What We Wore

This is what I wore to Thanksgiving this year.  I felt very festive in my cranberry tights and cornbread colored cardigan!  My husband snapped these pictures just before we left the house.

Outfit Details

Dress and cardigan- Target

Tights- Hue

Boots- Steve Madden

Necklace- Forever21

Bracelet- Handmade by my dad

--kim

We're linking up with all of the other What I Wore bloggers over at The Pleated Poppy.

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Craft E Magee Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered the Craft E Magee owl tote and zippered pouch giveaway!  Elizabeth is grateful for all of the lovely comments for her handmade dolls and we are all happy to have met new online readers!

The winner is:

Erin of New Adventures in Quilting! 

Congratulations, Erin!

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Deck The Halls

Saturday we decided to go to a tree farm and pick our own tree out.  It was something we had never done as a family before and a tradition I really wanted to start.  We searched online through the Pick Your Own website and came across Werkmeister's Christmas Tree Farm in Bullitt County. It was a little bit of a drive for us, but a scenic one. Once we got there we wandered around a little, took some photographs and finally after much debate and the constant reminder from me to "remember how big our space is" we decided on a tree.  We loaded our pretty tree up and took her home to get all dolled up.  A few hours later and a few arguments about lights later, we had a lovely family tree gracing our dining room.  I hope we can make this a regular outing every year.  Getting a really fresh tree is way better than one that has been sitting around the home store.  Anyway, on to the pictures!

The drive

Listening to some favorite Christmas albums on the way.

Hanging out with all of my favorite littles.

This is how you claim a tree!

The farm.

All packed up and heading home.  

Home, and loaded up with all of our sentimental and handmade ornaments.

And just because, this is my "fancy" tree.  This is the artificial one that I decorate every year.

By the way Saturday was "Small Business Saturday", I did my part buying from a local farm.  Did you shop locally?

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Weekend in Pictures

This weekend was spent on a blur of Christmas decorations and burlap.  I finally got down to business with my Christmas crafting and got a few things finished.  I've been on a real burlap kick and everything I made was either sewn with it or covered in it.  You'll be seeing a few of those projects in the coming weeks on the blog.  So without further ado, my weekend in pictures.

Sweet vintage ornaments on the tree.

Sweet kids in love with Christmas.

A close up of my other tree.  The one that I get to decorate fancy :)

Some simple baskets that I sewed.  I plan on making gift baskets from them for Christmas presents.  These are made with reused coffee sacks.

Burlap covered Christmas trees.  I'll be giving a tute on these later in the week.

pretty ornaments in a pretty bowl.

Christmas on Vinyl.

Stockings hung in a row.  

How did you spend your weekend?

-Kim

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Sponsor Giveaway! Fabric tote & zippered pouch from Craft E Magee!

 

Craft E Magee

blog ~ etsy ~ facebook

 *****CLOSED*****
We are so excited to share this sponsored giveaway with you!  Elizabeth of Craft E Magee is not only one of the nicest people we’ve ever met, but she also makes the cutest fabric dolls we’ve ever seen.  Kim and I are serious fans!  For this giveaway Craft E Magee will send one lucky winner a fabric tote bag and zippered pouch.  Seriously, how cute is that owl fabric??
Elizabeth is excited to share her shop with our readers, therefore we are asking you to please take a peek at her etsy shop and check out all of her beautiful handmade dolls.  This is the perfect time to order for Christmas, and right now Elizabeth is offering a free tote bag with each doll purchase.
Here are the rules for entering to win the owl tote bag and zippered pouch:
Leave a comment on this blog post.
Easy, right?  However, for additional entries you can also leave a separate comment for doing any & each of the following:
*Take a look around Craft E Magee on Etsy and tell us which doll is your favorite.
*Become a follower of Craft E Magee blog.
*LIKE Craft E Magee on facebook.
*Become a follower of D.I.Y. Louisville blog.
*LIKE D.I.Y. Louisville on facebook.
This giveaway will end on Monday, November 28 at midnight EST.  One winner will be chosen using random number generator.  PLEASE make sure we have your email address (either in your comment, or in your blogger profile).  The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize.  After that time, a new winner will be chosen.  This prize can be sent to US addresses only.

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What We Wore - julee

 

This has been a drizzly, rainy, and otherwise dreary week. Opportunities for outfit pictures were slim, plus the cold and rain pretty much makes my jeans and zip-up hoodies scream to be worn. You can thank me for sparing you from those unexciting outfits. Instead, I’m posting this quick snapshot taken on a day when I was running to class.  It’s not the greatest photo, but you get the point.  Still loving the brown and black mix.

 

Dress:  Kohls

Cardi, Tank, & Leggings:  Target

Boots:  Thrifted

 

We are linking up to the fun this week at The Pleated Poppy.

~julee~

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Weekend in Pictures

    

It was a finish class projects, make a big pot of veggie soup, eat Rice Krispie treats, learn to French braid, dance to Christmas music, Perler bead moustache kind of weekend. 

How was your weekend?

~julee~

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Guest Blogger: Miss Pinny from Home Skillette

We are so excited to share a very special treat with you today.  Today’s post is written by a fellow Louisville blogger, Melissa (a.k.a Miss Pinny) of Home Skillette.  When I asked Melissa if she would share a Thanksgiving-worthy recipe with us, I had no idea that she would produce the following display of scrumptiousness. 

Oh my!

Cook up the following to compliment your Thanksgiving meal, and I promise you that your guests will thank you!

You can check out more food goodnessness at Home Skillette.  After that, click on over to Miss Pinny Design and Bee Wares to see Melissa’s other talents.

Indian-Spiced Fall Veg with Israeli Couscous

Want to try something new with your sweet potatoes this year? This perfect blend of spicy, sweet and salty will keep you warm and cozy this holiday. Works excellently as a side or an entree.

Indian-Spiced Fall Veg with Israeli Couscous

Serves 4-6

1 small butternut squash, about 2 lbs
peeled, cored and diced into 1 inch cubes
1 red garnet sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1 inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp each turmeric and garam masala
1/8 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
1 1/4 cup boiling water
2 black tea bags, preferably orange spice
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
*1/2 seeded and finely diced habanero pepper
1 tsp whole cumin seed
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup Israeli couscous
1/2 cup golden raisins
salt

*for less spicy dishes, use jalapeno instead

Set oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash, sweet potato, olive oil, salt, pepper, turmeric, garam masala and nutmeg. Toss together until the veggies are thoroughly coated with the oil and spices. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 35-45 minutes, until cooked through but not scorched.

 

As they are roasting, steep tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes. Set aside. Place butter in a pot and melt over medium heat. Once the butter has formed a foam, saute onions until almost clear.

 

Add the garlic and habanero, sauteing another 2 minutes, careful to not burn the garlic. Remove completely from pot and set aside. Place pot back on heat and add cumin, almonds and couscous, toasting for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.



Once the couscous has turned a deep golden color and the almonds a light brown, add the reserved tea. Stir and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, taking point to stir intermittently. Once cooked thoroughly, place the couscous, onion mixture and roasted veggies (making sure to take advantage of any oil left on the baking sheet) in a large serving bowl with the golden raisins.



Ever so gently, mix together until all ingredients are combined and evenly distributed.



Salt to taste. Serve immediately.

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Roots

Last week I had the pleasure of eating at Roots restaurant on Bardstown Road.  This restaurant is housed in a shared building with fellow restaurant Heart & Soy.  The restaurants motto is Two restaurants. Two menus. One mission. Their goal is to promote vegetarianism, health, and community awareness.  Roots is more upscale, sit down dining, while Heart and Soy is based on Asian street food and is fast and casual.  The atmosphere inside Roots was relaxing and beautiful, painted in earth tones, with a big glass window facing Bardstown Road and cozy wood tables set with black chopsticks at each plate setting.

I started off my order with a mug of herbal tea and their tea list is extensive; something for everyone.  Next I ordered the summer rolls for my entree. They serve things in tapas-size portions so you can order more than one item.  I wanted something light so I just stuck with the one.

I received two rolls that were filled with sauteed veggies, mint, basil and a crispy cigar which is a fried wonton wrapper and tamarind sauce.  Summer rolls are one of my favorite things to eat and I always look for them at any Asian restaurant I go to.  These were perfect, great flavors and textures.

Price wise, Roots is comparable to most sit down restaurants.  I believe my bill was around 10 dollars for tea and summer rolls.  You could easily spend more if you ordered a lot of items.

Next on the agenda for the D.I.Y. crew is checking out Heart and Soy, I've heard they have Boba tea which is one of my other obsessions.

Also, if you are interested in checking them out they are having an amazing event on Thanksgiving Eve.  You can eat free. That's right, I said free.  You can get whatever you like for free, but they are asking that you make a donation which will go to 4 local charities and one national Buddhist organization.  So check them out and support local businesses.

--kim

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D.I.Y. Louisville Meet-Up Recap & Winner

Our meet-up last night was F-U-N!

For starters, two beautiful women ventured out in the cold and rain to join our group for the first time. We absolutely love having new people join our group, and we were so happy to meet Lynn & Justy!

Kim brought her delicious peanut butter and chocolate macarons! 

Oh, my goodness, were they yummy!

 

 

 

 

Our first ever group sew-along was a success.  I love how everyone put their own personalities into their gingerbread house ornaments.  Every one is super cute!

 

 

Group member Angie picked the winner for the felt gingerbread ornament kit. 

Congratulations, ifallsmichelle!

 

 

A great big special thanks to all of our D.I.Y. Louisville group members for coming out and sharing a fun night with us! If you're in Louisville and want to learn more about our group, our Facebook page stays up-to-date with the events and reminders.

~julee~

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What We Wore

Here’s something about myself you may have noticed:  It’s hard for me to take a serious picture.  Picture silliness is how I roll.  Thus, when I try to be serious, this is the best I get.  *sigh*

 

I wore this on a day when I met Kim for coffee, and then sat in class after class of lectures for the remainder of the day.  Coffee, school, coffee, school – it’s all I’ve been up to these days.

Dress:  Target

Cardi & Leggings:  Target

Boots:  Thrifted

Belt:  Thrifted

Earrings: Made by Kim

Silver Ring: Made by Robin Chard

We are adding this post to the fun at The Pleated Poppy.

~julee~

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Macarons, Anybody?

      Saturday was the day.  I finally, after months of thinking about it decided to conquer macarons.  Now let me just state right here that making macarons for the first time is not something you can decide to do in one day.  Oh, no, it takes a few days of prep before you can even get started.  First of all the egg whites.  You have to use aged egg whites.  If you are having a what? moment right now, so did I.  Aged egg whites are ones that have been stored in the fridge in a bowl covered with a paper towel for at least 2-3 days.  From what I have read it helps to absorb excess moisture in the egg whites and moisture is your enemy when it comes to macarons.  Second you have to have a kitchen scale in order to make them properly.  If you are like me you don't have a kitchen scale.  I had to buy one at Target.  There are a few other things you might need to do some specialized shopping for in order to make these such as: Almond meal (or you can grind the almonds yourself), parchment paper or good quality silpat liners, a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip and powdered or gel food coloring.

     Okay now onto the actual making.  I want to stress that these aren't really that hard to make, they are tricky.  Tricky, tricky little French cookies.  If you have never baked before, back away from the computer.  They require a lot of previous baking experience to get them right, or at least in my opinion.  You need to understand meringues, how to use a piping bag and have a grasp on textures and consistencies.  I used the recipe from Tartlette, because well, she's French.  I did change my flavors though, so I'll share with you my filling recipe and my tips that worked for me.

I am lucky enough to have a convection oven.  I baked mine at 275 and it took about 17 minutes for them to be done.  If you were cooking in a regular oven you should be at 300.  Tartlette says to cook them for 8 to 10 minutes.  I found I had to go way over that.  the first batch that I did were way under cooked.  The tops fell off and left a gooey mess behind.  

My kitchen scale, bought at Target for about 7 dollars.  You need to be able to measure exactly in grams for this recipe.

 Follow the recipe and at the end your batter should look like this.  It had the consistency of pancake batter. I added orange color to mine since I was doing a fall flavor.

You'll want to fit a pastry bag with a large round tip.  I used a binder clip to hold mine closed while I filled it. If you don't batter will run everywhere.

I put my bag into a jar while I filled it.  This is really handy to do since the batter is so fluid.

This part is important so listen up.  You have to line your baking sheets or they will fail.  I used parchment and it worked just fine.  When you pipe your macarons they should only be about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.  The batter should spread only a teeny tiny bit, just enough to flatten out and not have a peak.  Then let them sit, for at least 30 minutes so that they form a skin on top.  That's what gives them the right consistency after being baked.

When they are done it's hard to tell.  Tap on the tops and they should sound dry and be firm. They should look dry and matte on top.  They should have developed feet while cooking.  Which is that nice little layer on the bottom that looks full of air bubbles.  That's what you want.  Don't over bake them or they will be too crunchy like a meringue.  They should be have a crisp top and bottom and be chewy when you bite into them.

Make your filling.  You can fill them with pretty much anything you like.  I used a chocolate spiced buttercream.  Pipe a little dollop onto one cookie and sandwich with another cookie that matches in size.

Yummy.

If you have a cute bearded guy lurking around looking for food, give him one to taste.

The finished fancy pants product.  Put them on a tray and look at them proudly.  

Chocolate Spiced Buttercream

1 stick softened butter

1/2c. cocoa

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp cloves

1 tsp vanilla

2c. powdered sugar

2 tbs vanilla creamer, plus some to get the right consistency.

Cream butter, add vanilla and and creamer and stir.  Add cocoa powder and spices, mix well.  Add powdered sugar and beat.  Add any additional creamer to get the right texture.

As much as these may seem a pain in the butt, I can't wait to make more and I'm already dreaming up fancy flavor combos to try. If you are looking for a good recipe book for macarons, check this one out.

-Kim

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