Monday, March 24, 2014

MORE AVA ROSE TOTES!

Can't seem to get enough of these bags.  They are so much fun to make!

Ava Rose tote made with Hawaiian Print fabric
Ava Rose Tote made with Asian print
Ava Rose Tote made with zebra cotton print

You can find the pattern here.  Do you have a favorite pattern?

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

ENERGY BALLS

For some reason, I've been having a sweet tooth lately and it's been making me snack on things that I really shouldn't be.  Someone turned me on to some tastey "energy balls" and since then have been looking for a recipe that can satisfy my sweet tooth and at the same time have some healthy benefits for someone my age (ahem.....forty-something....).  Here's one I found that is easy AND my family loves it, too!

SIMPLE AND EASY ENERGY BALLS

1.  Put the following ingredients in a large bowl:  1 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup peanut (or almond) butter, 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips, 1/2 cup ground flaxseed, 1/3 cup honey, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tsp vanilla.

2.  Mix ingredients well.

3.  Form into balls and store in an airtight container in the refrig.  I used a small ice cream scooper to make my balls.

Doesn't that sound easy?  Great for the on-the-go working parent and a healthy snack for any student.  I'll be going to a picnic this weekend and will pack a bunch of these with me to share.

You can also add coconut flakes and chopped almonds.  Of course, use low fat and organic as much as they are available in your area.

Have you had energy balls before?

Monday, March 3, 2014

AVA ROSE TOTES, AGAIN!

Here are a two more pictures of the Ava Rose Totes as previously posted here.  It's amazing how productive and accomplished one can feel after some "sewing therapy".

Ava Rose Tote pattern by Artsy-Crafty Babe
The tote is made with vintage Hawaiian print fabric that is 100% pre-washed cotton.  I tried to center the lovely hula gal in the front's middle.  The interior is burgundy and am quite pleased how it turned out.

And here's another tote:
Ava Rose Tote pattern by Artsy-Crafty Babe
This lovely tote is made w/upholstery fabric and is very sturdy!   It has a wooden button closure and a contrasting cotton interior.  Yes, I have an early start for Xmas.  Trying  move my fabric stash so I can buy more (wink).

What do you do for your own zen therapy?