Hopeful Homemaker

Little Feet

October 12, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

My little one grew out of her shoes… again. Right now her feet are chubbier than her bigger sister’s, and only 1/4 inch shorter. Those two are so funny. Peas in a pod and yet so different. When I spotted these orange shoes it was love at first sight. They’re perfect for her. Girly and yet totally spunky.

I must admit my adoration for the little feet and shoes of my babies and toddlers. There’s just something about them that makes me happy. I have a collection of all the little shoes my children have worn… I can’t seem to part with them. They’re remnant evidence of such a precious stage of life.

So we did a little photo shoot. Of her feet.

These pictures make my heart go pitter-patter. I love this little girl so much.

Her AND her feet.

And her hair after pulling the rubber bands out. (Never mind how adorable she looked with them IN.)

I am such a lucky mom.

Hopeful Homemaker

Lemon Zucchini Bread

October 11, 2011 jennifer Breads and Rolls

Last year a dear friend shared a loaf of this bread with me and I loved its light, lemony flavor. She shared the recipe with me last week, and I’ve already made several batches.

The color of the bread is gorgeous, a beautiful golden brown on the outside and a light, creamy yellow with tiny green flecks when you cut into it.

My family has fallen in love with this bread. They especially love it when I bake mini-loaves and meet them at school with a tiny warm loaf all their own. I’ve done it twice now, and I love the “Yes!” I hear when they see it in the car. So, here’s the recipe…

Lemon Zucchini Bread Ingredients:
2 cups cubed zucchini, with peel 1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup applesauce 3 eggs 2 Tb. lemon zest 4 Tb. lemon juice 1 Tb. vanilla 3 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt Preparation:
In a blender or food processor, combine zucchini, oil, applesauce, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla. Blend for 30 seconds.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Pour zucchini mixture into dry ingredients and stir until combined.

Coat two loaf pans with non-stick spray and divide batter between pans. Bake at 325 for 50-60 minutes (in my oven it has only needed 50 minutes). Let bread cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans. Cool on cooling rack, then serve and enjoy!

One comment baking

Elsie’s Blessing

October 10, 2011 jennifer Decorating, Entertaining, Parties

A couple of weeks ago when my brother got married, I mentioned that we also hosted a gathering for another brother. He and his little family traveled from Mississippi to be with us, and while they were here they blessed their new little baby, Elsie. We were honored to host the blessing in our home, and it was so kind of Christa’s family to come here and join us for the event.

I knew I’d only have a few minutes to prep for the blessing but I wanted it to be nice. I wanted to do something for Brent and Christa that showed them we love and support them, and I wanted things to look nice for Christa’s family. That can be tricky when you also have three other four other families staying with you, but I think we managed.

I built the decor around two things, the vintage tablecloth with green and turquoise flowers, and the Elsie banner. I used all white dishes, simple plates and napkins, and we had milk and water to drink. Too late I thought about finding some little milk bottles to serve drinks in, with striped paper straws. It would have been perfect, but I couldn’t find what I was picturing, at least not disposable or cost effective.

Christa’s family brought the food, so we had it all prepped before they came and it only took about 3 minutes to arrange.

Much as I love cupcakes, it was kind of nice to see something as simple as cookies being served. They were delicious, and a variety of cookies were offered. My personal favorite: molasses.

The banner was fun and easy to make. I tore some pages out of my vintage dictionary and cut them into triangles. I then glued some glitter to the edges and stamped the letters with rubber stamps and ink. We simply stapled them to the aqua ribbon and I used the large silver urns to anchor them on each side of the food. They provided just enough height for the banner to hang over the cookies. At the end of the evening I put both the banners in a bag and sent them home with Elsie’s family.

We made a second banner and set up a second table in the backyard for the children and others who would want to sit out there. I set up a couple of tables with chairs and tied aqua sashes around the chairs. And then I forgot to take a single picture. I guess that’s what happens when you get busy playing hostess.

On the other end of the counter near the drinks I got out my silver glittered baby letters and took a walk around the yard for some fresh flowers to cut.

In the end, I think everyone had a great time. People visited and lingered, and seemed to enjoy themselves. It was such a great day. And my payment for it all? Holding beautiful little Elsie. Oh, she is precious.

Brent and Christa, thank you so much for sharing such a special day with us! We love you and miss you and think you’re amazing.

Jennifer