Quick Chickpea Curry

This recipe is definitely inspired by Christina's recipe. I was craving a chickpea curry, but didn't have all the ingredients to make her version, so I improvised. I was happy with how it turned out so I thought I would share.

Ingredients:

1/2 sweet onion diced

3 roma tomatoes diced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 can of chickpeas

2 tbsp mild curry paste

1/2 cup of water

Method:

Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onion and cooked until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the coconut oil, then add the tomatoes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Add the mild curry paste and the chickpeas. Then add the water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cook for another 10-15 minutes.

Serve over brown rice. You could also add spinach to the mix, but I had broccoli so I steamed it instead.

Dress to Skirt Refashion

I found this dress a couple of years ago at a thrift store. At the time I thought I could make something for Harper with it. Then I tried it on and it kind of fit, so I thought I might actually wear it. Then I tried it on again and realized I haven't worn it because it is WAY too short. So I chopped off the top and made it into a skirt.

I just added a ribbed knit yoga style waistband. Now I have a brand new skirt that I will definitely wear.

I have a couple of other refashions in the works. I really need to work my way through my stash or get rid of some stuff.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone!!

52 Weeks of Me-Looking Through

This week's theme is Looking Through. I really wanted to use my underwater camera and get a shot underwater, but we didn't make it to the pool this week. This idea seemed a lot better in my head. Can you tell Bailey was wondering what the heck I was doing? I set the timer and ran out the door. This was the very first shot I took. I tried several times, but this one ended up being the best one.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, especially my dad, my husband, and my father-in-law.

How I Cook Tofu

I have been a vegetarian for 14 years now. It took me 12 years to discover this method of cooking tofu. I tried cooking it every way possible and just never could get it nice and crispy. The following method is the easiest and tastiest way I have found to cook tofu.

Start with a block of tofu. I always use organic non-gmo extra firm tofu. Drain off the liquid. Then slice into 1/2 inch slabs.

Place the tofu in a single on a plate covered by a towel.

Place the other side of the towel over the tofu and cover with another plate. Then place something heavy on top. This will help drain the excess liquid from the tofu. If you are in a hurry or feeling lazy, you can definitely skip this step. Just squeeze the tofu block with your hands over the sink. You might have to cook the tofu a little longer too.

While the tofu is draining, preheat the oven to 350. Then pour some soy sauce in a ramekin or bowl.

Let the tofu drain for at least 15 minutes. Then spray a cookie sheet with oil and place the tofu slabs on it. Coat both sides with soy sauce. Then place in the oven. Flip the tofu after about 20 minutes. Then cook for another 20 minutes or so. The longer you cook it the crispier it will get.

Mmmm. See how crisy and yummy it looks. I save the leftovers to use during the week when I need some protein for a meal. It tastes great cubed on a salad.

Recycled Scrapbook Kit- Party Favors

I decided to spend a little more time on the party favors for Harper's Birthday Party, since I had to do very little preparation for the party. I did not plan it this way, but I was able to use supplies I had on hand and did not have to buy anything for this party favors. It felt so good to use up some of my scraps as well as recycle some cardboard from the recycle bin.

First I cut out the cardboard pieces. I used this tutorial as a guide.

I cut 4 sheets of plain paper in half for each journal. Then I sewed along the middle crease.

I am always afraid that I am not going to have enough so I made 22 journals to be on the safe side.

I used scrap paper that I had on hand plus some cards I had saved from various celebrations. I cut out different pieces by hand and also using my sizzix. I labeled all the envelopes. Then I placed everything in the envelope and tied each one with twine.

Hopefully the girls will know what to do with it. Really all they need is a glue stick and an imagination.

Harper's Birthday Party

Harper's birthday party was on her actual birthday, which worked out perfectly. We had her party at the Skate Center and it was so much fun.

She worked up a sweat with all that skating.

This was the best photo I got of her skating. My camera did not like the lighting situation in the Skate Center. I am going to blame it on the camera not the photographer.

Harper's party was a ton of fun. She was a little sore the next day though. I have to admit I am glad that the two birthday parties are behind me now.

Happy Birthday Harper

Dear Harper,

Seven years old, really? I always tease you that you didn't want to be born on my birthday because you wanted to have your very own birthday. I swear you came out of the womb knowing what you wanted and when you wanted it. You are so strong and independent, but also so caring and loving. This year you have made me proud more times than I can count. Just this morning a father stopped me in the parking lot after I dropped you off at camp. He asked if I was your mom and I said, "yes". He said, "Harper has been so sweet to my little girl who has special needs". I love that you can be friends with someone without judging them or feeling strange just because they are different from you. I could go on and on because I am always getting compliments from others on your behavior and your character. I am so fortunate to be your mother. Thanks for being you.

I hope you have the best birthday ever, Babycakes.

Love,

Mom