January 15, 2026

Vegan candy: Candy Kittens Eton Mess

The bag is adorable and they smell delicious when you open it. They are a bit chewy but keep at it because they are delicious once you get into them. From World Market 

January 14, 2026

Bread: Almond Poppy Seed

I was looking for a quick bread recipe and found this one and thought I'd give it a try. I tried the 1.5 pound loaf because some of the measurements were easier and I'm glad I did since it barely fit in the breadmaker! :)

It was good but I think I really did want a quick bread 

https://robynonthefarm.com/blogs/news/easy-bread-machine-recipe-almond-poppy-seed-yeast-bread-dough-cycle-bread-maker

Vegan candy: Candy Kittens Loved

These are pretty good. I forgot about them and left the bag open some months ago but they were not brick hard. Good texture and a nice flavor. Would buy again from World Market.

January 11, 2026

Bread: Dinner Rolls


This was my first try at shaped rolls. I thought they turned out well but were a little dry and leftovers were delightful when toasted and spritzed with butter. It made about twenty four rolls total which was a bit much for us but we sent lots of them home with my family.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/bread-machine-dinner-rolls/

Bread: Rye Bread

I can't' find the photo but this was another recipe I tried. 

https://breaddad.com/bread-machine-rye-bread/

Bread: Zojirushi Whole Wheat Seeded Bread



This was probably my favorite loaf so far. Slightly sweet and the seeds add a nice texture. I am not sure where I got the recipe but fortunately I copied the text of it.

Zojirushi Whole Wheat Seeded Bread
For a hearty and nutritious option, this seeded whole wheat bread combines flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds for a crunchy, nutrient-packed loaf. The Zojirushi bread machine ensures the bread rises evenly and bakes to a golden perfection, making it ideal for sandwiches or as a side dish to your meals.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey
3 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup flaxseeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
Instructions:

Add the warm water, olive oil, and honey to the bread machine pan.
Layer the whole wheat flour, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and salt on top of the wet ingredients.
Make a small well in the dry ingredients and add the yeast.
Select the “Whole Wheat” cycle on your Zojirushi bread machine and start the process.
After the machine completes the cycle, remove the bread from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
Ezoic
The Zojirushi Whole Wheat Seeded Bread is a hearty and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more seeds into their diet. The seeds add a delightful crunch, while the whole wheat flour provides a rich, earthy base. This bread is great for toast, sandwiches, or even as a snack on its own, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious bread lovers

Bread: Basic White Bread

Since we moved, I've been in a bread making mood. It could be because our new kitchen is welcoming and pleasant to be in. While it is not a huge kitchen, there is still a space I can take over with my breadmaker and ingredients. 

I started with a basic 2 pound white bread loaf.

https://momwithaprep.com/white-bread-recipe-for-bread-machine-2-lbs/#

It turned out well! My boo (the person who cooks in our house) got me set up with a scale so I can weigh out the ingredients and be more precise (and feel like I'm on the Great British Baking show). It was a good starter bread but I wouldn't make it again. There was nothing wrong with it, just a bit plain.

June 29, 2025

Movies: Minecraft

We watched it on HBO Max. A fun adventure with Jack Black and Jason Momoa. I don't recall watching a Jason Momoa movie that I did not enjoy. Nothing too serious and a nice way to spend some time. 
It was also nice to see Emma Myers from Wednesday and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.

How to Train Your Dragon 2025

This was our first outing to a traditional theater since 2020. We were invited by my sister and it was the perfect re-entry into movie going. We sat in the over 21 section and there were only a few other people in the theater and no one close to us at all.
I did not see the original movie (that I remember) so I went in with no expectations. The dragons were lovely and it was a sweet movie about finding your purpose without sucumbing to the violent tendancies of society. I am glad we saw it.

Vegan Candy: Haribo Rainbow Sour

These are not overwhelmingly sour like some of the others we tried. I could eat this again. The sour fades quickly in this chewy candy. From World Market.

Vegan Candy: Katjes Party Fred

These are in the shape of a very cute pig's head so there is still some guilt even though they are vegan.
They are chewy without being too chewy and more marshmallowy than gummy. From World Market.

May 25, 2025

The Crow (2024)

Today I watched the Crow on Starz. From 2024 starring Bill Skarsgard. I felt old watching this movie. When the first crow came out, I was young and the cast was older than I was. Now, the characters are still in their 20's while I am not. The premise is very different so don't go into it thinking it is as straight remake. The love story starts in rehab and to me, takes a while to fully get into the swing. Some of the fights are a bit gory for me but overall the movie was fine.

Fountain of Youth

Today I watched Fountain of Youth on Apple TV. A modern take on Indiana Jones with a reminder to have a conscience. Natalie Portman was a joy to watch. A bit predictable but not in a bad way.

May 24, 2025

Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue

On MGM+
It started slowly but I kept with it for the And Than There Were None premise. It was fun to see Eric McCormack (Will from Will & Grace) and David Ajala (from Supergirl and Star Trek Discovery). 

Vegan Candy: Katjes Glucks-Gefuhle

From World Market. Translates to Kittens lucky feeling. The horse shoe one and brown/red one taste like licorice. Altogether not bad though. The texture is extra chewy.

Vegan Candy: Starburst Gummies

These were from Target. There weren't many in the package but they were good. Boo even likes them. They were more like fruit snacks than gummies.

May 10, 2025

Vegan Candy: Sour wild strawberry fish

World Market. Boo was smart and opened a small part at the top and dumped out all the extra sour topping before trying it. They are tangy and strawberry-y and the sour didn't hit me until a oment later.