Fresh Cookies and Spring Projects

Full moon, maybe? Finally feeling relaxed after having a few days off of work? Whatever the reason, I actually baked something today. Yes. BAKED! I know, right? I actually followed a recipe, mixed ingredients, AND used an oven and a hand mixer. Whoa! The last time I baked something? Um. Yeah, I don't know. I took photos for proof!

It was all Kate's fault. Kate@The Starr Family blog posted an tempting recipe for making your own oatmeal creme pies. With my mouth watering and a sugar craving kicking in, I said, "Ron, I'm going to bake!" After his initial state of shock wore off, he looked at me quizzically and asked, "You're going to bake?" When the incredulous concept sunk in, he gladly offered to run to the grocery store to get the ingredients. We don't normally have flour, molasses, or any type of sugar in the house. Like I said, I don't bake much! 

Well, Ron and I both concur that they are delicious! I tweaked the recipe a little bit by substituting butter for the margarine and shortening. Other than that, I followed it to the letter (though I might suggest a little less salt in the filling). Highly recommended! But don't worry! There is no danger of this becoming a cooking blog!!

The remainder of the weekend was spent working on this bad boy of a room and the rest of the cottage chaos I showed you in the last post...

I was even able to use some of the prizes I received from Victoria@Whimsy by Victoria. When they arrived, I was like a kid on Christmas morning!! Look at the wrapping and the tags!! "A few of my favorite things" is right!

After tearing open the packages, I was one happy DIYer!! I put the pliers to use within hours. The level and the tape measure were on hand for the bathroom project and are now tucked away in my tool box. The Purdy paint brush and the spray gun will get lots of use this summer.

I also had some down time to peruse the new Flea Market Style magazine. I won this gem from Sue@Vintage Rescue Squad. Sue and I met through blogging, but we were able to meet in person last spring at the Texas Antique Weekend. She is the one that showed me the booth where I found those ship's keys!! 

I've also been cleaning out the closets and rearranging furniture. The sun and the warmer temperatures are telling me that spring is on its way! Time for spring cleaning and a fresh outlook on all things home and life!

UPDATE: After my mom read this post, she sent me an email. She wrote:

P.S. I told Dad "Amy baked cookies today!" He said, "Amy WHO?"

I rest my case. :)