new at the shop

One of the new designs now available in the Lily Jane shop.

 

Resolution No. 6: Homemade Sandwich Bread

Remember the resolutions I made for this year?  Well, they're all under way...at least most of them are...and I wanted to share the results of January's Resolution No. 6 with you.  The chosen typical market-fare was sandwich bread; instead of buying it, I made my own from scratch.  I know this is a bit tardy, seeing how it is February now, but I figure it's still close enough to count for January.  Let's just hope this doesn't snowball leaving me with two things to do when the busy month of December rolls around again!  Please note: I am not a professional chef and the photo storyboard you are about to see demonstrates this very well.  But it was still so worth it!

As you may have noticed, my dough didn't rise very well but the bread still tasted wonderful!  I'm a sucker for all things baked, and I think I have a mercy rule for my own baked goods that precludes them from needing to be pretty.  I've since made this bread again, taking it out of the mixer to knead it by hand, with much better results.  It rose beautifully.  Lesson learned: if the dough ball is too small to be efficiently kneaded by the mixer, take it out and knead it by hand.  Better safe than sorry.  And it's really quite wonderful and therapeutic to feel the warm, soft dough beneath your fingers as you push it to and fro.  If you're in a baking mood, try the recipe I used.  And be sure to let me know how it turns out!

What about you?  Have you baked anything delicious lately?

Oh, and don't forget...today is the last day to enter the giveaway!  You have until midnight.  Don't you think the hangers would make lovely shower or baby birthday gifts? 

Love Jar

Here's a little DIY project for you this Valentine's Day: The Love Jar.  The Love Jar is a little glass jar (or big...depending on how lovely you're feeling, I suppose) filled to the brim with hand cut paper hearts.  Leave the jar in a spot where you'll see it often.  In the days before February 14th, think of sweet little things to do for someone in your home and leave a little scattering of hearts there when you're done (say, on the floor by their shoes if you've polished them).  You can also write a small "I love you" note and stick it in some secret place for your loved one to stumble upon. 

 
It's a sweet and simple little project to keep the love coming this holiday season...for everyone you care about.  I wonder if any of you have fun little DIY projects up your sleeve for this Valentine's Day.  I'd love to hear your plans!