Hold your bows!

I loved this DIY for so many reasons. 

Firstly, the fact that I completed it – from start to finish- in less than a day!
Also, I completed it while nearing the 42 week pregnant mark. I can't lie and say that I was battling through swollen feet or an achy back to do so, because fortunately I feel fantastic. Maybe this last minute ‘must-do’ translates into the whole ‘nesting’ thing moms tend to take part in pre-labour. Or maybe I'm just wishful thinking.

I also loved doing this project because of the materials that I was able to put to use.
The plank that is used to hold the clothespins is no other than a trusty piece of corn crib that my Dad ripped off when I asked if he had any spare barn board lying around. This, in itself, is a testimony to the kind of Papa (and Dad) that he is. You need the shirt off of his back? Sure. Plank off of his corn crib? Absolutely.  I'm overjoyed that our girl’s nursery will now be home to a little piece of the Family Farm.

The clothespins that I used (which I dyed yellow using Rit Fabric Dye from Michael’s) were the same clothespins that were used to hang up photos of Kevin and I when we said our “I Do’s” almost 2 years ago. Another plus to DIY’ing your own wedding: This will be the umpteenth house project that we’ve been able to re-use the decor from our special day for!

So, there you have it. A simple, rustic-looking headband holder for our eventual newborn who could not care less that I have a corresponding bow for every possible outfit she will be forced into. 

Do you have a little lady in your life that needs a place to display all things fancy? I am now officially on maternity leave and am taking orders. Feel free to contact me for a custom build. Any colour, size or theme – I’m your girl.

 Happy headband holding!

In the name of all things Pumpkin

I may have jumped the gun on the whole baking with pumpkin thing, being that I rolled out these bad boys in just late August, but I just couldn't walk by the pumpkin puree in the grocery store one more time without throwing it in my basket. Every time I would try, it would stick out to me, mocking me, really. It was almost as if the can had dual intentions – neither of them honourable. On one hand, it wanted me to start my fall baking parade before the calendar had even flipped to September (seemingly blasphemous in my mind, for whatever reason) and on the other hand it wanted to derail my attempts at eating as healthily as I could. Though, if we're being honest.. a series of work-related events leading up to me taking maternity leave did a pretty solid job of sending that train off track momentarily. Regardless – the can was mocking me.

“Don't you wanna’ make a pumpkin pie?”
“Look at me I'm the main ingredient in pumpkin loaf!”
“Mmm, wouldn't I taste great in a pumpkin spice cupcake with cream cheese frosting?”

So, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and launch a can or two in my grocery basket. I was going to transform this pumpkin puree into something I wouldn't feel guilty about indulging in – Pumpkin Protein Muffins. It still felt a little weird consuming them in late August, but, YOLO.

Since initially posting the muffins, I've received 9 different Facebook messages requesting the recipe (actually demanding it in one instance – you know who you are). So, I thought I’d make a blog post about it! After all, it is now officially September. The lines between late Summer and early Fall are illegibly blurred at this point. I, myself, though I may be bias, consider it to be ‘game on’ when it comes to any pumpkin-pie, apple-crisp, cinnamon-spice, candy-corn or salted-caramel recipe your heart desires.

To all of my fellow Fall loving friends, you're welcome:

Ingredients:

½ can of Pumpkin Puree

½ cup of Greek Yogurt (I used Vanilla but I’m sure any would do)
½ cup of applesauce

3 egg whites

1 ¾ cups of Old Fashioned Oats

¼ cup of Protein Powder (your choice). I've also made a batch of these sans le powder and they turned out great so if you are concerned and would prefer to leave it out – go nuts. Literally, add crushed nuts of your choice in place of the protein powder!

1 ½ cups of Baking Stevia OR 1 cup of sweetener of your choice ( I used organic blueberry jam because my mom went on a canning jam frenzy this summer so I had multitudes to use up. I got the sweetness factor, didn’t have to use any fake sugars AND the muffins came out on the moist side – which I enjoy!)

1 tsp Baking Soda

2 tsp Baking Powder
Then, add in whichever spices your little Fall loving heart desires. I used cinnamon, but you can use pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, whatever!
As far as add-in’s go – I threw in some cacao nibs but, again, you can be creative. Chocolate chips, walnuts, dried cranberries, or fresh fruit – your options really are endless as these portable little guys are the perfect vehicle for just about anything.

Baking Instructions:

Throw it all in a bowl, mix well, portion it out into a 12-spot muffin tin and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, or until you can stick a toothpick in without it coming out covered in puree. I tend to do the toothpick test 3 or 4 times before I know they are finished, but that’s because I seemingly can’t wait to eat the pumpkin. It’s the grown-up equivalent of licking the wooden spoon when making cookies.

Eating Instructions:
Throw on a sweater and your favourite pair of tights, tuck them into some knee-length boots, sit on your front porch, watch the leaves change and ENJOY! Fall is only here for a little while.. get it in ya’!

An Irish-Canadian Girls' Interpretation of "Skinny Italian"

Tonight’s blog post was not a premeditated one. In fact, it wasn't until halfway through my cooking venture that I decided, perhaps, this concoction was blog-worthy! I know you're probably wondering, if I didn't realize until halfway through my preparation, how do I have photos right from the start?  The sad, pathetic answer to that is because that’s what I do sometimes. I take pictures of my cooking process – whether I have the intention to share it or not. The universe is likely going to give me an early onset of Alzheimer’s... almost like a payback for my need to photograph meaningless things and more often than not, share them with the world. At least I'll have an incredible amount of photos to look back on as I try to reminisce.

There are a few reasons why this “Skinny Italian” is a favourite in our household. You see, Kev’s favourite cuisine (at least before we met and in our earlier days of togetherness) is Italian – specifically, pasta!  I, on the other hand, couldn't choke down a bowl of his beloved starches to save my life. You heard right, I don't like pasta. Spaghetti, lasagna, bowtie, linguini – you name it, I hate it.

Although this truth has put me at a disadvantage in a handful of social situations, it has worked in my favour when I have attempted to cut down on carbohydrates. With about a month and a half left in my pregnancy (and, from what I’m told, a month and a half of going to bed wondering how you could possibly get any bigger and then, in fact, waking up bigger) I have taken it upon myself to attempt to eat as healthily as possible without denying my body any of the necessary nutrients it needs to finish growing this baby.

The “Skinny Italian” dish allows me to satisfy Kev’s taste buds without ending up looking like I should be tied down in the next Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

Another reason it’s a favourite ‘round these parts is because it’s easy! With a prep time of 5 minutes and a total cook time of under 20, it’s the perfect solution when I'm strapped for time or energy - or both!

Here’s how I create my “Skinny Italian” dish. I challenge any of you pasta-loving creatures to give it a go yourself and see if it hits the spot!

1 -Start simmering marinara (or your favourite pasta sauce) in a large pan.
2- Chop thawed, boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add it to the simmering sauce
3- About 5 minutes after you've added the chicken, add chopped vegetables of your choice. I used onion, red and orange peppers, mushrooms and corn.
4-Once the veggies are added, add cream cheese and chicken broth to the mix. (Eyeball it and adjust your pouring based on whether or not you want to eat this with a fork or a spoon. Scientific, I know).
5-After about 15 minutes have gone by, drop in a few handfuls of spinach. The spinach will cook down quickly and add an element of freshness (and colour, if you’re into that whole “eating with your eyes” thing) to your pan!
6- Once your spinach has cooked down – you’re good to go! Make sure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, turn off the heat and serve!
*Seasonings added throughout : Oregano, Basil and Thyme

Disclaimer: I am in no way of Italian descent (though I did pretend I was for a few days in 4th grade), nor am I incredibly knowledgeable of their food fare. I am an Irish-Canadian who was raised largely on meat, potatoes, and vegetables from my own backyard. If my seasoning or use of cheese is not genuinely, 100% Italian – my sincere apologies! 

A Letter Twining "How-To"

Today’s blog is brought to you by popular demand. I’ve always wanted to say that.

Truthfully, though, the topic of today’s blog – “Letter Twining” – is one that I was asked to create by a number of my fellow DIY crafters! So, what the people want, the people get!

I, myself, hung my twined monogram letter (C – for Carpenter) in our hallway where I am in the process of creating a shabby-chic, mismatched display of all things love. See inspiration below.

(If you want to see more projects that I have completed or plan to complete in my own home – check out my “Home Sweet Home” board on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/caresselle/home-sweet-home/ )

However, these decorated letters have been growing in popularity and in the last month and I taken an order for a wedding head table (twined and accented with camouflage fabric) as well as a nursery (twined and accented with light pink ribbon and pearls). I will be finishing my own twined letter with 2 floral accents, made of lace, because I have an unhealthy obsession with the whole twine and lace combination. But, the first step in the healing process is admitting that you have a problem....

I will say, the process of twining wooden letters is one that takes some time. Because of the intricacy, it isn't something you will want to rush. In total, to complete one letter, the process took me about 3 hours. I started it last night and completed it tonight. As soothing as the process is (similar to what I believe knitting must be for those who knit) it is also one that takes an incredible amount of patience. Unfortunately, I’m not always the most patient person (I’m working on it) and so for that reason, I split my labour between two evenings. I took a mental break, of sorts. Besides, there are only so many hot glue gun burns these swollen, pregnant, Oktoberfest sausage-lookin’ fingers can take in one sitting.

Also, don't give yourself a fresh manicure before twining. Speaking from experience.

Step 1/What you will need):
· Your Letters (I purchased mine at Michael’s)
·         Twine (I buy mine in bulk online, but for smaller scale projects it is also available at Michael’s) ·         Hot glue gun
·         Scissors (believe me, this is not 6^th grade and you are not unpeeling a Clementine – you will not be able to twine your letter successfully with one, solid, uncut piece of twine).
·         Something Metal (this is for flattening the twine against the letter in those more difficult curvatures of the letter. I used scissors but a nail file would work great, too!)

Step 2: 
Twine over the edges that will not be covered in the same motion as your twining. This will require cutting the twine into approx 1-inch pieces and gluing them width wise (or length wise depending on what look your going for) to your letter.

Step 3:
Begin twining your letter, covering the work done during your 2^nd step, first.

Step 4:
Continue twining. This is where the process has the opportunity to be relaxing. Remember to glue the twine down periodically (on the side of the letter that will not be showing) as you go.

Step 5:
Make an indication mark with a sharpie on the back of your letter where any holes exist.
Note: this is only necessary if you will be hanging your monogrammed letters. If they are going to be displayed on a mantle, head table, or if you are going to be adding a ribbon to the letter and hanging it on a door, this step isn’t necessary.

Ta-da!
Once you have fully covered your letter, you’re done! If there are any weak spots where the original under-letter is peaking through, this provides you with a perfect place to glue your accents, whether it be a flower, pearls, gems, ribbon, seashells, or something else! For more great monogram letter ideas check out:  http://www.pinterest.com/joycem/letter-monogram-ideas/

There you have it (said in the exact accent of the man from Art Attack) - you can create letters to be displayed around your own home (nursery, living room mantle, on the wreath to your front door) or to showcase at your next event or holiday party. I also think they make great gifts, though, you may want to wait until you’ve got the hang of it first – unless the gift is for your parents, then, it doesn't matter how tacky it turns out. Remember, these are the people that spent hundreds of dollars on a Christmas tree only to proudly display your stale macaroni ornaments.

Happy Twining, folks!

A well-read woman is a dangerous creature.

When you're expecting a child, you start to think about things that may not have crossed your mind before. Of course, many people think of how many children they might want to have, what they'd like to name those said children or what kinds of sports and activities they'd like them to partake in. Additionally, if you're anything like me, you will be awoken from a deep slumber with anxious thoughts such as “what if my child doesn't like to read”. It’s a real fear if you, yourself, grew up an avid bookworm.

I know that we won’t have complete control over whether our first born daughter is a literary prophet or if she frequents sparknotes to complete her half-assed book reports, partially because I think that enjoying to read is both a mix of nature as well as nurture. You can lead a horse to water, but, you know the rest. However, we do plan on doing everything in our power to pave the way for her to read and to love reading.  What better place to start than by making sure she has her very own bookshelf? Which leads me to share this week’s post – our simple, DIY bookshelf refurbish.

We bought the shelf for $10 at our local Goodwill. Correction, the bookshelf was on sale for $10 at our local Goodwill and my mother, being who she is, went on Senior’s Discount Day and got it for us for $8. The lady is a bargain vulture; she circles far above your average bargain hunter, watching... waiting. Anyways, we got the bookshelf for 8 bucks and being the theme whore that I am, I knew it needed that extra ‘something’ to make it perfect for the nursery (which is, grey and white in colour with pops of yellow accents everywhere I can fit them). Note: Grey and Yellow is my absolute favourite colour combo of all time. It was also the colour theme for our wedding. When I like something, I really, really, really like it.

This DIY was an easy one, partially because it was my first attempt at refurbishing a bookshelf, and partially because I didn't want to spend too much time or energy on an intricate, detailed design when 90% of the shelf is going to be covered in books for the remainder of its life.

So, the steps are as follows.
1. We popped the back of the bookshelf off
2. We spray painted the back of the bookshelf
3.We nailed the back of the bookshelf back on

I thought, momentarily, about using painters tape to tape up a pattern which I could then paint over before removing. I also shopped around a bit for a nice fabric or paper that I could modge podge to the back of the bookshelf, but, I ended up taking the simpler route this time and I don’t regret it!

Whether she ends up using it to store her most favourite dog-eared, escapes from reality, or not, at least I will be able to sleep easier knowing that we are doing our part to give her the best start possible. If nothing else, the bookshelf makes a super cute feature piece in the corner of the nursery. 

God Bless Tonatiuh and Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Today's post shares with you one of my trusty go-to's when it comes to potluck dishes:

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
 

Not only are they cheap, quick and easy, but they are always a hit. I feel a high percentage of human beings don't listen beyond the words "bacon-wrapped, so the potential for fellow attendees to pass on sampling your dish (which I always take as a devastating blow and personal insult) remains low.
Now, I had to prep these bad boys in advance as they were being cooked off-site at my nephew, Tonatiuh's, baptism.

Once you whip up the BBQ sauce, manually open the cans of chestnuts and slice the bacon into halves, you're still only looking at a 5 minute prep-time.

So, here she is:

Ingredients:
Maple Bacon (you can use any ol' bacon, really, but going with maple cuts back on the sugars you'd need to use in the BBQ sauce without sacrificing any of the sweetness).

Whole Water Chestnuts (I use DYNASTY brand, canned chestnuts because they tend to hold their moisture best, but, they're going to be wrapped in bacon and drenched in a sweet/savoury BBQ sauce, so let's be real - the nugget of water chestnut really isn't the highlight of the dish and you shouldn't waste your valuable time searching for one brand or another. If it's whole and it's a water chestnut, it'll do!)

BBQ Sauce (makes about a cup) :

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (splurge for 2 tablespoons if you're not going with Maple Bacon)
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup molasses (I use Grandma's "Fancy" Molasses, but I'm sure any would do)
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• Garlic Powder (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Note: I often adjust my seasoning based on the audience. For instance, if my Dad is present, I add more salt (which he will then, in turn, add more salt to, before tasting, regardless and without fail) If my Brother-in-Law (who is from Mexico City and has the heat tolerance of a man who was force-fed suicide hot wing sauce as an infant) is present, I will throw in a dash or two of cayenne or chili powder. Basically, what I'm getting at, is that seasoning is 100% flexible in the world of BBQ sauce. And what a wonderful world it is!

Cook time: Throw these little pieces of deliciousness in the oven (375) for 30-40 minutes based on how crisp you'd like your bacon and voila. Serves a whack-load of people, on the lower end of the carb spectrum, you can be cute and use different coloured toothpicks based on your theme... the perks are endless).

God Bless Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts and God Bless Tonatiuh!

Nice to meet you.

My name is Caress Lee Carpenter and I do not regret to inform you that I am, indeed, as country as the name would lead you to believe. I was born 'Caress Lee' but in October of 2012 I married my love, Kev. (I'll post a wedding photo album later so you can have a tiny insight into just how DIY obsessive I am, and believe me, it has only grown since then.) Together, we've spent over half a decade building this little life we have.

Kev is my guinea pig when I'm trying out new, never-before-attempted, don't-try-this-at-home, from-scratch recipes. Actually, not recipes. In fact, if the word 'recipe' had an antonym, that's what these concoctions would be. I am my Mother's daughter when it comes to "a dash of this and an ounce of that". Sometimes, Kev is the fortunate first taster of an incredible culinary masterpiece and sometimes ... he is not. Let's just say that, on the rare occasion, I have been guilty of over-seasoning. Blame it on my aversion to moderation. Regardless, I promise that this blog will showcase both ends of the spectrum - it's only fair.

Kev is also my go-to when it comes to carrying out the many, many, many around-the-house, do-it-yourself projects that I dream up. I tend to lean towards the country, rustic, shabby and chic of things when it comes to decorating our home. I am forever armed with mason jars, burlap and twine and, as of recent, I have taken a liking to refurbishing old, junky, throw away furniture into pretty, unique pieces. Kev helps me with pick-ups and unloads. I'm currently just over 6 months pregnant, so I am temporarily rendered useless when it comes to the heavy lifting.I'm also trying hard to keep my distance when it comes to using paint removers, wood stains, and all of the other goodies that scare-you-shitless parenting articles strongly advise against.

Much of what I want for my own home - and my own life, really - was inspired by the way I was raised. I am one of my parents 4 daughters and we all grew up on our family's Century Farm - a hundred acres on the outside of town. It was that very property that Kev and I got married on and the same property that, eventually, we want to build our 'forever home' on. In many ways, my upbringing on the farm was one that most country kids can relate to. My Dad spent long hours in the field and my mom spent equally as many hours keeping up the home - both of which are no easy tasks when you are perfectionist, over-achievers with no hired help. In every way they are different they are just as many ways the same and I can thank both of them for many of the little habits that I have in terms of caring for my own home and my own family. For instance, I do tradition. I do family dinner at the kitchen table. I do back roads. I do natural. I do it because for a very long time I didn't know there was any other way and after learning there were and then faced with the opportunity to choose other ways, I realized there was no better way. There are a million little things that I carry with me from my childhood, as most people do, but I never realized how home-grown I was until I left the farm.

I chose to start this blog, partially, so that I could document all of the little home grown, do-it-yourself, and from-scratch moments of my little life. I also started this blog because I’ve always been fascinated by other lifestyle blogs and how other women have been able to share the triumphs and tragedies that come along with being working wives and mothers (amongst other things) in one, neat, little, organized place with a catchy font and pretty matching side panels. Another reason I started this blog is because so many of my friends and family members have told me that I should keep track of my recipes, house projects and decorating ideas and compile a book. Well, it’s 2014 and starting an online blog is the next best thing. I figure if a handful of people around here find the things that I do on a daily basis inspiring, maybe there is another handful out there somewhere. Lastly, I started this blog because I, too, am an over-achiever.  The thought of being a brand new, first time mom, chairing a couple of community fundraising campaigns, actively volunteering for a few local organizations that I hold close to heart, keeping up our home , coaching a local sports team and taking part in a number of professional development courses once September's maternity leave rolls around just wasn’t enough.

I came to the conclusion, long ago, that the absolute best and most beautiful things that have happened in my life have come from less-than-ideal, overwhelming and messy places.

This is the little life I've built, From Scratch.