Tout It Tuesday - #17

It's time for Tout It Tuesday - #17! 

Sorry for the delay in getting this week's party up. But better late than never right?

We had a power outage this morning and since I usually put the finising touches on Tout it Tuesday while drinking my coffee, no power was a bit of a hiccup. Truthfully, I think I may have been more upset by the lack of coffee versus the lack of internet. This is the 3rd time in so many weeks that the power has been off for more than an hour or two. It has been a very strange summer.

Power outages aside, it was a very relaxing week. Other than working in the yard and getting Wilbur II from the butcher, it was a quiet weekend. I didn't end up getting my craft on, but I am OK with that. All my planned projects will get done...eventually...if I live to be 100. :-D

Now it it time to check out this week's features!

The Thrifty Rebel made over a $5 bed tray magazine holder. Love the bright color!

This chocolate drizzled shortbread from A Flock in the City looks so delicious!

Tagana Rose created the most beautiful paper dress form gift decorations. They are so sparkley & gorgeous!

The Ease of Freeze showed how to make a delicious looking country meat pie. This is totally D's type of recipe.

Make sure to grab the featured button!

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This week's Fav Fav is

Something Sweet's Unique Pear and Almond Tart

Winnie, make sure to grab the Fan Fav button.

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I can't wait to see what people will be share this week and know that I will be inspired by everyone's projects and recipes. 

Just a few rules/guidelines.

1. I would love it if you would follow through GFC or Bloglovin'.

2. Please do not link shops or link parties that are not related to a project, photo or recipe challenge. Everything else is accepted.

3. Linking to Claiming Our Space isn't required but I would appreciate it if you would grab my button and either display it with the post you are linking up or under your list of parties.

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-ToutIt Tuesdays.jpg" /></a>

4. Don't forget to click on the "like" button on your favorite project or recipe so I know which one should be the week's Fan Fav.

5.  Please try to visit at least two posts for each link you submit and leave a comment. Comments make everyone happy!

With all that out of the way, let's Tout It!

Homemade Granola - In the Crockpot

I so need to get my light box put together!

I have decided that I need to eat healthier. I eat too many snacks with unhealthy, not quite sure what all those ingredients are, too many calories for my own good, stuff in it.  I figured that I could substitute some of those unhealthy snacks with one filled with natural, "I know exactly what is in there," fruit and nuts right in the mix, ingredients. What fits that bill? Homemade granola! 

One additional bonus - there wouldn't be any coconut in there! I cannot stand coconut, the texture makes me cringe. The additional added bonus? It is made in the crockpot so no real heat added to the house in the summer! That is worthy of a "woot woot!!" for sure.

I found this recipe on A Year of Crockpotting and modified it a bit to meet my needs. I haven't had a bad recipe off this site yet so figured this was a safe bet.

The result was absolutely tasty. I plan on eating it instead of chips for a snack and in my yogurt for breakfast. I am sure I will find many other ways to incorporate this tasty treat into my diet.


A couple of notes:   While this is good, I think next time I will be toasting some of the nuts and seeds. I will also be upping the honey and cutting back a bit on the butter.

Homemade Granola - In the Crockpot
Modified from A Year of Crockpotting
 
Ingredients

• 5 cups oats (I made separate batches with quick cook and rolled/old-fashioned, both turned out tasty)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup dried fruit (I used raisins and cranberries)

Directions

• Place all the ingredients into a large quart crockpot.
• Melt the butter in the microwave in a medium bowl.
• Mix melted butter and honey together
• Add butter and honey mixture to dry ingredients, tossing well to mix completely. This takes some work.
• Cover, but vent with a wooden spoon. The venting is important, you want to allow the heat to escape so you don't end up with a warm, wet concoction.
• Cook on high for 3-4 hours, stirring every 15 to 20 minutes. Stirring this frequently is key since the granola will burn more quickly than you think. I set a timer so I wouldn't forget.
• Once cooked, place granola mixture on a cookie sheet and let cool.
• Seal well in an air-tight container or Ziplock.

Perspectives - A Photo Challenge: YELLOW

It is week 2 of "Perspectives - A Photo Challenge" hosted by Lena B Photography, Agape Love Designs and When Shutters Click.

This week's challenge was YELLOW!

It was a hard one for me. Apparently I don't take many pictures that have yellow in them - especially since I went digital.   I had to hit photo albums from some of my trips to find something that would work for this challenge.

1.  I saw this lone yellow daisy (or is it a Black-Eyed Susan?) at a roadside park between Charlevoix and Petoskey where we had an evening picnic.  Taken with a Canon T3i, kit 18-55 lens. Settings: 55mm,  ISO/100, f/5.6, shutter speed 1/100.

2.  This photo is from my trip to China many moons ago. I saw this little guy in Tiananmen Square with his mom.  She was so proud to show him off to the foreign lady.  I thought he was just too cute for words and looked so happy. Photo taken with 35mm camera.

3. This is another old school 35mm camera photo from my trip to England.  (I have decided that I traveled a whole lot more when I was single. :-D). London in the spring is beautiful and I found this hill of daffodils while sightseeing getting lost. You can see my head just poking out above the flowers in the upper left corner.

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Here are the deets so you can join in if you like. I really hope you will!  I would love to see the photos that mean Summer to you.

Each week the hosts will choose a "theme" and on Friday, they ask that everyone link up 3 different photos representing their PERSPECTIVE of the week's theme.  It's all about YOUR perspective & interpretation!

{If you don't have a blog, you can link to a flickr account, etc. They just want to see your photos!!}

By the way... you dont have to be a professional photographer to join in!

You can even use your camera phone. (I know I will!)
They just want to see YOUR perspective!
They want to see how YOU view the world. :)
So don't by shy, or afraid to join in!

The following week, each host will choose & highlight their favorite photo from the linkup!

The second linkup is going to be happening today, July 27th...
Link up your post with 3 photos you've taken to represent this week's theme:

YELLOW

They want this to be successful, so if you're IN give a few shout outs!
Grab a button a spread the word!
Feel free to tweet using hash tags #Perspectives or #PerspectivesPhotoChallenge and #July20
as well as tag @mariagridly, @Mom2MandR, and @shuttersclick.

Summer Weekend in Charlevoix

It seems like it has been months since we were up north, but it was only a couple of weeks ago. Isn't that how summer works much of the time?

My parents rent a condo over looking one of the marinas on Lake Charlevoix so this is what we got to see each day when we were over visiting from our hotel. Gorgeous!

We even got to see a rainbow one afternoon. Such an exciting surprise.

We were surprised when we went downtown to find that it was the weekend of the Arts and Crafts Fair. What a great place to get inspired for some crafty projects as well as to just admire the amazing talents of the artists displaying their works.

 I loved how this artist enhanced the photograph by painting out to the edge of the canvas. It wasn't surprising to see that it was already sold.

 For those with a rustic design style, these tables and lamps would be perfect!

 This glorious flower display is amazing because these are not live flowers. They are all carved from wood and hand painted. Amazing!

This amazing art piece is made with inlaid wood. Each piece is either stained or painted. I can't imagine how long it took to make.

In the middle of our walking around, D and the kids struck a pose.  Very photogenic, don't you think?

This cute guy had the most mesmerizing eyes! I am still kicking myself or not picking him up and taking him home.

 This succulent wreath was one of the coolest things I saw. If I thought I would be able to keep it alive, I would have gotten one.

We didn't have room in the car for one of these cool sprinklers but we got their card because it is definitely on our to buy list for the garden.

Here is the last pic from the Arts and Crafts Fair, and I think it is my favorite one. These artist had a number of large dogs dressed as people.  We thought this couple looked like they were enjoying just watching everyone walk by.

This was our view during the entire time. Even though it was a steamy 93 degrees, it didn't seem quite so hot looking over the water.

There are several galleries in the area and this silly bird was on display outside one of them.  I love the colors and his silly teeth.

We had a roadside picnic next to Lake Michigan one evening. Fun was had by all but we didn't get to see the sunset.

A big cloud bank rolled in and this was our sunset. The evening was so nice we still enjoyed every minute of the abbreviated "show."

That didn't stop D and the kids from exploring.

When we left for the night, we had were wished goodbye by this gull. It was amazing that he was so unafraid of my approach and these photos were taken from about 6 feet away.

I hope you enjoyed some of the pics from our trip!

Willow Wednesday

Running at the dog park makes me happy!!

Tout It Tuesday - #16

It's time for Tout It Tuesday - #16! 

We had another busy week last week here at the Claiming Our Space house. My work had its annual Summer outing at Meijer Gardens. An evening was spent at a local family fun center riding go-carts and playing mini-golf. The kids have headed back to their mom's house. We are trying to get caught up on cleaning and laundry. Poor Willow, with her love of sleeping in the sun, got a sunburn on her belly and is an itchy mess. I participated in my first photo challenge. Phew, I think I need a nap just remembering all of it.

This week is going to be much calmer since we don't have anything scheduled for the coming weekend - a first for this summer. My only plan is to get my craft/bake on so I can't wait to see what is linked up.

Now onto this week's features!

This cool light makeover from Pressing On. I love the vintage vibe and the Edison bulb is fab!

This one is for D, who love shrimp! Jam's Corner's Shrimp Caprese Salad.

This "Live, Drink, Swim" sign from Blissfully Shabby is perfect for summer! Makes me want to find a pool, a fizzy drink with an umbrella and a lounge chair right now.

I love a unique end table and this vintage suitcase table from Crafty Imaginings & Silly Things fits the bill. Added bonus? You can store stuff inside to help keep clutter down.

Make sure to grab the featured button!

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FAN FAV!  We have our first Fan Fav Feature this week. Woot woot!

This week's Fan Fav, which is the link up with the most likes, is Tomato Spinach Alfredo Pizza from Love Bakes Good Cakes!  Grab the Fan Fav Button.

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I can't wait to see what people will be share this week and know that I will be inspired by everyone's projects and recipes. 

Just a few rules/guidelines.

1. I would love it if you would follow through GFC or Bloglovin'.

2. Please do not link shops or link parties that are not related to a project, photo or recipe challenge. Everything else is accepted.

3. Linking to Claiming Our Space isn't required but I would appreciate it if you would grab my button and either display it with the post you are linking up or under your list of parties.

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-ToutIt Tuesdays.jpg" /></a>

4. Don't forget to click on the "like" button on your favorite project or recipe so I know which one should be the week's Fan Fav.

5.  Please try to visit at least two posts for each link you submit and leave a comment. Comments make everyone happy!

With all that out of the way, let's Tout It!

Apricot Jam (No Pectin)

I adore apricot jam. That being said, until last summer, I had never had apricot jam. Funny how something new becomes a favorite. It is that lovely combination of sweet and tart, perfect for a baked scone or on a biscuit. It's reddish orange color looks like a jewel in the sun. It smells a little bit like a fruity sweet tart. Mmmm, my mouth is starting to water just thinking about it.

So when I came across a bunch of gorgeous apricots at the grocery, I knew I had to make another big batch! 

This year I am experimenting with making all no pectin recipes so I don't need to add anything to the pot except the fruit, the sugar and a little lemon juice. That being said, pectin recipes do go much faster, so if you want to make a batch and don't have a bunch of time - use the pectin.

Apricot Jam - No Pectin
Modified from this recipe on Food.com

Ingredients

• 8 cups diced apricots, with skins left on.
• 1/4 c lemon juice
• 6 cups sugar
• 1/4 t butter

Directions

• Place small plate in freezer
• Sterilize your canning jars by boiling for 10 minutes in a hot water canner. You will need at least 5 pint jars or 10 half-pints.
• Combine all ingredients in a large stock pot. I prefer to use a stainless steel pot. 
• Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. 
• Add butter
• Once mixture reaches a rolling boil, continue to boil it for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking.
• After about 20 minutes of boiling, remove plate from freezer and put approximately 1 teaspoon of hot jam onto the freezer plate and let it sit on the counter for 30 seconds. If when tipped the mound moves just slightly, you are done. If it runs, continue to boil for another 5 minutes and test again.
  Remove from heat and fill jars, leaving 1/4" of head space. 
• Wipe top of jar and threads to remove any jam that has spilled.  Seal with rings and new lids. 
• Process in boiling water canner for 10 minutes 

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DIY Handle Mitts

Last year for my birthday my mom got me one of the best presents EVER! A set of stainless cookware! Woohoo! It was this set from Wolfgang Puck. It is so fabulous! [please look away as I hug the wok that came with this set]

OK, maybe I am a bit biased but I had been wanting (drooling over) stainless cookware for several years. 

This stuff can be washed in the dishwasher, it cleans up quickly and easily, it can be washed in the dishwasher. I had to put that one in there twice since our other set of pots and pans from Analon can't be. Sometimes that is a bit of a (or rather a giant) pain to hand-wash them, especially when we make a recipe using lots of pots and pans. With this set, after making a really messy dinner where I have baked on stuff, a quick soak, a bit of a scrub and, BAM, clean saute pan!

Another good part is that you can saute on the cooktop and then put it directly in the oven. How great is that?  This greatness leads to the one drawback of this type of cookware - the stainless handles get stinking hot.  So the move from the over to the cork trivet can be dangerous if you aren't careful.


My fear of burnt fingers made me whip up a few handle mitts inspired by the kind they use at Chili's for the Skillet Queso. Yes, we could use oven mitts or pot holders, but what fun is that?  I wouldn't get to use my sewing machine or one of the fabrics in my stash. (OK, maybe these things aren't actually called handle mitts but I though pot mitts or oven holders just sounded odder than handle mitts.  Yeah, I make up words all the time)

These are a quick and easy project.  Once I figured out the dimensions and cut out my template, I was able to whip up 3 of them in less than an hour. Yup, it was that quick.

DIY Handle Mitt


1.  Make a template out of card stock
     For my handles my template was 6 inches long by 3 inches wide.
     I used a candletick to get the curve on the end

2.  Use your template to trace and cut out
     2 pieces of "pretty" fabric
     2 pieces of insulbrite batting
     2 piece of liner fabric (I used scraps of drop cloth)
     This is for 1 Handle Mitt

3.  Cut either a piece of bias tape just larger than the shortest dimension of your fabric or if you are like me, and don't have any bias tape, You can just take a a piece of your fabric and make your own.

     Cut a piece of fabric 4 inches long and 2 inches wide.
     Fold in half and finger press.
     Fold each side into the middle, finger press
     Fold in half.

4.  Layer the pretty fabric, batting and liner together with the bias tape - pinning them together.

5. Sew on bias tape/fabric and trim off excess

6. Place right sides together and straight stitch around the edge, leaving enough room to do a zip zag stich between the straight stitch and the edge of the fabric.

7.  Using an unsharpened pencil or chop stick, turn the handle mitt right side out and you are all done!

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