My name is Amy, and this blog will be a "domestic diary" of sorts. I am a stay at home mom to two sweet little boys and wife to an amazing (and patient) man (9 years this summer). I am four credits away from earning my masters degree (which is now on hold), and had a career for 10 years before choosing to stay home when my first baby was born in 2007. I want the domestic life, but I'm not that good at it. I would love nothing more than to be the "perfect wife" and the "perfect mother." However I am the furthest thing from that. I really do want to be a Martha Stewart, and would love to be the 2010 version of June Cleaver. I spend too much time on the computer, have a list of organization projects ten miles long, and the dinners I serve leave much to be desired. I have a lot of room for improvement. My goal is to have a good balance so I get to do the things I enjoy like digital scrapbooking, but things at home, like laundry do not get neglected. This blog is the documentation of my adventure in trying to be a better "domestic engineer."

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Another thing to try!

Do you like coffee?  I am afraid I am a bit of an addict.  I think most people that live in this region (the great NorthWest) are pretty much hooked.  The birthplace of Starbucks is in Seattle, three hours north of here.

I want to try this coffee recipe too...
(from homemadesimple)

Here is the recipe; an excerpt from HomeMadeSimple:

Begin with the Perfect Brew
All delicious java drinks begin with a rich, robust cup of coffee, so use your favorite beans and a coffeemaker or French press to get started. Brew your coffee on the stronger side, as the coldness can dull the taste.

Tip: Create your own flavored coffee at home by grinding together your beans and favorite spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, before you brew. Be sure to clean your grinder thoroughly afterward to make sure the flavor doesn't transfer to your next batch. For complete instructions, watch our Cooking Maven Deborah at work!
Coffee Over Ice: Forget the barista! To quickly create your own iced java:
  1. Fill a glass or to-go mug with ice.
  2. Pour in cooled coffee. Add 1-2 tablespoons flavored syrup and stir, or use your usual milk and sweetener.
Tip: Before you pour out brewed coffee that's gone cold, consider putting the pot directly into the refrigerator. Coffee develops deeper, more intense flavor over time, so don't let it go to waste!
Blended Coffee: For a smooth, creamy beverage that rivals your favorite coffee shop:
  1. Fill your blender with ice, and then add 2 cups coffee, a dash of heavy cream or your preferred milk and 2-3 tablespoons flavored syrup, honey or sugar.
  2. Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass.
  3. Garnish with whipped cream and a drizzle of sweet sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder. Don't forget the straw!
Tip: Make it a coffee shake by adding 1/2 cup frozen fruits like strawberries, raspberries or blueberries to your blender first. For a truly decadent treat, drop in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, too!

Making these sounds like a great party idea to me!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010