Happiness Pie

This is a recipe for the best Shepherd's pie ever. Seriously this pie is made of happiness and joy. And some other great ingredients, but mostly joy and happiness

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 can sweet corn
1 can green beans
1 can cut carrots
         (feel free to substitute any veggies you want, if cooking with frozen vegetables simply cook your pie longer in the oven. With fresh make sure to wash your veggies properly!)

1 can cream of mushroom soup
about a little more than half the can filled with milk

4 cups mashed potatoes (I use instant potatoes for lazy nights, but leftover from scratch taste great too!)

About 2 cups cheese for topping

1 - 2 Tbl minced garlic (depends on how much you LOVE garlic)
salt and pepper to taste


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and get your casserole dish ready. I use a 2 quart rectangle dish that works great.

Brown your meat in a large skillet over medium high heat. Adding salt and pepper to the meat while cooking is about the only seasoning I use for this dish. Make sure you drain as much grease off of the meat as possible before continuing on.

Still in the skillet and over medium high heat add your garlic and let it cook with just the meat for about two minutes.

Add in your vegetables, cream of mushroom soup and a little more than half the can with milk.

Stir well to combine and allow to come to a gentle boil.

Spoon into your casserole dish and cover with the mashed potatoes. Coat everything with as much cheese as you prefer.

Bake in the oven about 20 minutes; a cookie sheet below the pan works well to catch any of the mixture that might bubble up to the top of the dish and spill over.

Spoon onto plates and enjoy your meal of happiness. After a true comfort meal fills not only your stomach but your heart too.

Selfies and Pie

Today my son took his first selfie. I'm not certain whether to be proud of him, or terrified. The way he views the universe is so different than what I grew up with, that I worry sometimes about him completely surpassing my own understanding of the cosmos. He has an almost instinctual understanding of how a touch screen works, can navigate through netflix on my xbox and phone and apparently can operate my digital camera without putting his finger in front of the lens (most of the time) and getting halfway decent pictures. Especially considering he hasn't even reached his third birthday yet. Here are a few shots from his 'photo shoot' including a picture of me he took after carefully setting himself into position to take my picture, and instructing me to 'say cheese'

I remember when my own mother got her first digital camera. I was a good deal older than three, I can tell you that. But my point is that technology and the world is changing at an ever accelerated rate ever since both the market revolution and the industrial revolution that I wonder what the end of our journey as a species might be, or even the next few stops might be. And it is important to remember that two hundred years ago, life did not change at this rate. You were born to your parents who likely had lived in their town for their whole lives, working a family trade or farm. As their parents had done, and their parents stretching back to the very distant agricultural revolution before written history.

Another thought for the day; isn't it interesting that the 'revolutions' from history that truly changed the world rarely involved wars and death and beheadings; but the cultural revolutions that forever changed the world.

Also I made pie today; and it was gooey and delicious.

New Goals and a life update

Obviously I am not good at this; look at how many posts I've made since I created this... ok don't do that. You'll make me feel bad. I want to set a goal of posting once a day though. Just once a day. To keep whoever is reading up to date on how Calvin and I are doing.

So let me catch you up on this cool Friday, cool pertaining to the weather in northern Indiana today.

My husband and I made a few budget decisions that were difficult this past week, mostly shuffling around priorities so we could afford a used window air conditioner. Our apartment is not what you would call big, in a moment of curiosity I actually used MATH (gasp!) to figure out our square footage. It is between 350 and 375 sq ft. Wow that is tiny, good thing we aren't big people! This also meant that buying a window air conditioner would be an economical way to keep my whole house and family cool for the summer and the nights were already getting too hot to sleep. Since we've bought it and installed it, the temperature hasn't soared past the mid 70's. I'm not happy about this.

I also finished a blanket. I am a prolific crafter and getting more so every year, in fact this blanket marks my 38th finished project if you only count knitting and crochet. But I have tried NUMEROUS times to make a blanket and thought my limited attention span was not going to allow me to actually make a blanket. This has not stopped me from designing a blanket along with my little sister to help teach her to knit, and eventually when I get around to a photoshoot and some in depth pattern layout will hopefully help others to learn. But thanks to this amazing find I actually finished a star shaped baby blanket. I was all set to give it away, but then I took this picture, and I don't think my little boy cares so much about the colors of the blanket but that his mommy made it for him.

This has inspired me to stop procrastinating and cast on for a sweater for Calvin. I can knit this 100% superwash wool in part thanks to the weather being so cool again, but also because when it does warm up again (and it had better!) if I need to I know I will be able to knit next to the window unit. This is keeping me from a panic attack about the purchase of said unit.

In other news, my husband is stepping up at work over the next month in a huge way. His manager's father very recently passed on, a few days ago and hubbo is taking on all of her hours. I won't be seeing much of him, and he will probably be grumpy for a while. I need to remind myself that I love the stuffing out of my grumpy bear. I've written it. It will be remembered. Hopefully.

I just want to say one more thing; that link up there that helped me finish my blanket? It is a link to the Lizzie Bennet Diaries on youtube. It finished production a few months ago in March and I can't believe I'm only discovering it now. If you haven't watched it go do so now! Right now!! My little sister and I agree (both of us being HUGE fans of Pride and Prejudice) that this is such a good adaptation that in some ways it surpasses the original source material. The character portrayals are amazing, the relationships explored are gripping, the storyline is still so gripping you will forget you are watching an adaptation and just start watching a vlog that involves you in the emotions of these very real people. You might even cry, I know I did. That's all for today. I should be back tomorrow, and if not hopefully Calvin didn't run me over with one of his cars.

Here is a link to the website with lots of good stuff on it: link
And a link (again) to youtube: youtube channel
And one to their store for cute little posters when you fall in love and want to show your nerd love: link
And their tumblr

Crochet Tutorial

I had to learn this technique from my grandma and thought I'd share it. This is a technique for weaving in your ends in crochet that is a piece with a right and wrong side where the wrong side has the possibility of being seen, like a blanket or sweater. I took a few quick pictures of this technique real quick to show you.

You will need; your crochet with ends hanging off. As you crochet when changing from one color to the next leave a good 2 to 3 inch tails and pull snug before moving on and leaving the ends hanging from the back of your work. As you can see I have quite a few to work with. You will also need a yarn needle, I prefer metal ones since they have more of a point on them. And a pair of scissors

Thread your needle with an end. 

Move up a little and pass your needle through the back bumps of your dc (or whatever stitch is there).

Pull tight and repeat, moving down and left one (or up and right)

Repeat once more (you can do more than three but I find running through three rows on this slight diagonal leaves a very firm fabric in tact.

This is the end woven in on the back side before cutting it down. 

All cut and difficult to find

Right side of fabric. Dare you to try and spot the end from this side. Difficult huh?

There is also the option of carrying the old thread for a few stitches after you change colors, as demonstrated here and here (scroll down to the bottom picture) This works great for amigurami projects and toys and for those people who just don't like a lot of finishing work at the end of a project. But I'm a little weird in that I am both a crocheter and a sewing enthusiast and sometimes at the end of a fiber project I like the feel of a sharp darning needle in my hands. So there you have it. A short tutorial on how I finish my ends in crochet work.

And for a Calvin update; he's almost three and I am finding each day new and exciting, and infinitely more difficult than the last.

Spring

Spring is a special time for me. It always has been. Even when I lived in Arizona and spring wasn't a huge transition from winter, I still craved it. Craved the grass turning to shades of green and the exploding pink blossoms on the trees where my family attended church every Sunday. In fact I have very vivid dear memories, of climbing those trees and surrounding myself in warm spring sunshine and pink blossoms all around.

As a mother I find I crave spring even more. Winter means spending most of my time cooped up indoors with my son. Cooped up Calvin is a recipe for disaster. Sleep schedules are never as easy in the dark winter months as they are during the warm months in Indiana when I can insure that he is outside almost every day, running and jumping and being a happy little boy.

We went to a park today and walked around. My son helped me smell flowers and demanded that I help him climb a tree.

 (Sorry kid, your mom has short arms and couldn't lift you high enough, but thanks for the heart palpitations.) We looked at the water together and ducks and I got to look at the green world through his young eyes. This summer my son will be three years old. Watching the grass thrive in the first true wet and windy Indiana spring since the year he was born has made this year more dear to me somehow. Since before my son was born my small family is actually thriving along with the daffodils and tulips I so love to see bloom each year. And I realize I have a lot to be thankful for.

Every time my son runs ahead of me, which happens a lot since he is faster than I my heart skips into my throat. I worry every time he stands on a staircase or climbs up high on the perilous park play equipment. Usually I am rewarded with a very proud shout of 'I did it!' but sometimes still he falls. He still needs magical healing mommy kisses and huggles when the world turns out to be a little harsher than he thought it would be. I hope that I will always be there for him. I hope he will always want me there for him.

I did not ask for a child, we weren't planning on having one for several years if ever. But still every night when I pray before bed, I find myself thankful for a son like Calvin. No matter what he did that day. And usually there was at least one altercation, I find that I love him more than I thought it would be possible to love such a dirty little snot-faced kid.

Spring, like almost nothing else makes me incredibly sappy. So sorry if this was a little too rubbishly sentimental, but I felt like writing it and it feels good. It felt good to spend another day with my boys. And it felt good to feel the sun on my face again.

Fort Day

So yesterday I had a scare. My son almost fell out of our second story window because he didn't listen when I told him the first time he shouldn't hit the screen. Disaster was averted (obviously) but I still felt like today Calvin and I should have some bonding/creating time.

My son and I love creating stuff; especially when we are recycling. Or as Calvin says; 'fixing', Today we 'fixed' his old playpen.

From this

 to this

Super easy and fun project to do with a little toddler. Our playpen was a really cheap one from a store ending in 'mart' from when he was little. It had been used for sleepovers at grandma's before he slept in a real  bed. He's been sleeping in a real bed for a while now and this playpen has just been taking up room in our van. Calvin LOVES to hide and play in dark spaces. First we 'cleaned' up his room first. (Calvin cleaning still involves mostly mommy cleaning at this point, but he's getting better)

Then we pulled the playpen in from the car and set it up.
Here's Calvin ready to start helping.

The old mesh even had a big hole in one side to help us get started, but mesh is super easy to cut. Just stick your scissors in anywhere and get started cutting!

Either start a hole in the middle and cut up to the top or sides and cut along the inside of the mesh. Proper supervision is important!

Cut out all of the mesh and then vacuum (you will have fluff!!)

Set up as normal with the bottom in and as pillows/toys as desired and drape your new tent frame with blankets.

Now have fun playing peek a boo!!

Tie-On Beard

The tie on beard is great for the lumberjack in all of us! It provides instant warmth for cold cheeks and chins in the chilly weather; and shaving it off is easy! Simply untie the chords and remove the beard for later use! 

Pattern Notes: 

            Of course you can use whatever yarn you want for this beard, however I have found that boucle yarns work the best. The yarn almost felts with itself as you crochet to hide the stitch definition and gives the beard a much better look. Most of the sizing provided with this pattern involves moving your crochet hook size up or down but there is a smaller pattern at the end for the size of newborn to about 12 months. This beard works as a tie on beard; that is you will crochet ties onto the ends of your beard to pull the beard up past your ears and tie it on top of your head. This beard works well worn when under a hat or snowmobiling helmet, etc.

Notions;

            100 yds (usually less) of boucle yarn, Bernat Soft boucle works well

            Crochet Hook; I, J, K

            Scissors

Some Notes on Sizing;

            For an adult beard; use your K hook. For a young adult or a ladies beard use your J hook. For a child’s beard, 2 years old to about 10; use your I hook. For a baby beard see pattern addendum at end of this pattern.

Pattern;

            Ch 35, sc in second chain from hook and in each chain down. ( Take your time with boucle yarn, this is fuzzy and it is hard sometimes to see exactly where you should be placing your hook, also working with a lot of light will save you headaches and heartache.) Ch1 and turn, NOTE- at the end of every row you will Ch1 and turn.

Row 1- sc in each stitch across

Row 2- sc dec over first 2 stitches, sc in each stitch to last 2 stitches, sc dec

Row 3- repeat previous row

Row 4- sc in next 5 stitches, hdc in next stitch, dc in next 18 stitches, hdc in next stitch, sc in next 5 stitches

Row 5- Repeat previous row

Row 6- sc in next 8 stitches, sc dec over next 2 stitches, dc in next 10 stitch, sc dec over next 2 stitches, sc in next 8 stitches

Row 7- sc in next 7 stitches, sc dec over next 2 stitches, dc in next 10 stitches, sc dec over next 2 stitches, sc in next 7 stitches

Row 8- sc in next 8 stitches, hdc in next stitch, ch 8 and skip next 8 stitches, hdc in next stitch, sc in next 8 stitches

Row 9- sc dec over first 2 stitches, sc in next 5 stitches, 3 dc in next stitch, 8 hdc over chain, 3 dc in next stitch, sc in next 5 stitches, sc dec over last 2 stitches.

Slip stitch loosely around your beard and break your yarn. Weave in your co tail and your end tail loosely. On one side of your beard, join the yarn to one side of the beard and chain 35. In second chain from hook, sc. In the next 27 chains slip stitch. Chain six and join it to the side of your beard but lower down from your first chain. This forms a strong triangle beneath your beard tie. Repeat on other side of your beard and weave in any ends. Wear and enjoy! Your beard should be long enough on the sides that when tied on your head the sides of the beard cover all or most of your ears! Pull your favorite beanie down and enjoy the luxurious warmth of your tie on lumberjack beard!

Baby Addendum

            For a baby sized beard (about newborn to 12 months or so follow this miniature beard pattern with an I hook for a larger sized baby beard or a g or h hook for a smaller beard)

Ch 17, sc in second chain from hook and in each across. NOTE at the end of every row you will ch1 and turn.

Row 1- sc across

Row 2- sc dec over first two stitches, sc across to last two stitches, sc dec

Row 3- sc in next 3 stitches, hdc in next 8 stitches, sc in next 3 stitches

Row 4-sc in next 3 stitches, sc dec over next 2 stitches, hdc in next 4 stitches, sc dec over next 2 stitches

Row 5-sc in next 3 stitches, hdc in next stitch, ch 4, skip next 4 stitches, hdc in next stitch, sc in next 3 stitches.

Row 6- sc dec over first 2 stitches, sc in next stitch, 2 hdc in next stitch. 4 hdc over chain, 2 hdc in next stitch, sc in next stitch, sc dec over last 2 stitches.

            Slip stitch around your beard and add ties as in the larger beard but chain only 21, sc in second chain from hook and slip stitch in next 14 chains, chain 5 and secure to beard.

Ideas- while grays, browns and other ‘natural’ hair colored beards look great don’t be afraid to make a little pink or purple one for a little girl and accessorize it as much as you want with applique! It would be easy to transform this crochet pattern to knitting using short row shaping however I do not at this time have the intimate knowledge of short row shaping in order to design with it. If you would like to attempt a rewrite of the pattern for knitters please feel free to use this pattern as a general guideline. Selling finished products of this pattern is permitted. 

copyright @ Lora Browning 11/2012