One of my favorite activities is sneaking into the book sale room of our local library to dig through the children's section. I always find something admirable and lovely. I recently found this Finders Keepers book and loved the 2-3 color schemes on each page. Books like this inspire me to keep up with my block prints.

Tonight I served one of my favorite meals to my family: pot roast, mashed potatoes, lima beans and pear halves. I don't know if the lima beans and pear halve combination is southern or just a family tradition, but they are an odd mix non-the-less. My husband always cringes when I served whole kernel corn with spaghetti. I keep an unusually vivid picture in my mind from age five of my mom, dad, and I sitting on ice chests in the new kitchen of our new home eating spaghetti sandwiches and corn. Strange, I know, but this memory still coaxes me to serve corn with spaghetti on a regular basis. What strange food combinations do you and your family enjoy?

The thermometer outside reads 70 degrees. This sudden southern temperature swing has made me anxious for sweet, warm summer months. In honor of this fabulous weather, I've made lemon squares. I used this simple Krusteaz mix. The lemon squares are perfect and oh so lovely.

I recently acquired a French press pot after much hinting to my mother who owned three. I can make two cups of the smoothest coffee with the French press and not use an ounce of electricity. I feel smart, savvy, and oh so European. Simply lovely.

I spent an enjoyable afternoon baking sugar cookies while I conversed over the phone with my dear friend, Summer. The children were happy with their afternoon treats. I think that children's hands are so sweet. I love when B grabs my face and turns my eyes to look at hers...magic!

My homemade donuts were a hit this morning~
Most Saturday mornings, my children start nagging to go to the donut shop. I, however, just want a relaxing Saturday morning at home, sipping coffee, and planning out the weekend.
Recently I was reminded of my mother making homemade donuts for my siblings and me on cold Chicago mornings. The Deerfield Bakery was restricted to extra special occasions only. So, in honor of a sweet childhood memory, I attempted to make some.
They were so simple.
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You need:
2 cans of biscuits
2 C. confectioners sugar
3 Tbs. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
vegetable oil for frying

Heat skillet on medium and pour in oil. I poured in about 1/3" deep. You just kind of have to eyeball it...

Now open the biscuits and layout on wax paper. Cut out centers with a small round cookie cutter - or anything else you can find. I used the screw on cap to a Ginger Ale bottle. Keep the middles to make donut holes!

In a small bowl mix confection sugar, water, and vanilla. Set aside.

When oil is hot (I stick the end of a wooden spoon in the pan and if bubbles appear around the spoon, its ready) carefully drop in 2 - 3 donuts at a time.
Stand right by the donuts as they cook really fast, when one side is golden brown, flip to the other side. Tongs are really useful for this.
Take out cooked donuts and place on a paper towel.

Finally, drizzle the donuts with your glaze and sprinkle with some extra confectioners sugar.

These homemade donuts remind me of funnel cakes that you get at the fair. They are crunchy, warm, sweet, and soft all at the same time.