There are veggies in my bread...

“Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.”

-Jim Davis 

I'm not usually a "drop everything and cook" kind of person, but I had a hankering for zucchini bread this weekend. So, I picked up a few locally grown zucchinis at the store and entertained myself yesterday afternoon while Rob was at work.

I used this recipe (inspired by "Mom's Zucchini Bread Recipe" found at AllRecipes.com):

• 3 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon soda 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon 
• 2 teaspoons nutmeg 
• 3 eggs 
• 1 cup vegetable oil 
• 2 1/4 cups white sugar 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 2 cups grated zucchini (I'm really glad I had this grater that fits over the top of a bowl!) 
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and mix well. 
4. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into two prepared pans.
5. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

The recipe makes two loaves, but of course I only have one loaf pan, so it took twice as long. Gotta remember to put that on my wish list.

When he got home, Rob was totally thrown off by the sweet smell of baking bread. He wondered what was going on and was surprised when I told him the loaves were for us.

And, wouldn't you know... baking bread brought a spark back to my kitchen. I am even inspired to restart the Iron Chef Sisters challenge that Callie and I started last year. Click here to follow along!

Painting party...

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."
-Henry Ward Beecher

My new job has not only brought about new responsibilities and a new schedule, but a new set of friends. I have fit right in with my colleagues and was thrilled to join a group of ladies from work for a Girls' Night Out at the Art Lounge this past Thursday.

Local artist Monta Anthony led our group with her spunky personality and artistic expertise. We each opted to choose a different beach-themed subject. After a few glasses of wine and several hours of painting and chatting, we each took home a masterpiece.

Can't wait to see where we hang out next!

Wonderful windows...

“I discovered windows one afternoon and after that, nothing was ever the same.” 
-Anne Spollen

Before we even moved into our new house, I had an idea for the big window in the living room. I was inspired by a couple of things I'd pinned...

1, 2, 3

So I mocked it up in Illustrator to see what it might look like in our new space. I was totally digging it. But, a little bit unsure how to begin.

So luckily when my mom came to visit in June, she was able to help me move from dream to reality. You can see more about that here and here.

But, then the project came to a standstill as I waited for the bamboo blinds to be delivered (the size I needed had to be ordered online) and then waited for my handyman to make time to tackle my project.

Before

I was getting antsy to see the final result, so I sneakily moved the supplies onto the floor in the middle of the living room. After stepping over the curtain rods and blinds for about two weeks, Rob finally got the hint yesterday afternoon.

After a little bit of cursing, sweat, and extra wood screws, we folded up the ladder and stepped back to admire our handiwork. Even though Rob was hesitant when we started, by the end, he agreed that they looked pretty good.

After

I'm thrilled to see how closely it matches my original vision. I love it!! I can confirm... hanging the curtains up high does indeed make the space look taller! I smile every time I walk by.

The other side of the room... just to complete the picture

I've still got a couple of small projects to finish up... a garland to hang on the map, better storage for our dvd collection, a small gallery wall in the corner by the fireplace, and maybe someday a new rug.

I'll be sure to keep you posted. And, maybe by then, I'll have learned how to take a good interior photo.

"Peak bagging"

“Let go, for I am ready to see life at its fullest and live to the best of myself, and for that reason I am now spontaneous, happy and feel whole.” 
-Nicole Gilbert 

We were looking forward to hiking the Mt. Mitchell trail on Friday morning, but as we drove up to the trailhead, the rain and fog forced us to make up a Plan B on the spot.

We still "bagged" the highest peak east of the Mississippi, but we reached the summit by car rather than by foot.

Instead, we practiced being spontaneous (ignoring fog warnings on the Blue Ridge Parkway, shopping at REI in Asheville, eating at a new-to-us burrito joint, and watching a matinee showing of The Amazing Spiderman) and ended up with a day full of laughter, love, and memories. Rob summed up our day, describing it as "better than a birthday."

Have you had any recent plans that you had to abandon? Did it turn out for the better?

Pippi love...

“No Fridolf, bother all this learning. I can't study anymore because I must climb the mast to see what kind of weather we're going to have tomorrow.”  
-Astrid Lindgren

Can I show you my new favorite book? I picked it up this afternoon after browsing the bookshelves of a local discount store. I just couldn't leave the store without it.

It's been a long time since I've read Astrid Lindgren's Pippi Longstocking. But, as a young girl, I devoured the books about Pippi. I admired her spunkiness and her adventures... in fact, I still do.

When I saw this edition, illustrated with charming mixed media collages by Lauren Child, I immediately longed to curl up with a small child and read aloud this classic story together. I'll save it back for when the day comes that I have my own littles to read to. But, I can't promise that I won't read it myself before then.

Take a look at Lauren Child's website: Milk Monitor. It's just as adorable with clever animations and a hint of that same whimsy that makes Pippi so lovable.

I might be a little late to the Lauren Child party, as it seems she has a show on the Disney Channel based on her popular book characters, Charlie and Lola. (Their website is adorable, too!) But, I'm a fan. I can't wait to add more of her books to my library.

I really wish I could get my hands on this limited edition of The Secret Garden. Although the Puffin website says it's sold out, it might not be everywhere... but, it looks expensive.