Nothing Sweeter...

Is there anything sweeter than receiving a pudgy little fistful of weeds retrieved from a vacant lot (or flowers, uh...stolen from the neighbor's front yard), and hearing the words, "Here, Mommy, I picked these just for you because I love you..."? I say, nope. Stolen or not, nothing gets sweeter than that.

Spoiled Rotten Pancake Eaters

So, my kids are spoiled. Rotten. At least when it comes to their pancakes. A sweet neighbor shared a pancake recipe with me early in my marriage, and we've used it and loved it so much over the years, that now it causes problems. My kids have become all finicky and picky when eating at friends' houses for breakfast on occasion, or at Grandpa and Grandma's (shhh...don't tell!)

Because I shared it with another friend, her kids now have the same problem, and they've even dubbed them "Shelli Pancakes". (Thanks, Lara!) While I can't take credit for the recipe itself, I'd love to share it with you. I'm thinking your family just might love it like ours does, and maybe your kids will become spoiled-rotten-pancake-eaters too!

SWEDISH PANCAKES

2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. sugar
1 c. flour (freshly-ground "hard white wheat" is delicious, and they can't even tell it's whole wheat!)

Whip buttermilk and eggs together. Mix dry ingredients, then add them to the buttermilk and eggs. Mixture will be thin. Pour onto hot griddle. When bubbles form, flip. Serve with syrup, jam, or toppings of your choice.

HOMEMADE MAPLE SYRUP

3 c. water
5 c. sugar
1 T. maple flavoring

Bring water to a boil, then add sugar and turn off heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then add maple flavoring. Syrup will be runny, but very yummy! Serve hot.



I'd love to hear if any of you have success with these recipes! Enjoy! By the way, what are your kids in love with for breakfast?

Did You Get Yours Yet?

Everybody knows somebody having a baby, right? If you're looking for a simple-to-make handmade gift, head on over to YCMT to download your free burpie pattern (just released!) and coordinating receiving blanket if you haven't yet!

Clip Board Photo Frames

A few years ago, I saw a photo in a scrapbooking magazine that caught my attention! Someone had taken a simple clip board, and "scrapped" it...you know, with darling paper, ribbon, embellishments, modge podge, beautiful photos, etc. I kept thinking of that creative idea and it inspired me to make my own version of a "Clip Board Photo Frame". While mine are very simple---only an inexpensive black clip board from Office Max with no embellishments---they are some of my favorite home dec items because they are unique, versatile, and inexpensive!

I have a clip board for each of our kids hanging in the coat nook by our garage door. Each year I order 8 x 10 school prints and can quickly change out old photos for new ones. (I love seeing their school photos on a clip board of all things! It brings a smile to my face!)

So, consider taking a shopping trip to the office supply store for some home dec inspiration. Those clip boards are calling your name!

Switching Gears...

Last week I gave you a sneak peek at something I'm working on for the new You Can Quilt This website. Hopefully that design and pattern will be coming out sometime in May. Stay tuned!

But for now, I'm switching gears to get the final touches ready for the free baby burpie pattern that will be coming out this week (fingers crossed) in the You Can Sew This Newsletter! (If you haven't had a chance to download your coordinating free receiving blanket pattern, just click HERE.)

So the thing I'm most excited about with this burpie, is that it's a combination of "fashion meets function"--something I wish I'd had more of when my babies were small (I was heavy on the "function-only" end of things back then. lol)! I've manipulated my favorite "functioning" burp rag so that it has a little more appeal and flair. You'll see what I'm talking about when you download your pattern! Here's another peek, and it is oh, so easy to create, and again...you can't beat "free".

You Can Quilt This is Live!

Oh, my goodness! You Can Quilt This is here! Head on over and take a peek at what the site has to offer, and keep checking back, as new items are being added daily, along with assorted quilting and embroidery tips and tricks. Enjoy!

Sneak Peek!

A few of you have stumbled on to me! Thank you to everyone who has left me a comment and said, "hello!" I thought I'd offer a sneak peek at what I've been working on for the debut of the upcoming You Can Quilt This website!

If you've ever been interested in quilting, but haven't been sure where to start, this is going to be the perfect site for you! The site will walk you through embroidery stitches, quilting techniques, everything you need to know to begin. Even if you are an experienced quilter, you will love it as well, as it will be chuck full of amazing and new quilting designs. My good friend, Lorie, is the new site manager, and has been busy putting things in order, and I know you are going to love it! Sign up for the free newsletter, and you'll get loads of freebies as well!