p u m p k i n t i m e

yum

I've been wanting to make pumpkin bread ever since I brought home a new pumpkin spice candle. The other night I could smell it while I was sleeping. So of course, the next morning I jumped at the chance to start baking. Why not? It's fall! I love this time of year! Leaves change and fall from the trees, the air gets a little crisper, and I feel the need to bake and start sewing again.

Well that morning, I baked a banana bread and ended up making three loaves that week plus two dozen cookies and homemade cinnamon rolls. This week I slowed down a little to 2 loaves of bread (pumpkin) and one dozen cookies. Here are a few pointers from someone who is always learning something new in the kitchen:

1. sometimes substitutions do NOT work out as well as you think they might

While I was making the frosting for my cinnamon rolls, I found that I didn't have confectioners sugar or half and half. So I substituted regular sugar and whipped cream instead. After I poured the concoction over the rolls, they were soggy! So back in the oven they went.

2. even though you can substitute applesauce for oil, it doesn't always taste as good

I made some cornbread the other night to go with our chili. Since I'm watching what I eat more carefully, I decided to substitute brown sugar for regular sugar and applesauce for oil. It wasn't that bad, but I must admit, I like the normal recipe much more.

3. finally, if you are in doubt that your baking pans aren't exactly the right size, measure them. Don't assume unless you want a huge mess in your oven!

*burnt pumkin doesn't smell as wonderful as unburnt pumpkin

Quiet Sunday

Yesterday was the first snowfall. Even though most of the snow has melted, it was a sure sign that my favorite season of the year is finally here! I love those still brisk mornings where frost covers everything. The silence that blankets the mountains. Sipping hot tea and making delicious soups that make the house smell so good....and of course, shopping on ETSY! Here are a few of my favorite pics from this mornings front page.



Extra Thick Cozy Cowl by mgbdesigns



Adjustable Journal Bandolier by cleverhands



Green Curly Mulberry Long Scarf by zuzusworld

A Hike to Remember

These pictures were taken last year and the year before up in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. We love to hike and ride our horses on the Rainbow Trail. This summer there was a terrible fire that wiped out so many beautiful trees and bushes, leaving very little for the wildlife that lives there. Today I went for a hike and this is what is left...

Be thankful for what you have, for you never know when it will be gone...

IKEA in CO



STYCKE



Aren't these the coolest shades?
 Our brand new IKEA opened last month! 

My girlfriend and I went shopping yesterday and I couldn't resist the shade in the middle. I'm a sucker for yellow and it was perfect for one of the lamps in the studio.

my newly dressed lamp

Nu News + Something Cool Just For YOU!

Dandylion Vase

Another month has passed and again with only one post to speak of. But instead of dwelling on what I haven't done, I'm going to focus on what lies ahead...

For starters, I have a group show coming up in September at the 3rd Street Gallery in Westcliffe! I'm very excited to be working with four very talented artists. I will be exhibiting my sculpture. A few older pieces will be there, but I will also have a few new ones too. One is in the kiln as we speak!

It is the start of a new school year and for some, just another semester to chalk up. I for one will be taking a couple more classes towards my MA, but...I have decided it is not so important that I have to put my life, my family, and my art on hold. Therefore I welcome the new semester with a fresh outlook and look forward to learning more about myself and others every day.

With that said, I am offering FREE SHIPPING on one of my personal favorite ceramic pieces, the Dandylion Vase.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day with lots of smiles and butterflies!!! =)

~samos
...

summer time

silly bird

Has it been almost three months since my last post?

 I took a little sabbatical from blogging, facebook, twitter, and making art.

When finals were approaching last semester,

 I decided to isolate myself from the outside world and focus on my current goal...

school

and then I had a surgery.

small plates

Now that I'm on the road to recovery, I'm back in the studio and throwing up a storm!

 I'm currently working on a dandelion plate set that will be shipping off soon and then some bowls are on order. Oh, and did I mention my upcoming show in September? I'm also working on some new sculptures that I'm very excited about!

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

fruit obsession

Here's some of the fresh fruit and veggies that I bought today for my new juicer!

I wasn't quite sure if juicing would be worth it or not, but let me tell you...if you don't make your own,

you're totally missing out!

Here's a recipe that I just made up and we're going to name it the Orange-ie Mango Juice.

Orange-ie Mango Juice

1 mango

2 oranges

1 peach

1 carrot

You're going to love it!

daydreaming...

love this!

maybe someday

cool ideas

All I want to do is play outside or make something creative! So I'll resort to daydreaming and share a few pretty things with you. 

You can find them on HERE.