Monday, January 07, 2008

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)

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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)Photobucket

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

6 comments:

Jen said...

That granola sounds yummy and I agree with your substitutions. I don't like the idea of the coconut either. I think I may have to make this!

Andrea Amu said...

I DO love that mantle arrangement! Really clean, pretty look... and wintery too!

Anonymous said...

nice photos, your home is lovely~~~and your mantel is gorgeous!

Jana said...

Love seeing the little sneak peeks into your home and hopefully I can visit the real thing sometime this year! My Christmas decor is STILL out but I'm hoping to get it packed away this week. I'm feeling the need to deep clean, organize & change things up around here too. I've been watching alot of Food Network lately too and am THRILLED that Jamie Oliver is back.

Kara said...

beautiful!! as usual!! you have an amazing house. i need to do some photographing before i start packing things away.
awesome granola recipe. i watch way more food netowrk than i care to tell, but i have been wanting a recipe like this!! ;)

did you catch the south beach one the other night?? that one was great!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer!

I check your blog every few days, but I'm not sure I've ever left you a comment. However, your granola recipe brought me out of the woodwork. I just wanted to give you a link to a GREAT granola recipe I've made several times. Here it is--http://www.tammysrecipes.com/granola
I love this--it uses honey and brown sugar. I actually think you can cut back on the amount of brown sugar.
Now that I've started making this, I don't like bought cereal at all.

Love your blog and seeing pictures of your BEAUTIFUL home!