Eleanor's Blessing Gown

Eleanor will be blessed on August 1. I made this gown for her.

Book Review: Shanghai Girls

Rating: Liked it!
This is a story of two, modern sisters, living in diverse Shanghai during the 1930s. Their father gambles away the family's money and sells the girls into marriages with men they've never met to settle his debt. The girls are married, but evade going to America with their new husbands and father-in-law until the Japanese invade China and their lives change forever. I was fascinated with the detailed history explored in "Shanghai Girls". It covers a myriad of topics from sister relationships to Chinese immigration during WWII to Hollywood's interaction with Chinese actors. I thought Lisa See did a great job of writing her research into a complex story the marries Chinese tradition and mid-American history. The one downfall of this story is the ending, which slashes story lines with quick and easy, yet not at all satisfying, conclusions.

Upholstery Sample Pillows

Always on the look out for a good bargain, I bought some upholstery samples on sale at JoAnn's for $1 each. I bought pieces that had similar color themes in brocade, stripe, and floral. For the square ones I simply backed a floral with a solid color. For the rectangular ones I split a stripe piece and attached it each piece to opposite sides of a floral square. I did the same for the solid color back, splitting one piece and attaching it to the sides of another square. No wasted fabric! And no two pillows are alike.

Easy Baby Blanket

1 1/2 yards of fleece bound by 4 inch strips of cotton print make a quick and easy baby blanket that will last through the toddler years. I made this one for Kristin's baby shower and hope little Eleanor likes it!

*E*L*E*A*N*O*R*

I'm an aunt (again)! Thanks to my brother Aaron and his darling wife Kristin, there's one more girl to even out the over abundance of boys in our family. Eleanor was born on Monday and I can't wait to meet her!

Scones

(photo courtesy of the food network)

This is one of my favorite recipes. It is from the Barefoot Contessa, who's recipes always seem to turn out great! My friend, Suzy, turned me on to Ina Garten about five years ago and I've yet to be lead astray (by either Ina or Suzy). These scones are really versatile. You can add dried fruit or chocolate or pair them with delicious home made jams, lemon curd, yogurt spreads, honey, or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat. OR your could incorporate dill, parsley, bacon bits, Gruyere, Parmesan, Cheddar, basil, or green onion for a light, savory scone. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional flour for rolling out dough
1/4 cup sugar, plus additional sugar for sprinkling
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 lb cold, unsalted butter, diced
4 extra large eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup heavy cream

Egg Wash

1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix 4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, the baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix at the lowest speed until the butter is the size of peas. The chunkier the butter, the fluffier the scone. Combine the eggs and heavy cream and, with the mixer on low speed, slowly pour into the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended. The dough will look lumpy! Combine any extras, such as cranberries or parsley & shredded cheddar, add to the dough, and mix on low speed until blended.

3. Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it into a ball. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. Don't over work the dough. You should see small bits of butter in the dough. Keep moving the dough on the floured board so it doesn't stick. Cut dough into circles with a cookie cutter or slice into triangles by first cutting the dough into squares approximately 5" x 5", then cut each square in half, making a triangle. Place the scones on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Collect the scraps neatly, roll them out, and cut more scones.

4. Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch.
   

Bit o' Henry

Henry plays with his cars all day long. He calls this a "finish line". Periodically throughout the day, he beckons me to check out his creation. He eagerly lists the colors of each car and then waits for me to say, "Great pattern, Buddy!" I sure love this guy and everything he brings to our family.

In My Pretty Garden Apron

Aprons are sprouting up everywhere!

Becca made me look at the Anthropologie Aprons on-line. Now I am dreaming in living apron colors! All your fault, Becca!

Teacher Appreciation

This colorful apron is going to Lucy's 1st grade teacher as a thankful gift. She has been a great teacher and we will miss her next year.