Newborn Mittens With A French Seam (and optional ruffle cuff)

I recently sold a baby flannel pajama set on Etsy, and the buyer was so nice and sweet that I wanted to do something special for her - so I used some of the scraps to make some matching baby mittens.  (The kind to prevent scratching, not for cold weather.)  I was kind of rushed as people are this time of year, I had about 7 different projects going at once and the baby's first birthday party to plan.  I quickly researched some different ways of making newborn mittens -- most had a lining and that you sew together at the cuff and then turn it out through a hole in the lining.  Some recommended using elastic thread in the bobbin instead of threading elastic through a casing, but I haven't had good luck with that technique yet.  Then I found this other cool pattern but I didn't have any stretch knits to do the cuff.  So I whipped out this little do-hickey on my own and it came out pretty dang good!  It's different than anything I found online, and it's just one layer with a French seam so it's soft and smooth inside for baby's little fingers and nails.  This would be a great way to learn French seams too!

6 Ways To Get Your Potato On (french fries and mashed potatoes aren't on the list!)

I'm not normally a potato lover, but when you have a ten pound bag from Costco, you find ways to use them!  Here are some interesting and easy ways to prepare potatoes...

Microwave Chips

via The Kitchn

Crispy potato chips in the microwave -- shut the front door!  A mandoline is extremely helpful here to get those chips as thin as possible.

Pumpkin Spice Latte With Coconut Milk (Dairy-Free)

I recently posted a recipe for a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte using half-n-half and egg yolk (custard style) -- but I wouldn't be true to my blog name if I didn't offer a version with coconut milk.  With ingredients like pumpkin and coconut, do I dare call something so yummy healthy?!  One of the great things about coconut milk is that it emulsifies with other ingredients beautifully, and its thick enough that it doesn't need the egg-yolk like the dairy version.  It also adds some sweetness and takes away from the pumpkin flavor so that I tweaked the ratios of the ingredients, and decided that with so many little alterations, I figured this version deserves its own post...   Hope you like!

Countdown To Christmas: 6 Weeks Of Kid Friendly Projects To Make And Bake

Ack -- Six weeks until Christmas?!  Time to get your craft on.  The holidays are so busy for everyone - especially for me this year with the baby's first birthday in December (which I haven't started planning, by the way).  Make the holiday madness fun and set aside one day a week to make something festive with your kids.  Here are some ideas that I will be doing with my family that kids of all ages will enjoy.  I've included some ideas to cover the spirit of the season:  giving, making memories and baking.  There are seven project ideas so you're more than covered 'til Christmas!

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latté

You know it's fall when Starbucks is serving Pumpkin Spice Lattés, even if it is still in the mid-80's in California.  I love me some Starbucks but I am not a fan of paying $4 for coffee, so I had to come up with a homemade (and all-natural) version!  After a week of Pumpkin Spice Lattés, I think I've got it just right.  If you try it, please leave a comment and let me know how you like it!