Easy Hybrid Sourdough Loaf – My Go-To Recipe

Sourdough Loaf on Cooling Rack 
Golden Sourdough Bread 
Sourdough Baking in Oven

This beautiful loaf came out of my oven a couple of days ago and I’m still proud of it! It’s a hybrid sourdough recipe — it uses an active sourdough starter plus a bit of instant yeast for extra reliability and rise. 

Once you have a healthy, bubbly starter, this bread becomes wonderfully easy and forgiving.Ingredients (makes one large loaf)

600g bread flour   
1 tsp salt   
1 tsp sugar   
300ml water   
125g active sourdough starter   
½ tbsp instant yeast (quick-rise yeast) 
 
Method

Mix the Dough 
Add all ingredients into your KitchenAid mixer (or mix by hand). Let the mixer do the work on medium speed until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. 

Bulk Fermentation with Stretch & Folds 
Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. 
Then perform a set of stretch and folds. Repeat this every 30 minutes for three more sets (total of 4 stretch & fold sessions). This builds great structure without heavy kneading. 
Shape & Final Rise 

Shape the dough into a tight boule. Place it seam-side down on a piece of parchment or directly onto your baking setup. Let it rise until nicely puffed (time varies depending on your kitchen temperature). 

Score the Loaf 
Just before baking, use a sharp lame or razor blade to score the top of the loaf with your desired pattern. This helps the bread expand beautifully in the oven. 
 

Bake  Preheat oven to 470°F (243°C) with your cast iron plate or baking stone inside.   
Place the loaf on the hot cast iron plate.   
Bake at 470°F for 10 minutes, misting the loaf with a fine water spray at least 3 times during this period for a great crust.   
Reduce temperature to 430°F (221°C) and bake for another 20 minutes.   
Keep an eye on it — you want a deep golden brown crust. 

Total bake time: about 30 minutes.

Tips for Success

A good active sourdough starter makes all the difference, but the added yeast gives this loaf extra insurance and a lovely open crumb.   
The stretch & fold technique is gentle but very effective — perfect if you don’t want to knead by hand.   
Misting in the first 10 minutes creates steam for that shiny, crackly crust.   
This is based on an old European-style bread recipe and works really well as a daily baker. 
 
This loaf had a crisp crust, soft interior, and excellent flavour. Highly recommend giving it a try!

Have you been baking sourdough lately? Let me know in the comments what your favourite recipe or tip is! 
 

Beautiful Draft Horses at the Diamond Valley Parade

Beautiful Draft Horses at the Diamond Valley Parade Today at the Diamond Valley Parade in Alberta, I had the pure joy of watching these magnificent horses pass by. Just look at them — so strong, gentle, and absolutely stunning in their black-and-white coats as they pulled the wagon down the street. I’ve always loved horses — big and small, it doesn’t matter. There’s something about them that instantly brings a sense of wonder and peace to my heart. Whether it’s their powerful presence, their kind eyes, or the graceful way they move, being around horses never fails to lift my spirits and remind me how beautiful this world can be. These gentle giants in today’s parade were a perfect example. Watching them walk proudly with their flowing manes and feathered legs made me smile from ear to ear. There’s just nothing quite like the sight and sound of horses in a small-town parade — it feels timeless and heartwarming all at once. If you’re someone who also loves horses, I hope this photo brings you a little bit of that same joy and wonder today. They really are such special animals. Whether you get to see them in person, in a parade, or just in pictures, they have a wonderful way of touching the soul. Here’s to all the horse lovers out there — may you have many beautiful horse moments in your life!

Adult Colouring Flowers

Hello Fellow Colouring Peeps!  

If you’ve been thinking about trying adult colouring, now is the perfect time. It’s one of the simplest, most relaxing hobbies you can pick up — and yes, it’s absolutely for adults!  I recently picked up a couple of really beautiful adult colouring books at the Dollar Store in Okotoks for only $5 each — and I was blown away by the quality. Gorgeous floral designs, mandalas, animals, and more. Such a great price for hours of creative fun!

Why Adults Should Colour

• Adult colouring is a wonderful way to:  Reduce stress and anxiety   
• Practice mindfulness (focusing on one small area at a time)   
• Express creativity without needing to “be good at art”   
• Enjoy quiet, screen-free time 

How to Get Started – Step by Step

Grab a Colouring Book 
Look for books labelled “Adult Colouring” or “Intricate Designs.” The Dollar Store, Walmart, or bookstores all have great options. Start with a book that has designs you actually love — flowers, animals, landscapes, etc. 

Choose Your Tools Coloured pencils are the easiest and most forgiving for beginners.   
Gel pens or fine-liner markers are great for bold, vibrant results.   
A small set of 24–36 pencils is plenty to start. 

Set Up Your Space 
Find a comfortable, well-lit spot. Good lighting makes a huge difference when colouring small details. Many people enjoy colouring while listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. 
Start Simple 
Don’t worry about making it “perfect.” Begin with the lighter colours and build up to darker ones. Leave white spaces for highlights if you want a more realistic look. 
 

Helpful Tips for Beautiful Results  Colour in small circular motions or short strokes for smooth coverage.   
Use two or three similar shades of the same colour to add depth (blending).   
Try colouring the background first or last — it can completely change the mood of the page.   
Don’t be afraid to experiment! There are no rules. 

My Personal Recommendation

If you’re just starting, buy one of those $5 books from the Dollar Store. The paper quality is surprisingly good and the designs are lovely. You really can’t go wrong at that price!

Adult colouring has become one of my favourite ways to unwind after a busy day. It’s creative, calming, and incredibly satisfying to watch a blank page slowly turn into something beautiful.

Have you tried adult colouring yet? 
Drop a comment and let me know what kind of designs you like best — flowers, mandalas, fantasy, animals? I’d love to hear!  Happy colouring!   — Magdelene  

 

Rowley Alberta | The Ghost Town that Refused to Die

Exploring Rowley, Alberta: The Ghost Town That Refused to DieIf you love stepping back in time to discover what life was like in early 20th-century Alberta, Rowley is a must-visit destination. Located just north of Drumheller in Starland County, this charming prairie hamlet once bustled with nearly 500 residents in the 1920s. Today, only 8 to 12 people call it home — yet they’ve worked tirelessly to preserve its historic buildings and spirit.
Watch this excellent 4K walking tour by KassDays as the vlogger guides you through Rowley’s well-maintained streets. You’ll see the 1920 Rowley Trading Post, the old Telegraph Office, a reconstructed garage with vintage Gilbert & Barker gas pumps, the United Church, a former bank building used as a movie front, the old hospital, three iconic grain elevators, the Prairie School Museum, and more. The town even served as a filming location for movies like Bye Bye Blues and Legends of the Fall.
What makes Rowley special is that it’s not a typical abandoned ghost town. The remaining residents keep it alive with community events like monthly Pizza Nights at the Community Hall, which help fund preservation efforts. You can camp nearby, explore at your own pace (respect private property), and soak in the peaceful prairie views.
For history buffs and explorers who enjoy seeing preserved relics of the past, Rowley offers a fascinating glimpse into Alberta’s agricultural boom and bust. It’s a living museum frozen in time — proof that small communities can endure with pride and care.
Check out the KassDays YouTube Channel HereHave you visited Rowley? Share your experiences in the comments! Perfect for a day trip from Drumheller or Calgary.

How to Make a Beautiful Eco Resin Turtle – Step-by-Step Tutorial

Hi everyone! Today I’m excited to share how I created this shimmering eco resin turtle. It’s a fun, layered project that looks far more complicated than it actually is. The secret? Pre-colouring the mold with mica powder and doing multiple pours with different colours.

What You’ll Need:

• Eco Resin (powder + liquid hardener or pre-mixed eco resin kit)
• Silicone turtle mold
• Mica powder in your chosen colours (I used greens and golds)
• Mixing cups and stir sticks
• Gloves and a protected workspace
• Optional: heat gun or torch to remove bubbles

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare the Mold
   Start by dusting the inside of your silicone mold with mica powder. I focused on the shell area first using several shades of green and gold mica to create that beautiful iridescent look. Then I added lighter green mica to the flippers and head sections. This dry-brush technique gives the final piece those glowing highlights without mixing colour into the entire batch of resin.
2. First Pour – The Shell/Body
   Mix a small batch of eco resin according to the instructions. I tinted this first pour a dark grey. (enough to fill the shell of the turtle) Carefully pour it into the shell portion of the mold, making sure it fills all the detailed sections (the hexagons and sunburst patterns look amazing when the light hits them). Let this layer set up slightly but not fully cure.
3. Second Pour – Flippers & Head
   Mix another small batch and tint it pink. Pour this into the flippers and head areas. Because the mica was already in the mold, the pink and grey layers pick up beautiful colour shifts and metallic sheen as they cure.
4. Curing
   Let the piece cure fully (follow your resin’s recommended time – usually 24–48 hours). Once cured, gently flex the silicone mold and pop out your turtle. It's Eco Resin, I removed from the mold after an hour. 
5. Finishing Touches
   Trim any flash lines if needed and give it a light polish if you want extra shine.

The ResultThis little turtle came out with a gorgeous metallic green-to-gold shell and soft pinkish flippers — all thanks to the pre-coloured mica technique. It’s now one of my favourite pieces! 

Eco resin is a great sustainable option for these kinds of projects because it’s often plant-based or low-VOC. Just be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety instructions. 

Would you like to try this layered colour technique? Let me know in the comments which animal or shape you’d make first!

 

If you want to see some cute real life animals, check out this video by KassDays.
 

The Soul-Healing Power of Creating Art

The Soul-Healing Power of Creating Art (And My Latest Resins!)

There is something incredibly therapeutic about sitting down at a messy workbench, surrounded by paints, brushes, and endless possibilities. Creating art is truly a balm for the soul. It forces us to slow down, channel our energy into something beautiful, and spend our time in a deeply positive way. As long as we are putting light and creativity out into the world, that time spent creating is never wasted.

Lately, I’ve been channeling that positive energy into working with eco-resin, and I wanted to share a sneak peek of what’s currently on my desk!

Behind the Scenes: The Reading Dragon & "Jeweled" Experiment

Right now, I'm working on this adorable sitting dragon reading a book. He’s a fresh eco-resin pour, meaning he is completely blank and unpainted right now—a literal clean canvas. Half the joy of a project like this is the planning phase: deciding on the colour palette, shading, and how to bring his little personality to life.

Beside him, you’ll see a vibrant, multicoloured disc. This is from a brand-new mold designed to look entirely jewelled. I have to say, the texture and mold design work incredibly well! I’m still actively experimenting with this one to see exactly what I can—and want—to do with it, whether it becomes a standalone decorative piece, a base for another sculpture, or something else entirely.

Quick Tips for Your Own Crafting Journey:

• Embrace the Blank Stage: Don't rush into painting. Look at your raw resin pours and map out your highlights and shadows first.

• Experiment Without Pressure: When trying a new mold (like my jewelled disc), treat the first few pours as pure experiments. Play with colour blending just to see how the light hits the texture.

Art is all about the journey and the positive headspace it creates. Stay tuned to see how these two pieces turn out once the paint starts flying!

How to Make Beautiful Resin Skulls & Crescent Moons

Eco Resin + Epoxy Resin Tutorial

Hey everyone! Welcome back to Helen’s How-To!   Today I’m showing you how I created these two fun pieces: a glowing turquoise skull and a dramatic red crescent moon. Both were made using simple silicone molds I purchased online, and yes — I use the same molds for both eco resin and epoxy resin without any problems, as long as I keep them clean.

Here’s a peek at the pieces in progress:

Resin Skull and Moon Materials You’ll Need:

Silicone molds (skull and crescent moon) 
Eco Resin (for the skull) – great for the environment and easy to work with 
Epoxy Resin (for the moon) – gives a super clear, hard finish 
Acrylic paints or resin dyes/pigments (I used “Red Unicorn” paint for the moon) 
Mixing cups, stir sticks, and gloves 
UV Resin (optional, for small details or top coats) 
Paintbrushes for hand-painting details 
Sandpaper (if you want to smooth edges later) 
 
Step-by-Step Process:

Prepare Your Workspace 
Work in a well-ventilated area on a protected surface. Always wear gloves! 
Mix the Resin  For the skull: I mixed eco resin and added a little blue colouring directly into the mix before pouring.   

For the crescent moon: 

• I used clear epoxy resin and tinted it with vibrant red unicorn paint. 
• Pour into the Molds 
• Slowly pour the mixed resin into your molds. Tap gently to release air bubbles. Let them cure according to the product instructions (eco resin and epoxy have slightly different cure times). 
• Demold 
• Once fully cured, carefully flex the flexible silicone molds and pop out your pieces. They come out beautifully detailed every time! 
• Hand-Painting & Details (This is the fun part!) 
• Most of the beautiful colour on the skull was added after demolding using acrylic paints and metallic accents. 
• The moon got its rich red from the tinted epoxy, but you can always add extra shading and highlights by hand. 

Finishing Touches 
These two pieces aren’t fully finished yet! Next steps will include sealing with a clear coat (matte or gloss), adding extra metallic details, or even a layer of UV resin for extra shine and protection. 
 
Helpful Tips:

• Keep your silicone molds clean between uses — a quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol works great. 
• Eco resin and epoxy both work well in the same molds. 
• Experiment with colours! Mixing a bit of pigment into the resin gives a translucent glow, while hand-painting gives you full artistic control. 
• Have fun with it — these pieces are perfect for altars, desks, bookshelves, or gifts. 

Would you like to try making your own magical resin creations? Let me know in the comments which piece you love more — the skull or the moon!  I’ll be back soon with the finished versions and more resin projects.  Happy crafting!