Pinned It / Tried It - Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Number 2 Pencil Blog

Cinnamon Roll Sour Cream Pancakes Recipe:

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

4 tablespoons of melted butter
1/4 cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the microwave and add to mixing bowl. Then add 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar (I used golden brown sugar), 2 tablespoons of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and stir together.

Fold a quart size plastic baggie over a small cup, that way you can easily pour the cinnamon sugar mixture into the baggie. Close the baggie well and set aside to cool. To speed up the process a little I put my bag of cinnamon sugar goodness into the fridge

 Sour Cream Pancakes

1 cup of all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons of sugar
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
1 cup of sour cream
1/4 cup of milk
4 tablespoons of melted butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
I made traditional Bisquick pancakes

Let the pancakes set up on the griddle for about 2 minutes, then it is time to add the cinnamon sugar swirl. Snip just a small corner of your cinnamon sugar baggie, push the tip of your baggie into the batter, and carefully swirl the mixture into the pancake batter. Don’t just swirl the mixture on top of the pancake, it needs to be in the batter to make the signature cinnamon roll look. (I don't think I added the cinnamon sugar soon enough and didn't get it into the pancake enough). Try not to get too close to the edge of the pancakes with the swirl, or the cinnamon sugar mixture will run off.

Once the pancakes are cooked, about 7 minutes on the first side, and 5 on the second side, remove them with a large spatula sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Turn them onto the plate swirl side up. Work quickly when removing the pancakes, once the cinnamon sugar mixture cools on your spatula, the pancakes will start to stick.

These pancakes did make a mess of my griddle, but I have a clean up trick that makes cleaning up a snap. While your griddle is still hot take a wet paper towel and using your spatula wipe down the griddle. The steam from the wet paper towel loosens up all the mess and wipes it away.

These pancakes were very good, but I was expecting more of the gritty traditional cinnamon roll filling. I will definitely make these again in the future. Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Wordless Wednesday - Jars

I LOVE jars -

Jar Printable from Creative Cain Cabin

Ball® 6-pc/1-pt. Heritage Collection "NEW" Pint Jar 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the first series of jars designed by the Ball brothers, each jar intended to be better than the one before. 1913 saw the launch of the first true "Perfect Mason" jar. These limited edition blue Ball jars are a celebration of the heritage featuring period-correct blue color and embossed logos on the front and back. These vintage-inspired blue jars maintain all of our modern standards for quality and reliability. Perfect for all of your home canning needs... or as a collectible item! Features New Jar Design! 6-pack Ball Regular Pints in period correct blue Modern standards for quality and reliability Perfect for all of your home canning needs,or as a collector’s item Vintage Ball embossed logo (front) 100 Year Anniversary embossed on glass (back) Vintage style tray carton 1st in a line of upcoming limited edition jars

Simple Patriotic Wreath

I have found that I am more successful with seasonal decorating when my projects are more simple. I found some cute cupcake papers at JoAnn Fabric. I had plans to make a wreath fully covered in the papers, but that was just unrealistic with the time that I had (at least I'm honest).

 

This tutorial can be adapted by adding as many cupcake papers as you like and by changing the wreath from a grapevine to a foam base.

 

 

 

Supplies:

Wire

Wire cutters

Scissors

Beads

Cupcake Papers -  I used the regular size and the candy cup size

Jute / ribbon

Wreath - foam, grapevine, cardboard anything will work

 

 

I started by cutting down some of the regular sized papers so when I layered them you could see all three colors - red, white, blue.

 

Next I cut 3 inch lengths of wire (you will need I length for each flower)

I made a small loop at one end and slide on a bead

 

Take each wire with the bead and poke it through the center of your layered cupcake papers (you can put as many layers together as you like I did three - 1 red, 1 blue, and 1 white. I alternated the colors on each flower, but that's optional.

After you have all your flowers made then you need to decide how you want to place them. I did a grouping of three regular size for the bottom of my wreath and three small for the top.

To attach the flowers on a grapevine wreath simply feed the wire through the grapevines and secure it in the back by wrapping the wire around the vine.

To finish off the wreath add a jute hanger and a ribbon bow. (I hung my wreath from a vintage hanger and slid a flag behind the wreath just to dress it up.)



 

 

 

Blogs - What do you read?

Blogs - Why do you read?

In an attempt to stay current, gain more readers, and also keep yall excited please answer the following. These apply to all the blogs you follow including mine.

Why do you read?

Do you like a more written post or picture filled post?

Are you a fan of posts that are personal stories? Tutorials? Recipes?

Do you enjoy reading long posts or short ones?

Kids related crafts and activities or things more for yourself?

Informational? Relating to the world of crafting, diy, flea marketing, etc.


I want to get my new blog calendar together so that I can get writing and create posts that I enjoy and that everyone wants to read. Without your help I can only post what I THINK you will like, shoot me a comment or message so I can write posts made just for YOU!!!!

Free Blogging Class from Blogelina

Blogging is super fun, but I know all of us struggle sometimes especially when getting started. I just found out about Blogelina.com through Bloggymoms.com.

Blogelina has great online classes and an awesome affiliate program!

 
Blogelina is once again offering her very popular 4-week blogging class — for FREE! This online class will be held in July 2013.

If you sign up for this free class, here’s what you’ll get: A class manual – packed with 60 pages of information that will help take the overwhelming out of starting your own blog 4 weekly online class sessions where you can ask your questions and get personalized feedback A FREE year of web hosting. Blueprints, step-by-step tutorials, networking with other bloggers - Everything you need to grow your blog. Save yourself a lot of time, trouble, and money – learn from my own experiences what to do and not to do. Go here to sign up for the FREE 4-week blogging class.

Vintage Bread Box Redo

Vintage Bread Box Redo

While thrifting a few weeks ago I found a vintage bread box and matching recipe box. I decided that I would paint them in a chevron pattern (I really love cheveron right now and it is really trending).

I started by lightly sanding the boxes

Then I primed the boxes

 

I painted both boxes grey and chose the chevron pattern that I wanted.

 

I taped off the fronts with the chevron pattern and used white to start the painting (white will be the stripe color shown as grey above)

I then removed the tape and taped out the opposite stripes and painted them using a light aqua. After the paint was all dry I used a super fine sand paper and did some distressing to soften the tape lines and bring out some of the wood grain and natural wood coloring.

Here is the finished product.

 

 

Wordless Wednesday - Summer Squash

My garden and fridge are overflowing with summer squash...

1. Squash Puppies @ piarecipes.com

2. Squash Patties @ livingthegoodlife5

3. Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole @ Happenstanced

4. Zucchini & Squash Gratin @ Confessions of a Tart

5. Squash and Blueberry Muffins @ Real Mom Kitchen

6. Zucchini and Cheddar Tartlets @ Southern With a Twist

7. Brown Sugar Squash Muffins @ Parenting Miracles


Hahahah - I felt a little like an Iron Chef putting together these recipes where yellow squash had to be an ingredient.

Flea Market Tips - Part 2

 

 

 



When planning a trip or day of flea marketing make sure that you plan ahead. If you plan on going to several markets or a market that you have never been to before map it out...you would hate to not make it because you couldn't find the destination!

Measure you space and write it down! This is essential for getting a piece that will fit.

Make sure to bring cash and your ATM / credit card. Most vendors now use portable card readers so can use your plastic.

Bring a large bag to carrier it all. Places like The Alameda Flea Market have carts for larger items, but don't count on being able to get one. Ask the vendor if they can hold larger items so you don't have to make multiple trips to the car / truck.

Look at everything you never know what might be hiding or might be found on the next row.

NEVER SKIP THE DISCOUNT SECTIONS!!!!!!!!!

Happy fleaing

A long weekend

Well after 4 days of being in bed with my back blown out, I'm back...well mostly. Sorry I haven't been working on projects so not much to share. Here is a little review and recap of last weekends local Rocklin Family Festival.

The event was located at a large local park and featured Food, Rides, Games, Local businesses, and fun for the kids.

Our family of four plus our friends and there two kids all got together and since we only live about three blocks away decided to walk over to the event. Let me start by saying it was about a billion degrees outside, we adults decided that all outdoor event should be held in September and October.

When we got there the kids got to explore the Rocklin Fire Departments fire engine.

 

 

We stopped at a local daycare / preschool booth that had some learning and interactive activities. We spent about an hour there and then headed home for some water and snacks.

 

 

 The Family Festival had more of a carnival / fair type feel and there was little for small children to do. Due to the lack of activity for younger children I don't think we will visit next year. The kids had more fun playing in the sprinklers and eating popsicles and cherries at home.

 



Wordless Wednesday - Pillowcase Dresses

Now that the weather is warming up here in Northern California I am thinking about making pillowcases dresses for my daughter.
Here are some cute pinter-ation.


 

kerryaxley.blogspot.com



                           

                                rebekalambert.com





Pinned It / Tried It - Copycat Starbucks Passion Fruit Tea

 

During the warmer months of the year (or if I am stricken with a hangover) I love to drink Starbucks Sweetened Passion Fruit Tea. It is so refreshing and delish!

The recipe I pinned was from shadycatladysmom


Ingredients:

2 quarts / 8 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
4 Tazo Passion Tea bags
1-2 tablespoons honey (this is my addition to the recipe, a sweet flower honey is best)

Add the 2 quarts of water to the pan, add sugar and honey and bring to a boil.
After you get to a nice boil shut off the heat and add your tea bags, then wait……..

I let my steep for about an hour and a half, I really think the longer the better.
I let mine steep for about 30 - 45 minutes
Pour the tea into your container and refrigerate.

After the tea has chilled pour over ice and enjoy! The best part about this recipe is you don't have to go anywhere to get it and it only costs about .50 cents per glass.

The Loss of a Friendship

I never thought growing up that I would loose as many friends as I did, and now as an adult I have the same thoughts. As a teen when friendships dissolved it was upsetting, but not like it is now as a woman.

In the book Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge - it explains that women are "relational creatures" It goes on to say "Most women define themselves in terms of their relationships, and the quality they deem those relationships to have" If this is so then why do women constantly hurt each other? I underlined "each other" because we ALL do it!

Not to blame Eve, but part of the consequence of Eve's decision to eat the forbidden fruit is "relational heartache". It seems that most friendships go along great and then become infected with "a virus that makes them fundamentally unavailable...even when its good its not enough."

When I read this it struck me straight to the heart, because its soooo true! My best friend and I had a falling out almost a year ago and I am still really struggling with it! She blames me, I blame me, and all I wanted was to be closer to her and re-connected in our friendship and in each others lives again...(I was a little disconnected after having my youngest).

So what now? How do I deal with the heartache, loss, and regret? Oh the regret...that's mostly what I feel now looking back. And since its been so long how do I repair it? Or is it past repair and if so how do I move past it?

Flea Marketing Tips - Part 1

Going to the Flea Market can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Here are the hot items that might give you some ideas for things to look for.

1. Doors
2. Windows
3. Bird cages
4. Ladders
5. Quilts
6. Linens
7. Frames
8. Jars
9. Wicker and wooden baskets
10. Scales
11. Vintage kitchen items
12. Silver
13. Vintage jewelry
14. Vintage dishes
15. Chandeliers
16. Chandelier crystals
17. Watering cans
18. Galvanized items
19. Vintage ice chests and toolboxes
20. Keys
21. Buttons
22. Suitcases and trunks
23. Globes
24. Maps
25. Postcards 26. Oil Lamps 27. Hankies 28. Antique Cameras 29.Crates 30. Vintage Glass Bottles 31. Tins / Canisters 32. Antique Books 33. Sheet Music 34. Ephemera / paper ephemera 35. Architectural salvage 36. Industrial Items 37. Garden Items / Planters and Decor 38. Flower Frogs 39. Vintage trims, ribbons, lace, and wood spools 40. Vintage Toys and Games 41. Chairs 42. Small Tables 43. Mannequins / dress forms 44. Storage items - canisters, cans, bottles, crates, boxes, etc 45. Printers Tray 46. Printing Letters / Stamps 47. Vintage Fabric 48. Vintage Pillowcases and sheets 49. Pyrex / Vintage Dishware 50. Owls Here are a few items that I also look for:

Vintage Christmas décor
Ornaments
Mercury glass
Yard sticks
Aluminum Christmas trees
Measuring Tapes
Organizational items / furniture
Rulers
Kids Stuff / Flash Cards