Lemon Vanilla Layer CakeA light, simple cake to usher in spring on the last of these cloudy, winter days. Enjoy!
Artisan Country BreadThis versatile recipe makes a soft, wholesome bread with a fine crumb. It's perfect for dinner rolls, shaped loaves, and slicing with jam or honey. Enjoy!
Learning to Love My SeasonAs a child, I used to flip through a picture-book of Aesop's fables. One story I liked was of a dog who gazed into a lake long enough to see another dog. This dog, in lake world, stared back. He had a bone in his mouth. The real dog, with envy gnawing at his mind, snapped at his reflection in the water, dropping the bone he already had.
Seed Pack GiftsYou can save back seeds from organic produce. I get a subscription box and with it, sometimes heirloom varieties that I want to experiment with or share with friends who garden. To save seeds, you basically soak them for a minute to rinse off the goop and leave them out to dry on a paper towel for a day or so before storage. This project teaches you how to make cute, simple seed packs for gifting.
Up-cycled Seedling PotsI had so much fun with this one rainy day late in March! I found that the plastic helps retain moisture better than my plantable pots. You can use this project to help kids learn about the value of recycling and creating something from nothing.
Sturdy Chipboard BookmarksThe idea for these came to me a couple years ago. It was Christmas time, and like many college students, I had no money to buy gifts. What I did have was an old notebook from the end of the semester with a heavy backing. I also had a hole-punch, a few simple craft supplies, and patience!
Classy Apple PieMaking a pie from scratch might seem daunting, but it is so worth the effort! When I worked in a bakery at an upscale grocery store, they would feature pies that looked good, yet they came straight out of the freezer. Take the time and love to make a fresh, homemade pie and I swear, the flavor just cannot compare.
Up-cycled Gift BoxThis used to be a tea box! I first made these when I was dead broke and in a pinch to help out with a family Christmas. Someone on ThriftyFun had once posted about re-using a sugar bag for sugar cookies, which got the gears turning. So many possibilities!
Best Ever BrowniesThese are so rich and chocolatey! The recipe calls for cocoa powder, which lasts longer and is a little less expensive than baking chocolate. Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder when possible. Great for any time, any season!
