How Lovely You Are

{this moment} - waiting for spring

2011-04-22T04:33:00.000-07:00

Potting Benches

2011-03-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

I've been dreaming about potting benches lately, as we prepare for springtime. Our current situation has all of our pots and tools in the garage. While we have the storage space, it's quite a dark and uninspired workspace.

vegetablegardener.com

I'm wondering if my husband might be game for building one? We've got a lot of projects currently - prepping the garden, starting seeds, building the run for the chicken coop. So I'm sure it will be some time. I've been saving some of these images for a while, it won't hurt to wait a bit longer. I'm still debating, open shelving, cubbies, pegs, pegboard? So many options. Wouldn't any of these make a beautiful little workspace?

{this moment} - new additions

2011-03-25T05:32:00.000-07:00

Friday tradition, one photo, no words, inspired by soulemama

Seeing Green

2011-03-11T05:44:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - lift your spirits

2011-03-11T04:55:00.000-08:00

Lately at Home

2011-03-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

With school plays, babysitting, multiple illnesses, buying/selling cars, meetings, etc., we've been able to seek and find lovely bits of relaxation.

Family up for a visit, coffee and apple pear crisp, birthday candles.

A 40th anniversary party attended and our own anniversary celebrated.

The last snowfalls of the season, seeking warmth inside, and naps all around.

{this moment} - anniversary

2011-03-04T05:37:00.000-08:00

inspired by soulemama

{this moment} - snow day

2011-02-04T05:35:00.000-08:00

Hibernating

2011-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

We've been hibernating a bit. The weather has been snowy and cold, which we've kind of enjoyed. We've built snowmen, and been to some bonfires in the snow.

We've spent a lot of time playing with our new toys. This is a puppet theater that 'Santa' built. It's beautiful! There are spotlights, a front chalkboard, even a sound effect machine. It's very tall so it even fits the adults that have been playing along. We're working on some of our story lines!

We've gotten to see some really neat ice sculptures at a local Ice Festival, and played indoor hockey. This rink is actually in a children's museum, you simply skate in your socks, no ice here.

Lots of family get togethers which have been nice and relaxed. We are still having some celebrations into January now, but it keeps things from being so hectic in December.

But still, a lot of staying warm by the fire and hibernating a bit.

Next up, I started cleaning a closet and have been inspired to keep going through each room in the house. Really, I can't wait!

I want to simplify this year, and focus more on time with my family and less on time cleaning and maintaining. I hope I can get there. Here is to a fresh, new year!

Happy Holidays

2010-12-20T07:08:00.000-08:00

Such a busy time of year. Shopping, baking, birthdays, holiday cards, wrapping. It's hard not to get carried away. This year we cut out Christmas cards, and made only one type of cookie. And it's just fine. We've still managed to do a lot and keep it a bit more relaxed.

We made these awesome homemade marshmallows and hot chocolate on a stick to give to teachers, decorated cut-out cookies, made a miniature snowman, visited a Christmas tree farm, saw Santa and a reindeer, drank hot cider, practiced our Christmas carols, watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Charlie Brown Christmas, sat by the fire, and trimmed the tree.

The awesome gingerbread house my son decorated at school. Some of the candies and frosting have gone 'missing', but still sporting the fantastic licorice chimney.

Playing 'breakfast bar'.

We've had some downtime consisting of play, snowball fights, some naps, and working on homemade Christmas projects that are pretty exciting.

We still have our family gingerbread house to make, perhaps some more marshmallows on the horizon, and a few more gifts to wrap. Besides that we just plan on enjoying some delicious meals and spending quality time with family. I can't wait.

Happy Holidays to all!

{this moment} - teamwork

2010-12-17T06:32:00.000-08:00

Grey and Gold

2010-12-17T05:13:00.000-08:00

Just love this image, the soft and ruffled feel. (via Petit Bonheurs)

Delicate glacier votives remind me of spun sugar.

Looped necklace with just the right asymmetry.

Wool and linen cushions by Anta. (via katyelliot)

I've been in love with these knit bangles for a while. I think I'll try my hand at them this winter.

(bbbcraft via designsponge)

Vintage, glittery French bunting.

Our 3-Bin Compost System

2010-12-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

Our three-bin composter....what a beauty.

Are you interesting in composting? We were as we started a very large garden this year. Compost not only helps to keep organic waste out of our landfills, but it also serves as a rich fertilizer for gardens, providing better drainage, nutrients and moisture retention in garden beds.

Side view of the bin, all walls are mesh wire except for the front.

Since we have the space, we decided to go with a three-bin compost system. I cannot attest to the building process because it was all accomplished by my handsome husband. I believe he used a plan similar to this. It was slightly more expensive than I wanted, but we're hoping this will serves us for many, many, many years. We used cedar wood to extend its longevity. Certainly pine would be much more cost effective, and I have even seen wooden pallets used. It is very important to note though, especially if using reclaimed wood, make sure the wood is NOT TREATED.

Slats slide in and out of a groove.

To use a system like this, start building your compost pile in the left bin. When this bin becomes full, turn the pile by transfering it to the middle bin. This will aerate the pile and hasten decomposition. Start a new pile in the left bin. When that becomes full, turn the middle pile into the right bin for finishing, and the left pile moves down the road into the middle bin, making the left bin available for a brand new pile. Finished compost will eventually be removed from the right bin.

To turn, I'd remove all or most of these front slats. TIP: Test ahead of time. You may have to be sure to keep the slats in order! Homemade wood cuts may not be as precise, and therefore may sit differently in the slats.

My husband added this feature to help keep the lid propped open while I'm dumping things. Just a piece of wood attached to the bin by rope, I place it under the hinged lid to keep it from closing. The lid is somewhat heavy.

Especially with snow. I will have to clear snow off this in order to use it throughout the winter. The lid is fiberglass and lets sunlight through to aid in decompostion and retain heat. Many people build these bins without a lid and they work wonderfully. We were somewhat worried about wildlife causing havoc.

My handy pitchfork.

A pitchfork or similar garden tool will be very useful for turning your pile.

This is my compost bucket I keep up at the house, right inside my garage door.

I keep a compost pail up at the house until I'm ready to carry it down to my bin. It is a galvanized steel bucket with a tight fitting lid, I believe it holds about 5 gallons. Since I am all about keeping this easy, I also keep an extra large plastic container in my kitchen to store scraps. I like having a smaller size available right where I work, I'll peel potatoes or carrots right into the container. It is a double-sized old Folgers coffee container. It has a lid (highly recommend to deter fruit flies) and I keep it under the counter in a closed cabinet. I fill it every day or so. Then I dump it in my 5 gallon bucket. Once a week or week and a half, I bring my bucket down to the composter.

Here is a nice easy to read chart that will help sort out what to add to your pile. While you could simply dump things into your pile willy nilly, it aids decomposition to add them in a certain manner.

I am quite sure that we have added too much dry yard waste (we had so many leaves this fall!). I really should have been watering things down a bit, just to dampen. Thin layers of green (wet matter) alternated with brown (dried matter) is the way to go, and I believe our ratio got thrown off. It's all a learning experience.

Dinner this Week

2010-12-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

M: Whole roasted lemon-pepper chicken, pan-roasted brussel sprouts, baked apples
T: Leftover meatballs and pasta with green salad
W: Pan-fried apple sausages, roasted carrots and potatoes, applesauce
Th: Black bean and corn tacos with avocado
F: Homemade Pizza
S: Homemade fish and chips with green salad
Su: Parmesan crusted chicken, buttered noodles, steamed green beans

{this moment} - snow day

2010-12-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Blue, Grey, and Orange

2010-12-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

I adore all the paintings in this shop, but especially these feathery plumes.

A perfect clutch with just the right pop. Really love the peacock feathers.

Wonderfully fun and yet sophisticated.

(found at the old petitbonheurs)

I can imagine the sunset in this Skyscape Quilt by KimEm .

(via here)

{this moment} - lighting the night

2010-11-29T12:04:00.000-08:00

O Christmas Tree

2010-11-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend was wonderful, two feasts, lots of time with family, some shopping, some football, some naps and downtime. And of course, bringing out the Christmas decorations.

We visited a new tree farm this year, joining our neighbors in their fun tradition. The children were thrilled visiting the animals - llamas, peacocks, hound dogs, donkeys, and most exciting...Bucky the reindeer.

The view was beautiful, the sun was warm, the cider was hot.

We took a nice tractor ride around the farm.

And had many discussions on the merits of each type of tree. With some cookies and hugs from Santa, we ventured back home for a cozy dinner with our friends.

Outside now it is snowing soft, fluttering flakes and we lit the fireplace last night for the first time this season. I am feeling thankful for my beautiful family.

The Farm

2010-11-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely time at the farm some weeks ago, the weather was still temperate and there was so much to see.

Feeding goats, petting bunnies and chasing kittens. We didn't even get around to the pigs, chicks, horses or miniature cow (a funny little animal indeed).

Quiet contemplations on a long hay ride.

A band playing and warm apple cider, fresh organic produce, hot soup, and local honey.

A flock of cranes in flight.

Did I mention the kittens? My little guy cannot get enough.

Running through rolling fields.

And the most beautiful golden colors of fall.

I guess I think of Thanksgiving as the end of autumn, so as we approach this weekend we'll be saying goodbye to that season and welcoming winter. Time is going fast, think I'll try and slow down and savor as much as I can heading into the busy holidays.

[this moment} - sweetness

2010-11-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

A Friday ritual, no words, a moment to remember. Inspired by soulemama.

Plum

2010-11-11T18:39:00.000-08:00

Roasted purple cauliflower. Turned a deep plum, very dark. Around 25 minutes in the oven at 400 with some salt, pepper, olive oil. So simple.

Someone in our house will now eat cauliflower.

{this moment} - so proud

2010-11-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

Halloween

2010-11-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Halloween was

Trick or treating and lots of sweets.

Pumpkins and playing.

Seeing the cutest little creatures running about.

A crisp fall day and blankets.

Getting together with the neighbors, snacks and cider.

A hayride through the woods.

{this moment} - autumn rainbow

2010-10-27T06:00:00.001-07:00

inspired by soulemama

Seeing Orange

2010-10-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

So striking on sunny days against the bluest skies

Or underneath catching the light though the leaves

From a distance admiring the sheer immensity(for perspective, notice the bench swing to the right of the trunk).

Or jumping right in.

Getting Spooky

2010-10-27T05:04:00.000-07:00

Eerie morning light.

Blood red pears.

Patch of white pumpkins.

The birds.

Getting ready for jack-o-lanterns.

It's shaping up to be a perfectly spooky weekend.

{this moment}

2010-10-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

inspired by soulemama

An Autumn Weekend

2010-10-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

We've been soaking up fall with it's sunny days, blue skies, and temperate weather. The other weekend we had old friends up for a lovely harvest dinner party. We took a boat ride, enjoyed a delicious dinner, decorated Halloween cookies, and roasted s'mores over a campfire.

(Smoked apple cider and whiskey BBQ ribs, roasted root vegetables with fresh herbs, spinach salad with walnuts, roasted beets and fresh goat cheese, homemade dinner rolls. For dessert, apple tarte tatin with creme fraiche.)

The next morning we headed out to our favorite orchard for a hayride...

Some apple picking....

Feeding goats and pony rides.

Happy, happy times.

{this moment}

2010-10-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Every Friday,a moment to remember, no words, inspired by soulemama.

Lovely Grey

2010-10-08T05:23:00.000-07:00

{this moment}

2010-10-08T05:14:00.000-07:00

Inspired by soulemama.

A Mix of Color

2010-10-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

Before autumn hits it's full stride, I'm enjoying a mix of summer colors with fall.

Dinner this Week

2010-10-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

Pretty kale in our garden.

M: Leftover Chicken Marsala Linguine with side spinach salad
T: Slow-cooker pulled pork sandwiches, applesauce
W: Red lentil soup with lemon, fresh dinner rolls
Th: Leftovers
F: Buttermilk fried chicken legs, macaroni and cheese, corn
S: Italian sausage lasagna with fresh salad
Su: Tomato soup, cheesy garlic toasts, green salad

{this moment}

2010-09-29T12:18:00.001-07:00

Week in Review

2010-09-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Nearing the end of our garden harvest.

Making delicious roasted vegetables from it.

Missing my husband and oldest children as they had a spectacular camping expedition.

But am excited they had so much fun.

Celebrating my husband's birthday. I love him so.

Enjoying our favorite coconut cream pie. Lots of sticky little fingers.

Dinner this Week

2010-09-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

This is the Kale, White Bean and Parmesan soup I made last week. I used homemade chicken stock as well as dried beans. For the beans (presoaked overnight), I cooked them in broth with a bay leaf and some crushed garlic cloves, then measured them out to equal one can. The flavor of the soup improved upon sitting, really delicious especially with crusty bread to dip. I was pleasantly surprised that two of the three children ate this as well.

For this week:

M: Baked meatloaf, mashed potatoes and peas
T: Pan-fried fish filets, steamed broccoli and couscous
W: Parmesan crusted chicken, leftover mashed potatoes, fresh salad
Th: Blue cheese and cauliflower soup with fresh dinner rolls
F: Apricot pork chops, hash browns and fruit salad
S: Homemade pizza night
Su: Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic toasts, green salad

{this moment}

2010-09-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

Capturing a moment, a moment to remember, one photo, no words. Inspired by soulemama.

Weekend in Review

2010-09-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

Fun evening dinners spent with friends.

Chocolate chip bars decorated in sprinkles.

Picking vegetables for dinner. So excited when we get a really big carrot!

Estate and garage sale shopping.

Finding lots of neat treasures.

Dinner this Week

2010-09-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

This week we finally picked our beets that were growing from springtime. Only two survived the heat and rabbits. We also picked our potatoes, white and sweet. They were small, and could all fit into my cupped hands. I'm certain our planting times were off, and we will start much earlier next year. I wanted to plant some cool weather fall crops but I think we will have to make due.

I'll be roasting these along with some onion and carrots from our garden as well, coated in olive oil with some sea salt, ground pepper, and fresh thyme. About 1/2 hour in a 425 degree oven. (though my oven runs really hot so it may be closer to 440!) I was so pleased that we actually had a decent carrot crop, I think the key was really thinning, thinning, thinning those little plants. Our largest carrots had plenty of room around them.

M: Swedish meatballs, brown rice, green beans
T: BBQ country-style ribs with thyme-roasted root vegetables
W: Kale and white bean soup with parmesan, fresh french bread, green garden salad
Th: Pan-fried sausage with roasted brussel sprouts and buttered orzo
F: Grilled cheese and tomato soup
S: Black bean and corn quesadillas with avocado
Su: Baked meatloaf, garlic mashed potato, green peas

this moment

2010-09-17T04:29:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, a moment to remember, no words. Inspired by soulemama.

Watercolor

2010-09-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start collecting my children's watercolors to save for a project. Not sure what I'll make yet. Just feeling inspired by them.

Loving...

The vibrant color against a background of white, and the gradual fade. Pretty.

This dip-dyed skirt. Wasn't the right fit, but I liked it even more in person.

Bunting with a lovely watercolored texture, oceany blues and cherry red.

photograph via 3191

A pop of color and hand-painted effect, top and bottom bags by Teddyfish.

found via Where the Lovely Things Are

Dinner this Week

2010-09-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

M: Crispy roast chicken with pesto cream, buttered noodles and tomato salad

T: Southwestern shrimp tostadas and guacamole

W: Lentil and brown rice casserole with steamed broccoli

Th: Grilled cheeseburgers and caprese salad

F: Leftovers with a fresh garden salad

S: Pizza night

Su: Pork Medallions with Cherry sauce, buttered noodles, spinach salad

{this moment}

2010-09-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, a moment to remember, no words. Inspired by soulemama.

End of Summer

2010-08-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day weekend, on cue, summer ended. We could feel and smell autumn in the air. We squeezed in one last swim, walked on a beach, rode an old wooden carousel and danced to a band.

But we also made chili, cuddled indoors, and watched some college football.

Goodbye Summer. It was grand.

Watermelon Coolers and Popsicles

2010-08-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's still summertime for us, it's been over 90 and school doesn't start until after Labor Day. I'm soaking it in. We adapted a delicious recipe for these Watermelon Coolers.

For ours we used:
9 full cups chopped seedless watermelon (around 3 batches in the blender)
Fresh lime juice, I'd try 3 or 4 limes depending on size plus another for garnish
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Dash of salt

Preparation:
Blend watermelon in batches in blender; process until smooth. Strain watermelon through a sieve into a pitcher; keep solids for another use. Combine sugar and water, bring to a boil, give a couple stirs, boil 2 more minutes. Let mixture (simple syrup) cool. Into strained watermelon juice stir in simple syrup, lime juice and a dash of salt. Serve over ice. Garnish with mint and lime slices. Add 1 1/2 ounces vodka or white rum per serving, if desired. So refreshing.

Then we kept the solids and froze them for some easy popsicles. Next time I will add a touch of the simple syrup and watermelon juice to add a bit more flavor, but my kids ate them just so.

{this moment}

2010-08-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, a moment to remember, no words. Inspired by soulemama.

My Birthday

2010-08-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

This year was the first year I had started to feel older, but for my birthday I felt anything but that. It was the kind of weekend where we had some things planned, but mostly it all just fell into place on it's own. Any worries were left behind, and we were simply enjoying the moment.

Visiting old friends' new home, wine and champangne tastings, Counting Crows and Augustana concert in the park, some sausage and jerky from an unusual butcher shop, a delicious picnic.

My new 'vintage' bicycle from my husband. I never said anything to him, and I don't know how he picked something out of my daydreams. (it even has a bell, I love it!)

Al fresco dining with friends at the gazebo, Thai food and ice cream cake and miniature cupcakes from the bakery (the BEST strawberry cream cake I've ever had), flower bouquets from our garden, discovering a crabapple tree with the sweetest little apples, children playing outside and enjoying hay rides. Oh if every weekend were like this!

{this moment}

2010-08-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, a moment to remember, no words. Inspired by soulemamama.

Garden Update

2010-08-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

So, our first year of gardening and we're learning a lot. We've lost some crops to rabbits and groundhogs. We have cabbage worm and some tomato disease, and weeds out of control. Things were slow to start.

But it's really brought such a joy to our lives to have this garden. We've enjoyed the best sugar snap peas, green onion, sweet lettuce and green beans. Our tomatoes are ripening and peppers are growing like mad. Pumpkin, squash, zucchini, and watermelon tendrils are reaching great lengths, and I think the beets and carrots are near ready. Pretty amazing.

Tomatoes, jalapenos, green beans, squash blossom, flowers and wild mint.

Must wear boots for stomping in the mud.

One for me, one for the basket, she says.

Green bean in mouth.

Blueberry Picking

2010-08-17T12:36:00.001-07:00

All were eaten. I guess we'll have to go back for another visit so I can make some muffins, pancakes and crumbles.

{this moment}

2010-08-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, a moment to remember, no words. Inspired by soulemamama.

An August Weekend

2010-08-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

A visit to the state fair filled with farm animals, roller coasters, funnel cakes and cotton candy.

Enjoying tomatoes straight from the garden.

Putting our feet up to relax a bit and enjoy a cook-out.

Cool tents for hot days.

Flying a kite on a gorgeous day.

Homemade strawberry marshmellow cake for our friends birthday. (White cake layered with a thin layer of strawberry jam, and loads of fluffy seven minute frosting, topped with fresh berries. Yum.)

And miniature bunting inspired by this.

Dreamy Days of Summer

2010-08-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite image by Sara Norris Photography.

Her photographs are so dreamy, they fill your head with softness and light.

I've always loved this picture, but it especially reminds me of now.

Days around here have been muggy, slow, sometimes rain but then always sun. Some grey and some light. Sunset has been my favorite part. The children are always up late, the days are long, and by the end we are so tired. But it is so good.

Dinner this Week

2010-08-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

Steak and sauteed mushroom tostada with cotija cheese, a salty grating cheese. I really like to top these with Sriracha chili sauce .

I don't think I made one thing off of last week's menu! So we're going to be recycling some things this week. We had a fun and busy week which included a lot of eating leftovers and some eating out, and some dinner invitations.

M: Beef tostadas with tomato and shredded cheese, side of guacamole
T: Parmesan chicken breasts and zucchini cakes with spinach salad
W: Slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches with broccoli slaw
Th: Leftovers with a fresh garden salad
F: Grilled cheeseburgers and caprese salad
S: Grilled kitchen sink pizza
Su: Grilled sausages, crispy rosemary potatoes, spinach salad

{this moment}

2010-08-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Capturing a moment, a moment to remember, one photo, no words. Inspired by -soulemama

Mid-Summer Nature

2010-08-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing an unexpected mix of pinks, greens and grays.

Staying In

2010-08-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

Peaceful corners on rainy days.

Week in Review

2010-08-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

A wonderful visit with family in town. Grilled steaks and super sweet corn. Swimming and front porch sitting.

Chocolate whipped cream birthday cake.
Lots of doggie kisses.

Going fast.

Being silly.

Lots of fishing.

And of course, playing with worms.

Visiting the Farm

2010-08-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

Less interested in visiting the farm animals, most interested in holding soft, sweet, friendly little kittens. Can't blame them.

Dinner this Week

2010-08-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

You cannot beat ripe, fresh produce from the farmstand. (Well, maybe if it's from your own garden!)

M: Baked pork chops, double-baked potatoes, roasted zucchini
T: Pork tostadas, tomatoes with basil and cotija cheese
W: Parmesan chicken breasts, steamed broccoli , garlic toasts
Th: Leftover parmesan chicken, zucchini cakes, spinach salad
F: Cheeseburgers and homemade french fries
S: Homemade pepperoni pizza
Su: Shrimp scampi linguine with garlic toast and fresh garden salad

Cake Bunting

2010-07-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

I just adore birthday celebrations.

Pure loveliness. By KikiLaRu.

{this moment}

2010-07-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -soulemama

Picking Cherries

2010-07-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite summer activites.

We really enjoyed our homemade cherry pie with fresh whipped cream.

For the filling:

4 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar
4 cups pitted tart cherries
1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional only)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl combine tapioca, salt, sugar, cherries and extracts. Let stand 15 minutes. Mix and pour into crust. If you have no quick cooking tapioca, I would cook the mixture as I'm about to describe. Use 4 Tbsp. cornstarch instead of tapioca (or I have used 4 Tbsp. tapioca flour plus 1-2 Tbsp. cornstarch). In this instance, I combined everything in a saucepan, brought to a boil stirring for a few minutes, then poured the hot filling into the crust.

In Color

2010-07-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Amazing knit street lamp spotted around town

Pretty pretty miniature bunting by PaperKlipDesign.

Vintage weathered wood croquet balls by SweetLoveVintage.

Beautifully patterned Life of Things print by TreasureFrey.

found via Sweet Sweet Life

Loving the scallops and the mismatch.

spotted via oh, hello friend.

Dinner this Week

2010-07-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

We've had a lot of family in town visiting which has been wonderful. As a result, our refridgerator has been overflowing. This week I'll be using up a lot of our leftovers, fresh fruit, and garden produce.

M: Steak sandwiches (with leftovers) and spinach salad

T: Zucchini cakes and baked chicken

W: Leftover (brats and cheeseburgers), watermelon, potato salad

Th: Spaghetti & marinara sauce, chopped salad

F: Homemade pizza and fruit salad

S: Grilled pork chops, cous cous, steamed green beans

Su: Tostadas

I love refried black bean and cheddar tostadas topped with sour cream, lettuce and tomato, but there are so many combinations. Some of my other favorites are chicken or shrimp with avocado, beef and colby-jack, or a sauteed veggie with some queso fresco. Delicious and so easy!

{this moment}

2010-07-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -soulemama

Summer Greens

2010-07-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Menu for the Week

2010-07-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

My grandmother's ice cream scoop. I've owned newer ones which broke after just a short time. This one is still as sturdy as ever.

Monday:
-Creamy chicken and pasta bake with peas
Tuesday:
- Mini-meatloaves, sauteed green beans, spinach salad
Wednesday:
- Quesadillas (with leftovers),Garden Salad
Thursday:
-Pasta with Zucchini & Summer Squash, Garden Salad
Friday:
- BBQ pork or chicken, Broccoli Slaw, Cornbread
Saturday:
- Cheeseburgers, Potato Salad, Garden Salad
Sunday:
- Jalapeno sausage and sweet potato oven fries

{this moment}

2010-07-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -soulemama

4th of July

2010-07-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

We had such a wonderful time over the 4th of July. Our long weekend was full of all the things required for a proper celebration.

Sparklers and campfires spent roasting giant marshmellows.

Fireworks over the lake and time spent with family.

Singing Happy Birthday to America and time spent with neighbors.

Boating and flags.

Madras and playing catch.

Bunting and rocking chairs.

Swimming and catching minnows.

Sailing and blue skies.

And just enjoying a lot of time spent together.

Getting Ready

2010-07-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy time preparing for the July 4th weekend. But in between cleaning and errands we squeezed in some coloring.

While we recovered from being sick.

Made easy meals like BBQ pork from the freezer, with pasta salad from leftover spaghetti noodles.

Practiced our tee-ball.

And watched a few more short, powerful but beautiful storms.

It was all worth it for the wonderful holiday weekend we had.

Menu this Week

2010-06-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

M: Baked Stuffed Sweet Peppers (recipe below)
T: Parmesan chicken breasts with corn and tomato salad
W: Homemade pizza
Th: Leftovers
F: Grilled steak, spinach and beet salad, sweet potato fries, rhubarb spritzers
S: Smoked BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, watermelon
Su: Out to dinner!

For my pepper recipe, the filling is enough to stuff at least 5-6 large peppers. Any leftover filling use/freeze for quesadillas or homemade soup.

Stuffed Peppers

Red, yellow, or orange peppers
2 lb. ground beef
1 cup instant rice
1 jar spaghetti sauce
¼-1/2 cup onion
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
½-1 cup chopped mushroom
Shredded parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper

Slice tops off of peppers, remove seeds and ribs.

Brown ground beef with some garlic powder and pepper. Remove from pan.

Drain most of fat, add some olive oil and sauté 3/4 cup of chopped mushroom and a ¼ onion (more or less to taste). Salt and pepper.

Make 1 cup of instant rice. Salt and pepper rice.

Combine all ingredients, mixing with ½ jar of spaghetti sauce.

Stuff peppers and bake at 350 degrees for 45 min. Top with parmesan cheese last 5-10 minutes.

{this moment}

2010-06-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Soulemama

Stormy

2010-06-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

So stormy lately. Fabulous lightening, thunder and wind. But amazing the amount of sunshine we get in between bouts. Feeling thankful.

Natural History

2010-06-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

image found via High Street Market

I've been daydreaming about some things to spruce up our home. I realized I have a lot of found objects and bits of nature collected. I love this display of natural history.

Father's Day

2010-06-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend despite a long power outage. Breakfast with friends, swimming in the lake, gardening, Chinese food, candlelight. He really is a super dad.

Dinner this Week

2010-06-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

In the interest of eating less meat and more fiber, I've been trying to incorporate beans into our family diet more often. I can't wait to try this Black Bean Confetti Salad by Smitten Kitchen.

This week:

M: Swedish Meatballs, brown rice, spinach salad with feta and strawberries
T: Spicy Orange Chicken with rice and steamed broccoli
W: Macaroni and cheese with ham and peas
Th: Hot Dogs on the grill, crispy potatoes and baked beans
F: Homemade Pizza
S: Grilled Tenderloin, Garlic Mashed, wedge salad
Su: Roasted chicken, grilled asparagus, strawberry spinach salad

{this moment}

2010-06-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

inspired by soulemama

Birthday Party for Two

2010-06-03T13:37:00.001-07:00

We had a combination birthday party for my son and daughter since their birthdays are about a week apart. It can be hard thinking of a party theme to incorporate boys and girls, along with an age gap. After discussing with my daughter, we decided on an "under the sea" adventure with crabs and mermaids.

Oh what fun we had!

Invitations and goodie bag stickers by whoosinvited. She was so wonderful and combined some of her designs to fit my crab/mermaid theme. I loved them. The cake had a faux-fondant buttercream, with rock candy and fondant decorations. I'll have to practice some more with that buttercream base. Very delicious though.

Bouquets of wild daisies in vintage Ball jars. Fish fruit snacks, little squirt guns and a couple sidewalk chalks for thank you treats.

Paper and ribbon banner with some 'under the sea' animals and free aqua and melon polka dot paper courtesy of Creature Comforts.

Lemonade and slip-n-slide, perfect combination for a hot day.

Sunshine pinata and water play. We had a water balloon toss scheduled, along with crabwalk races but we never even got to them, everyone was having too much other fun.

Striped paper straws, mermaid and crab cupcakes, and fishbowl jello. This is my favorite buttercream recipe to use.

I bought a few yard of a soft, shimmery tulle at the thrift shop for one dollar, and used it to decorate the buffet table.

My little sweetpea dappled in frosting, and the poms strung from the porch. Enough to make anyone smile.

Boy and Girl Birthday Party Solved

2010-06-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

We went with an "Under the Sea" theme.

Totally inspired by these mermaid cupcake toppers and crab liners . Aren't they pretty?

More details coming up.

{this moment}

2010-05-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

inspired by soulemama

Planning

2010-05-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

No menu planned for this week. Just some quick and easy dinners. Some cold fried chicken given from a neighbor. Macaroni and cheese. A frittata and salad. Grilled corn and burgers.

Busy week preparing for my daughter and son's birthday party this coming weekend. I'm planning on making some of these giant paper flower poms. They make me so happy. I made the smaller ones many years ago for napkin rings on Mother's Day. They're really pretty.

I love these colors. Nursery decor on OhDeeDoh via Eat Drink Chic

Springtime Moments

2010-05-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

Just thinking about {this moment} posts. So much that I want to remember, before we head into summer...

Our beautiful magnolia bush blooming.

Seesaw and sunshine through my littlest one's hair.

Prettiest shells found at the lake (I'm sure they are not native).

First sighting of a regatta.

Sticks, trucks and bicycles. Enjoying the sunshine after the dark days of winter.

Cantelope started at preschool. Beginning the journey of growing our own vegetables.

Fairy play.

Cutting and gluing. Practicing letters. Drawing everyday.

{this moment}

2010-05-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Still finding little playmates everywhere, totally in love

inspired by soulemama

Dinner this Week

2010-05-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

Image from Everyday Food

M- Baked Chicken, crispy potatoes, spinach salad
T- Macaroni and Cheese served with ham and green peas
W- Pan-fried fish filets, broccoli and orzo
Th- Vegetable Frittata and fresh salad
F- Chicken ravioli with sundried tomatoes and green garden salad
S: Jalapeno sausage, corn on the cob, fresh salad
Su: Pork Enchiladas served with rice and fresh fruit salad http://www.pbs.org/everydayfood/recipes/pork_enchiladas.html

Weekend Recap

2010-05-17T05:53:00.000-07:00

We finished getting all of our seeds and little seedlings into the ground. They were really starting to fade, I think some heavy storms did them in while we were hardening them off. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. We gardened all weekend, now, we water and wait.

Wildflowers are blooming everywhere now. If I am lucky, we will have a supply of fresh flower bouquets throughout most of the summer. It is so nice to have a vase of fresh flowers to brighten up the home. It feels like an amazing gift.

Stealing a quiet moment.

Grateful for sunshine after many rainy days.

A gourd birdhouse, handmade, and gifted from our kind neighbors.

Basic Directions

In the fall after the first frost and the vine dies, pick the gourd.

Dry in the garage throughout the winter.

Drill two holes in the top to loop a hanger

Drill about an inch diameter hole for the entrance

Drill 3 drainage holes in bottom

Hang between open air and forest, about 7 ft. up or so to attract wrens

Can't wait to try it ourselves

{this moment}

2010-05-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -soulemama

Mother's Day Weekend

2010-05-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

Was lovely and relaxing. Magazines and coffee. Out to lunch. A picnic dinner.

Many wildflower bouquets picked for me.

Library story time.

Homemade cherry almond coffee cake. Yummy.

Fuzzy catepillars found.

A bit of gardening.

It was all very sweet.

Dinner this Week

2010-05-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

M: Out to dinner

T: Leftovers

W: Marinated turkey tenderloins, brown rice, roasted asparagus

R: French dip sandwiches, homemade fries, garden salad

F: Homemade pizza

S: Grilled barbeque chicken, strawberry spinach salad, grilled corn on the cob

S: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans

{this moment}

2010-05-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -soulemama

Resting Place

2010-05-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling so tired lately, just busy with life, how we all can get sometimes. These rooms all seem like a lovely place to rest my head.

from notyourgoddess via sfgirlbybay

Danish villa. Photo by Niels Ahlberg via Scandanavian Retreat

Ina Garten barn bedroom

The Start of May

2010-05-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

Was very busy...
Enjoying lush greens and gorgeous flowers blooming everywhere.

Eating my cake, it is delicious with tea.

Appreciating flowers (otherwise known as stinky weeds) with delicate white petals that my children love to pick for me.

Washing very dirty toes. Many times. And hands, faces, arms, legs.....

Watching someone's very first tee-ball game.

So fun to watch, many laughs and cheers.

Prepping the garden in every spare moment. So much time is being spent there.

Dinner for the Week

2010-05-03T04:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend we tried making homemade bagels with the kids. I thought it would be more trouble than it was worth. They were pretty easy, but require a lot of waiting time for next steps. They turned out so delicious!

M: Roasted Chicken, white asparagus, green salad
T: Grilled cheeseburgers, homemade fries, garden salad
W: Chicken Pesto spaghetti with fresh tomato, garlic bread, green salad
Th: Meatloaf with buttered noodles and green peas
F: Chicken tacos with black beans and avocado
S: Homemade Pizza
Su: Grilled salmon, double-baked potatoes, sauteed spinach, corn and tomato salad

[this moment}

2010-04-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -soulemama

Making

2010-04-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Via Frolic. Photo by Chelsea Fuss, recipe by Elizabeth Fuss.

Going to be making this. Very intrigued by the combination of carmel and orange.

Ruffled

2010-04-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

I adore the colors of this fabric flower garland.

Yes, you are beautiful.

Dreamy French rose linen pillow.

Tiny flowered toes .

And fresh flowy dresses.

Dinner this Week

2010-04-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

I'm going to have a busy week, so I've tried to plan for some super simple meals, especially earlier in the week. However, I realized I have very few meals I consider quick and easy. So I need to add a few more to my repertoire. Until then we have:

M: Spaghetti with meatballs, fresh green salad
T: Grilled cheese w/ creamy tomato soup
W: Pizza night
Th: Baked meatloaf, steamed green beans, roasted potatoes
F: Parmesan chicken, steamed broccoli and fruit salad
S: Grilled steak, fresh asparagus, garlic bread
Su: Roasted Chicken, crispy rosemary potatoes, baked apples, green salad

{this moment}

2010-04-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
-soulemama

Last Weekend

2010-04-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Sweetly and quietly playing together.

So much fun and laughter flying a kite on a windy day. I wasn't able to capture it soon enough however, look closely.

Readying the garden beds.

Participating in a neighborhood garage sale.

Beautiful bouquets picked (ahem!) by my daughter and her friend from our garden.

{this moment}

2010-04-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

-soulemama