am in love....

I found this adorable hat on etsy....I can't stop thinking about it. Unfortunately, it is just for the knitting pattern and I do not yet knit. So cute. Would have been lovely on little Sam.

Apple Butter: Thanksgiving Gifts

A domestic triumph. These turned out really cute. A perfect warm inviting fall gift....picture to come shortly.

• 5 1/2 lbs, apples peeled and finely chopped (Braeburn and Granny Smith makes a great butter. You can also do half apple, half pear)
• 2 1/2- 3 cups sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl mix sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt.Pour over apples and mix well.Place in crock pot, cover and cook on high for 1 hour.Decrease heat to low; cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until thickened and dark brown.Stir occasionally. If desired, whisk until smooth. Spoon into half pint jars, leaving 1/2-inch head space. Follow hot-water jarring method to seal jars.

Snowflake Dollies

Love this from Martha....just simple doilies soaked in fabric stiffener. What a cozy white winter wonderland....great for even after the holidays.

Beechers Macaroni and Cheese

In Seattle at Pike Place Market, I ate the most outstanding macaroni and cheese at Beecher's. Martha Stewart had the owner on her show awhile ago. The recipe is posted on her website: Beecher's Mac and Cheese. The atmosphere in the store is classic, clean and calm. You can sit with your delicious cup of macaroni and cheese and watch the cheese being made. Make sure to go to Beechers while in Seattle! I am not kidding...the BEST mac and cheese!! Will make this for the hubby when we get home.

So it begins....

After leaving a working girls life for the blissful domestic realm, I wanted to start a journal type blog of all of my domestic triumphs and catastrophes whether it be in baking/cooking, cleaning, decorating, sewing, gift giving etc. It will be a reference of my successes (the pearls) and also lessons learned.