Pens, Paper, & Ammo

I made this a while ago and finally managed to get a picture of it today.

Based on this pattern.  This bag alone will keep about 75 plastic bags out of landfills.

This time I am really going to do it - 365 pictures.  Here’s today’s:

I joined the $10 swap group on Ravelry.com and this was what I received!  This month’s theme was reusable shopping bags.  Being the tree-hugging hippie that I am, I just had to join.  I love it all!  Thanks Ceraphina!

I was fiddling around with a few oatmeal cookie recipes last week and eventually came up with these:

This plate of cookies lasted for all of 5 minutes.

They’re even kind of almost good for you… almost.  Kind of.  Well, maybe if you have the self-control to only eat a couple… Anyway, here’s the recipe:

Chocolate Chip Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. applesauce
1/4 c. Smart Balance
1/2 c. firm-packed light brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. fat free half and half
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 3/4 c. oatmeal (quick cook or regular)
6 oz. package chocolate chips
2/3 c. chopped walnuts

Stir together the flours, baking powder, and salt.  In another bowl, mix the butter, applesauce, sugars, egg, half-and-half, and vanilla.  Slowly add the flour mixture and blend well.  Add the oatmeal, chocolate chips, and walnuts.  Drop by spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 for 10 - 12 minutes or until lightly brown around edges.  Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Om. Nom. Nom.

Spring is almost here!  This is my first year with plans for an actual garden!  I’m getting so excited to move a tiny skoosh closer to self-sustainability.

My first sprouts of the year!

By the way, Myvictorygarden on Etsy has the most adorable little seed kits.  I can’t wait to start getting the garden ready!

I forgot just how much I love cross-stitching.

And my best friend borrowed me her Kromski for the week.  It’s been, oh, four years since I last used a wheel.  It took me forever to remember just how to get started.  Eventually I got the hang of it again and spun some medicore - but usable - singles.