Fetch

Sometimes it's the simple things...

Fetch from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

Power Balls

They were a hit at the shower Jamie and Amy threw for me and again this past weekend at the shower Molly and I threw for Erin. Here's how to recreate them for yourself!

Ingredients:
1 cup peanut butter (I like to use Mejier Organics)
1 cup honey
3 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1 cup chocolate chips (mini chips would also work really well)
1 cup nuts (your choice, or make a combo)

*Mix together the peanut butter and honey until smooth.
*Gradually add in the oats, then the ground flaxseed.
*Add the chocolate chips and nuts.
*Mix gently in a stand mixer or by hand.
*Roll into ping pong ball sized balls and refrigerate until set (10 or 20 mins) on wax paper lined cookie sheet.
*Store in an air tight container in the fridge to keep firm.

I think this makes about 2 dozen. You can subsitute the choc. chips for dried fruit (which seems crazy, but hey) or add other fun mix-ins you might think of. Have fun and enjoy this power food!

7 Month Pout Face

Asher's been 7 months for almost a week now and I just got to taking his photo as he began coming down with his first official cold. Granted he's looking much better in these pics than he is today with snot perpetually running down his face (gross), but he was definitely not himself for these pics. I think he was really trying in the second one, but the rest are kind of pathetic looking... Oh, and here are the pics from month 6.

Little Leprechaun

So we're not really Irish or anything, but Asher has a green diaper and Baby Legs that he thought he would wear to celebrate St. Patty's Day. I can't wait for summer when he can show off his sweet little bare chest all the time!

From Bland to Grand

I saw this idea in a magazine (shout out to my Granny for the subscription to Better Homes and Gardens) and couldn't wait to try it for myself. All that's needed to spice up your plain 'ol shadow boxes is some fabric, wood glue, scissors and about 15 minutes!

Making Baby Things

I desire to make things for Asher. Not just so he can have "things", but so what he does have has been reused, reinvented or made with love from our very own home. One of my first attempts at this was with baby food. So far we've experimented with bananas, avocados and apples. And just one or two of each of those provides servings for several days. Love it.

*Begin with 1 patient baby preferably seated in highchair ready to go. (This is not an ideal first step, but the avocados weren't ripe until the day I wanted to use them.)

*Cut up desired fruit or vegetable and place into your food mill or food processor. Avocados can go directly in the processor, but some fruits and veggies may require steaming beforehand.

*Blend to desired consistency and serve!
Note: Not-so-patient-anymore baby may become messy.


*To store, portion untouched food into mini muffin tins or ice cube trays, cover and freeze. Once frozen, pop out individual portions, seal in a freezer bag or container labeled with the date and defrost individually as needed.

*Optional: Give satisfied-but-messy baby a bath. Our preferred method: the sink.

The Great Clothes Swap

It started back in college and slowly fizzled out, but it was back full force for 2010. Here's how it works:

The object is to purge clothing items (clothes, coats, shoes, bags, earrings, etc.) in hopes of a cleaner closet and blessing someone else. You arrive, dump your stuff and peruse other items if you wish. The remaining items will be taken to be donated.
A few ground rules:
1. Items must be in good condition.
2. First come, first serve.
3. No items other than clothing and accessories as are listed above. Please no books, CD's, DVD's, dishes, etc. But maybe someone else wants to host another more encompassing swap?

We had about 10 women and a TON of clothes. Everyone left happy knowing their well loved, but never-worn-anymore clothes had a good new owner. And most of us replaced the items we gave away with new treasures. In the end, there were bins and bags full of great clothes to send the Cherry Street Mission's Sparrow's Nest. Shout out to Ruth and Trinity for getting all of it there!