Crunch Crunch Crunch

Free Meals for Veterans 11/11

2011-11-09T00:54:00.002-05:00

I thought this was wonderful information and I wanted to pass it on. Thank you to The Peaceful Mom for gathering this information on places serving a free meal to those who have served our country on Veterans Day. God bless you and your families.

Free Meals for Veterans 11/11

Travel Tip Tuesday: Earl of Sandwich

2011-11-08T00:59:00.002-05:00

For my fellow Disney lovers, sign up here for the Earl of Sandwich e-club and get a free sandwich on your birthday.

Living Social: Knork Flatware Deal

2011-11-03T12:55:00.000-04:00

I recently purchased a sample Knork. Not to be confused with a Spork which is a spoon/fork hybrid, a Knork is a knife/fork hybrid. After trying it out my spouse asked me to pick up some more. I've been waiting for some kind of special to purchase them and this one has just come along. You can get $60 worth of Knork Flatware for $25 with this Living Social deal.

In the interest of full disclosure, should three folks purchase through the link I posted here my Knork deal will be free. You will also receive a personalized link that you can share and receive a free deal when you purchase.

Sew, Mama, Sew! October Holiday Sew Alongs

2011-10-04T00:31:00.006-04:00

I've mentioned Sew, Mama, Sew here before. I heard about a fun activity they have going for the month of October, their Holiday Sew Alongs. If you're thinking of making placemats, napkins, an advent calendar or tree skirt you should have a look and see if it is for you.

Tasty Thursday: Whispering Canyon Cornbread (GF/Vegan version)

2011-09-29T00:55:00.011-04:00

Just back from the Happiest Place on Earth, what better time is there to try some Disney recipes, right? Although Whispering Canyon wasn't a stop we made this time, their cornbread sure looked good when I read the recipe at Cooking with Mickey. Naturally, I subbed egg replacer for egg, almond milk for dairy milk and Bob's Red Mill GF blend for flour. I used organic sugar and also added a little garlic and onion flake for a bit of a kick of flavor. Baked it all in cast iron. The batter filled my Lodge cornbread pan, and 6" and 8" cast iron frying pans.

I decided mine needed to be smothered in sweet potato greens, which were featured at my CSA this week. I'd never had them before, but boy were they yummy! I love how we have had the opportunity to try so many greens we would never have otherwise discovered through this wonderful, organic source. Thank you, farmer Paul!

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Reusable Lavender Dryer Sachets

2011-09-28T00:16:00.002-04:00

I occasionally indulge and purchase the Lavender Dryer Sachets from Trader Joe's. They're quite pricey in my opinion, around $4 for a plastic packet of four. I dislike the idea of tossing that plastic in the trash and the bags degrade so they're not infinitely reusable, despite the fact that the scent seems very long lasting. I've also had one pop open in the dryer and found my lint trap overrun with the contents. Luckily nothing overheated as a result of that incident.

Recently I found myself wondering what I could do to prolong the life of the two sachets I had in my laundry area and decided I would try emptying the contents into some fabric scraps and seeing how long the scent lasts. I can tell you that these two little sachets have been going for months now and still have a light, pleasant scent. I find the lighter scent more pleasing, I don't want heavily scented clothing, it will give me a headache, but I like having a dryer sheet substitute, since I'd never put one of those in with my laundry. Between my wonderful wool dryer balls and these sachets, we've got it all covered.

Lesson Learned: Tomato Sauce

2011-09-27T00:10:00.001-04:00

I would have liked for this to be a Tasty Thursday feature, but instead it is a lesson learned. These beautiful tomatoes are some of the last of the season's bounty from our CSA. I decided to make some more tomato sauce before we left on vacation for five days. I cut all the large red tomatoes, then thought I might throw in a few of the yellow cherry tomatoes. Now, I've made sauce with red cherry tomatoes, red and yellow heirloom, red plum tomatoes, you name it. But I've never used the yellow cherries. For some reason they made the sauce taste 'off'. We did eat it, but it wasn't the best. Next CSA season I will know better.

Tasty Thursday: Roasted Carrots

2011-09-22T00:27:00.000-04:00

Set oven to 425F. Coat pan with Olive Oil spray. I used a 9x13 Corningware. Wash and quarter carrots vertically, then cut in roughly 2" chunks horizontally. Lay in single layer in pan. Sprinkle with organic dried onion flake and salt, or whatever seasonings delight you.

Place in oven, stir periodically and bake until browned and deliciously carmelized. For my batch, that took 40 minutes.

Enjoy!

Tasty Thursday: Crockpot Red Beans and Veggies

2011-09-15T00:05:00.006-04:00

It's a rainy fall day here so that calls for soup, right? I had a crock pot lentil soup recipe I had wanted to try but when I looked in my bean stash I discoverd I had only red lentils and in my experience those tend to get very soft very quickly so I wasn't sure if they'd work for that recipe. But I did have red beans so this is what went into my crockpot:

1 bag dry red beans, rinsed
5 cups water
1 cup chopped CSA onion
3/4 cup chopped celery (have I ever mentioned I love cooked celery but dislike raw?)
1 cup carrots, sliced into half moons and quarters
1 tsp fresh CSA thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
3 garlic scapes, chopped
1/2 tsp Applewood smoked sea salt (I added more to mine at the table)

Cook four hours on HIGH, serve over rice if desired.

Schar $1 Coupon!

2011-09-14T07:28:00.002-04:00

While I generally hate any offer that requires Facebook, this one I really can't resist and I hope you can benefit from it and pass it on too. A Schar coupon? When did I ever seen one before? Never! So I gritted my teeth and liked it on Facebook. Happy to say I got my $1 coupon.

Tasty Thursday: Italian Casserole

2011-09-08T06:13:00.001-04:00

Recently I ordered five pounds of spinach powder. The price was right and I had been under the impression it could be subbed out directly for flour in recipes. This is my first attempt at cooking with it and I have to admit the results were delicious.

3/4 cup Bob's Red mill GF blend
1/2 cup spinach powder
1/2 a purple CSA onion, chopped
a couple of generous handfuls of fresh spinach from the farmer's market
egg replacer to equal 3 eggs
1 1/2 cups almond milk
a sprinkle of minced garlic
2 gorgeous CSA tomatoes, sliced
2 cups Daiya shreds
3 Tbsp Earth Balance
3/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 350, coat 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray. Mix together all ingredients except for fresh spinach and tomato.

Line bottom of pan with spinach, top with tomato slices.

Pour mixture over veggies in pan, spreading it out to all the edges. Bake 35-40 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Have you ever cooked with spinach powder? Do you have any ideas you can share with me? I promise to play around with whatever I can and post about the results.

Gorgeous CSA Eggplant

2011-09-07T04:20:00.000-04:00

How can you not love something that looks like that?

I baked a few slices until they were nice and crunchy chips - SO good!

Tuesday's Tome; Magnificent Mind at Any Age

2011-09-06T16:17:00.000-04:00

My good friend and co-worker Wilhelmina showed me some books she was reading and shared with me how interesting she thought this particular one was.

I requested it from the library and am currently about halfway though it. The descriptions of what each part of the brain does is absolutely fascinating! I plan to purchase several copies - one to keep for myself and others to share with family. I highly recommend it.

For the sake of disclosure, this is a personalized Amazon link.

Tasty Thursday: Quinoa Pudding

2011-09-01T12:01:00.000-04:00

What do you do with tons of leftover Quinoa? Well, I'm sure lots of things and I'm hoping you'll leave me some quinoa ideas in the comments.

I found the Quinoa Pudding recipe here. Of course I played with it a little, here is what went into mine:

1 cup TJ's turbinado sugar
3 Tbsp vegan margarine
Egg replacer to equal 4 eggs
1 cup almond milk
1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
4 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup raisins
2 handfuls walnut meats, broken up small by hand over the mixing bowl
Dusting of nutmeg or pie spice for top if desired

Coat baking dish with non-stick spray, mix ingredients, pour into pan, dust top with spice, bake at 350F for 40 minutes.

Here is the result, what do you think?

Wouldn't You Love to Win One of These?

2011-08-31T18:04:00.001-04:00

Sandee of Grace of Autumn is giving away one of her sweet frocks. She crafts these lovely dresses from vintage fabric - perfect for Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, wouldn't you say? Go on over, take a look and enter the giveaway!

What the World Eats

2011-08-30T08:51:00.006-04:00

From Time Magazine - Part 1, Part 2. I find this so interesting! What do you think?

I wonder where Tingo and Ujjain are and whether the lack of processed junk represents a cultural orientation or an economical choice.

Tasty Thursday: Kale Salad

2011-08-25T08:02:00.005-04:00

This is a version of Kale Salad made by my coworker's daughter. Hers is out of this world; I know it is one of those cases of the secret ingredient being love because I add the same things and although mine is yummy, hers is heavenly. Thank you for sharing with me, Niya!

The particular batch pictured here was made with Lacinato kale. Normally I use curly kale, but this week Lacinato was available at my CSA. It was nice to have that variation on a salad I make every week to bring to work for lunch.

One bunch freshly washed kale, chopped
Just enough olive oil to cause the seasonings to cling to the leaves
Sea salt, freshly ground pepper, dried minced onion to taste
A clove or two of minced garlic
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (I really like the taste of nutritional yeast so I tend to go a little heavy on it)

Toss in a large bowl, cover with a cloth and allow flavors to blend, mixing now and then as you walk by it when you go in the kitchen. Store what isn't consumed at the first meal in a glass jar in the fridge and enjoy a tasty lunch tomorrow.

Join Rayovac eClub, Get $1 Coupon

2011-08-24T08:23:00.000-04:00

Click here to join the Rayovac eClub and get a $1 coupon toward the purchase of Rayovac products. We have their AAAs in all our remotes since I got a deal on them a while back and I have been happy with their performance.

(This is a personalized lnk. I will get a coupon as well.)

Gorgeous Farmer's Market Onions and French Breakfast Radishes

2011-08-23T06:51:00.008-04:00

Are these veggies beautiful or what? Just thinking about the fact that the Farmer's Market and CSA seasons are half over is making me sad. I recognize that I enjoy being in the environment of our CSA farm and the local Farmer's Market as much as I enjoy eating the fruits of the farmers' labor. It is such a blessing to have access to healthy food and the diversity of what you find at a CSA or Farmer's Market is so much more interesting than going to the local big box grocery chain for the same old, same old.

Tasty Thursday: Quinoa Loaf

2011-08-18T07:49:00.001-04:00

I was in the mood for some kind of loaf yesterday. I thought I could come up with something interesting on The Magical Loaf Studio but I didn't have enough tofu to make what the Studio came up with. Regardless, The Magical Loaf Studio is a fantastic tool.

I took inspiration from this recipe for a Quinoa Loaf and was happy with my result with only one exception - it doesn't stay together as well as I'd like it to. I think I should have added more lentils or maybe a Tbsp of egg replacer or a bit of mashed tofu. What do you think?

It goes without saying that these ingredients are as organic and local as possible.

2 cups quinoa, cooked in veg broth if you have it on hand
1 cup lentils, mashed
1 cup garbanzo beans
2 heaping tablespoons horseradish
chopped fresh parsley in an amount to your liking
a couple of squirts of ketchup
1 Purplette onion, chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
3 Tbsp Bragg's Liquid Aminos

I baked this in my highly adored Lodge cast iron loaf pan at 375 for 30 minutes. It is DELICIOUS. My only disappointment is that it didn't bind together to the point that I could slice it and put it in the toaster oven for a snack. I was hoping for a loaf that was bound more tightly whereas this is fluffy and loose. And oh, so delicious.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Empty Water Bottle Through Security

2011-08-09T05:52:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know everything is expensive at the airport. But did you know that you can bring an empty water bottle through the security checkpoint? I do it all the time. Instead of having to purchase a drink in an expensive post-security gift and sundry shop, just find a water fountain and fill the empty bottle you brought with you.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Chuang Yen Monastery

2011-08-02T00:30:00.001-04:00

If you are traveling in upstate NY this summer, the Chuang Yen Monastery is a wonderful, peaceful place to pay a visit. I can remember bringing my children there years ago to see the largest Buddha statue in the Western Hemisphere. It was so odd to see this giant Buddha sitting out in the middle of the woods - the statue was erected, then the building went up around him. The kids also liked watching the tutles in the pond.

On weekends you can get an inexpensive vegetarian meal there, but a visit any day of the week will leave you feeling refreshed and serene.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Library Bag

2011-07-27T00:10:00.006-04:00

This was a really cute polyster blend shirt that my daughter didn't find comfortable. Apparently I was supposed to know that by her throwing it back in the laundry after I had already washed it that I was supposed to put it in the donation bag. So after getting snapped at for re-washing it and putting it back in her laundry pile I decided I was going to play a little trick on her.

I loved the print and the two little pockets near the hem and thought it would make a cute grocery bag. I pinked off the sleeves and was going to sew it up into the bag and put it back in her laundry pile, then when she snapped at me I was going to reveal that it was now a bag. The plan failed, however, when she walked in as I was sewing it up. Kids. They tend to do that to you.

Once I had it in the bag rotation I realized I really prefer my grocery bags to be cotton and this is not. It is a great bag, though! It is my favorite bag for library books and mail and is so often found on the passenger seat of my car filled with goodies coming from or going to the Post Office and Library.

Tuesday's Tome: The Tipping Point

2011-07-26T07:23:00.001-04:00

I found The Tipping Point very interesting, especially the concept of 'Broken Windows Theory'. Now that could be because I lived in NYC during the time the phenomenon was occurring, but nonetheless, the book is quite a good read. You'll learn why Blue's Clues shows the same episode five days in a row, that Sesame Street originally planned to never show the Muppets in the same scene as the humans, how Hush Puppies became a 1990's fashion trend and more.

Tasty Thursday: Zucchini Corn Fritters

2011-07-21T00:44:00.044-04:00

A bonus item at the farm last week was a HUGE zucchini. It reminded me of the gigantic ones my grandpa used to grow. Miss you, Grandpa! Wish you could have tried our fritters with us.

So, it seems that after grating up one cup of zucchini for the zucchini bread recipe my daughter and I modded to make GF/vegan we still had three cups of zucchini left over. I searched our CSA's website and found a recipe for zucchini corn fritters. Here is our modified version:

Egg replacer to equal 3 eggs
3 cups zucchini
2 cups corn
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped purplette onions
1 cup all purpose GF flour mix
1 1/2 cups Daiya mozzarella (we had planned to use Daiya cheddar but when I got the bag out I saw mold. :( )
A little freshly grated pepper

We rarely fry anything so the thought of a fried treat was really appealing to my daughter. But I also wanted to try them baked in my cast iron corn bread pan.

Don't they look yummy all ready to go in the oven? Our zucchini bread was already baking at 350F so we just popped this in alongside it.

The finished product -

Baked version.

Fried version.

We had a little taste test and to my surprise, she preferred the baked ones! We plan to make another - double - batch of baked fritters today since they only lasted through dinner and the next day's lunch. She went to the farm yesterday and picked up another Grandpa sized zucchini. There was also fresh corn this week so we will have the added deliciousness of that instead of frozen corn. I can't wait to share these tasty treats with my coworkers!

What's in the Crockpot Wednesday? Mango Beans

2011-07-20T07:43:00.001-04:00

I am not only in love with my crockpot because it lets you make something fantastic while you're not even at home, I am also in love with it because it lets you cook something yummy without further heating up the house when it is 96F outside.

Yes, we're in the middle of the toasty days of summer. So when I saw this recipe for Mango BBQ beans I knew I would not only be modifying it to what I have on hand at home, but would be putting it together in the crock pot.

My version contains:

can of organic black eyed peas

can of conventional kidney beans

can of organic black beans

a bunch of organic green beans picked by my daughter at our CSA farm yesterday, cut into pieces

two yellow CSA onions, chopped

two purple CSA onions, chopped

four cloves CSA garlic, chopped

five cloves CSA garlic, whole

can of organic tomato sauce (I know, I should have used CSA tomatoes. I realized that after I poured the can in.)

Trader Joe's frozen mango halves

a little tap water

a couple of shakes of pumpkin pie spice (we seem to have run out of Allspice and I felt that was as close as I could get)

I plan to add the liquid smoke later. Not sure if I will need any agave, will taste test later in the day.

Can't wait to try it later.

UPDATE: Added liquid smoke and some Agave/Maple syrup. Not too great calorie/carb wise, but the beans do taste delicious.

Tuesday's Tome: An Edible History of Humanity

2011-07-19T00:53:00.002-04:00

I recently borrowed the audiobook An Edible History of Humanity, by Tom Standage, from my local library. It was an interesting 'read' that shows how food is linked to power, population, politics. I don't know that I would have made it through the book as before bed reading but as a commuting listen it went quickly.

Tasty Thursday: Farm Rainbow Chard and Scallions

2011-07-14T00:42:00.000-04:00

A small bunch of beautiful Rainbow chard from our CSA. I chopped up a few scallions and tossed it all in a cast iron frying pan with a little tap water.

Yummy!

Travel Tip Tuesday: Win a Stay at Residence Inn

2011-07-12T09:32:00.000-04:00

Saw this in Woman's Day Magazine. Enter to win a four day, three night stay at the Residence Inn of your choice, including transportation. Who wouldn't enjoy winning that?

Good luck!

Tasty Thursday: Organic Chinese Cabbage and Scallions

2011-07-07T01:35:00.002-04:00

The HUGE head of Chinese Cabbage I picked up with our CSA share this week has my pot overflowing! I combined it with a couple of CSA scallions, added a little Simply Organic dried ground ginger and a bit of tap water.

I have to confess that I rarely use fresh ginger - I can't buy a small enough piece for it to get used before it goes to waste. Has anyone reading here dehydrated ginger? Can you tell me about your experience?

Wondering on Wednesday: Thyroid Scan

2011-07-06T20:10:00.000-04:00

So, I had my yearly thyroid scan to check on the numerous cysts I have had for years. They caused me no problems, but the doctor watched them for growth. Today after the scan the Radiologist called me in and showed me the prior year's scan next to this year's. There was a big surprise.

Every one of the cysts has disappeared. At first I thought it was some of the yoga I've been doing, but one of my children pointed out what I believe is the real explanation. I gave up my 20 year diet Coke habit in February and drink only water with a lemon slice or herbal tea if I'm looking for something warm.

Wow, is about all I can manage to say. Thank you, God.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Recyclebank Green Your Vacation Challenge

2011-07-05T00:01:00.003-04:00

Enter the Recyclebank Green Your Vacation Challenge through this link. In the name of full disclosure, I will say that I get 10 Recyclebank points for everyone who enters through that link. Who wouldn't love a $14,000 Galapagos vacation?

Good luck!

Get Out and Exercise! Golf Balls For Shipping Only

2011-06-30T00:54:00.001-04:00

For most of us, getting enough exercise can be a challenge. This time of year (in my region) we're all trying to get outside more while the good weather is here. Although I don't play, I do know folks who do and say golf (without a cart or caddy of course) is good exercise. Plus you're out in the sun getting your Vitamin D too!

I caught a commercial on the Science Channel for a free sleeve of three Polara golf balls for the price of shipping. Since I don't normally buy balls I don't know what they go for, but I put the free golf balls in my cart and without entering any address information it came up as $5.95 shipping. So depending on the regular price of golf balls, this may or may not be a deal.

Folks, give me some feedback - what do golf balls cost? Is this 'free' offer worth the cost of shipping?

Play-n-Squeak Ball of Furry Fury

2011-06-29T02:11:00.002-04:00

Our cats recieved the Ball of Furry Fury, pictured here, second item down. It looked like such a fun toy for them. I was disappointed to see that it is made in China. I almost didn't give it to them because of that - we lost two cats to the Melamine in cat food horror - but it looked so fun I finally did.

The tone of the squeak can get to you if you have a headache. The cats were initially enthralled, however that lasted all of about half an hour, then it became just another of the moutain of toys they occasionally look at but mostly ignore.

Most disappointing about this toy is that the squeaker worked for less than a week. $9.99 is way too expensive for something that short-lived. I say save your money, sew up a little scrap of fabric into a ball, stuff it with catnip and watch the cats have a great time. Cheaper and you'll be recycling fabric.

UPDATE: I emailed the company regarding how fast the squeaker burned out. They advised me to return to the store and exchange it, which I did. This toy's squeaker seems less sensitive, so I imagine it will last longer, but the cats don't seem interested in it at all. I appreciate the company wanting my cats to be sastified with their gift, so I give them an A+ on customer service, but I give the toy a D.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Towel Animals

2011-06-28T02:46:00.000-04:00

As a guest at a Disney Resort you can expect to find all sorts of towel art surprises in your room. This is a favorite - the Octopus. I get such a kick out of seeing how enthusiastic the Mousekeepers are in making these - adding stickers, rubber bands to hold parts in place, etc. It really makes me smile.

A friend took a cruise a couple of years ago and told me she had taken a towel animal making class on board the ship. I would love to take one someday.

Tasty Thursday: Home Grown Herbs

2011-06-23T01:04:00.002-04:00

This is one of the window boxes on our deck. The chamomile on the left is grown from seed I got as a promotional offer from a tea company a couple of years ago. Who knew it was a perennial? It just keeps coming back. What a nice surprise.

On the right is organic parsley bought from our CSA a few days ago and transplanted to the box. It is yummy. We like to pass by and take a leaf to eat when we're coming home.

Good stuff.

Gorgeous Farmer's Market Garlic

2011-06-22T22:24:00.001-04:00

There is a new farmer's market in my area. After yoga today one of my fellow students mentioned they were headed over there. I hadn't remembered that in addtion to Saturdays, it is also open on Wednesdays.

I reallly enjoyed strolling around and made a few purchases, the most delicious one of which was this fresh garlic, which I roasted in the oven with a little olive oil. Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum.

That's some dill drying on the towel around it. I never liked dill until I tried some at the farm. It's amazing how different freshly grown organic food tastes as opposed to what I had been buying for most of my life.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Courtyard Portland Airport

2011-06-21T01:11:00.009-04:00

Recently we took an overnight getaway to the lovely town of Portland, Maine. We traveled at the last minute and arrived in Maine needing to book a room. I had a free night with Marriott I needed to use before it expired and I like Courtyards in general so we went with the Courtyard Portland Airport.

The Front Desk staff was quite wonderful. We booked with the Marriott Rewards line while sitting in the parking lot and the gentleman at the desk was happy to give us an early check in when we walked up to him less than ten minutes later. Now when I say early check in I mean four hours early, so I feel it was quite generous of him. He made pleasant chit chat with us and smiled when we passed him whenever we passed through the lobby.

The Portland Airport is a typical Courtyard property, clean, well appointed rooms and lobby. We did not visit the pool or exercise areas, but we did purchase some fruit and beverages from the convenience mart. The prices were typical and the fruit was fresh and appetizing. We checked out before breakfast hours, but worth noting is that breakfast is not included in the price of your room, unless of course, you purchase a breakfast-included rate, which I did not see on the list of options when we were looking for a room that particular night.

This location is about a fifteen minute drive from downtown Portland and two minutes from the airport. We had a great stay and would stay there again based on the hotel experience, but I think if we go again we are going to try a hotel in the downtown area for the view.

Tasty Thursday: South River Certified Organic Chickpea Miso

2011-06-16T08:46:00.014-04:00

My local health food store recently began carrying South River Certified Organic Chickpea Miso. I have been on a chickpea jag for a few weeks now so when this caught my eye, I managed to not let the $12 price tag deter me from trying it.

While I love, love, love Miso soup, I have to admit that I haven't tried this as soup yet. It makes an amazing spread on crackers, wraps and sandwiches! I have even spread it on veggies, both raw and cooked.

The first jar lasted a week and when I asked the family if they liked it as much as I did, I was told no one else had tried it. That means I ate an entire 16oz. jar completely on my own in a week! I'm going easier on the second jar - it is $12 after all - but I don't expect it will last much more than two weeks. The taste is wonderful; tangy, aged chickpea mash, just delicious.

If you are a fan of chickpeas highly recommend you give this one a try. I just goodsearched and found the company has an online store. Yikes! They don't ship during the summer months. I'm going to have to hit the HFS and pick up whatever they have on hand ASAP.

(I was not compensated by the company for this post, I just like the stuff and wanted to share my enjoyment.)

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Cotton Baby Ball

2011-06-15T00:02:00.003-04:00

I made this ball on a small round wood loom with two strands of Sugar 'n Cream yarn that had been in my stash for a few years. The ball is filled with waste from my stuffing bag such as serger trimmings. Since the tiny bits would slip out of the open loom knit stitching I loaded it up into the foot of a no longer wearable pair of tights. The end was tied off and I put a few stitches in the knot to be extra sure it won't open when some little sweetie chews on it. It is fully washable and I'm proud to say it kept scraps and a bit of microfiber tights out of the waste stream.

This is a donation for Online-Angels.

Tuesday's Tome: Truly Seeing

2011-06-14T00:49:00.000-04:00

While stuck in traffic and feeling my stress level start to build, I popped in the Truly Seeing audiobook. It was so pleasant to listen to Thich Nhat Hanh's speaking. Although there is audio feedback a few times during the two disc duration, it is brief and well worth the blip. The ringing of the bells at periodic intervals was very calming for me. Well worth a listen.

Tasty Thursday: Portland Lobster Company

2011-06-09T03:16:00.009-04:00

We recently took a very pleasurable weekend trip to Portland, where as staunch as I am about eating lobster being repulsive, I really couldn't deny my spouse the pleasure. Considerately, a lobster roll was ordered as opposed to a whole lobster, so I didn't have to see a crustacean carcass while I tried to eat my salad.

The roll came with French fries and cole slaw and got two thumbs up from my spouse. It is 'market price', which was $14.99 on 6/4/11. I ordered the House salad. It was your typical spring mix with some cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots and a Balsamic dressing served in a little paper cup on the side. Everything was fresh and appetizing.

The nicest part of this, however is the atmosphere. You order inside the little hut you enter from the street. There are three or four small tables inside, but don't eat there! You'll be given a lobster shaped pager; take it out to the seating area on the wharf. Plenty of seating there, from picnic tables, to tall bar style-tables to bar seating along the railing facing the water, which you can see in the photo above. We enjoyed the sunshine and got to listen to a duo playing bluesy-rock guitar music.

Well worth a visit, even for a vegan, just for the Maine experience.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Sun Tea

2011-06-08T00:29:00.000-04:00

This might sound silly to some, but I always thought that sun tea had to be made in a huge jar. My Mom never made it, my parents were coffee drinkers, so I only knew what I saw in recipes and those were for gallon jars or larger.

I've tried making it that way a few times but I couldn't seem to get the flavor right. No matter what I did to try and tweak it to my liking it just never worked and the tea ended up being discarded.

Does anyone have any uses for leftover tea? I wonder if it is good for watering the garden or something like that. Maybe I could have done something with those failed batches.
Today I saw some interesting tea while I was picking up some groceries (have I mentioned how excited I am that our CSA farm opens this week?) I spotted some tea I thought would taste yummy as sun tea. It is a warm day and I thought what the heck, let me try again.

This time I took a different approach. Who says sun tea must be made by the gallon with eight tea bags? I put my single Green Tea with Red Antioxidants in a quart Ball jar. It is delicious! And nothing went to waste. Yay, me!

Tuesday's Tome: Go Green Live Rich

2011-06-07T15:45:00.001-04:00

I recently borrowed Go Green Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying from my local library. I do most of my non-internet reading by CD in the car. Several days a week, I confess, I am non-green as I have to make a 120 mile (round trip) drive. 'Reading' books during this time is an activity I truly enjoy.

Author David Bach has a nice little book here, although I doubt anyone will get rich reading it. I would say this book is great for someone just becoming environmentally aware or someone who needs a financial incentive shown to them in order that they might make Earth-positive changes in their habits. For a more seasoned Greenie, give it a flip through at the library before deciding to invest in this one.

Tea & Heart Lover's International Swap #3

2011-06-02T08:16:00.003-04:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

I love tea. I really love trying teas from other places so I thought this would be lots of fun. Here is what I sent my partners:

Ultimate Year of Happy Mail #95

2011-06-01T08:02:00.001-04:00

Since there is no link, here is an excerpt from the instructions:

#95 Instructions-please send your partner one set of instructions. They could be for:

a game
assembling something
knitting
crocheting
sewing
any kind of instructions
Sender's choice

These swaps are intended to be sent in a small envelope with a single stamp. When I went on a mission to find instructions I could part with I came across the box from an old Ditto drive in the attic. That led to me noticing and trashing a ton of old boxes we had up there and freeing up a big space in the attic. Now my Christmas tree is no longer blocking the center path. Yay for swapping causing decluttering!

But that box also yielded an envelope with instructions, old promotional stuff from Microsoft, etc. I kept the envelope and the instructions to use for this swap. Since it was already bigger than a regular envelope and would require extra postage anyway, I decided to fill it up. I hope it was a fun surprise for my partner.

EnVeLoPe SwAp!!

2011-05-31T06:26:00.007-04:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

This one should be fun!

Here is what my partner will find when she gets her package:

I ended up adding a packet of Passover peanut snacks and a few apple tealights after I took the photo.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: World's Raggiest Boxer Shorts Edition

2011-05-25T08:23:00.003-04:00

This is the story of a pair of boxer shorts. They are cotton with an exposed wide elastic waist that says Old Navy and very soft. They were given to my son but at the time they were a size too big so he didn't want them.

Since I wear hand me down boxers for pajama shorts in the summer I appropriated them. I don't care if they're too big, they're comfortable. They were worn and washed hundreds of times until finally the elastic gave out. No problem, they were too big anyway, right? I simply cut off the elastic, serged the top of the fabric to keep it from unraveling, then folded it down and sewed the fold in place for a very easy casing which I filled with a slim elastic that I tied together at the ends. I wanted to be able to replace it easily if this elastic wore out as well. I planned to wear these for another bunch of years, until they were nothing but threads thank you very much.

Well, the time of the threads is beginning but I'm not ready to let go. So, out come the pinking shears. I cut a couple of patches from a little boy's shorts project gone wrong (the rest of the project went into my box of fabric scraps for Karen's Online Angels quilting projects and the waste into my stuffing bag) and sewed them over the disintegrating areas of the boxers.

You can see the edge of the waistband elastic in this one.

I plan to add patches as needed until there is no more room to patch. ;)

Thought for Tuesday: Rickrack

2011-05-24T11:19:00.008-04:00

I love rickrack. My mom used it a lot on clothes she made for me when I was small and I've continued to enjoy it since. While going through a drawer of notions I came across this package of pink metallic rickrack today.

Do you notice the word colorfast on the label? Would you really expect this metallic bit of trim to be colorfast? Well, I wouldn't. It isn't meant, in my world, to be used on clothing that you will wash. It is more a crafty trim item in my world.

Now look more closely:

Notice all the pink staining coming through the label? That was what I saw when I first picked it up. In my opinion, no one should expect this type of thing to be colorfast, so why say it on the label...and then see the bleed right on it? Not the best photograph, I know, but it is reasonably easy to pick out if you try. You can see it a little in the other shot as well. This package has never been wet or abused in any way. I picked it up at a clearance and put it in a drawer, where it has stayed for a few years.

Poor labeling choice, Wrights. I love your products, but this makes me question how truthful you are.

Sew, Mama, Sew! May Giveaway Day

2011-05-23T00:01:00.009-04:00

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 58 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations, nicmowat! Check your email when you can, please.

The Sew, Mama, Sew May Giveaway Day is here! Thanks for clicking through from there to drop in on me. I won a couple of cute things last year and was eager to participate as a giver this year.

Here is what you can win:

You'll receive two of my recycled grocery totes. I make them from all sorts of materials that might otherwise have wound up in the trash - stained tablecloths, curtains that no longer suit our decor, vintage sheets, fabric remnants, even no longer used clothing.

What I think is much nicer about my bags than the ones you buy at the store are that mine are fully washable. Just toss them in the laundry (I drop them in my towel load) and you've got clean bags for every shopping trip. They're especially great for use at the farm - the ones made from tablecloth are a nice heavy cotton that keep the moisture in leafy greens. At our CSA I bag them and they go straight into the refrigerator in the same bag. So convenient.

* To enter, please follow my blog and leave me a message letting me know how you're following- in a reader or directly through Blogger.

* I love tutorials, especially ones that help keep something from ending up in the trash and create soemthing useful. For an entry please leave me a link to your favorite tutorial.

* I have been thinking about maybe selling these on Etsy. Do you think $3 each would be a fair price? Tell me in a separate comment.

So you can enter this drawing up to three times, once for following, once for a tute link and once for your opinion.

I will ship internationally.

Please leave your comments by 11:59PM Eastern, Wednesday, May 25th. I will select a winner on Thursday using Random.org and contact them immediately for shipping information.

If your email address isn't available by clicking through your comment, please include your email address or I will have no way to contact you and will have to draw a new winner.

Enjoy!

Tasty Thursday: Cinqo de Mayo, late report

2011-05-19T07:48:00.004-04:00

Late report on my spouse's Cinqo de Mayo meal. I guess the report being late just follows the course, since the meal itself wasn't prepared on May 5th either. It was a day late - I was working on the 5th and got home way after dinner time.

This was so simple to make. We like to buy the guac kits from Trader Joe's. With me being allergic to peppers we simply leave out the peppers they include and add extra garlic. I'm such a garlic junkie and due to a very smart purchase of two pounds of dried garlic cloves at the end of the farm season we have had delicious farm garlic all winter. Never one to let any food go to waste, I save the peppers and use them for other meals, obviously ones that I do not consume.

These were two boneless chicken breasts, bought on sale for $1.99/lb. I remember when I wouldn't buy chicken breast unless it was .99/lb. Now my price point is $1.99. Do I sound like someone's mother or what? But enough reminiscing like an ancient soul.

I poured a tiny bit of olive oil in an oven safe dish and placed the breasts on top. I sliced the peppers up in matchsticks and laid them, alternating colors, on top of the chicken, then dusted with local garlic and onion powders and some freshly ground black pepper.

Cover with foil, cook on 325. I wish I'd had an after photo to show you but as soon as it came out of the oven he dug in. It got rave reviews. Something so simple to prepare yet he talked about it for two days, asking where I got the ingredients, the idea, etc. I have to say, I think the simpler the idea the more interest there is in it.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: UnPaper Towels

2011-05-18T07:20:00.005-04:00

I haven't bought a roll of paper towels in years. Now don't let me give you the wrong impression - I can't seem to prevent my spouse from buying them for use in his car, but I have not brought a roll of paper towels into the house in probably five years, maybe more.

But instead of buying fabric to make UnPaper Towels with, I like to take the recycling approach. Surprise, surprise, huh? The sweet fall leaves fabric you see here used to be a pair of pajama pants. Yes, it's true, all our old pajamas become UnPaper Towels. It is hard to see in the photo, but the pile on the left is the reclaimed fabric after I cut out all the seams and ironed it flat. The pile on the right is the finished product, serged all around with wooly nylon. I use the serging process to make built in loops at each corner. I use those loops to secure the towels to the paper towel holder over my sink. The towels are in the same place everyone is used to them being. They work for all the same things, only they're much prettier and don't create waste. In fact, for quite some time they are keeping themselves out of the waste stream.

When they become too soiled they get put in the rag bag. Once there they can still be used many more times, until they do eventually get tossed in the trash. But even then I feel good about how much work I've done with them as UnPaper Towels and as rags.

Do you use UnPaper Towels? Do you make them or purchase them?

More Hats for Online Angels

2011-05-17T07:32:00.002-04:00

Two strand acrylic foldover brim toddler hat made on the red loom. The pink yarn was from the OA Breast Cancer progressive lot auction from a few years ago. I still have a bunch more of that yarn. It is really nice to work with. The multi was from a package of yarn someone sent to me to be used for charity crafting.

Four newborn acrylic two strand hats from the blue loom. The sparkly yarn is in Christmas colors. I got the yarn on sale at holiday time a couple of years ago. These are self-brimmed in a different stitch. In the lower right corner there is a rollover brim preemie hat, also off the blue loom, made from a soft nylon I got in an OA auction lot.

You should visit their auctions when you can, there are great bargains to be found.

Quick Pick 5 Package Swap #3

2011-05-12T03:35:00.001-04:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

Here is what my partner found in their package:

This is what I found in mine:

Are those socks AMAZING or what? I can't wait to wear them. The Post Its are coming to work with me - no more plain boring notes stuck to my desk. The stamp says 'laugh' - I should bring that to work too. ;) I may even share the beads with my daughter. It was such a fun package to receive. What a sweet partner!

Send me a Tote and a Note #3

2011-05-11T03:48:00.000-04:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

OK, OK, before you ask why I would send a tote that has Crime Scene Cleanup on it to a perfectly nice lady, let me say that her profile listed quite a few crime shows as her favorites. So in addition to two of my recycled curtain totes I included that one. I hope she gets kick out of it.

Tasty Thursday: Onion Rings

2011-05-05T03:36:00.000-04:00

Now that the Spring holidays have come and gone we have a blast buying up all the Passover Kosher stuff. It's such a luxury to find anything that is vegan and gluten-free on clearance, that we pick up some shelf stable treats even if they're not the healthiest things. It's just once a year, right? These onion rings were really quite tasty. And I got a huge kick out of the bag. Why? Take a look:

Onion flavored onion rings. Who would have thought? ;)

April Stash Bust - 2nd Annual

2011-05-04T00:13:00.003-04:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

Here is what my swap-mate will find in her box. Yes, I said box. There was no way I could fill just a 6x9 envelope. Not that it is a gigantic box, but I'd like to think that at 7x10x5 it is 3x thicker than a stuffed envelope would have been. This requires two photos.

Travel Tip Tuesday: American Express Platinum benefits

2011-05-03T06:34:00.000-04:00

Platinum Cardmembers, have you read the recent mailers sent out by AmEx? Have you selected an airline and signed up at Transform Travel? Why would you pass up $200 in airline credits? Even if you don't normally travel with extra bags or do things that incur fees, I think everyone should sign up. I did. I decided that I'd use the credits to do something I don't normally do on planes - watch for-fee movies.

What will you do with your $200?

Follow My Blogger Blog swap #2

2011-05-02T19:37:00.000-04:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

I joined this swap because I really love finding new blogs to follow. Whether you found me through the swap or not, please leave a link to your blog so I can come visit!

Receipt Swap

2011-04-28T07:56:00.001-04:00

No, that's not a typo for recipe. With all my dietary restrictions, recipe swaps are of no interest. However, what could be more cool for an ephemera junkie like me than someone else's papers? You were to send your partner a minimum of 3 receipts to use for crafting purposes or just for fun. The latter is my case.

I find a lot of receipts at my work from all over the place. I get a kick out of reading where they're from, what time the person who dropped it was there, etc. so it was really a blast for me to participate in this swap. How cool it was to see one from a library book sale! You can see the envelope it came in was recycled, which really tickled my fancy as well.

I hope the host does it again, I will definitely sign up!

Fat Quarters Swap

2011-04-27T07:35:00.000-04:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

I think I truly hit the jackpot on this one. My swap partner sent beautiful fabrics, each one perfect for me in some way, along with a delicately woven lace bookmark in my favorite color.

But back to the fabric. Those jungle prints are AMAZING! I'm not a quilter, but I'm encouraging myself to make a mini quilt with them. I have some carved giraffes and other jungle animals in my bedroom that would be so enhanced with something like that displayed on the wall above them. Wish me luck!

Have you heard of Swap-Bot?

2011-04-26T06:41:00.000-04:00

Oh my. It is my new fascination. I joined less that two weeks ago and have already done several swaps. I should have photographed the ones I already sent but I hadn't decided to blog about it yet. But I will from now on.

Pictured are the first two postcards I received as swaps. I'm so thrilled with them! The first features a kitty that looks like one of mine and the second? Can you read that title? The ABCs of Living Green! Did these partners do a fabulous job of sending something I would love or what? And it wasn't even what is referred to on Swap-Bot as a 'profile based' swap. It was sender's choice and they still went out of their way to send something that would make me smile. How cool was that?

Have you heard of Recyclebank?

2011-04-09T15:36:00.000-04:00

I have recently enrolled in Recyclebank's program. I haven't redeemed for any Rewards yet, so I can't really speak as to how long shipping takes, etc. There are, however, print-at-home rewards, which is nice! For the sake of transparency, that is a personalized link. Should you enroll through it, I would get a referral.

I say, anything that encourages good stewardship of the Earth is worth a look.

2 little hooligans: Fat Quarter Friday

2011-01-20T08:53:00.000-05:00

Fat Quarter Friday focuses on quick projects from FQs. I enjoyed the first installment and plan to check in each week to see what comes next.

Tasty Thursday: Chilled Salt-roasted Beets with Skordalia

2010-08-19T03:35:00.000-04:00

I had this amazing dish at Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney's Boardwalk last week. It is vegan and gluten free as it appears on the menu - what a thrill as I don't often get to order something straight from the menu without the chef modifying it in some way. It was delicious! The beets did not taste like soil as so often can be the case. The garlic was tangy but not overwhelming. The dill in the olive oil drizzled on the plate was so fresh you could smell it even with all the garlic. Well worth the mere $5.99 price for this appetizer!

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Eye Mask

2010-08-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

Due to the hours I work, I find a sleep mask absolutely essential to getting all the rest I need. We have lots of them around the house as everyone has odd schedules here. This one was a freebie. The elastic slipped out of the seam in one spot, leaving me with only one band of elastic to keep it in place and a long, stringy tail to get tangled in my hair.

Why bother to repair a freebie when I have others? Because #1 it was free and #2 there is no reason for it to be in the landfill when a few hand stitches will make it good as new. Knowing hand sewing isn't easy for me (it makes my wrists hurt) you can see how important I think it is to keep your things in good repair and avoid adding to all the discarded trash on our planet.

Nap time!

Travel Tip Tuesday: #AYCJ

2010-08-17T12:34:00.000-04:00

The JetBlue All-You-Can-Jet pass is back again. Visit jetblue.com/aycj to find out all the details. Most notable change from last year is the ability to buy the pass and book your flights online. No more having to call in to book your pass travel. Enjoy!

Edited to Add:

Looks like Sun Country is doing a similar deal. You can check it out here.

Tidy Thursday: Front Closet

2010-08-12T13:11:00.000-04:00

Today I went through everything in the front closet. I found a sweater I forgot I had! I thinned the contents by three - an XL very warm faux sheepskin lined collared sweater, a fleece collared zip up jacket, also an XL and a zip up juniors S black windbreaker. All went into my box for Online Angels. I debated making a skirt out of a sweatshirt that was in there but I decided to leave the sweatshirt intact for now. Hubby might still wear it. Next time I come across it hanging there without having gone through the laundry (if it had I'd know he'd worn it) it will become a nice, soft, and easy to make skirt for lounging on the deck in.

I also put the carpet cleaner where it belongs - in the closet against the wall - and hung the various jackets that were on the hooks properly on hangers.

Did you do a little something today to brighten your surroundings? What was it? I need ideas for my next burst of straightening up.

Travel Tip Tuesday: EZ Rent-A-Car

2010-08-10T03:03:00.000-04:00

We tend to do much of our travel on the spur of the moment and often visit Orlando, Florida since I am a Disney junkie. Hey! It's not a problem, I can stop any time I want to. Just don't try to make me. ;)

Often, with a last minute reservation we find our preferred rental company is higher priced than we'd like. I've tried showing them a reservation from a competing company and asking them to match it without luck. So we're finding that we use our #2 choice more and more lately. EZ is located inside the terminal at MCO. The rates are good, the staff is efficient, and although there is no automated check in or preferred customer line we usually find the pickup and return process to be easy. If you choose, you can have your receipt emailed to you instantly upon check out. I do it all the time and it works out great.

The cars are comparable to any rental company; we usually take a subcompact but have occasionally been upgraded when they had no subs available. We once were given a convertible PT Cruiser.

Visit their website and sign up for the EZ Money program and the company's e-newsletter. You can also find the listing of rental locations there. This is a small company but I feel they offer a very nice product. And don't forget to look under the Coupons tab for instantly redeemable coupons (usually 5%) off your rental.

Tasty Thursday: Pattypan Squash

2010-07-29T17:45:00.000-04:00

We were lucky enough to be gifted this beautiful pattypan squash by my daughter's boss. I have to admit it was so pretty I didn't want to eat it so I decorated the table with it for a few days.

But the calling deliciousness got the best of me and I allowed hubby to make this wonderful pattypan squash and red onion dish this evening. I used it to top a baked potato.

My dinner was yummy. Is there anything better than people who gift you things they've grown or made with their own hands?

I don't think so.

Travel Tip Tuesday: We Love Our GPS, But....

2010-07-27T14:46:00.000-04:00

We all love our GPS, whether it is part of a phone, computer or stand-alone unit. But we should still keep an atlas or map in the car. Call me a luddite if you like, but machines or satellite can fail, a hard copy will always be there.

Whether it be around town or around the world, enjoy your travels today!

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Pink Floral Dress to Pink Floral Skirt

2010-07-14T03:03:00.000-04:00

A few days ago my daughter, a size 0, cleaned out her closet and brought me this very pretty size 4 dress from H&M. It was destined for my charity box, knowing it would make some young girl happy to have something so pretty...until I noticed that it had a stain on the front. Also, she had melted the ribbon trim when she'd accidentally touched it with the iron. So now I knew it wasn't suitable for giving...sigh. What to do with it? The fabric was too pretty to let go. My daughter suggested grocery bags, but I hoped to see it have a second life as clothing.

Finally, I decided to remove the ribbon and separate the bodice from the skirt. I thought the skirt wide enough that I could make a summer top from it for myself, a size 16.

Once it was detached I slipped it over my head only to decide it was too snug around the top and made me look squished. But I did discover just how much give the fabric had and decided that with very little effort I could have a bright, new skirt.

All I had to do was iron down along the old fold line and sew a quick stitch all around the top. I can't believe how much stretch it has to it! I saved the usable parts of the ribbon - heaven knows I'm always looking for nice ribbon - in my ribbon stash box. I need to check with my daughter to see if she'd like the bodice as a summer top, otherwise I'm going to scavenge it to make a nice fabric bow to cover the stain. It falls very high on the skirt and I plan to wear a long shirt with this anyway so I will be able to get away with it regardless of whether she wants the bodice or not. If she doesn't, I'll also end up with a very long pink zipper. I'm thinking it might make a fun purse. We'll see.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Courtyard Dunn Loring Fairfax

2010-07-13T11:52:00.000-04:00

Should you find yourself needing a place in Vienna, Virginia, we recently stayed at this Marriott property. The neighborhood seems to be undergoing some gentrifying from what we could tell during our brief visit. There is adequate parking, both indoor and out. Front desk staff is top notch. The lobby/breakfast area is well decorated, comfortable and immaculately kept.

The room itself was the same, quite attractive and clean, our only complaint being the bed was a little soft. Linens were crisp and clean, there was a cooler we stashed our beverages and fruit in, bathroom was a comfortable size. Very nice flat screen TV for watching a movie on the free cable channels. There are also pay per view selections. There is really no view to speak of.

We did take a look at the hot tub/pool area but the smell of chlorine was too strong for me to consider taking a dip.

The hotel offers breakfast for a fee and has a well stocked convenience mart area. There is lemon/lime water and coffee free in the lobby although I could not find the cups during the paid breakfast hours on Sunday.

At just $80 for the night I felt this was a great deal and will stay there again if I'm in the area.

Tasty Thursday: Beautiful Organic Farm Food

2010-07-08T20:38:00.000-04:00

All washed and cut and ready to cook for tonight's dinner. Mmmmm....it was sure delicious.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Busch Gardens Play & Eat

2010-07-06T03:34:00.000-04:00

I think this is a great deal! I've never been to Busch Gardens but this offer might change that. Do note that you must purchase this ticket online and print it out, you cannot buy it at the gate, but what a deal, pay regular admission price and have your food and beverages included! You can't go wrong.

Space Junkies Take Note

2010-05-25T03:09:00.000-04:00

I don't normally post these things, but I've been a space junkie my whole life. Haven't been to KSC in a few years, but one of the highlights of our family vacations when the kids were small was getting a pass to a launch. I don't know how it is done currently, but at that time it was like a giant tailgate party, lots of fun and friendly folks.

I still tell people the thing I found most impressive was how bright the plume of flame from the engine is. The shuttle is an amazing thing...and that program is nearly ended. What will come next? Why haven't we walked on the moon since 1972?

Win a visit to Kennedy Space Center.

My Blog is Carbon Neutral

2010-05-20T03:16:00.000-04:00

While I don't go for gimmicks that ease people's guilt over their wasteful ways, I can't see anything wrong with signing up to have a tree planted. The logic behind this program is that the tree offsets the carbon generated by blog use. I just like the idea of the tree. :)

So please have a look here and consider signing up so another tree will be planted.

My Most Cringe-Worthy Sewing Moment

2010-05-19T07:48:00.000-04:00

As a method of entry into another blogger's giveaway the question was asked "What is your most cringe-worthy sewing moment?" I smiled while writing my response and decided to share it here with you.

But first I have to mention that I love the blog's title - I
AM CREATING THE LIFE I LOVE. It is definitely what I try to do every day. I hope you do too. We can't depend on others to make us happy. Make yourself happy and share the joy with those you meet.

Now on to my sewing cringe -

My most cringe worthy moment has to do with one of my favorite things to sew - curtains. I really enjoy the long pieces of fabric and the straight seams, but not too long ago I decided it would be less expensive to purchase ready-made curtains from IKEA than to buy the yardage, so that was what I did. IKEA curtains are very long and not pre-hemmed, although they do come with hem tape which I do not use.

I get really frustrated with bathrooms as it seems you can't really buy matching window and shower curtains anymore and IKEA's long curtains work for a shower curtain rod so it seemed to be a good solution...until I tried to work with them. The fabric was so slippery it was an aggravation just to do this simple hemming. When I finally finished, wiped the sweat of frustration from my brow and hung them, I noticed that I'd hemmed one of the shower curtains backwards. But I guess I can't have been too ashamed since it hangs there to this day, several years later. No one notices until I point it out because of the way they're tied back and I have no desire to wrestle with that fabric again.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Why Would I Want Another?

2010-04-21T13:17:00.000-04:00

This is my sewing machine. Nothing fancy, just your basic stitches. I got this sewing machine as a gift from my husband in the mid 80's. It is my long-time companion and workhorse. Why would I want another? This Kenmore and I know each other, we know what our likes and dislikes are, we know how to work together. I can't imagine ever casting off such a good friend simply because something new and flashy popped up. The more bells and whistles there are on something the more I scratch my head when I need to use it.

Friends, remember just because it is new doesn't mean it is better.

Hello Kitty Fabric is Now a Pillowcase.

2010-04-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

Remember the Hello Kitty fabric I got at Salvation Army? It's now a soft flannel pillowcase destined for Online Angels.

Blogger Help Please?

2010-04-09T03:44:00.000-04:00

Two questions:

First, I have a couple of folks who are following me. I'd like to find your blogs and reciprocate but I don't normally read through Blogger (I use Thunderbird) so I'm not sure how to find you. Clicking on your little photo doesn't bring me to your blog. :( If you wouldn't mind me having a look would you drop me a link to it please? Or if anyone out there wants to give me general instructions on this subject when it comes to Blogger I'd truly appreciate it.

And second, since Blogger's recent 'upgrade' I don't seem to be able to compose a post, date it for the future and have it show up as scheduled. It just posts, as you can see by the time/date on this. How can I get back to successfully scheduling future posts? This is really important to me and I am puzzled.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Spidey Strikes Again

2010-04-07T12:48:00.000-04:00

More of the Spidey valances projects.

This pillowcase will go to Online Angels.

This is the Spidey gift complete. The letters fit nicely into the matching zippered bag.

This is something I had to mention. I was not thinking happy thoughts when I went to sew in the zipper and couldn't find the zipper foot. So when I was looking at it, inside out, I noticed how beautifully the photos matched up. At first I got excited - it was completely random that it happened that way. Then I remembered I was looking at the inside of the bag and got cranky again. Well, when I turned it right side out it was just as perfect.

That was when I knew God was smiling on me. He reminded me that even if I couldn't find the correct tool He would help me make something beautiful.

Fabric Prayer Cloths

2010-04-06T12:38:00.000-04:00

For those not familiar, prayer cloths are made many ways, but what they all have in common is that the maker prays over them while they work, for the intentions of the receiver. The receiver holds the cloth when they pray.

These two are made from fabric that makes me think of heaven. They're simply sewn together right sides facing, with a small hole left for turning. Once turned, they're ironed and topstitched. Some folks add an ornament of some sort. I leave mine plain because handsewing isn't the best for my arm. They may have ornaments added when they reach Online Angels.

Is Blogger April Fooling Me?

2010-04-01T20:59:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to post but the interface seems to be giving me headaches. Has Blogger changed the photo upload process? Is it currently FUBARed?

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: New Life For a Sweater

2010-03-31T03:07:00.000-04:00

Picked up this name brand sweater thrifting. It was partially felted by the previous owner. I put it through the wash to see what the result would be. It came out the perfect size for my daughter, but the bottom edge and sleeve edges were sort of lettuced and the neckline was too tight to go over a head.

Solution? Break out the serger and fully lettuce them. I couldn't decide whether to use matching or contrasting thread. When I uncovered the machine I found it already threaded with this pretty blue and thought the finished result would be nice with jeans, so I went with it.

The serging cut off the tight portion of the neck and prettied up the other edges. What do you think of it?

Pink Chemo Hat

2010-03-30T03:06:00.000-04:00

Made from more of the pink yarn I got last year in the OA Pink Ribbon progressive auction, this is a two strand, loom knit, two over one stitch made on the green loom. It is so very soft, I hope the recipient finds it comforting.

Tasty Thursday: Gluten-Free Vegan spoonbread

2010-03-25T12:03:00.000-04:00

This recipe was adapted from one I googled when I had the whim to make cornbread. The consistency is more of a spoonbread, fluffy and moist, so although it wasn't what I was looking for at the time it is something I enjoyed and will make again.

Set oven for 425F.

Bring 6 Tb water to a boil in a small pan. Add 2 Tb flaxseed. I used the flax with added blueberry from Trader Joe's. That added a color element to the finished product but didn't add any taste. I'd kind of been hoping for a hint of blueberry. If color is important to you, you'll want to try something else.

Lower heat, continue to cook, stirring occasionally until thickened, about three minutes. Set aside.

Mix together:
1 C gf flour mix I used Bob's Red Mill mixed with a little Soyquick; it was what was on hand.
1 C cornmeal
1/4 C sugar
4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp finely ground sea salt

To dry mixture add:
Thickened flax
1 C non dairy milk I used almond, our preferred milk.
1/4 cup oil I used corn, again because it was what was on hand.
3/4 to 1 C frozen corn kernels

Coat cast iron pan with vegetable spray, turn batter into pan, cook for about 25 minutes then set out to cool.

The texture is a little grittier than I personally care for but the consistency is perfect for spoonbread. So nice and tasty with a little Earth Balance. Next time out I'm going to add some onions.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Delicious Yarn From a Thrifted Sweater

2010-03-24T03:02:00.000-04:00

I picked up this gorgeous alpaca/wool, name brand sweater at Salvation Army for $2.25. The moment I saw it I turned it inside out in order to gauge the possibility of unraveling it and was thrilled to find the right kind of seams. Yay!

The seams came apart like a dream! They'd been joined with a yarn of a slightly different color which meant it was simple to snip them free without concerning myself I would accidentally snip something I shouldn't.

As you can see, the added design element was 'sewn' on. I snipped off the knot shown in the photo above and easily pulled it out.

I thought the rest of the unraveling would go just as smoothly. Boy was I wrong. Not being a knitter I simply had no clue of the intricacies of putting together a patterned sweater. As you see above, the front panel is made up of three parts woven together. So it was frog one side, untwist from center yarn, frog center yarn, untwist from other side of yarn, frog second side, repeat. I won't lie, I thought that was tedious. Then I got to the arms/back, none of which had any design, but that didn't mean the parts were knit in a single panel either.

It took almost an entire morning and afternoon to unravel this sweater.

Here you can see the results. With the sweater being a men's large I sure did get a nice quantity of yarn. I'm hoping to get a double layer hat plus a single layer hat out of it. Just two days before I found this sweater to unravel hubby ruined his nice, heavy, double layer alpaca hat so he definitely needs a new one. I think I'll get started on this project today. Despite the frogging being so much work, the yarn is just gorgeous and I think it was worth all the effort.

I Love My Snap Press!

2010-03-23T03:41:00.000-04:00

These cute little straps took all of ten minutes to make. When my kids were small I had a couple attached to each side of the high chair and stroller to keep the binkies and toys from making it to the floor when the babies went through the 'I love to throw things and watch Mom pick them up' stage. If I remember correctly that happens around nine months old.

The two short ones are intended for attaching binkies to clothing straps - a good length but not long enough to get wrapped around the baby's neck (natually they're not intended to be used unsupervised) and two for stroller or high chair use. The ones I had in the 80's were plastic. Wish I'd had a snap press back then - my kids would have had a strap to match each outfit!

Thrifty Thursday: Handmade Baby Sweaters

2010-03-18T20:03:00.000-04:00

Is this a score or what? Seven brand new, handmade baby sweaters, freshly tagged and placed on the rack at Salvation Army.

For .39 each!!

Can you believe what great timing I had? I feel so lucky that seven babies will get a sweet little handmade sweater from Online Angels, something I can not usually send them since I don't know how to make baby sweaters, for $2.73.

Another happy little find was this Hello Kitty flannel fabric. Two yards for .49!

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Fun Letters

2010-03-17T03:03:00.000-04:00

What do you get when you combine the legs of old jeans whose tops you've already used to make purses, some felt you bought for a Halloween costume that never got made and a valance you got for a great price at Salvation Army?

Well, before I answer that I have to share the process, right? First, stack the fabrics up, trace the letters, which can be found at Happy Together, onto the fabric and pin. Be careful to leave enough extra around the sides as your fabrics may shift while sewing and you don't want to find yourself short on the edge of one like I did.

Next, cut them into individual fabric 'sandwiches', sew, then trim off excess.

You get these very cool letters for a terrific little boy who is turning four!

I think they look cute tied up with the jeans seam.

Thrifty Thursday: Spider-Man Valance

2010-03-11T10:28:00.001-05:00

I picked up this brand new looking Spider-Man valance at Salvation Army for $1.99. Gosh, I love that place! The person who donated it surely blessed me.

My little great-nephew's birthday is next month and I thought of him the moment I saw it; I have an idea in my head for what to do with it. I've started off by washing the piece, pulling out the seams and ironing the fabric up. It is quite a bit of fabric, 22" x 120", and I'm really excited to get to work with it.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Pantyhose/Tights Crafts

2010-03-10T03:06:00.000-05:00

My work requires me to wear black hose or tights. I prefer the tights and as a result have quite a few no-longer wearable pairs collected. I can't just toss them. Beyond the $5-$7/pair cost, I just can't see throwing them in the trash. There must be good craft-supply uses for them.

Some things I've done with worn out tights so far -

Ties for holding up tomato plants
Tube bra (from the panty portion, not the legs LOL)
If only the feet were worn out, cut them off and wear as footless tights
Stuffing for soft toys and pillows
Store onions by placing them inside, tying a knot between each one and hanging up. When you want to use an onion just untie or cut off a section to release it
Cover the end of the vacuum hose and run over the rug when looking for a lost item such as an earring back. It will be lifted off the rug, but not sucked up into the machine

I've got an idea for a quilt. Take two squares, fold them over on the diagonal and sew together on the fold. Stuff each of the resulting triangles with tights and sew closed. These should be nice, weighty squares and make a warm quilt when sewn up, don't you think?

But I'd really love some crafty ideas, maybe a pin cushion or some sort? Or a children's toy of some kind? This faked potato looks like a fun toy! I wish a faked eggplant (since all my tights are black) could be just as much fun, but who eats eggplant in the skin with the insides mashed up and butter on top?

I would love for some folks to share their ideas on this with me!

Travel Tip Tuesday: Looking for Free Attractions?

2010-03-09T03:05:00.000-05:00

Here is a website to start with. Search by state and find parks, museums and other attractions which are free of admission charge.

Looking For Artisan/WAHM Made Items?

2010-03-04T03:18:00.000-05:00

Stalk Shop is a multi-vendor Artisan/WAHM mall. You'll find lovely clothing and household items as well as crafting supplies such as hand-dyed yarn.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Time Can Be Wasted Too

2010-03-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

Have you ever sewn something only to find that it did not work well for your body shape? I know I have and it is one of the main reasons I struggle with sewing from a pattern. I am so frustrated by the waste of time, effort and fabric when my end result is not as useful as I'd hoped.

I've been reading a little about slopers; today this link showed up in my email box. It's a sign, right?

I hope some of the information there - I've just begun going through it - helps keep your crafting time productive and not wasted.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Bahama Breeze $10 Gift Card

2010-03-02T03:10:00.000-05:00

It's no secret my favorite travel destination is Orlando. Although I've not yet been to Bahama Breeze, I have passed by many, many times. Maybe the $10 gift card one can sign up for here will be incentive for me to try it on my next trip.

Rice Bag

2010-02-25T03:04:00.000-05:00

This is another easy project that makes nice gifts. Make sure your fabrics are natural to lessen the risk of melting or worse, fire in the microwave.

I like to make mine up as a little set, the rice bag itself, a washable sleeve to slip it into and a drawstring bag to keep it all in. This one is a nice purple flannel.

For those who have never used a rice bag, you warm the inner part in the microwave just like you do any other heat pack, then I slip it into the washable cover before use.

I've made tons of these over the years, in all sorts of prints and solids, enjoyed by older folks and children alike.

Tasty Thursday: The Magical Loaf Studio

2010-02-18T03:06:00.000-05:00

Choose from the vegan ingredients you have on hand, check the boxes, click submit and you've got dinner under control courtesy of The Magical Loaf Studio!

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Legwarmers From a Felted Sweater

2010-02-17T03:08:00.000-05:00

I got hurt at work and the doctor's orders are to stay at home with the wound open to the air. But we keep the house a comfortable temperature for walking around in flannel pajamas or sweats. How can I keep my knees exposed and not have my legs cold? I needed some nice wool legwarmers. So off to Goodwill I went on the way home from the doctor. Hey - he said I could stop for my prescription, what was one more stop? It was something I needed to convalesce.

This is a nice, heavy Ralph Lauren wool sweater. I washed and dried it when I got home to be sure it was felted all the way down. It had clearly been donated because the previous owner had begun the felting process. ;)

In this first photo you can see where I've begun to pick the sleeves off stitch by stitch.

The second photo shows the sleeves-cum-legwarmers, a small pile of wool bits which went into my stuffing bag, and the leftover body of the sweater. Anyone have a suggestion for what that should become? I'm thinking of trying either mittens or slippers. What do you think?