Cooking: almond joy cookies

A month ago we celebrated my husbands birthday and of course we had to have cake. So, we set out to make German Chocolate Cake. It was delicious! I ended up with a ton of coconut left over from the frosting recipe. I was considering making macaroons, but then I thought why not try something different. Thus, I did a little recipe hunting and modified the recipes I found; making my own recipe for Almond Joy Cookies.

Almond Joy Cookies

1 stick butter

1 egg 

1/2 cup sugar

1 tblsp heavy whipping cream (optional)

1 tsp almond extract

1 cup shredded coconut

1 1/2 all purpose flour

1/2 pack of chocolate chips

Beat together butter and sugar until really fluffy, add heavy whipping cream, add egg, add almond extract. Then alternate shredded coconut and flour until the mix becomes doughy. It should still look a little fluffy, add more flour if needed. Add chocolate chips. Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!

We're back!

During the last month we took a little hiatus for 'life things.' Now that we're back let's take a moment to catch up. The Little Gift House has a new Google+ page as well as a new Pinterst board Home for the Holidays just in time for the Holiday Season.



We're also happy to announce that children's author/illustrator Eliza Wheeler will be at the Little Gift House on December 21 at 2pm for a book signing of her best selling children's book Miss Maple's Seeds.

If you've been out of the loop like we are, catch up with us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Etsy.

House & Home: family trees

Today's Pin Pick 

Family heritage and history is important. Many people, myself included, research their 'family tree.' My favorite part is finding old photos. Here are a couple of ways to display those photos.

Nostalgia: anne of green gables

Today's Pin Pick 

I was recently reminded of a childhood tradition; Anne of Green Gables. At least once a year my mother, sister, and I would sit down to watch this lovely little girl. I can't wait to watch this again.

Wanderlust: frost

Today's Pin Pick 

It's that feeling you get when you wake up all bundled up and warm; with a chill in the air and frost nipping at your nose. It's the sound of the frost bitten leaves under foot; the trees covered frozen dew.

Tutorial: apple candels

Today's Pin Pick 

If you're looking for an easy project to get you in the mood for fall and Halloween try these apple candles. They're super fun and perfect for any centerpiece.

Cooking: applesauce

Today's Pin Pick 

Recently, I welcomed my son into this world and although he's only a few weeks old, I have been finding myself preparing for our future adventures. One such adventure; which I take very seriously, is his nutrition. I've always been around home grown, beautiful food and want him to have the same respect for food. I'm going to attempt to make all his food and I was super excited to find that my favorite food blog SmittenKitchen also has a baby food blog! I wanted to find a recipe for applesauce for myself, and I found this recipe for babies! I can't wait to share this recipe with him; in the meantime I'll enjoy my own applesauce.

House & Home: tiles

Today's Pin Pick 

I know that these are kids toys, but how much fun would it be if your hallway, entryway, or even kitchen were tiled with these geometric blocks. I can imagine this in my kitchen some day. Would make a great backsplash too!

Nostalgia: bubblegum

Today's Pin Pick 

It's that feeling when you see a bubblegum machine and you just can't resist the urge to find a quarter. Sometimes you get lucky...

Wanderlust: harvest moon

Today's Pin Pick 

The autumnal equinox has already passed us by this year, but we can still enjoy the benefits of a beautiful full moon on October 19. I've had the pleasure of experiencing the moon rise this year and I look forward to some sky gazing this month.

Tutorial: pockets

Today's Pin Pick 

I'm a huge fan of pockets and I've been wondering how to sew pockets into garment, especially dresses and skirts. So, here is a quick how-to on pockets by Liz Stanley from Say Yes To Hoboken.

Cooking: wee little pumpkin pie

Today's Pin Pick 

These wee little pumpkin pie cheese cakes are the perfect way to say thank you to those dear friends during fall. Easy to make and delicious too! Check out the full recipe.

House & Home: day dreaming

Today's Pin Pick 

Lately, I've been day dreaming of a home. We are currently renting, and with the new addition to our family; the desire to find a house in which we can make a home has become ever more appealing. This pantry reminds me (some what) of my child hood homes. I'm not sure what appeals to me; it may be the low light coming through the window, or even the simplicity of clean, shelved dishes. I can't wait to find a house and move our family back home.

Nostalgia: pippi longstocking

Today's Pin Pick 

"...is coming into your world!" Seeing this book this week reminded me of a childhood movie that my cousins and I would watch almost religiously every summer.

Wanderlust: woods

Today's Pin Pick 

I've never been one for running or jogging, or any lengthy aggressive exercise of any kind. When I think of exercise I think "why beat yourself up," walk! Currently, I'm living in a state with very few trees, so I long for those long walks through the wooded avenues and parks of my home state Wisconsin. There is something about being among the trees that make this Forrest, feel at home.

Tutorial: magic circle

Today's Pin Pick 

As a maker, I look for tutorials that make (crochet) 'life' easier. This visual tutorial is one that makes working in the round way easier and cleaner. The magic circle is great especially if you want to get rid of those rascally tales!

Cooking: berry blues, the blueberry

Today's Pin Pick 

If you're like me when the weather, finally, shifts to a cooler more tolerable temperature; you ready to start baking. Before giving birth, I stocked up on berries for smoothies, but now I'm finding with the cooler temperature, I don't want a cold smoothie. I now have a ton of berries and I could make a bunch of jams and jellies, but I'm really excited to bake. So, today's pin pick honours the blueberry. This recipe comes from across the pond from Juniper Cakery. What a great little recipe!

For more blueberry recipe ideas (and conversion charts for measurements)...

House & Home: concrete love

Today's Pin Pick 

We're back! Well, I'm coming back slowly as I grow accustom to being a new mother. Even so, I feel confident that I can manage to post a few things that I love. One thing that I've always had a fondness for is concrete. Not only is concrete a cheep alternative to accents such as marble and stone tile; it's a great way to add wonderful texture to your home. Wether you're looking for new knobs for your cabinets, or you're looking to redo those old floors, concrete is a great addition to your home. And it's a great DIY project, if you're so inclined.

Babies

LGHonline will be taking a little brake this week. Our blog editor is expecting her first baby. We will be back in a couple of weeks.

Nostalgia: Apples

Today's Pin Pick 

It feels as though I've been on a fall kick this week. Even with the temps still in the 90's, I keep returning to thoughts of comfort. And so not to enter too early into the cold weather and sweaters and all things pumpkin, I think of apples. Some things, such as apple pie and apple sauce, and even apple butter, make me nostalgic for family and being outdoors. So, with that in mind I think packing a pick nick with apple cider, or apple juice, is in order. Let's pack up the car and drive some where with trees and water. Bring the telescope or binoculars and let's watch the sun set. Start your weekend early with the smell of something familiar, "let's bake a cake!"

Wanderlust: let's go for a walk

Today's Pin Pick 

One of my most favorite and most recommended things to do, is taking a walk. Some times when you need to clear your mind, feel lazy, or just need fresh air; a walk is just the thing. You don't even need a route. I think you can get to where you want to be just by aimlessly wandering.

Tutorial: crayon candels

Today's Pin Pick 

With the first week of school underway for a lot of the countries little ones, heres a fun way to use up those crayon left over from all the summers coloring activies. Or, is you just want to do something fun and add a little bit of bright desgin to your home; totally try this tutorial for colorblocked crayon candels from UsefulDIY.com.

Cooking: tea!

Today's Pin Pick 

updated 9/4/2013
 
Here's to the approach of calmer, cooler weather and a hot cup in your hands! If you've got the taste for warmth, than this is your cup of tea; really. Etsy bloggers Brair & Julie published this beautiful article about how to mix your own teas. This is a great way to use up that tea you have in the back of your cupboard. And if you want to make some tea to store in your fridge, check out these Chai recipes.

Labor Day

Today's Pin Pick 

Here's some shameless promotion. LGHonline is managed in tandem with The Little Gift House in Solon Springs, WI. We're a family of girls who can knit and crochet, sew and quilt, embroider, draw and paint, and we can make just about anything. Most of our items, sold through our etsy store, can be made to order and should you think of an item we don't have in our store we'll make it.

Nostalgia: mary poppins

Today's Pin Pick 

Although fall has not yet arrived; this week has been a week full of fall wants. It is the start of the fashionable pumpkin flavorings in all things fall. As I prepare for fall, my thoughts are focused on Halloween. What costume will I conjure up this year? I have spent most of the week struggling to think of the very best costume. In honor of every little boy's fantasy of the perfect mother, I'll be dawning the look of Mary Poppins. I can't wait!

Wanderlust: ode to water

Today's Pin Pick 

It's been hot hot in the great plains and mid west this week, so my mind has been concentrated on staying cool. Here's to wishing we were all floating down a shaddy, cool river and keeping out of the sun.

Tutorial: back pack to school

Today's Pin Pick 

With another school year underway for many students from pre-k to graduate school; this back pack tutorial is fun enough to inspire any child! You'll find that Stacy of the Hart & Sew blog posted this tutorial in September of 2012 and it is really easy to follow for any sewer, though, it may help to have an advanced sewer on speed dial. If you find this tutorial to be a little much, check out Trash to Couture for this detailed draw string back pack tutorial.

Cooking: recipe style

Today's Pin Pick 

Often I find myself drawn to the visual first, especially when it comes to food. Whether I searching for a recipe or trying to find a cook book; it's often the images of beautiful food catch my eye.

House & Home

Today's Pin Pick 

I simply adore this way of displaying paint. What a great way to experience these delicious colors.

Nostalgia: ding dong...

Today's Pin Pick 

"Follow the yellow brick road!" This week's book of the week is The Emerald City of Oz by Lyman Frank Baum. I started reading it to kill time earlier this week and found myself thinking of the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. Although I haven't yet read the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz on which the movie is adapted, I hope to add that to my ever expanding list of books to read. As a child I remember watching The Wizard of Oz at least once a year with my parents and how wonderful it was that this movie can cross generations. With a new child on the way, I know this movie will add a fourth generation of Oz fans.

Wanderlust: state parks

Today's Pin Pick 

Recently, I watched an amazing documentary about the United States State Parks. The history of how these parks cam to be and how they continue to be a great asset to the country was inspirational. I have visited a few state parks, and hope to visit all of them some day. For more information on state parks visit this website.

Cooking

Today's Pin Pick 

Today's Pin Pick is for those of you who bake. This bourbon sweet potato pie with spiced, brown sugar meringue looks too good to be true. I'm not usually a fan of sweet potatoes, which comes from the classic family favorite at the Thanksgiving table, canned sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Yuck! I'm pretty sure this recipe would change my mind and I'm excited to add this to our menu this year.

House & Home

Today's Pin Pick 

Nostalgia: a tribute to donut day!

Today's Pin Pick 

Today's Pick Pick is in honor to all those who get their donuts delivered to the office on Friday! While working at the Milwaukee Art Museum, my favorite part of Friday mornings was donut club. We welcomed everyone and made sure those in the group got the donut of their choosing. The saying TGIF means so much more with a cup of joe and a donut (hole, for those who need a rhyme).

Wanderlust

Today's Pin Pick 

I was inspired to create a board by the book The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Japanese author Murakami. He is one of my favorite authors and with each novel he creates an atmosphere of wimsy and magical realism.

Tutorials

Today's Pin Pick 

Today's pin pick is super cute! Travel to Kelly Lee-Creel's website Ever Kelly for these cute fabrics for kids crafts.

Sewing 101

Today's Pin Pick 

Today's pin pick is a great way to get yourself started if you are intestered in quilting. A few weeks ago, I also pined a link to Raechel Myers website. She has a great series of blog entries and youtube videos that help any aspiring sewer with a helpful sewing journal. I found this little series of tutorials not only inspirational, but productive. I spent one day fimilarizing myself with my sewing machine, a hand-me-down from my mother and grandmother, and within a few days I was finishing up a quilt I started months ago and sewing cloth diaper covers too! Together these websites can get anyone sewing up a storm!

Nostalgia

When starting something new the challenge of "keeping up with it" can be the biggest problem. I think most people struggle with this problem. For now, I hope that I can "keep up with it" by finding the 'thing' that allows me the flexibility and ease of posting a daily blog entry. Here's the plan; I was inspired by another project I have been "keeping up with" for almost two years. I've been tracking every cup of coffee (or type of coffee) I consume daily. As a coffee addict, I have found this daily project to be a great way to quantify an aspect of my life; which is so important. Thus, I am basing this favorite daily pin post to the same format as my daily consumption of coffee. As a tweak the format of this daily update, at the very least I will add my daily pin pick. So here we go...

Today's Pin Pick 

I've been feeling really nostalgic. I remember my mother drying pansys (and other flowers) from her garden as well as making candied flowers for cakes.

Natural & Organic

One of my first adventures on Pinterest was identifying the individual categories, boards, in which to decide my multiple interests. The very first board I created was Natural & Organic subtitled, Style & Design {a little about my lifestyle}. I wanted a place to put recipes, design inspiration for house and home, and pictures that resonate family. As a renter, of many apartments, and a long time lover of architecture, I needed a way to suppress my pining for a home. Natural & Organic gives me the space I need to store reminders for the future home I really want, and really truly get to know my own life style.

As I mentioned in my previous post I am a lover of all things Design*Sponge and Its creator Grace Bonney. I've been following her blog since its start  and have found myself returning there for inspiration as well as consolation. I've also found myself reaching out to magazines as well. Early on, in my life, I was drawn to BluePrint magazine by Martha Stewart & Co. This magazine spurred my interest in the idea of a life style and I attribute a lot of my initial house and home pining to this magazine. Recently, though, I have an addiction to Anthology Magazine. Not just a life style magazine, but a travel, design, and arts magazine all rolled into one wonderful book-like read. 

Now, I just have to me toon this final thought, both Design*Sponge and Anthology are miles away from me in parts of the country I might never get to see, but I enjoy knowing that my desire and passion for design and life style are in line with those of the gurus of New York and California. (I have expensive taste!)

The start of Something New

In honor of the months of work I have been putting into making handmade items, mostly crocheting and just recently sewing, I am adding something new! This is it...

...over the past year I, like most people, have become obsessed with Pinterest. The aspect of Pinterest that I enjoy most is the visual dialogue created by multiple images between friends and strangers. Some of the collections of images, boards, tell a story, some images are things you want, but all of the images are a way to save your ideas and likes for later.

Onto the 'something new!' I wish I had started this back when I had less than 100 pins, but alas. There can be so much information about a person, packed into a pin. I want to share what I have stashed away in one image. Months ago I was listening to a post by Design*Sponge creator Grace Bonney on her weekly podcast After the Jump. Bonney was talking about how the trend for blogs was swaying towards a mostly visual aesthetic. Blogger were straying from the 'long-winded' written elements of a post and going the way of Pinterest and Tumblr. She seemed to be debating whether to take a hold of this trend or keep on keeping on the Design*Sponge aesthetic, image plus text. 

So, I am assuming this aesthetic as well as embracing the visual and ease of a pin. I may not write about all of the pins and I may not have a direction for what the content will be, but I hope with time my trending categories of my life style come through.