Kitchen Diaries

I woke up feeling the need to bake this morning. So we baked my most favorite bread. . .Irish Soda Bread. I know it's not St. Patty's Day but who says you can only have it once a year! My mom made this bread when I was growing up, and I looked forward to it everytime (especially warm right out of the oven with a little pat of butter, yum). Try it in the morning with a hot cup of coffee and you'll be hooked! All these years later I have yet to find a better version. My hubby and kids love this bread now just as much as I do. The recipe is down below.

And to give everyone an update on the dishcloths. . .I'm LOVING them!! They are absolutely wonderful. I just toss it in my washer at the end of each night and the cloth gets washed with the next load of laundry. It's really working out great.

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups flour (I mixed whole wheat and unbleached white flours and it turned out great. Otherwise use white flour)

1/2 cup sugar

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

3 tbsp butter

raisins (we use the 24 oz. container)

2 1/4 cups buttermilk

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. Cut butter into mixture and blend. Scald raisins in a colander under hot water (this softens and moistens them). Add raisins to mixture. Then make a hole in the middle of the batter and pour the buttermilk in. Stir until combined.

Grease a round casserole dish (like Pyrex) and bake at 325 degrees for approximately 60 minutes. This is how long it takes in my gas oven, I've heard it may take a couple of minutes longer in electric.

Happy eating!

Camille's BIG Day!

So, all in all, Camille's first day of Kindergarten went pretty well. She marched right in there without looking back, brave as can be. I wish I could say the same. As soon as I turned the corner, the tears just started welling like a pool. I tried to hold it back because I didn't want to answer the questions that would soon follow from Jonas, my 3-yr old. He'll be starting preschool in several days, and I hope he'll view it as a positive, fun experience.

We did have an interesting experience at the end of the day though when we went to pick her up. After waiting for thirty minutes in the car pick-up lane, she was nowhere to be found and the teachers/principal weren't sure what happened. They called all the bus drivers and finally discovered she had been put on the bus due to miscommunication. We raced to the bus stop and made it just in time to get her. It was definitely scary for me (my husband was as cool as a cucumber though). It's a very difficult thing for a mother to entrust her children to someone else and then to not know where they are or what has transpired. I tried not to make a big deal of the whole thing because I didn't want Camille to read into it and react to my expressions. So she is not traumatized but has declared she is just not ready to ride the big bus everyday yet. And I'm totally fine with that.

One Dish at a Time

Aren't these the cutest dishcloths ever?? I'm almost afraid to use them because I don't want to destroy their texture or bright colors, but I'm gonna give them a try. Time to toss out the old sponge!

I love to crochet and once again, with Fall drawing near, my fingers are getting the urge to create. My latest project has been these dishcloths. Not only do they save you money, but they're also easier on the environment. Plus they don't house all that nasty bacteria like a sponge does because you can throw them in the washing machine and reuse them again. My sister yells at me all the time about how sponges are dirt and filth infested. Well, Melissa, I finally decided to do something about!

So starting tomorrow we are using these to clean our dishes. I only hope they will clean my stainless steel pans. That should be a bit interesting. I'll keep you posted on how this all turns out.

Firsts

Camille, you have filled my last five years with so much joy. I've watched you grow right before my eyes, experiencing all your "firsts". Your first word (Da-da) to your first steps and now I want to go back so badly and do it all over again.

This Summer has breezed by and held more special "firsts", ones I want to hold on to tightly because I know they can't be relived. Your first lost tooth, your first baseball game, your first pair of rollerskates. I have to admit, I was dreading the rollerskating when Grammy gave these to you. All I could think about was the backache I'd have. You said, "I want to do it fast like the girl next door." We told you it would take practice and patience, and you persisted in asking me and Daddy every night this Summer if you could rollerskate. You've stuck with it and have gotten so good at it. We are very proud of you! And as with all "firsts", there's an "ending". You don't need us to hold your hand anymore or hold you up.
This is more evident to me as your next "first" is just around the corner. . .kindergarten. I realize this is an "end" to you being at home with me, to your infant and toddler years, and to me holding your hand. I know you'll have a great time and make lots of friends. But if you still want to hold my hand a little, it's always here.

Colorblocked

I've finally taken pictures and posted two new Colorblocked bags in my Etsy shop. This bag combines great functionality (which we all need in a handbag!) and fantastic style with the extra nickel grommets and tie around the top. I love the way they turned out and can't wait to make more.

I'll also be adding several new Stacked bags next week. Don't worry. . . the original design is still the same, but the bag now features two straps. There's carrying handles and then a single adjustable strap so the bag can be worn in three different ways ~ by hand, shoulder, or messenger style across-the-chest. I'm very excited about this bag's versatility.

I also just ordered several new fabrics for my Fall collection. I won't spill the beans but there's great colors such as berry fuschia, tangerine, chocolate brown, and sky blue.

Have a wonderful weekend~

Shop Update

Well, we're back from vacation. I have to admit I've been a bit neglectful in adding new bags to my Etsy shop. Life has been busy lately. . .my daughter recently turned five, my hubby just had a birthday and now I'm having a yard sale this week with several friends and neighbors. I've always had the philosophy that family comes before my business and tried to stay true to that. I feel my kids will only be young once and that was the whole purpose of me staying home from work. I want to be able to enjoy the little moments and be able to have an impact on their lives on a daily basis. With that said, you may notice times when my shop or blog haven't been updated as should be. It just means my attention was focused on my family because it was needed. Don't worry, I'm always on time with delivery and communication. I know how important that is and I appreciate each and every one of my customers. You are what makes Camille Star. I believe there are seasons in our lives for a reason and this is our family decision during this season. As I get ready to send Camille to Kindergarten this Fall (yikes!!) and Jonas to preschool, I know we'll be entering a new season, one where I'll have a bit more time to devote to my passion and business.

So while I'll be working a yard sale this week, I'll still be answering messages and shipping bags. I also have new goodies to add to my shop next week. I've made some minor changes with major impact to the Stacked bag and the Colorblocked bag. Changes I think you'll love! I've also started fabric shopping (one of the fun parts of my job!!). So stay tuned!

Thanks for being great customers and supporting Camille Star.

Vacation Time!!!

It's that time of year when we head out East for our family vacation. The kids get to visit Grammy, Pop-Pop, and their cousins. They also get to attend Vacation Bible School which Camille absolutely loves. I'm hoping Jonas will enjoy it just as much since this will be his first year actually participating in a class. Should be very interesting since he's my "shy guy".

We're looking forward to the beach and relaxing together. I also love to use this time to visit my favorite fabric shops in New Jersey, reflect on what's working or not with my business, and dream up new designs. So in the meantime, my Etsy shop will be closed July 10th-20th. Hopefully I'll have lots to add once we get back!

Hope you're having a wonderful Summer!