Babs Just A Babblin' Blog

A bit of Gardening, baking, blogging, knitting, sewing, family, friends and discovering hidden treasures along the way.

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Quick Trip to the City

I took a quick trip to Chicago to visit the kiddos before Jackie goes back to work. Construction everywhere! But made the trip safe and sound!

Jackie and I went to an estate sale in Western Springs.

Great find for $3. The woman was a baker. She had lots of great stuff but pretty much resisted. We then headed to Westmont for lunch. Jackie took me to a favorite spot, The Standand Market. We sat outside and enjoyed a great salad and great conversation. Love that girl!

Later that evening we went to the playground. It was a gorgeous evening.

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Next day, did some gardening and before I knew it had to hit the road to avoid rush hour.

Got lots of hugs and kisses in. Nice visit.

 

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Lilacs and Asparagus

Weird combination, I know.

We ventured down to the Farmers Market and hand selected eight pounds of fresh asparagus. My mission was to pickle the asparagus. Perfect for a garnish for Bloody Mary's. I found the perfect recipe online. Garlic, mustard seed, dill, red chili flakes,etc. TaDa.!!!! Nine jars of perfection!

Also, my sweet husband came home with an armful of lilacs for me. He's the best.

My house smells delightful TODAY! My senses were confused yesterday. Vinegar and lilacs!

 

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

My Sweet Little Name Sake

Leah Barbara

Happy 21st Birthday!


My little girl. Now 21. Being her own person. Moving 1200 miles away soon. I've watched over her since the second she entered this world. I've loved her like my own. Always there for her, only a phone call away, a few hundred yards away.

Remember, darlin' I will always love you, encourage and support you and be protective of you!

The icing on her cake, her brother Tucker from Colorado surprised us. He walked in just as we were going to begin our celebration. That's how important our Leah B is to all of us!

 

Monday, May 26, 2014

Remembering

Memorial Day 2014

Mass at the cemetary
Catholic War Vets Color Guard
People remembering loved ones
Remembering my father!

Eight years ago Memorial Day my dad left this world for a better place!

 

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Allegan Antiques Market

Gorgeous day to head out and mosey about!

Next up for us today, farewell party for couple moving to Edinburough Scottland!

Tomorrow, tryng my jand at picking asparagus for bloody mary's.

 

Friday, May 23, 2014

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Spring Color

 

Planted pots in front yard.
White begonia and ivy
So pretty!

 

Bleeding hearts.
Lily of the Valley ready to pop!
Forget-me-nots

 

primrose and grape hyacinths
Lenten Rose
Rhubarb
TaDa..selfie - fresh cut and color
Iced Vanilla Latte

Sunny, almost 70 degrees...must get outside! Enjoy your day!

 

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Request

 

Lemon Almond Bread

Yield: 1 loaf

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 70 minutes

ingredients:

For the bread:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
3/4 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract

For the lemon glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 tablespoons sliced almonds, for garnishing the loaf

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. In a small bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Rub together with your fingers until fragrant. Whisk into the flour mixture. Set aside.

3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the almond milk, oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract.

4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

5. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Place the loaf on a cooling rack and cool for 15 minutes. Loosen the sides of the bread with a knife. Carefully remove loaf from pan. Let cool completely on wire rack.

6. While the bread is cooling, make the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze of the lemon almond bread. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the bread. Cut and serve.


Source: Twopeasandtheirpod.com

Moist, flavorful, easy to make. Would make a lovely hostess gift.

 

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Friday, May 16, 2014

Friday Five

One. Frost last night. Thankful I covered all my pots.

Two. Success. Made biscotti yesterday. Cappucino-Milk Chocolate-Pecan.

Three. Working on our glamping event. Made crystal garland to drape. Grapevine wired hanfles for mason jar chandeliers.

Four. Emptied everything out of coat closet and sorted and purged. Wash. Dryclean. Goodwill. One down about Ten to go.

Five. Commitment free week. Was wonderful.

Have a fabulous weekend. Do something Spontaneous and Fun!

babs

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Spontaneity

 

 

spon·ta·ne·ous

spänˈtānēəs/

adjective

  1. performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.


So Friday morning I see this on Facebook - The Urban Farmgirl! How awesome is this. Seventy-eight vendors in one place and several of them bloggers that I have followed.

Richard comes home from running errands and being the fabulous guy he is....we pack an overnight bag, jump in the car and hit the road.

We stopped in New Buffalo for a little fuel.....uh oh....technical difficulty.

I moved my pictures from my iPad to my IMac and now the photos I was hoping to post are gone.

Anyway, we stopped in New Buffalo at the Stray Dog and had an awesome bloody mary. We continued on our journey. What should have been a four and a half hour drive ended up being sic and a half. The GPS took us right through the heart of Chicago....I90 during rush hour. AWFUL TRAFFIC..bumper to bumper for miles amd miles.

We arrived at our hotel about 6:30 pm. Checked in and went across the street to The Alchemy. Had a great wood- fired pizza. It was called Beauty and the Beast. YUM! Couple white cheeses on an olive oil crust, onions, mushrooms, steak, pears, blue cheese, arugala and balsamic and walnuts. delicious.

Next morning we went to the market. The day was gorgeous. The event well organized, clean, fun, and lots of variety. It was fun seeing familiar faces. The booths were packed with people. I came home with a few goodies. I will photograph them and show you a bit later. Pics are gone!

The trip home was much better. Only four and a half hours. Smooth sailing through Chicago this time.

My husband was such a trooper....just rolling with the punches! We had fun but not ready for another long road trip real soon. We were nearly to Iowa....I thought it was just a few miles from Chicago. Oh well....made for a good story.