A Christmas Surprise.

Today, as a Christmas surprise, I was taken on a "girls' day" trip to a painting class. The "girls" who went on this adventure were, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law (Marjorie), a neighbor and close friend of my parents-in-law (Bobbie) and myself. It was a special surprise planned by my mother-in-law for Marjorie and I. All we where told ahead of time was to bring clothes that could get messy. Which was definitely not a hint that gave the surprise away. One of Marjorie's not so serious guesses was panning for gold. 

Another wonderful part to the surprise was that the class was at a nursery, which was once an orchard. The building front looks much like they did in the many old photos that hung on the walls, and they have done a beautiful job caring for and refinishing the inside so that it has kept an antique, early 1900's charm. It was a lovely location that one could easily spend hours wandering around in. Besides the nursery there was a cafe and in the old Fruit Shed there was a large selection of home and garden furnishings, like pots, (some that were water fountains.) Also in the Fruit Shed there was a little fabric store, a wine and art gallery, a olive oil and balsamic (on tap) shop and another art gallery. That is just in the small section that we walked through to get to where the art class was being held. 

The art class is open for people of all interests and skill levels. It is called "Sip and Paint." Everything is provided, canvas, paint, brushes, a little picture of the painting we are working on for the class and a table filled with delicious snacks and a variety of beverages, mostly wines, (perhaps to improve the technique.) The teacher, Unni, does a wonderful job of guiding you through the painting and walks around frequently to offer up suggestions and aid in color blending. Amazingly at the end of 3 hours you actually have a painting ready to take home, and if you can manage to refrain from making "finishing touches" and are brave enough to allow your work to be viewed by others, it is ready to be hung proudly in your home. 

Today really was an excellent Surprise Saturday. 

They all turned out amazing. It was so much fun to see how everyone has a slightly different take on the picture. 

 The painting I did.

Many blessings to you on this fine night.--Kate

Tuesday Traditions

I am going to put transformations on hold to the month to talk instead about some of the traditions that we do during the holidays.

Today's tradition, the Advent Calendar. We have had this cute little Hallmark Tree calendar for a few years now. The kids like it so well they fight over who's turn it is.

So the solution, this year we have two Advent Calendars.

The new addition is a Lego calendar. Where they get to open a new door everyday and build the item that is inside then add it to the city scene. It is already turning out to be a lot of fun.

I am excited for this season of festivities, family and traditions.

Many blessings to you on this fine night.--Kate

Coconut Pancakes

A wonderful grain free pancake option. It is a little bit sweeter and much lighter then almond pancakes, (a recipe I will share later.) My youngest requests these pancakes almost every morning. 

Coconut Pancakes

Ingredients:
-3 eggs
-4 Tbsp Organic butter (melted)
1/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp vanilla
6 Tbsp Coconut flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup Xylitol (I have found that it makes the pancakes taste much better then the Stevia does.
2 tsp coconut oil to cook in. (You do not need much the butter in the batter helps it to not stick, but I have found that for the first pancake I have to have a little something in the pan.)

Directions:
* Mix all the dry ingredients in one bowl and all the wet ingredients in another. Then add the wet to the dry ingredients. 
Over medium heat add 2-3 Tbsp of batter to the skillet. Makes approx. 10 cakes.

My youngest enjoying some breakfast.

Many blessings to you on this fine night. 

Peaceful Sunday Afternoons

Lovely, quiet, sunny fall days are the best!

Many blessings to you on this fine day.--Kate