While Grandma and Grandpa are away for a few days, we’re spending some time with their kids, Mocha and Java Latte, and the chickens. Just a few pics for you to enjoy, dear readers!
Fun on Donnybrook Farm
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a serious Sunday squirrel
It’s been a while since I posted a fun Etsy squirrel find so here’s a serious one for your Sunday morning. I can’t help but laugh at a portrait of a squirrel in a suit. You?
Michigan coffee?
First things first. I’ve been chuckling ever since buying this ‘Lake Michigan Morning Blend’ Michigan coffee the other day. The clerk at the grocery store said, “Wow! I like, didn’t know that coffee was even like grown in Michigan! That is like sooo cool!” Of course, the know-it-all that I am responded with, “well, it’s not actually grown in Michigan…” His eyes started to glaze over when I rambled on about the coffee being imported and then roasted in Michigan, blah blah blah.
I don’t even know how it tastes yet, but I was won over by the packaging. I’m a sucker for all things that boost Michigan’s image. Doesn’t this make Michigan look pretty dang cool? Michigan represent, woot woot!
Here are some of their other Michigan coffees. Cool, right?!
I’m partial to Lake Michigan so that’s the one I grabbed, but I’ve always wanted to go to Isle Royale so maybe I’ll try that coffee next. What about you? See any other cool Michigan stuff lately? I know Michigan needs a bigger boost (jobs, anyone?) than a few well-designed products, but it still makes me feel proud of this beautiful place we call home. All year!
Wren’s edible nests
Wren’s guests were wowed by her edible nests, which Grandma Judy made for Wren’s party. She makes these darling treats every year for Easter, but I asked (begged) her to make them for Wren’s birthday party too. She lovingly shared her recipe for the nests too. Here it is!
Wren’s Edible Nests
This recipe makes between 30 and 40 nests, depending on how large you make them.
Ingredients:
12 oz chocolate chips
4 1/2 oz peanut butter
10 large shredded wheat biscuits
Bag of jelly beans – enough for 2-3 beans for each nest
Directions:
Melt together the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave or a double-boiler, if you have one. Meanwhile, break apart the shredded wheat biscuits while they are still in the package then empty into a bowl. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter goodness over the shredded wheat and combine. Form into nests with your hands and place the jelly beans in the centers. Form on cookie sheets covered in wax paper then chill in the fridge to retain the shapes. Enjoy!
Thanks, Grandma Judy!
Wren’s Birthday bash!
A few thoughts… and a few photos for you, dear readers.
90 degrees, buttercream frosting.
Hhhhmm, not exactly what I had planned, but most of the yummy cupcakes I made were thankfully consumed before they completely succumbed to the late May heat wave (and *they* say that climate change is a hoax, hhmph).
Taking care of a tired, hot, over-stimulated 1-year-old while frosting her cupcakes and placing cookies on a tray.
Again, never once when I thought about Wren’s party did I even–for one second–think that I would also be taking care of her at the same time. Duh. Hello?! Let this be a lesson, lovelies. Bring in the troops! Although I am 125% sure that I became a major pain in the a** to the people I love most, my family pitched in and made the party happen. “Mom, feel like doing a little ironing?” To which she responded, “No… But I will.” Remember, it was 90 degrees.. Only a Mom will iron your party clothes when the needle hits 90. Thanks, Mom.
Go ahead and invite a bunch of your friends with small children, but don’t expect to be able to talk with them.
After a couple hours, the yard cleared out and just my family was left. But I hadn’t really talked with anyone other than to ask if they wanted something else to drink or to order them to “please come sing ‘Happy Birthday! Now. Before the frosting puddles on the table. Please?” Turns out when all the adults are busy running around after the little people, we all just orbit around each other and rarely connect except with a few knowing glances, shrugs and a quick hug. The upside of this is that you don’t need many chairs for a kids birthday party because only a few people have the luxury of sitting down for a few minutes.
Now for some eye candy. So glad I asked my (favorite) brother to be my official party photographer. Don’t you think he did a great job?
Only once in your life do you get a plate of “1” cookies. This photo makes me smile.
“Wren’s nests,” courtesy of Grandma Judy.
Wren knew the party was all for her, especially the round of “Happy Birthday!” Here she is, so excited about being the center of attention. Trying her best to be as cute as possible. Funny how the wee ones pick up the signals, eh?
Happy Birthday, dearest Wren Sabina!
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Happy Memorial Day
Thank you to those who have served.
Thank you, weather committee.
Although Sunday is two days away and a lot can happen (this IS northern Michigan after all), I’m thrilled with the weather committee’s work. Sunny and 80 “they” are predicting. Yahoo for an outdoor garden party with lots of very small people because an indoor garden party is kind of ridiculous, right? So happy about this that I already made a little sign to hang across the front steps.
Still lots to do, but I’m just tickled to be celebrating the little birdie’s first birthday party that my excitement is sort of trumping my fatigue/stress/anxiety. In the midst of it all, we’re refinancing 605 and the appraiser guy is coming this afternoon. All that finance stuff makes my head spin, but luckily Chris is in my life and he makes me feel at ease about all of that yucky number stuff. Ugghhh. I know it’s worth it, but when it rains it pours, eh?
Have any fun summery weekend plans? I’m so very looking forward to seeing lots of family and friends. I’m pretty sure I’ll need a vacation come Tuesday, but in a good way.
Best!
Tummy Tub, of course!
I’ve been asked a few times recently for gift ideas for new parents. There are so many great things out there and while handmade items are always trump in my book, the Tummy Tub is a unique, thoughtful, useful gift that we love to rave about. Shortly after we first brought Wren home from the hospital and looked at each other, like “now what?” we bathed her in a traditional tub and she screamed. Oops. Fresh from the womb, exposure like that is not fun. For anyone. But she took right away to her Tummy Tub. And so did we. How cute is a baby in a bucket?
We started using it shortly after she was born. According to the manufacturer (and we agree!), it’s “an easy, stress-free and safe way to bathe and settle your baby. Developed in cooperation with physicians, midwives and nursery nurses, the TummyTub eases the transition from the secure environment of the womb to the new world. The unique womb shape helps your baby to relax and become calm in the familiar fetal position. Surrounded by water, which stays warmer for longer due to the small surface area, your baby feels confident and secure.”
Here are some shots of Wren in her Tummy Tub. So cute and fun!
Wren first started pulling herself in her Tummy Tub and then we really couldn’t be doing dishes at the same time anymore… Damn!
Bonus, dear readers! It’s green. The ultimate green baby bath tub: saves water, energy, space, and is fully recyclable. Designed and produced in Europe with very high quality standards, the TummyTub is completely BPA, PVC, lead, Phthalate, and toxin free. Not to mention it has passed all worldwide safety regulations and testing.
Don’t you love those Europeans and all their great ideas? Cheers!
Dig for Victory
While on the one hand I’m immeasurably happier when there’s a full bag of pretzels in the cupboard, our nest is consciously trying to eat whole foods, more locally grown produce and cook most days of the week instead of going out to eat. We’re also working on getting the garden going too so I’m inspired by the timeless nature of this quote from 70+ years ago: “We want not only the big man with the plough but the little man with the spade to get busy this autumn. Let ‘Dig for Victory’ be the motto of everyone with a garden,” – Rob Hudson, Minister for Agriculture, in October 1939.
So this Etsy find appeals to my sensibilities. It’s a new design based on a US Food Administration poster from the World Wars. Have room in your kitchen for it?
I’m equally as smitten by this t-shirt, which is based on a Depression-era design as well. What do you think, dear readers? Although it comes in other colors, isn’t this green the best choice?
How’s your Victory Garden coming along? Mine is WAY behind or maybe these 90+ days are making me feel like it and I’m OK. I noticed LOTS of starts at the farmer’s market this past weekend, which made me smile. Don’t you love the hope that’s embodied in the first leaves of a musk melon? Cheers, lovelies!