February (& January) 2014 in instagram

It is hard to believe that the first two months of 2014 have past. There were a couple of unusual (for my area) snow storms in the last two months. Around here everything closes down if there is a light powdering on the ground, and we have a vacation day. My family and I had 3 snow days off work in February and enjoyed playing in the snow, watching netflix, eating snow cream (see recipe) and other winter treats. But even with all this winter fun, I am looking forward to spring. We had a little taste of it last week. There are some early flowers starting to bloom, birds singing their lovely songs, and warmer temperatures.
How was February for you? Did you have a taste of the winter storm on the east coast?
In my crochet life, I have added some rows to my ripple afghan and all but finish a shell stitch cowl I for my mom. All the cowl needs is to connected the edges and it will be complete (photos to come).
I hope you all had a great February, and will have a wonderful March!
God Bless!
hannaH
P.S. If you are interested, you can follow me on instagram & see all my pics!

Can I trade ADD for OCD?

I know I have ADD. I am one of those people that can have a million ideas and a lot of energy and excitement about a project or a simple inspiration, but have a problem focusing on one thing until it is finished. I have many projects on a hook at the moment and different ideas for new blog posts, I am just having trouble completing them. I wish I could have a concentrated amount of anal retentiveness & OCD for my production of my projects & ideas, & then have the ability to turn it off so I can enjoy the results without becoming too obsessed. Can you relate? Or are you the opposite? Oh how I envy you organized list makers. *sigh*
After a week of snow, we had a beautiful spring preview in our local weather this past week. The temperatures are supposed to drop tomorrow and return to more seasonal weather. I think that I am gaining a lot of creative energy with the up coming change in season. It has been nice. What kind of weather have you been experiencing in your neck of the woods?
I hope you have a blessed day!
hannaH

Making Snow Cream

We hardly get any snow in my neck of the woods, but we have had a large winter storm that started Tuesday morning and has continued off and on ever since. We have a tradition here in the south whenever we get enough snow; snow cream. Snow cream is where we mix ingredients that one can find in ice cream into fresh, clean snow. This stuff is delicious! When it does snow, social media within my circle explodes with talk and images of this creamy goodness. It is like a rich, creamy vanilla ice cream. I have heard and read different recipes over the years, but what I am about to share with you is by far the best I have tasted. (Warning: this recipe contains major calorie overload!) Remember to work and eat fast. This stuff melts faster than regular ice cream so work fast.

Measurements vary, it is not an exact science. My family mixes these ingredients to our taste preference.
You will need:

• a large bowl of snow ( about twice as much as you think you'll need since it will melt into the other ingredients)
• white granulated sugar
• heavy whipping cream
• sweetened condensed milk
• vanilla extract

The bowl I filled holds 12 cups, and I filled it completely with fluffy snow (not packed).

I started out by transferring half of the snow into another large bowl, and we layered the ingredients stirring as we go. Guesstimanting, we used about 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of sugar, 1/2 a pint of heavy whipping cream, & about 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract. We did use a whole 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk and the whole 12 cup bowl of snow. Mix the ingredients well and serve immediately.    

I hope you will enjoy this southern treat!
Keep warm!
hannaH