No Bake Energy Bites

I'll be the first to admit it, ever since I joined Pinterest, I can't stop!  It's amazing the amount of inspiring little bits that are just floating around in the Pinterest world.   When I stumbled upon these no-bake energy bites I knew I would have to give them a go.  And I did.  And they are amazing.  

No Bake Energy Bites

adapted from Smashed Peas and Carrots

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup course cracked wheat (or flaxseed)

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Roll into small balls and enjoy!  So easy, quick and great for snacking.  Yum.

What's great about these is you can really mix it up and try different add-ins each batch you make.  I did raisins and cracked wheat this time, but want to try mini-chocolate chips and dried cherries.  I think that would be a delicious combo for these little bites!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!  And if you have President's Day off tomorrow, enjoy that too! :)

Little by little

Here is my progress from my latest cross stitch project.  Slowly but surely it's coming together.  I just need to start the border then finish up the edges. 

In other crafty-related news, I plan on heading over to the Little Knittery this afternoon to pick up some new roving and check out their yarn selection.  It will be my first time checking the shop out but it comes highly recommended from many other crafty folk here in LA.

A dress for a baby

First, Happy Valentine's Day!  Hurry for a day dedicated to eating chocolate and getting flowers!  I know I will definitely be eating my fair share of sweets today, I hope you do too.

Ok, back to sewing and crafting.  I made this wee little baby dress from Anna Maria Horner's book, Handmade Beginings, the dress is called the Pretty-as-a-Picture Dress.  A number of our friends are having babies in the near future and I thought I'd get a head start on some baby gifts! 

It uses one fabric to showcase the design in both the front and back of the dress.  I had this adorable porcupine fabric that I found in Japan and figured this would be a great use for it!

Back view: You can see how the elastic around the waistband (except for the front panel) gives the dress some cute gathers.

Front view:

And side view:

This was a great day project.  I started it in the morning and finished after lunch, with many coffee breaks in between.  I am loving Handmade Beginings, it has adorable projects for every aspect of parenthood: from diaper bags to maternity clothes to baby toys, a great range of things to create.

And if you're looking for a fun Valentine's day craft try making your own paper hearts with this tutorial:

Happy Chocolate Valentine's Day!