Posted by Jessica | Posted in Food, The Home Front | Posted on 07-12-2009
Annual Cookie Day
I get together every year with my mom, sisters-in-law (and their mothers), and my mother-in-law to bake. We call it Cookie Day.
But really, it is a day each year to connect with one another. Some of us bake, others do projects to help them get ready for Christmas (like addressing Christmas cards), and still others nurse their crying babies…ehem.
It is a time to connect, create and celebrate during an otherwise busy season.
What I remember and cherish about Cookie Day:
- Smelling cookies baking and candles burning (thankfully, not cookies burning!)
- Feeling fresh, cold air hit my face, as the patio door opens to let out bakers cooling their warm treats
- Tasting chicken salad sandwiches, white wine and a lot of nibbles of “that pieces is broken I might as well eat it now” cookies
- Listening to Christmas carols and a lot of conversation
- Seeing community and love being built by generations of women working side-by-side
Oh, yes, I did find the time to get the new-to-me work bench set-up (phase one – still more organizing and cuteness to come) in the garage. SO, Pete can finally park in the garage!
Love,
Jess
This post was linked up with The Preacher’s Wife for her “How We Christmas” blog post party.
Posted by Jessica | Posted in Noticing Life, Whatever Else | Posted on 23-06-2009
Around Here Lately…
Summer in Minnesota is a frenzy of outdoor relaxation, family activities and work projects.
Walks in Grammy's garden
S'mores and then some more S'mores!
Handy-work in the garage! New shelves Neat Pete designed and built to help get ready for the twins! They could also be bunks 
Posted by Jessica | Posted in Food, The Home Front | Posted on 11-02-2009
Who says delicious desserts have to be a labor of love?
I’d rather spend more time loving than laboring.
Here are two quick and easy Valentine treats.
Sherbet “Pie”
- Scoop pink sherbet into a pre-made graham cracker crust mini-shell. (Keebler makes them)
- Dollop cold whip cream on top
- Garnish with a conversation heart
- Freeze until ready to serve
Grown-Up Raspberry Chocolate Sundae
- Run warm water over the bottom of a pre-made ice cream cup for 5-10 seconds
- Remove contents of ice cream cup onto a plate by squishing it out (carefully pinching the bottom of the cup until it slops out)
- Place one Oreo cookie “side” on top of the ice cream to form a crust ledge
- Cover in fresh raspberries
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce
Posted by Jessica | Posted in Craftiness, The Handmade | Posted on 11-02-2009
This month, as many of you know, I am sorting, purging and prettying my bedroom closet. My process is super slow.
So slow in fact, that while side-tracking my cleaning efforts with a much over due ‘pouring over photos by the millions’ (on my closet floor), my heels made my butt go numb from sitting on top of my feet for so long. You, know the feeling, don’t even pretend you don’t.
Well, such a trip down memory lane & a good haulin’ out of old baby clothes scraps…inspired some simple, cheap and cute Valentine cards.
1. Cut little pockets out of worn out baby and toddler clothing. Items with stains and tears are not okay the giveaway pile. Why not turn them into crafts?
2. Find a photo. Use your kids’ photos, their little faces are sure to melt the hearts of everyone. Cut out a person outline, if desired.
Me, circa 2000
3. Glue on pockets, add stickers and fill with candy or photos.
