Artisan Bread

I have been on the hunt for a good bread recipe for a while. I use one that I kinda like...but I ran out of gluten a while ago and keep forgetting to pick it up at the store, so the bread comes out crumbly right now. Then I came across Artisan Bread on Pinterest...you know, the one that says you can make a loaf with no kneading for $.40?!?! Um, YES! I want to do that! Yesterday I gave it a try, and it was so-so. Today I did it again and it is better. I think I might be onto something here! One recipe makes 4 loaves, but you only have to bake one at a time, having fresh bread everyday would be pretty cool, right?

And yes, I know you're supposed to wait until the bread is cooled until you cut into it...but I just couldn't wait!!! :o) The only thing that could've made it better would've been large amounts of Nutella spread on top. YUUUUUUM!

This is the blog that based their recipe from the technique they read in Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day. I did not read the book, but the blog was super helpful...thank you! I used 1/2 whole wheat, 1/2 white flour, so it was most likely a few more pennies than $.40/loaf, but I'm impressed enough to continue perfecting and working on the technique.

Does anyone have a good bread recipe they swear by? Or am I the only one who makes their own bread in the supermarket day & age? ;o) C'mon! Try this! It's so easy and you'll thank me. Be creative in your kitchen and try something new...then tell me how it went!

I'm thinking Broccoli Cheese soup tonight...with crusty bread...

Books

The past week has been a very hard one...I'll just put that out there as honest as I can. But, I've been in a few conversations and have been asked about some resources I use, so I thought I'd pass on what I've been passing on to others around me this week.

We homeschool, so most of the conversations have been from that viewpoint, but I think these would pertain to non-homeschoolers who are looking for more for their kiddos and for themselves.

 Honey for a Child's Heart - Gladys Hunt
Classic books and challenging reading to introduce at every age. I used to wander my library and look for quality books, now I take this book and find exactly what I need. If you are a lover of literature or Classic Education, you'll love this book.

First Art: Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos - MaryAnn F. Kohl
This is my go-to art book right now. It has so many different ways of painting, drawing and molding...all which I can pull together quickly. My girls have loved everything I used from here. She also lays out for each "lesson" what you'll need, how to present it, and what the messy factor is going to be - I consider this INVALUABLE right now ;o)

Daily Focus - Janet Tatman
I feel a bit biased putting this on here because Janet is my sweet, dear friend. But I'm telling you...this is such an encouraging devotional. As moms we fight battles that are only ours, but also as homeschooling moms we fight battles that others do not. I swear she had a Nanny Cam in my house this week and knew exactly what was going on...it was like a friend sharing God's truth with me each day as I read the small blurb. If you don't want to commit to purchasing the book, you can sign up and have a new devo in your inbox each morning.

Ok...that's all for now ;o) Just thought I'd share!

Year of Creativity (and moderation...if you must know)

Months ago (while I was doing laundry), Rohn & I got into a conversation about being creators instead of just consumers. In the years of having babies, raising babies, chasing after babies, baby laundry, oh...and now HOMESCHOOLING (the lovely time-sucker it is)...creativity has somehow taken a back seat around here. Because you see, it is so much easier to just buy a thing than to use brain power to make something new from something old, repurpose, or just learn to do something you don't know how to do! So, we decided right then that we MUST embrace creativity and get back on the train of life-long learning. Also - did I mention we became "friends" with Dave Ramsey 2 years ago and live on a budget now? A budget that doesn't just let you buy any old thing all the time...having limits also makes you creative (post on how I learned to cook because of this coming later).

So...first thing I dove into was making hairbows for my girlies. Because I LOVE sweet, little, big, southern-looking, preppy, bows and baretts and headbands and options! Must have options ;o) Say hello to Hobby Lobby, Pinterest, and 1/2 price sales on rolls of ribbons. I totally enjoy making bows and felt flowers and corker bows and tshirt headbands and other such fun things. Creativity is FUN!

Next on the list? Knitting. I see beautiful scarves, hats, baby leg warmers, and other such sweet (did I mention warm?) things for money...lots of money. Remember the budget? ;o) Yes, let's not forget. Again off to Hobby Lobby for needles & yarn (on sale, mind you!). Love that store...it sucks me in and I have to purposefully leave. Yesterday one of the girls in our homeschool group came over and taught me how to cast-on, and the knit stitch. I can knit anything right now as long as it is the knit stitch...purling coming at a later date...and then I'm totally diving into cable...oh I love cable!

That's just of the pretty part...the edges are not so pretty, or straight. But hey...I'm still a knitting virgin here, and I don't think it looks too horrible!!! If it does, please do not imply so in the Comments. Thank you. Here's my current list of things I want to knit.

Baby Legwarmers - CUTE! As soon as I learn to purl, I can do the ribbing...very exciting! Audi's chunky legs would be sooo sweet in these. I would want to eat her up...even more than I already do!

This very cool chunky scarf using the KNIT stitch...I can do that!!! Seriously...how Anthro looking is this infinity scarf?

Source: sparkling-glitter.tumblr.com via Debra on Pinterest

And then I figure I'll want to dive into a long, emotionally powered project...maybe a soft blanket for my girlies. This one looks so cute and bright.

Source: abbysharp.tumblr.com via Debra on Pinterest

Last note...remember the moderation bit in the title? I could do this knitting thing all day right now. I find it so relaxing and satisfying...but then laundry wouldn't get done, the girls would be eating crackers and cereal for meals, and schooling would be totally non-existent! All things in moderation...even really fun, creative, productive things.

What about you? Have you been learning something that is really enjoyable and creative? Do I need to learn it too? ;o) Share!!!!