Toasty Oven

Welp!  We finally got a new toaster oven.  After a long, hard search, we finally found one that suits our needs.

It's a Sanyo Toasty Oven.  It's compact size (about 10"x10"x12"H) is perfect for not taking up too much counter space.  It has 2 tiers and 3 elements so it actually toasts all sides of all breads.  You can set it to use only the top or bottom racks, or just the middle (for bagels), or all 3.  And it comes with 2 trays for making more messy things.  It came in the mail late yesterday.  Today, we have been making toast all day so far!  I'm so happy to have had my favorite tomato toast breakfast once again.  It makes me really want to try this recipe...

Some of my Favorite Things

After a long and stressful day, dinner is a most welcomed event.  I enjoy when we all pitch in to get the meal onto the table.  Here are some my favorite things that I noticed last night...

Her little legs and feet, which I love to look at anyway, but look particularly cute setting the lettuce on the table.

Just too cute.

The extra place he set at the table, just in case someone would come and join us.

That her love of reading has exploded this summer.

And, the making of tomato puree, which I will share with you tomorrow...

Fun Table Runner

Remember this material?  And this bread-taker-outer I made out of them?  Well, yesterday during Quiet Time I made this patchwork table runner:

I've been wanting something to brighten up our dining room.  And this seemed like just the thing to do the job!!  It measures about 40 inches by 15 inches.  I cut 24 - 6 inch squares and sewed them all together using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.  Then I cut a piece for the back out of the owl material (have I ever told you how much I love owls?!?!).  I sewed them together, flipped it right side out, ironed it, and sewed all around the edge for a finished look.  Very simple.  Very bright.  Very playful and cheery.

The brightness makes me smile.

The flowers are from my herb garden in our front yard.  The green feathery things in there are the tops of fennel bulbs I bought from a local organic farm.

Have a bright and cheery day today!!

Noodlehead's Spice up your Kitchen

Anna, over at Noodlehead, has been doing this awesome Spice Up Your Kitchen series with lots and lots of really great kitchen crafts!!! Check her out. She has really great ideas and all of her tutorials are super easy to follow. I know I'm having fun!! And when I actually get some of the things made, I will post them as well.