Happy Spring Wreath

This is my new favorite little Spring decoration! The yellow and the daisies just brighten my day! Flowers are one of my favorite things to crochet, probably because they are quick and they turn out so cute. And what is even quicker? Tiny butterflies! These little cuties are fun to whip out, and they can be used everywhere! Side note: why isn't every little girl running around with crochet hair clips? I am absolutely obsessed with the flowers and the butterflies! They are the cutest hair clips around!



So to start off, I simply slip-stitched around a foam wreath form. I used a bulky yarn. Believe me, don't even waste your time trying to use a fine yarn, it would take you forever. The bulkier the better. I used the following tutorials for the flowers, leaves, and butterflies. I will not pretend that I made these patterns up myself. Hopefully someday I will be able to create my own patterns.

Two-layer flowers

Leaves

Butterflies

 

So here is my finished wreath. I don't want to ever take it down. I'm going to have to think of an adorable wreath to top this one before summer rolls around!

 

 

-Anne

 



Hello Spring!

Yesterday we had our first picnic of Spring! Ruthie, Tate and I love nothing more than to eat out in the sunshine when it is warm. Since we don't have a backyard yet, we hang out on the deck a lot. The kids often go out there in the morning and run around for hours! So we couldn't resist having a picnic. We even made cookies for the occasion!

We did have sandwiches and healthy foods, but let's be real here, the kids just wanted the cookies! So, the picnic was fun. I know it's really not that special, but I was in such a good mood yesterday due to the weather, that I just had to share! I know I can't be the only one who is delighted by this March weather! And I seriously love these kids to pieces - why else would I feed them cookies for lunch ;)

Happy happy Spring everyone!

 

-Anne

Puffy Oven Pancake: AKA the Deep-dish Pancake!

At our house, we lovingly refer to the puffy oven pancake as the breakfast pizza or the deep-dish pancake! It is very similar to a German pancake, and it is so delicious! I have tried this recipe many times, and it is always a big hit. Although not as quick as regular pancakes, I think  it is easier (and great if you are not a pro at flipping pancakes! I'm not...).

This recipe comes from my Betty Crocker cookbook

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter (use salted, it is SO much better that way!)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup flour (not self rising)
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping Ideas
Lemon juice and powdered sugar
Cut up fruit
Syrup
Cinnamon Syrup (recipe from the Idea Room)
Jam

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. In a 9-inch pie plate, melt butter in oven; brush butter over bottom and sides of pie plate.
2. In a medium bowl, beat eggs slightly. Beat in flour, milk and salt just until mixed (do not overbeat or pancake my not puff). Pour into pie plate.
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until puffy and deep golden brown. Serve immediately with toppings of choice. This Cinnamon Syrup recipe has become my all time favorite. It is easy, and no yucky ingredients like store bought syrup. Oh yeah, and it's totally delicious!

Ruthie loves to cook, so she always helps me. Get your kids to help you pour and mix and they will feel like they made the whole meal!

 

Here is the pancake right out of the oven, it is all puffed up! Serve it immediately, before it sinks. The insides are soft and fluffy, but the outside is crispy and tastes like the salted butter. Oh so good!

 

There are many topping choices, this time I went for the cinnamon syrup. Enjoy!

-Anne