Giveaway time!

The beautiful weather here has put me in the mood for a giveaway!  

Head on over to my facebook page, and share for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind dress in these gorgeous designer prints!

Another Red Front Door

It's becoming a family joke that I've always lived in a house with a red front door.  According to the websites, red is supposed to represent warmth and vitality.  Not a bad first impression for a home eh?

When we recently moved, this was the front door color.

I wonder what brown says about a home?

After debating on just the right shade a cheerful red, I had Hill remove the door hardware, and I got to work with the sander.

I used 150 grit sandpaper to remove any bumps or uneven places in the current paint.  We discovered that the brown door had formerly been blue.

I then coated the door primer and allowed it to dry for a couple of hours.

Then it was time to go red!

I love this cheerful pop of color when we come up our drive!  

And a few rosettes and vintage buttons made for a quick and cheerful wreath to complete the look.

What does your front door color say about you?  

Happy Crafty!

Fruity Baked Breakfast Oatmeal

Last winter a someone brought a yummy baked oatmeal to our MOPS breakfast.  I didn't think quick enough to find the source and ask for a recipe, and having been kicking myself ever since.  It was the perfect balance of tart, sweet, fruity, and firm.  Today, I decided to experiment a bit and found a winner!

My original recipe was based on this Gluten Free Baked Oatmeal by the Urban Nester.  Her version called for a lot of brown sugar as well as chocolate.  I wanted to try to make a bit healthier version, and it's a hit!

Fruit Baked Breakfast Oatmeal

2 c. oatmeal (I used quick cook rolled oats)

1/2c. chopped walnuts

1 c. shredded coconut

3 T. brown sugar

1 t. baking powder

a dash of cinnamon

1/2 t. salt

1 c. fresh raspberries

1 large egg, beaten a bit

2 c. skim milk

1 t. vanilla extract

1 ripe banana

Mix the dry ingredients together and place in a well greased 9x9 pan.  Mix the wet ingredients, taking care to the incorporate the egg, and pour over the dry mixture.  Slice the banana in 1/4" slices and spread evenly over the top.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is set in the middle.

Bake this dish the night before, and reheat throughout the week for a hearty breakfast option.  If you prefer a sweeter alternative drizzle with honey.

Next time I think we may try some blueberries, strawberries and almonds.  It would be wonderful with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt too!

I'd love to hear of any other great fruit & nut combinations you create!

It's Raining, It's Pouring.....

....The Old Man is Snoring!  Ever sing that as a child?  I remember my mother waking me up on rainy mornings with that song.

Unfortunately, we haven't been able to sing that song around here this summer.  The extremely hot dry days for the last couple of months have worn on everyone.  Coming from a family of farmers, we feel the worry and stress of this summer as our families watch their crops with worried brows.

This morning the kids were in for a treat when they woke up...it was raining!  Not just a drizzle, or the sound of thunder from a cloud that doesn't roll over our house, but big, fat raindrops were falling.  It was like a new snow.   The little Hills quickly put on their rain gear and ran outside to run in the puddles.  What a fun treat after so many hot dry days!  The crops are too far gone for it to make any difference, but the rain helps our pastures grow and brings smiles to our faces!

Happy Rainy Day!!