Mom's Banana Bread

Making banana bread is definitely a sign that Fall is coming. However it was so hot this weekend I almost melted getting it done. There should be a rule that the oven must remain off when the temp is over 100. But college football began and the husband made his usual request so here we go.

It is delicious and easy to make for the most part especially if you have a mixer.

It's my moms recipe and I have tried others but they just don't compare.

It calls for butter milk but if you don't have any just use regular milk and squeeze a little lemon in it and let it sit while you start.

Get your mixer out...love her ;)

Bananas the darker and softer the better ...eeww.

First combine sugar and crisco.

Yup I said crisco...I know using it is frowned upon these days but if you want the good stuff it has to be done!

Cream them together

Scrape sides

Add eggs

Seperatly mix dry ingredients

Then alternate dry ingredients with buttermilk into the mixer.

Next mash up bananas

Mash good

Pour in

Add vanilla (my fav)

Then mash nuts...I use walnuts or pecans what ever I have handy.

Mix in.

Spray your bread pan and fill about 3/4 the way full if you have extra you can make a couple muffins. Don't over fill it will not cook all the way through.

Nice and light.

Bake at 350 for an hour or until the top pops back when you lightly push on it.

Muffins will take less time about 15 min

Let cool then serve while still warm in middle :)

It goes quick around my house ...especially when football is on.

Hope you enjoy!

Autumn Dreaming

Today's vacation day has been filled with a wonderful steady rainstorm complete with rolling thunder and a cool breeze. After having my coffee on the patio per the usual except this time I listened to the rain. Its interesting how after so much heat a little cool snap and the dancing drops of rain can make me completely content.

I know we will have several warm weeks left ahead of us but I couldn't help but start to dream of Autumn. Its a difficult time for me when it comes to putting my wardrobe together because its can be very warm one day and cool and crisp another. 

The summer was great and I am always a little sad to see it go however, by the time the 100 degree temps have been around for a few weeks I am eagerly awaiting cooler temps that make me want to buy school supplies, cozy light weight sweaters, bright fall colored plants, flavored coffee creamer, soups and cozy fluffy socks.

Here are some realistic transitional pieces I would like to add to my wardrobe. 

I hope you are having a lazy labor day and spending it the way you find most relaxing! 

Images link to items.

Floral Friday

Happy Friday and almost 3 day weekend!! It has been over 100 here in Texas this week but surprisingly my yard is doing well so I thought I would share some of those today.

Pots by the front door

Lantana looks lovely!

Roses.

More lantana I love the little buds in this one.

Pots.

Mint and rosemary.

Considering the weather I am very happy with how things are looking and I am already planning what I can plant for the Fall.

I am also loving this orange and cucumber water right now ...sweet, refreshing and yummy!

I hope you have a lazy holiday weekend!

Thankful Thursday

Some things I am thankful for today.

Sweet friends who give me fun nail polish.

A husband who makes me breakfast.

Flowers that have been living for over 2 weeks.

A beautiful morning where I can dry my hair by rolling the windows down on the way to work :)

I hope you are having a great day...it's almost a 3 day weekend!!

Shiny and Healthy

I have let my hair grow out really long and I have colored it so I am always on the look out for items to keep it healthy. I am not a huge product user but I found myself needing more moisture on the ends of my hair lately. I decided to try a couple things and I am loving these...

It's an everyday conditioner, I just use it in my ends and a little in my hair line to help with dry scalp. 

It smells good and makes my hair super soft and shiny.

See.

I also love love this stuff.

Smells like coconut and I put a tiny dab in my hand and run it through the ends...yummy. 

Smooth and shiny.

You can read more in the links below...happy Wednesday!!
Conditioner
Anti Breakage Serum

I got them both at Kroger.