1.7.08

Good morning :)

All of the Christmas things are put away, nicely labeled and organized for next year. I'll be so glad I did that next year. Moving furniture back in place, getting things back to normal...and simplifying.

I took a few photos this morning of some little areas in the house. This photo is just a little sitting area in the family room. The rocker is the one I used to rock and nurse Noah. It's hard to see, but on the lamp is a little collage that was handmade by Rebecca Sower. I bought it from her at Silver Bella...and I love it. Love the sun peeking thru the lace curtain, too.

Here's a photo of the piano in the entryway. This is the piano I played when I was growing up and it's the one I hope Noah will play someday. I need to play music more this year. (click for larger view)



And here's a full photo of the mantle I was working on with silver, mercury glass, white, ivory, and browns. I love the antique, simple, fresh look that it gives the room. (click for larger view)

Over the holiday we watched a lot of Food Network. In an effort to snack healthier, David and I are going to make this yummy homemade granola recipe we saw Alton Brown make on his show. My substitutions are noted...

Homemade Granola
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup cashews (using pecans instead)
3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut (yuck, omitting)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins (using dried cranberries instead)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color. Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed.

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. " ~William Morris