Weekly Recap

Pretty Ballerina

I learned to cook the perfect soft boiled egg with a runny yolk.

Amelia eats raw spinach right from the garden.

Eating lots of spinach salads with strawberries and goat cheese.

I love making grain free crepes for breakfast.

Planting heirloom tomato seeds for the third time! I keep over watering the seedlings.

Sunshine and Irish Breakfast tea.

The weather has been perfect!

Enjoying lettuce from the garden.

Everything French! oo la la

Vive La France!

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 I have suddenly become obsessed with everything French! I have no idea how it came about or what clicked but I'm glad it did. I always liked French things like French Country decor, food, etc but I never really thought about what feelings French things evoke. This new epiphany conjures up feelings of romance, freshness, bold taste, classic style, and a good body image. Some of you may say, DUH! but I just never really felt it before until now. Now Italy, Ireland and Scotland are different stories. I always had strong feelings for these countries. We spent our Honeymoon in Italy and I would love to go to Ireland and Scotland for our 10 year wedding anniversary.

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Last Tuesday I was reminded about the book, "French Women Don't Get Fat". I becam very interested in it and after a little research I decided to download it on my phone and find out what all the fuss was about. I'm a few chapters in and so far I love it. This book is probably what triggered my French obsession. Mireille Guiliano has a great website with French style, French recipes, French finds and even a community message board. She makes it all sound so exciting.

The iconic French Cafe. We are lucky enough to have some great cafes with outdoor seating in Northern California. When we were in Rome and Florance for our honeymoon we spent quite a few evenings sitting at cafes sipping espresso and taking in the sights. It's so relaxing. I need to do that more.

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A French press is a charming way to make coffee. I find myself making coffee in a french press more than my coffee maker.

French markets are important to the French people. Most shop for their fresh produce and meats a few times a week at the open markets. I love the idea of carrying my market basket through a colorful markets searching out our dinner for the night. We have a farmers market every Saturday just a few blocks from our house. I would really like to start shopping there for fresh produce. Unfortunately I do not know of a local open market that sells meat and cheese like they do in France.

  I'm excited to try out French recipes I have never tried before. Classics like Boeuf Bourguingnon, Coq au vin, and french onion soup. I have already picked out different French cheeses to cook with and I need a few classic wines for cooking as well. I really need to get a French cookbook or two.

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I've also discovered French perfume. I haven't worn perfume in years because I did not want to inhale the chemicals and they also irritated my sinuses. I did a little research and found that the French style perfume is made naturally from the oils of botanical plants. I love that idea! I found a few brands and the descriptions of the scents sound amazing. I need to hint to the Mister. La Bouquetiere sells these roll on French perfumes along with other beautiful things.

French Lilac

Freesia French

Emotion

Ambre French

I've been catching up on movies that are filmed in France. I watched Midnight in Paris, Sabrina and Chocolat. Everyone tells me I have to see French Kiss and I would like to see Forget Paris. House Hunters International has been fun! I've seen a few episodes centered in Paris. Absolutely beautiful.

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I'm adding Paris, France to my list of places to visit one day. So much to see and experience in Europe!

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Weekly Recap

Amelia doing tricks.

We been trying to eat more fish. I made a tarragon and tomato sauce to cover the cod.

Tried out a grain free and sugar free brownie recipes.

Enjoying picnics

Wordless Wednesday- An Angel With Bedhead

Crochet Doily Baskets

 Making crochet baskets are so easy. My nana used to make them and she would cut a small hole out of the bottom and place it on a lamp like a lamp shade. It was very pretty and romantic. This method can be used to stiffen crochet ornaments and snowflakes. 

I found the crochet doilies and Stiffy fabric stiffener at Micheal's Craft Store. I have some old doilies I want to make into baskets to keep out all year long. These colors are great for Easter tables and decoration. Amelia has already claimed them for herself. She uses them in her play kitchen.

 

Saturate the doily with the fabric stiffener. Squeeze out the excess liquid.

Spread the wet doily over a bowl that has been covered in plastic wrap. I used different sized bowls. Make sure to line up the middle of the doily with the bottom of the bowl. Let it dry over night.

I like using a small bowl so I can spread out the scollops flat so that the basket has a fluted rim.

Vintage dresses

I found this 1950s dress for about $20! It's in great condition. It fits really well and is so soft and flowy. I would like to hem it though. Right at the knee or a little above the knee would feel better to me. I want to make a matching belt with the fabric I cut off the bottom. I may take in the bust a little too. Who knows. I'm hoping to get an adjustable dress form for my birthday or mother's day. That would be a tremendous help!

Chocolate Marble Loaf Cake

 Chocolate marble cakes are so retro. I love the combination of vanilla and chocolate together. I made mine gluten free. Next time I will make sure I swirl the batter together a little better.

I found this 1953 Better Homes and Gardens cookbook at an antique store while visiting family in Va during our Christmas vacation. It is in amazing condition. The pictures inside are bright and almost cartoon like. So fun!

 Chocolate Marble Loaf Cake


1/3 cups non hydrogenated shortening
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups sifted cake flour or gluten free flour with xanthum gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
3 stiff beaten egg whites
1  1-oz square unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water 
1/4 teaspoon baking soda


Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add to creamed mixture alternating between the milk and flour, a small amount at a time beating until smooth after each addition. Fold in egg whites. Combine melted chocolate, dissolved coffee and baking soda together. Add this to half the batter. Alternate light and dark batters by spoonfuls in a greased and floured 10x5x3in loaf pan. Swirl the batter around with a knife or skewer. Bake at 350 about 45-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and frost or serve as is.

 I made a simple chocolate ganache to frost my cake. You can see Amelia couldn't wait to taste it.