Friday, July 30, 2010

The Prints I Love...

Clearing up some bookmarks! I am a big fan of Etsy and especially love to browse all of the cool prints, like in this, this, this, and especially this shop. Sadly, I can't buy any of those. But it's okay, because I found some very awesome free prints in the blog world. Behold, my favorites!

I found this inspiring print here:


Sunny Fiona Design
has a few great printables, like this one:


Make it Perfect
featured several different cool prints here:


I have been reading Pride and Prejudice lately, so I especially love this one ala Mr. Darcy:


Kind Over Matter
is one of my all-time favorite blogs. There are a ton of cool printables there, but these are my favorites:
From The Postal Service's "Such Great Heights":


This one is really good to keep around if you are chasing kids all day:


Aren't those cool? Now all you need is a printer to have some instant and beautiful inspiration!

     
Sunday, July 25, 2010

Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Do not be fooled by this recipe! These brownies are not only high in fiber and protein while being low in sugar--they are delicious! My first batch was tested on my Hypnobabies students, who gobbled them up. I wasn't sure if they were consumed because of pregnancy hunger or if they were actually yummy. So, I made another batch for the ultimate taste-testers: my toddlers! They loved them and keep asking for them. They are so super yummy. Try them!

Flourless Black Bean Brownies


1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
4 eggs
1/2 cup sugar (can substitue agave nectar)
3 Tbsp. oil
3 or 4 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp. peanut butter (optional, but I always go for this one!)

Blend everything up in a blender or food processor. Pour into a greased 8 by 8 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes (mine were done in my superhot oven at around 25 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick). Cut in pieces and enjoy!

Here are some Canellini (white bean) variations I'm excited to try:

Lemon Ginger: Use canellini beans instead of black beans. Add 1 tsp. lemon extract, 2 tsp. ground ginger and zest of one lemon to bean mixture. Top with sliced almonds.

Cranberry orange: Use canellini beans instead of black beans. Add 1 tsp. orange extract, 2 tsp. ground ginger and zest of one orange to bean mixture. Top with minced dried cranberries.

Cherry almond: Use canellini beans instead of black beans. Add 1 tsp. almond to bean mixture. Top with minced dried cherries and sliced almonds.

Pumpkin: Use canellini beans instead of black beans. Add 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp salt to bean mixture. Top with chopped pecans.

Apple spice: Use canellini beans instead of black beans. Add 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp salt to bean mixture. Top with chopped walnuts.
Monday, July 19, 2010

MADE stuff

There is a craft blog I really like called MADE, mainly because the seamstress of the blog is the sewing equivalent to my sister Molly's cooking. They are both very creative and have crazy camera smiles :)

Anyways, I wanted to try a few of her patterns, so here they are:

The Warhol Dress. This is a free pattern and comes together in about an hour:


I thickened the neckline a bit too much, but I think it's still kind of cute. Sorry for the blurriness, but I just love that chubby toddler belly poking out! And this dress is made from a $1 5XL t-shirt from Wal-Mart, that has a ton more material left to use.

The Rollie Pollie bean bag chair:


*Crazy kid stretched the neckline out trying to get naked! :)

This bean beag is actually stuffed with our stuffed animals, which was an idea from Molly. The pattern was $6 but very detailed. Put in my first zipper on this little baby!

I am so proud of myself, because I have not bought fabric in over 2 months! So I am finally tackling all of the projects and materials I have literally shoved in my closet. (Yes, I am a shover. Don't look under my couch!)




       
 

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