once a week baking

well, I hope this baking will last a week but you never know! Jeff likes toast every morning for breakfast and Jimmy is here for the summer, he really likes sandwiches.
Yesterday, I made 2 recipes of my Grandpa's bread. One recipe was baked into 5 small loaves.

See, I don't always use Pyrex. I've had this Pampered Chef pan for several years and tend to use it spurts, then store it back in the bottom of the cabinet for a year or so.


The second batch of dough was made into sandwich buns and hot dog buns. I slice them with a serrated knife almost in half before storing away, that way they are easy to open up but the tops don't get separated from the bottoms if they are still slightly attached.

I also made a batch of pizza dough and am trying freezing the dough balls. The theory is to freeze the dough, then on the day of pizza making, let the dough thaw and rise in the fridge all day before making pizza that night.
I oiled each ball with olive oil, then put them in twist tie bags so they could expand a little without popping the bag as they froze.

Then I put the balls into a freezer bag for better freezer protection.
I'll let you know how they work out.

another shower for Nina and Baby E

Nina was blessed with another baby shower last weekend. It was hosted by her matron of honor and longtime best friend as well as the wives of other coaches that John works with.


Baby Elizabeth got so many nice things.
Can you see the baby doll Nina is holding? It was crocheted by my mom, and is just like one that my Grandma made for Nina when she was a little girl. The baby is all crocheted except for the soft plastic face and hands. One hand is holding a baby bottle that fits in the baby's mouth.

I made a diaper bag for Nina and used this tutorial.

Hip Mama Diaper bag tutorial

Baby E is not due until the second week of June but some signs are pointing to an earlier delivery - who knows though?

Saturday yard sale finds May 15th

This was not a great day for yard sales. We went out this morning, my dad, husband and son with me. I made the only purchases but 2 of the things are on my yardsale want list so I guess we did not do too bad.



one Pyrex find - small refrigerator dish with glass lid $2
However, 2 of my offspring have declared this dish "ugly" but I like it.
what do you think? ugly or interesting?



brand new in the box little food chopper $2



Bumpo chair for Baby E $5 - this has been on my list of yard sales wants, we've seen 2 at other sales but they were priced at $20 and $15
Safety 1st booster seat $2

Pyrex in action

I really do use my vintage Pyrex most every day.

Bread dough rising in my newest aqua bowl


3 loaves of bread - baked in Pyrex


peeled carrots and potatoes sitting in water - waiting for the roast beef to cook before they bake with it


Orange jello with mandarin oranges - a family favorite



no Pyrex in this picture, just cute Gavin enjoying a slice of fresh bread

Spring Sewing

My sewing machine has been very busy this week. I am tired of wearing blue jeans so much and seeing the whole world wearing blue jeans everywhere. I can't change anyone else, but I want to dress with some more color.
I read on Diane's blog about her plan and progress sewing up 6 pretty spring/summer dresses.
I also get emails from Cath Kidston and just love their floral combinations and how they use red, blue, pink and green together.
So, here is what I came up with to improve my spring wardrobe.....


McCalls 5198 - yes, this bag is as big as it looks!

Polka dot apron

3 finished dresses - the same old Simplicity 5767 pattern, but with 3 different necklines

white eyelet at the sweetheart neckline

scalloped neckline on the white with pink flowers

I had a package of vintage rick rack to trim this mostly red one.