mi

homemade

Honey Almond Granola

3 cups of oats (not the quick kind)

(opt) about 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

(opt) sprinkling of wheat germ

(opt) sprinkling of hemp hearts

(opt) touch of vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

2/3 cup honey (could use brown sugar instead)

(opt) glug of maple syrup

1/4 cup unsalted butter (if using salted omit salt from recipe)

(opt) handful of coarsely chopped raw almonds (not salted)

(opt) handful of raisins and chopped apricots (organic ones taste soooo much better)

other yummy options:

dried cherries; pecans, hazelnuts or walnuts; chopped dates; dried banana or apple chips; sesame, pumpkin or flax seeds

Preheat oven to 350 F

Melt butter with honey and maple syrup, salt & vanilla.

Mix oats with coconut, wheat germ, hemp hearts and almonds in a large bowl then pour honey mixture over top and combine.

Spread out onto two baking sheets and bake approximately 30 mins - be sure to move mixture around, scraping the bottom every once in a while during baking to avoid burning. When evenly golden brown set out to cool. 

Always add chopped fruit AFTER granola has been taken out to cool.

Store on counter in an air tight container, preferably one made from glass*.

*jars pictured are very inexpensive ones from IKEA; wouldn't they make a nice gift with a little gift tag and label

j

She just fell asleep in the jolly jumper, the dear. Slumped over, fast asleep. Her top front teeth have cut through over the last couple of days so there is a constant drip of drool hanging off her chin at all times. She's going to look so big when they fully grow in. She is also on the move, crawling half speed ahead. It will be in no time that we will have to get the baby gates out of storage and check that all the outlets have been covered. Here is another photo taken by a friend that captures her perfectly.

leaf book

O loved this project and wants to share it with her classmates for show & tell next week. We could have left a little more room at the ends to be cut more evenly after sewing together (or actually measured the paper like I think we were supposed to), but I still think it turned out pretty cute.

Here is another project that I might work on for O. She loves to look at this one little photo album I have by my bed that I put together before she was born. Of course, then I will have to make some for J too!

circle skirt

 

I've finally been making some clothes for O. This skirt was a breeze to whip up... maybe I'll add pockets or some other details to the next one to make it a little more interesting but at least I have a base to work form. 

She stole my crazy lady glasses. The ones I bought for my makeshift Halloween costume. 

mud bath

The pumpkin patch was an ooey gooey mess on the weekend after all the rain we had the day before. One guy had his super white runners on and opted to go barefoot, oohh gross, and another piggy-backed his girlfriend to avoid the messiest bit. I'm glad I remembered to change my shoes even though it was a gloriously sunshiny day. Somebody else thought their pants were going to touch even though they were folded up three or four times. Seriously OCD, this girl.

 

It was the last chance to pick up farm goodies too. Ophelia specifically asked for the golden beets we have been enjoying all season as well as the baby artichokes. It is her favorite to dip the leaves and heart into the garlic butter. I think bringing her to this farm has helped her to appreciate where things comes from and to get excited to try new things. It's been the one thing that makes living out here a treat. I have missed living in the city so much and Halloween pretty much marks the two years we have been out of it. I of course go into the city almost every week or at least every two mostly to shop for things I can't find out here and to visit with friends. I can usually entice someone to visit during the height of strawberry season but the upcoming winter season is going to be tough. 

Hope everyone has a wonderfully spooky Halloween weekend! 

P.S. I haven't had a chance to thank-you for your responses to my scary truths post. I am still back and forth about the vaccine even after talking with friends and family. We have an appointment with our doctor next week and I will discuss it with her. A 13 year old boy died in Toronto yesterday and a 10 year old girl.