New shop now open!!

Hi there! Just a quick post to update some info on my shop. I have a new web address and I'll be adding tons of new things over the next few days. Come check it out :) the raven's nest <---(click to view shop)

The weekend was pretty eventful for me! how was your weekend? Saturday the Mister and I picked up our new puppy. He is a rot/lab mix, which in my opinion is one of the best mixed breeed dogs you can own. i had the same mix breed growing up and he was one of the smartest and loyal dogs ive owned. i was so exited to discover a lady giving some away the other day. I hope this one turns out to be just as good of a companion for my kiddos as my old dog was.

Sunday we found ourselves on a bit of a road trip. We travel around the city and ended up at a park we had never been to before. There ended up being some great trails so we spent the rest of the day hiking through the park. The flowers we amazing there and I got some pretty good shots of them.

Ive been working on changing a few things with my shops and here on my blog. I'm thinking about a new look for it, Im looking for something that better matches my personality. I've been working on a few pics to go with the changes.

Magnificent moccasins

The other day while browsing my local craft store I stumbled upon a moccasin making kit in the leather section. Boy was i excited! I've been looking for some simple moccasins for a couple months now and these would be perfect. The kit cost 16.99 and had everything I needed to make them.

 It was a fairly easy project, I guess. the only thing i had a hard time with was getting the pleats just right in the toes. you have to pull the string really tight the entire time. Other than that I would definitely think about making another pair. the whole project only took me about 45 minutes. The kits was from the Tandy Leather factory you can find their website here . I'm also thinking about adding some beading or painting a pattern on the tops to make them look more authentic. So far they have been really comfortable.

If anyone else makes them, I would love to hear how yours come out!

Ann♥



The Sun is Shining

Something about the sun today just beckoned me outside.

the view from my kitchen window

 Maybe it was the cool night we had that left me longing to feel the warm kiss of the sun on my skin, or maybe it was just me trying to avoid house work... Either way today seemed like a great day to do a garden update! i ended up spending most of the morning just sitting in the garden, which is my favorite way to relax. it was just what I needed. I've been so busy working on the plans for our house renovation, not to mention my shop and being a mommy, i was ready for a little peace and quiet.

my squash seedlings finally popping up!

 Notice the "fence" in the background... It's actually wooden shipping pallets. I nailed them to the backside of my garden boxes and created a little privacy fence on two sides of the garden. This is working out so well! Not only for privacy from the neighbors, but it's keeping the hot dry wind off my tender newbies in the garden. I should really do a DIY on all my ideas for shipping pallets and crates. Those babies have come in handy for so much around here :)

Mr.Gnome watching over the garden

My Colt chillin' in the sunshine

breakfast...

I woke up this morning thinking about my grandma and what an amazing person she was. She passed away several years ago, but I still think about her everyday. She was such a strong woman. She raised five kids and owned a diner, and was without a doubt one of the best cooks that ever lived. I feel so lucky to have spent so much time with her, learning her secrets and passing them on to my children. One recipe of hers that has lasted through several generations is her buttermilk biscuits. They are what you would call "comfort food". Perfect for breakfast or great as a dinner roll, these babies are amazing! I thought I would share the recipe with you all, maybe it will become a favorite in your home too! Hope you enjoy :)

Nannie's Buttermilk Biscuits

2 cups flour

1/3 cup shortening

1 tsp salt

3 tsp baking powder

buttermilk   (your going to eyeball this one but  I'd say somewhere around a cup and half)

9X13 in. loaf pan you can use a cookie sheet but the will get crunchier (greased)

you will also need an extra 1/2 c flour for kneading you dough

Combine dry ingredients, mix well. Add the shortening and use a fork to "cut in" to the dry ingredients. To do this use the fork to smash the shortening into the flour, the fork will cut the shortening into smaller pieces. You won't want it to be completely mixed just simply cut the shortening into tiny pieces that will mix easily with the other ingredients. You will still have a slightly dry mixture at this point. Now slowly pour the buttermilk in and begin to stir by hand. You are looking for a slightly sticky but not runny consistency. Try not to over mix your dough, as it will become tough. Okay once you have your dough mixed, flour a small area on you counter top and pour the dough mixture on top. Sprinkle a little more flour to the top of the dough and knead the flour into the dough about 5 or 6 times, just until it's not super sticky. Now flatten the dough out to about a 1 inch thickness with your hand. Whew.. okay Now you can finally begin cutting you biscuits! I just use a wine glass to cut mine, but just about anything around that size will work. After you cut them out place them with sides touching in your pan. I always add about a 1/4 tsp of butter to the tops of each biscuit before putting them in the oven, this is what gives them that perfect golden brown look, and it tastes pretty awesome too. Alright now put them in the oven at 350 for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the tops have turned a nice golden brown. I know it sounds really complicated, but once you've made them a couple time it will be quick and easy for you. Remember this is an original recipe completely from scratch, and the taste makes up for all the hard work, I promise :)