{Not So Confidential} - December in Review

Hello 2014, goodbye 2013.  And goodbye to these monthly review posts.  Yes, you read that correctly.  This will be my last {Not So Confidential} post.  It's been fun but time to do other things.  {like making snow angels.}

Don't worry, I will still share my projects with you on this blog.  And I'm going to start a page to list the books I've read because I have found it kind of nice to keep track of what and how many I've read.  But for now, let's take one last look back at December.

{What I made} Craft Projects

In case you missed it:

Lunch Bag

Santa Ornament

Four Seasons Photo Gallery

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Toffee Streusel Chocolate Donuts from Buns in My Oven - The first weekend of the month I was expecting overnight guests but the weather said otherwise.  But I made these anyways and it was probably best that I didn't have to share.  They were so delicious.
• Grilled Hawaiian Pizza Burritos from Bev Cooks - This was something a little different from what I would normally make but I really liked it.
• Sugar Cookie Candy Cane Blossoms from Table for Two - I love the candy cane kisses and I love these cookies.
• Molasses Triple Chocolate Cookies from Averie Cooks - Molasses + chocolate = marriage made in heaven.
• Chocolate Butterscotch Cookies from Diethood - These yummy things will surprise you.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies from Two Peas and their Pod - Yes, I made a lot of cookies but hey, it's Christmas time.  These were for my cookie exchange.
• Peppermint Crunch Ice Cream from Scoop Adventures - I don't know about where you live but here it has been stupid cold.  So I made ice cream.  If you can't beat it, join it right?

{What I read} previous count - 37

1. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
2. The Paradise Guest House by Ellen Sussman
3. White Jacket Required  by Jenna Weber
4. You Before Me by Jojo Moyes

{Not So Confidential} - November in Review

Hello friends!  Welcome to December.  If you are looking for homemade gift ideas, please visit my etsy shop, eLRBe.  All items are 75% off {shipping within the U.S. only}.  Before we get to the review, what do you think this cloud formation looks like?

{What I made} Craft Projects

In case you missed it:

Hampton Weekend Bag
Flower Photo Gallery

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Overnight Baked Apple Oatmeal with Crunchy Brown Sugar Streusel from Farm Girl's Dabbles - In my search for the best baked oatmeal, this one is the leader.
• Baked Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage from Smitten Kitchen - I'm on the fence regarding the broccoli rabe but otherwise this was AWESOME.
• Chocolate Malt Brownie Parfait in a Jar from A Spicy Perspective - I had trouble getting the brownie to bake in the jars but this was really yummy.
• Apple Cider Turkey Breast form Rachael Ray - We enjoyed this juicy turkey breast for Thanksgiving dinner.
• Wild Rice and Basmati Pilaf with Sausage from Food Network - No mashed potatoes or stuffing for our Thanksgiving, instead we had this delicious pilaf.  It was so good.
• Glazed Whole Roasted Carrots from Simply Scratch - These yummy carrots were our Thanksgiving vegetable.
• Maple Nut Baked Oatmeal from Eat, Live, Run - Another baked oatmeal this month and another really good one.

{What I read} previous count - 31

1. The Winner by David Baldacci
2. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
3. Where'd you go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
4. The Sins of the Mother by Daniellel Steele
5. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
6. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

{Not So Confidential} - October in Review

Is it just me or did October seem to fly by?  I better get busy planning my annual Christmas ornament; December will be here in a heartbeat at this rate.  But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  Check out this beautiful sunrise I captured while out for a walk with my parent's dog Sasha back in mid-October.

{What I made} Craft Projects

In case you missed it:

Messenger Bag

Cut It Out Frames

Christmas Stars

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Orchard Turkey Burgers from Iowa Girl Eats - on pretzel buns.  So good.
• Spaghetti Squash with Meat Ragu from Skinnytaste - Delicious!
• Homestyle Chicken & Noodles from Iowa Girl Eats - I'm a sucker for Reame's egg noodles.
• Caramel Apple Soft Pretzels from A Spice Perspective - Two of my favorites rolled up into one.
• Honey Pear Muffins from Two Peas & Their Pod - I grabbed a bunch of pears from my parents and made these tasty muffins.

{What I read} previous count - 29

1. When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson
2. The Racketeer by John Grisham

{Not So Confidential} - September in Review

I am still here.  I'm just not getting many projects done.  But don't worry, I'm wrapping some up this week so there will be more posts next month.  I promise.  In the meantime, enjoy these shots from the Como Zoo while you read what I did do in September.

{What I made} Craft Projects

Small Dog Beds

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Easy Skillet-Barbecued Pork Chops from Tracey's Culinary Adventures - I love pork chops and I know I will be making these again.
• Sweet Corn and Sausage Chowder from Lauren's Latest - When I found some sweet corn at the farmer's market, I knew I needed to make this and it was super yummy and easy.
• Whole Wheat Pizza Pockets from 100 Days of Real Food - I was looking for a healthy pizza pocket recipe and this was a big winner.
• Chicken Meatloaf from Mountain Mama Cooks - I was a little hesitant to make this because of the cheese (not really a cheese fan) but so glad I did.  It is really good.

{What I read} previous count - 27

1. Angelina's Bachelors by Brian O'Reilly
2. Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts

{Not So Confidential} - August in Review

Happy Labor Day!  Let's take a moment to smell the roses before recapping the month.

{What I made} Craft Projects

Kitchen Art Printable

Headbands

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Honey Barbecue Meatloaf from Can You Stay For Dinner - I'm a sucker for honey barbecue.
• Garlic Rubbed Roasted Cabbage Steaks from Everyday Maven - I saw these cute little heads of cabbage at the farmer's market perfect for this and it was really good.
• Sweet Corn Risotto from The Novice Chef - I wish making risotto wasn't so tedious.  But it sure was good.
• Honey Wheat Bread from Buns In My Oven - As I may have mentioned before, I am always on the look out for bread recipes.  This one is a keeper.
• Cherry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream from Baked by Rachel - My ice cream maker is getting a serious workout.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream from Tracey's Culinary Adventures - I wasn't kidding about the ice cream maker getting a workout.
• Summer Vegetables with Sausage and Potatoes from Skinnytaste - I made this tasty dish with some beautiful purple potatoes from my parent's garden.
• Sweet Corn and Bacon Skillet Mac & Cheese from Iowa Girl Eats - A yummy twist on a classic.
• Blackberry Anise Ice Cream from A Spicy Perspective - Love. Love. Love
• Puff Pastry Wrapped Turkey Burger Sliders from Mountain Mama Cooks - I skipped the mango chutney because the store didn't have any and I made them more burger size than sliders but so yummy anyways.

{What I read} Previous count - 24

1. Mourn Not Your Dead by Deborah Crombie
2. I is for Innocent by Sue Grafton
3. The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal

{Not So Confidential} - July in Review

So I witnessed my first flash mob this month.  But it wasn't the kind you would expect.  This one was a dinner party and everyone was wearing white.  Appropriately, it was called Dinner in White.  

This was just the beginning.

My brother, sister-in-law and her two teenagers were in town visiting me on this particular weekend and I had taken them to the Sculpture Garden for some miniature golf.  Afterwards, we were just sitting near the entrance of the garden and the parking lot enjoying the beautiful summer evening when we couldn't help but notice all the people that were coming to the garden wearing white.  Some carried tables and chairs.  Others had picnic baskets and flowers.  It was really a strange sight.  Eventually we followed some of these people into the middle of the garden and were amazed to see them setting up their tables and pulling out their dinner.  Apparently, events like this happen in cities across the country and are modeled after the original Dinner in White in France.  Have you heard of this before?

{What I made} Craft Projects 

In case you missed it:

Pacifier Leash with Carry Bag

Baby Bib

Travel Changing Pad

Tag Blanket

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Whole Grain Strawberry Scones from Recipe Girl - I love that these have whole wheat flour in them.  And I love strawberries.  A match made in heaven.
• Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk Sherbet from Epicurious - Just perfect for a 7-Up Float.

{What I read} previous count - 19

1. Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts
2. Friends Forever by Danielle Steel
3. Leave the Grave Green by Deborah Crombie
4. H is for Homicide by Sue Grafton
5. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

{Not So Confidential} - June in Review

Can you believe that we are now half way through the year?  Me neither.  Here is one last picture from my road trip - the Old Capitol in Iowa City.

{What I made} Craft Projects

in case you missed them:

Cosmo Bag

iPhone sleeve with strap and pockets

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells from Annie's Eats - Yummy!
• Maple Olive Oil Granola with Hazelnuts and Cherries from Turntable Kitchen- I'm on a quest to find my favorite homemade granola recipe.  This one went to the top of the list.
• Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbet from Savory Simple - My first sorbet and it was delicious.
• Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp from Cookie and Kate - I had extra strawberries and rhubarb after making the sorbet so I looked for something I could make with what I had in my kitchen.  I picked this one and it was a winner!
• Salted Chocolate Caramel Popcorn from Diethood - AWESOME!!!!
• Strawberries and Angel Food Ice Cream from A Beautiful Mess - My first cream cheese based ice cream and it won't be the last.  This was so freaking good.
• Baked Strawberry Doughnuts from Cooking Classy - What do you make when you buy a flat of strawberries at the farmer's market?  Doughnuts of course!
• Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sliders from Cooking Light - Delicious.
• Salted Pretzel Rolls from My Life as a Mrs. - What better way to serve the Barbecue Chicken Sliders than with these tasty rolls.
• Chick-Fil-A Carrot Raisin Salad from Just A Pinch - We don't have a Chick-Fil-A around here so I can't compare this but it reminds me of the same salad I had as a kid.  I replaced the mayo with greek yogurt.
• Lemon, Asparagus and Brown Butter Gnocchi from the Star Tribune - The last asparagus of the season went on in style in this dish.
• Bowties with sugar snaps, lemon and ricotta from Smitten Kitchen - Two thumbs up!

{What I read} Previous count - 16

1. Sea Swept by Nora Roberts
2. Rising Tides by Nora Roberts
3. All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie

{Not So Confidential} - May in Review

I recently learned that the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is free after 4:30 every third Thursday of the month.  I know where I will be going after work every third Thursday of the month.

{What I made} Craft Projects

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Mini Turkey Meatloaf and Maple Green Beans from Whole Foods Market - The meatloaf was nothing special but I loved the green beans.
• Skinny Chicken Pesto Bake from Skinnytaste - This was a simple recipe but the taste was great.
• Salted Caramel Butter Bars from Eat at Allies - You really can't go wrong with salted caramel anything in my book.
• Maple Oatmeal Scones from Brown Eyed Baker - Tasty, tasty, tasty.
• Multigrain Bread from Our Best Bites - I'm always on the lookout for new bread recipes.  This one is definitely going in the rotation.
• No Bake Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Granola Bars from A Kitchen Addiction - Awesome combination of flavors.
• Andes Mint Chip Ice Cream from Love and Olive Oil - I am loving my Kitchenaid ice cream maker - and this ice cream
• Creme de Menthe Ice Cream Sandwiches from Love and Olive Oil - I just had to make these.  Love them!
• Malt Shop Special Cupcakes from Midwest Living - A little something special for my birthday.

{What I read} Previous count - 12

1. The Witness by Nora Roberts
2. F is for Fugitive by Sue Grafton
3. I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
4. G is for Gumshoe by Sue Grafton

{Not So Confidential} - April in Review

"April is the cruelest month..."  according to T.S. Eliot.  I tend to agree when reflecting on the weather this April.  If you follow me on Instagram you have seen how snowy the month was here so I won't bore you again except for this photo which is my favorite.

{What I made} Craft Projects

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Grape-Stuffed Chicken from Midwest Living - I had never made stuffed chicken before but it's pretty easy and this was pretty tasty.
• Spring Chicken Stew from Woman's Day - This was a delightful dish made in the crock pot.
• Lighter Sweet and Sour Chicken from Iowa Girl Eats/Gimmie Some Oven - This is easier and lighter than the sweet and sour chicken I've made from our church cookbook.  Oh, and it's really good.
• Soft Pretzels from Brown Eyed Baker - Easy to make and so yummy to eat!
• Stromboli from Lauren's Latest - I had some frozen homemade pizza dough and this was the perfect thing to make with it.

{What I read} previous count - 8

1. D is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton
2. Calico Joe by John Grisham
3. E is for Evidence by Sue Grafton
4. Where We Belong by Emily Giffin

{Not So Confidential} - March in Review

Apparently spring did not get the memo that it began on March 20th.  This is how the first day of spring started here and it has only been marginally better since then.

And don't even get me started on daylight saving time.  I didn't realize that the sun was my back-up alarm clock.  Getting up for work has been a struggle since the time change.

But enough of my complaining, here's what else happened in March:

{What I made} Craft Projects

In case you missed it:

Butterfly Collage

Pretty Crafty Apron

Easter Egg Place Cards

Easter Eggs

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Chicken and Wild Rice Soup from Iowa Girl Eats - I made this with turkey instead of chicken and it was mmmm good!
• Cauliflower Cheese Sticks from Key Ingredient - I was skeptical about this but it was really, really good.
• Homemade Chewy Granola Bars from Iowa Girl Eats - I will never go back to store bought granola bars again!
• Apple Sausage Mac and Cheese from Food Network - A yummy twist on mac and cheese.
• Chocolate Cream Pie from Food Network - I decided to make pie this year to celebrate pi day (3.14).  This was delicious and easy - a winning combination.
• Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole with Ham and Peas from Food Network

{What I read} previous count - 4

1. B is for Burgler by Sue Grafton
2. Betrayal by Danielle Steele
3. Eleventh Hour by James Patterson
4. C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton

{Not So Confidential} - February in Review

February has been a quiet month - a little cold, a little snowy and a little crafty.

{What I made} Craft Projects

In case you missed it:

{Framed} Heart Art
Cinched Patchwork Satchel
#RBDmysteryblocks - January Mystery Block

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Pink Grapefruit Breakfast Smoothie by crafty little gnome - Very refreshing and a new favorite.
• Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfait from Iowa Girl Eats - I'm currently in love with this.  The frozen fruit is the key to making this special and makes it a great option in the winter when fresh locally grown fruit isn't available.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes from Joy the Baker - Made these for dinner on the first Friday of lent.  The rest are in the freezer to be popped in the toaster for a quick yummy breakfast on another morning.
• Pretzel Dogs from Tracey's Culinary Adventures - A home run!
• Cheesy Lasagna Rolls with Spinach and Ricotta Cheese from Whole Foods - Simple yet delicious.

{What I read} previous count - 2

1. A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
2. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

{Not So Confidential} - January in Review

I found my mitten!  And just in time.  Today the weatherman uttered these dreaded words - maybe the coldest temperature of the season tonight {14 below}.  Brrr!  January has definitely been a weather rollercoaster.  But earlier in the month I did go check out the ice castle at the Mall of America with my mom, sister, niece and nephew shortly after it opened.

{What I made} Craft Projects

In case you missed it:

Stripey Christmas Tree Skirt

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Chicken with Bacon-y Brussels Sprouts from Tracey's Culinary Adventures - I'm still deciding if I like brussels sprouts but this dish was a vote for yes I do.

{What I read}  I love reading books and I always have one with me.  Two common places that I read are in the lunch room at work (during my lunch break) and before my Jazzercise class begins.  Some people that see me always reading wonder how many books I read a year.  I thought I'd try to figure it out my listing them here.  {P.S. - book recommendations are always welcome}

1. For the Sake of Elena by Elizabeth George
2. Private Scandals by Nora Roberts

{What I am obsessed with} NCIS.  Why have I not been watching this show?  It's sharp and funny and I love the interaction of the characters {Tony DiNozzo is my favorite!}  I came across a marathon on USA Network around New Year's and can't stop watching it.  My Tivo and Netflix are full of episodes to watch.  Too bad I waited for the tenth season to get hooked - I have a lot of catching up to do.

{Not So Confidential} - December in Review

Happy New Year!  Mother Nature decided to ring in the new year here with a deep freeze.  Brrrr!  I would have much preferred a nice snowfall like this one earlier in December.

{What I made} Craft Projects

And in case you missed the posts on a couple of them:

{Handmade Christmas} Pinecone Ornaments

{Handmade Christmas} Felt Ornaments

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Chicken Pesto Lasagna Rolls from Tracey's Culinary Adventures
• White Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies from Two Peas and Their Pod - My second thought when I first tried the white chocolate peppermint M&M's was that they would be great in a cookie.  And they are.  {My first thought of course was mmmm these are yummy.}
•  Pomegranate White Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Two Peas and Their Pod - I love pomegranates and they add a fun pop to these cookies.
• Chocolate Fudge Pomegranate Cookies from How Sweet It Is - Two of my favorite things - chocolate and pomegranates.  So good.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction - This recipe takes the chocolate chip cookie to the next level - awesomeness!
• White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cheesecake from Baked by Rachel - I didn't make this one but I definitely eat it.  I suggested it to my mom for Christmas dessert and she was nice enough to make it for us.  We all loved it.  Probably one of the best cheesecakes ever.

{#FMSphotoaday} Favorite

4. Black & White...#dearsanta #fmsphotoaday

{Not So Confidential} - November in Review

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.  I sure did.  I spent the long weekend at my parents.  Every morning I would go for a walk with their dog, Sasha.  Saturday morning I spied this bald eagle.  Perhaps he was waiting for his breakfast?

{What I made} Craft Projects

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Oatmeal Brulee with Brown Buttered Pears and Cinnamon Ginger Cream from Simply Scratch - I knew when I saw this recipe it would be good.  Turns out it was great.  So yummy and delicious.
• Low-Carb Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs from Iowa Girl Eats - I probably had spaghetti squash when I was a kid but I don't remember so I'm considering this the first time I've tried it.  And guess what - I really like it.  This recipe was really good.
• Homemade Meatballs from In the Kitchen With Stacey - I made this with turkey and had them with the spaghetti squash (see previous bullet point.)  So easy and so tasty.
• Roasted Pear and Chocolate Chunk Scones from Smitten Kitchen - Yes, I'm a sucker for scone recipes.  I love to freeze them to bake later.  These were good.
• Sausage and Quinoa One-Pot Supper from Whole Foods Market - Aren't one pot meals great?  The fewer dishes to wash the better.
• Harvest Chicken Quinoa Soup from Iowa Girl Eats - So many great things in this soup. No wonder it tasted so good.
• Cauliflower Rice from Delighted Momma - I like cauliflower but I just don't buy it very often.  I suppose that's because I don't like it cooked.  This might change that - what a great way to eat this vegetable.
• Potato Parsnip Mash from Skinnytaste - I made this for Thanksgiving dinner.  I also made a rookie mistake - forgot to drain the vegetables before mashing.  My mom had to rescue it with some potato flakes.  They were still really good though.
• Sausage, Sage and Apple Stuffing from Eat Yourself Skinny - Another Thanksgiving dish.  I liked it but it wasn't a favorite for everyone.
• Fresh Green Bean Casserole from Brown Eyed Baker - Hands down my favorite dish at Thanksgiving dinner.  We have never had green bean casserole before but with this recipe, I forsee lots of green bean casserole in our future.  Our version omitted the mushrooms as we are not big fans.

{#FMSphotoaday} Favorite

16. The view from my window...good morning #nothingtoseehere #fmsphotoaday

{Not So Confidential} - October in Review

Goodbye October.  Goodbye walks in the park with beautiful scenery like this:

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

{What I made} Craft Projects

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Stuffed Acorn Squash from Rachael Ray
• Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto from the Star Tribune - At first I thought this was a lot of work for something that only tasted all right.  But the leftovers changed my mind because they tasted great.
• Apple, Sage and Turkey Meatloaf from Whole Foods Market
• Orzo with Parmesan and Basil from My Tiny Oven - This reminded me of Pasta Roni only homemade and better.
• Whole Wheat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins from Tracey's Culinary Adventures - I loved these.  They were great for breakfast and for dessert.

{#FMSphotoaday} 

Last month I joined the fun that is the Fat Mum Slim Photo a day challenge.  While I haven't managed yet to complete a whole month of the challenge, I love playing along when I can and putting my creative hat on.  I post my photos on Instagram and would love to have some followers {I'm lynnbodensteiner}  I'll follow back.  Here is my favorite from October:

20. 4 o'clock #lateasusual

{Not So Confidential} - September in Review

Please come in and have a seat.  This looks like a good spot.

{What I made} Craft Projects

         

         I need September to be a couple of days longer.  I've been working on one big project         

         all month and it still isn't finished.  {Insert sad face here.}

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Corn Chowder from The Dinnervine - I started the month with this delicious chowder.  I couldn't believe how light it tasted.  This went straight to the top of my lists of favorites.
• Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes from Tracey's Culinary Adventures - I made these, ate one, and froze the rest.  I just have to pop them in the toaster for a quick breakfast.  They are nice and fluffy and yummy.
• Peach Cobbler Scones from Annie's Eats - More breakfast goodies for the freezer.
• Corn and Chicken Chowder from Buns in My Oven - Yep, I made corn chowder twice this month.
• Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells with a Lemon Sage Brown Butter Sauce from Proud Italian Cook - I've never had butternut squash before so I didn't really know what to except.  This was really good.
• Apple Toffee Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting from Cookies & Cups - This frosting rocks.  Oh, and the blondies are pretty good as well.
• Skillet Pork Chops with Rice from Tracey's Culinary Adventures
• Baked Chocolate Doughnuts from Lara Ferroni - If you love doughnuts {or donuts}, you must make these.  They are awesome!

{What I'm watching} The new television season has started.  Yipee!  I love How I Met Your Mother, 2 Broke Girls, Castle, Parenthood, Glee, The Good Wife, and Revenge.  What are your favorites?

{Not So Confidential} - August in Review

Do you ever feel like this guy - on the wrong side of the fence and unable to find the way back over?

I thought I'd try something new - a review of the month in my craft room, kitchen, and elsewhere.  And so, without further ado:

{What I made} Craft Projects

{What I made} Yummy Eats

• Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Plum Sauce from Our Best Bites
• Tomatoes stuffed with Green Rice from Annie's Eats
• Bacon, Cheese & Peach Paninis from Iowa Girl Eats - I made this with mozzarella cheese and it was so good I may have made it more than once this month.
• Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake from Joy the Baker - I wonder how good this would be if you added chocolate syrup and graham cracker crumbs?  I might try that.
• Farmers Market Skillet from Iowa Girl Eats - Super delicious and colorful.
• Breaded 'n Baked Zucchini Chips from food.com
• Zucchini-Corn Fritters from Food Network Magazine
• Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes from Two Peas and Their Pod
• Peach Crisps from Cookie and Kate - great idea and so yummy.  I wonder if it would work with apples.

{Where I went} Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - I love the dahlias.

What did you do in August?