Blueberry Almond Cobbler - gluten, dairy, sugar free

This is a recipe cobbled together from my love of recipe creating and the call for a wheat, dairy, and processed sugar free dessert one day.

It was unanimously voted edible, much to my relief, and I've even heard tales of it's even being dubbed delectable.  

Remember, if trying it's worth for yourself, that the below measurements are only approximate (and the ratio should fill one 9x13 baking pan) - I hardly ever measure anything when cooking, and never when going freestyle.

At times this is to my advantage, and at others... Well.  Learning from your own mistakes is the most effective way, right?  

Of course right!

Gluten, Dairy, Sugar free 

Blueberry Almond Cobbler

5 C. rolled oats, soaked in equal parts water + 1 tsp. lemon juice overnight. (this step reduces the level of phytic acid in the oats and makes them the perfect consistency for a crust)

3/4 C. raw honey

3/4 C. coconut oil

1 tsp. vanilla

1 Tbs. cinnamon

2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 Tbs. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

4 C. blueberries

2 C. chopped almonds

1/2 C. raw honey

Mix blueberries, almonds, and 1/2 C honey together and set aside.  Combine all other ingredients and pour in a baking dish, spreading blueberry mixture over the top.  Bake at 350 for approx... let's say 20 minutes. Our propane regulator is acting up and it took mine, well... two hours to bake.  Yes.  I think twenty minutes should do it.  But don't pick up a good book, because you may not be able to put it down in time.  I wonder how I know that.

Remove from oven.

Stack the forks, pull out the plates, and call the gang over!

Or just curl up with an excellently large book on a rainy day and skip that last step.  You're set for hours.

An Autumn giveaway with Ceraminic

Today we have a charming giveaway with Ildi, the talented Netherlands-based ceramic artist behind Ceraminic!

Take a stroll through her shop to discover an array of beautiful hand crafted ornaments, buttons, dishes, and other delightful sundries.

Shop // Blog // Tumblr // Pinterest // Twitter

About Ildi:

I'm a group psychotherapist and an economist, mother of 2 girls, wife of an engineer and a ceramic lover from the Netherlands. I like to see our world in a creative way.

I really enjoy the process of making pottery: I sit down at a table with clay and try to make something that I have an imagination of. I want something and the clay wants something but in the end I can work until I am most satisfied with the outcome. For me, the best part is after the first kiln firing when I can paint with bright, shiny colors and decorate in different ways. I love the tiny details, I do have patience to work with really small things to achieve those fascinating patterns.

Be sure to visit Ceraminic on Etsy, and have fun entering below for a $20.00 shop credit!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Treasury | Autumn Shades triple feature

 

Today's Etsy Treasury feature includes three that I've been enjoying so much.  What a wealth of talent and artistry is contained here!  I'm continually amazed at the plethora of inspiration and creativity to be found in the handcrafting community.

Our first treasury, Tiny Dancer, reminds me of the last gentle shades of summer as September closes in on a world turing chill.

Next, the drama and glamour of Garnet Elegance is indisputable, especially juxtaposed against a few jet black accents.

And lastly, what could be better than this collection of warm Autumnal tones and textures?  Sweet Autumn definitely showcases a few of my favorite things!

.::. Be sure to visit these treasuries on Etsy, and feel free to share! .::.♥

If you create a treasury highlighting something from the shop, be sure to let me know - it could be our next feature!

Featured  Listings:

 Tulle skirt in Ivory by Kellie Falconer Design

And newly listed in the shop, our poplar Pleated Chevron skirt, now available in ravishing Retro Red!

Inventing Comfort

After moving literally five tons of cinder blocks last week (with an able crew), there's nothing more luxurious to me than an evening out in the spa, beneath the stars, hot steam and essential oils melting aching muscles into a delicious wave of comfort!

Continually dropping temperatures notwithstanding, I am definitely quite determined to get full use out of my bath house before everything freezes solid.

It's been so insanely busy around here that the Autumn clothing collection is still only half photographed, but I am also determined on that front to make the wait well worthwhile.  If only I can grab a few more seconds of sunshine!  

As I write from here in the bus, a fine, needle-sharp September rain is chilling the air and sending me scampering for my hot ginger tea and wool socks.

Ah, piping hot tea... and wool.  Come to think of it, luxury is just as attainable as we make it.

What little luxury have you been enjoying lately?

Fashion Revue

This year's 4-H sewing project was as wonderful as ever, rounded off with the ever fabulous Fashion Revue.  My mom is the sewing project leader, and I absolutely love watching these girls (and the occasional intrepid lad!) become creative geniuses over their sewing machines.  Perseverance, dedication, and hours of sewing and ripping are displayed as they all model their garments on stage.

I'm so proud of you all!

In the Shop | Chalkboard Buttons

At long last - presenting our newest line from the Wall Tent Button Co!

Chalkboard Pocket Mirror   ||  Chalkboard Button Badge 

Imagine the possibilities presented by having a diminutive chalk board pinned on your jacket or purse - from encoded espionage to a scintillant sobriquet, this little message board has you covered.  When the party gets too quiet, bring on a game of tic tac toe!  Or get yours with a compact mirror on the back and have your blackboard ready to go in purse or pocket.

Ours are handcrafted with love and include a stick of white chalk so you're ready for any doodling adventure.

Did I mention how ridiculously fun these are?   Because they're fabulous.  Be sure to visit them in the shop!

the August collection.

September has to be one of my favorite months.

Autumn is definitely my favorite season, from the delicious sight of leaves flying up on the road in a wild golden dance around my tires to walking through crisp, flaming woods in my favorite garb - boots, denim skirt, plaid lined Carhartt jacket.  Bringing in the harvest and spending hours preserving, slicing, pounding (bring on the sauerkraut!), gathering is the best time in the world for thinking and pondering and making memories.

Autumn is also immensely challenging for me, knowing that winter is coming and signaling the swift end of sweet, careless, warm summertime.  It really makes a difference when you have closed doors and sealed windows - or canvas - between you and five months of ice.  This year I'm safe and snug in the bus, but that feeling of urgency, and yes, of fear, is still lurking there somewhere as the days get shorter and shorter and the hills start to show gold in their hazy slopes.  

I think I've done the most growing spiritually in the Autumns of my life, and this one has been no exception.

September started out jet-propelled and hasn't really lost any momentum since, and taking a break from blogging has been a sort of unplanned sanity preserving emergency protocol.  I missed the blog, but every once in a while it's great to take a step back and get a fresh grip.  I'm all fired up again and ready to roll!

Ready for the Kellie Falconer Design Autumn 2013 collection?  It's been a labor of love and a long time in the works, but I'm so excited to show you what I've been working on.  Stay tuned!

And now some favorite moments from August, the august of easily the best summer of my whole life.

Allons-y!

Ellen and I helped serve at our friend and neighbor Sarah's wedding, which was absolutely beautiful.

Waking to this all summer long, the breeze a gentle kiss and the sunlight dappled, is perfection.

Then walking twenty feet to work in the Wall Tent Studio.

 

Pesto!!

County Fair

I got to make some music with Peggy Carter again this year!

This was my first rodeo.  To watch.  

Once on a time, years ago, I was directed to wait in the middle of the ring by the Judge while showing my insane and beloved Riley in 4-H Stockseat Equitation after an episode of bronc busting started to make me an object of annoyance and terror to the other contestants.  The Judge informed me that the rodeo wasn't until September.  Once in the center of the arena, Riley proceeded to pull a Hi-Ho Silver on me and reared his full length in the air - I flew off his back and guys, landed on my feet with reins in hand.  Then, instead of making an epic bow to the crowd (like my 4-H leader joked that I should if I fell off), I belabored Riley's rebellious hide with my reins and climbed back on.

Anyways.  

It was fun to finally sit in the grandstands and watch it all unfold around the next insane cowboy.

Above, the Pyrotechnic Headaches.

How could one month hold so much epic weirdness?

I hope the last few weeks have been full, blessed, and full of sweet memories for you.

 Happy trails, y'all.