Pumpkin cheesecake smoothie

Today being out of leftovers and all bread being in a frozen state, I threw a conglomerate of ingredients into the blender and served it for a quick lunch.  Three of four kids gobbled it up, which I consider a raging success.  One cup was surprisingly filling, and we had leftovers!

One 15 oz can pumpkin

1 brick cream cheese

1 cup powdered milk

1 cup ground flax

1 tsp cinnamin 

Sprinkling of ginger, nutmeg, and allspice 

1 tsp molasses 

1/2 cup (not packed) brown sugar

12 ice cubes

15 oz of water

Blend, pour, and enjoy!

Note, if you like your smoothies ice cold this won't suit your tastes.  We like ours just chilled in order to avoid the brain freeze factor.

Let me know if you try this, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Play silks

I alluded to the gift in my simple Christmas post that I was really excited for the kids.  Today I'm eaking out time (read: not cleaning the house) to show off a smattering of those silks.

The dream was born years ago when Abi was a tot playing with them at a friends house.  The price was prohibitive for us as Phil was still in college.  Through the years I would bring it up but they never made the cut.  I even looked into making mine own by dyeing with koolaid.  The process intimidated me and I decided that I didn't want them bad enough to try making them on my own.

This year my friend Hannah asked me about it.  Finally someone who understood my desire to have them without paying an arm and a leg for the premade  variety!  Hannah is something of an expert when it comes to fibers, so I knew we could do this together.  She did all the leg work learning the process and gathering supplies.  I came with my check and aided her in the project.  It was so lovely catching up, and the first hour and a half held a fun learning curve. Then we realized that we had probably bitten off more than we should chew for one day, but with the holidays rapidly approaching we didn't have a choice but to press on despite our empty tummies.  We survived the last ninety minutes and said the quickest goodbyes known between friends.

The end result was worth it as the silks have mottling color variations throughout.  Something that money can't buy.  Christmas morning held mixed reviews from the children.  Abi and Lizzi were less than thrilled in lieu of the gift bequeathed by their sibling.  Miles didn't like them, and Wesley was thrilled and immediately engaged in play.

Since Christmas, I have seen the silks transform into capes, cloaks, baby doll blankets and diapers, bonnets, skirts, and yes, even hair.  I'm sure there has been more that I haven't seen.  I love that silks are an open imagination you for all ages.  I even made some for the baby, because s/he will need them too!

If you're curious whether or not silks would be enjoyed by your kids all you need to do is set up a play date with mine to find out!

Pillow makeover

Abi was gifted a kids sewing project book for Christmas.  After flicking through it I saw an adorable pillowcase pattern.  I was totally inspired to create my own.  I have some sofa pillows that have seen many moons of fun under our sun.  As you can see they are pretty icky looking!

I found enough coordinating pieces from grandmas fabric stash.  A few hours later with some helpful input from Phil these delightful vintage modern shams have covered those eyesore pillows.

A fun way to ring in my new year, and now with the cold winter blast, the crafting fever has hit and I'm itching to start some more projects!

Happy creating in 2015 :)