For the love of Fall...

My love of fall has expanded all because of Peach Muffins.

This summer I bought a 25 pound box of peaches thinking that I would try my hand at canning.  Turns out that 15 pounds (yep, Michael and I managed to eat about 10 pounds of peaches) isn't really enough to make getting canning supplies worthwhile - and my apartment kitchen is not really set up to can anyway.  So I frozen them.  After much discussion with my mom and sister it was decided that the best method would be whole, with the skin on, to prevent browning.  I cleaned them, then put then on a cookie tray, not touching, and let them freeze overnight.  The next morning they could be put in freezer bags without them freezing together (as much).

But they took up a lot of space in my small freezer, so I was looking for a way to use them up and cobbler just wasn't working for me.  Then I found this recipe.  It is all things yummy in a cobbler without as much mess - with the added bonus that it gave me an excuse to use my Kitchenaid.  I love my Kitchenaid.

I found that peeling the peaches was actually much easier when they were partially frozen, verses when they are fresh.  I put a few in a bowl and left them at room temperature for about 15 minutes.  Then the potato peeler slide right along without making the peaches mushy.  Also, partially frozen peaches chop up nicely.  Why did I never do this before?

The batter is THICK!  The slightly frozen peaches keep it moist, but do cause it to take longer to bake.  I turned the oven down to 350 to prevent the top from burning and cooked it for about 40 minutes.  They turned out fantastic.  I may cut the oil a bit next time but oh the cinnamon-sugary goodness!  Also, I used liners - which did not work out well.  Maybe liners are only for cupcakes? No matter though, I took them to CDA and all the ladies asked to take one home to their husbands. I was a proud baker!

I've made them for breakfast twice now - so simple, so good, so yum!

I'd rather be knitting...

than blogging at the moment.  I even took photos and thought about what I'd write...but I just feel like knitting.

So instead of an actually post here is a photo of my progress on the William the Weed Jacket

I'm on to the shoulder decreases (also, her directions for connecting the sleeves...crappy).

Falling leaves...and falling temperatures

Fall is officially here.  Actually I think it's been fall for about a month now, if I got the equinox right, but it has just now started to get cold.  Friday I woke up to frost on my windshield.  I dug out my hats, gloves, and scarves.  It's my favorite time of year!  Not so cold that I am worried about frostbite, but cold enough to want gloves and a hat.

It makes me want to knit.  Thankfully I have lots of projects to keep me busy over the next few months.

First up is the sweater for William.  I'm knitting up the Grow Like a Weed jacket.  The sleeves are done and I'm onto the body.  It will be my first attempt at steeking.  I'm excited and petrified at the same time.  If it starts to unravel I may break down and cry.  I'm knitting it in Cascade Eco + is this dark green/blue color.  It's pretty awesome and I hope to have it done, steeked and blocked by Thanksgiving.  I love Cascade yarns and I was able to pick this up at my new local yarn shop.  Having a shop 2 blocks from work could be very, very dangerous.  Plus the owners is so sweet.  I may have turned into that annoying customer who's always there.  Oh my, I hope that's not the case...

Next I'm on to wedding knitting.  I am trying to make sure that none of my craft projects have to be completed.  I'm thinking of knitting a Clapotis for each of the ladies in our wedding party (two for me, one for Michael).  Looking at how long it has taken some people I'm a little nervous that I won't be able to get three of them done in time.

I also want a shawl for me and not to sound extremely selfish, but I would rather complete mine if I can only get one done.  I've got to narrow it down.  Right now I'm looking at Elise or maybe Autumn Leaves.  Then there's Umaro or this Entrelac shawl (that has gotten really bad reviews for the directions).  I'm really leaning toward the Autumn Leaves.  I love Jared Floods' designs and the leaves pattern seems appropriate for a fall wedding.  Hm...we shall see.

Now I'm off to look at healthy crock pot recipes.  Yep, it's officially Fall!

How the heck...

I want to steal this woman's flowers. Think she'd mind?

Photo Album - Imgur

They are amazing and if I have abilities in that direction I'd do it. Now I'm off to search out a place to purchase them...or directions.

Any ideas?

Progress on all fronts

In knitting news - I have both sleeves done for William the Weed jacket for my nephew.  I'll be starting on the body this weekend.  I'm so excited to try steeking...and so scared at the same time.

Also, I apologize in advance for future posts but suddenly it seems my life has become completely encompassed by wedding planning.  When did I lose my mind?  I never really thought much about wedding related stuff and suddenly it's all that comes to mind.

We have a date - note the new ticker/countdown.  We have the church reserved and now a reception site with caterer.  I'm getting to start thinking about wedding crafts, which is really what I'm looking forward to the most.  I don't want anything excessive but I'm hoping to complete shawls for each bridesmaid (two) and the groomsmaid (one) as well as myself.  If I find the time, I'm going to knit something for the mothers as well but that will be for later.

Also, I'm so stoked for our centerpieces.  The idea is still evolving but Michael thought of the greatest thing that is totally us.  A stack of antique looking books with vines "growing" around them.  We figure we'll start scouring thrift stores, yard sales, and ebay for some deals.

I'm just trying to not get stressed about it all.  This is supposed to be fun right?

Also - progress on the mini goals:

Step 1 - Drink at least 12 cups of water a day - Success

Step 2 - Complete one round of Power 90 - Today was Day 58.  I've been sporadic, but sticking with it.

Step 3 - Each small meals every 2-3 hours (at least 10g protein, no more than 40g carbs) - I'm not sure this is practical for me right now, but I'm trying

Step 4 - Don't eat within 2 hours of going to bed - Success

Step 5 - No more processed grains - So far, so good

Step 6 - At least one fruit or veggie with each meal - Two out of three meals. Progress

Step 7 - Get a minimum of 7 hours sleep. - Working on it still.

Things are happening in my little world.  So far I'm moving in the right direction!

I came across this quote from Dr. Seuss today and it just fits M and I so well I had to share:

We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. 

 I'm hoping to find when it was actually said/written to verify the source but I love this.  If we do wedding programs I'm going to suggest it for the cover.  Otherwise maybe M can fit in into the website somehow.

We're planning in earnest now and I find myself obsessively thinking about wedding stuff.  This is not me.  I am not someone who ever really thought about her wedding.  But now it seems to consume my idle mind.  It's actually darn annoying once I walk out of the haze and realize all the day-to-day things that still need to get done.

We aren't getting married for a year.  We've got time to plan the shin-dig.  Someone save me from myself and my obsessive need to plan things.

The Blahs

I have been in a slump.  No time to knit, workout, or cook real meals.  I needed a change.  But let's be honest, change is really hard when your in a slump.  So three weeks ago I decided to make a plan to change in baby steps.  My goal is to get healthy and back into pre-law school shape.  So here's the plan:

Step 1 - Drink at least 12 cups of water a day 

Step 2 - Complete one round of Power 90 (90 days total - start in week 2)

Step 3 - Each small meals every 2-3 hours (at least 10g protein, no more than 40g carbs)

Step 4 - Don't eat within 2 hours of going to bed

Step 5 - No more processed grains

Step 6 - At least one fruit or veggie with each meal

Step 7 - Get a minimum of 7 hours sleep.

I'm hoping that with mini goals I can get the feeling of success to keep me motivated and start making them habits.  Each step is given one week to be completed.  I'm already on week three and I think I'm doing pretty good.

Wish me luck!