This Little Kitchen

Yarn Along: Sick Cowl

2012-02-01T10:21:00.000-05:00

Needed a day of normalcy today so what better to start my Wednesday but with a yarn along. I call this my sick cowl because I started it last week when I had a really bad cold and wanted something warm for my neck for when I got better.

I saw this Birthday Cowl at my local yarn store and just loved how the stitches slant. I had treated myself to a Manos de Urugualy yarn back December to make something for myself. Loving it so far.

These are what I call my dangerous magazines Stitch and Mollie Makes. There is too much good inspiration I won't be able to do for a while. (I have a lot of knitting and crochetting lined up. And I mean lots!) Last week at the library I m\picked up Martha's book here to drive myself more crazy with ideas :)
Happy Wednesday!

All that matters

2012-01-29T23:51:00.000-05:00

Being away from this space lately has been very hard. There has been so much I wanted share in recent posts that never transpired:

-The soups I have been making even while nursing a cold. So happy that it was just a cold and not some other bug I got a few weeks ago.
-More soups from my favorite magazine right now. Which got me thinking of doing a series of posts on soups/ stews.
-Finished a yarn project and started another.
-Trying new things out in our homeschooling.
-Lots of creative juices flowing with projects and ideas for 2012.
-Meant to post on my other blog which has been neglected for too long with ideas.
-Loving all our children's books from the library.
-Updated my reading list on the right to share what I have read so far.
-Wanted to at least keep up with posts through the Yarn Alongs and Friday Moments.

But as you can see none of it has been posted and for now I couldn't even promise that I will be back to post consistently. Without getting into any details truthfully right now I'm 36 years old and I'm doing a lot soul searching and struggling with decisions. I'm finding that I need to be here for my children as I take each day and sometimes each hour slowly as I reflect and struggle.

Friday Moments: In the kitchen yesterday

2012-01-13T10:09:00.000-05:00

Here is what was going on yesterday in the kitchen some were successful and some not.
:: Tried a new fennel & potato soup. Tasted yummy but after processing it was green and thick like
baby food but still good. Really.
:: Made tons of bread and rolls and one wheat that is sort of ok.
:: Finally some granola we have been missing that.
:: A late Christmas gift in the mail.
:: Composte overload. in the kitchen it was too rainy to go outside.
:: Later on went back to the soup recipe and thought I should have followed the directions instead of
adding my own twist.
:: Finally some knitting time at the end of the night with Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice.
:: Hoping for better luck this weekend on my next soup.

Yarn Along Wednesday

2012-01-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

A week already gone by since my last post? Well I guess time for another yarn along post. There hasn't been much yarn activity mostly just reading. I have really been enjoying The Sisters. I love books that go through 2 or 3 generations and decades of history.

Found this vintage book from 1937 yesterday at Goodwill. Stefania started reading it and so far it's been good.
Hope you are staying warm with a good read.

Yarn Along: More Books and The Hundred Year Throw

2012-01-04T10:51:00.000-05:00

More books for the yarn along this week :)) Last Wednesday after I posted we went to the library and one of my favorite things now is too look in the "free" box. You never know what treasures can be found. Welll I found all these.

A mish mash of books for me and the kids and for homeschooling. The blue book is my favorite to look at.

I know my pictures aren't great but the illustrations intrigued me. But that's not what I'm reading. I started this book in between everything going on. So far good.

Lastly "The Hundred Year Throw" is this crochetted grey soft throw that has made an appearance in previous yarn alongs. I'm having trouble finishing and now I'm going to unravel half of this. Why? Because it's boring. Ever have those type of projects that feel like they go on forever and you never want to finish (like this one)?

My solution for this is "The Afghan Making Rule". It's a rule I made up for myself when I need to make really big afghans or throws to break it up into pieces so I can try different stitches and designs then seam it at the end and I won't get bored doing the same thing. Done.

:: Warming Up for 2012

2012-01-03T10:43:00.000-05:00

It's been quiet in this space lately just kind of easing into the new year along with the same chores and routines and making a list of reading and craft New Year's resolutions.
We have been pretty lucky here till now but the weather looks like it's going to be freeeeezing. Lots on my mind to share little by little and trying to keep warm with....
:: Coffee, tea or hot chocolate :)
:: Yarn: crochetting and knitting late Christmas gifts.
:: Soups and I have a few in mind I'll share in another post. I'm thinking about a series of posts just on soups/stews. Yummy don't you think?
:: Snuggling up under a throw with a good book.
:: Making a list and checking it twice for handmade gifts for 2012. I'll share the crafting plan soon.

A pretty unexciting post but warm with ideas. Wishing you Happy New Year!

Friday Moment -Pre-dinner games

2011-12-30T11:52:00.000-05:00

Yarn Along Wednesday:Still Christmas Gifts

2011-12-28T11:29:00.000-05:00

The after Christmas week around here has been nice and quiet as I still work on late Christmas gifts that are turning into New Year's gifts. I swear after New Year's I'm making a Christmas oath to start working on Christmas 2012 handmade gifts while the ideas are still fresh in my head. Does anyone else want to join in on the Christmas oath?

So for this week's yarn along I don't have the pictures of the completed cowls (maybe tomorrow) but I have these 2 great Christmas gifts. One is an older knitting reference book and the latest issue of Crochet Today. Love all the projects in this issue I actually gave myself a headache from all the ideas

Hope your enjoying some good reads or yarn project?

Friday Moment-Ten year old takes over the kitchen

2011-12-23T06:05:00.000-05:00

Dollar Tree Pom Pom Garlands

2011-12-22T06:24:00.003-05:00

We have been loving making pom pom garlands to decorate the doorways. I had seen these last year on the blogs and forgot about them till a friend mentioned them and brought over some pom poms from the dollar tree. Fun activity we worked on for 2 days. Some garlands were bunched up poms which are fun and happy. I suggested using some of the craft beads to space out the poms and give it a different look. Either way it was fun for everyone age 3 and up.
What you will need:

Poms from the Dollar Tree

Needles

Dental floss (holds up better than thread)

Beads any kind you like

Pizzazz and holiday cheer!

Yarn Along: Elving with yarn

2011-12-21T18:23:00.000-05:00

Quickly dropping in for the yarn along.

The bodies of the 5 headless bears. This is the worst kept Chrismas secret present. I'm pretty sure I can get it done by Christmas.

Making cowls. I'm on my third and 1 more to go we'll see how they look.
Happy yarning!

:: Elving in the works

2011-12-20T14:06:00.001-05:00

There has been loads and loads of elving in the making that I have been enjoying.

:: Endless drawings.
:: Using artwork to write our advent making for the calendar.
:: Pom pom making (I'll share soon in another post.)
:: Using lots and lots more tape everywhere.
:: Buying more tape.
:: Stefaina turning the tape boxes into gift boxes for her jewelry.
:: And the baking not by me at all. Sunday turned into Gianfranco's day of baking with a couple of helpers. Yes he did everything cookies, muffins more cookies and cinnamon rolls. Even tried a new recipe. I just stood by for stove duty.

Hope you're enjoying some elving as well.
Happy Solstice!

Monday Links

2011-12-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

Ok a day late on the Monday links but there has been quite a bit of elving and decorating and loads of tape dispensed around here that I forgot to post this yesterday.

Been collecting stain glass cookie recipes to make another year.
A neat claydough recipe.
Love roasting brussel sprouts (that's what's in the picture).
I like the design of this crochet bag with granny squares it just needs some color changes don't you think?
Gift tags in pinch these week.
I shouldn't even look at this post for a tote it's too tempting.
Don't think I'll make my own nutella here is a recipe if anyone is feeling adventurous.
Simply awesome brown paper bag and book pages gift wrapping.
Felt flowers for pins, ponytail holders maybe.

Hopefully I'll be back later with an elving post :)

Friday Moment-Teaching Each Other Doilies

2011-12-16T06:55:00.003-05:00

Welcome Back Meatloaf

2011-12-15T11:55:00.000-05:00

A few years back I used to make meatloaf but in between being pregnancies it was one of those foods I couldn't stand so I gave it up but now I'm ready for to come back into my kitchen for dinners with a side of tasty vegetables.

Italian Style Meatloaf

2 lbs ground beef (93%/7 lean)

1 1/4 cup bread crumbs (seasoned if you like)

1 medium chopped onion
1/4 cup soy milk

1 cup of tomato sauce (reserve some for topping)

If there is no seasoning in the bread crumbs add the following to taste:

salt

pepper

garlic powder

fresh parsley

1. Preaheat oven to 400 degrees and grease 2 loaf pans.

2. In a bowl mix bread crumbs and seasoning and chopped onion.

3. Add in meat, soy milk and tomato sauce. Mix well then divide and press into 2 loaf pans.

4. Drizzle remaining tomato sauce and bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour till top is a bit brown and internal temperature reads 165 degrees.

Enjoy for dinner or freeze for later.

Notes:

1. The soymilk is to replace 1 egg. In the orginal recipe it calls for 1-2 eggs.

2. This meatloaf is moist but because it does not contain eggs it will crumble but worth the flavor.

3. Another time I might add in maybe another vegetable like carrots or spinach.

4. Does this freeze well yes. Once the meatloaf is competely cooled down line a cooke sheet with wax paper slice meat loaf into slices and lay on the cook sheet and freeze. Once they are frozen they can go into a bag. I did this so I would have a fast food for a quick meal in a pinch.

Yarn Along: The finished sweater :))))

2011-12-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

Joining in this week for Ginny's yarn along.

No headless bears to show this week. But I do have my first finished sweater. Love this pattern from New England Knits. Can't wait to wear it soon and now I can't wait to try something else from this book like a bag, a vest or a skirt. I think I'm getting ahead of myself better wait till after the holidays.

What am I reading? Not a book but my recipe binders and found this Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Publicastion : Soups magazine while grocery shopping and love it for some warm soups for this winter.

Join me in the kitchen

2011-12-13T22:40:00.000-05:00

Welcome to today's crazy kitchen cooking. Thought you might like a peak of what went from morning till bedtime.

:: Loads of dirty dishes
:: A clean sink and counter *sigh* even if only for a short time.
: Let the cooking begin! Roasting vegetables, boiling sweet potatoes for soup, made fish cakes and sauteed a little spinach.
:: Then went on to try a new recipe Italian Style Meatloaf . Definitely a hit a recipe keeper I'll share soon as soon as I rewrite it.
:: Lastly feeling like I should make cookies to feeze for before Christmas.
Phew!
Most days are not like this at all. Why all the cooking? I have been trying to be better about having some frozen foods to reheat (like bread, soups, fish cakes, meatloaf) so I'm trying to incorporate a new rhythm the day or two after grocery shopping try to double up on a meal and cook some things to freeze so they are easy to grab to make a quick meal. This helps me avoid buying premade foods and they only take a couple of minutes to reheat. One of my short cuts I wanted to sharre.

::A Very Short Monday List

2011-12-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

Spending the evening cozied up with a very big ball of yarn to crochet and more yarn nearby for Christmas gifts that I can't show you right now. But I did want to share a few links I love.

:: These absolutely cutest desserts.
:: So many things to browse in this catalog.
:: Found some helpful recipes here.
::My first thought after finding this Homemade Liquid Soap recipe great one less thing to buy at the wholesale club :)
:: She also has some neat ideas in DIY list.

Friday Moment-Let the Baking Begin

2011-12-09T06:05:00.002-05:00

Yarn Along: Headless Bears

2011-12-07T11:52:00.000-05:00

Joining in this week for Ginny's yarn along.

This project look familiar? Yes it's the same bear but instead of pink there is a grey version and soon brown that I'm starting today. I need to make 5 for Christmas so I decided on a system to make all the bodies first and then continue with the rest of the pieces.

On the coffee table right now Christmas books and Falalala Felt for elving inspiration :)
Can't wait to see what your making.

Late Monday Links

2011-12-06T10:45:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since there were any Monday links but I came across these links lately and wanted to share all the inspiration and hopes to make some day.

:: This fabric is beautiful.
:: The words in this post are my favorite.
:: These cards are cute that I was thinking if I send any out next year to do this .
:: Christmas boxes good idea for gift wrapping.
:: Yummy nutella cookies.
:: The colors and design of this crochetted afghan and this one.
:: My favorite video about boys & dance.
:: Thinking about these bandanas.
:: Love the cover of this magazine.
:: Found this neat magazine for kids.

Hoping your finding bits of inspiration today too :)

Apple Bread

2011-12-03T09:45:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I made this apple bread and some orange juice muffins but didn't post either one because the recipes need some improving. The muffins are on hold for now but I did remake this apple bread and it was sweet, yummy and ready to share.

APPLE BREAD

1 cup whole pastry flour

1 cup all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

In a cup mix 3 tablespoons oil, 3 tablespoons water and 2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup dairy free margarine

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 cups peeled and grated apples

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.

2. In a bowl mix all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl cream together baking powder mixture, sugar and margarine.

3. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients stir together. Then fold in apples.

4. Pour into loaf pan and bake for 1 hour till golden brown or insert a tooth pick and it comes out clean. Cool completely

Goes well with coffee, tea or freeze till read to eat.

Note:
1. The orginal recipe uses 2 egg which replaces the baking mixture.
2. Chopped pecan or walnuts would be yummy!

I wasn't sure if everyone would like it but it turns out they do.

Friday Moment-The Tree is Up

2011-12-02T06:05:00.001-05:00

Yarn Along:Memory Lane Crochetting

2011-11-30T09:47:00.000-05:00

Joining in Ginny's yarn along this week. Over the weekend when we deocrated the Christmas tree I had forgotton about these ornaments I had made last year. It was nice to see and some of the ones the kids made. I think my favorite is the little tree.

Lately I have almost started reading this book but haven't got past the first page knitting and catalog browsing have been calling my name.
Can't wait to see what you're reading and making?

Update: Plarn Handles

2011-11-28T10:09:00.000-05:00

About a week or two ago I decided to cut up more grocery bags to make more plarn totes for Christmas. Which is looking like they will be for next Christmas but but I kept cutting anyway soon ...

I was left with a ton of handles in my scrap pile which I thought these need to be cut instead of trashed.

1. I cut the handles to separate them from the rest of the scraps.

2. Take the one handle and snip at the bottoms it so it will be one long piece.

3. The piece will be too thick to work with when knitting and crochetting so I cut it lengthwise down the middle to make 2 strips.

Soon enough there was a pile of strips from handles ready for the next project.

Speaking of projects I need to have a face off with a few more today. Happy Monday!

2011-11-24T09:25:00.000-05:00

Let the preparing, making, baking and gathering begin. Grateful for many things and for you too friends for stopping by this little space.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving or Happy Thursday

Friday Moment-Outdooor Drawing

2011-11-18T09:44:00.002-05:00

Yarn Along: More on the needles & new book :)

2011-11-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

My favorite part about Wednesday are yarn and books for Ginny's yarn along. For my next knitting class on Saturday my homework is to make 4 squares so that my instructor can show us something new. One of them had to be a garter stitch and the others I guess could be anything so I tried out a couple of patterns from this knitting book.

And guess who I met last night....

Alice Hoffman! She was at our local book store for a book signing for "The Dovekeepers" It was so wonderful to hear her speak and this book so far is amazing.

Hope your enjoying a good read this Wednesday :)

Ugly New Stool

2011-11-14T10:43:00.000-05:00

It was a quiet weekend here that I ended up burying myself in knitting working on a sweater and making squares (I'll explain on Wednesday). Before the weekend began an ugly stool I found in the "free" box at a yard sale a while back got a new cover.

Stained, ugly and not my style.

Worried what I might find after cutting off the stained fabric. Fortunately nothing but a clean sponge.

A new cover.

Perfect for this corner.

Hope you had a warm weekend :)

Yarn Along:Plarn & More More Books

2011-11-08T23:53:00.001-05:00

I'm excited about joining Ginny's yarn along this week I've got the plarn bag done and books.

Yes feeling accomplished after this completing a project. I posted on how to make the plarn a while back something I learned from my local yarn store. I love the pattern (Girlfriend Market Bag) but knitting with plastic bags was not always fun especially when I have wool on another set of needles. The good thing is it's forgiving when it comes to making mistakes and yes it does stretch a lot I threw in bananas and an acorn squash for this picture.
I think I might try crochetting one next time. I was also hoping to make them for Christmas but I'm not so sure right now.

Still not reading much but collecting plenty and I discovered I'm not safe at Lowe's. Went in on Saturday for cotton twine for another rug. As I was supposed to be leaving this awesome cupcake book caught my eye. Here are some of my favorites:

This last one the is spaghetti & meatballs so cute! Everything is decorated with frosting candy chocolate. As you can see I couldn't resist and had to have it.

What else I can't resist?

A really good booksale.

Falling In and Out of Rythyms

2011-11-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

The best way I can put it about what has been going on here lately is that I have been evaluating our family rhythm and trying to figure out what has changed and what works. I tend to show the little snippets of our day in this space but it does not paint the whole picture of our day and truthfully a lot has changed and I'm getting a handle on new routines and trying to remember the old ones that worked.
I sometimes wonder when I try something new is it adding more to my plate? For example csa pick ups, freezing food I think adds more to my plate but will it be worth it later as long as I don't overwhelm myself now? Yes. Do I bring more into my home at times when I shouldn't? Oh yes. How much blog/magazine/recipes do I collect? A lot! Do I have a long long long running list of ideas that will keep me busy for a couple of decades. Oh yes. Do I get it all done the homeschooling, house stuff, errands and on and on. Yes but not all at once and truthfully not always very effiecient.
Lately with the seasons changing I have had more time to reflect and came to the conclusion I'm definitely a rhythmic person but lost my way at some point. Whether it's blogging, cleaning, activities anything I crave a good rhythm. I may not know what that is exactly right now but thank goodness for pen and paper to help me figure it out and blog to let me air it out today.

Just ten things :)

2011-11-02T11:43:00.000-04:00

Lately it's been quiet around here but there have been projects to tackle and some major weekly cleaning so instead of instead of filling the blog with dull posts it's been quiet here. In real life it's been anything but quiet so instead today I'd thought I'd share 10 things inspired by soulemama.

1. Hit a really awesome book sale at the local library.
2. Scrambled outside before the snow storm.
3. Made stocks 1 chicken and 1 vegetable.
4. Burnt the vegetable stock. Twice.
5. Went back to my Harvest Notebook to write out notes for next year's garden and freezing food.
6. Saturday night = Pizza Night :)
7. Found a spot for the herb garden.
8. Hoping I won't kill the herb garden this winter.
9. Halloween pumpkin carving & painting.
10. Tried a couple of new baking recipes orange juice muffins and apple bread. Hope to share those soon they need some revamping.

Wishing you a great Wednesday :)

Yarn Along- more projects lingering

2011-10-26T11:53:00.000-04:00

Joining in for Ginny's yarn along. Instead of showing you progress on my existing projects (which could get dull ) there have been a few things I have been trying on the needles lately.

Love this book. About a month ago I started the body of this little bear in the picture. Problem is I have had trouble with the directions but I think the body looks pretty much the same.

For my next next next knitting project for myself is this vest. (I have a long list of next projects.) For now my knitting instructor suggested I try to read part of this pattern and make a swatch. Good idea I love how this sample is coming out and I'm thinking hmmm maybe for my next next throw that I want to make.
I know too much on the needles and the brain. Does anyone else have that problem?

Dishcloths on Canvas

2011-10-25T11:07:00.002-04:00

Lately there has been a lot of fall transitional creative inspirations going around the blogs which I love. The creative juices have been flowing here too but not enough time to do it all just a little here and there. I have been in the mode of trying to get a few things up on the wall. One of my favorites are these embroidered cloths from Anthropologie which I was hoping to make into a pillow or chair covers but right now they are secured to a canvas and on the wall. Love that this was easy and can be changed out later.

Pick any fabric, a canvas any size, tape and staple gun.

Tape down the fabric to the canvas on the back then staple. Some of the staples may needed to be hammered so they won't scratch the wall.

After stapling the fabric down I created hanging for the back with wire and it stapled it down.

Then into the dining room it went till I get I change my mind.

Friday Moment-Halloween Costume Preparation

2011-10-21T11:19:00.000-04:00

Yarning Along A Little Late

2011-10-19T22:36:00.000-04:00

Just dropping in for the yarn along after being a way from this space lately. You could say I've ben bitten by the creativity bug and that's the only bug I like to catch. Hoping to share some of it soon but for now continuing along with the sweater and working on my tote.

Friday Moment-Tracing Away

2011-10-14T06:05:00.002-04:00

Making Plarn

2011-10-11T15:30:00.000-04:00

Stefania's tote

As promised finally a post on making plarn. I'm pretty sure a made up word I picked up at the yarn store. It's a great way to make those pesky plastic bags into a yarn that can be knitted or crochetted into a tote.

1. Collect your grocery or plastic bags and a pair of scissors.

2. Evenly cut off the handles to create a straight edge so that you are left with a sack.

3. Anywhere along the top of the bag make a snip with your scissor.

4. Now think as if you are peeling an apple.You want to cut a 3/4 inch strip going around and around the bag.

You will start to see a ribbon of plas ic form.

5. As you get closer to the bottom of the bag continue cutting into the folds going around and around until you get to the seam and can't cut any more. If at any time you are cutting you come across a hole or the plastic ribbon snaps it's ok just start another strand of plarn.

6. Soon there will be a pile of plarn ready for knitting or crochetting.

I'm slowly working on my tote.

Stefania was inspired by my project that she grabbed all the yellow bags and crochetted her own tote.

Have fun!

An Apple of a Weekend

2011-10-10T11:46:00.000-04:00

We've been enjoying the last hot days of October. That is really wierd for me to write because it's October in New England and in the 80's. Let's just say it's making my system a little crazy. I have been craving apple, granola, soups, chili's and even a pot pie but it's 80 degrees! But that could change soon around here.
With the weather confusion I spent the weekend moving around in the kitchen with some help freezing apple pie fillings, making granola and apple sauce from the apple cores.

Appe Core Sauce

I have heard the cores can be cooked and made into applesauce so this weekend I decided to give this a try. I have been saving all the cores in the freezer. Once I had a bit batch of cores I put them in a pot with about a cup of water and let it simmer till they were all soft mushy. Then I set up the food mill and turned it till I had a nice bowl of apple sauce. Scooped them into jars after they were completely cooled into the freezer they went. A big pot of cores made about 6 small jars with extra leftover. Yummy for later.

Friday Moment-Outdoor Planning

2011-10-06T23:47:00.000-04:00

Yarn Along -Tons on the needles

2011-10-05T12:37:00.000-04:00

Joining in today for Ginny's yarn along. I have a few things going on but I did complete a crochetted rug for the bathroom.

My original thought was it would go into the playroom but halfway through I changed my mind.

I started making a circle kind of like a doily or round crochet motif and then went around making a border 3-5 rows of a sisel cotton twine from the hardware store and then a row or 2 of cotton yarn. I'm not very good at writing patterns I just make it up as I go along. I really liked crochetting with the cotton twine and I see more rugs in my future.

Making progress on my sweater. So excited I'm staring to see a pattern like the one on the cover.

I shouldn't be doing this but I added one more project to the knitting needles. I couldn't resist continuing this one making a tote out of plastic bags. (I'll have more on this soon.)ut

With everything on the needles and hooks I haven't been reading at all but I did get a few more books came my way last week.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

One Day

Bridge to Terabithia

100 Best Books for Children (I came across this at the thrift store and thought it would be handy.

Love to hear what you're makeing :)

Right Now: Here and There

2011-10-04T13:26:00.000-04:00

It's been quiet here for a few days you could say I'm trying to catch up, diving into more knitting and crochetting projects, finding our own fall rhythm for homeschooling, birthday planning for someone turning 9 tomorrow and a few other things....

I have been spending time at my favorite yarn store JP Knit & Stitch taking a couple of knitting classes. This weekend for the yarn crawl I attended a workshop to make a tote out of those pesky plastic bags, then went home and inspired Stefania to make a yellow tote. (I'll have more on this project later this week)

We have lots apple waiting to made into apple pies, sauce or caves for dolls.

Still collecting the last green tomatoes.

Easing into a new rhythm for the Fall in the art studio working on projects (no not always together) and the dining room has turned into a study room (hopefully more on this at 5 Good Reasons later this month).

This post has been bits of the random things going on here. Can't wait tomorrow for the yarn along I actually have another project finished. :)

Friday Moment - Outdoor Painting

2011-09-30T06:05:00.000-04:00

Yarn Along Wednesday-new on the needles

2011-09-28T09:47:00.000-04:00

Joining in this week for Ginny's yarn along. I have had a short attention span for reading lately on both the blog and books but I have been browsing and carrying around the house these two book I got for my birthday.

Finally I have something new on the knitting needles. I have been dying to make something from this book but was quite frustrated with my lack of knitting skills. My solution sign up for a knitting class on Saturdays. I time and place just for me with other moms.

Don't know what I'll do after the knitting class is done but right now I'm hoping this sweater doesn't turn out wonky :)

Sweet Wheat Bread

2011-09-26T18:51:00.002-04:00

I came across this recipe for wheat bread and have been wanting to give it a try for a couple of weeks and finally got to it this weekend. I thought it was going to be a loaf of wheat bread to make sandwiches but it turns out it's too sweet and would be better for breakfast.

Sweet Wheat Bread

2 cups soy milk mixed with 2 tablespoons apple cidar vinegar (or 2 cups of buttermilk)

2 tablespoons dairy free margarine (or butter) melted

3 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In bowl mix dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and pour in the liquids. Stir till smooth. Spread the battter evenly into the loaf pan bake for 1 hour till golden brown.

Enjoy for breakfast :)

The Baking is On

2011-09-25T23:51:00.000-04:00

With all the vegetables frozen, apples are in full swing around here so let the baking begin.

This a first for me fruit in the crockpot. We love to freeze apple sauce and fruit sauce for later on in the winter to go with our pancakes. I tried this recipe first and then made my own variation to make it a fruit sauce.

Fruit Sauce

10 apples peeled and sliced

a handful of strawberries and blueberries

1 peach peeled and sliced

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons dairy free margarine (or butter)

3/4 cup water.

Put everything in the crockpot and cook on high for 2 1/2 hours. Using a spoon mash the fruits and stir after 2 hours.

There was tons of bread.

The first pies of the season.

Our favorite lemon bread that always crumbles.

This year I'm trying something new out. As much as I like to bake and cook I usually get turned off from a recipe when it calls for a pre-made pie crust (which I never have on hand ). Since I was on a roll for making pie crusts I made a few extra pie crusts to freeze. After rolling them out I spread them into the pie plates and froze them. Once they were frozen they slid right out of the pan and each one went into a bag. (My intial thought was stack them with wax paper in between but they all wouldn't fit in the bag.) Now a stack of pie crusts are already in the freezer for a new recipe or pies.

Friday Moment

2011-09-23T06:05:00.001-04:00

Remembering the days of hopscotching :)

A busy birthday

2011-09-22T21:31:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a bit busy running extra errands and while I was gone there was cake being made and decorated, presents made and wrapped. then finally after a long day a quiet dinner to celebrate turning 36!

Yarn Along-Completed Throw

2011-09-20T23:41:00.000-04:00

Yes finally for this yarn along I finished a book and a crochet project.

I had been working on this throw all summer. I used a cotton yarn in 3 different colors. I began by knitting a white square for the middle and then crochetted a border and then just continued crochetting around the square alternating colors. It' looks and feels much better on the sofa than it does in this picture.
Also finished another book Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. This is definitely a good read and a book I'm definitely going to keep because it's now one of my favorites. I'm not reading anything right now but I just found out Alice Hoffman has a new book out. Something to look forward to this fall :)

Freezing Food: Cauliflower & Carrots

2011-09-20T07:24:00.001-04:00

Well this is the last of the Freezing Food Series. With summer coming to an end the freezing of vegetables is also coming to an end. The freezer is pretty full of vegetables with a little room for apple sauce and apple filling and I think that will hopefully keep us stocked for the rest of fall and most of winter.

For this post I combined both cauliflower and carrots. I figured it was easier to blanch these two vegetables using the same pot of water.

The cauliflower:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. While you wait for the water wash and dice the cauliflower.

2. Prepare a cold water bath (bowl of water and ice cubes), a cookie sheet and something to scoop the cauliflower.

3. When the water comes to a boil drop the cauliflower in the hot water for 2 minutes. Then scoop out and put in cold water bath.

3. After a few minutes scoop out cooled cauliflower, lay on a cookie sheet and freeze.
Once they frozen put cauliflower pieces in bag.

The carrots:
1. Peel and chop carrots ahead of time.
2. Then drop carrots in a pot of boiling hot water for 1 minute.

3. Scoop carrots out and drop in cold water bath.

4. After carrots are cooled down lay on a cookie sheet and freeze. After all the vegetables are frozen bag them and freeze till ready to use.

Shredded Carrots: One thing I found handy in the freezer are bags of premeasured shredded carrots for carrot cake.

1. Wash, peel and chop carrots.

2. Measure 1 cup of carrots and put into the food processor. Pulse till carrots are shredded.

3. Scoop 1 cups of shredded carrots and drop in a labelled sandwich bag. Later on this winter use for your baked goods.

In the orchard

2011-09-19T22:53:00.001-04:00

Finished off a turbulant week at the apple orchards eating and picking. Then home for some apple crisp :) Hoping for a more positive and productive week.

Friday Moment-In the Trees

2011-09-16T00:13:00.000-04:00

Freezing Food Series: Swiss Chard

2011-09-15T23:56:00.000-04:00

There is something about the swisschard at the Farmer's Market lately that has been tempting. For the past 2 weeks I have picked up a couple of bunches at a time brought it home and got it ready for freezing. I'm already thinking how nice it will be later on in the fall/winter to grab a handful for sauteeing with a little garlic and oil, minestrone or soup.
I came up with this method and chose to not fully cook the swiss chard because I'm not quite sure what I'll use it for later and I like having a bag of leafy greens handy. (I apologize I lost the rest of the pictures for the step by step method.)

What's needed for this method

Boiling pot of hot water
cold water bath (bowl of cold water and ice cubes)
small stainer
colander in a bowl
cookie sheet
freezer bags

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. While wating for the water boil wash the swiss chard and cut with scissors into small leaves then set aside in a bowl. Then prepare the cold water bath.

2. When the pot is hot and boiling drop in the swiss chard for 2 minutes. Then scoop out with a small strainer and immediately drop into the cold water bath for a few minutes to stop the cooking process.

3. Next have a colander inside a bowl ready for this step. Scoop the swiss chard out of the cold water bath and drop into the colander. Let it sit in the colander for a little while till the water is drained.

4. After the water is mostly drained spread out the swiss chard on a cookie sheet and freeze.

5. When the swiss chard is frozen remove from cookie sheet and put into freezer bags.

You now have bag of leafy greens to enjoy later on.

Too Much at Once

2011-09-13T12:34:00.000-04:00

You ever have those days where you have one hand in too many buckets at once? That's what has been like for a few days.

apple picking
pick up more vegetables to freeze
try new recipes: whole wheat bread, salsa...
make some of our favorite recipes
clean kitchen and dining room for homeschooling
blog at 5 Good Reasons (so I much I want to share)
start ballet classes this week (and me too!)
basil is out of control must make pesto
Christmas shop and Christmas crafts ( I know call me crazy.)
respond to comments left on blog
clean fridge and freezers
clean my library/office
go to beach (really?)
and on and on and on...

A very big to do list that keeps growing but at the same time some big items on the list are slowly getting checked off along with everyday life. I wanted to thank you for coming by and leaving comments but have been unable to respond because of timing and slow blogger and internet (grrrrr). Forgive me friends old and new. I'm trying to wrap up my Freezer Food Series hopefully will have a few more posts later today and a completed crochet project tomorrow :) As long as I don't get into another slow fight with blogger.

Friday Moment-Labor Day Nature Walk

2011-09-09T06:32:00.002-04:00

Freezing Food Series: Green Beans

2011-09-08T22:32:00.000-04:00

Keeping up with the Freezering Food Series next are green beans following this method.

What's need for this method
Boiling pot of hot water

Cold water and ice cubes for the cold water bath
1 bowl for the cold water bath
knife and cutting board
small stainer or tongs depending on the size of your beans
clean dish towel
cookie sheet
freezer bags

1. Wash beans then cut off stems. Next you can either leave them as they are or chop them into smaller pieces. I chose to chop because they will be used this winter for pot pies and minestrone.

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. In the meantime prepare your station a strainer or tongs, the cold water bath (bowl with cold water and ice cubes), lay out a clean dish cloth to dry the beans.

3. When the water reaches a boil drop beans into hot water for 1 minute and 30 seconds no longer. Scoop beans out of pot and drop into cold water bath. Do not let the beans stay in the hot water too long because I learned from past mistakes that when they freeze, then when ready to use they will be dark and mushy.

4. Cool for a few minutes in the coldwater bath.

5. Take out of bath and lay on a clean dish cloth. Gently pat dry to remove excess water.

6. Transfer to a cookie sheet and freeze.

7. After they are frozen transfer to a freezer bag and then put back in the freezer till ready to use. I think I approximately had 1 pound of beans which filled a quart size freezer bag.

Hoping this method works well this winter and I learned from past mistakes because I'm really looking foraward to grabbing a handful of beans when needed.

Freezing Food Series: Leeks and Scallions

2011-09-07T23:11:00.001-04:00

I think the leeks and scallions were my favorite vegetable to freeze. Can you blame me they were the easiest of all no boiling needed. I never considered freezing scallions till recently after a conversation with a friend about freezing scallions and onions. I thought great idea so last Saturday I bought 4 big bunches of scallions from the Farmer's Market.

Then recruited choppers.

Spread all the chopped scallions on a cookie sheet and freeze,

Pull out of the freezer and bag. I'm excited about this whenever we buy scallions and there are too many some go to waste. I think I can prevent future waste by freezing and always having scallions on hand.

This got me thinking about freezing leeks. I usually crave potatoe and leek soup in the winter but not everyone is a fan around here. Solution buy 3 big leeks cut off the white part and slice lay on a cookie sheet and freeze. Take out of freezer and bag and enjoy for soups later.

2011-09-07T00:05:00.001-04:00

These week for Ginny's yarn along more books from Border's before it closes. (The crochetting is happening in between everything else. )

With all 5 kids in tow in between errands I got a chance to cruise the store and found these.

The Book of Bright Ideas

Unchartered Territori

Last Child in the Woods

Two Kisses for Maddy

Somewhere Inside

Mao's Last Dance

The Story of Beautiful Girl

I know quite the variety isn't it? Right now I am almost done reading The Last Girls I decided to pick it up and not put it down.

Hope you are enjoying a good read.

Freezing Food: Tomatoes & Tomato Juice

2011-09-06T23:13:00.001-04:00

The first in the Freezing Food Series are tomatoes. Lately there has been an abundance of tomatoes from the csa and I was a little daring by buying a 20 pound box. With all these tomatoes Friday night & Saturday I took the plunge using this method to freeze them. My main motivition to get going was when I saw my 3 year old throwing a tomato like ball. Luckily no tomato csaualities.

What's needed for this method:

Boiling pot of hot water

Cold water and ice cubes for the cold water bath

1-2 bowls for the cold water bath

sharp knife and cutting board

food mill

small stainer or tongs (whichever you prefer to transfer tomatoes to and from the hot water)

measuring cup or bowl with pouring lip to pour juice into ice cube trays

ice cube trays

freezer bags

1. Wash tomatoes and lay stem side down. With a sharp knife slice an "X" on the bottom of the tomato just enough to break the skin. Also cut out any marks or undesirable parts of the tomato. Bring a pot of water to a boil then lower heat medium to low to keep the water hot during the whole process.

2. With tongs or a small strainer drop tomato in hot water for 15 seconds no longer. Remove from hot water and put in cold water bath (bowl of cold water and ice). I usually keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator and extra ice on hand.

3. After a few minutes scoop out the cold tomatoes put them on a cutting board stem side down and peel. Yes it comes off that easily!
4. I apologize for the next step there no pictures. Keep the the tomato stem side down and cut the tomato with knife "parallel to the stem". Now you have two halves gently squeeze the tomatoes so the juice and seeds run into the food mill.

If you don't have one of these you can put a strainer over a bowl and with a utensil squeeze the tomato seeds so the juice goes through the strainer into the bowl.

5. Lay all the tomatoes on a cookie sheet and freeze till solid.

6. After they are frozen remove from cookie sheet and put in freeze bags. Then back into the freezer they go until ready to cook for chunky tomato sauce, pizza, chili, soup etc.

7. The strained tomato juice gets poured into ice cube trays and frozen.

8. After they are frozen put in freezer bags.

With all these tomatoes and juice in the freezer can't wait for those soups and chili's.

Freezing Food Notes

2011-09-05T13:14:00.001-04:00

There has been a lot of freezer and composte action this weekend. Our family has evolved and grown these past few years that our food consumption has changed and grown as well. Starting out married dinner for 2 people easy. Then a baby came baby food and food allergies hmmm. Then baby turns into toddler and more babies follow with more food allergies and other nutrition education. Babies turn into toddlers into older children into tweens (is that really a word I can't even use it I still like preteen) well now we are a family of 7 people. Big and small we love to eat food and try recipes and prepare our food.

I've mentioned before I'm the anti-canner. If I can avoid canning I will but I love my freezers the kitchen one and the bigger one in the basement. While the family was growing when then older ones were babies I got into the habit of freezing baby food. Then I started freezing fruits we picked. Last summer I began freezing very few vegetables just a couple of bags that didn't last long. This summer I went all out and went into a freezer frenzy collecting some of our favorite vegetables for recipes, preparing the stations on the counter, trying to figure out an efficient process with some help around here. My advice recruit whoever you can for chopping even for just a little while.

I think my main motivation to freeze much more this year is because our family has evolved from having a busy crazy schedule, to decreasing our activity schedule, then making slow decisions to homeschool and now slowing it down a bit more. Whatever our path may have been or is now meals need to be made and it would be nice to have certain food items already handy in the freezer. It takes the prep work out for later and makes it easier sometimes when trying a new recipe. It's also nice when we can be more in touch with our food from the csa, farmer's market and picking. We talk about the process and months later remember hopefully we will carry on year after year.

During this whole process I made lots of notes in a notebook just for harvesting about planteing, how and what grew, what didn't work and what I wanted more or less of this summer. Now there are notes in there about this freezing process for fruits and vegetables and yes I also took lots of pictures this weekend at every step when I remembered. There was a comment floating around here that I took more pictures of food than the kids. Yes true but temporary.

So from Friday till Sunday we froze:

tomatoes

leeks

scallions

beans

corn

swiss chard

peaches

The last summer weekend was spent in the kitchen washing, dicing, boiling, freezing, running out to the composte. In the end it was worth knowing there will be summer vegetables in the freezer this fall/winter. The notebook and pictures is to document for future reference and make any needed adjustments and for the blog. I know all the recipes and processes can be googled but this weeks posts will be a Freezing Food Series of what went on in my kitchen. So bear with me this week with the vegetables, instructions, pictures and repetition.
Hope you will come on by leave a comment and if you have any suggestions or stories I'd love to read them.

Friday Moment-Indoor Outdoor Chess

2011-09-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

Capponata vegetables

2011-08-31T23:33:00.001-04:00

More on those vegetables. As the summer days start to dwindle we are trying to enjoy as much of of the fresh vegetables as possible Capponata is one of my favorite easy summer meals that my family cooks. A tip passed along from one family memeber is to cook all the vegetables separately. So here is how I tried making this capponata
1. First got all vegetables washed and chopped onions, eggplant, sweet and/or hot peeppers, 1 tomato 1 garlic clove and zucchini.
2. Next heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil then add the onions. Cook till clear and tender about 2-3 minutes, then scoop out the onions and put in a dish.
3. Keep the flame about medium just enough to keep the pan and oil warm througout this recipe.
4. Add the the eggplant and cook till tender about 5 minutes tossing at least onces so it does not burn. When done scoop out and add to onions.
5. If needed add little more oil and heat it up then add peppers. If you like it spicy add some hot cherry peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes tell tender then scoop them out and add to the eggplant and onions.
6. Lastly is the zucchini. I used the inside of the zucchini from the stuffed vegetables. Cook the zucchini first by itself for about 2 minutes then add the tomato and if you like a little salt, pepper and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes till zucchini is clear do not over cook tomatoes. Scoop out and add to the rest of the vegetabeles.
7. Toss all the vegetables together and add a few leaves of fresh basil.
This goes well as a side, over pasta or just by itself with fresh bread.

2011-08-31T00:05:00.002-04:00

Joining in this week for Ginny's yarn along. Latley I haven't been keeping up with my own reading I've been doing more collecting. Since Border's is going out of business I found a few good books on sale. The Secret Life of Bees in Spanish and Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls. I'm excited about Jeannette Walls new book she is the author of The Glass Castle which is a really good memoir.
Nothing new for crochetting or knitting just chugging away at my current projects :)

Stuffing Vegetables

2011-08-30T23:40:00.002-04:00

This vegetable post is a follow up from Friday's Moment. We are starting to see more tomatoes, zucchini, squash, peppers and eggplant in our csa these past few weeks. There isn't enough to make a big meal out of one vegetable but if there is one or two or each vegetable put them all together with some meat or vegetarian stuffing we have stuffed vegetables.
I have done this a few times and have always wanted to share but wasn't so sure how because I don't have a written recipe and there are so many variations and possibilites. So I decided to just break it down by vegetable and then explain the filling.

1. Tomatoes (mine and Stefania's favorite):

I cut off the tops and freeze them for soups or another recipe. Next scoop out the middle without puncturing the sides. Set aside the inside juice for something else or freeze. You are now left with just the shell set aside till they are ready to be stuffed.

2. Zucchini:

Wash and slice lengthwise.

Next cut out or scoop with a spoon as much of the inside withouth pucturing the zucchini shell. Set aside the inside of the zucchini for the stuffing or another recipe.
As for the shell you can do one of two things Option 1: Steam the zucchini shell for about 3 minutes till tender. Cool down then stuff when ready. This will cut down the cooking time when they are stuffed and in the oven. Option 2: Set the shell aside in a pan till ready to be stuffed. If you choose to stuff them when the zucchini is raw it will take longer in the oven to cook almost 1 hour.

3. Bell Peppers:

Wash, cut off stems and take out seeds and white inside pepper. The bell peppers must be steamed for about 3 minutes, cooled down and then suffed. Steaming them a little will help with the cooking time in the oven otherwise they will cook too slowly.

4. Stuffing the vegetables:

Now that you have your vegetables lready you can begin stuffing them with your favorite meat or vegetarian mixture. My meat is cooked turkey meatballs. I would recommend preparaing and cooking your filling ahead of time. If the filling is not cooked it will take much longer in the oven.

This is where the helpers come in for the stuffing and pouring sauce in the bottom of the baking dishes and over the vegetables. If allowed sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese. Then cover and cook for about 20-30 minutes. Remove the cover the last 5 miinutes.
Enjoy your summer stuffed vegetables!
There will be a post in the next day or two of how I used the insides of the vegetables.

Stormy Sunday

2011-08-28T22:51:00.000-04:00

We spent the day in the art studio and sewing studio while Irene stormed into New England today. Now I'm bracing myself for the 11:00 news to see what happened everywhere else.

Friday Moment-Making Dinner

2011-08-26T09:25:00.000-04:00

Wednesday Yarn Along

2011-08-23T23:47:00.000-04:00

Joining this week on the Small Things yarn along. I have been picking up and putting down the same book for over a week now but haven't started reading it. Yesterday got this batch of books to add to my library.

I have also been browsing this magazine for some knitting inspiration.

In between I have been catching up on some crochetting and making progress.

Hoping I'll be done with this throw soon and have a better picture.

Monday Links

2011-08-22T23:52:00.001-04:00

After a weekend of freezing vegetables I dared something new for me I pickled peppers today. It's my first canning experience so I'm hoping for the best once they are ready. Next canning day I'm hoping will be the pickling cucumbers. But that's it for canning this season not ready to venture more into canning.

For now I'll stick with the things that I'm comfortable with and trying new things I find in books and the blogs for inspiration.

:: I'm undecided about buying a bamboo utensil set , bambu sporks or this wooden utensil set.
:: These peg people are too cute and these too.
:: I decided to start keeping those magnets that come in the mail so I can make these magnets.
:: This garland idea is cute great for using felt or fabric scraps.
:: Must remember these gift tags for the holidays.
:: Been thinking about a paper cutter would come in handy to cut squares for this mosiac.
:: Love this article about not giving up to go with my favorite book.
:: Been enjoying making seasoned popcorn.
:: Never thought of making applesauce in a crockpot.
:: Freezing meatloaf may be a good dinner some night.

Well that's today's list inspirations.

A Freezing Weekend

2011-08-21T22:37:00.001-04:00

Spent the weekend in the kitchen freezing vegetables.

Plenty of tomatoes for salsa, chilis and soups.

I'm trying out this year chopping and freezing peppers for salsas chilis and stir fry dinners.

I meant to freeze these beets but changed my mind and decided to use them this week for salads.
It's definitely that time of year where I finish freezing one vegetable and then there is more waiting. I just keep reminding myself this will be worth it in the winter when I open my freezer :)

Friday Moment-Tending to the garden

2011-08-19T11:11:00.000-04:00

Zucchini Salsa

2011-08-18T20:05:00.005-04:00

I came across this recipe in my csa newsletter I wouldn't consider it a salsa but a really yummy side.

Zucchini Salsa

2 tablespoons white or red vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 garlic clove crushed (or a sprinkle of garlic powder

2 cups fresh or frozen cooked corn kernals

1 cup coarsley chopped zucchini

1 cup chopped, seeded red bell pepper (optional)

1/3 cup chopped green onions

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil.

Combine vinegar, oil, cumin and garlic: mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate or serve immediately if you can't help yourself.

Where have I been?

2011-08-18T15:34:00.001-04:00

Welll I have been all over this kitchen and in the freezer. Between the csa and Saturday trips to the Farmer's Market we have been gathering, washing, parboiling, grilling.cutting, freezing and bagging.
Here is the list of what's gone into the freezer

Greens beans- Wash cut into pieces, parboil, lay on a cookie sheet and freezer. After they are frozen they were bagged. I'm thinking pot pies this winter.
Corn- Clean and boil for 2-4 minutes then take out of hot water and quickly put into a bowl of cold water with ice cubes. Once it's cooled down cut off the cobb lay on a cookie sheet and freeze. After they are frozen bag them and freeze.
Tomatoes - Wash, dice then lay on a cookie sheet and freeze and then later bag and freeze them. Great for salsa, chilis and more.
Eggplant, zucchini and squash -Wash, cut into slices and grill for 3-4 minutes. Then lay them on a cookie sheet, freeze and bag later. Will make yummy vegetable sandiwiches, salads or pizza this winter.
Save the top part of the tomato put in th a bag in the freezer and use when making vegetable/chicken stock.
Peaches - Wash, peel and cut into slices lay on cookie sheet and freeze. Then bag and freeze. Love the peaches for smoothies, cobblers and fruit crisps.
Green onions - Wash well, chop lay on a cookie sheet and freeze. Then bag and freeze. Great for various recipes this winter. I only recently discovered this idea so I'll have to remember to do this sooner next year.
Red onions - Just slice these into big rings, lay on a cookie sheet and freeze. Then bag and freeze. I was thinking these will go great with the grilled vegeatable sandwiches.
Cherries - Wash, take out pits with cherry pitter and lay on a cookie sheet and freeze. Then bag and freeze. Great for smoothies and desserts. The cherry pitter is awesome made the process go more smoothly.

Well that's what has been going into the feezer so far oh I forgot the pesto to add to the list. Well you get the point of where I have been between the pool and cleaning.

Friday Moment-Girls and Their Trucks

2011-08-12T06:42:00.002-04:00

Sun Tea

2011-08-11T06:05:00.002-04:00

My latest fun drink this summer has been sun tea! A friend passed this along to me and I gave it a try and absolutely love it. I also mentioned it to my mom and she said they used to do this in Italy too. I'm beginning to feel like I'm the last to know how to make sun tea.

This is how I made it: Filled 1 big mason jar (4 cups) with water and dropped in 4 tea bags for each jar. Then put outside in the sunniest part of the backyard and let it brew for 2 hours. After brought it in and took out the tea bags and put the jars in the refrigerator.

I know wouldn't it be easier to just boil water and then drop a tea bag in a cup of hot water? But this is way more fun and they look so pretty outside. I love how it doesn't look cloudy and the taste is not sweet. I'm thinking my next batch of tea I'll drop in some lemon or peach slices.

Late Night Yarn Along

2011-08-11T00:33:00.000-04:00

Well hello friends I apologize for the lack of un creative posts lately. Last week I got carried by a sea of paperwork and 2 days straight of computer time. After all that I needed a break and decided to tackle other places that needed attention specifically the art studio. In between all this I have been collecting and doing a little reading of various materials

Picked up a copy of the latest Stitch magazine and last week I won my first blog giveaway 1-2-3 Sew from House on Hill Road. So so so excited by this book when I won and it came in the mail.:))

While shopping today couldn't pass up these 2 magazines.

These books are what the kids have been reading lately.

Lots of reading fun for everyone this week.

Friday Moment-The Outdoor Lab

2011-08-05T00:48:00.000-04:00

Yarn Along Wednesday

2011-08-03T18:37:00.000-04:00

I'm dropping in a little late for the yarn along this Wednesday. I took this picture this morning and it is now supper time. The day got the best of me actually my paperwork and printer go the best of me and took over and now lost in a sea of it.
So what's up for reading? I'm picking up In Their Own Way when I get a few minutes during the day. A friend passed along this book in the picture Under The Chinaberry Tree which we have all picked and put down the past 2 days . It's a book about various children's books great for this homeschooling family.
I did finish The 19th Wife. A very good book I'm definitely keeping it in my library. It had a lot of history and the references and author notes at the end where helpful in explaining what was fictional or true. I can tell you this the book made me a little angry at the end don't know why and I'm definitely not interested in those reality shows with wives after reading this book. I liked it how it went back and forth with the past when it all began and with the murder mystery that occurred present day. I can see it would make a good tv movie but I'm glad I don't live it.
Hope you are enjoying your reads.

Friday Moment-Freezing Food

2011-07-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

A New Old Nightstand

2011-07-28T12:15:00.000-04:00

At last nightstand makeover. This furniture painting project went much smoother than last time. I have had this piece sitting in my basement for about a year. A friend passed it along because of it's potential nigtstand or living room end table? Looking at it was quite an eyesore but with a little tlc it's all new now.

I didn't have to do any sanding because it was in rough shape anyway. There was a metal plate and a few holes that got plugged with wood filler.

Next was a couple coats of primer.

Then a couple of coats of white paint, a new knob, new lamp, a doily and a couple of jars of sea glass and tadaaaaa new night stand for the older girls room.

Yarn Along Wednesday

2011-07-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

This week for Ginny's yarn along I have just books no new knitting or crochetting. I picked up my next book from my library The 19th Wife. Looks juicy and interesting. From the library The Knitting & Crochet Bible. Each Tuesday when we pick up our csa veggies we stop by the pond to look at the frogs. I finally came across this book on frogs At the Pond by JoAnne Nelson in our home library to go with our Tuesday routine.
Can't wait to see what everyone else is making & reading.

Sweet Raspberry Oats

2011-07-26T10:00:00.002-04:00

Lately I have been taking fruit inventory in the freezer and the last thing in there from last summer were the raspberries. There was probably almost 2 cups so I went to one of the recipe binders and modified another recipe and came up with this

Sweet Rasperry Oat Bars

1 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup dairy free margarine

1 tsp vanilla extract

In a cup mix 1 1/2 Tbs. water, 1 1/2 Tbs. canola/vegetable oil and 1 tsp baking powder

1 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups oats, divided into 1 3/4 cups and 1/4 cup

1-2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 inch square baking dish or pan.

2. In a bowl mix sugar, dairy free margarine, vanilla and baking powder,water, oil mixture. Mix till smooth and creamy.

3. Add dry ingredients flours, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Mix till well combined then stir in 1 3/4 cups of oats.

4. Now take 2/3 of the batter and spread evenly in greased pan. Then gently spread the raspberries.

5. In the bowl mix in the remaining 1/4 cup of oats. Take the remaining batter and spoon over the raspberries. This doesn't have to spread evenly just cover most of the raspberries.

6. Bake for 30 minutes or till gold and crisp. Cool and enjoy :)

Note on this recipe the baking powder mixture is to replace 1 egg and if allowed I think pecans would go great with this.

All Over This Kitchen

2011-07-25T14:23:00.000-04:00

Lately I haven't been able to keep up on this blog about what has been going in the kitchen. I have been snapping pictures as I go.
1. I have been freezing some peas and lots of pesto.

2. Before the heatwave there was a lot going in and out of the oven.

One night for dinner I had a few small golden beets, a couple of turnips and carrots. I put them all in a baking dish tossed with salt, olive oil and chopped fresh parsley. Cooked them at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes till tender. (I don't remember how long but as long they come out tender.)

Kale chips :)

Made pizza with some of the pesto.

Whenever we needed to cool off there was ice cream with chocolate hard shell.

More fresh foods from the csa.

These pole beans were good. Here's how I made them but next time I think I'll use olive oil instead of a dairy free margarine.

Pole Beans with Green Onions

1 pound young pole green beans (wash, remove string and cut up into pieces)

1 bunch of green onions chopped

2 garlic cloves crushed or chopped really small

1 tablespoon dairy free margarine, butter or olive oil

Par boil beans in lightly salted water until tender you want them to still be crip and then drain. What I did was bring a pot of salted water to a boil and then dropped the beans in and cooked them for 5 minutes and then drained. In a pan melt butter or margarine and then add garlic and onions cook till clear. (If using oil just heat 1 tablespoon of oil.) Add beans to mixture and saute 2-3 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

That night the beans went nicely with an orzo salad and another salad made of tomatoes, beets and celery leaves.

3. I just showed you all this yummy stuff in my kitchen but not everything comes out so great. So here I have these beet brownies. With all the substitutions they didn't come out right. The brownies look good in this pan because they wouldn't come out. They were too hard to cut. Eventually the whole thing popped right out and into the trash.

So this is pretty much what has been going here.

Friday Moment-Uhmm dressed for summer??

2011-07-22T11:39:00.000-04:00

I turned around the other day to see this :)

Yarn Along

2011-07-20T11:57:00.000-04:00

This week for Ginny's yarn along I have no yarn just books The Confessions of Max Tivoli and InTheir Own Way both are good I needed a novel in between reading In Their Own Way which is a really good reasource.

Friday Moment

2011-07-15T08:14:00.001-04:00

Now this is my idea of summer school...

Yarn Along Part 2

2011-07-13T19:29:00.000-04:00

Ok I know this morning I said that I didn't have anything new for books but this afternoon a friend sent me these and I thought well it's still Wednesday not too late to share a good read for the yarn along.

Yarn Along Wednesday

2011-07-13T10:50:00.002-04:00

Joining in the Small Things yarn along today. I have new books to share today but I finally finished my hat from knitting class.

I finished it this past Saturday at knitting class. I'm actually going to miss it but hopefully a new one will start in August to work on a sweater for the fall.

In between the hat and the throw I have been working on I started a rug. The throw was too big to carry to the pool and we need a rug for the playroom. I was inspired by this post to go to the hardware store and get some sisal cotton thin rope to start a rug. I added in a few rows of cotton yarn to give it some color.
Have a great day!

Monday Links

2011-07-11T21:46:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've done the Monday Links but lately I have collected quite a few blog posts that have been very inspiring and I wanted to share them:

Ginny over at Small Things is collecting hats and other knits for Knit for Japan. Finally got these scarves in the mail today.
Came across this book and put it on my wish list
Finally a recipe for chocolate hard shell ice cream topping.
I can't believe this doily rope rug!
Don't know which quilt I love more this or this one.
Found a new use for the salad spinner.
Enjoying this corn salad.
Another soup for the crockpot this fall.
Yummy chocolate bowls.
A magazine for moms.

Phew glad I got all this off my chest. Hope you enjoy the links.

The Furniture Fiasco is Over

2011-07-10T13:47:00.000-04:00

Back in June I think I forgot to post this piece of furniture that I finally finished... again. It's the bureau that turned out really great but then had to be stipped and it all went bad from there. Luckily things got better slowly. Sanded it all done really well and then painted with an oil based paint instead of latex. Didn't love the oil based paint it makes me uneasy especially since I was painting in the dinning room.

The results.... I"m happy and done.

Love this bureau in black and a friend sent more of the letter "Y" knobs so now it's complete.

I had some oops on the inside so instead of scraping and scratching I resorted to covering it up with contact paper. It's not a favorite thing I like to do but at least its pretty in there.

What have I learned from all this:

When the wood is too smooth sand it.
Keep away away from the oil it's too stressful for me.
A friend recommended when using oil based paints in between coats while it dries put the brushes in bag and keep in the freezer. Then take them out an hour before you have to paint the next coat.
Felt the doors and drawers so when they close they don't chip the paint.

Will I paint again?

Absolutely! This soon to be nightstand is next on my list.

Friday Moment-Summer fun

2011-07-08T08:01:00.000-04:00

Lately in the kitchen

2011-07-07T11:18:00.000-04:00

It's been a slow week in the kitchen lately between summer fun, swimming, checking off my list of major projects and some crochetting and gardening. But here is what did happen.

:: Spent time browsing The Big Book of Preserving The Harvest.
:: Dried out herbs parsley, dill and cilantro.
:: Enjoyed from the garden lettuce and broccoli and more herbs.
:: Froze garlic scapes pesto.
:: Made smoothies and homemade popcicles.
:: Spent afternoons at the pool cooling off.
:: Collected more sea glass and pottery.

Today's smoothie

Cherry & Peach Shake

1 1/2 cups fresh cherries cut out the pit

1 peach washed, peeled and diced

1 1/2 cups soy milk

1 1/2 cups of ice

Put everything in the blender and blend till smooth about 45 seconds.

Favorite popcicle this week

Berry Popcicles

1/4 cup blueberries

1 cup strawberries

1 peach or nectarine

1 cup of oranage juice

2 cups of ice cubes

Put everything in the blender and blend till smooth 1 minute. Pour into popcicle molds and freeze.

Enjoy your summer treats!

Beach Cake

2011-07-07T10:50:00.000-04:00

It's been a hot summery week so why not make a beach cake to go along with the weather? We had this cake on July 4th and for breakfast the next day.

Where to begin with this cake?
1. Prepare blue jello (3 oz box) using the speed set method.
2. Prepare vanilla pudding according to package directions.
3. Take 1 package of graham crackers and crush in food processor. Then set aside in a bowl.
4. Bake a vanilla cake in a 9x12 rectangle pan and then cool.
5. After the cake is cooled down cut out about a quarter of the cake. Not straight across more like a wave.

6. The cake that was scooped out of the pan can go into glasses to create individual ones.

7. Next spread evenly vanilla pudding on to the cake and any left over pudding scoop into the glasses with the cake.

8. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.

9. Spoon in jello into cake pan after it's set and decorate with sea life candy. I found some gummy sharks, fish, seahorses at a candy shop but I have also seen some small hard candy in these shapes.

Enjoy your dessert!

Friday Moment-Building a Fort

2011-07-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Thrifty Finds Books & Puzzles

2011-06-30T10:58:00.000-04:00

Lately I have had some good luck thrifting I haven't been hunting for anythimg in particular but came across these and couldn't pass them up.

I love puzzles but don't make the time for them and I hope to change that soon. I've had on my wish list Christmas puzzles. My intent is to start a holiday tradition of having Chrismas puzzles around.

Of course some children's, dictionaries. I'm think of starting another collection children's dictionaries in foreign languages. Love this Daring Book for Girls. My girls already have a copy this one is for my library for now... never too old to collect childrens books.
These next finds I came across last night.

I had a couple of very happy kids playing with this dollhouse this morning.

Yarn Along and more..

2011-06-28T23:45:00.000-04:00

My favorite Wednesday ritual joining the yarn along on the Small Things. Feeling pretty proud of my self with my crochetting the throw (not in the picture) it's coming along. I have been enjoying my knitting class and the hat is almost done. Feeling pretty good about my knitting I graduated from knitting in the round to knitting and decreasing on 4 double pointed needles. I have been watching other knitters for months and always wondering how they knit on all those needles and now I know. Which gets me daydreaming about other knitting projects.
As for reading since last week's yarn along I'm continuing to absorb The Write Start and put aside Julie & Julia. Last night I had an opportunity to listen to Lisa See and hear about her lastet book Dreams of Joy and see a clip of the movie Snow Flower and Secret Fan. I got a sense from the crowd around me that Lisa See fans will go to see the movie even though they probably won't like it because they prefer the book. Which got me wondering about the book. Once the house was quiet and everyone settled I skimmed the whole book and I agree the book sounds better than the movie. In Lisa See's own words

Books are their own art form.

Hope your are enjoying a good read.

Sea Glass Collecting

2011-06-28T23:20:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned before I love collecting sea glass. Today I finally took all of it out again to give it a rinse. While looking at all these treasures someone would stop to marvel at the colors and unique shapes. Each of us pointing out our favorites. Also spent a few minutes daydreaming of combing the beach for more unique treasures.
I'm learning more about myself and one being that I like collecting things:

tiny sea shells

white seashells

sea glass

white or special rocks

foreign money

scrabble pieces

novels

children's books

table clothes

glass jars

buttons

I love seeing other people's collections it's just inspiring. What do you find yourself collecting?

Welcome summer foods

2011-06-27T21:00:00.001-04:00

I don't have a banner to welcome summer solstice but my way of welcoming summer is saying hello to all those wonderful summer vegetables. The kids and I love visiting the farmer's market and picking up our csa because each time it's an exciting experience I love that our family is willing to try new things.
First up from the farmer's markets are white turnips that we tried uncooked. They were washed peeled and sliced for dipping in ranch dressing.

I overheard a couple of people talking about cooking thegreen tops. Sauteed with a little garlic and oil it made great side.

One of our short summer favorites are garlic scapes. I try to collect a little extra to make into pesto. This bowl of egg free mayonaise has about 1/2 teaspoon garlic scape pesto.

The sliced turnips added a little crunch with lunch.

Lastly is the napa cabbage that I cooked like this.

Hope you're enjoying your summer greens.

Pudding Plants

2011-06-27T00:07:00.000-04:00

We had a weekend celebration and I came across these plants on Friday and thought they would make a fun dessert. I made a variation to this the recipe instead of pudding and crushed oreos I did pudding and chocolate cake. While the pudding sets and the chocolate cake is cooled down I just mixed it with a fork to crumble it then sprinkled it over the pudding and chilled it a while longer. They were too cute with the mint sprigs.
For the pudding I used this recipe. It was great because it makes a lot of chocolate powder I can keep on hand. I was able to make it allergy friendly too. When it was time to prepare add 2/3 cup of powder mixture, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon dairy free margarine, 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 cups of soy milk to the sauce pan stirring constantly till it boils then keep stirring for 1 more minute. I find when substituting milk with soy milk a little extra cornstarch is needed. As always enjoy. Expect to see this pudding again later this week I'm thinking about pudding pops.

Friday Moment

2011-06-23T23:56:00.000-04:00

This week summer solstice birthday celebrations.

Yarn Along Wednesday

2011-06-21T23:51:00.000-04:00

Joining Ginny's yarn along this week. Well the throw that I have been working on has going very well but not done yet. The hat that I have been working on for knitting class is set aside for this week because I'm about to make a mistake and don't want to make it worse. What's up for reading? Well I'm actually just touching these books and carrying them around with me Julie & Julia and The Write Start. After reading 2 intense books in a row I just need something a little lighter.
Can't wait to see what else is going in today's yarn along.