Snow Day

Last Thursday, we woke up to a few inches of snow on the ground. It was so beautiful! I just had to share a few of pictures of the house. Sadly, the snow melted a day or two later. We are having an extremely mild winter this year. I wouldn't mind spending another day watching it snow while sitting by the fire. I suppose there is still time...

New Year, New Bed

Nathanael and I have finally finished our bed!  It has been a really fun project and excellent learning experience for both of us.  It gave me the opportunity to learn the function of several basic power tools, and it was exciting to see just how much my husband already knows.  I will admit we made at least 10 trips to the hardware store to find random things like 4 1/2 inch  screws, untreated 4x4 posts, and mattress supports.   I am still amazed at Nathanael's enthusiasm about the project from start to finish, even when we had to drive 45 miles on the coldest evening in December to get the right screws.

What I learned...
1.  Every saw/tool has a very specific purpose (your husband is right about this one)
2.  Double the estimated cost of your first furniture project to be accurate
3. Also double the estimated time it will take to complete the project (Christmas and colds happen)
4. Use steel brackets + a center support to hold the nearly 400 pounds of husband, wife and mattress
5. Complete painting projects in the garage between the months of April and October (in Missouri)

Even though the project wasn't super easy or seamless, I am so pleased with the end result.  Our bed is so sturdy, and I absolutely love the design.  The plans were created by Ana White.  Be sure to check out her blog...it is amazing!  Last, but not least, a fun video of our bed building experience....

Recipes from Christmas

I didn't do a lot of cooking this Christmas since we spent the holiday with Nathanael's family in Texas.  I did my best to be helpful in the kitchen, but Nathanael's mom definitely did most of the work.  She is a fantastic cook and planner.  I did take a batch of my favorite cookies and made a salad to accompany our Christmas dinner, so I thought I would share those recipes here.  Sorry I don't have any pictures to go along with the recipes.  Enjoy!

Best Cookies on Earth (from Under the Magnolias, A Tasteful Tour of Athens, GA)

2 sticks of butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped dried cranberries
1 package toffee bits (I use 1/2 package)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream butter and sugars.  Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.  Blend in flour, oatmeal, chocolate chips, cranberries and toffee bits.  Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes.

I often roll the dough into 36 balls and freeze in packages of 12.  It makes it so easy to bake fresh cookies for guests or just us.  I just thaw the dough in the refrigerator and bake the next day.


Greek Salad Dressing (by Ina Garten)

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl.  Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion.

I usually serve this dressing over a salad with lettuce, tomato, green bell pepper, red onion, banana pepper, cucumber, and feta cheese.  Whisking the dressing while slowly adding the oil does make all the difference when making a homemade vinaigrette.