Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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


Monday, December 19, 2011

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!

Dare to DIY Blog Party




Homestead Barn Hop


Saturday, December 17, 2011

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.

Friday, December 16, 2011

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!





Thursday, December 15, 2011

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.






Wednesday, December 14, 2011

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!



One Project at a Time Link party - ABFOL




Christmas Hop

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Tuesday Tidings








Hope your Tuesday is full of sweet things...

Monday, December 12, 2011

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!

Dare to DIY Blog Party

Join Kim at Newly Woodwards for her DIY party!

Friday, December 9, 2011

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!



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Gluten Free Fridays @vegetarianmamma.com Sharing glutenfree recipes for all




Thursday, December 8, 2011

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!