Home Inspiration

January 24, 2011 by Aliesha

We’re making some decisions about some major re-dos for our home. We are saving towards some big projects, so we’re in the planning stages right now.

Well, no need to be vague. We’re planning a kitchen makeover (low-budget) and trying to figure out what color to paint the living room. I thought I was set on the living room colors (warm brown/tan), but I’m backpedaling quickly.

Here are some pictures that have me inspired lately.


via

via

I don’t remember where I got this image

via

Decor blogs that inspire me:
Young House Love
Nesting Place
A Dash of Humble Pie
House Tweaking
Lettered Cottage

Fly Through Our Window

As you can tell, I’m loving grey walls, crisp white trim, white furnishings, and pops of green.

Homemade Fruit & Nut Granola Bars

January 20, 2011 by Aliesha

I love granola bars, but because we are trying to buy less processed foods, I stopped getting them. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to have a quick snack to grab on the way out the door. I have been meaning to make homemade granola bars for a while (original recipe here), and finally got to it today! They didn’t take long… 30 minutes start to clean up (with a 3-hour wait until they’re ready to eat). Whip up a batch today!

Homemade Fruit & Nut Granola Bars

Homemade Fruit & Nut Granola Bars that taste so much better than store-bought! Perfect for when you're on the go!

Author: Aliesha @ Feathers in Our Nest

Recipe type: Snacks

Serves: 18 bars

Ingredients

2 cups old fashioned oats
¾ cup steel cut oats or wheat germ
¾ cup sunflower seeds (unsalted)
2 Tbsp. flax seed
1 cup coarsely chopped almonds (or try walnuts or peanuts)
⅔ cup brown sugar
½ cup honey (local, if possible)
4 Tbsp. butter (not margarine)
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
½ tsp. kosher salt
1 cup dried fruit (your choice: raisins, Craisins, apricots, pineapple, etc.) - I used orange and cherry infused Craisins

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine oats, seeds, and nuts in a shallow baking dish. Toast in oven for 12 minutes, stirring mixture every 3 minutes to prevent scorching.
Prepare a 13x9 pan by placing a sheet of waxed paper in the bottom and spraying it lightly with cooking spray.
Meanwhile, heat sugar, honey, butter, vanilla, and salt over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
In a large bowl, combine toasted oat mixture, dried fruit, and honey mixture. Stir well to coat.
Using a wooden spoon, press mixture into prepared pan. Cut another sheet of waxed paper and lay over top of the bars. Press firmly and evenly to help bars stick together. Allow to cool for 2-3 hours.
Turn pan over a large cutting board and carefully remove the waxed paper. Using a large chef's knife, cut into bars. Wrap bars individually or store in a large container separating bars with waxed paper.

“They look like real granola bars!”

Enjoy!

For more of our family’s favorite recipes, click here.

Pin It

Vera’s Five Months Old!

January 19, 2011 by Aliesha

Our sweet baby girl turned five months old today! Here are some of her milestones:
–Laughs more often
-Rolls a lot more often
-Discovered her toes and enjoys playing with them
-Loves being read to
-Will sit through most of a church service (on Mommy’s lap)
-Still seems to be teething (chews on everything)
-Sucks her thumb!
-Trying to sit up on her own (not quite there yet)
-Soooo aware of everything going on around her
-Takes a morning nap and an afternoon nap
-Goes to bed around 9:30
-Weighed 14 pounds two weeks ago

We love our darling little girl so much!