francine toukou

4 Ways to Celebrate Valentines Day and a Pattern Giveaway!!!

2012-01-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

Here are four of my favorite fun, simple and crafty ways to celebrate Valentines Day.1. Make turn a simple and ordinary, everyday dish into something romantic, by adding and edible heart-shaped embellishment. Here, I simply added cranberries to everyday oatmeal.

2. Turn and ordinary pattern into a Valentines Day pattern, by working your project in a sensous and sultry shade of red. I crocheted a set of his and her Valentines Day Beanies in this soft and simple Vanna's Choice yarn, in a rich romantic red.

3. Make a Hearts and Roses tote bag to match your Valentine's Outfit of the Day! I used the oversized tote pattern, and the poppies galore pattern, to make this, in a shade that will match these earrings, and necklace, that I plan on wearing for the first time this Valentines Day.

4. Make this Hot and Spicy set of coasters, to liven up your Valentines Day toast for two! To get your complimentary copy of this very simple pattern, sign up to follow my blog. Make sure to include your e-mail address, and I'll send you a copy!

Happy Valentines Day!

Poppies Galore and Handmade Weddings

2012-01-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

Even though I've been hitched for over a fifth of a century, I still get bit with the bridal bug every year around this time. I guess it may be because it's the season when I planned my own wedding, and when I helped my sister, and many others plan theirs. This little poppy pattern, is quite the ace in the hole, for the diy bride, Or for anyone anxious to bloom. These flowers can be used with other knitting or crochet projects, or to craft all sorts of goodies!! You can find them HERE

A stash busting, scrap rug for Kouassi's Bathroom

2012-01-20T08:20:00.001-08:00

This is a great way to burn a hole in your yarn stash. I made this rug for my youngest son Kouassi's bathroom. I'll take some photo's of it in there, as soon as I get the chance. I made it to coordinate with the granny square blanket that is on is bed.

My Happy Bag - How Does My Garden Grow?

2012-01-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

So I guess its official. It's time for me to get turned in to Craftaholics Anonymous. While you won't catch me with a travel flask, I do carry this little purse with me wherever I go. Inside, I have a crochet hook, and enough yarn for a fleur galore flower or 2. I guess you could say that wherever I'm going, my garden is growing!!!!

The Color Purple

2012-01-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

A WHILE BACK, I DESIGNED THIS HAT AND PATTERN FOR THE COVER OF THE FIRST ISSUE OF CROCHET TODAY MAGAZINE. AT THAT TIME, I FELL IN LOVE WITH COATS AND CLARK YARNS, AND WITH THE COLOR PURPLE. IN THE PAST FEW DAYS, I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH IT ALL OVER AGAIN. NOT ONLY SHADES OF PURPLE, BUT VARIOUS BLUSHING PINKS. IF YOU'D LIKE A LINK TO A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS PATTERN CLICK THE LIKE BUTTON ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE, AND I'LL SEND YOU THE LINK. HERE'S THE LINK TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE
www.facebook.com/pages/Francine-Toukou/107934249246008?sk...

The Joy of Blankies!

2012-01-16T20:07:00.001-08:00

Now that my boys are getting bigger, I don't have a whole lot of use for these little blankies, but boy, were they a hit, just a couple years back. My youngest still uses his though. I still love them. I gave them a little tlc over the long weekend, now they're nice and clean and ready to keep my lap warm. And boy did I need one today! BRRRR.....!!!!! I took some more pictures of them that I hope to get a chance to post soon. BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

A handmade girl in a digital world. - Thoughts from my handwriting corner.

2012-01-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of weeks, I've been getting a stream of handwritten thank you notes in the mail. They've been lovely thank you's for handmade holiday gifts. They made me think about how much I love the lost personal touch of an actual 3 dimensional note, or card, in actual human hand writing. I mentioned before that I'm not into New Years Resolutions, but I plan on establishing the habit of taking time this year, to keep in 3 dimensional touch, by handwritten, postcards, greeting cards, notes and the like. I've designated this little area of my room as "My Handwriting Corner". I closed my laptop, fancied up the corner a bit with some crochet flowers, and stocked this little box that my neice gave me, with postcards, blank cards, thank you notes, and sweet little envelopes.

Hearts and Roses - A Valentines Day Pattern Pairing

2012-01-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

From now until Valentines Day, receive a free gift copy of the Poppies Galore Pattern, when you order the Oversized Tote Pattern. Here, I used the poppies galore flowers to embellish a bag made with the oversized tote pattern. The tote was made using Red Heart Yarn in Claret.

You can find the Oversized tote Pattern at www.francinetoukou.com

2012-01-09T11:14:00.001-08:00

I think I'm getting obsessed with pattern pairings, but I just love exploring all the different possibilites. I'm putting together a slipper pattern lookbook. If you'd like a copy, click the like box on my facebook page, and I'll post a link on your page later in the week.

Here's the link to my facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Francine-Toukou/107934249246008?sk...

I HOPE YOU LIKE!!!!!

Crochet Slipper Lookbook - Complimentary Copy

2012-01-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

I love to use my imagination when it comes to styling craft projects, so I'm putting together a lookbook to share, that features lots and lots of photos, showing different simply slippers designs and styling ideas. To get your complimentary copy, click the like button on my facebook page, and I'll post a copy on your wall when the lookbook comes out next week!!!!

Here's the link: www.facebook.com/pages/Francine-Toukou/107934249246008?sk...

P.S. These were made using the Head to Toe pattern from www.francinetoukou.com

Spectator Poppytoes

2012-01-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

When I was a young lass, my grandmother used to wear spectator pumps. I thought that they were quite the lovely "classics", but found them a bit too serious and stuffy for my own personal tate. I made this "happy-fied" pair of spectator slippers that are just the opposite of stuffy and serious. They don't have high heels, they're soft, and they are gloriously vibrant with hot pink poppies!!!!!! I used the poppy toes pattern to make them, but instead of using just one color of yarn, I crocheted the first four rounds in onyx, and the rest of the slipper in linen.

www.francinetoukou.com.

Fleurs Galore Hair Pins

2012-01-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

These cute little flower pins were made using the fleurs galore pattern. Instead of using the worsted weight yarn, and larger hook, I used cotton thread and a US size 2 needle. This yielded a much smaller flower. I made a little lookbook that features a number of projects that can be made using the fleurs galore pattern. You can view it at www.francinetoukou.com

Happy Crafting to You!
-Francine

I Don't believe in New Years Resolutions

2012-01-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

I don't believe in New Years Resolutions, but I'm making a commitment to do more painting this year. I'd forgotten how much fun it actually is. I'm still pinning crochet flowers to everything that can't outrun me! I put together this little lookbook. It shows some ideas on ways that the flowers can be used.
You can view the whole lookbook HERE

Mrs. Jack Horners Plum Pudding Shoe Brooches

2011-12-16T17:43:00.001-08:00

Little Jack Horner's wife will be thrilled when she realizes that she can crochet these plum pudding shoe clips, using the fleur galore crochet pattern.

Yes, I'm still at it, pinning flowers to just about everything!

www.francinetoukou.com

YUMMING IT UP!!!

2011-12-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

My husband, Moussa, is from The Ivory Coast. Over 20 years ago, when we were newlyweds, He could not wrap his mind around the thought of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I, on the other hand, could not come to terms with the idea of chicken, onions, and savories in peanut butter? Well, it only took one bite to change my mind. The other night he made some for dinner, and today I get to yum up the left overs for lunch!!!!

I'm sure that it wont taste as good as his (sorry guys) but I found a recipe here, that looks pretty good if you'd like to give it a try!

winter-flower-mania

2011-12-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

I guess I must be missing the outdoor blooms that go hand-in-hand with the warmer weather. I've been adding crochet flowers to just about everything I can get my hands on. I added a bunch of flowers that I made using the fleur galore crochet pattern, from here. I even decorated a wreath with them. I'll try to post the pictures from that tomorrow.

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

2011-12-08T11:51:00.001-08:00

This Christmas, everyone seems to be short on time to craft. I've been getting e-mails from folks asking about more ready to wear items, so I posted these new goodies, on my site today. It's a little collection of pieces made in shades of alabaster. Looks like I've been quite the busy little elf myself! I'm also going to be re-stocking the store on Friday night. I just love the holidays at the store. Its so nice to see folks picking up and trying on, and asking questions. I so love wrapping up pretty packages for people, and walking them walk out the door aglow in holiday smiles!!! If you're in NYC over the holidays, please pop in and say "Howdy". If you don't get to the city, you can visit my site at www.francinetoukou.com. Hope to see you!!

Some like it H-O-T!!!!

2011-12-02T16:07:00.000-08:00

Here's a bit of an unusual recipe. I must admit that it is an acquired taste, but be daring! try it - you might like it. I've got some more free holiday gift ideas in the holiday gift guide @ www.francinetoukou.com. Let me know if you like!!! If you have any holiday ideas that you're willing to share, please post them on my wall here I'm always looking for budget friendly ideas!!!

HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

2011-11-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited!!! Our handmade holiday gift guide will be out on Friday. It features how-to's, a free holiday gift pattern, and loads of gift ideas. We even have a selection of handmade finished pieces to gift, for folks who are short on time, but still want to give thoughtful, handmade gifts. To get your complimentary copy, e-mail me at francine@francinetoukou.com.

www.francinetoukou.com

HOLIDAY GIFT PATTERN GIVE-AWAY!!!

2011-11-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

I'm making a slew of these to use over the holidays, and to give away as gifts. They're quick, easy, and inexpensive to make.
If you'd like a copy of the pattern,
e-mail me at francine@Francinetoukou.Com, and i'll send you one!!!

Www.Francinetoukou.Com

HOW WE SAY "WELCOME" IN TOUKOU-LAND

2011-10-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'M TRYING TO GET A HEAD START ON THE HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR. THEY ALWAYS SEEM TO SNEAK UP AND SUPRISE ME. I MADE A BASKET OF SLIPPERS TO PLACE BY THE FRONT DOOR, A BIT BACK, BUT THEY WERE DECIDEDLY GIRLY (FULL OF FLOWERS AND SUCH). I MADE THIS UNISEX BATCH TO PUT THERE INSTEAD. ITS JUST MORE MAN-FRIENDLY (I'M SURE THE LADY-FOLK WILL LIKE THEM TOO!!)

"HANDMADE" ITS THE NEW BLACK!!!!

2011-10-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend stocking our shop with new fall pieces, and meeting new faces that popped in. It's priceless in a big and sprawling place like nyc, to be able to meet my customers face to face, and hear how my crafts fit into and warm up their lives. It makes me feel so loved!!!! If you're ever in manhattan, i hope you'll swing by!
We're at 212 west 79th street in flat 1d. Hope to see you there!!!

GOODNIGHT GREEN

2011-10-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

GOODNIGHT GREEN
YOU'RE FALLING AWAY
I HOPE THAT YOU'LL COME BACK NEXT MAY
AS THE FALL WINDS BLOW
KERMIT'S RIGHT IT SEEMS
"IT'S NOT EASY
BEING GREEN"

(NOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY!!!)

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANES?

2011-10-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about the launch of my new site! Here are some goodies for the wee ones, that will be available.

2011-10-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING PINK FOR MY MAIN MAN

2011-10-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

My husband doesn't own anything pink, so i think that it's hight time for him to add a bold pop to his repertoire!

I whipped this up for him, using the chillmark scarf pattern. I think it will look amazing with his complexion! Heres to hoping he thinks so too!

AND THIS ONE'S FOR ME! "SELFISHNESS" IN PINK AND BLACK

2011-10-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

I sold out of these, so sorry for now, but this one's for me. I'm working on some more, and i am also writing the pattern. Both will be available in the web store, and in my store in manhattan.

SWITCHUPABLES

2011-10-01T12:36:00.001-07:00

I LOVE MAKING AND USING PATTERNS THAT CAN BE SWITCHED UP. I USED THE OVERSIZED TOTE PATTERN TO MAKE THIS BAG, AND I USED THE POPPIES GALORE AND FLEUR GALORE PATTERNS TO MAKE SWITCHABLE EMBELLISHMENTS. A LITTLE TRICK THAT I USE, IS TO SEW BUTTONS ON THE BACK OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS THAT I'M GOING TO USE ON CROCHET ITEMS. THEN, THE EMBELLISHMENT JUST BUTTONS ON AND OFF. SWEET!!!

IN THE PINK

2011-09-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

I made this clutch a while back, using the summer blush clutch pattern that I have up on my website. I'd forgotten all about it until a lovely crafter in Italy, named Aparecida, made an adorable clutch in the most loveley shades of blue and green. She inspired me to get out my pink clutch, dust it off, find something to pair it with, and put it to use.

Thanks Aparecida!!!

Www.Francinetoukou.Com

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FALL

2011-09-28T18:21:00.001-07:00

Crochet flower, leaves outside of my friend stacy's house, pumpkin picking with my little one, and cozy, orange, simply slippers! Yes, it must be fall, AND YES, I LOVE IT!!!!

WWW.FRANCINETOUKOU.COM

PARADE OF BROOCHES

2011-09-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO BE AHEAD OF THE GAME! LOOKS LIKE I'LL BE HOSTING THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR, AND EACH OF MY LADY-GUESTS WILL BE GETTING ONE OF THESE AS A GIFT. EACH BROOCH TOOK ME ALL OF 30 MINUTES TO MAKE, START TO FINISH. I USED THE FLEUR GALORE PATTERN FROM WWW.FRANCINETOUKOU.COM. I'VE ALREADY STARTED MAKING SOME MORE. I'LL POST THEM WHEN I'M DONE. I HAVE A SNEAKY FEELING THAT I KNOW WHAT THE BOYS FEMALE TEACHERS WILL BE GETTING FOR CHRISTMAS!

PLAYING DRESS UP

2011-09-23T14:24:00.001-07:00

WHEN I WAS A KID, I LOVED TO PLAY DRESS UP WITH BARBIES, I USE TO MAKE CLOTHES FOR HER, AND MY SISTER AND I USED TO PUT ON BARBIE FASHION SHOWS. SINCE I HAVE ALL BOYS, I DON'T GET TO PLAY BARBIES (MUCH), BUT I DO STILL GET TO PLAY DRESS UP, WITH MY SLIPPERS, ITS SO FUN TO ME!!! CAN ANYONE RELATE?

Happy Feet Day!! (I mean "birth" day)

2011-09-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

My aunt gus is turning @% Years old on saturday. She has everything she needs , except a comfie pair of these! Now she'll have everything! I made them using the simply slippers pattern. I didn't embellish them becauase she is pretty simple, and the color is out there enough!

LONGING FOR DAYS GONE BY

2011-09-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

I made this blanket for my youngest son when he was 2 years old. He and his brothers use to get so excited when i made things for them by hand, but those days are gone.
Weep! Weep! Weep! What's a mommy to do?

A RAINY WEDNESDAY PORTRAIT

2011-09-07T16:10:00.001-07:00

IT'S BEEN RAINING, OFF AND ON FOR DAYS, IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS. I CAME ACROSS THIS PICTURE THAT I TOOK A WHILE BACK. IT WAS A FIRST DRAFT OF A COWL PATTERN THAT I WAS WORKING ON. I EVENTUALLY CHANGED THE PATTERN UP A BIT, BUT THIS PORTRAIT JUST FEELS LIKE TODAY, RAINY, BUT MERRY TO ME!

A BASKET FULL OF WELCOME

2011-09-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

I GET REALLY EXCITED WHEN THE SUMMER COMES TO A WIND-UP, AND THE LEAVES START FALLING. TO ME IT MEANS THAT THE TIME IS COMING TO BRING LIFE INDOORS, AND I L-O-V-E PLAYING HOSTESS! JUST TO GET THING STARTED, RATHER, TO GET A HEAD START ON THINGS, I'VE ARRANGED THIS BASKET KF SLIPPERS BY MY FRONT DOOR. A FLICKR FRIEND SUGGESTED THAT I MAKE A BASKET FOR MY MALE VISITORS ALSO, BUT I'M ALREADY AHEAD OF THE GAME. I'LL BE POSTING PICTURES OF MY "MAN BASKET" OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS

IN CELEBRATION OF BLUE

2011-07-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

LIFE CAN BE SUCH A CELEBRATION. I NEVER REALIZED HOW MUCH I LOVED BLUE, AND I NEVER IMAGINED WHAT A FESTIVITY SLIPPERS COULD BE!! PARTY ON!!!.

MEAGHAN AND TALULAH

2011-06-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

IT MAY SOUND REALLY STRANGE, BUT WHENEVER I MAKE SOMETHING, I IMAGINE THIS WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE FOR IT. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN I CREATED THESE SLIPPERS AND PHOTOGRAPHED THEM, I IMAGINED THIS WHOLE FLOWERY TALE. WHAT IF A GIRL NAMED MEAGHAN, WAS A BRIDESMAID, AND EARLIER THAT MORNING HER BEST FRIEND TALLY (WHICH HAPPENS TO BE SHORT FOR TALULAH), GAVE HER THESE HAND MADE SLIPPERS AS A GIFT. SHE'D WEAR THEM AROUND A BUSTLING HOUSE, ALL DAY, AS SHE HELPED TALLY GET READY FOR THE MOST SPECIAL DAY IN HER LIFE. JUST BEFORE THEY HEADED OUTSIDE TO A GARDEN OF WAITING WEDDING GUESTS, THEY'D PAUSE AND LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND REMEMBER THE DAY THAT THEY'D MET. IT WAS THEIR FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN. TALLY WALKED UP TO A SNIFFLING, CRYING, MEAGHAN, AND ASKED HER WHAT HER FAVORITE COLOR WAS. MEAGHAN TOLD TALLY THAT HER FAVORITE COLOR WAS BLUE, AND THEY STARTED A CONVERSATION AND A FRIENDSHIP THAT'S GONE ON FOR THE PAST 24 YEARS. MEAGHAN TAKES THE SLIPPERS OFF, PUTS ON HER PUMPS, AND LEAVES THE SLIPPERS ON THE WOODEN SHELF IN THE CORNER. MEAGHAN CAN'T BELIEVE THAT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS TALLY STILL REMEMBERS HER FAVORITE COLOR. SHE PICKS UP TALLY'S TRAIN, AND THEY HEAD OUTSIDE.
SIMPLY SLIPPERS CROCHET PATTERN AVAILABLE AT WWW.FRANCINETOUKOU.COM

2011-04-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

WOWEE KAZOWEE!! IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE MY LAST POST. I MAY NOT HAVE BEEN POSTING, BUT I SURELY HAVE BEEN CRAFTING, AND PATTERN WRITING. HERE ARE A FEW OF MY NEW PATTERNS. THEY ARE AVAILABLE AT MY WEBSITE WWW.FRANCINETOUKOU.COM. HOPE YOU'LL POP IN FOR A VISIT!

2010-05-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

2010-05-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

2010-04-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

2010-04-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, I HAD A MADDDDD CRUSH ON JOHN TRAVOLTA. MY FAVORITE MOVIE EVER, WAS GREASE. I CREATED THIS PATTERN AS AN "ODE TO JT". THIS CAPELET PATTERN IS AVAILABLE IN MY ETSY SHOP WWW.FRANCINETOUKOUPDF.ETSY.COM

2010-04-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

Something new that I whipped up! Available at my etsy shop. I love it when a project is complete!

2010-03-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

newbie

2009-12-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

I'll be putting this newbie up in the shop soon.

2009-05-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

crochet in my kitchen

2009-05-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

I JUST CAN'T STAY AWAY FROM YARN! I CROCHETED THESE, PUT THEM IN MY KITCHEN, AND WE'VE BEEN USING THEM TO BRIGHTEN THINGS UP A BIT.

2009-05-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

MY BOYS CAN'T STAND IT WHEN I CUT THEIR HAIR CUT,
BUT A MAMA'S GOT TO DO WHAT A MAMA'S GOT TO DO!!!!!

"ISN'T SHE LOVELY"

2009-05-07T10:20:00.002-07:00

2009-05-07T10:20:00.001-07:00

OF COURSE, CHARMAINE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL WITH OR WITHOUT A BIT OF A MAKEOVER. EITHER WAY, SHE IS ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL ON THE INSIDE.

2009-05-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

2009-05-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

2009-05-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

I WHIPPED THESE UP RECENTLY FOR AN UPCOMING BOOK PROJECT. STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER INFO!!

recycling day!

2009-05-07T10:09:00.001-07:00

2009-05-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

2009-05-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

2009-05-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

2009-05-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

my threebies

2009-05-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

SPEAKING OF COLORFUL?

2008-09-24T09:46:00.001-07:00

I'VE BEEN ON A COLOR-CRAZED CROCHETING BINGE. I'VE MADE SOME PATTERNS AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY SHOP

PUT ON YOUR SUNGLASSES SALLY!

2008-09-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

I KNOW THAT MY NEW COLORS ARE RATHER VIBRANT, BUT I'VE BEEN FEELING QUITE COLORFUL. THE BOYS ARE ALL IN SCHOOL, INCLUDING MY BABY - KOUASSI.
HE STARTED PRE-K, AND WON'T LET ME CALL HIM BABY ANY MORE - BOO HOO!!!

CHIPS OFF THE OLD BLOCK

2008-07-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

THIS SUMMER, THE BOYS ARE FOLLOWING IN MY CHAOTIC YET CREATIVE FOOTSTEPS. THEY ARE STARTING THEIR OWN LITTLE BUSINESS. THEY EVEN HAVE THEIR OWN SHOP ON LINE AThttp://CRUMMSNATCHA.ETSY.COM

A WELL MANNERED GIRL

2008-07-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

I PAINTED THIS LOVELEY GIRL A FEW MONTHS AGO, AND HAD HER HANGING OVER THE PANTRY DOOR IN THE KITCHEN. WHEN MY MOM FIRST SAW HER, SHE SAID THAT SHE LOOKED SO WELL-BEHAVED, AND NICELY RAISED. I DECIDED TO TAKE HER DOWN FOR A FEW MINUTES, THAT HAVE TURNED INTO DAYS, AND FROM DAYS INTO WEEKS.

BUT I DID PHOTOGRAPH HER, AND SHE IS BEING SHARED WITH THE WORLD ON MY WEBSITE, AND IN THE CATALOG THAT I'M WORKING ON GETTING OUT TO MY CLIENT LIST.

2008-07-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday's Sundried Tomato & Basil Homefries

2008-04-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

This Sunday morning (or early afternoon, actually), the boys wanted me to make something a little different for breakfast (or brunch, actually). Tiassa wanted strawberries in his pancakes, Kouadio wanted cinnamon in his, and Kouassi wanted banannas in his. This was all well and good, but it turned out that I wanted something a little different in the homefries, so I threw together this little recipe for Sundried Tomato & Basil Homefries. It was really easy. All that you need is to serve 5 is:

-5 medium sized yukon gold potatoes

-1 chopped onion

-1/4 of a chopped medium sized green pepper

-1/4 cup of chopped sundried tomatos

-1/2 teaspoon of "Chinese Five Spice Seasoning"

-1 teaspoon of dried Basil

2008-04-01T06:36:00.001-07:00

Hello World!

2008-03-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

. Hello World!

I decided to finally get to the business of blogging. This picture of my youngest - Kouassi, sort of explains what I've been up to lately. I took this picture on a pretty hot day last summer. As you can see, there are few things that compare to playing with ice in the kitchen sink, on hot summer days.