Mint Swirl Brownies, Lights & Crafts

I know I'm obsessed with these brownies, but I couldn't resist sharing one more with you! I'm still doing the mint, but this time I also added some Vanilla Pudding, then I gave it a swirl with a tooth pick for a pretty effect. It tasted amazing too :-) Just add 5 minutes to the bake time if you try this.

Flourless Brownies

Plus 1 and 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract.

(They are even better cold after after being in the fridge!)

Note: I used alchohol-free extract because it was the only spearmint I could find, and I don't care for peppermint. If you use one that is not alchohol-free, you probably wont need 1 and 1/2 teaspoons. I'd start with 1/2 tsp and taste to see.

Some of the lights in Longmont:

A time honored tradition in our house is watching A Christmas Story on Christmas Day... Notice the lamp at this house above... LOL Where did they find it?

Zoe dipped pine cones in white paint to create snow.

And we hung them on the tree with our Scandinavian designed dolls. They are part of relief work - I did not make these myself.

A baby blankie I knit for a very good friend.

Zoe taking a picture of her new hairdo today. Love the missing teeth!

First Knit Hat :-)

Back in late August our friends Zoe, Oliver and Maximo M came over and taught Zoe B (that's my little Zoe) and I how to knit. First, I just have to say how impressed I am by these guys. They have been homeschooling longer than we have, using mostly a Waldorf-inspired approach. Not only are these boys smart, but they are so kind and good. My friend, Zoe, taught her boys to knit, and they have made balls for catch and hats to wear. They taught us the rhyme:

In through the front door

run around the back

peek through the window

off jumps jack

We got to see the knitting Oliver and Maximo brought, and it made such an impression on my little girl! She just really looks up to them, and I couldn't ask for better role models.

Here we are a couple months ago before I cut my hair. What a proud mama I am!

Today we got to see another homeschool family which we adore, down where we used to live. They are equally inspiring and delightful to be around, and they use mostly AmblesideOnline. After lunch we went to a smoothie and coffee shop that was a favorite of mine when we lived there, and my friend and I got a moment to chitchat while the men watched the kids. She also took some time to help me finish Zoe's hat, and here it is! I don't know who is more excited or proud - me or Zoe?

Knitting Help Videos