Samantha Hahn and Her Lovely Ladies

Samantha Hahn's girlies are exceptionally gorgeous, don't you think?

I'm in process of locating a print of the top one, Dancing Girl, because my very own girlie thinks those girlies are so very special. And I couldn't agree more.

Naan, Anyone?

Try this recipe today and I promise you will feel like a culinary genius! The Swan household has been naan-crazy for the past few days, and I'm tempted to make another batch today!

Naan
(adapted from Allrecipes)

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2-4 1/2 cups of flour
2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)
1/4 cup butter, melted

Mix the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in large bowl. Proof yeast for 10 minutes or until yeast mixture is frothy. Add sugar, milk, egg, baking soda, salt and just enough flour that a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let rise for 1 hour, or until dough has doubled in size.

Punch down dough and knead in garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough, about the size of a golf ball. Roll into a ball and place on baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 -40 minutes, until doubled in volume.

During the second rising, heat up your frying pan to medium/high heat.

Roll out the balls into thin circles and place in lightly oiled frying pan. Cook until lightly browned and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Flip over and brush cooked side with butter. Cook 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and continue until the process until all of the naan has been prepared.

image via here

Lisa Mahar Interview

I found this interview incredibly interesting. I love how her children's rooms are filled with objects that are relevant to who they are, what they are learning, and how they actually live.

Click here for more lovely photos

via Stephmodo

Handmade Holiday Cheer : Sela's Kitchen

On Saturday I picked up this old wooden play kitchen at a thrift store for $5. I came home and did a quick search on homemade play kitchens, only to find that ohdeedoh did a round up of DIY play kitchens just last week!

Aren't they fantastic?! My favorite one is Neva's Budget and Earth Friendly Play Kitchen:


Everything Katien used was recycled...cabinets, paint, hinges, even the cute little sink!

Needless to say, I am really inspired and excited to start on Sela's little kitchen! I'm thinking bright white paint, a pretty curtain for the top shelf, lining the drawers with cute paper, and little vintage crystal drawer knobs.

What do you think? Do you have any teeny tiny kitchen ideas?

Happy Hippie Friday

" You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. "

-Albert Camus

Cold, dark weather always makes me a little sad. I spend all of the dreary, melancholy days of winter counting done the hours until spring(and eating copious amounts of potatoes!). I've been busy coming up with projects + ideas to keep my mind in happy place during this long stretch of solitude, and this post has been on the top of my list....

via abbey goes design scouting
originally posted on even cleveland

Cross Dressing + Gymnastics Comedy

All Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed.....

Sela just looked at my screen and said, "Owls, cuuuuuute!!!"

My sentiments exactly.

You can find these adorable owlets here.
via ali loves curtis.

So Pretty...

My obsession with pink + gold + gray continues....


via this is glamorous

Dear Miss Lela,

Will you please come to my house for Christmas? There is a little girlie here who already loves you and is ready to play.

Hope to see you soon!

Love,

Mama Swan


Find more Lela dolls at mycakies....but hurry there aren't many left!

Handmade Holiday Cheer

I picked up Martha Stewart's Holiday magazine last night and I'm currently experiencing inspiration overload. So many great ideas! So many yummy treats! So many pretty papers + fabrics + ribbon-y ribbons! Martha's people are simply the best!

I couldn't find a picture of the current magazine ANYWHERE, but many of the templates and instructions for the handmade gifts are online.

Hip hip hooray for handmade Christmas!

The times they are a changin'...

I totally hate when people skip holidays....

but this is SO worth it.

via Simply Lovely

It's Time

to work.
to move.
to send my baby brother to Portugal.

I'll see you on the 10th!

photo via ffffound!