Monday, March 24, 2014

Last Week {or What I was Doing While Not Blogging}

Last week wasn't particularly busy. There were a few added responsibilities and events but nothing overwhelming. Despite life being fairly simple, I never found the time to blog. I suppose I was just too busy living!

I'm a little obsessed with Spring right now. It's still a little ways away up here in the uninhabitable regions of the Arctic, but I have hope it's coming.

March here is a tempestuous month. Snow, foggy warmth, and clear cold mix together equally. Despite temps that in October or November would have us retreating into our warm woolies, in March we shed our winter coats for Spring jackets and brave the outdoors. It as if by wishful dressing we think we can speed Spring's arrival.

While I wait for Spring, I'm embracing the clearer light and longer days by taking long walks, cooking spring foods, and taking plenty of pictures.




Monday, March 10, 2014

How to Make Hearty Blueberry Breakfast Muffins {or The Cure for a Grumbling Tummy}

If you haven't noticed, I have a thing for blueberries, especially Maine Wild Blueberries. Earlier this week, with a nearly empty refrigerator on my hands and a grumbling emptiness in my stomach, I pulled together what ingredients I did have and created these Hearty Blueberry Breakfast Muffins.







Muffins in our household generally aren't sweet, dessert concoctions, at least not if we make them ourselves. We like them hearty and filling with just a hint of sweetness. Part of that sweetness here, comes from the blueberries. I used Wild Maine blueberries I had in my freezer. Feel free to use whatever is most easily available in your area.

Hearty Blueberry Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3 TB unsalted butter, melted 
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar, extra for sprinkling 
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, extra for sprinkling 

Directions 

1) Grease a muffin tin. Powder lightly with flour. Shake off excess. Recipe will make 6 large muffins or 12 small. Preheat oven to 350 for large muffins or 375 for small muffins.

2) Mix oats and buttermilk in large bowl. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Add melted butter, egg, 2/3 cup sugar, and vanilla. Mix well.





3) Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl. Add to wet mixture. Gently fold in 1 cup blueberries, reserving the extra for the top.

4) Divide blueberries among muffin tins. Sprinkle extra blueberries on top. Top that with a sprinkling of sugar.


5) Bake large muffins in a 350 oven for 25-30 minutes or small muffins in a 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.










Monday, March 3, 2014

The 7-Year Refashion {or That 70's Dress Becomes a Skirt}

About 7 years ago, my best friend and I were in the middle of one of our favorite activities  (thrifting) when I found the perfect dress. It was long and vintage with an ivory bodice and a green patterned skirt (two of my favorite colors). We were at one of those dirt cheap charity shops where everything sells for 50 cents and there are no changing rooms. So I bought the dress and hoped for the best.

When I got the dress home, though, I discovered, to my distress, that I couldn't zip it. It fit over my hips and waist, but there was nothing I could do to make the ribcage fit. The fabric was too pretty to lose, though. So I put it away and dreamed of someday making something out of it. 

Fast-forward 7 years and several sewing classes. Last week, we were at my parents house. We slept in my old bedroom. I opened a drawer and discovered the dress. Time for a refashion!

This refashion was 7 years in the making but took about 7 minutes to make (ok, that is an exaggeration for the sake of parallelism). Basically, I cut off the bodice, folded down the ruched waistline, and slip-stitched it into place. I didn't even replace the zipper. I just gave it a new top-stop and made sure it was securely folded down. Now, I have a cute new skirt! 

Outfit Details

Glasses: Rivet & Sway
Headband: unkown
Bow clip: H&M
Cardigan: Very old. Target
T-shirt: Target
Skirt: Vintaged. Refashioned by me.