End of year greetings...and a recipe

Hi again all! The year is almost at an end and there is still much I have to post. One of the biggest accomplishments of this year has been that we moved. We still live in the same town but now in an apartment over twice the size as our 300 square foot studio. Thanks to getting my education I have a good job in my field of study and I make enough now to afford a larger space for us. Don’t worry, though our location has changed this blog will always be about life and the journey started by two kids falling in love and living in a small apartment.

Also on the list this year’s accomplishments is my husband starting school. I am so proud of him for continuing down a path that he has struggled with. The value of education has not been lost on us and we will continue to treasure it far into the future.

We have a great time celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with family this year. And here’s to many great celebrations to come.

Now that you know a bit about our year I will let you be privy to recent new recipe of mine. I revamped and old family bread recipe and gave it is new twist. I give you Cinnamon pull-apart bread.

Bread:

¼ cup Butter

2-3 tbs sugar

3 ½ tsp yeast

2 cups very warm water

1 ½ tsp salt

5 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting

In a large bowl combine yeast, water, sugar and butter. Stir 3 cups of flour, then the salt and the rest of the flour. *Note: salt is not added sooner because if it touched the yeast directly it can kill it, but you need salt for the flavor. So do not exclude the salt* Turn out contents of the bowl onto a floured surface and knead until elastic. What is elastic you ask? The perfect elasticity is achieved then you pinch a piece off and it breaks cleanly. If it doesn’t let go very well and makes long strands keep kneading. Add more flour. What you want is for the piece that you pinch to break free quickly and cleanly. Once this is achieved make the surface of the dough smooth by pulling the surface of it, from underneath, down under it till it looks like a lumpy ball. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. Roughly 1 hour.

Now make you cinnamon sugar to put in bread and melt ¼ Cup (half a stick) of butter. To make the cinnamon sugar stir together ½ Cup sugar and 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon or so depending on your taste. After mixing it up I like to put mine in an old ground cinnamon container for easy dispensing, but a large spoon or you figures will work just as well.

Once the size of the dough is doubled poke it in the middle. That’s right I said poke it. I don’t really know why this has to happen but I only know that it does. Split the dough in half so it is easier to work with. Grease a loaf pan and your clean work surface. Roll each half of the dough till it is half an inch thick. Spread about half of the butter on the dough evenly and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Cut the dough in rectangles so that it is smaller than the shortest side of the pan by an inch on each side.*Note: no need for precision here, just have fun* Stack vertically on the counter by groups of 4-5 layers and place in the pan standing up. Cover and let rise till doubled. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes.

Glaze:

2 tbs melted butter

3 tbs milk

1- 1 ½ Cups powdered sugar

Melt the butter and add 2 tablespoon sugar. Once combined add milk and rest of the sugar a little at a time until desires thickness is achieves.

Pour over warm loaf or over individual plates. Enjoy!

Happy July 4th!

Hello once again my awesome friends! This year for the fourth of July I thought it would be nice to do a craft to make the front door look fun and festive.

 

To start you will need the following items:

box cutters
scissors
cardboard
card stock (optional)
a hot glue gun with plenty of glue
1 1/2 inch ribbon non pattern (theme colors is preferable)
red, white and blue scrap ribbon
lighter

Preparation:
1. Cut out two pieces of cardboard the same size that what ever size you choose. (Mine is 16x13')
2. Cut out of the card stock a pieces just smaller the desired finished side. A cereal box works well for this but you could also use a piece of cardboard in you don't have any on hand.
3. Start you hot glue gun to a heat appropriate for the ribbon you are using.

Assembly:
1. Glue together the two pieces of cardboard that are the same size. Careful to match up all the corners and edges.

2. Starting in the middle of one of the sides attach your 1 1/2 inch ribbon to your two bound cardboard. Glue down to ribbon one side at a time and pull it tightly to the other side to glue down. as you come to a corner fold and tuck the excess ribbon and glue it down. To finish over lay the glued ribbon end by an inch or so with the free end.

3. Now the fun part! Cut strippers of ribbon long enough to cover the front of the board and reach over the sides to the exposed cardboard. I found that 3 inches longer then the board on either side to be perfect.
 

4. Once you have the ribbons cut out you can start attaching them to your board in the sequence you like. Tip: I found that placing a little glue on the board in a few spots under each ribbon helpful in preventing it from sagging.

5. Once your ribbons are all on cut 2-4 ribbons about 12 inches long. These you will attach to the back of the board to hang it from. Be sure that each bundle of ribbon is an equal distant from center and that each individual ribbon receives glue. Tip: to prevent fraying bring the exposed ends of the ribbons individually close to a flame but not directly in it, creating a small singe.

6. Attach the card stock or remaining piece of cardboard to the back covering the exposed ribbon ends. You can make it even nicer my gluing plain fabric to it's outward facing side before attaching it.

7. Tie your hanging ribbon ends; Hang where everyone can see.

Enjoy!

Wand refill!

I don't know how many of you have a Scotch-Brite dishwand but I do and I think they're amazing. At first I thought they were yet another silly kitchen gadget, until I used one. A roommate introduced me to them my first year of college, and I have always had one in my kitchen ever since. A few reasons why I like them are: they hold the dish soap in them so you don't have to keep dispensing it as you clean, it keeps you from having to touch unpleasant food residues, their wide base makes each stroke of your hand cover a large area than other scrubbers, and they get into things (like cups) effectively. I've tried other scrubbers but this one I have found to be the least hassle of any I have used.

The only down side to the dish wand is replacing the sponge heads. My grocery store carries the replacement heads but they cost around $4 for two. Only two! So instead of having to pay $2 a piece I decided to recycle the old pads to make new ones. Now I don't have to pay as much to keep using the dishwand I love so much.

To get started we will the following:

A sponge of 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" or larger, with your choice of thickness
Scissors
One old used sponge head
Hot glue gun with non-toxic, food safe glue
A marker (if desired)

Moisten the sponge so that it is just moist enough that you can feel it. Have your glue gun get up to heat in the meantime. If desired use a marker to outline the old sponge head on he moist sponge. I just free-handed it but do what ever you feel comfortable with.

This next part is fun. Separate the old sponge from it's plastic base. Get as much of the old sponge off as you can and discard it.

Once your hot glue gun is ready with your non-toxic glue, apply the glue to the plastic base there the old sponge was attach. be careful to not put glue on anywhere it is not necessary, or where it might impede the wands dish washing capabilities. Press the plastic base on the sponge in the center of your outline or roughly half a centimeter away from all edges. Press down for 30 seconds.

Make certain the bond around the perimeter of the base is absolute by trying to peal it back. Apply more glue where needed, and allow it to cool.

Cut free-hand half a centimeter around the base or along the line you traced earlier.

Attach the base to the wand. Enjoy!

For price comparison I got a pack of six sponges for $3.00 at the store, making the cost of a single replacement head $0.50. A savings of $1.50 for each replacement.

Enjoy friends.

Life thus far...

Howdy All!

It has been a while since my last post, so I thought I would catch you up on what I've been up to lately. First and foremost I am graduated! I now have a bachelors of Science in Rangeland Ecology! Eek! I am very proud of myself for finishing what I started 6 years ago.
College is a wild ride of events and the last semester was no. Early in the semester I got senior-idice very bad, so the last few week I had to kick myself into gear to pass all of my classes. But you know what, I did it! (Warning: Small helpful soap box moment ahead)
It's important when going to school to figure out how you learn.  It took a while for me to figure out how I learn, I didn't even know it in high school! I took a course from Student Support Service at my college which used the text 'Becoming a Master Student'. The class and especially the text taught me how to read a text book, practical study habits that work, and among other things it included a quiz that helped me discover how I learned. I learn by both audio and visual (which explains why I only need to see a movie twice to have it committed to memory). To further ingrain my learning I need repetition on a daily basis, careful contemplation also helps. I would highly recommend 'Becoming a Master Student' to anyone that is considering attending a college or trade school. I was blessed to have that course at the beginning of my college education otherwise I don't know if I would have been so successful at it. I am very proud of all that I've accomplished. I would not trade my experience for anything. I am so happy to be done with school (at least for now) and start working to put my husband through the rest of his schooling. (He applied just this past week. Keep your figures crossed that he gets in) Which brings me to my next point I started a new job.

In my new job I work for the university that I graduated from as a GIS (Geographic Information System) Technician. My commute is only a ten minuet walk--nice or what? I didn't imagine myself working where I am, but I know I am gaining skills that will be useful for future occupations. I am not sure what the future holds for me career-wise but I want to gain as much experience as possible. in as many opportunities that are made available to me.

Since graduating I have started a number of new hobbies and revived a few old favorites. The newest of these are soap making, gardening and listening to audiobooks. I been toying with the idea of making and selling soap for a secondary income. I use to sell hair things, but since they're on the way out I thought I might try something that is more constant, like soap making. So far I have only used melt and pour to make a few gifts and I like it so far. I have spent so much time looking into soap making: reading blogs and books, finding calculators for the correct amount of lye to use, which oils are best for different ends, etc. ... I am excited to start doing this. I hope it goes well. Since I am not reading text book anymore I am listening to novel of all types while I work. Any suggestion are most welcome. Currently I am listening to Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility' which I am loving. As for the old hobbies I am reviving I have a quilt I started a year ago to finish, another one to start, and a few clothing and household items to try to create. I am excited to do those as well. Keep an eye out for the future posts about these :)

As you can see life is in full swing in this 300 square feet apartment and that's just how I like it.

Valentines Decorations

Here in 300 square feet we keep things simple. So holiday time usually comprises of handmade decoration that I don't have to store afterwords. Don't tastefully and with a little love. This year was no exception. Out of tissue paper, yarn, and tape I made a couple simple hearts and cute garland.

I hope this St. Valentines day find you happy, healthy, and celebrating all you love and friendship you have in your life.

Cheers,

Ingrid

Coupon Deal! And Some Helpful Advise

My latest hobby is couponing. I just started a few months ago.  I'm not a super couponer by any means. But, just this past week I found a deal that was particularly good, so I thought I would share it with you.
It involves using a coupon for $2.00 off two bottles of All Detergent from Coupons.com,  and a sale at Smiths (which lasts till Tuesday 1/21/14 ). The detergent was 2/$5.00 for each 50 oz. bottle. Not bad, but with the coupon it brought the cost down to $1.50 a bottle. Meaning I spent only $3.00 for a semester worth of laundry detergent. That's Great!

In the past little while I have been privy to some advise and helpful observations, which I would like to share with you now. First only use coupon on products that you know you will be buy. This seems obvious, but sometimes when I look over the coupons that are out I find myself clipping ones that aren't relevant to me or the prodeuct that i already buy. The coupon-frenzy begins in my brain and before I know it I have 11 pages printed out and a lot of paper wasted. Which brings me to my next point:

Second, realize that you are still spending money. Coupons are to help stretch your dollar not fill the gap between what you have and the quality of life you think you deserve. Use coupons on the things you by most and put the money saved into savings or towards some other good household cause. You will be surprised how much it adds up to.

Now to the good stuff!

Third, gather lots of coupons on the things you buy most, and have a way of organizing them. Use newspaper adds, coupons for websites like these (listed below) and sales adds to make the most of your couponing superpower.

Coupons.com
Smart Source
P&G Everyday
Live Rich With Coupons
The Krazy Coupon Lady
Red Plum

Always be sure to read the fine print. Weather it saves on two products or one makes a difference, so pay attention. Also be sure you know when they expire. I keep mine in a small organizer (only $1.00 at Walmart) Arranged by category then by expiration date.

Fourth, be patient, wait for the sales. This can be agonizing to do but when everything lines up it is worth the wait. As a general rule of thumb items usually go on sale once every 6-8 weeks. Have your coupons printed and ready to go before the sale that you know is around the corner and be ready when it happens. Sometimes you don't know items are on sale until you stumble upon them in the store, so be prepared and be patient.

Fifth, cease the day! Be ready when the items you've been waiting for go on sale, then go get'em tiger! (Only as much as you have means, and storage space at home to do so)
Couponing can be really fun once you get he hang of it. Fill your home with good things without breaking the bank. Good luck, and Cease the day!

Breakfast cake anyone?

Growing up my siblings and I would have what we called breakfast cake on rare and special occasions. To most of the world it is known as coffee cake. But no! Not to any child calling themselves a Mygrant. No sir! This here is breakfast cake! 'Nough said, lets cook!

The base for this most wonder way to start the day is simply 1 muffin recipe. Use your favorite muffin recipe, but forgo including nutmeg or fruit. I like to use the one found in The Joy of Cooking. Sweet, moist, fluffy and simple. Make sure it's one you like or it will be all for not. For comparison this makes 12 standard sizes muffins. If your cooking for a bigger crowd be sure to increase your recipe by a half or double it. I usually make a single recipe of muffins but I think 1.5 of a recipe would have worked better for the pan I was using today.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease one 9x13in pan. After assembling your ingredients and making your muffin base place it in the pan. Set aside

The secret to a good breakfast cake is in the topping. This is where your patience is needed the most! If you don't crumble for long enough it will be dry and unpleasant. This takes time and do not expect to master it in the first go. Mix together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup white sugar, and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold to room temperature butter. Continue to cut in until it resembles a course mill.

This part is, in my opinion, the most difficult. It take endurance and patience. Here is what the process looks like...

Cutting in...

still cutting in...

Done!

The trick is to keep cutting and stirring till it starts to shimmer and there are no more dull  parts. The photos don't show the shimmer very well, but trust me you will know is when you see it.

Spread on top of the muffin dough by the spoonful all the way to the edges of the pan, careful to not mix it in. Nothing is worse then a naked piece of breakfast cake.

Use your spoon of a fork to push some of the topping into the muffin dough. This will create pockets of cinnamon goodness that everyone will fight over.

Bake for 25-30 minuets in a 350 F oven.

Enjoy!