tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24097773197366435342024-03-13T04:45:54.684-07:00That Took ForeverTracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-34797001802328388492015-04-26T15:07:00.000-07:002015-04-26T15:07:22.580-07:00Sunday Sewing Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've started working on an adorable quilt designed by Lori Holt. It's all about housekeeping. To be honest, I'd rather sew than vacuum and wash dishes or do laundry. </div>
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This is an applique that will be place in one of the quilt corners...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZdjVniaxAA/VT1g1zoot-I/AAAAAAAABOA/qsbC8bsAtjo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZdjVniaxAA/VT1g1zoot-I/AAAAAAAABOA/qsbC8bsAtjo/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="217" /></a></div>
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I love how it's turning out. So cute! And so much more fun that actual cleaning. :)Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-3747304452479523002015-04-17T18:08:00.001-07:002015-04-17T18:08:42.651-07:00A Pin CushionI finally finished stitching this lovely pear pin cushion...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEcpEMjyOd8/VTGtnkWFekI/AAAAAAAABNQ/FSEHIb1AJhU/s1600/1_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEcpEMjyOd8/VTGtnkWFekI/AAAAAAAABNQ/FSEHIb1AJhU/s1600/1_edited-2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used some scraps of an old quilt that I had stashed away. It's a great use for those little pieces, don't you agree?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aqunrZA7hU/VTGttPP1xuI/AAAAAAAABNY/KyKuf5m2DJM/s1600/2_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aqunrZA7hU/VTGttPP1xuI/AAAAAAAABNY/KyKuf5m2DJM/s1600/2_edited-1.jpg" height="387" width="400" /></a></div>
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Vintage millinery flowers and pearl beads...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMFk1eUEhk0/VTGtx21ZRmI/AAAAAAAABNg/RX6W17qOADY/s1600/3_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMFk1eUEhk0/VTGtx21ZRmI/AAAAAAAABNg/RX6W17qOADY/s1600/3_edited-1.jpg" height="640" width="499" /></a></div>
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Prettiness....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWjlqfiH_sU/VTGt7UhHSoI/AAAAAAAABNw/1odu7qKxtHw/s1600/5_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWjlqfiH_sU/VTGt7UhHSoI/AAAAAAAABNw/1odu7qKxtHw/s1600/5_edited-1.jpg" height="640" width="553" /></a></div>
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Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-18730260950245702192015-04-15T14:00:00.000-07:002015-04-15T14:00:01.422-07:00Blackboard Covers for Messy Storage Units<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm pretty sure that every household in America has these modular storage units in some room of the home...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QM4dgE675Ww/VS6l9bBUjRI/AAAAAAAABKk/bqjDPFGcjxs/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QM4dgE675Ww/VS6l9bBUjRI/AAAAAAAABKk/bqjDPFGcjxs/s1600/finished.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have two units placed next to each other to form one large storage area. They seemed like a great idea at the time because our house has very little closet space and I needed someplace to stash my fabric. I liked the price of these and I thought they would fit the bill. And they do. But...<br />
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Problem #1: I have a cat that sheds baby fine white fur like no body's business. I actually have to keep plastic covers on my furniture...like a granny!! No more indoor pets for me, but that's another topic of conversation. Anyway, those little cube areas are covered in fur all of the time. The fur also sticks to the canvas bins that hold my fabrics. They need to be dusted every day, but I don't have the time. It's not pretty.<br />
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Problem #2: They just look messy and kind of sloppy.<br />
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I've seen a couple of great ideas for changing these types of units into apothecary cabinets and the transformations are amazing. I'm not a great woodworker though, and I wanted to do something fairly inexpensive and easy. I came up with these chalkboard canvases that attach to the front of the units with Velcro! That's right...no major carpentry skills needed. Here's how I did it:<br />
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I wanted to add some height because it makes cleaning around these things easier. Now I can Swiffer under them to gather up the cat hair and dust. So, I added inexpensive wooden legs that I picked up at Lowes for around $2.00 apiece. They screwed right into the bottom. I used my drill to drill a hole in each corner, added some wood glue and then screwed the legs into place. MARK WHERE YOU WILL DRILL FIRST. Hold the leg where you think want it when you're done, mark where to drill, then drill:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9N4OBH8EbNI/VS7AUgV8kpI/AAAAAAAABK0/sVyfdqTPHWA/s1600/c4photo%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9N4OBH8EbNI/VS7AUgV8kpI/AAAAAAAABK0/sVyfdqTPHWA/s1600/c4photo%2Bcopy.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I forgot to take a picture of the legs I used, but here's what they look like after I spray painted them and attached them:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IRfRjzJGU8/VS7D_j3FIxI/AAAAAAAABLA/_0H0irAKH2U/s1600/c10photo%2Bxcopy_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IRfRjzJGU8/VS7D_j3FIxI/AAAAAAAABLA/_0H0irAKH2U/s1600/c10photo%2Bxcopy_edited-1.jpg" height="142" width="400" /></a></div>
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After the legs are attached you can prepare the canvases. I measured and was able to determine that four canvases that were 25"x25" would to nicely. I purchased them on line from Wholesaleartsframes.com. The shipping was slow, but I liked their prices. </div>
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I picked up a can of chalk paint at Lowes and painted each canvas with three coats of paint. Let each coat dry before applying the next. I like to use those little sponge brushes sometimes because I can simply toss them out after the job is done..</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_-saxrTWaA/VS7FOZDOpII/AAAAAAAABLQ/7Yyh9xy27G4/s1600/c5photo%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_-saxrTWaA/VS7FOZDOpII/AAAAAAAABLQ/7Yyh9xy27G4/s1600/c5photo%2Bcopy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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After the canvases are painted and dry, you'll need to "condition" the chalkboard surface. You do this by covering the entire surface with chalk and then wiping it off with an eraser (I used a cotton rag as my eraser). See how I'm using the side of the chalk to cover more area faster?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DEERikmdMI/VS7FyeqVAfI/AAAAAAAABLY/IkCDcPIyy1o/s1600/c3photo%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DEERikmdMI/VS7FyeqVAfI/AAAAAAAABLY/IkCDcPIyy1o/s1600/c3photo%2Bcopy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Below is a canvas that is conditioned and ready to use:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joFXn4dgCJg/VS7F-oOLf2I/AAAAAAAABLg/AiBFNPFld7Y/s1600/c2photo%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joFXn4dgCJg/VS7F-oOLf2I/AAAAAAAABLg/AiBFNPFld7Y/s1600/c2photo%2Bcopy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I decided to add small knobs to the sides of the canvases so that they would look more like a cupboard door. I found the center of one side of each canvas and used my drill to drill through the WOODEN FRAME portion of that side:</div>
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This is the front of the canvas with a hole:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJUvBKMtqBA/VS7GOu6dhMI/AAAAAAAABLo/ONSTRshPGOo/s1600/c6photo%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJUvBKMtqBA/VS7GOu6dhMI/AAAAAAAABLo/ONSTRshPGOo/s1600/c6photo%2Bcopy.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the back of that same side. The hole is actually through the wood frame:<br />
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I used the screws that came with the knobs to attach the knobs to the canvas. I did all four in this manor. Here's how they looked when I was finished attaching them:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekM1NPjV-EU/VS7IW9B28EI/AAAAAAAABL8/JLgx3kpDQss/s1600/pho1to%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekM1NPjV-EU/VS7IW9B28EI/AAAAAAAABL8/JLgx3kpDQss/s1600/pho1to%2Bcopy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Almost done! At this point it was time to attach the canvases to the front of the storage units. I decided that the easiest way would be to simply use Velcro. I used my staple gun to staple strips of Velcro to the edges of the storage unit and onto the canvas. Looking back, I think it would be easier to only do the top edge of the storage unit and the top edge of each canvas (one with the "male" side of the Velcro and the other with the "female" side). This way you wouldn't have to worry about having to match up the pieces of Velcro when sticking the canvases on. I also think doing the full tops of the unit and the canvas would keep the canvases in place solidly enough. Also, I did use self-sticking Velcro. The staples were an extra step to make sure that it all stuck:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3iC5zFYk_4/VS7Kf71TGrI/AAAAAAAABMI/RCORYIzTJJw/s1600/phot22o%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3iC5zFYk_4/VS7Kf71TGrI/AAAAAAAABMI/RCORYIzTJJw/s1600/phot22o%2Bcopy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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You get the idea though, right?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NukNJxMMf8U/VS7LJrsSqcI/AAAAAAAABMQ/ruKTvDRMyl4/s1600/pho88to%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NukNJxMMf8U/VS7LJrsSqcI/AAAAAAAABMQ/ruKTvDRMyl4/s1600/pho88to%2Bcopy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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See the Velcro on the back of the canvas?</div>
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Then, it was simply a matter of "sticking" the canvases onto the face of the storage units. When I want to get my fabrics that are stashed inside, I simply take the canvas off and then stick them back on when I'm done. </div>
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Here it is finished!..</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWQAn-GHlQ0/VS7LzOoAs3I/AAAAAAAABMc/r967P8lQIIU/s1600/c10photo%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWQAn-GHlQ0/VS7LzOoAs3I/AAAAAAAABMc/r967P8lQIIU/s1600/c10photo%2Bcopy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I looked on Pinterest for some spring themed chalkboard art and did my best with it. I'm not a very good artist. :( I'll switch it out for various seasons and holidays. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyYojRip5Yg/VS7MED7bOfI/AAAAAAAABMk/Uki5oKnqU1Y/s1600/pc11hoto%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyYojRip5Yg/VS7MED7bOfI/AAAAAAAABMk/Uki5oKnqU1Y/s1600/pc11hoto%2Bcopy.jpg" height="400" width="347" /></a></div>
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I love how it turned out! And now all of that mess is hidden away. :)Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-28005760772848679232015-04-14T20:57:00.002-07:002015-04-14T20:59:51.186-07:00Got Hens? We do...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And just look at the beautiful eggs from my two Buff Orpingtons. I love them so! Spring has sprung... </div>
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Just look at those yolks...<br />
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Got hens??Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-52464847579200153372015-01-26T18:25:00.001-08:002015-01-26T18:25:58.711-08:00Hidden Dish Drainer DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't own a dishwasher. I've lived in my house for over 20 years and I've survived without a dishwasher just fine. I don't mind washing dished by hand. It's just two of us here, so unless we have company it's totally manageable. The one upside I do see to having a dishwasher is that you have a place to hide the dishes while they are being "processed" so to speak. They aren't staring at you all of the time from the dish drainer or the sink. I've always hated walking into the kitchen and seeing them sitting there. The drainer is usually piled high with dished because I'm to lazy to dry them and then put them away. And, even if I did, I'd still be stuck with that ugly drainer taking up space on the counter. It's just unsightly. </div>
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Here's the visual...Yeah, that's right! Dirty dishes in the sink and some clean ones sitting on the counter. And to be honest, this picture looks pretty clean. It's usually worse. Oh hey! There's the dish rack! </div>
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(Incidentally, we did an addition off of the back of our house which is why you see that cement board above the sink. That used to be a window. Now it opens into the new living room. I know it's funky. This kitchen needs to be remodeled too, but that's not in the cards right now.)<br />
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Anyway, I started thinking about what I might be able to do to hide the dish drainer. I wanted a place to leave some dishes while they dry, but I don't want to see a mess on the kitchen counter. I saw some pictures on Pinterest of Italian dish racks that are built into the cabinets. How nice is this?? Hello Beautiful! Those Italians have such style!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WKucwGnlYk/VMbxI7F-MRI/AAAAAAAABIg/lCMDF3FHojI/s1600/b0d5477603df1e851fa8832d3314c358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WKucwGnlYk/VMbxI7F-MRI/AAAAAAAABIg/lCMDF3FHojI/s1600/b0d5477603df1e851fa8832d3314c358.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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But sadly, I don't have that kitchen and I'm going to be stuck with mine for a long time. It seemed to me that I might be able to come up with something similar (and cheaper!). First, I measured my cupboard. Then I headed off to Walmart. I bought a cookie sheet and a metal dish drainer that would fit inside of the cupboard. When I got home, I moved the bottom shelf up a couple of notches in the cupboard (see the smaller shelf space there?). This made more room for me to be able to reach in and add or remove dishes from the drainer as needed. See the dish drainer in the cupboard with dishes in it? Those are just washed. The drainer is sitting on the cookie sheet, which catches the water drops:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRgsktTGGfo/VMby4G8regI/AAAAAAAABIs/LudxY-rnwcc/s1600/k33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRgsktTGGfo/VMby4G8regI/AAAAAAAABIs/LudxY-rnwcc/s1600/k33.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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If I wash a pot or a large pan that doesn't fit in the cupboard drainer, then it gets dried and put away right then and there. This change has forced me to be neater in that regard, which is a good thing.<br />
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And now my kitchen counter looks like this:<br />
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It's SO much nicer waking into the kitchen now. :) Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-11191956075534302862015-01-03T17:30:00.005-08:002015-01-03T17:30:48.239-08:00Winter Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've never been a fan of the winter. Bundling up like the Michelin Man to go outside isn't my idea of fun. I need to be able to throw on shorts and a tee shirt and go. I'm a native Californian, so you know that as far as I'm concerned... if it's colder than 70 degrees then it's freezing! </div>
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Well, it has indeed been freezing around here. :- January 2nd turned out to be frosty cold. Despite the chill I felt in my bones I couldn't help but notice the beauty that can be found in the stillness of winter. I snapped the photo below along the driveway of a client that I went to see this morning:</div>
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This is somewhere out in the country in Healdsburg, CA. <br />
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Stay warm!!<br />
<em>Tracy</em><br />
Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-60333445734746538222014-09-09T09:43:00.000-07:002014-09-09T09:48:09.915-07:00The Secret to Fried Rice..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Living in the Napa Valley means that I'm only about an hour or so away from San Francisco. We do day trips there fairly often. China Town is one of my favorite areas of the city. I love the hustle and bustle there. People shoving their way along the sidewalks...A little push, a little shove. </div>
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There are tons of storefronts with goods spilling out onto the sidewalks. You'll see China doll shoes, silk purses, bamboo fans, teapots, housewares and fireworks. If you stop to take a closer look at that special something that caught your eye, a vendor will appear at your side within 5 seconds. Apparently people like to snatch fireworks or China doll shoes from the shops and then run. I never seen it happen, but this is the only reason I can come up with for why they stand there and eye you like a hoot owl. Maybe they are just being helpful. I'm not sure.</div>
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Anyway...I'll buy a little something if I have to have it (and I usually do) and then move along. I like to look at the strange herbs in the Chinese medicine shops. There are dried seahorses and scorpion tails. I wonder to myself what they are for. I'm sure they are made into a medicinal tea. A tea that I know I'll never taste! Speaking of tea, there's a man standing in front of a tea shop in the next doorway. He tries to lure me inside. He tells me that he's 85 years old. I'm pretty sure he's around 50 and he's lying to me. He's a little hard to understand, but I think he's telling me that tea is why he looks so young. It's the fountain of youth. I like tea and all, but there's no way he's 85. I'm not buying it. I move on...</div>
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Then I'm distracted. Suddenly I get a whiff of that greasy, fried foods aroma. I look around for the source. There it is! The corner Chinese food restaurant!! Red, smoked ducks are hanging in the window. This is the place! That smell pulls me in and I enjoy wor wonton soup, shrimp chow mein and orange chicken with sticky white rice. Another wonderful day in China Town! :)</div>
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Every time I eat Chinese food I think to myself that I need to learn how to make some of these tasty dishes at home. They look so complicated, but recently I've discovered that I can produce a few simple dishes in my own kitchen at home. Fried rice is one of them.</div>
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A couple of weeks ago I while I was in a local bookstore I came across <i>Steamy Kitchen's Healthy Asian Favorites</i>, by Jaden Hair. You can find a lot of free recipes here at her website <a href="http://www.steamykitchen.com/">http://www.steamykitchen.com/</a>. I decided to go ahead and give the Seafood Fried Rice (from the book) a try. It was SO good and really easy to make!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0smR9FJe2n8/VA4TKaudRqI/AAAAAAAABDU/2vjw8eiklwg/s1600/Rice%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0smR9FJe2n8/VA4TKaudRqI/AAAAAAAABDU/2vjw8eiklwg/s1600/Rice%2Bcopy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The <i>secret</i> to good fried rice is to cook the rice the day before. Let the rice sit in the refrigerator overnight to dry out a bit. This makes a huge difference. For the recipe below, I just used shrimp because I'm not a huge fan of scallops.<br />
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<b>Seafood Fried Rice</b> (Steamy Kitchen's Healthy Asian Favorites by Jaden Hair)<br />
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2 Tablespoons oil (I used canola)<br />
2 egg whites (this is for a healthier fried rice. I used one whole egg in mine)<br />
1 green onion, minced<br />
6 oz raw shrimp, peeled, cleaned and chopped<br />
6 oz bay scallops<br />
1 teaspoon grated ginger<br />
2 cups cooked rice (separate the grains with a fork)<br />
1 cup frozen peas and carrots<br />
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil<br />
1 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce. (The recipe says you can substitute fish sauce if you want - I like soy sauce)<br />
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Heat one tablespoon on oil in a pan (or wok) and scramble the egg. Remove the cooked egg from the pan and set aside. I used a separate, small frying pan to cook the egg and then removed it from the heat and let it cool. You can transfer the egg to a small dish and use the same pan to finish the remainder of the recipe if you wish.<br />
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Mix the sesame oil and soy sauce in a small bowl or cup so it's ready to add at the end.<br />
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Heat the remaining tablespoon on oil in the pan. Cook the green onion for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp, scallops (if using) and ginger. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds.<br />
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Add the eggs back in. Add the rice and peas/carrots. Toss everything together and then spread the rice out around the surface of pan. Turn heat to high and let it cook (don't stir) for two minutes. Then toss the rice. Spread it out in the pan again and cook for another 2 minutes (again, don't stir).<br />
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Pour the sesame oil/soy sauce mixture over the rice and toss.<br />
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Enjoy!!<br />
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Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-63902126276594322142014-03-29T11:37:00.000-07:002014-03-29T11:37:04.528-07:00Tableau De Boucher..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finally finished the Tableau De Boucher. And let me just say that "that took forever!". </div>
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The cow chart is cross stitched. I KNOW, I know...cross stitch is so 1980's! I still enjoy doing it though - even if it is old school. It's something that I can do while I'm sitting in front of the TV and I don't have to think too much. There are so many cute patterns to stitch. I thought it might be fun to incorporate cross stitched designs into some my quilts. For the quilted portion of this project I stuck with the red and black theme. I had some cute prints on hand so I did a patchwork border around the chart. I love how it turned out: </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSWPS4Y_7eA/UzcL5XnthzI/AAAAAAAABBk/mT5S_A2WczU/s1600/cowall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSWPS4Y_7eA/UzcL5XnthzI/AAAAAAAABBk/mT5S_A2WczU/s1600/cowall.jpg" height="320" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waxhRTgdsvY/UzcQFgfz_sI/AAAAAAAABCA/e6S5TuQIjn8/s1600/cowback+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waxhRTgdsvY/UzcQFgfz_sI/AAAAAAAABCA/e6S5TuQIjn8/s1600/cowback+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I hand quilted this piece for two reasons: #1, I love the look of hand quilting and #2, I'm starting to experiement with machine quilting, but I'm not comfortable with it yet. I also used a white thread because I like to see the stitches. My hand work is just that...hand work. It's not perfect because it's not done on a machine. I think that's part of the charm.<br />
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(Giving credit where credit is due: The chart is designed by Marabaut d'ficelle. Her book is titled "Vaches et Cie" and is available on French Amazon).<br />
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<em>Tracy</em>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-6817594617325548692014-03-27T13:53:00.000-07:002014-03-27T13:53:12.549-07:00Easter Bunnies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning as I was getting into my car I noticed two, big white bunnies hopping along in the side yard! I couldn't believe it. I've never seen rabbits in the neighborhood before. These were big and fluffy! What a wonderful start to the day :)</div>
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I'm hoping that they laid Cadbury eggs along the side of the house. I think I'd better go take a look. It would be sad if they did and my neighbor found before I did. :)<br />
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<em>Tracy</em>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-88653630753796994302014-03-21T14:21:00.000-07:002014-03-21T14:23:05.490-07:00Current ProjectOver the past year I've been busy working at a "regular" accounting job. I like making money as much as the next guy (I am trying to pay off my mortgage after all). That job took all of my time though and I had nothing left to give to creative work, let alone the occasional blog post. As luck would have it the client that I was working for sold her business. Since it's under new ownership I decided not to stay on. Now that I'm back at home for a while I got busy right away on a few projects. Here's a hint of an almost complete wall hanging:<br />
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I stitched this cow butcher's chart (it's in French mind you!) several years ago but hadn't done a thing with it. I decided to use it as a component in a wall hanging. I'm hand quilting it so it's taking a while to finish, but I'm almost done. I was going to machine quilt it, but I'm just more comfortable hand quilting sometimes (control issues perhaps??). I recently bought a Baby Lock Symphany that will do free motion quilting, but I need to practice. Meanwhile I hand quilt in front of the TV.<br />
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Getting back to working on creative projects that I love has done a world of good for my soul! I'm sleeping much better at night and am much happier. :)<br />
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Happy Day!<br />
<em>Tracy</em>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-76717874073314103792013-03-23T19:58:00.001-07:002013-03-24T12:33:29.658-07:00Sweet Burlap Nest #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>More fuzzy little chicks in a happy little nest!!</strong> </div>
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In my previous post, I explained how I made the little burlap nest. This one was made the same way. It's just a bit bigger. </div>
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Once again, I decoupaged the inside of the bowl with small pieces of old book pages. I glued some dainty pink lace along the upper edge of the bowl. Then, I glued strips of burlap all over the outside to form the nest. I embellished the burlap with pastel threads so the nest would have subtle color, and also to add some interest. I just love how it turned out...</div>
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Look at the secret message in the bottom of the nest! "<em>A golden egg, quite warm yet</em>". "<em>At last the</em> <em>large egg broke, and a young one crept forth</em>". <br />
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Spring Sweetness!</div>
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Happy Day!</div>
<em>Tracy</em>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-65598278669225696092013-03-23T19:48:00.000-07:002013-03-24T12:33:44.235-07:00Sweet Burlap Nest #1Spring has sprung and I've been working on some Easter decorations! I love the little fuzzy chicks!! They make me feel happy. I bought some up at the craft store the other day ($2.99 and worth every cent!) and immediately went to work on making a nest for them. I really love how this little nest turned out : )<br />
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I decoupaged a little bowl with bits of old book pages. I was so lucky to find this title: "The Little Girl and The Chickens" buried within the book. I had to make sure it had a special place in the bottom of the bowl:<br />
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I glued strips of burlap to the outside of the bowl. It's hard to tell from the photo, but I added some fine, gold metallic filaments to each piece of burlap. This gives the nest such a sweet, dainty look.<br />
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Isn't it just so cute? Hello little peeps!!<br />
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Happy Day!<br />
<em>Tracy</em><br />
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<br />Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-57334799525581314452013-03-20T14:30:00.001-07:002013-03-24T12:31:49.720-07:00Fibber McGee and a Vintage Game Score CardHere's a scan of a vintage game score card. It would be cute used as gift tags or in a journal I think:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve70LqlgtV0/UUokHsfjfkI/AAAAAAAAA98/PBtWNsA9B9U/s1600/Pivot+BOL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve70LqlgtV0/UUokHsfjfkI/AAAAAAAAA98/PBtWNsA9B9U/s320/Pivot+BOL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I was at the vintage shop last week I found this old game called Fibber McGee and the Wistful Vista Mystery. It's from 1940!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwK7D2Q7u7E/UUom4Gtu9XI/AAAAAAAAA-I/1iejXtFr2IQ/s1600/fibber1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwK7D2Q7u7E/UUom4Gtu9XI/AAAAAAAAA-I/1iejXtFr2IQ/s320/fibber1_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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A player who has been appointed as the narrator reads the story from the orange book. There are blank spots throughout the story. When the narrator comes upon a blank spot, one of the players pulls a yellow card from the deck. The various phrases on the cards fill in the story. Some of the cards have number printed on them which count as points. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins. I'm not sure what the little round colored pieces are for:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--W_1btnDxmg/UUom83ZcnhI/AAAAAAAAA-M/of-u6_eb5Ec/s1600/photo2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--W_1btnDxmg/UUom83ZcnhI/AAAAAAAAA-M/of-u6_eb5Ec/s320/photo2+copy.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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Those round pieces would make a cute garland I think. But...I really like the yellow cards! I'm mulling over what to do with them. I know tags are the obvious choice, but I'm trying to come up with something different. Here is a scan of some of the cards that you can save and use:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22uXq55c8fM/UUooY9dRfGI/AAAAAAAAA-U/2jIGtHY2r-o/s1600/scans_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22uXq55c8fM/UUooY9dRfGI/AAAAAAAAA-U/2jIGtHY2r-o/s320/scans_0004.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Happy Day!</div>
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<em>Tracy</em></div>
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Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-24296886008976676142013-03-19T15:30:00.003-07:002013-03-24T12:34:39.375-07:00Lukewarm Coffee Anyone? And Maddie!I hate these coffee pump carafe things:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q03boBu2Iqc/UUjhtbqPKZI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Yk3lauaSyZ4/s1600/$(KGrHqJHJBgE9(23LwTWBP(DzRZf3w~~60_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q03boBu2Iqc/UUjhtbqPKZI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Yk3lauaSyZ4/s1600/$(KGrHqJHJBgE9(23LwTWBP(DzRZf3w~~60_35.jpg" /></a></div>
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Why? Because I like my coffee HOT! </div>
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Sadly, these things seem to be everywhere now. Whatever happened to a coffee pot on a burner? When I'm out and stop for coffee I know what I'm in for when I see this contraption. Another lukewarm cup a Joe. I had another lukewarm cup to keep me company in the car on the way home from the market today. I nuked it as soon as I got home. There have been times that I've asked the person behind the coffee counter to microwave my cup for me. They've always looked at me as if I had a third eye. I don't ask anymore. :(</div>
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I'm seriously coveting this right now:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLtgzve7Opg/UUjl6fagnXI/AAAAAAAAA9s/lgs2NrSu_2Q/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLtgzve7Opg/UUjl6fagnXI/AAAAAAAAA9s/lgs2NrSu_2Q/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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But alas, my budget won't allow it. :(( My daughter and I were window shopping at Williams Sonoma in San Francisco a couple of months ago. While we were there, a nice clerk made us cappuccino with a Nespresso machine. Fast & easy!! And the milk frother was amazing! I've been dreaming about one ever since. Maybe some day...</div>
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On a happier note, I finished Maddie today:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rYzz9xs7r7M/UUjj_YgtY4I/AAAAAAAAA9M/ehygFh0-iJI/s1600/mouse5edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rYzz9xs7r7M/UUjj_YgtY4I/AAAAAAAAA9M/ehygFh0-iJI/s320/mouse5edit.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Happy Day!</div>
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<em>Tracy</em></div>
Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-55573709195690384892013-03-15T16:28:00.002-07:002013-03-15T16:28:41.950-07:00Vintage Eggs & Poultry Slip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's another cute scan of a tag that I picked it up at a vintage shop. Wouldn't this make cute tags or labels?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1Z6QeUe3xQ/UUOtv_caWOI/AAAAAAAAA80/4I3ccf2qLKo/s1600/scans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1Z6QeUe3xQ/UUOtv_caWOI/AAAAAAAAA80/4I3ccf2qLKo/s320/scans.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Happy Day!<br />
<em>Tracy</em>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-1977392709298160642013-03-15T16:19:00.003-07:002013-03-15T16:23:48.632-07:00Vintage Diner Tabs/Checks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I picked up these fun diner checks at the vintage store. I thought that I might use them for tags or something. Of course, they've made their way into my supply stash. I scanned them so you can use them too if you wish. Enjoy!</div>
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Happy Day!<br />
<em>Tracy</em>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-89576667780381368912013-03-15T11:19:00.001-07:002013-03-15T16:23:18.766-07:00Sweet Jam Jar Tags to Download & Print<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How sweet are these little tags??</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgBjgR--DhA/UUNlcWmLtII/AAAAAAAAA8g/KE2FACt2XUY/s1600/Etiketten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgBjgR--DhA/UUNlcWmLtII/AAAAAAAAA8g/KE2FACt2XUY/s320/Etiketten.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can find the printable download over at <a href="http://hamburgerliebe.blogspot.com/2010/07/freebee-pimp-you-erdbeer-marmelade.html">Hamburger Liebe</a>. It's a lovely blog to visit.</div>
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Happy Day!</div>
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<em>Tracy</em></div>
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<br />Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-79739259671302572822013-03-13T17:22:00.001-07:002013-03-15T16:30:09.415-07:00I Made Patio Curtains! And They Look Nice..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week I made these patio curtains out of cheap paint drop cloths:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQv_MO1xDNM/UUERM46tuSI/AAAAAAAAA70/3mHQLeEamj8/s1600/curtains_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQv_MO1xDNM/UUERM46tuSI/AAAAAAAAA70/3mHQLeEamj8/s320/curtains_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Since I don't live out in the country :( privacy is an issue in my back yard. See the neighbor's house just beyond mine? Those people are super nice. But, they LIVE outside! Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall, they're outside. I go out back to let the chickens out of the coop at around 7:00 a.m. and the neighbors are out there. I go out in the afternoon to give the chickens a snack and check on the garden...they're out there. I go out in the evening to put the chickens back in the coop...they're out there. I think you're getting the picture?</div>
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As I said, they're very nice people. But, when they're standing at their back door, they're looking directly into my yard and onto my patio. Sometimes I just want to be able to go outside in the early morning with my hair sticking out all crazy and not have to see anyone. These curtains have given us a bit of added privacy. Well, at least on the porch. </div>
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I had seen these curtains on Pinterest and it seemed like an inexpensive way to solve my problem. I did this project on the cheap. So along with the painter's drop clothes, I used wooden replacement broom handles for the rods. At $7.00 each, they were the cheapest option I could find at Home Depot. I think they look great!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vO0QsZXa7oU/UUETZcZJm5I/AAAAAAAAA8E/B-KIUBHUs3o/s1600/curt2edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vO0QsZXa7oU/UUETZcZJm5I/AAAAAAAAA8E/B-KIUBHUs3o/s320/curt2edit.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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You can see how I attached the wooden rods here:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ms-s4ZWrd4/UUETjRSxscI/AAAAAAAAA8I/fxE4APEmau0/s1600/curt3edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ms-s4ZWrd4/UUETjRSxscI/AAAAAAAAA8I/fxE4APEmau0/s320/curt3edit.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used those metal brackets that come in different sizes. I had to push them out a bit from the wall with those additional small pieces of scrap wood (see them? behind the brackets?). Otherwise the curtain rings wouldn't slide to open or close because they would have been right up against the wood. Like I said...I went cheap here, so I just made it work.</div>
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I simply hung the drop cloths with clip-on curtain rings from Walmart. I slid them onto the broom handles, then attached the broom handles (with the curtains hanging on them) to the wall with screws. Once they were hanging, I got my trusty scissors and cut the bottom of each curtain to the length that I wanted. I didn't bother to hem and no one has noticed. </div>
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For the tie-backs I used pieces of the scrap drop cloth that I had cut from the bottom. I folded the edges over and used my hot glue gun to secure the seams (no sewing thank you very much!). Then, I marked off a stripe with masking tape and painted it black. I attached some velcro to the ends, staple gunned it to the wall and post. And viola! Curtains. When I want to close them, I just undo the velcro on the tie-backs and slide them closed. And, the whole project took about an hour and a half. Love them!</div>
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Happy Day!</div>
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<em>Tracy</em> </div>
Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-7457595749402172502013-03-13T15:31:00.001-07:002013-03-15T16:22:25.920-07:00It's Paxton & Pence...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We now have twins in the family! This past November my stepson Tony and his wife Rhiannon brought these to little cuties into the world:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgR-8blUTQM/UUD7zZ-KFFI/AAAAAAAAA7c/fkcfkOYnhtc/s1600/babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgR-8blUTQM/UUD7zZ-KFFI/AAAAAAAAA7c/fkcfkOYnhtc/s320/babies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The little love on the left is Paxton and the one who appears to be singing :) is Pence. They are the sweetest little boys on this plant. Bar none! Identical? No. Adorable. YES! And what's not to love about new babies? They're SO cute, they smell good and they're just so tiny.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CYvdZbz1bM/UUD74l6y2EI/AAAAAAAAA7k/0R1Y2KhAJmE/s1600/Pence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CYvdZbz1bM/UUD74l6y2EI/AAAAAAAAA7k/0R1Y2KhAJmE/s320/Pence.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We're so enjoying getting to know these little guys. I just can't get enough of them. The one I'm holding above is Paxton. He's the "little guy" because he was a couple of pounds smaller than his brother Pence when they were born. He's catching up now. I'll post more photos as soon as I have a chance. </div>
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Happy Day!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Tracy</em></span></div>
<br />Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-34726347894767248972013-03-12T15:47:00.000-07:002013-03-24T12:34:16.475-07:00Jonathan & Maxwell..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This sweet, little 'ol guy is Jonathan. I just finished making him a little red party hat and black polka-dot collar. Cuteness!!</div>
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And then there's Maxwell. I made Maxwell from a salvaged old bear. His head is now on a cute, new body made from old quilt scraps. <br />
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Sweet little guys!</div>
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Happy Day!</div>
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<em>Tracy</em></div>
<br />Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-11204262087545642872013-03-12T15:25:00.002-07:002013-03-15T16:22:01.213-07:00Two Legged Rototillers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love my girls! Stella and Rosie give me fresh eggs most days and they're so sweet and entertaining! I've had them for a full year now. I have to tell you though, that I'm surprised at how much damage they can do to a yard. These two are confined to their "pen" area, so the damage is confined:</div>
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Since we have a weed lawn, it would be just fine with me if they roamed all over the yard. My husband on the other hand, insists that they not "free-range" around the yard because he doesn't want chicken poop all over the place. It's a valid point. They poop. A lot. <br />
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Isn't it amazing that there isn't a single blade of grass in their pen area?? I thought for sure that this spring they would have fresh grass to nibble on. But not one little sprout! I give them kale and lots of veggies, so the do get to eat fresh greens each day. But who knew? They're basically two legged miniature rototillers! <br />
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Happy Day!<br />
<em>Tracy</em>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-74675503483417512442012-06-20T20:42:00.000-07:002013-03-15T16:22:01.214-07:00Summer Means Strawberries!My husband brought home a flat of these on Monday:<br />
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Strawberries = SUMMER! </div>
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There is a small farm stand in Napa on the Silverado Trail. Every year my man brings home strawberries from this stand and every year I turn a bunch of those berries into this: <br />
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I spent a good portion of the day on Tuesday making strawberry preserves. There were so many berries in that flat that I ended up making two separate batches. This is a good thing since everyone in the family now expects strawberry preserves every summer :) I ended up with about 29 half-pint jars. It's so good on buttered toast, mixed into plain yogurt or on ice cream.</div>
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In the past I've used the Barefoot Contessa's recipe (it's good - but I add pectin to it), but this year's recipe came from this book:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrfEXitEKcM/T-KSy9mjQYI/AAAAAAAAA3g/LkVMj3MAfcM/s1600/Putting_Up__by_S_4e78e7fe8a2fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrfEXitEKcM/T-KSy9mjQYI/AAAAAAAAA3g/LkVMj3MAfcM/s320/Putting_Up__by_S_4e78e7fe8a2fd.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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Putting Up by Stephen Palmer Dowdney. I do a lot of canning (including pressure canning) and I'm always on the lookout for interesting canning recipes. His recipe for strawberry preserves is delicious.</div>
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One comment that I'd like to make about this book is that he uses the hot-pack inversion method quite a bit. I have used this method and been successful with it, but I do prefer the hot water bath when I make jams or preserves. I trust the Ball canning methods and mostly stick to them. I'll use this book for recipes, but process them in the traditional way. I'm looking forward to trying his recipe for Sweet Potato Butter (which can be made into an easy pie!), Garden Vegetable Soup, Charleston Creole Sauce, and Pickled Asparagus.</div>
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Here's the Strawberry Preserves recipe from Putting Up (hopefully he won't mind me sharing it)</div>
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Strawberry Preserves:</div>
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10+ cups strawberries - tops removed, diced or quartered (next time I'll use around 12 cups)</div>
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1 Tbs butter</div>
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1/2 C fresh lemon juice</div>
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2 boxes powdered pectin (2/3C)</div>
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14 cups sugar (yes..14 cups!) divided into two batches of 7 cups each</div>
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Prep your jars.</div>
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Add all ingredients <strong><u>except for the sugar</u></strong> to a large pot. Bring to a boil. Once a boil is achieved, add one 7 cup batch of sugar. Bring it to a boil again until it can't be stirred down. Then add the second batch of 7 cups of sugar. Bring to another rolling boil and boil for 2-3 minutes testing for jell after two minutes. Once it passes the jell test, can it and process. As mentioned above, he uses the inversion method. I like the hot water bath method.</div>
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So yummy and worth the effort! </div>
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p.s. I did a little math on this. It cost roughly $1.40 per jar for me to make these preserves, so I think it was well worth it. I didn't include the cost of the jars because those can be reused. Although...they do disappear when I give canned goods away. </div>
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Happy Day!</div>
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<em>Tracy</em></div>
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Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-70241571722873995532012-06-20T15:58:00.003-07:002013-03-15T16:21:35.033-07:00Who's a Bad Blogger??Oh...I am! It's been way to long since I've made a post and I have no excuse other than that time flies! Well that...and I've been captivated by these two girls...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpV4Npbj4nQ/T-JSTyDUijI/AAAAAAAAA24/U_fKqq-qTK4/s1600/DSCN1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpV4Npbj4nQ/T-JSTyDUijI/AAAAAAAAA24/U_fKqq-qTK4/s320/DSCN1135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My neighbor's mom got two baby chick as Easter "play things" for her granddaughters. It was all good until the chicks got to be a little big and a little to much work. So, I adopted them.. :)<br />
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I love these girls! Two Buff Orpintons...and they are adorable and sweet...and oh so pretty. These gals are like Siamese twins. They are always together. They are around 14 weeks old now. Their favorite snacks are grapes and cheese! <br />
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The other day I went to let them out of the coop and I found them cuddled up like this:<br />
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Enjoying the morning sun.</div>
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Happy Day!</div>
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<em>Tracy</em></div>
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Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-83726011729719468022012-05-14T17:11:00.001-07:002013-03-15T16:21:28.670-07:00The Coop is Finally Done!! :))And we LOVE IT!!<br />
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Well, it's almost done. we ran out of roofing nails, so the roof isn't quite finished. But who cares??<br />
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I've wanted chickens for years. And now I know that dreams do come true!! I'm adopting two 13 week-old hens from my neighbor's mom. She got caught up in the Easter chick thing, but now she's decided that they need a new home. <br />
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She named them Hansel & Gretel because she thought one was a boy. Now it will be Hanna & Gretel :) I can't wait to get my new loves. But...we're off to Grand Rapids, MI to visit my daughter for the rest of this week. So, sometime next week the girls will move into their new home. I'll post some pics of the girls and the finished interior when I get back.<br />
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Have a great week!<br />
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Happy Day!<br />
<em>Tracy</em>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409777319736643534.post-52176815371988546472012-05-07T14:50:00.002-07:002013-03-15T16:21:20.416-07:00This is How We Roll...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes...there's the handy guy husband. With a coat hanger. Opening the car door! </div>
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We were at Lowe's getting more supplies for this:</div>
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We got out to the parking lot and loaded the supplies into our little Mitsubishi pick-up that has over 200,000 miles on it, I might add! I love that little truck. It just keeps going and going!</div>
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Anyway, I'm standing there waiting for him to unlock the door. I look over at him and he's looking at me. I'm like, "what?". Then it hit me. He had left the keys in the ignition! </div>
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Mike went inside and managed to get a coat hanger from someone and he did get the door open. I have to tell you though, you wouldn't believe the looks and comments we got from other people in that parking lot! You would have thought we were sporting Afros and corduroy super-bells or something. If I had a dollar for every time someone came by and said, "Wow! I haven't seen that in years!", and then laughed at us I'd have...,well, $5.00. :)</div>
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Happy Day!</div>
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<em>Tracy</em></div>
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Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/12813467591638697012noreply@blogger.com0