Gramma's Gifts

Approaching Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:11:00 +0000

It is cold, very cold and the snow has finally come to our corner of Wisconsin. As I look around Etsy and other blogs I see alot of preparation for Valentine's Day. I miss the kids having to write out Valentines and me needing to bake five batches of cupcakes for their classes. Yet, there is alot for me to do, I have added a few new hats to the Etsy shop and some listing for the photographers who take those adorable newborn photo shoots. I am always amazed at the imagination behind those photos. Photographers purchasing hats from me has opened a whole new market. Now , these are not just cold weather hats for the family but can be used for the photo shoots year round and all over the country. Here are a few of the listings I have put out there.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/90843050/newborn-phot-props-diaper-cover-or-cape

newborn phot props Diaper cover or cape and hat sets / custom /Photographers Props / Special Five

Perfect for newborn photo props/ Five newborn Diaper cover or cape and hat newborn sets of your choice. Valentines Day Sale Custom colors. Dress that new baby up and show him or her off. A great selection and you can choose animals and colors .

Photographers Prop Special/ with free shipping

Ten count them TEN baby hats of your choice at a wonderful price! Choose any of the animals from my shop cow, pig, giraffe, sock monkey, mickey mouse, frog, hippo, skunk, ANY of the animals/ in newborn sizes
other sizes available please convo for price

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88514592/photographers-prop-special-with-free

A fun way to build up the business and many of the photographers will share a photo which makes the shop look so nice!

In searching around I came across a great blog that had a recipe for Calazone Hearts and since pizza in any form is a big hit in our house I thought it would be great fun for the two little guys to try. We do make homemade pizza every couple weeks always on Friday our PIZZA night. here is the link and you may want to check out all the other fun Valentine ideas they have . http://sixinthesuburbsblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/calzone-hearts.html

Well, I am off to finish two more Valentine puppy hats and get some hats packaged for a post office run.

Valentine Puppy Earflap Hat

This perky pup is ready for Valentines Day gift giving!

The Holidays Are Over

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:22:00 +0000

Yes, I must say I did do the happy dance this morning as the kids returned to school. The two little giuys are back with their Mom for her week and there was silence! It has been a hectic couple of weeks.
Let me explain. On December 13th my Mother flew in from Florida to stay a week and be at our home for a Holiday gathering. For the first time in 6 years since my Gram passed we were all going to try and get together. This is a big undertaking since I am in Wisconsin, many relatives are in the Chicago area, I have a brother in Indiana , a sister in Ohio a couple in Tulsa etc. I had done my prep work so the food was a breeze, shopped early had a to do list and help from those in the house. I even fit in lunch with my good friend Jean from the Teapot Quilt Cottage in Montello. The big day came, Saturday December 17th, ( for my Mom, there was a light dusting of snow ) my husband drove down to Watertown to pick up my Uncle and kids started to arrive. My daughter Diane and her 5 kids came the night before from Chicago to not need to leave to early or rush. You never know what the weather might bring up here. Not only all those relatives we knew and missed but after more than 35 years to be reunited with my Moms sister, who had been adopted. What a nice Christmas gift.

Mom (Dorothy) Aunt Charlotte Mom ( Lillian ) Aunt Barb and in the front everyones favorite Uncle Eddie
My Grandfathers 5 children together in one photo.
Now, I have to say I was awful at taking photos and hope someone shares theirs with me. I was busy warming pierogi and making sure everyone was finding everything and lacked the camera on hand.

Her are two of my daughters helping with the food. The nesco behind them contains a favorite party recipe . We call it Italian Beef coming from Chicago. Something not easily found up here. Pioneer Woman calls it drip beef and here is her link.

Try it, it is amazing http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/02/drip-beef-two-ways/

This is Becky who is 5 and has just had her one year anniversary being diabetic. I did not bake cookies and had to make many calls to her Mom, Diane to see just what she could eat.

This is our baby Isabella, who just turned one and is the quickest little person I know!

Here are my two favorite little men. JJ and Carsen

Elizabeth who is off on her own with boyfriend Dakota and in nursing school in Fond Lac

Mike, always ready to pose

Rosie, a big help to her Mom

Chrissy, one of the in house teens

Sergio, who we call Jr.

Uncle Eddie admiring Beckys red bird hat

Aunt Barb

cousin Natalie

daughter Diane with Bella

Tommy the quiet funny guy

cousins, husband, boyfriends and kids. It was wonderful to catch up! This was the best gift of the year!

Our 5 generation photo

back row: my daughter Patrice, me, Big Joe my grandson who is holding little Joe and I have Carsen

Everyone had a good time and it just did not seem long enough to chat. Hopefully we can do this again next year and with more notice those relatives who could not make it can find their way here!

So, with all that behind us and some quiet I did get a little work done and added a few new items to the Etsy shop, here is a preview

they can all be found at

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GrammasGifts?ref=si_shop

Good Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:04:00 +0000

Well the weather here is chilly and the upcoming days are supposed to be wet and cold so I was happy to spend the day at home with my good friend Jean who own The Teapot Quilt Cottage and Garden Center. We caught up on small talk and things going on in the town. Had tea and chatted while I helped her set up an Etsy shop. Jean has so many beautiful quuilted items and recycled wool and denim things, I can't wait to watch her fill the shop. I will share the link with you when she gets some items listed.

Of course, I have no idea where she finds the time. Jean and her husband have a farm where they grow the produce sold at the garden center, their stand and local farmers markets. Besides running the Teapot Quilt Cottage 7 days a week. The shop is amazing with treasures in every corner. From cookbooks and jellies, fabric and yarn to rag quilts and wool mittens. Amazing

These photos are from last year, they now have replaced the tent with a white gazebo , but there are loads of pumpkins and fall items as well as a shop full of things to see. If you are passing through Montello droop in and see for yourself.

I added another fun hat to the Etsy shop yesterday......and yes I facebooked it and the model was thrilled! NOT

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients

GINGERSNAPPY CRUST
1	box gingersnaps (about 16 oz.)
1	stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
1/4	cup sugar
1/2	cup pecans, chopped fine
1/4 tsp	cayenne pepper (trust me)
FILLING
3 pkg	(8 oz. each) cream cheese, room temperature (may use low-fat, but do not use fat free)
1 1/4	cups pumpkin puree-- 15oz. can (not pumpkin pie filling)
5 lg	eggs
1	cup sugar
1/2	cup heavy cream
2 tsp	ground cinnamon
1 tsp	ground ginger
1/2 tsp	ground cloves
1/2 tsp	freshly grated nutmeg
1 tsp	allspice
1/2 tsp	salt
SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE
1/2	cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2	cup sugar
1/2	stick (1/4 cup) butter
1/3	cup water
1/4	cup heavy cream (can use milk)
1/2 tsp	pure vanilla extract
1/2 to 3/4 tsp	salt (trust me)
	crumbled gingersnaps for garnish
	toasted pecan halves for garnish

Apple Pie Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:46:00 +0000

I should be done by early this afternoon with the hats on todays schedule from my long list of hat orders. The Etsy shop has been very busy over the past month with hats going all over the place. Two hats were even sent to Ireland. That was my first overseas sale but received another order for a fox hat to be sent to Australia last night. Grammas Gifts are going all over this year. A new and exciting adventure!

This is my new little panda, besides the flock of turkeys I have to do I am working on a couple giraffe designs for another customer. This is the fun part.... designing new hats from customer suggestions! The I must get ready for the next show coming up. I have two shows set on on November 9th at the hospital in Oshkosh and one Thanksgiving weekend in Randolph.

This is a customers photo with her little one in my frog hat. They just make the hats look so good Thank you all

http://www.etsy.com/shop/grammasgifts

Years ago, now I am making myself sound old. I had a coworker at Michaels Arts and Crafts that made the best Apple Pie. She said , and we thought she was joking that she precooked the apples. Well, I found a recipe where you do just that and this afternoon when the boys come in from playing we are going to give it a try. The house will smell wonderful and what a kick they get out of helping to bake.

http://britishfood.about.com/od/recipeindex/r/applepie.htm

A classic dessert or tea time treat has to be a traditional apple pie. This traditional apple pie recipe is quick and easy and ensures a perfect result every time. Use cooking or Bramley apples for the best filling, eating apples don't soften the same way.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

Pastry
7 oz/200g all purpose/plain flour
pinch of salt
1 stick/ 110g butter, cubed or an equal mix of butter and lard
2-3 tbsp cold water
Filling
1 ½ lbs/700g cooking apples, peeled, cored and quartered
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup/ 100g sugar
4 - 6 tbsp cold water
1 level tsp ground cinnamon
¼ stick/25g butter
Milk to glaze

Preparation:

Method

Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean bowl.
Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, working as quickly as possible to prevent the dough becoming warm.
Add the water to the mixture and using a cold knife stir until the dough binds together, add more cold water a teaspoon at a time if the mixture is too dry.
Wrap the dough in Saran wrap/Clingfilm and chill for a minimum of 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes.

The dough can also be made in a food processor by mixing the flour, butter and salt in the bowl of the processor on a pulse setting. When the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, add the water, slowly, through the funnel until the dough comes together in a ball. Wrap in Saran wrap/ Clingfilm and chill as above.

Heat the oven to 425°F/220°C/gas 7.

Meanwhile simmer the apples with the lemon juice and water in a large pan until soft. Add the sugar and cinnamon to the cooked apples. Remove from the heat and add the butter and leave to cool.
Roll out half the pastry and line a 7 inch/13cm pie dish. Put the cooled, cooked apple mixture to the pastry case.
Roll out the remaining pastry to make a lid for the pie. Damp the edges of the pastry in the dish with a little cold water, cover with the lid and press the edges firmly together and crimp the edges to decorate.
Brush the top of the pie with milk and bake at the top of a hot oven for 20 - 25 minutes.
Serve hot or cold with cream, ice cream or custard sauce.

A Huge Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:04:00 +0000

In the past I have explained how I am just awful at tooting my own horn as they say. To boast of brag as my Gram would call it just isn't in me. Yes I have made alot of really cute items but I would leave it at that. Then today I received an email thanking me for a sock monkey set I had made especially for a photo shoot. Now most of my customers write to say thanks it turned out cute but this email made my day.

Just wanted to tell you how awesome you are !

Momma LOVED the monkey set.....baby looked ADORABLE in it! *wink*

Thank you so much for always doing such a great job for me! :)

--
Heather Burchinal
HB Photography

http://www.heatherbphotography.com/

http://heather-2008.blogspot.com/

Yes, the set turned out cute, but I think the photographer had alot to do with it. I went and visited her blog and sight and was amazed at a set of photos with a field of sunflowers. What imagination !

Now I have been using my two little guys at home for models and thought I did really well until I saw these shots. If you need work done and live anywhere near Heather I would highly recommend her. The work is amazing!

these hats and much more can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/grammasgifts

Fall Themes

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:35:00 +0000

As I have told everyone over and over again ....I have an Etsy shop. I also belong to a few wonderful groups on Etsy. One of them is ETSYKIDS. A wonderful collection of shops that specialize in , you've guessed it KIDS. http://etsykids.blogspot.com/ On their blog you can find great articles about shops, sales going on and a list of the great shops in this group. As a shop owner who does mainly kids hats this group has been very helpful in guiding me along the way. For shop owners there are many helpful tips and ideas that can be used and a chance to share with other owners is always a plus. Fall is the theme right now and what better time to start thinking of gifts for the little ones on your lists. Stop by the blog and then visit the shops. You will be delighted with what you can find.

http://etsykids.com/

Feels Like Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:19:00 +0000

Well, the heat has kicked on and there are leaves changing colors down the road, so it really does feel like fall. So I went to one of my favorite cooking sites Pioneer Woman Cooks and found this recipe http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/moist-pumpkin-spice-muffins-with-cream-cheese-frosting/ The whole house smells wonderful and the kitchen got warm and cozy. What a way to spend a Friday afternoon.

Moist Pumpkin Spice Muffins (With Cream Cheese Frosting)

Prep Time: 20 Minutes | Cook Time: 25 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 12

Ingredients

Muffin Ingredients:
1 cup All-purpose Flour
1/2 cup Sugar
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1-1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon Salt
4 Tablespoons Butter, cut into pieces
1 cup (heaping) Pumpkin Puree
1/2 cup Evaporated Milk
1 whole Egg
1-1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
1/2 cup Golden Raisins (optional!)
_____
Topping
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
_____
FOR FROSTING:
1/4 cup Softened Butter
4 ounces, weight Cream Cheese
1/2 pound Powdered Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Generously grease 12 muffin tins.

Pour into a greased muffin pan—batter hardly ever fills all twelve unless you keep it down to 1/2 full. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar-nutmeg mixture over the top of each unbaked muffin.Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in butter with two knives or a pastry blender until it is fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, mix together pumpkin, evaporated milk, egg, and vanilla. Pour pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture. Add raisins. Fold gently until mixture is just combined.Bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove and allow to cool. Ice with cream cheese frosting.To make the frosting, mix all ingredients on high until soft and whipped. Spread onto completely cooled muffins, or place into a large pastry bag with a large star tip and go crazy! Store in the fridge, as icing will soften at room temperature.

I have spent the day finishing up orders from the Etsy shop and last weekends Volkfest. Volkfest had wonderful weather and it was nice to spend the day chatting with other Etsy shop owners like Marlene Grahn of Country Soaps by Marlene http://www.etsy.com/shop/countrysoapsbymarlen and Heather Flannery Raabe of HRBea Designs http://www.etsy.com/shop/HRBeaDesign?ref=pr_shop_more . An owl, sock monkey, Packer helmet and baby sock monkey are ready to ship. The hippo is getting his final touches and then some of today's orders can be started. It is so nice to see the orders now and not a week before Halloween or for Thanksgiving the turkeys being ordered the weekend before. I don't mind one or two rush orders but I can only crochet so fast and I do need to sleep..

I have purchased a few new patterns in the last couple days and can't wait to start on them. I have some things I'd like to change on the Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/Grammasgifts?ref=si_shop and a couple photos to add for new items. So much to do before the boys come back on Sunday.

I am also still working on our Family Christmas event and have gotten some responses but have about a dozen out there waiting. If only we could predict the weather. Many of the family are coming from the Chicago area and you never know about snow that time of year. Of course over the past few years they have gotten more snow than we have up here. It has been quite a few years since we have all gotten together. My Gram was the glue that held us all tight and with her gone we seemed to have slipped up a little. Now is as good a time as any to reconnect and touch base. So, I have decorating ideas I would like to do, the Etsy shop to run and still about a dozen unpacked boxes from our move. As I type this is doesn't sound so bad. I'll get there, but my plan is to do it without getting all frazzled and burnt out like most years.

By the way the phone company finally fixed the wire problem that squirrels made. Thank you....the phone now rings!

Things Falling Into Place

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Well, the big kids are back at school and I am finding ways to work around the little guys. Going has been slow but I did find something fun for them to do this morning. A photo shoot for the new scarf I listed on Etsy.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81369181/snake-scarf-kids?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=snake+scarf&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

what a nice bunch of mug shots. No, they were not forced to do this, not afraid of the Snake. But the little guy is definitely planning something evil . We have bread rising and my plan for dinner is chicken soup since the weather has cooled. Kluski noodles from the Amish Store will make a nice addition. This weekend you can find me at Volkfest in Waupon having a great time.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waupun-Volksfest/205501786163640 So, I am off to finish hats and tag some items for my table. All with the help of the little guys.

If You Could See Me Now

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:14:00 +0000

What a sight , sipping coffee and doing the HAPPY dance. The two teens are at school. Quiet at last. I am hoping to soak up all this calm and quiet. Maybe even get some work done. I have decided to schedule my time, between unpacking boxes, crocheting and the Internet. In hopes of getting so much more done now without interruption.
I just received another order for a turkey hat, last weeks hat was in school colors and turned out so cute. In checking the shop I found a photo of turkey hats sent out last fall for adults, take a look!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61539242/turkey-hat-teenadult

As the temperatures drop people begin thinking fall and Halloween so I have received a couple monster hat orders a pair of adult skunk hat orders for a photo shoot and a frog hat and sweater set. Much to do but glad to see the orders arrive.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80702670/monster-hat

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80397643/fox-hat

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80843594/skunk-hat

Also to celebrate I am baking this afternoon, I looked all over yesterday for an apple cake recipe and this is the one I am going with...

My first stop in looking for a recipe is Pioneer Woman Cooks and then off to Tasty Kitchen, so far they have never let me down.

http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/fall-spiced-apple-cake/

Fall Spiced Apple Cake

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:
1 cup Vegetable Oil (or Oil Of Choice)
1-½ cup Sugar
½ cups Brown Sugar
3 whole Eggs
¼ cups Milk
2-½ cups Self-Rising Flour
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
¼ teaspoons Nutmeg
2 cups Peeled And Chopped Apples (3-4 Apples)
1 cup Chopped Pecans
_____
FOR THE GLAZE:
½ cups Brown Sugar
½ sticks Butter
½ cups Milk
Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.

Using an electric mixer on low speed, combine oil, sugar, brown sugar, eggs and milk. Sift together flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Gradually blend creamy mixture with dry mixture. Add chopped apples and pecans.

Grease and lightly flour a Bundt pan. Pour batter into pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cake comes out clean. Cool.

In saucepan, combine all ingredients for glaze. Cook over low-medium heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth (it will be liquidy). Drizzle over cooled cake (or warm if you can’t wait that long).

Monday Breather

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:54:00 +0000

Today is the day before school starts here. Tomorrow the two teen will be off to start their second year at High Marq Environmental Charter School here in Montello. I can't explain how much nicer they are and how much more enthusiastic and involved they have become in their studies. I am thrilled. The two little guys headed back by mom for her week so after this I will have almost a perfect week. Hours to myself to finish crochet projects, get the Etsy shop changed around, blog and bake. Sounds like alot of work but I can't wait. I also have a big project under way. I am going to throw a family Holiday party. Ever since I can remember we as a family have all gathered either on Christmas Eve or in later years the Sunday before to visit , catch up and just be together. A few years back my Gram passed on and since then we have stopped doing this. A big mistake I think, maybe no one wants to do all the planning and people are all so busy but I think we need to take time to pass along to the kids what we all enjoyed so much as kids. So, with the new house and some extra space I am working on inviting everyone up here. It will be a Saturday so the fact that we are a four hour drive from Chicago where many of them live should not be a problem. In fact should we chat late there are quite a few nice motels right in town for an overnight stay. I have invited my sister and her family from Tulsa to come and spend a few days , so they will be at my house visiting with Mom and us. As usual my husband will take the drive to Watertown and pick up Uncle Eddie and for the first time in about 45 yeasr my Aunt Charlotte who we recently found will be able to come and meet everyone too. Right now we are busy working on my favorite room.....the sun porch where there is a fireplace and I want to put the Christmas Tree.

It is hard to tell by this photos but the room is all white right now. A big change is in the works. Something cheerful and cozy. I have been painting tables and ma working on a painting for over the fireplace. I have been a little worried if I can pull it off but hubby says I can. We will see if not it is firewood!

I just listed a little monster hat on the etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/listing/80702670/monster-hat

well I am off to finsih a frog sweater and blanket order and then make a family favorite that needs to simmer all day pork roast, potato dumplings and sweet and sour cabbage.

Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:24:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I do not handle change well. I have said it before, and it holds true I am a creature of habit and dread changes. So after almost 15 years in our little cottage we are moving. Almost done moving that is. I love the new house and the kids are thrilled, the dogs have room to roam and I even got an office. Why then the hesitatiion.......change. My first problem was it took almost three weeks to get the internet hooked up. No, we are not at the end of the earth or miles from civilization. Yesterday, finally I could access my Etsy shop and do some work right from home. Up until now I had to stop unpacking and run to the library to check emails and orders. This does'nt sound bad except I don't drive because of the myastenia gravis so I have to have another person stop what they are doing and take me. Not alot of fun. School sign up was yesterday so I am counting the days until the three big kids are back at school and I have some quiet. The two little guys are here most days but they are not a problem, they play while I work and I hate to say it out loud but I miss them on those days they spend with their Mom. Elizabeth has found an apartment and will be starting college, that change was not as hard on me as I would have thought, maybe I was just too frazzled with the move. If so I am thankful for that. The stress with all of us in such close quarters has let up and the trivial sqaubbling has stopped, that is a relief. Kathy and Michael now have their own place and that has been a huge plus in this move. She can finally unpack that full cedar chest and use all the things she has been saving over the years. I did get a huge kitchen and a sunroom where I spend the early mornings drinking coffee in peace and quiet before the house wakes up and the day gets started. I take this time to count my blessings and be thankful for all I do have and send off prayers in the peace and quiet. I am trying to take nothiung for granted, enjoy the kids while they are still here becasue I know in a couple years two more will venture off and I do not think I am cut out to be an empty nester. Until then I will fill my hours with crochet, baking and enjoying them all. I just finished a arctic fox crocheted scarf that I will be listing on Etsy later today. I have a stack of hats to add buttons to and get photos off so that is my quest for this afternoon. Chicken and Dumplings for dinner with the homemade bread I put on this morning and a quiet afternoon......did I mention we have NO tv right now. I don't miss it a bit but hubby is beginning to crack.

Feels Like the Dog Days of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:32:00 +0000

With the temperatures in the 90's and so humid it feels like the tropics, even man's best friend needs some TLC. We have a border collie Trixie and a bichon named Mandy, neither one wants to even venture out the door. With the family in the process of moving they seem to be under foot and in the way from morning until night.
Here is a post from a blog I like to visit about her pet shampoo. I mut say her soaps are wonderful!
http://thegrahnhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/07/chillin-lucy-with-her-first-bath.html?showComment=1311099596921#c474947659404468746

In the Process

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:19:00 +0000

After living in our little near lake cottage for about 15 years we are moving. Not very far, in the same school district and closer to town. Yet, this is all very hard for me, I am not good at change, and all the commotion and overwhelming work has me a bit frazzled. The house has much more room, a beautiful view and is just what we needed, but between the boys stays, filling the Etsy shop, getting orders ready and shipped I haven't had a lot of time. What I really need is an afternoon to sit and catch up with my friend Jean who own the Teapot Quilt Cottage and Garden Center in Montello. She has a knack for getting all the craziness calmed down and things put in perspective. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.
Now with all this going on in my life I feel the need to make bread...I better do it today because the weatherman has a brutal next seven days mapped out for us. I like 70's during the day and 50's at night. If I could find such a place year round I would give a kidney to move there. Now with much of the kitchen packed, any serious baking will be a project so I found this recipe

No Knead Bread Recipe

Servings: One 1-pound loaf Prep Time: Cook Time:

No Knead Bread Recipe is adapted from Mark Bittman of NY Times who got it from Sullivan Street Bakery. When the recipe first came out, it was the blogging community who took the bread to new heights, especially Rose Levy Beranbaum, author of The Bread Bible. I followed Rose's experiments through the weeks and learned from her recipe adjustments and the why's of how this bread works.
Ingredients:

3 cups bread flour (I like Harvest King bread flour)

1/4 teaspoon instant yeast

1 teaspoon fine table salt (or 3/4 tablespoon of kosher salt)

1 1/2 cups warm water
Covered pot (five-quart or larger cast iron, Pyrex, ceramic, enamel...something that can go into a 450F oven.)
Directions:

1. Mix dough: The night before, combine all ingredients in a big bowl with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. It will be a shaggy, doughy mess. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit 12-20 hours on countertop.
2. Shape & preheat: The dough will now be wet, sticky and bubbly. With a wet spatula, dump the dough on a floured surface. Fold ends of dough over a few times with the spatula and nudge it into a ball shape. You can use your hands if you like, just keep your hands wet so that the dough does not stick. Generously dust a cotton towel (not terrycloth) with flour. Set dough seam side down on top of towel. Fold towel over the dough. Let it nap for 2 hours. When you've got about a half hour left, slip your covered pot into the oven and preheat to 450F.
3. Bake: Your dough should have doubled in size. Remove pot from oven. Holding towel, turn over and dump wobbly dough into pot, using your hands to get the dough off the towel. Doesn't matter which way it lands. Shake to even dough out. Cover. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover, bake another 15-20 minutes or until the crust is beautifully golden and middle of loaf is 210F. Remove and let cool on wired rack. If not eating right away, you can re-crisp crust in 350F oven for 10 minutes.
http://steamykitchen.com/168-no-knead-bread-revisited.html check out this site for great directions along with photos as well as more recipes.

Before I can get to the bread though I need to pacge two hats to go to the post office. One skunk and a new hat ...the rhino, I must say he is adorable.

This hat was a suggestion for a customer on Etsy, I love when they ask for new hats, it keeps things fun!

Boxes to pack, directions to give.....I like to position of supervisor, I hate packing LOL

https://www.facebook.com/GrammasGifts LIKE us on facebook and see new items as they are ready for the shop!

Internalizing Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:26:00 +0000

It has been a rough week or so! To fully explain this I should give you some background. As a kid I stressed out at holidays a gatherings until I had a stomach ache. Was my hair ok, did I look ok. All put upon myself but real non the less. Then I am the oldest child......at a doctors visit for stomach pain he asked...are you the oldest child? I answered yes, WHY? You have big sister syndrome...you try to make sure everyone else is ok and it is killing you! I also think I am a control freak in order to make sure I can keep everyone ok and things going smoothly. So, lately with finances in a mess, 3 teen, one going off to college, one just getting her license and one dating, a grandson who has gotten a divorce , is back and we now share custody of his two little guys two and three. Living with two grown daughters and a thirteen year old grandson three dogs, two cats and a husband.

So last week I had a blinding headache for three days then I lost my voice ( no pain just no sound ) for a couple more. I don't sleep well and I am gaining weight not losing it. My husband is oblivious to all the stress factors around and to top it off STRESS is the number one trigger to my Myastenia Gravis so after a week like this I am lucky to be able to dress myself.

I have taken to listening to hypnosis on my MP3 player to fall asleep, positive thinking messages, weight loss and chronic pain relief. So far I am still upright and able to get my daily stuff done so I guess I will get through this. Husband says " It is all self inflicted, just don't worry! " If only I could!
Last week before the heat and I had a great day out with my oldest daughter and the two little guys. We went to Wisconsin Dells to revisit some of the places we took her as a kid. I don't know who had more fun, her or the boys!

We started out our day at The Ducks, I had a coupon in the mail so adults were only $10.00 and the boys were free. JJ the biggest sat serious to whole ride, but Carsen made a noise for each bump, turn and splash. Trice my daughter snapped away with her camera trying to catch all the funny faces Carsen made and the beautiful scenery.

Then off to Deer Park, I hadn't been here since the boys Dad was about four. Nothing has changed much and the boys were amazed at the deer. Carsen lost the need to feed them after a goat took his whole cracker.

Trice at this point has put the ice cream cone full of food into her camera case to get a few shots of JJ and comfort Carsen who is not happy with the friendly deer. So, this deer decides to self feed and she is laughing so hard she can't move, Carsen is clinging to her for dear life and trying to hide from the deer.

JJ is kindly removing a bug from this deer leg. It almost looks like the deer is thanking him!

Before leaving we got this cute shot, Carsen did not mind these deer.

A quick stop to cool off and get lunch at Mc Donald's. This was not here back then but this sure makes a cute tourist photo. We live about thirty minutes from the Dells.

Our last stop was the Indian Trading Post. Yes, it is full of all the same stuff each shop in the Dells has but it has a cement tee pee. The attraction was I have photos of my kids as toddlers in this same tee pee. Trice says nothing has changed inside, as she poses with the boys! We bought a hatchet and Indian flute, yes I am the Grandma I can buy noisy toys! We left for home with two tired boys, one happy Grandma (Trice) and one exhausted Grandma ME!
In the following days the headache etc. would take over so I finally got around to finishing some things for the Etsy shop and Christmas in July Sale that starts Saturday.

Be sure to stop by the shop and use the coupon code christmasin07 to save 15% on your whole order. This includes custom orders!

This Little Piggy Diaper Cover and Hat

Well, Carsen is up and the day is getting warmer I am off to water the tomatoes and get laundry started. Have a great weekend!

Where Did I Come From?

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:43:00 +0000

This is the question asked by so many kids, but for me it was a mystery for the longest time. I was adopted at age 4 , luckily for me my MOMS were sisiters so one side of my family stayed the same. My new Dad was wonderful and everything a Dad should be . My maternal grandmother gave me enough love for two Grandmas but I always wondered..did they miss me? did anyone look for me? As a gramma myself I cannot imagine having a grandchild and then one day because of divorce that child is gone. But, that is what happened to me. Yet, there was always the question, My Father...what did he look like, what nationality was he and do I look like any of his side of the family. This all came to a head when my yougest daughter was born and needed emergency surgery. A full family medical report was asked for. I had only one side. Family members tried to located some info but came back empty handed. Thank goodness it was not needed. Then when I turned 40 my adoptive Mom and Step-dad, ( my adoptive Dad had passed away when I was in my 20's ) got on the internet and found some info. I now had a full name , Donald Joseph Rowan, a birth date and a cemetary plot number. There was also two numbers, one his sister June and the other a sister in law Wanda. I got brave and called June, we talked for hours. She told me all about my father , the little she knew about her own parents family and how she always wondered what became of me. I found out I was Scotch Irish on that side and the only grandaughter. I felt really sad for all the missed family time for all of us. I cannot explain the hole that seemed filled by those few facts. Over the past fews years with the help of Facebook I have spoken with Junes son and his son. Hopefully one day they can share some family photos , as June has since passed away. Over the past weekend a cousin down the line on the other side of the family had arranged a family reunion. I was set to find info to fill in the holes left in My maternal grandfathers family tree. This did not take place as I woke with an abcess tooth and a face so swollen it hurt to move my head. I was depressed and feeling sorry for myself when I came across a post from an Etsy shop owner. Laurel Ehricke of Laurel's Legacies. She asked if anyone wished to have some work done on their family tree. Just what I needed. This would be no easy task as Aunt June had told me she did not know her moms maiden name, and only heard of her living in Louisville, Kentucky and coming to Chicago. I gave her my fathers name and birth date and crossed my fingers. Within hours and email came back saying I found grandparents. The report would be typed up and mailed to me. How exciting, I can't wait for the mail.

The report arrived today!

Not just one or two but 16 grandparents were found. One back to Switzerland in the 1700's.

One was in the civil war , one came from Scotland and another Switzerland. Laurel wrote a nice letter giving me some direction to keep the search up. I have to say this is much more than I ever thought would show up and so quickly. There were copies of census reports and a civil war pension receipt. My Aunt June would have been so happy. She wanted to find where her Mom came from. We know now! There is much more digging I would love to do and now I have a great start in the right direction.

My Father, a photo Aunt June had mailed me !

So, I recomend for anyone looking to do a little digging into their family history please check out Laurel's link on Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurelslegacies?ref=ss_profile What a great gift she has given me which I can now share with my kids and Grandkids.p.s. I also have 3 great grandkids. I cannot thank her enough. I will be busy trying my hand at the detective work to find out more about these relatives and then .....who knows...I may find a way to trace the relatives of my Great Grandmother who never made it over here in 1912 from Germany. Wish me luck and as I have found out you just need to find the right person to set you on the right track. Laurel is just that person, and I would love to hear about your finds. I will also keep you posted as my family tree fills out and I find out more. I was palnning to save for a trip to Ireland to se where my maternal grandfathers family came from....I might have to add Scotland and now I find out Switzerland. I am amazed.

Random Acts of Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:27:00 +0000

We have all heard Oprah talk about random acts of kindness and most of us do some in our daily lives without even thinking about it. But, every once in awhile we are the recipient of such an act that effects us and our family in a big way. I have been that recipient this time. A few days back a fellow Etsy shop owner who lives near Madison posted on facebook that her family had a swing set that they no longer needed. Send me a message and it's yours! WOW, with 2 small grandson here every other week this would be a real treat for them. So on rainy Wednesday I sent a grandson and his friend to pick it up. Not only could they have it but her husband was kind enough to help them disassemble it. It was not just a swing set but a sandbox and forty. She had no way of knowing our 3 year old spends hours digging in the sand. We may never be able to get him back in the house.

Right now Grandpa is getting the area ready for this set. I cannot say how thankful I am and am waiting on pins and needles for the boys to arrive Sunday. I will have my camera in hand to hopefully catch their faces when they see this wonderful gift. Now what could I do after saying thank you so very much.....I can share her Etsy shop with you and hopefully you can share it and help pass the word.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HRBeaDesign?ref=pr_shop_more

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75927484/learn-teach-customized-hand-stamped this is one of my favorite pieces in her shop. Wouldn'tthat make a great gift for graduation?

Now don't just take my word for it, click the link and check out all the wonderful pieces in her shop and share that link.

There is a website for Random Acts of Kindness also where you can get idea, share things you have done or that have been done for you. http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

Visit this site and see how you can bring a smile to someones face or maybe lend a helping hand. I am checking out the links myself and going to actively try to do these things more often!

https://www.facebook.com/therandomactsofkindnessfoundation?sk=wall

Magic Bean Stalk

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:02:00 +0000

This is exactly what the little guys are wishing for! Although JJ does not want to climb up and meet the giant. He think Carsen should! Send up the little brother! LOL

Last year as a Grandma and me project, we invited my daughter, Patrice ( who is the grandma) over for lunch and to help build a green bean teepee in the yard. She has become quite a gardener and we thought she would be the perfect helper to get this project done. JJ and her had a wonderful time and all summer it was covered with morning glories and green beans. The scarlet runner beans and some purple beans were a big favorite. He could be found playing in the yard munching green beans, happy as could be.

This year, the weather has been a factor here in Wisconsin , so we got a late start but, the green beans are planted and the weeds and JJ are growing like magic. I only hope the beans do as well!

Now, what to do with beans, and kids. Here is a good baked bean recipe. I also use the grape jelly in a meatball sauce around the holidays. It is a big family favorite!

Kids' Baked Beans Recipe

Grape jelly is the “secret ingredient” that sweetens these beans!
They’re wonderful alongside burgers or other sandwiches and sure to be a hit at parties and family reunions, too.
Jessie Sarrazin of Livingston, Montana sent the recipe.
This recipe is:
Quick

6 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 20 min.5 15 20 Ingredients
2 cans (16 ounces each) baked beans
3/4 cup grape jelly
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until thickened. Yield: 6 servings.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (2/3 cup) equals 189 calories, 1 g fat (trace saturated fat), 5 mg cholesterol, 379 mg sodium, 43 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 4 g protein.
Kids' Baked Beans published in Simple & Delicious May/June 2007, p11

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Kids--Baked-Beans

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/vegetable/easy-childrens-vegetable-garden-plan/
Enjoy growing healthy produce while spending time with little gardeners with this easy garden plan.

Many joys and lessons can be found in this easy vegetable garden. Once planted, it takes only a few hours a week to keep it looking its best. Site this garden in full sun and well-drained soil for best harvests. Spread mulch over the soil to help decrease weeds and disease.
Garden size: 6x6 feet
Our free Planting Guide for this garden includes a larger version
check out this page for more great idea and get your fingers dirty with the little ones. As they sprout up and grow so will a patch of home grown veggies the whole family can enjoy! Frugal, fun and family!
Now I am off to finish some hats to list in my Etsy shop and find a new blanket pattern to crochet. Have a great day !

Something to go with this light sage set, something girly I am thinking and different. I will keep you posted on the hunt!

The Heat is On

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:04:00 +0000

Well, we are set for another couple really hot days, and what is on my agenda? Christmas in July ! Yes, I said the dreaded word Christmas already, but as everyone knows people start their shopping early , so for me that means to buckle down and get the Etsy shop filled and rearranged for the season with some slaes and new items. I will also be taking part in the Etsy Kids promotion .

http://etsykids.com

The promotion will take place the last two weeks in July and is a great chance to find lots of great items from crafters around the country or even SHOP LOCAL for your holiday gifts. I will update more as I get closer to being done. I was searching through Etsy this morning and came across this great shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/FairyGodmother4Hire?ref=pr_shop and wishing I had a little girl for the Tinkerbell skirt. http://www.etsy.com/listing/67347205/tinkerbelles-party-skirt-and-crown How fun, our two little guys here are not into capes and such but what a great idea. They could play year round and use them for Halloween and they are just so cute. I am rambling as my mind is racing trying to figure out someone I could get one for. This shop is also a member of Etsy Kids so please take some time a stay cool and visit the shops on Etsy. From the comfort of your chair, no gas usage, a cool glass of iced tea and shopping at your finger tips.. Have a great Day, I am off to finish some projects HOHOHO.

A Lemonade kind of Day

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:19:00 +0000

With the temperature at around 9- and the humidity high this was the perfect day to sit back and just enjoy a cool lemonade. We of course had none! I was able to make a pitcher of sun tea and enjoy that in the quiet of the afternnon while the kids were still at school. It is very hard to work on earflao hats and think winter when the weather gets like this.

Perfect Lemonade Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutesIngredients
1 cup sugar (can reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
1 cup lemon juice
3 to 4 cups cold water (to dilute)
Method
1 Make simple syrup by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved completely.

2 While the sugar is dissolving, use a juicer to extract the juice from 4 to 6 lemons, enough for one cup of juice.

3 Add the juice and the sugar water to a pitcher. Add 3 to 4 cups of cold water, more or less to the desired strength. Refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes. If the lemonade is a little sweet for your taste, add a little more straight lemon juice to it.

Serve with ice, sliced lemons.
Yield: Serves 6.
Sweet Tea Recipes

Recipe #1 Southern Sweet Iced Te
Ingredients
3 Family size tea bags
2 Cups of cold water
1 Cup of sugar
Directions
We in the south make the best iced tea you'll find. Maybe it's how it's done, or maybe it is the water in the south, or maybe it's just that a southern belle has put a lot of TLC into making the tea. Who knows!
We recommend Luzianne Tea Bags if available.
Place the two cups water in a pot and add the tea bags. Bring to a boil, do not continue boiling. Remove from heat and let steep. Pour warm tea into empty pitcher. Add the sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill remaining pitcher with cold water.

Optional - some women say they use less water and add ice to the tea.

Recipe #2 Southern Sweet Iced Tea

Ingredients:
3 Family sized tea bags
a pinch baking soda (about 1/4 teaspoon)
1 to 1 1/3 cups of sugar
Directions:
Here is my never fail sweet tea...
Everyone (even yankees) loves it.
Bring 3-4 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of baking soda to the water and add 3 family sized tea bags. Remove from heat and cover. Allow to sit for at least 10-15 minutes. Pour into gallon pitcher and add sugar. Then fill with cold water. Refrigerate.
*the soda takes out the bitterness and darkens the tea....this small amount doesnt change the taste.

Recipe #3 Sun Tea (no cooking!)
Ingredients:
3 Family sized tea bags
1 quart water
Glass or translucent pitcher
Directions:

Here is my easy, no work needed...Sun Tea
http://www.grits.com/tea.htm

Put the water and tea bags in the pitcher. Put in the Sun and let sit. In about 30 minutes to an hour you have tea. Add cold water to desired strength. Refrigerate.
This recipe is great for guys who can't cook!
Note: The sun does not usually heat water up enough to kill all the bacteria, so you should take proper cleaning procedures and throw out the tea if it ends up looking weird (extra thick, has strands in it, is syrupy).

Lemonade Cookies

Lemonade Cookies Printable Version

1 1/3 cups flour

¾ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

½ cup butter or margarine (1 stick), softened

1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon zest

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In small bowl combine all the dry ingredients.
In the mixer beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. (This will take a few minutes on high)
Beat in egg and vanilla until blended.
Reduce speed to low and beat in flour mixture just until combined, scraping the bowl with a spatula.;
Stir in the lemon zest
Drop dough by heaping teaspoons, 2 inches apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes or until just brown around the edges.
Icing

3 Cups powdered sugar

2 TBSP Lemon Juice

2 Tbsp Light Corn Syrup

2-3 Tbsp Water

Mix all of the above together to form icing.

Put ½ in one bowl with 2-3 drops of red food coloring to make pink icing. The other half of the icing goes in another bowl with 2-3 drops of yellow food coloring.

Spoon icing onto cookies as desired and allow to cool!

http://savingthefamilymoney.com/lemonade-cookies/

I really have been bad at getting things done and listed with graduation, family and everyday stuff.

here is the Dinosaur diaper set http://www.etsy.com/listing/75259795/dinosuar-diaper-cover-and-hat-set and a great Fathers Day gift idea a solid oak cribbage board.http://www.etsy.com/listing/74202244/oak-4-player-tournament-style-cribbage

Beaming From Ear to Ear

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Fri, 20 May 2011 13:53:00 +0000

This has been a very busy week in our household. We are in the final days up to Elizabeth's graduation. I find it so hard to believe that she can be ready to be off for college already. Not, because she doesn't act like she is but because it seems to have gone by so fast.

Here she is just starting off at Kindergarten Graduation. It feels like yesterday!

Wednesday night at senior awards night . She received close to $35,000.00 in scholarship money. We are so proud of her!

So with all this beaming and boasting I still have to find something cute for the party. I cam up with this cupcake idea

http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlecakesformyhappy/with/3581664050/ So cute and in her school colors they will be perfect. Thank goodness for all those talented people in my computer LOL. I am working on invitations using her kindergarten picture, and running out of time. So much to do so few hours.
I have really been bad about taking photos and listing to Etsy this week. With getting the yard and house ready and the school events it seems the timer just flies by.

Here is a sock monkey from the diaper set on the new doll my sister made for me to use as a model. Our little guy has gotten too big to be able to show off the cute baby hats. So I am off to get some yard work done before the next batch or rain and hopefully get my computer work done this evening in the peace and quiet while the big kids are at work. Wish me luck!

Friday Once Again

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Fri, 13 May 2011 21:07:00 +0000

Once again it is Friday. The week has gone by in a blur. Last Friday I made a quick move and had my back pain back in full force. That said I have not gotten alot accomplished, it hurt to sit, stand and lay for any period of time. I did finally find a few hypnosis downloads and am almost back to OK.
I hate to, and am not very good at tooting my own horn so I thought I would share a few other family shops with you and a wonderful review. The first is Nanablossom , run by Norine my sister in Tulsa. She makes beautiful Idian style beaded earrings.

Also not yet in her shop, soft sculpture dolls. I was lucky enough to get one which I will be using in my photo shots for my Etsy shop.

The next is my Mom, Lillian's Handade Quilts . For those who say, I don't think I could get a shop up and running. My Mom did hers herself and in the first week she had items listed made three sales. Good Job MOM!

This is the review on my hats from an Etsy customer and blogger! I was thrilled.

High Quality Animal Hats from Gramma’s Gifts

May 2nd, 2011

Many of you know that I have somewhat of an addiction to trading on etsy. I’m a member of Tradeaholics, a group that does a monthly trading event in the forums. Last month at the trading event I made a trade with penguin hat. I had traded others for animal shaped crocheted hats in the past, and while they were cute the quality was a bit lacking. For example, I had a monkey hat made, and left it sitting on the couch one day. The cat walked across the couch and it’s nail was caught in the hat, so it pulled its paw back a few times before the nail was released. Just that simple tugging caused the hat to start unraveling. So, I could tell from the online pictures that gramma’s gifts hats were adorable, but I assumed they would be similar to the monkey hat I had received before. I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived and I laid my hands on them. I could instantly tell that these hats were high quality. The stitches were thick and tight, and I could pull on the hat to stretch it without feeling like the hat was weak in any way. I ordered the frog hat I had ordered for my little sister who is 7 and it seems perfect as well. I was particularly surprised at the quality when compared to the price. The monkey hat I mentioned earlier was being sold for over 20.00, while Gramma’s gifts.

http://www.boosandrawrs.com Take time to visit her blog to see more great reviews!

This is my latest project and I can't wait to use the new doll for a model. My little guy was perfect for awhile but now at almost 2 and a size 4 those little baby items are far behind him!The rain is really coming down and two little boys are calling for someone to play. These times don't last long so I am off to draw pictures and color!

Finally Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Fri, 06 May 2011 15:27:00 +0000

I woke to sun streaming through the bedroom window and the smell of coffee. It WAS going to be a good day. As I sipped my first cup and checked emails I came across a link for this article http://www.leighfazzina.com/2010/05/15/a-blind-man-inspires-strategic-change/ Wow, now that made me think how much we take for granted on a daily basis. With the sun shining, Mother's Day around the corner and a new outlook on the day, I would love to share Sunshine Muffins with you, my kids love these

Sunshine Muffins Recipe

Adapted from recipe by Lick Skillet Bakery in Boulder, CO

Cook time: 15 minutes

Temp: 325 F
Ingredients:
•1 ½ c whole wheat flour
•1 ¼ c cake flour
•¾ t baking soda
•¾ t cinnamon
•¾ t salt
•¾ t c raisins
•1 ½ c carrots, grated
•¾ almonds, crushed
•¾ c coconut, shredded
•1 ¼ c Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
•4 eggs beaten
•5 oz maple syrup
•¾ c canola oil
•¼ c apple juice
•¾ t vanilla
Instructions:
1.Place apples, raisins, carrots, almonds, and coconut in medium sized bowl.
2.Sift together first 5 ingredients in a bowl ("dry bowl").
3.Put eggs, maple syrup and canola oil in another bowl ("wet bowl").
4.Add wet to dry and mix just enough to moisten.
5.Fold in fruit and almonds.
6.Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
7.Bake 15 minutes at 325.
I am editing photos and trying to write descriptions, in a new way. To describe them like there are no photos, make each piece come to life for the customer and explain why they need this item or why the item is great for what their current need is. Much work, I am terrible at TOOTING my own horn , as they say. I need to step back and see the items in a whole new light. This is my project, right after I get some laundry in, and mop. Here are a few item I am going to list today .

check out the shop later for all the ( hopefully) better details. http://www.grammasgifts.etsy.com/

Like a Ray of Sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:48:00 +0000

You know how when you are under the weather, everything seems to get you down. I was trying to stay away from that when I read a wonderful email one of my customers had written me. She was very happy with the tow hats I had made for her in exchange for some advertising on her blog and two of the cutest little handmade ducks. That was great, but to top it off she sent along a link to a post on her blog about ME!
How very nice and just what I needed today!
www.boosandrawrs.com/2011/05/high-quality-animal-hats-from-grammas-gifts.html
Please check out her blog. She does great reviews and has giveaways and I can't thank her enough!

A Sunny Disposition

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:03:00 +0000

I woke up this morning with a pain still in my back. I had a bout of this last year that went on for months. Many doctor visits , pain meds that didn't work, even pain management. During this time I went to a hypnotism group to lose weight. Some folks there wanted to quit smoking, some for stress, anyway it was a one size fits all class. At the end you could buy the cd's to use at home. I walked down the steps to this session cringing as every step hurt. After the session , I checked out the cd's and found I could not afford to buy them that night. They are available on the website so another day I would surely buy them. As I left I noticed my pain was less on the steps, not wanting to seem like a nut to my hubby...I said nothing. I woke the next day with no pain. That was in October, and until yesterday I was pain free.I was told I have a bulging disk, did I lose any weight ? not really but the lack of pain was well worth it. So now I need to find the cd's and be able to move again . No one who knows me could believe I was going to this session, but I am now a firm believer that if we think we are ok we will be ok. So I will mix the cd's with The Secret I am reading and hopefully be pain free, skinny and have a happier life in no time. STRESS beware I am on a mission.

On a happier note, I have a customer who emailed me about making a sock monkey set she had seen. I said sure I can give it a try and it turned out so cute.

This is the one she wanted with the red and blues, then I tried sage green and a raspberry, I just love it!

I listed them and am waiting to see if they are a hit. I have some orders to do and then I am beginning some new items that will need to be tweaked and tried before they can hit the shop.

I am also planning a Mother's Day Brunch at my house for Sunday, it seemed much easier before the back pain, but I will get through. I have two grown daughters, their kids and few other grandkids a friend who is staying here and us so it won't be too bad.

Here is one of my menu ideas

4 a.m. French Toast Casserole

This casserole makes for a fantastic breakfast treat. The house smells so sweet the rest of the day after you bake this!

Prep Time 10 MinutesCook Time 50 minutes
Ingredients•5 cups Bread Cubes (I Used Day Old Homemade Sweet Bread)
•4 whole Eggs
•1-½ cup Whole Milk
•¼ cups Sugar, Divided
•¼ teaspoons Salt
•1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
•2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
•¼ cups Chopped Pecans
•1 Tablespoon Butter
•2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (I Just Sprinkled As Much As My Heart Desired)
•Maple Syrup, To Serve

Preparation Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Lightly butter an 8×8 inch baking dish.
3. Fill the baking dish with bread cubes. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt and vanilla. Pour the egg mixture over the bread.
4. Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar with the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Sprinkle over the bread. Dot with butter and finish off with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, until the top is golden. Serve loaded with maple syrup.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breakfastbrunch/4-a-m-french-toast-casserole/
I found this on a trip to Tasy Kitchen, I am also going to make cinnamon rolls from a recipe I found on Pioneer Woman, they are amazing and so simple http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/.
I made these for the teen when they went camping and they all loved them. Since you can make about 7 pans I froze a couple last time and them on chilly mornings would pop a pan in the oven and the smell is amazing....everyone loves them.
I am still looking for an egg dish that I can bake up and them I am making some almond croissants, buying a nice flavored coffee and I should be done.
I am of to the heating pad and some tylenol for my back. Have a great day!

Little Bites

noreply@blogger.com (Patti Lekas) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Little bites like little steps are my plan of getting through the next steps in my life. While trying to follow the writing in The Secret. It all makes great sense...good thoughts attract good things, think that you deserve good things and good things will come to you. There is so much more but that is the gist of it. We attract the vibes we put out into the universe, so if you say I can't ...you probably won't. So I am now saying I am and I can instead.. My son is a perfect example, from the time he was a small child he has thought and jokingly said "he must have been left behind by a rich family" He wanted nice things, he got them. Yes, he works hard but enjoys life and is a very generous man. I am taking a page from his book and using the tools taught in The Secret to change the course of my life NOW. It is never too late for change. I also have a grand plan... a 14 day trip to Ireland to see where some of my family came from. The farthest back a cousin has tracked is Coleraine Londonderry, Ulster Ireland. So, I am saving my change, using my cash from recycled cans and the checks I earn from Josephines. The trip is about $2,600.00 so I have a way to go but I WILL get there.

The Secret teaches us that we create our lives, with every thought every minute of every day. Living The Secret offers tools and ideas to help you live The Secret and create the life of your dreams.

So to reward myself for all the GOOD thought I am sending out to the world I searched the internet and found a wonderful blog that contained what must be the perfect treat
Brookie Bites
First you need to bake up your brownies...

I usually use a box, just because it is so much easier (and lazier:-)

While the brownies are cooling, mix up your cookie dough.

I used this same recipe found HERE but

I used vanilla extract this time.

Bake the cookies for about 7-8 minutes.

You want them to be soft and gooey...not crispy!

Try to resist the urge to inhale said gooey cookie.

Oh what the heck!

Go ahead and eat a few:-)

Let the cookies cool slightly, then

roll them into small bite sized balls.

(definitely easier to do before they cool all the way)

Place in the freezer and wait until frozen.

It will be hard but you can do it.

Then...

yup you got it.

Place that frozen cookie in the center of a small brownie

and start smushing it all around that cookie ball.

Now here is the hardest part...

you've got to freeze them AGAIN.

I know it's torture, but well worth it in the end.

You can reward yourself by eating

some of the brownie scraps to pass the time.

Once they are frozen enough,

melt some chocolate in the microwave and dip away.

Any sprinkles on top will do,

but it is that time of year so

hearts it is ♥
http://insidebrucrewlife.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-do-during-snowstorm.html

I also got inspired to make up a few new hats and items for the Etsy shop .

This idea came about from the boys bag of goldfish crackers.......another good thing in a little bite! I am working on a lion and a hippo. I will get them done today and I will get them posted. The are adorable!

Have a great day ( I am sending out good vibrations) like that 60's song....I know I WILL