quincy cottage

Lovely Lemon Tart

2010-06-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite flavors are raspberry and also lemon. I tasted this Lemon Tart recently and was at once awed by it's wonderfully tart lemon flavor and silky texture. Although it uses cream cheese, it is not as heavy or intensely cheesey as cheesecake. I guess that is why it is called a tart! At any rate, I immediately asked for the recipe and would like to share it with you.

Lemon Zest Tart

Crust:
1 cup unsifted flour
1/2 cup butter
2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

In a food processor, mix together the flour, butter and powdered sugar until particles are fine. Pat into the bottom and sides of an 11-inch flan pan, with scalloped sides and removable bottom. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. (Watch carefully so it doesn't get too brown)

Filling:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Meanwhile, beat the cheese until creamy and beat in the granulated sugar, eggs, lemon peel and juice. Pour into baked tart shell and place in freezer for 5 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until set. Let cool and chill. Serve with crushed and strained frozen raspberries sweetened and thickened to make a sauce. Drizzle on top and add a dollop of whip cream and a mint leave for garnish. Yum!

Check out all the other delicious foods at Designs by Gollum here.

Thrift Store Gift Idea

2010-06-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

Do you ever need just a little something to give as a gift for a friend to tell them you are thinking about them, to wish them a speedy recovery or a happy day? Here's an idea I recently saw on a local TV show.

Take a thrift store cup and saucer (I found these for 50 cents apiece)

Tie onto the handle a some assorted ribbons--these were mostly scraps I'd saved from presents received.

Buy or make a pretty cupcake--I purchased this one from my grocery store for $1.29

Put the cupcake into the cup.

Add a coordinated paper filler to the saucer.

I didn't have any pink filler so I just used ribbons.Place the cup on top of the filler.

Add a card.

Wrap it all in cellophane and give with a smile. This is just one suggestion for filling the cup. What other ideas can you think of to use this idea?
I am linking up to Tutorial Tuesday with today's post. Visit here for more ideas and how-to.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-06-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY, June 8, 2010...

Outside My Window...

The sun is up. Birds are singing and everything is refreshed from the brief thunderstorm and consequent rain last night. It began with a hugh thunder clap that made me gasp and say out loud "Now what?" I was watching a movie and it took the sound right out.

I am thinking...It is going to be a beautiful day!

I am thankful for...

The beauty that surrounds me. I love all the green of the mountains, trees and my yard. We have had so much rain that my new landscaping plants have grown emmensely this year. The ground cover has taken hold and filled in especially in the front where it is on the north side. I love to see the new flowers come up. I planted holly hocks last year and they are up and will bloom this year. The sound of my gurgling fountain is a lovely sound too.

From the kitchen...

Some leftovers from yesterday's dinner--pork loin with balsamic glaze, and lemon tart.

I am wearing...--

My workout clothes--black crop pants and green T-shirt. that says Sun on one side and Shine on the other. I am really considering getting me a shirt like the one I saw a man wearing at the gym. It said Heavy on one side and Weight on the other. Wouldn't that be somethng! I can't wait to get showered and wear my capris for the first time this season. It is so nice to have weather condusive to them.

I am creating...

kind of a mess with the clothes and things I will be taking on my trip all laid out on the floor so I won't forget to pack them next week.

I am going...

to Costco today to get some books . If they don't have the book I am looking for, then I'll be stopping by the book store. Also I have to take back my Italian tapes to the library.

I am reading... The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. I friend highly recommends this book and gave a copy to me so it is next on my list.

I am hoping...

That I will be able to collect my thoughts and get a good list made of things I need to take on my trip. I seem to be easily distracted and lose my concentration.

I am hearing...
A chorus of birds outside my window. I know they are as happy as I to have the nice weather and sunshine. They especially love our new rainfall.

Around the house...
I want to put up some plaques I made to label the rooms down a hallway today.

One of my favorite things...
Is eating which has some negative results. I will try to do better this week.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
I will be taking care of my grandchildren beginning Saturday for a few days so that will be fun. I know that one thing on their list is going to the pool!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Last day of preschool. Pioneer Party

Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!)

Brazilian Flan

2010-06-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

I recently attended a cooking class where a darling Brazilian cook, Tania, showed how she makes Flan. With her casual, carefree spirit she made it look so easy a child could make it. It is very simple with only 4 ingredients. It turned out beautifully and delicious!
Brazilian Flan
For the caramel:
Melt 4 Tablespoons sugar until it is caramel color. Pour into a teflon bundt pan. When it is hard, make the milk mixture:

Put into a blender:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1can whole milk (use the sweetened condensed milk can for measure)
2 eggs
Blend together then pour on top of the hardened caramel sauce. Put bundt pan in a water bath--(fill a rimmed cookie sheet with water then place bundt pan on top. Bake at 375 degrees for approx 45 mins or until a kitchen knife comes out clean.

Fast, easy and delicious!

Enjoy!

I am linking up to Designs by Gollum's Foodie Fridays. Check out other delicious recipes here.

Birthday, Bunnies and a Rolling Ball

2010-06-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a recap of a fun Memorial Day celebration in Idaho.

You just never know what will happen in the country.

We started off by celebrating this cute girl's birthday at home.

She started to put her own candles on her cake.

She ended up with lots of help with those candles!

Then we took that party to a restaurant where the fun continued.

Cute birthday hat!

Do you want some fun? Add five little, soft bunnies and 7 cousins to make a happy time.

He does not want to give any of these adorable babies away!

The next door neighbors call to share this fun human rolling ball.

All children run for the adventure they see in store for them.

They think this is a great way to work off their newly eaten BBQ dinner.

Next it is time to bring out the craft supplies--old T-shirts to cut out circles.

After time we've made a fitting Memorial Day red, white and blue banner for the mantel and

lots of cute hair bands for everyone.

It was a great time for lots of family bonding.

I hope your weekend was adventure-filled too!

Minny's Caramel Cake

2010-05-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

If you have read the very popular book The Help by Katheryn Stockett you are familiar with Minny's famous Caramel Cake. Minny would make it for her friends that needed a little TLC or just to be neighborly. Our book club recently reviewed this wonderful book and then for dessert we had this Caramel Cake that I am just sure is just like Mini's:). How can it not be the most delicious thing you have eaten when it consists of 4 candy bars?! I hope you will enjoy it too.

Minny's Caramel Cake

"Layer cake make with candy bars, frosted and drizzled with melted caramel. M-m-mmmm!"

Ingredients

2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk
5 egg whites
4 (2.15 ounce) milk chocolate covered caramel and nougat bars

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8 inch round cake pans.
Sift cake flour and combine with baking powder, and salt. Set mixture aside.
With and electric mixer, beat shortening, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to the shortening mixture.
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites into flour mixture then fold in chopped candy bars. Pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes then remove from pans. Drizzle with melted caramel if desired.

I am linking up to Foodie Friday for this post. Please check out other delicious recipes and ideas at Designs by Gollum here.

Summer Look--White slipcovers

2010-05-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

I realize in this creative blogging world of make-everything-yourself-for-only-pennies that one is somehow substandard if a thought of purchasing, not making it yourself, enters one's mind. And I do know the satisfaction that only comes with completing a project I have made myself, after all, I have touted the merits of whole wheat bread made from fresh ground hard red wheat, and used to spend all of August making new wardrobes for each of my children before they entered school etc, etc. I am the one who can save a dime because I will tell myself how "I can make that" at a boutique when I see something cute. Now, whether or not I actually end up making a copy of that same thing is another question. But, let it be said, I have spent many years creating everything you can image.

So, I know I have the skills to master slipcovering my two red sofas. And now that all the world knows that I am capable of doing just that, I want to show you my new white slipcovers for those sofas that I willingly paid someone else to make for me!

I just love them! I thought about starting to make one sofa. And when I did, these feelings of frustration began to surface! They did not go away, and only got worse. I just knew it would be a project I would loath! And the thought of having to make two of them almost put me over the edge. I have wanted these couches covered for 7 years and one day recently I came across this blog: http://customslipcoversbyshelley.blogspot.com/ with her name and phone number. The phone number had my area code! Was this a sign? I thought so. Then I called Shelley and my house was close enough to hers for her to take my job. Horray!! It was my lucky day. She told me how much fabric I needed ,and where to get it, and her price. I couldn't believe it, I found the fabric for $3.99/yd. I decided to let her make my two sofas, plus a chair and an ottoman too. I put 50 yards of this wonderful white denim in my washer to preshrink it (8 yards at a time).

A week after I found her blog Shelley was at my house cutting and pinning it to my furniture. I watched and was amazed with the skill and speed she had.

I also thought how different my approach would have been to the project and the frustration that would have involved. In two hours she left and two weeks later brought back my beautifully tailor made white slipcovers.

Nothing has made me so happy for a long time. I guess I have put too much emphasis on "material" things, but everytime I walk into or past my family room I feel like summer has come to my home and I smile.

Of course I did not realize that I would have to change my rug, pillows and accessories to match my new look. But, it was worth it in every sense. They are just wonderful. Now, I have time to craft something less complicated. Right now I am breathing in the aroma of fresh baked bread! Thanks Shelley!!
I am linking to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday makeovers. Check out what other bloggers have been doing too.

I am featured today on Tip Junkie!

2010-05-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I am featured on Tip Junkie today for an invitation idea I posted for Memorial Day and 4th of July celebration ideas that I posted about last year. You may remember if you are a regular reader. Check it out. I posted several days and had lots of ideas. Here is the link to my posts Celebrating Red, White and blue I am glad I did all those great red, white and blue party favors, decorations, invitation and food last year because I will be celebrating in Italy this year! Check out Tip Junkie's blog Tip Junkie's blog for lots of fabulous ideas for more celebrating and a big hug to her for including me in her picks for today!!

Me and ME in St. Louis-4

2010-05-17T04:47:00.000-07:00

At the Mary Englebreit Workshop held in St. Louis were the most amazing displays of creative and artistic supplies including vintage items and ephemera. I took a few pictures of the classroom tables awaiting the participants selections for use in making their class items. How could anyone go wrong with this assortment of wonderful supplies?

It was a crafter's dream to be able to use at free will any and all of the magnificent supplies brought by each teacher. Many of them were vintage finds! I was awed away by the selection. They were truly eye candy to us. Here are some of the bounteous tables awaiting our classes.

It was so exciting seeing each person make something complete her own using many of the same items. Added to the things that each person brought with them there was an abundant supply for everyone.

The last day Mary provided an interesting panel discussion with some very prominent women in the creative field.

Amy Butler--known for her colorful fabric patterns and designs,

Dena Fishbein (Dena Designs) whose tiny flowery prints we find on cards, fabrics and other small items,

Marcia Ceppos who told us how her grandfather began Tinsel Trading by buying the military trims from the army uniforms and then storing them in his basement.

And of course Mary who began drawing at an early age and without any formal art education has made her name famous for her many drawings of children and sayings she puts with them. Each woman told of her humble beginning into the world of creativity and offered advice for each of us.

Besides the classes, much information was given to us at seminars entitled "Artistic Licensing" and"DIY Craft Fairs"

In all, it was an experience that I will likely never forget.

I made friends, shared working together, made sweet memories and even had time for sweet treats. Thanks Mary for giving all of us this wonderful sweet time together!

Me and ME in St. Louis-3

2010-05-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

More classes at the Mary Englebreit Workshop in St. Louis

Another favorite class was the Award Ribbon class. Using an amazing assortment of vintage papers, ribbons, and other supplies many beautiful and unusual award ribbons were created. Here are just a few of them

This one uses book pages for the base with vintage trim and flowers.

This one has old bank notes attached to it and uses music paper.

How about using comics in the creation!

Or an old map, mini Chinese umbrellas or cupcake liners?

one's imagination was in full gear here with telephone pages pleated for this one. (Sorry about the blur)
Another class produced these cute, working paper birdhouse clocks.

And this cute one.

And you cannot produce a birdhouse without some

Funky birds to go in it!

Another class offered was Traveling Folding Trays. I did not take this one but the results were really works of art-- each one as unique as the individual who made it. They had a great time embellishing them with their own or those items that were provided for them.
All the classes were amazing by themselves but to see the wonderful selection of vintage items provided to class members just amazed me. I will post pictures of some of those for you to see on Monday.

Me with ME in St. Louis-2

2010-05-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

Classes at the Mary Englebreit Workshop
Bright and early Friday morning we found our first class and began our exciting learning experience both from the gifted instructors and from each other. There was an amazing amount of talent in each classroom. It was almost too much to take in. I was able to take two classes from the talented Michael Mead (Pottery Barn Stylist/Photographer) who taught us how to use modern technology (cameras and computers) to produce our own original art! He showed us some that he had produced into large framed art pieces to hang on a wall and also a great headboard that will be in his Christmas Magazine.

He is a great antique/auction/flea market hunter and his current magazine shows lots of ways to use them. I wanted to take all of his wonderful finds home with me and asked him if I could buy any of them. He just laughed! Everyone has to hunt for themselves!!
From his amazing array of flea market finds and antique pieces and fresh flowers we could choose any three things to group for our photo shoots.

He photographed them on backgrounds of old book print or old hand written letters. Then using different washes and effects in Photo Shop, Michael made the items come to life as beautiful pictures which we then made into shadow boxes and gift tags.

These are some of the gift tags that I made. The woman next to me was a Calligrapher so she wrote out some sayings for me while I cut some gift tags for her.

In our chandelier class Wendy Addison, our teacher, told us how she tracked down the little tiny town in East Germany to find this amazing sparkly glitter. It is the only place where it is still made like it has been for many decades--and that it is comprised of real glass and silver! That is why it tarnishes and eventually becomes almost black. Wendy is known for her many glitter items and whom I feel is the real Glitter Queen. It took a lot of patience to cut out this shape for our chandelier.

In my Millinery Flowers class taught by Kaari Meng of French General we used French inspired fabric as she invited us to join her for her Flea Market and Fabric tour she leads in France this next year.

The flower on the left and the one in the center are the Millinary flowers. The one on the left is an Award Ribbon that I will show more of tomorrow.

We met wonderful women with like minds to using their creative energy each in her own way.
We came from all walks of life and from many cities to learn, share, create and make memories.

My new friends here are from NY, New Jersey, Georgia and CA. We bonded together from the day one and spent memorable time eating, touring, and laughing with them as we shared classes and our histories together.

Me and ME in St. Louis-1

2010-05-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

I finally have time to share a wonderful and artistic workshop I enjoyed courtesy of Mary Englebreit in St. Louis, MO at the first Mary Englebriet's Home Companion Workshop. 130 other creative women joined with me at the lovely Chase Park Plaza in the West End district of the city--

so charming with lovely brick historic homes, antique shops and interesting restaurants. We signed in on Thursday evening, each with our handmade name tag and mingled with Mary and all the others.

There were prizes for best name tags (Mine, did not win, although I thought it was very sweet with my 3rd grade school picture on it!).

(It is covered with antique gold mesh so this picture does not look as clear as it really is)

We began with a tour of Mary's studio and were greeted by this adorable Mary look-alike.

Her studio was amazing with it's colorful and cheerful art, furniture and tools

There is so much inspiration just in her studio. Everywhere you look it is an explosion of color and creativity. No wonder she produces so much in this place. I loved the whole experience. Tomorrow I will show some of the amazing classes that were available.

Made it Monday

2010-04-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun, fast idea I want to share today. If you have a birthday or just want to give a little surprise this tiny sack will hold your small gift.

It is made from a toilet paper roll. Flatten the empty roll with a rolling pin or other heavy object to get really flat folds. I adhered the ball fringe to one end and stapled it in several places on the edge. Cut paper to fit around the roll and lap over in the back (approximately 6" x 6". I used another strip of paper about 1" x 6" at the top to finish the top edge. It is cut with decorative scissors on one long edge. The other long edge is left straight to match up with the top edge of the tp roll.

Punch a small hole on each side where the fold of the t.p. roll. Thread wire into the two holes and twist the ends together. Decorate each side where the wire is with ribbons and tags. I printed each person's name on the top band. Now it is ready to fill with special items. I haven't decided what to put in them yet.

A small bouquet of flowers would be nice. A candy bar would fit in it or an assortment of candies like M&M's. Something long and skinny would fit. What would you fill one with?

I am linking up to Persimmon Perch and her Make it Mondays with this post. Visit here to see what other bloggers have been up to this lately.

What Happens Behind the Scenes

2010-04-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a production, whether it be a big production or a local television production? Lately I have had the opportunity to go behind the stage to take a look at both.

Our local theatre on the University campus was making costumes for their upcoming 42nd Street production when the call for help came to me. I volunteered to help out. I was able to see how it all begins with the design for a costume.

Isn't this the most darling dress? It makes me want to live in that era just so I can twirl in it!

Of course, there must be a very talented designer who can do this and who also helps in the costume department afterward to make sure every detail of his designs can be implemented. The day I was there I was taught by this designer how to place, one by one, small swarovski crystals (120 of them per pair!) on the pants of the eleven tap dancers. It took about half an hour per pair! (I can't wait to see the play and those crystals sparkle!)

After the design is drawn, then the pattern has to be made by hand--usually on Kraft paper.

The fabrics are chosen. Sometimes unusual fabric is used. I watched a curtain, which had been white but had been dyed orange, being used for part of one of the dresses.

Then the sewing begins. This room was lined with sewing machines. There were regular sewing machines, commercial ones that sewed with lightning speed, serger machines and racks and racks of thread, notions, scissors, ironing boards of every size and shape and lots of mannequins.

It was fun to see all the talented people all enjoying working on their part of the production. There was also a milliner from New York making the hats that were needed for this play.

I asked them what happened to all the costumes after the play and was told that they are all stored. Some of them are used again as they are or they are altered to the specifications of the next play. In the meantime, they all have a home in a very large room and sorted according to category. Here are about 400 belts on one rack. Actually I need a gray skinny belt. I bet I could have found one or two on this rack!

Another day I was on the set of a local TV program and got to see and visit with the camera men there and watch them set up each camera for the different segments of the show. They were a happy bunch doing what they love. Each segment is thought through and scripted, usually by an intern, as to what order each part will be taped and when the commercial break will occur.

There was a whole back room filled with props for display.

Of course, the participants have lots to do before the TV show to make the items which they will present. These are a few of my daughters items for her segment on doilies.

Then the camera man has to prepare the guest with her microphone.

The displays need to be set up just right for the cameras.

Finally the taping begins and the studio is quiet. Then, the segment is over in less than 6 minutes!

I have learned to appreciate and understand that what we see the hour or two while being purely entertained, took many people many hours of preparation before then. Don't we live in a wonderful land where all this can happen just so our lives can be happy and fuller?

Flower-Topped Cake

2010-04-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

We have a "pound" cake store here where one can buy their cakes that are decorated with a creamy white frosting that seems to drip down the sides. They come in regular size (large) and mini (small) size. The center of them,which is really a hole, is then decorated with a flower.
They look wonderful and the price is also pretty steep.

Saturday at a class, I learned how to make a similar version of the small size by using a small bundt cake pan from Nordic Ware and a cake mix. The frosting was a cream cheese recipe and using a pastry bag without any tip for the round single drip or a small round writing tip for smaller drips.

We topped them with a small gerber daisy, packaged them in cellophane with a ribbon that matched the color of the daisy. ( Doesn't anything look spectacular and special when packaged in cellophane? I love it!) Our little package looked great and expensive and would make a great little birthday surprise for anyone. It was an easy fun project that anyone could do. It was especially easy because our little mini bundt cakes were already made for us by a very nice teacher. This would be a great gift for--

Happy Spring, Happy Birthday, Just Because You're You, I Love You!

(Now, I just have to get the Nordic Ware pan:)
I am linking today to the Persimmon Perch for Made it Mondays

Tablescape Thursday--April Showers

2010-04-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Tablescape Thursday

A lovely Spring Luncheon was held with the theme of April Showers.

The tables were decorated with lovely and colorful small Chinese lanterns from San Francisco's Chinatown.

Beneath each umbrella were three potted Primroses dressed in bright tissue paper.

One was on it's side, one elevated above the others and on sitting upright on the table.

They all were grouped closely and held up the handle of the umbrella. It was a lovely sight with all the colors both of the flowers and the hand painting on each umbrella.

Little cocktail umbrellas were used on each person's glass too.

The Peppercorn Beef with roasted potatoes and asparagus was delicious and enjoyed by all followed by a wonderful cheese cake and fruit sauce.

I am linking up to Tablescape Thursday and Foodie Friday today. Check them out for lots of great table and food ideas.

First Sign of Spring!

2010-04-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

First flower of Spring.

I can hardly believe it! After our snowfall Monday and then the thaw on Tuesday, look what appeared in my yard. I am so happy. I will care for it, nurture it, sing to it and cuddle it from the cold. I am so happy to see Spring in my yard. It has been a long and cold winter.

Horray for new growth and bulbs that bring this sunny yellow cheerful delight !!!

Spring Pastels

2010-04-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

This table was set for Easter brunch in an array of pastel spring colors beginning with the lavendar tablecloth. The scalloped plates in two shades of rose, celadon blue, melon green, colbalt blue, and lavendar, were purchased from the Syracuse China outlet many years ago.

The pale green luncheon plate with white polka dots served as the holder for the chocolate and chow mein noodle bird's nests. A small bird was perched on the edge of the plate guarding it's nest.

I really wanted some lovely napkins at Pottery Barn but at $8.00 each I resisted. These napkins had all the colors of the table in them and were purchased at World Market for 2.99 each.

The centerpiece as well echoed spring to all the diners. For a tutorial see my last post.

For a bit of whimsy- hanging from the chandelier was colorful paper wind mills in colors that continued the spring theme.

Small cocktail umbrellas added the finishing touch to the glasses

Happy Spring!!
I am linking up to Thursdays Tablescapes today. Be sure to check out the other lovely tabletops for great ideas.

Spring Flower Centerpiece Tutorial

2010-04-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share an easy way to make a centerpiece. This one is for Spring as some of us are still waiting for it to happen in our yards! So, you can bring those lovely spring flowers into your home now and then plant them in your yard when the weather gets warm enough (hopefully that will be soon). So, here's the tutorial:

Begin with your container. I started with a large ceramic bowl which is 23" in diameter and I guaged the amount of flowers needed to fill it. If you have a smaller one, you could probably use less flowers.

Next line it with some greenery. I had to use some fake greenery for filler but it you can cut some from your yard you are lucky enough to have green in your yard.

First add the tallest plants in the center of the bowl.. Mine are white bleeding hearts that I found at Home Depot while I was there buying some light bulbs. I purchased three bleeding hearts, (which are biennial) in 6" pots for $6.00 each.

Next I added four azaleas. I placed them on their side so that the flowers would flow up and over the side of the bowl. I purchased these at my grocery store in their flower section ($5.50 each).

Next you need some filler plants. I picked up 3 pots of chives at about $3.00 each at Home Depot. It is nice to have the variety of textures. This grass-like texture shows up next to the small leaves of the azaleas and because these pots were biodegradable and kind of pliable it was easy to squish them to fit in areas that needed a filler.

This is an overhead shot of all the plants in the bowl. You can see each pot and its rim which isn't very attractive.

The finishing item is the green sheet moss that is added to hide the pot rims, dirt and any gaps left . You could use spanish moss as well. Be sure to mist the whole thing every day to keep it moist.
This spring bowl was the centerpiece of our Easter Brunch and will continue to add beauty in the center of my table until I can transplant them outside.

First Birthday Party for Hudson

2010-03-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

I am just going to share a few pictures of the 1st Birthday party for cute little Hudson. Indulge me as the grandma, please:)

lll

"Please, someone rescue me from all this goo!"

We made the tiered cake plate in the background by stacking bowls in between the large plates. They held the animal cracker favors.

After the bath to wash off all that food coloring cake, dad reads him a bedtime story.

He had a great time playing with the decorations.

Happy Birthday cute little one!

Artisian Italian Bread

2010-03-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

I am in LOVE! I am in love with this Bread!!! I have been making it everyday for a week. This recipe is easy and delicious. It is an Italian, hard crust with a hearty chewy center. The surprising thing is that it is not made in a big mixer, or a bread maker, but just stirred together in a bowl. The unusual thing is that it takes a tiny amount of yeast and therefore a long rise lets it develop a wonderful texture with big bubbles (or holes). So, if you want a loaf tomorrow, you mix it up today, let it rise all day and night (11-18 hours) and bake it tomorrow. It is very forgiving as to time since it rises so slowly. The last unusual thing is that when you are ready to bake it, you preheat a heavy lidded pan first then bake it in the pan. It turns out so beautifully, and tastes just like you got it from an bakery artisan in Europe with his open hearth oven. Now that I have you smelling that wonderful aroma, here is the recipe:

No-Knead Bread in a Pot

3 cups bread flour
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp yeast
1 1/3 cup cold water (55-65 degrees)
Whisk dry ingredients with yeast in a fairly large bowl. Add water and using a wooden spoon mix until you have a wet sticky dough for about 30 seconds. It should be sticky to the touch. If it is not, add some more water.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap-sprayed with Pam. Let it sit for about 11-18 hours. This slow rise is the key to the flavor.

After the first rise, scrape it down in the bowl. Dump it out onto a floured surface, and with a rubber scraper shape it into a round using as little flour as possible.

Get a square of Parchment paper larger than a cake round and spray the paper with Pam. Place the dough round onto the Parchment paper and place it in the cake round. Cover with plastic wrap sprayed with Pam. Let this rise for about 1-2 hours.

Half an hour before the end of the second rise, preheat the oven to 475 degrees and put the oven proof heavy pot (I use an enameled cast iron 3 1/2 qt. pan-like Le Cruset) into the oven with it's lid too.

When the time is up for the second rise, put this dough which is on the parchment into the preheated pot.

At this point you can cut an X in the top with a very sharp knife. and put it in the oven with the lid on. (I unscrew the actual handle since it is made of a plastic.) Bake for 30 minutes.

Then take the lid off. It will look good but it still needs to cook longer.So bake for about 15-20 minutes more.

lll

The crust will get dark brown and may look burned but it makes a delicious hard crust and the center has to get cooked so it needs to bake this long. Carefully lift the loaf out of the pot by the parchment paper and hot pads. Let it sit about an hour to cool before slicing. Use a good sharp bread knife to cut it. I have made variations of this bread by adding kalamata olives and rosemary (and/or parmesan cheese) or another one is walnuts, raisins and cinnamon. I have used 1 cup of whole wheat in place of some of the bread flour too. All are delicious!
(I was able to purchase my enameled cast iron pan from TJMaxx for $35.00) If you decide to try it I'd love to hear what you think about it!

Friend Makin' Monday--Spring

2010-03-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Friend Makin' Monday
Amber has some good questions for us this week. I don't know how she comes up with new ideas every week but I am glad she does. Here is her list for today:

1. Favorite things about Spring: This has to be the change in the weather. I like it when you can gradually wear a lighter coat then a jacket, then a sweater then just a long sleeve shirt, then shorter shirt, then at last when you can wear just a summer top!

2. What I'm doing for Spring Break: I am going to San Francisco for a first birthday party for Hudson!

3. Favorite Spring flower: The daffodils because they come up first in my yard. It would be a toss-up between those and the tulips except there are no tulips because the deer eat them.

4. Do you have a garden? Not yet. Last year I had a small pot garden with tomatoes and peppers. I planted my herbs in the ground and they did well--sage, basil and thyme.

5. If so, what do you grow. See above.

6. Do you do Spring cleaning? I try to keep things in order all year but I do pay to have my windows washed (all 55 of them) because they are old and have storm windows on the outside and are hard to clean. I love it when I can see clearly out them after all the winter grime and stuff is off.

7. What is your weather *really* like right now? {Just b/c it's "officially" spring, doesn't mean that it feels like it for some of you} It is vacillating between 40 and 60 degrees.

8. Snapped any weather related photos lately? Share one with us! It snowed all day on Saturday!

9. What's your favorite thing to do on a sunny afternoon? I love to just sit outside and soak in the Vitamin D.

10. Favorite TV show right now?I'm following American Idol, The Ref and 24.

It has been fun thinking about and looking forward to Spring coming to this part of the world. I can hardly wait! Visit Amber for more interesting answers to these same questions. Happy Monday to you!

Tabletop Inspiration

2010-03-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

I was tabletop inspired recently. I am always delighted to see beautifully set tables. I enjoy linking up each week to Between Naps on the Porch for her Thursday Tablescapes to be inspired by all the nice bloggers who share their own tables. I also love to browse the china and dishware section of big department stores to see their table designs and see the newest in tableware. I was in Pottery Barn recently and loved their use of natural elements on their tabletops.

It is really nice to see that the very versatile white china which many of us have can be used in so many different ways.

Here is another element that many have, the wooden salad bowl. I had never thought of using it as a design element by itself and empty (or with wooden plates if you have them).

Also bringing in plain white vase as a design element is interesting. I could just see it filled with forced forsythia, quince branches, cherry blossoms or daffodils.

They also brought in some rustic and earthy charm with the watering can, the pottery mug and the cute iron chair with the reindeer moss.

Keeping with the natural theme is the old wooden crate. Many of these element are so simple and items that I am sure many of us have (perhaps a look in the garage or basement ) so we don't have to go out and buy new things to create a wonderful table. Just this visit to Pottery Barn gave me lots of ideas to work with in this in between period while we wait to put all our bunnies and chicks and eggs on the table for Easter. I hope you are inspired also. Have a wonderful Thursday. To see more beautiful tabletops and lots more ideas visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.

Service Club Update

2010-03-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

Our 10 Club really got into the spirit of Easter early this year with our March meeting. Twelve wonderful women braved the falling snow to attend earlier this month.

We stuffed 250 plastic Easter eggs for an egg hunt that will be held for children of a homeless assisted organization.

We also held our own baby shower by each bringing layette items to the meeting. These were collected and will be items for "sale" at the Teddy Bear Den of the March of Dimes. Young mothers take parenting classes and receive tokens for their attendance and then are able to "spend" them at the Teddy Bear Den to "buy" the layette items as well as other items of their choosing.

In addition to filling the Easter eggs and the having the shower, two quilts were set up and were tied that day at our meeting.

They will also go to the same division of the March of Dimes. I am always surprised by how much is accomplished in such a short amount of time (2 hours once a month) by our members. This is a wonderful group of devoted and generous women to give their time and talent to this organization. Thank you everyone! This was also our 1 year anniversary of the 10 Club. We began last March with 7 members and have grown to 16! We celebrated by singing to our club and enjoyed a nice brunch afterward.

A week in Review

2010-03-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? (Warning: Long, grandmotherly post!)

Well, I had a great time with my grandchildren in Idaho for 6 days while Wendy attended a photography workshop in Las Vegas.

Little 5 yr-old Will and I were pals during the day reading stories, watching UP, making cupcakes and swinging on his swing.

He is very vested in Pirates right now and must have drawn 15 pictures of them each day as well as wear his Pirate hat. This is his best interpretation of a pirate saying Arrrg!

He also thought Molly, the dog, would be a great first mate.

The older children were so good and helped me shuttle them to basketball practice,

piano lessons and

golf lessons after school. I have new respect for Wendy and all the time she spends in her car!

I had a few hours one day while Will was in Preschool so I was able to spent them with a friend from CA who has moved to Idaho.

We had lunch (Buffalo Salad) and shopped the local antique stores that were suggested to me by a blogger friend who lives there.

We came upon this grate on the sidewalk that was a lovely design.

The week before that I learned more about the TV world helping Jennifer take her bracelet supplies, set up and deliver her part on Studio 5. I find it fasinating all that goes on behind the scenes of a production.

There are lights to adjust, cameras to put in place, counting down to action and the actual taping of the show.
Of course, afterward we had to do some shopping.

I guess I am really in the mainstream of design because I just love going to Pottery Barn and browsing their displays.

I was intrigued with their coffee table displays. Probably because I never feel like I quite get just the right things on my own coffee table.

I also loved their table displays and will probably post pictures of those on Thursday.

I left with this view out my window and returned to it refreshed and white again!

When will Spring be here?

Friend Makin' Monday

2010-03-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

I am liking up to Friend Makin' Monday with Amber Filkins. She is asking us to complete the following:

I am.... still pretty sleepy. It will take me forever to get used to this daylight savings time!

I think....I will go down to the gym after I shower this morning so I can wake up first.

I should...be more positive

I dream....pretty often I think. Last night I dreamed that I had loaded two dishwashers after a party and used lots of my mother's silver too. (Strange, I know!)

I want....to make some pinwheel decorations today.

I know...my family loves me

I don't like....the snowplow piling snow in front of my driveway!

I smell...Chicken Soup from yesterday

I hear....only my furnace this morning.

I fear....new places because I have a terrible sense of direction.

I usually...make my bed.

I search..for things I lose--too often!

I miss....my grandchildren that I am away from

I always...say my prayers

I regret....not saying I love you everyday

I wonder....what my grandchildren will remember about me.

I crave....sweets and chocolate.

I remember...how my grandmother made bread and the way the house smelled like it.

I need.....to make several calls this morning.

I forget....where I parked my car often. I think that I don't want to clutter my brain with that info but am sorry later when I have to search for it.

I feel....everyone should be a good friend

I can....give love

I can't....wait for warmer weather (but what can I do about it?)

I am happy....to share my home and what I know with others.

I lose.....my keys and glasses mostly

I sing....along with songs I like

I listen...to advice but don't always take it

I shop.....mostly with my daughter

I eat....too many carbohydrates

I love.....to sew and create

Happy Monday!!!

Tablescape Thursday-Summer Picnic

2010-03-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

For this week's tablescape I decided to skip spring inspirations and go directly to summer. So I started with a blue and white checked tablecloth that reminds me of a picnic.

Next I thought wicker is also very summery so I used my wicker chargers.

Next layer is a fun square bandana print plate that is melamine.

On top of that are white with blue edges enamelware bowls that I bought in Boston at the April Cornell store when the store was closing. I made my husband haul them home for me.

I couldn't decide on the napkins to go with this setting so I will let you choose from the following three. (1) I love these fun bicycle print dishtowels from Mary Lake Thompson

but I also love (2) blue and white striped ticking ones.

In the end I used these (3) blue with white polka dot paper napkins.

For the centerpiece I started with a wicker tray, then an old little piece that looks like a small picnic table. Next I added a topiary for greenery with it's summer leaves, then some small vintage chairs and a few birds.

There is even a straw hat in case the sun is too hot! Perfect for a summer picnic. To see more tables and be inspired go to Between Naps on the Porch or click here.

Have a wonderful day and I hope spring, then summer come your way soon!

We learn from Each Other

2010-03-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

It is so fun to be influenced by all you talented bloggers out there. I am continually amazed. I learn so much from reading your posts and find great joy when I learn that through my random postings that someone has taken something that I have posted and learned from me, too. Last month I posted about making Twirly skirts for my granddaughters here. Recently, Ginger @ Dimpled Dempseys and a Big Tall Guy let me know that she read my post and has made a darling twirly skirt for her cute little girl from my tutorial on them. This is what she had to say about her experience sewing:

Look what I made!!!

I'm ridiculously proud of myself. I just sewed my first GARMENT a few days ago. Oh, I've started PLENTY of sewing projects. The proof is in a rubbermaid bin in my basement. But, I would always end up hitting a road block or getting frustrated because it wasn't just perfect and would resign myself to finishing it "later". Don't get me wrong. I've made plenty of what most would consider "curtains", but we know those don't really count, now do they?

So, here it is!

I thought making something for Molly to play in would be a safe attempt. That way, I wouldn't feel the "perfection" pressure for her to wear it in public. She has so much fun twirling around in our foyer, which, of course, gives me that "mission accomplished" feeling. It's not perfect, but most couldn't tell. Oh, I'm totally motivated now! Look out world!

Isn't her little girl precious! And the skirt is adorable. Love the fabrics!

Thanks for letting me know about it too, Ginger! I hope you are able to make many more for your daughter.

I would love to see any projects that have a similar history. Happy Sewing and Blogging!

Trash to Treasure--Back Door Redo

2010-03-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

Trash to Treasure
I posted this before but I think it is one of my favorite transformations and I look at it everyday and everytime I come home. It is my back door from the garage into my house. It was very blah and boring.

It used to be standard builder grade white metal (fireproof) door. (The vacuum mess had to stay in that spot, darn)

It took many coats of paint but I love it now in RED! I added a few items by it for interest.

It is fun to change the pillow and little seasonal decorations around it. Here it is for fall.

And for spring.

It didn't take that long to complete but makes a big difference in impact.

I am linking up today to Trash to Treasure Tuesday from Reinvented.

Friend Makin Monday

2010-03-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

Today I am linking up with Amber Filkin for her Friend Makin' Monday. She has a fun exercise for us today where we will learn more about our decorating tastes.

Question for the week: What's YOUR personal decorating style?

Head over to Sproost to take the quiz.

{I just copied & pasted the results}

{then I saved the pictures I liked & uploaded them}

This was a fun challenge this week and I loved seeing the beautiful pictures and taking the quiz.

After taking the quiz it turns out my taste is 50% Nantucket, 25% Classic and 25% French Eclectic.

Nantucket Style

Oh how you love the beach! Who doesn't, right? And so your dream home is either perched in your favorite beach town, or you've brought that favorite beach town into your house.

Materials

Your art and accessories speak directly to the activities that are found at the beach. Pieces of driftwood you found here, pictures or paintings of the amazing views there. Things that remind you of the coast - surf boards or fishing boats - are found throughout the house. The feeling of the seaside is both abstract and literal in the design of your space. The fabrics are natural, cottons and linens and are light in color and touch. Much of the furniture is wood or wood framed (the lighter the better, think driftwood!) and wicker, when done right, is a must.

Colors

And since your true inspiration is the sea, the colors and textures in your home are the same that you would find at your favorite beach: white, light beiges and grays of the sand and driftwood, a variety of blues for the ocean and sky, and greens and vibrant blues of the sea glass... but the key is white! Your space should feel light and airy and give off the mood one has when at the beach: laid back!

Space Planning

Your furniture is comfortable and the layout is cozy. The more it reminds you of actually sitting on the warm sand the better! And what do you do at the beach? Hang out with family and friends - and your home is just an extension of this play place... and though the space is filled with large white furniture, it somehow manages to feel both durable and casual.

Classic

What's old is new again! The beauty of Classic Style is how well it takes all of the beautiful forms, colors and textures of the past and reinvents them in a way that feels both fresh and inspired. The style itself is a mix of European influences and French, English and Italian antiques and replicas are often used together. Furniture is well proportioned and comfortable and the rooms give off an air of sophistication and grace. Oil paintings depicting a still life or nature scenes and emphasizing symmetry of pairs helps maintain the Classic nature of the room. Windows are often covered with opulent fabric shades and/or drapery. Classic rooms give off an air of history that seems to say: "I was here long before you, and will remain long after you've gone." And yet, even with this level of sophistication, the rooms are soft and inviting.

French Eclectic

Parlez-vous français? Even if the answer is no, you can confidently say your home does! French Country, like its name, somehow manages to both be formal and casual, classy and unassuming at the same time. You like your spaces to feel inviting from the moment you (or your guest) opens the front door and this feeling should continue even after you've entered your most formal room. Even though there are French antiques here and gold details there, the rustic elements provide a balance and warmth that seems to say, "come in, relax and stay a while." Your love of antiques leads you to flea markets, garage sales and hours of eBay hunting.

If you would like to take this same quiz to find out what your personal decorating style is head on over to Sproot.com. Then if you would like to see how you compare with others' style go over to Amber's site.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Burlap and TV

2010-02-26T06:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity of going with my daughter to a local TV station because her blog Tatertots and Jello.was featured one of their segments. Of course it had snowed the night before so we loaded all the necessary equipment she needed into the car as the snow filled our shoes. We parked in the wrong garage and so arrived one minute later than planned and scrambled to get everything out onto the set before the show started. Jen was the second segment.

It was her first time on TV and she was a little bit scared (or maybe a lot, really) but she did an awesome job and of course, as her mom I was very proud of her. Here she is with the hosts of the show Brooke and Darrin

I forgot my camera again, but I took pics with hers the whole way through as she demonstrated how to make her original burlap wreaths.

You can find her tutorial for them here. If you want fun, creative, and inexpensive ideas for your home and family please check out her blog. You can also learn our fate as we are both direction-challenged!

It was a fun experience for both of us!

Thursday Tablescape-Blue Hues

2010-02-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

Thursday Tablescape

Today's tablescape pictures were taken as I was running through Bloomingdale's in San Francisco with my daughter and grandson. The large ceramic vase held silver branches and these very tall laser rods of amazing blue hues. They had some sort of light source so they were lit up. The whole display table with it's blue and white dishes was stunning. I wasn't able to photograph the tops of the laser rods but my guess is they were about 7 feet tall. They reminded me of our grandson's power laser that he runs through the house wielding as a sword. I believe the chairs were covered in a very masculine stripe fabric that was reminiscent of men's suiting.

The individual place settings were so beautiful with their varying shaded of blue, crystal and lovely silverware. I wish I had the names of each element on the table but as I said, it was a fast run through. (I think my grandson had reached his very small limit of time to shop and we were headed for the car). Perhaps this has given someone an idea to use on her own table another day. I hope so. To see more beautiful tables click here and go to Between Naps on the Porch.

Quick Lamp Redo

2010-02-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

I am linking up for the first time today to Sew Much Ado for this very quick remake of my lamp base.

I have never liked the white base of this lamp. It was painted with a flat white paint.

So I got out my shoe polishes--mostly browns

I added shoe polish (while I watched the Olympics) until it was as dark as I liked.

I let some of the white show through.

And I like it much better now. It goes better with the old round doily that was used for the shade.

This project took about 15 minutes! To see more sewing and crafting ideas click here.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

For Today…Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Outside my window... The air looks clear and the sun is just behind the mountains. The snow in my yard is just on the edges. And although there is a chance of snow showers today I am confident it will probably melt.

I am wearing... a gray long-sleeved shirt and on top of that a dark maroon scoop neck warm top. I have on gray jeans and my Uggs on my feet. I am ready for another lovely cold day here in the west.

I am creating…little paper purses to give four friends this morning to illustrate the importance of using their money wisely.

I am going... to lunch with a friend then to the four neighbors with my lunch friend. Tonight there is an Artisan Bread class I will be attending. I will be going to a local TV station with my daughter on Thursday and begin my gym membership training with a personal trainer from the club on Friday.

I am reading... A town Like Alice by Nevile Shute that I obtained from the library this week.

I am hoping... that Spring comes early this year.

On my mind... how flowers brighten the day and lift my spirit. I bought a bouquet from the grocery store with chartreuse spider mums, white roses and red carnations. (Probably left over from Valentines) I immediately took the red carnations out and put them in their own vase with the baby's breath. That vase is in my bedroom. The others are on my kitchen table and I am enjoying them every day as I watch the roses come into bloom. I think it is a lesson in patience--watching the flowers blooming and waiting for spring to come.

From the learning rooms… studying the scriptures more intently.

Noticing that... we are in the last week of February and wondering where the month has gone. Does time go by faster the older you get?

Pondering these words... "I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music" Albert Einstein I was so surprised when I read this quote. I thought it would be from someone like Beethoven or Bach. It would have been interesting to know Mr. Einstein and find out just how this music, which must have been such a part of him, how it influenced his great inventions and life.

From the kitchen… I have a roast beef and also pork tenderloins that I will cook today. I think the roast will be with the usual potatoes and carrots but I think I will make a mustard sauce for the tenderloins. It makes me hungry just writing about it but I just had my oatmeal so I am not that hungry!

Around the house... since I vacuumed yesterday I just have to change the sheets and clean the guest bedroom from having a house guest last week. I am trying to keep things tidier than I usually do. It makes me feel good to have things picked up and in their own places.

One of my favorite things... finding a bargain!
A few plans for the rest of the week: making invitations for a church birthday party, the bread class, the TV show, and possibly a trip to my sister's.

From my picture journal...My beautiful granddaughter on her 14th Birthday which was Sunday.

If you would like to join us in The Simple Woman's Daybook, please see Peggy for details.

California Dreamin'

2010-02-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

The Simple Woman's Daybook that I usually do on Mondays has been moved to Tuesdays so today I will show pictures of my recent trip to CA. It has been a week since I got back and to be honest I have been a little depressed having come from Spring everywhere you look to very brown and gray here at home. But, I will buck up and put on my happy face and pretend happiness! Come with me as I show you what I saw. I must show you the beautiful green hills first.

I think there is nothing as beautiful as the bright chartreuse color, especially after so much rain in CA, that the hills right next to the main roads and freeway get in northern California. I was so busy there that I didn't take time to get out of the car to photograph so these pics are from inside the car. (Ignore the bottom half of pics)
There is a place along the road that someone many years ago planted hundreds of daffodil bulbs so that as you drive along the freeway there is this beautiful yellow roadside. They were just beginning to spring up.

It is so nice to be with friends that you haven't seen for a while and make new ones. So, we had a Valentine party and made of course, valentines!

As well as a cute musical pin to wear and learned how to make a banner too.

I loved talking to and catching up on each one's life.

The weather was beautiful and fun was had by all.

A beautiful lunch was served on red and white tablecloths and all enjoyed being together. I have the best friends! Thank you Vicki and Angela for the luncheons.

One day on our way down to Pebble Beach we stopped at Wal-Mart where this cute little family were in the parking lot with a line of people backed up next to their truck.

We found out they were selling homemade tamales from the back of their pick-up truck! Of course, we were on an adventure so we made this part of it too. They were hot and so delicious!

The ocean was many shades of blue and refreshing just to see.

I love the charming shops of Carmel with all it's little alley ways, cobblestones and

dutch doors to the cute shops.

And no matter what time of year you go to Carmel there are beautiful flowers everywhere.

In planter boxes.

In pots.

Or hanging on the side of the wall, they are beautiful.

Even the animals have taken on color it seems as we saw this poodle happily walking down the street in a coat of Bubble Gum pink!

We drove through Berkeley on our way back to the airport and stopped at this open Market selling beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables and specialty ethnic foods. We bought a wonderful "sandwich" made of very thin tortilla-like bread filled with a spinach mixture that was just delicious. Another filling was a pumpkin pesto that was good too.

Thanks for reliving my trip to CA with me and I hope Spring comes soon to your part of the country just as I am looking forward to the first tulip emerging here in a couple of months.

Have a wonderful week!

Olympic Fever

2010-02-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

No one has asked me to answer any question about the Olympics but I feel I have watched so much of the televised Olympic Winter Games that I could easily give some very accurate and good ones. I went to bed last night with a terrific headache and knew that I had Olympic overload for sure. I can't help it. I get sucked in on it. When I am straightening up my house in the morning I think, "I wonder if the Olympics are on!" (P-l-e-a-s-e, what a question! Of course, someone is luging or skating at all hours of the day and night!) So I turn it on and try to continue doing my work. Somehow, I manage to turn it off hours later when I realize there is no food in the house. I leave for the grocery store. Later, that same thing happens when I have returned from necessary errands and before I know it, I have been sucked in and learned more than I ever needed to know about the lives of all the Russian, Norwegian and Chinese athletes, and their coaches and families! I feel like I am participating in my own Olympic sport! I have Olympic overload! How about you? How much Olympic TV time are you having? Today I am limiting my Olympic viewing (unless, of course, the woman's Single Skating is on:)

I must restrain myself.

I must restrain myself!

A Flip Book

2010-02-16T08:56:00.000-08:00

Remember those Flip Books from our childhood, where you thumb through the pages quickly and watch the pictures magically turn into a sort of silent movie before your very eyes? Today's post is just that. Please indulge me as a grandmother today and play along. You will have to look at each picture very quickly and go to the next in order to get the effect but try to think of the flip book as you do. I so enjoyed being with my newest grandson last week--touching his chubby soft white skin and hugging his adorable sweet body. (He did keep looking at me as if to say, "Who is this lady that is still here everytime I wake up and keeps hanging around me?") He adores his mom and dad and especially when his dad tickles him on his tummy:

Have a wonderful day and I hope you'll find something to be as enthusiastic about as this little one was this day!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

Simple Woman's Daybook
For Today, February 15, 2010

Outside my window...beautiful dark blue and white mountains!

I am thinking...those mountains are going to look great soon as SPRING comes calling!

I am thankful for... a furnace that is working. When I arrived home last night from California my house was 52 degrees! Somehow my furnace had gone out!! I am also thankful for my sweet son in law and his dad that came to my rescue and found the problem. Heat at last. (I don't do well without it!)

I am wearing...warm clothes of course, as usual. Jeans, wool top and sweater (3 layers) .

I am remembering...what fun it was to be with my friends and have fun.

I am going...to get food, fill prescriptions, and sign up for gym membership. (Now the latter is in black and white, I am committed. I have been dragging my feet on this since Christmas although it has been on my list every week. It may take me until Friday to actually do it!)

I am currently reading...my mail that has been held while I was away.

I am hoping...to catch up on things that should have been done last week while I was away.

On my mind... try to get all the fake snow out of the containers on my mantel and put up SPRING with birds and green instead

Noticing that...little things around the house need attention. Also laundry to do and bills to pay--the usual.

Pondering these words... "Your wings already exist. All you have to do is fly"

From the kitchen... feel like Old Mother Hubbard as mine is pretty bare today, hence the trip to the grocer.

Around the house...Just gathering up all the hearts and valentines, red and white and replacing them with GREEN;

One of my favorite things...FRIENDS and FAMILY

From my picture journal.

Spring is Coming!

What will you be doing this week? I hope your week is perfect!

Cooking Under Pressure

2010-02-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

Cooking Under Pressure

I recently attended a Pressure Cooking Class and was impressed with the advancements in this time-honored way of cooking.

The seal has improved and is less likely to cause problems.

There is even an electric cooker with digital dial that lets you set it and almost forget it. Pressure Cookers cook the food under pressure in a short amount of time and are great for beans, meats like Pot Roast and Stew tenderize in them and various soups blend flavors like they were simmered for hours.

Our wonderful teacher had 3 cookers that morning with which she demonstrated 4 different recipes.She is showing us here how to use a portable butane stove with one as you might have to during a disaster with a power failure.

She made a wonderful Lentil Soup in 20 minutes,

Smashed/roasted potatoes in 7 minutes,

Rigatoni in Sausage Sauce in 6 minutes, and Black Beans with Chorizo in 7 minutes.

She even made an amazing Artisan Parmesan Bread to eat with these foods. (The bread was not pressure cooked!) We were able to sample all of the dishes and they were each so delicious and cooked in just minutes. It was nice getting a first hand look at and learn how to use these cookers. I used my pressure cooker many years ago and remember making great soup with it and it cooking meat quickly. I donated it when I moved two years ago but after attending this class I am seriously considering getting one of these new improved models. Do any of you have and use a pressure cooker? What is your favorite thing to make using one?
I am linking to Foodie Friday with this post. To read wonderful recipes click here.

Pressure Cooker Beef Stew

1 1/2 lbs. stew meat, cut into cubes
1/4 cup flour
2 tsp oil
6 cups hot beef broth
1 chopped onion
8 carrots cut into pieces
3 stalks celery, cut into pieces
4 peeled and cubed potatoes
1 tsp Lawry Seasoning salt
1/4 tsp pepper1 (20 oz) can diced tomatoes
Coat meat with flour. Heat oil in pressure cooker. Brown meat in oil; stirring occasionally, Add hot beef broth, onion, and then stir. Bring to boil. Put lid on and bring to high pressure for 15 minutes. Quick release pressure. Add rest of ingredients and bring to high pressure again for 5 more minutes. Release pressure. Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

10 Club Service Day

2010-02-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

For February's 10 Club activity 30 shoe boxes were acquired before the meeting.

We then assembled the 30 shoe boxes with all the makings for Valentine's Day cards, supplies to decorate the boxes, activities to do along with games, pencils, erasers, puzzles and lots of candy for each box.

These were put together assembly-line style. These boxes will be given to a local organization that cares for children who have been rescued from an abusive situation in their own homes. then using the Valentine cards we supplied to give to their new friends in the shelter.

I am so grateful for good hearted people who care for these children and give them a new start on life. Love and compassion have new meaning at Valentine's Day with organizations like this one in existence.

I can just imagine how much fun these children will have decorating their boxes with the shiny red and silver mylar paper and adding the hearts to the outside.

Just another little drop in the bucket this month, but well worth the time expended. After we were through we had a lovely Valentine lunch of Chicken Caesar Salad, Homemade Tomato Basil Soup, Homemade Rolls and Heart Sugar Cookies.

What a wonderful way to spend one morning a month!

Words to Live By

2010-02-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Words to Live By

I am sure most of you have seen the charts made by many moms that are their Family Rules. Since I love the concept of having rules in front of me but I am an empty nester, I decided to take the same idea and apply it to a chart for my home and I labeled it Words to Live By.

I used 13 pages of scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, ribbons,

stick-on letters as well as letters cut from my Cricut and a canvas art board I already had. After applying a layer of Mod Podge to the back side of the scrapbook paper, I smoothed the papers down with an old credit card.

I had 13 rows of paper and used black ribbon to separate

some of the lines between them.

It is kind of nice to have a reminder of those things that I have decided should influence my

everyday actions in a place where I can see it often.

Now I have no excuse for poor behavior!

I am linking to Kimba's A Soft Place to Land today.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, February 8, 2010

Outside my window...a threat of snow again. Yesterday was so foggy that one could barely see to drive, but...

I am thinking...It is all right as I am leaving this morning for sunny California for a few days! Horray!

I am thankful for... the ease with which one can travel today, unlike how hard it was in pioneer days. Even when I was growing up (after the pioneer days!) we never flew anywhere. My first plane ride was when I was in my 20's.

I am wearing...warm clothes for the ride. I am cold by nature so I almost always layer my clothing and take an outside aisle. Plus I am taking and wearing my long winter coat. I am no fool, I looked up the weather and it is not going to be that warm there!

I am remembering...at least I am trying to remember all that I will need to take--clothing, make-up, valentines, kit materials for my class, phone numbers and little gifts for those I stay with.

I am going...to try to blog while I am gone but there is no guarantee.

I am currently reading...House Beautiful magazine because when I went to the library Friday they did not have our bookclub's next book. I am now 548th on the waiting list for A Town Like Alice there. (They do have 250 copies however so I will see how long it takes)

I am hoping... to see lots of friends this week.

On my mind... Valentines Day and all the people that I truly love both in and out of my family. They have such great influence on a person's thoughts and actions. I am truly blessed by knowing and watching such fine examples of love and compassion every day.

Noticing that...the snow is almost melted off my patio today.

Pondering these words... "Love alone is capable of uniting living beings in such a way as to complete and fulfill them, for it alone takes them and joins them by what is deepest in themselves."

From the kitchen... just finishing a big pot of Chicken Vegetable Soup and Homemade rolls.

Around the house... a few Valentine decorations and a partially packed suitcase.

One of my favorite things... hot Oatmeal cookies from the oven! ("Nothin' says lovin' like somethin' from the oven!")

From my picture journal.

Looking forward to holding and squeezing this one again!

Have a wonderful week!

To read more daybook entries click here.

Valentine Dessert for Book Club

2010-02-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

For today's Tablescape I set up an informal Valentine Dessert for my Book group.

I used a red and white toile tablecloth on the table and my scalloped heart shaped dessert dishes that I purchased at Pottery Barn several years ago. They came in sets of four with one each of white, pink, lavendar and dark pink plates. I have two sets which was just right for our eight members that night. I used my wedding silverplate dessert forks by William Rogers.

We had our ice water in these goblets from Target. I love their dark ruby color and felt they were just right for Valentines as well.

The centerpiece was a large heart on a table stand that I got at Tai Pan last year at 50% off.

I served Ina Gartner's Orange Chocolate Chunk Cake with Ganache and on the side Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream with Orange Sauce.

Each serving was topped with a cute Valentine pick.

Ina Gartner's Orange Chocolate Chunk Cake

1/2 lb. unsalted butter at room temperature

2 cups sugar

4 extra large eggs at room temperature

3 cups flour

1/2 each of baking powder and baking soda

1 tsp kosher salt

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

3/4 cup buttermilk at room temperature

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 cups good semisweet chocolate chunks

for the syrup

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

for the ganache

8 oz. good semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tsp. instant coffee granules

Grease and flour a 10" bundt pan. Cream the butter and sugar for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, then orange zest. Sift the dry ingredients together and add them alternately with the wet ingreds. Toss the chocolate chunks with 2 T. flour then add them to the mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour until cake tester comes out clean. Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Make the syrup by heating until the sugar dissolves. Remove cake from pan and set on a rack over a tray. Spoon the syrup over the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely. Then drizzle the melted ganache over the top of the cake. It is delicious!

I am linking up with Thursday Tablescape and Foodie Friday for this post.

Valentine Decorating Ideas

2010-02-03T04:39:00.000-08:00

Some people have a way of making you feel welcome and happy to be at their house. Decorating can help us do this too. Here are some ideas to help you feel inspired to use this holiday of Valentines to welcome and inspire yourself and others who enter your home. These are pictures of a friend's home where her little touches of red here and there and her wonderful personality made my heart happy as I walked through her door. Come take a tour with me and get some decorating ideas.

If you have a place to display a collection of cute holiday pillows you could send a sweet feeling with their messages like these two pillows do here.

Little plaques with their sayings are a fun way to share your love.

A nice mantel vignette with it's plaque and "loves me" vase gives a little bit of color there.

A mini bookshelf holds more red loveliness.

An easy display is to wrap those red Christmas candles with heart-tied ribbons.

Another mantel idea.

And below the mantel.

I loved how these silver pitchers were made into lovely display items.

And I loved how she turned her pot rack into a Heart rack!

I hope you are inspired to share your love in your home this year through little touches of Red!

CuteTwirly Little Girl Skirts

2010-02-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a darling little skirt for the little girl in your life. It is made from fat quarters. There are three parts-Main Skirt, Drop Waistband and Hem Band. For a size 5 you need 5 fat quarters for the Main Skirt. You can either buy more fat quarters and piece them or just buy the yardage for the Drop Waistband and Hem Band. If you have a serger it is very quick project. I made 2 skirts. The first one went so quickly that I didn't have time to take pictures. So all the pictures are of the second one.

So for the Main Skirt piece first you cut strips that are 5 1/2" wide and 10" long from the 5 fat quarters. Sew them together so you have 4 sets of five different fabrics. Sew all the sets together for one long piece.

Then you fold in half lengthwise the 13 1/2" wide X 5 1/2" strip (this will be the Hem Band) and sew it to one long end of the length of the Main Skirt (5 different fabrics strip).

Then to gather the Main Skirt you sew over your heavier thread (I used buttonhole thread) with a zig zag stitch at 1/4" from the edge. Then pull it to gather.

For the Drop Waistband you make a casing for the elastic by turning down the long edge 1" and at 1/4" and sew it. Pin the other end of the Drop Waistband it to the Main Skirt until it fits. Sew them together where you have pinned. Add your elastic in the casing. Sew the final side seam and you are finished. I top stitched every seam as it helps make them lay flat. They were fun to make. and took about an hour.

I gave the little girls their skirts one evening and the following are them dancing in them with low lighting.

Exhausted! Too much fun!!

I am linking to Kimba's A Soft Place to Land for this post today.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY... February 1, 2010

Outside my window...Lots of snow on the mountain and a skiff of snow on my yard

I am thinking.and praying..For good news in our family.

I am thankful for... good health and safety as I go about my daily life.

I am wearing...jeans, black long-sleeved T-shirt and long gray vest with ruffles down the front

I am remembering...the beautiful music that my grandchildren made with piano, guitar, and flute last night.

I am going... to the grocery store for ingredients to make a cake for tomorrow.

I am currently reading...The Guernsey Potato Pie and Literary Society

I am hoping... to do the right thing with difficult situations.

On my mind... the thought that I must have courage to do the hard things.

Noticing that..the days are becoming longer!

Pondering these words... "As I watch the rising sun when the day has just begun I am thinking of the love that comes daily from above."

From the kitchen...steaming bowl of oatmeal.

Around the house... putting out a few Valentine decorations as I am having a bookclub meeting here tomorrow night.

One of my favorite things~ the smell of fresh-baked bread!

From my picture journal...

Click here to read more daybooks.

Beef Brisket Au Jus Sandwiches

2010-01-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

Au Jus Sandwiches
I just found that Beef Brisket gives Au Jus sandwiches the most delicious flavor. I had never cooked a brisket before until a friend made it for me. Now I am a fan of this less tender cut of meat. The trick is to braise the brisket in a slow oven. This makes it very tender.

So to begin, you sear on both sides a brisket of beef, about 3 minutes per side in a frying pan. Then you transfer it to a heavy roasting pan and add about 1/4 cup of water.

Smear about 2 tablespoons of a thick liquid beef bouillon over the top of the brisket.

This is just one brand of the beef stock. I know Costco carries another brand too. Cover the pan with a lid and put it into a 325 degree oven for about 3 hours. When you take it out of the oven, slice it thinly on the diagonal against the grain.

The remaining juice in the pan is your Au Jus for dipping. Put the Au Jus in individual small dishes for each person. If you can get Ciabatta rolls they are wonderful. I butter them and toast them under the broiler. If you like, serve them with a grainy mustard. Try this. You'll like it.

Enjoy!

For more delicious recipes and tempting pictures click here. Thanks to Michael at Designs by Gollum for hosting this Foodie Friday event.

Illuminating Idea for January Blahs

2010-01-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

If you are tired of the gray, cold January weather and looking for a way to light up your life and home you might try making or buying a new lampshade. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

A friend of mine took this old embroidered runner (probably for a bureau top) and adhered it to the two sides of my lampshade. The sides she made of blue and white strip ticking and the ruffle of red and white ticking. I love it.

This one is the same idea using another old embroidery piece except this was a circle. It probably went in the center of a table. To make this one she just cut a circle in the center and placed it on top of the lampshade. It is only attached to the shade at the top. This would be very easy to do.

Now if you don't want to make one yourself, you can just buy one. The following are some that I found at Hobby Lobby.

Maybe you could just tie the shade you have and add a jewel like this one from your jewelry box.

This shade looks very prim and proper but is the same idea with the tie in the center.

Or you could just add your favorite motif like this fleur de lis. It could be done with a purchased motif or one that you cut out of fabric or felt.

This is another great idea of using two different fabrics with the inside one showing through the thinner outside one.

If you have a very plain shade already you could add a random design on the shade and fringe on the bottom like these shades

I thought this design was very nice using a bias strip of the same fabric and winding around and around.

Here's the close up of that one.

This one was just so fun and flirty that it made me smile. It is made of ribbons and beads. So I hope these fun shades have helped light up your life and given you a lift.

When you try one of these send me back a picture so I can see it too.

Happy last days of January!

Jewelry Storage #2

2010-01-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

I have almost finished organizing my jewelry. My necklaces now hang inside my closet doors on a cabinet in my bathroom.

I posted about this here.

I used the round tins with clear lids (from Ikea) on a magnet board to hold my rings and small bracelets.

The magnet board can either be hung on the wall or it can lay flat on the shelf.
For my bracelets I found a square tray with indents at Target.

Also I purchased a couple of dishes, one round and one square that fit into two of the indents. These were perfect for the big bangle bracelets.

The other indents worked great for the "shapeless" bracelets. It is nice to have everything all in the same area but be able to find what I need when I want it without hunting through the whole lot of jewelry.

What have you found that works for your jewelry?

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-01-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

For Today January 25, 2010

Outside my window... clear skies today. Chance of snow this week. Turn up the electric blanket!

I am thinking... about my dear, sweet mom whose birthday it is today. She would be 97! She taught me many things while growing up in our home. She was a fierce independent woman with a career, which was unusual for the 50's. She was a life long learner and always was participating in or taught courses. One summer when my grandparents were needing help she traveled out of state to care for them and managed to take a class at the University near them one evening a week. While she was gone my job was to fix dinner one night a week. It consisted of opening a can of Chef Boyardee Lasagna. But I felt I had been given a special assignment and I carried it out with care and the attention that I thought she would have if she was there. She taught school and in the summer she would teach us three daughters how to sew, paint, upholster, wallpaper and any other chore that she needed to achieve that summer. I miss her unconditional love even now. Her favorite color was purple!

I am thankful for... a family that had its ups and downs but gave me the foundation to achieve my goals despite odds put in my path.

I am wearing... long underwear underneath my jeans, a red sweater and black vest, my Uggs and cashmere socks. Trying to stay warm here!

I am remembering ... skates held onto our shoes with a key and push button starters on cars years ago.

I am going... to a cooking class on the new digital pressure cookers Tuesday, and having 34 people over for a pot luck dinner on Thursday evening and sewing with dear friends on Monday.

I have just read... our book club book which is Everything Is Fine by Ann Dee Ellis I am looking forward to the discussion about it.

I am looking forward to...my trip to California and staying at a beach house in Carmel with friends. Bring on the sunshine!

On my mind... some of my friends who need prayers for their children and one who's husband has Parkinson's Disease.

Noticing that... my grandchildren are growing taller and I am getting shorter!

Pondering these words..."To handle yourself, use your head...To handle others, use your heart."

From the kitchen... wonderful leftovers of Beef Au Jus sandwiches and Cherry Chocolate Cake. I am planning on making the Homemade Granola that I really enjoy.

Around the house... The floors need attention. Although I love the dark wood floors, they do demand more care since they show every footprint winter or summer. And then tables need setting up for the dinner on Thursday.

One of my favorite things~ knowing my children are in a happy place.

From my picture journal...

kkk

To read other women's day books click here

Foodie Friday

2010-01-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Petits Pots de Chocolat for your Valentine

These wonderful little pots of Chocolate are so deliciously sweet just right for that Valentine of yours. They are a cinch to make but be sure to use good chocolate. I serve them in red ramekins or little heart shaped bowls.
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
2 cups good quality Bittersweet chocolate chips
2 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt

Pour milk in heavy saucepan and heat to boiling point. Combine remaining ingredients in blender contaier. Pour in the hot milk, then blend at low speed for 1 minute or until smooth. pour into 6 custard cups or small footed glasses, then chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This makes 6 servings.

Note: If you can get the chopped Bittersweet chocolate from Trader Joe's Pound Plus bar, it is very good, but Ghiradelli chips work just as well. To garnish, top with whipped cream, mint leaf and a whole raspberry. Very rich and delicious!! Enjoy!

Happy Valentines Day to you!

Thanks to Michael at Designs By Gollum for hosting Foodie Friday. Click here to find more tempting recipes.

Tablescape Thursday I love Dishes! How I store them

2010-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

I have always loved plates! When I moved into this house I made a decision to use one of the closets as a dish pantry. As I am trying to organize my house again after the holidays I thought I would share how I use this closet - turned dish pantry.
The door in it leads into the hall to my master bedroom. There is a closet on either side of the hallway. I chose to keep one closet for clothes and use this one for storage of kitchen items. I just used the existing shelves and re-purposed them.

On one half of this side of the closet I have used the existing shelves for stacks of plates.

I try to keep like dishes together...All good china, Christmas,Thanksgiving etc.

(These shelves were meant for shoes but work great for plates)

Below these plates I keep baskets, and silverware in their wooden containers.
On the very top shelf (out of the picture) I have

footed cake plates, trifle bowls and other tall items.

On the other half I keep large bowls on top, more cake plates

On the next shelf and below them, pitchers.

Below that is for platters and serving dishes.

On the bottom shelf are tall stacks of plates and chargers

that would not fit on the other side because there were too tall.

On the floor are my crock pots and seasonal boxed plates.

(Valentines, birthday etc.)

On the other side of the closet are my stacked washer and dryer

and above them are trays and narrow items.

I did have some of the dividing boards made and put in this area for the trays.

Next to the washer/dryer is a section that I use for

tablecloths, napkins placemats and soft goods.

Below the tablecloths are vases and flower containers.

On the floor are baskets of cleaning cloths.
This room works for me because I have a small kitchen

with very little storage. Because it contains the washer and dryer,
it is an all-purpose room. I had another door built across from the first one
which leads out into my family room and makes accessing this room from the kitchen more convenient.

On the back of both doors I keep my aprons

I love to be able to find just the right dishes and tableware when I need it.

If you are a dish lover, where do you store your dishes?
I am linking to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch. Click here to see fabulous tablescapes.

Organizing My Jewelry #1

2010-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

As part of my organizing effort I have been working on my necklace storage. It has been all jumbled in a drawer. I tried keeping like things in the original jewelry boxes but it wasn't working and I couldn't find what I wanted.

I found these great hooks at Wal Mart that come three to a package for about $3.00. I used them on the back of a closet in my bathroom. They are simple to use. First, clean the surface with alcohol.

Peel off the red tape and put it on the back of the hook. Then you peel off the black tape and put the hook onto the surface you are attaching the hook to. I used 6 on each door. And went from this to this.

The directions say to wait one hour before hanging anything on them. That is the longest part of this whole project. It was a very fast project that I am quite happy about. It took me less than 15 minutes to put the hooks on the doors. Next is my bracelet storage!

When Communication Fails

2010-01-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last week was interesting because one day every phone in my house quit working so I began using my cell phone which was a good solution until it fell out of my pocket onto the floor and then it, too, quit. It is an awful feeling not having communication to the outside world. This was the same week that my lap top computer decided to go on vacation. Actually it showed up for work in that I knew it was on, the buttons turned blue and it hummed when I opened it up. But, the screen was black and I could not figure out how to get a "picture" on the screen. I asked every savvy computer person that I knew and tried every thing they suggested with no luck. When I finally took it to a computer geek, (after 3 days), he opened it up and it had come back from Tahiti or where ever it had been! Who knows why things like this happen. At any rate, if this happens to you, do what I did:

#1 Guess where I went last week:

I encourage every woman to self exam and to get a mammogram every year just to be safe.

Mine took less than 15 minutes!

Other things of note:

The gowns are real cotton material (not paper make-believe ones)

You can catch up on your magazine reading while you wait!

There are lots of ~~signs~~ things to read.

The technicians are so nice and gentle.

The room is warm.

It could save your life.

January 10 Club Project

2010-01-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

January Service Club project

Our little Service Club always has so much fun when we meet to work on our projects. This month when we got together we worked fast and furious and still had time to mingle and laugh and catch up on each other's lives.

We cut encouraging saying strips and

filled cute Valentine jars

We cut borders on fleece fabric

Then we tied the edges to make the blankets

We wrote encouraging letters. When we were finished in our two hour time frame

we had made 8 blankets,

filled 30 jars with 70 encouraging thoughts each, and had written 21 letters of hope for an organization that helps substance abuse women and their children. Last week when we delivered these items to the home we were made aware of the great need of so many there when we talked to the director of the center. What wonderful work is done there and lives changed forever for the better. I am grateful there are resources available and compassionate people who work so hard to make a difference to so many. In our daily ordinary life we live and take so much for granted. I am resolved to be grateful for all that I have and the life that I am living with it's challenges and opportunities.

Time to Start Thinking of Valentines

2010-01-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

I am heading down to the post office to mail two packages of things left from Christmas and am sending a little Valentine love too. What is your favorite Valentine item?

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-01-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY... January 11, 2010

Outside my window... cold, 25 degrees outside. The air looks pretty clear here by the mountains,but because of the inversion that is so common here, the air at a lower elevation is hazy.

I am thinking... how nice it is inside my warm house (73 degrees).

I am thankful for... time spent at Christmas with all my family.

I am wearing... jeans, a long sleeved blue henley T-shirt and a blue jacket top that I bought for $5.00!

I am remembering...how fun it was to watch my little 9 month old grandson crawl across the floor and explore all the new (to him) things in my house.

I am going...with my daughter to look for her new sewing machine.

I am currently reading... well, I am going to check my library for the book club book for this month which is Everything's Fine. By my bedside is Cup of Comfort.

I am hoping... to each less food and lose a few more pounds this week. I ate too much over the holidays and it shows.
On my mind... needing to make several Dr. appointments and get my flu shot.

Noticing that...my house seems much bigger since all the Christmas is put away. I am loving the space.

Pondering these words... "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad, and made someone feel glad? If not I have failed indeed." These are words of a favorite song.
From the kitchen...trying to keep it clean and clear this week.

Around the house... some bills that need posting, some sewing done for my aunt that needs to be returned to her, my bathroom closet and drawers are straightened because I am looking for a missing ring.

One of my favorite things~ new pictures on my desk of my grandchildren that I got as presents for Christmas.

From my picture journal...

Silhouettes of my grandchildren.

Two Chocolate recipes from TV

2010-01-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

Foodie Friday

I can't remember where I saw this idea on TV but I decided to try this Chocolate cake using only canned pumpkin for the ingredients. So I used a regular cake mix and substituted the eggs, oil and water for just one small can of pumpkin. It comes out moist, and tastes very chocolaty and I couldn't taste any pumpkin in it. It does not rise like a regular cake mix cake does but was more like a brownie. The best part about this is that it ends up having only 194 calories and 3.6 grams of fat per serving. (I baked it in a 9 x 12" pan and cut it into 12 pieces). My family loved it! Even the one who generally doesn't eat dessert! Of course, I made a delicious frosting from Ina Gartner's book so that kind of deletes the savings from the cake, but well, it was delicious. I made it with my granddaughter so we added M&M's on top.

Speaking of Brownies here is a recipe that was featured yesterday on a local TV channel-a gourmet version.
(This sounds like I just sit home and watch TV! Honestly I don't. I did have it on all day when I took down my Christmas decorations and that is when I caught the pumpkin chocolate recipe. I think it was from Rachel Ray) It uses a spice that you can order on the internet-Ras El Hanout. It has a combination of cinnamon, pepper, cumin and a couple of other spices. I have never used it. Have any of you? It sounds delicious to me.
Moroccan Spiced Brownies

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
½ cup + 2 tbsp Butter
2 eggs
6 tbsp E. Guittard Cocoa Rouge Rare Red Dutch process unsweetened cocoa powder, or
other unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp Ras El Hanout Moroccan spice blend
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup all-purpose flour

Method:

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and blend well.
Mix in vanilla, cocoa, flour, and Ras El Hanout until smooth.
Divide batter evenly into eight 8 oz. ramekins OR an 8x8" greased cake pan.
Place ramekins on a cookie sheet and bake at 325 for 20-25 minutes; or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
To serve, dust with powdered sugar and serve with sweetened whipped cream.

Thanks to Michael at Designs by Gollum for hosting Foodie Friday. Check for more good recipes by clicking here.

Lessons from the Penguins

2010-01-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took my granddaughter to the local aquarium to see the new Penguins that I had briefly noticed advertised in the paper. We had a great time looking at the stingrays, yellow-banded frogs, the creepy spiders, lots of different kinds of trout, starfish, seahorses and lots of other sea life, BUT, there were no Penquins! It seems they will not come until March! Oh great! I made the mistake of forgetting my camera too. It would have been such a great photo op too, so the picture above will have to suffice. Lessons learned from this experience: Read more carefully and pack your camera always.

Where are your favorite places to take little ones to entertain and teach them something new?

Homemade Gifts of Love

2010-01-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

Dena @Sweet Pickles and Chocolate had a great post idea Monday when she blogged about all the cute homemade gifts she had received at Christmas. I hope she doesn't mind if I follow her lead and show pictures of some of the cute home made items that I received or purchased for others.

I loved the packaging on this one almost as much as the present itself. The darling box says "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with it's cute red and black velvet polka dot bow and handmade gift tag.

Inside was this darling handmade scarf

Does it count if I buy the present for myself?

I saw this scarf at a Boutique and had to have it. It is made from different sweaters with appliqued hearts and flowers and a little pocket with a bell. I love it!

My sister spends hours hand embroidering cute pillows. I am the happy recipient of many of hers. This one with red work has red and white ticking on the sides and back. It is very precious.

The two pins are made of fabric and have burned edges, the necklace is made of fabric also. The colorful pin is made from fringe and honestly goes with every color I have put it on. They are great.

This watch is a nice addition to my jewelry collection and is also handmade.

I think these headbands are adorable on so many. However, I tried one on and it quickly made me look very dorky and silly. I decided they were best left to others. I bought them for my granddaughters.

These silhouettes of my grandchildren were made by my daughter from photographs she took then applied to a canvas board. I think it is very clever.

This spoon was not actually handmade since it is an antique but it got a new use by adding magnets to the back and is really sweet on a magnetic board. I love old silver.

I got a lot of great ideas for next year's gifts from these. I hope you have too.

What were your favorite homemade gifts?

Happy New Year and a Calendar Makeover

2010-01-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

I have been too busy with this cute little one to blog lately.

I have enjoyed watching him do this and this and this

but, alas, He got into his suitcase and flew home.

So, on to the new year now.

I have my new calendar and am ready for the new year. My favorite calendar is a month on two-pages variety. It opens flat on my desk and the best part about it is that it comes from the Dollar Store! (Horray for Dollar stores!)

When I bought it, it was pretty generic and honestly, it was ugly! So, I took off the black plastic cover

then adhered some pretty scrapbook paper to the front and back and voila! Now it is a nice looking calendar to work with every day. ( I need to stamp the year on the front I guess.)

The first thing I did was to put in everyone's birthdays. I have a little cupcake stamp to mark these special days. Then I colored the "frosting" for each person in that person's favorite color. Now I am ready...Let the new year begin!

What is your favorite kind of calendar and why?

Tablescape Thursday--Colorful and Thrifty tables for the Masses

2009-12-17T07:34:00.000-08:00

Colorful and thrifty tables for a large group

The post today for Thursday's Tablescape is all about ingenuity, thrift, quantity and color.

We had a breakfast at church last Saturday and when I walked into the cultural hall I was met by 20 round tables dressed in bright vibrant colors.

The woman responsible for the decorating had used runners she had previously made for a family event which were chartreuse green, pink, yellow and hot pink. Some were striped and some were plain fabrics.

She layered these on top of similar colored plastic round tablecloths that are usually not that attractive. The centerpieces were trees cut from foam core then all were painted bright pink.

The big plastic light bulbs were purchased at the dollar store then painted to match the theme colors, bright pink, green and chartreuse, three per table. They are hung on a jewelry rack that was also purchased at the dollar store. She put the base of the holder into a piece of wood which was wrapped in paper of the theme colors.

She scattered and hung little gold stars.

The walls were also treated to some of the wrapping paper and stripe fabric in big rectangles. All in all, it was a fresh and happy look for our Christmas breakfast event. To read and see more tablescapes click here.

Holiday Boutiques

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It's that time of year when signs appear around town or in the newspaper advertising Holiday Boutiques. I love to go to these because it is kind of like going to a garage sale in that you never know what you'll find. Unlike a garage sale where most of the items are used, boutiques are all new, mostly hand made, one of a kind items. I love them! Here are a few items I found being sold this year at the boutiques I've attended.

Fun chalkboards

I was so excited when I laid my eyes on this table with tons of bolts of ribbons--and at incredible prices! You never know what a person's passion is.

Cute decorative stars to hang in a room and cheer your spirit.

Fun magnetic boards to post notes to your family, keep important date reminders etc.

Unique jewelry can be found at many boutiques. Also in this somewhat blurry picture are cute messenger bags and childrens' bibs out of oilcloth.

These are little 2 oz. hand sanitizers. The owner has her children participate in filling the bottles so they feel a part of this project. The profits go to help children in Africa.

The designer of this fabric was participating in the boutique and so the fabric was less than 1/2 the cost that it sells for in the stores. I know, I bought it last Christmas and made quilts from it.

Maybe you need a big clothespin clip for your desk.

Another advantage of boutiques is that they are generally in a home and so if you get exhausted, you can have a little break and sit on the furniture. Unless, of course they have taken out all the furniture to make room for the merchandise, which is exactly the case at one boutique I attended last week! Boutiques support the local economy and they are just plain fun! I hope you have a chance to attend at least one this season--or two or three. (Let me know where they are so I can come too!)