Eight Dollars.

Look at my new favorite piece of furniture!!! It's a sewing/craft table! It's already jammed full of cotton yarn and that handy center tray is holding all my stitch markers and crochet hooks. so wonderful to have it all contained!

I <3 Savers (especially it's memorial day 50% off sale). And even though i had to battle an angry mob to retrieve the above table and all my other assorted treasures, it was so very worth it!

Along with this i got some much needed summer clothing staples for myself and the man and some shoes for Ean. To be more specific... i pair of cropped pants and shorts (Tommy Hilfiger), 5 tank tops (good brands - loft, banana republic,etc..), a couple bras (also good brands) for me, 4 t-shirts and a pair of black pants for Michael, a onesie and a pair of shoes for Ean... you curious to know the grand total i paid for this haul... $55. *happy dance*

I was pretty pleased.

peace and love.

Abi

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Currently

listening.

watching.

reading.

Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

Blend:
1 whole orange (quartered, seeds removed)
1/2 c. orange juice

Add and quickly blend:
1 egg
1 quarter lb. (1/2 c.) butter, softened

In mixing bowl, sift:

1 1/2 c. unbleached flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp salt

Pour orange mixture into dry ingredients; stir only until moist. Add 3/4 c chocolate chips (semi-sweet). Drop spoonfuls into muffin tins &/or papers--- approx. 2/3 full.

Bake 400ºF. ~ 15 min or till light brown and centers are set.
___________________

We enjoyed these with some English breakfast tea the other afternoon and the rest the next morning for breakfast (also with tea), and in case you were wondering... they are delicious with a cup of tea ^_^.

Abi

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Journaling

It has been a part of my life off and on for the past, oh.. (counting backwards, trying to remember how old i am)... fifteen years or so probably. pretty rough and first and probably still pretty rough to anyone besides myself looking on, but i love it. and I need it. Just recently i have been thinking about/exploring the possibility and looking for inspiration to start an art journal. I can't bring myself to show you today's page, but I was rather pleased with it. Not art, just doodles and the joys in my day... but it brings a different sort of peace to have written the good things from my day and focus on them surrounded by my multicolor designs and not anything negative that might try to creep into my mind and heart. It's good. And it's fun. Try it sometime.
Peace.
Abi
†

My boy

Sweeter, cuter and more challenging every day.

IT'S FINISHED!!!!

No more WIPs on this project! Aren't you glad?! :-) I am more than thrilled to have it finished. It's perfectly bright, colorful and cheerful draped across our bed.
it's good.
What's next...?
peace.
Abi

†

and then...

about half way through the day, i decided my outfit wasn't what it could be... i added a turquoise belt and it made all the difference.

for the love of color.

and the library, my boy and our reflections...

skirts.

and braids.

Easter Sunday

May 2011

My boy. Sandwiched by spring tulips and chocolate cheesecake. What could be better?!

peace.

Abs

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Another WIP Picture

Making good progress on the Fairy-tale, Klimt, flowers in the snow, memories, prayer blanket... yeah, the name has grown and changed. This project has a lot of personal meaning for me and I'll let you know more about that in another post.

That's all for tonight. Hope you lovelies had a great Wednesday!

Peace and love.

Abi

†

A Recipe

This past dish is in dire need of a decent name. I found it via allrecipes.com and it was simply titled "Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream"... how uninspiring, right?! So.. i haven't found it's perfect match and wondered if anyone had suggestions for a name. It is really quite a lovely dish. I don't usually cook much pasta other than the monthly (or so) batch of spaghetti and the Tuesday night mac and cheese, so this was a fun challenge and an unexpected new favorite!



Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 45 Minutes
Servings: 6









INGREDIENTS:
1 (12 ounce) package bow tie pasta
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can Italian style plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped (I used 5 off the vine fresh tomatoes coarsely chopped with a tsp Italian seasoning)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.

2. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage and pepper flakes until sausage is evenly brown. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, cream and salt. Simmer until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with parsley

Enjoy, my friends!