Tuesday Tidings

We're signing off for a bit.

I'll still be blog surfing,

but feel the need to recharge

Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday!

daisy

It Pays to Have Big Feet

After the rush of the Christmas season is over,

there are shoes under our tree.

Why, you may ask?

The shoe fairy is coming to visit!

Not sure how this got started in our family,

(it's based on French lore),

but we celebrate the arrival of the shoe fairy

every December 31st.

On that night, we place one shoe under the Christmas tree

so she knows where to find it.

When we awaken on New Year's Day,

there is one small trinket left for us in our shoe

to start the new year off "on the right foot".

Happy Holidays, y'all!

Now That's a Canned Food Drive!

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul,

and paints his own nature into his pictures.

-Henry Ward Beecher

Read more about this event here.

Recycled Snowman

There are a few of these square-type snowmen

in the neighborhood.

Some are made of wire, some of glass block.

They have always been something I hope to find

on clearance at the end of the season.



That hasn't happened yet,

so we decided to make our own

with what we had around the house.

 

This small styrofoam cooler was destined

for the donation bin.

We only had one, so we had to improvise

with plain white gift boxes for the rest of our figure.

Other supplies include tape, scissors, markers,

construction paper, straws, and colored tissue paper.

We had some bubblewrap lying around waiting

to pack up items that have been sold.

The gift boxes for the torso and head were stuffed

with the bubblewrap

to add dimension to the figure.

We added some construction paper pieces

to form a friendly face.

For the carrot nose,

just roll a piece of orange paper into a (sort of) cone shape.

(Or you could use a REAL carrot!)

A hat, buttons and a tissue-paper scarf complete the look.

He looks too toasty inside,

don't want him to melt!

Straws were added for support behind the hat,

but we ended up using a plastic cup

for extra strength during this windy day.

A heavy white blanket adds a "snowy" touch,

while anchoring the bottom.

This snowman greets visitors with a sunny smile.

Happy Holidays, y'all!

Ever Heard of Quinoa?

If it hadn't been for Lil' Guy's allergies,

we may never have discovered quinoa (say keen-wa).

It makes a great substitute for couscous,
which he loves

but can't eat because he is sensitive to wheat.

 

We buy it at our local grocery store.

It can be found in bulk,

but we have to be careful about

contamination with wheat products,

so it's not an option for us.

Quinoa is a great option for those on a gluten-free diet.

It's light and airy and has a nutty flavor.

It's as quick and easy as fixing rice.

Use it as a side dish with veggies, fish or chicken

or add it to bean burgers or meatloaf.

Since the protein content in quinoa is so high,

it's great paired with beans for a great vegetarian

alternative to rice and beans.

You can find recipes using this unique grain here.

Hang Ups

After visiting Darla's blog,

I fell in love with the idea of displaying Christmas cards

simply by using clothespins and twine.

There was no twine to be found in the house,

so a ribbon from the gift wrapping bin was substituted.

These valances came with the house

and it's nice to be able to feature them this way.

The clothespins pay homage to the thrill I get

from hanging our clothes out every week.

I'm thinking it would be a great way

to display other things too.

Maybe fabric swatches or bandanas, homemade crafts,

or family photos from recent activities.

Love this fresh idea. Thanks, Darla!

Tuesday Tidings

Hope your Tuesday is full of sweet things...

Acorn Ornament

Crafting is one of the hobbies I've always enjoyed,

but don't partake in much anymore.

It's a great outlet for creativity,

which in turn enhances your life.

Here's a little somethin' we came up with

after blog surfing for things we could make

from scraps at home.

Here's where you can find more ideas.

And here.  And here.

 

 Start with toilet paper and paper towel tubes.

Flatten them first.

 Several pieces were cut from the rolls and glued together

to look like a star or a twig of holly.

Either Elmer's glue or a hot glue gun would work.

Fancy-edged scissors were used to add a decorative touch.

Acorns found under a nearby oak tree

were glued on to the star shape.

Add as many or as few as you like, add glitter,

"snow", or paint the tubes first.

I like the rustic feel of these.

Add a piece of twine or raffia for hanging.

Enjoy!

Join Kim at Newly Woodwards for her DIY party!

Luscious Chocolate Pudding

How do you turn this into chocolate pudding?

Add these other ingredients, give 'em a whirl

and you get this...

Yeah, really!

Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding

3 avocados (or 1 large)

4-6 T dark cocoa powder

1/4 C honey

1 t vanilla

1/2 t salt

Add all ingredients to food processor.

Mix until smooth.

Refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

Makes 4 servings.

Have a luscious weekend, y'all!

Dress It Up!

A few weeks ago while grocery shopping,

and noticing how the prices continue to increase,

the decision was made to ramp up

the effort to create homemade staples.

Sometime last year I realized,

I'm turning into my mother.

Every day I eat a salad with lunch,

just as she has done for decades.

Now that my mom is here,

we go through a lot of salad fixins.

Since salad dressing is something we use everyday,

I've been trying to create one that is simple, yet tasty.

I think I've got it.


photo credit

Italian Dressing

1/2 C olive oil

1/2 C apple cider vinegar

1/4 C water

2-4 T honey

1 t Italian seasonings

1 t salt

1 clove crushed garlic

Add all ingredients except the oil to a measuring cup.

Whisk oil into mixture.  You'll see it thicken before your eyes.

This dressing can be used for marinating chicken, fish or veggies

as well as using on your favorite greens.

I keep it at room temperature,

as it is used up pretty darn quick.

I may even make some to give away as gifts!

Enjoy!