East Hampton Boat Parade

Today's post highlights craftiness of a different kind. Every summer, our town hosts the Dennis Griswold Showboat Parade at the lake, where boat owners and businesses can decorate boats for a prize. Tons of residents and visitors turn out for the event and here are some pictures, highlighting some of the best entries from 2011. 

The last picture (above) of the Dukes of Hazzard boat was by far the best - the car on top "jumped" with the help of an internal mechanism, the theme song was blaring from the speakers and Daisy Duke was a very large man in cutoff shorts and a bikini top. This crew went for all the stops to create a memorable boat!

Here are some pictures from past years events - 

Summer Favorite - Mom's Zucchini Bread Recipe

One of my favorite things about summer is fresh vegetables but every once in awhile it's a fun indulgence to use those veggies to make something yummy!

It's taken me quite some time but I finally have my mother's zucchini bread recipe - it might not be the healthiest recipe but I promise it'll be moist and delicious.

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• 1.5 cups oil
• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3/4 cups pecans or walnuts (optional)

Put zucchini in strainer and press or squeeze with hands to get some of the excess liquid out.

In a mixing bowl beat eggs, sugar, and oil together.
 
Stir in the flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and walnuts, mixing just until all ingredients are combined. Add drained zucchini. Mix well.
 
Pour into 2 greased and floured 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes at 375°, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out with very little or no crumbs clinging to it.
 

I wish I had taken pictures of the breads I made last week but I was so excited to cut into them that I forgot! But if you are lucky, your loaves will look something like this: 

Happy baking!

Crafty Links - Babycakes Approved

With the Fourth of July holiday right around the corner, here are some fun and patriotic links on this sunny Tuesday!

• Craftaholics Anonymous has a wonderful variety of Fourth of July projects for you to experiment with.

• The Crafting Queen of them all, Martha Stewart, has a number of red, white and blue dessert ideas for your BBQ this weekend...

• ...and also a multitude of craft projects and party decorations!

• Finally, for a healthy and easy to make flag dessert, here is my own creation - made with layers of low fat pound cake, whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries. You could also use angel food cake for an even healthier option. 

What are your plans for the long holiday weekend?

Crafty Links - Babycakes Approved

Happy Tuesday everyone! I know I've been light on new crafting projects but check out these great ideas in the meantime... 

• I would pay just about any amount of money for someone to come to my house and make these French Toast Cupcakes for me! Thanks to Wife or Something Like It for sharing.

• Here is a fun tutorial for a Nautical Summer Wreath, from Finding Home - perfect for a cottage, summer home or beach themed room.

• This Lace Overlay Pendant project is definitely going on my to-do list, it would make a great gift and there's tons of different ways to make it unique, depending on the recipient. From The Stay-at-Home Artist 

• Finally, if you are looking for an inexpensive and easy way to keep your craft supplies organized, check out this entry from Rachel over at Prescription: Craft Often - great idea!

Craft Fairs & Things to Do in Connecticut

Are you looking for ideas for ways to spend your upcoming weekends in Connecticut? Some of these are crafty and some are just plain fun. Read on...

June 11th - Lutz Children's Museum  Touch-A-Truck Event in Manchester CT, as part of Heritage Day. Includes free admission to the museum from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

June 11th - Gallery on the Green in Litchfield CT, featuring over 100 artisans and crafters. No admission charge, event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

June 18th - Craft/Vendor Fun Fair in Colchester, CT, sponsored by the Colchester PTO. Lots of events for kids, many of which are free. Click here to download the application if you would like to participate as a vendor.

June 24th-25th - Strawberry Festival in Bethlehem CT, includes children's activities, a community tag sale and all things strawberries...

Keep an eye out for future posts with more fun & inexpensive ideas for your summer weekends!