a pin for every one of my (about 40) residents. It took a while, but I think it was worth it, especially when I saw some of…

Gift Idea for Girls

Gift Idea for Girls

Chances are, you know a young girl. And chances are, at some point, you’ll want to buy or make her a gift. Well, one girl I know is my adorable niece, Dorsey. She’s in first grade, and is reading like CRAZY. Seriously, I showed her my (handwritten, scribbled, partially crossed-out and edited) rendition of a…

Last-Minute Dinner – Taco Salad

Last-Minute Dinner – Taco Salad

If you stock your pantry and fridge like I do, you probably have some shredded cheese in the fridge or freezer, salsa, a can of olives, and a partially full container of sour cream. I think most people (not usually me) also have ground beef around, in the freezer or fridge, and lettuce is pretty…

Chocolate Bread – in the Bread Machine!

Chocolate Bread – in the Bread Machine!

Over the holidays, yayanana gave me her old bread machine, so I decided to try it out with a loaf of chocolate bread. It’s not a desserty brownie type thing. It’s more like a normal bread-texture with a cocoa flavor, not too sweet. It’s great warmed up, with a schmear of butter on it. Next…

Quick and Simple Beef Quesadillas

Quick and Simple Beef Quesadillas

Sometimes you don’t feel like cooking up a storm, but you still want something delicious for dinner. Enter: the quesadilla. Simple, quick, delicious, and filling. All you need are flour tortillas (which last almost forever in the fridge, so you should pretty much always have them), your favorite kind of cheese – shredded (which can…

The periodic table of cleaning

There are some cleaning tasks we always seem to keep up with, no matter how busy we get. Things like swishing the toilet or dusting a relatively clear flat surface only take a second, and because we notice they need to be done, we do them. When was the last time you thought about cleaning…

Star Crossed Capelet

Star Crossed Capelet

This is an elegant (and warm) version of a classic look. Wear it low on your shoulders with something strappy, or drawn slightly higher and paired with a sleek turtleneck. If you’re daring, try it as a drawstring miniskirt matched with bold tights and boots. You will need: 2 skeins (140g each) of Bernat Soft…

Blueberry Oat Muffins

Blueberry Oat Muffins

I cannot believe I haven’t already posted these! I was all ready to do a “I made these again, and here’s a link to where I put the recipe” type post… but I couldn’t! Because I’ve been keeping these a secret! So so sorry. These muffins are best with homegrown fresh blueberries, but if you…

A Rose for Mother – Bath Pouf

A Rose for Mother – Bath Pouf

Mothers and moms-to-be could use some pampering. This Springy, cheery bath pouf will be a great gift, don’t you think? (Hint: It’s a great gift for your mom, too. Mother’s Day is only in a few months…) You will need: Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream (or other worsted weight cotton) in white and coral swirl (or…

Lovely Chicken and Winter Squash Pasta

Lovely Chicken and Winter Squash Pasta

This meal was definitely a collaboration between me and the man… that’s how we roll. He picked out the chicken recipe, which was certainly a winner! And I improvised on the side dish, which turned out to be full of perfect flavor. Lovely Chicken (Grain Free) Marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts for about 3 hours…

Water’s Edge Cover-Up

Water’s Edge Cover-Up

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, skipping rocks on the river, walking by the ocean, or relaxing on the lake, you’ll find that this swimsuit cover-up fits perfectly into the scene. Make one to match each of your swimsuits, and more to match your moods. One simply won’t be enough! You will need: Hook, size…

Crazy Belt – or is it a Skinny Scarf?

Crazy Belt – or is it a Skinny Scarf?

Need a quick crocheted accessory? Panic no more! This super quick, totally versatile pattern will come to the rescue. It’s a belt! It’s a scarf! It’s a hair wrap! It does everything but carry your groceries, and adds that extra punch to your outfit while it’s at it. And if you live in Florida like…

Hi! I'm Emily. I'm a Navy wife and brand new stay at home mom. I cook simple, delicious, grain-free recipes, do crafts, decorate on a budget, and keep a happy home. I breastfeed, babywear, cloth diaper, and co-sleep, but I'm not a hippie.Want to know more?