Things Change.

Things change, and that's OK.

Rhymes With Smile started out about food.  And, it still largely is - I was at a wedding in North Carolina recently and a friend's words of greeting included a reference to my most favorite chocolate chip cookies.  My cookbooks have become diaries - I leave notes about when I made such-and-such, who I shared the meal with, and what other events were going on at the time.  Possibly half of my photos from a recent international trip are food-related.  When we eat, how we eat, what we eat, and with whom we eat - I spend my days planning and scheming and listing and thinking and doing.

But, you know, sometimes things change.

Not that we've been eating less (heavens no!), but my time is different these days.  I used to blog during the kids' nap time.  Now, I make baskets.  I never envisioned that I'd spend the equivalent of a part-time job feverishly sewing at my dining room table while the kids play around me.  But I do, and I love it, and I've found a thing that gives me a personal creative outlet.  This year has brought me some pretty intense milestones and amazing opportunities!  All because of baskets.  Who'd have thought.

So, with the ebb and flow of growth and life, busy and quiet times, needs and wants, work and play, I'm going to officially let this blog rest for a while.  I do have things to share, and as there is time I'll get to do that.  And, sometimes I won't.

So, things change!  Rejoice with me that it is so.  We wouldn't want life to always stay the same.  Where's the fun in that?

Guest Post

Just popping in to let you know I got to guest post for the Nutmeg Collective today.  The Nutmeg Collective is a network of Connecticut-based artists, artisans, and vintage curators looking to expand our businesses online and locally.  I had a blast putting together a spring gift guide - click here to check out the blog post!

Penne Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

Penne Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes (and Bacon and Chicken)
4 servings

8 oz. penne pasta
4 slices chopped bacon
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 c. fresh baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. red or white wine vinegar
1 c. chopped cooked chicken
1 c. chopped tomatoes (halved cherry tomatoes or chopped roma tomatoes work nicely)
1/3 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare pasta according to package directions.  While pasta is cooking, salute bacon in olive oil in a large skillet until crisp.  Remove bacon from pan, leaving oil in pan, and set bacon aside.  Add spinach and garlic to oil in pan, sauté until spinach is wilted.  Add vinegar and continue to cook for 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes and chicken; cook until tomatoes are softened and hot, about 2-3 minutes more.  Add well-drained cooked pasta and bacon to the pan and gently toss to combine pasta and sauce.  Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

Straight up honesty here: this recipe is from the pasta box (it fits with my culinary philosophy!).  Of course, I tweaked it a bit (I added the chicken, and used white wine vinegar instead of red), but it was just about as much of a recipe follow as you'll get out of me these days.

And it was G O O D!  I've been on a vinegar kick anyway, but haven't added it to a cooked sauce.  The result was zippy and subtle at the same time - a nice little punch that wasn't overwhelming.

And here, my friends, is the pasta box itself:

We like things fancy here, ya'll.

When we've not been eating pasta box recipes, here's what we've been up to:

... Sitting in boxes on tables

... considering our level of thankfulness for warm ski lodges

... posing for family portraits

... looking our finest in every possible fabric pattern

... enjoying the fruits of the Mister's labor: a snow cave/fort/stadium/fire pit/maze extravaganza

What's winter for, if not snow and pasta boxes?

Baskets at Work

You know what's satisfying?  Seeing what kind of use one of my baskets gets once I send it off to its new home.  I recently got to work with an exceptionally talented local photographer to make her a custom basket for newborn photo shoots.

I don't know what the rest of you put in your baskets, but this sweet thing wins the Cutest Award.

(Get the basket here ... you know, if you want to).

Little Lady Turns Two

 

There aren't even really words to say it - but, you know.  Words aren't even necessary when it comes to celebrating someone you love.  This one - Little Lady - there's no end to the joy and laughter she brings us as our precious daughter and little sister.  Happy TWO!

Jacob's Ladder Modern Baby Quilt

It's turning cold - therefore, it is quilt and soup season.

Here's a little baby quilt I was able to put together for some dear friends who are expecting their first in just a few weeks.  Until I get to hug their precious son in person, this little quilt will have to do the trick!

This Jacob's Ladder Modern Baby Quilt measures about 28" x 40".  I pieced small strips on a white background with a faux applique method - no real pattern, just fun piecing!

 It is quilted all over in a meandering free-motion pattern.

 And there - can you see it? - the tiniest of labels!  That's a new addition to my etsy shop!

Chewy Granola Bars

"Quite Possibly The Best Thing To Come Out Of My Oven, Ever" Chewy Granola Bars
based on a recipe from my friend Valerie

yield: about 3 dozen 1x3" bars

3/4 c. soft butter
1 1/2 c. dark brown sugar
3 Tbsp. maple syrup or honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. almond extract
1 egg
1 1/2 c. flour (I used 1 cup of almond flour* and 1/2 c. all-purpose flour)
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. oat flour* (made by pulsing rolled oats in a food processor) + 1 c. rolled oats
2 c. rice krispies
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. raisins or dried cranberries, or a combination
1/2 c. dried sweetened coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix together wet ingredients in a small bowl, then add sugar.  Mix together dry ingredients in a large bowl and add in wet ingredients (I did this step in a mixer with a dough hook to save myself the stirring).  Press into a well-greased 9x13" pan.  Bake for 25-35 minutes.  Cool then cut into bars.

Ya'll.

I hit the jackpot with this.  I am definitely not telling you I'm an amazing cook -nope, what I'm saying is that this is an amazing recipe.  And it made a TON!  I cut these into 1"x3" bars because they are really hearty, and it turns out that they are just the right size for stuffing in my mouth when the kids aren't watching.  What's that?  You've never done that?  Oh.  Well, I sneak food all the time because my precious vultures sweethearts love to eat as much as I do.  Don't worry, they're getting them too ... just not every time they happen to walk by the fridge!

So, go.  Make these.  Be a better person than me and share them with those you love.

*If you don't have almond flour, no biggie - just use 1 1/2 c. all purpose flour.  And if you aren't in the mood for pulverizing oats in a food processor, omit the oat flour and throw in an extra cup or so of rolled oats.