New Beginnings

I am a little slow on posting this, but my Dad got married last Saturday! So happy to be able to be there on his special day! So excited and happy for them both! :)

In Love with Ruche!

I don't exactly remember how I stumbled upon this amazing women's boutique but I am so glad I did! And they take Paypal - woot!

Here's a few of my favorite items in their shop! Visit Ruche here http://www.shopruche.com/index.php!

Web Finds Wednesday!

Bite Sized Beignets

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Apple Rhubarb Crisp


Migas (Mexican Breakfast recipe)

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Crockpot Yogurt


Avocado Pound Cake

10 ways to cook with a tangerine

Web Finds Wednesday!

Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lola Cupcakes (Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting)


Homemade Donut Recipe from MyBakingAddiction

Ghirardelli Cookies

Crockpot Pudding Cake

Upside-Down Pineapple Crush

Epic Apple Pie

What Are Our Neighbors Doing??

I am tempted to start a new series on my blog called "What Are Our Neighbors Doing??" Because honestly, I am always wondering just what the heck is going on over there across the lawn, across the street and next to us. I am sure they are thinking the same thing as every month or so we lug out boxes of clothes and things for goodwill with our car so packed that it looks like we are moving out or when I linger about the yard with my camera snapping pictures of my flowers and house.

But seriously, this warrants a picture for your sake, but I haven't quite gotten myself into the idea of leaning in our upstairs window to get a shot for you because knowing my luck they will see me. But maybe this post will provoke me enough to do so.

So, we have new neighbors behind us... and there was a little deck with railings in the yard that the previous neighbors had put in - probably not with HOA permission which I am sure resulted in various letters of warning and threats when the new neighbors moved in and the HOA finally noticed there was a deck on the back of the house. Well, one of the first things they did was rip up the deck.

Then a tarp when down in the middle of the lawn held down with milk jugs filled with water and bricks. I am assuming that this is to kill the grass? Maybe for a garden next summer? Woohoo fellow gardeners! :)

But as the months have progressed (they moved in last summer) more milk jug-laden tarps have gone down until the ENTIRE back yard is now covered with blue, black and grey tarps. Lovely.

So what are they doing??

Are they killing off the old grass to completely start over and reseed in the spring? They started back in the fall...they don't seem to have kids or pets who would actually use the backyard and I never actually SEE them in other parts of the yard landscaping or anything - so why this urge to kill the grass? Hmm? Any ideas?

Languages of Love

I know we've had this book before, but I've recently heard more about the Five Love Languages both on the radio station I listen to in the mornings on my way to work and from my Dad who's getting married here in a few short weeks (yay!) :)!

So, of course it prompted me to figure out what my love languages were again since I couldn't remember and made me wonder what my hubby's was - though of course I had an idea of what they were for the both of us - but, sometimes it take a little stepping back to analyze exactly what makes us tick.

So, here it goes!

My love language scores:

5	Words of Affirmation
9	Quality Time
6	Receiving Gifts
3	Acts of Service
7	Physical Touch

My love language is: Quality Time
In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there--with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby--makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

My hubby's Love Language is: Words of Affirmation
Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important–hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Here's his scores:

11	Words of Affirmation
10	Quality Time
2	Receiving Gifts
3	Acts of Service
4	Physical Touch

Want to find out your love language or learn more? Check out the Five Love Language website!

Web Finds Wednesday!

 Magic Juice Recipe

Sea Glass Candy

How to Recycle Anything

Pitsou Soup Recipe

Homemade Donuts

Bun Recipe

Daffodils!!

Another great gardening find this morning! My daffodils are coming up - we've got quite some time until they bloom but any sort of green happiness coming up from the ground is fabulous news! And there's green little sprouts coming up on our stonecrop! Spring is on it's way! Pics to come! :)

My Etsy Wishlist

 

How to choose??

1. From Blue Dove Studio

2. From Blue Dove Studio

3. From SeaDrops Shop

4.  From MyCellarDoor

5. From RachelleD's Shop

Spring has been spotted!

I about tripped over myself this afternoon as I was saying goodbye to my family who'd come to visit me for the day because as I looked down at the ground to turn and shut the door --- there poking up from the mulch were the bright and happy leaves of my crocuses breaking ground and popping up! They are already almost two inches tall!

I cried outloud and am pretty sure I freaked out my family who thought something was wrong! :)

Oh happy day!! Now if the weather would just warm up a little more...

I checked around for my daffodils too, but it is still too early for them! But at least with the crocuses coming up I can see some light at the end of the this dark tunnel called winter.

Snow Snow Go Away

I am not sure about everyone else living here in Indiana, but I am SO READY for spring! I cringe every morning having to pick out yet another sweater and pants to wear. I am sick of picking out warm socks. I want to put on spring clothes! T-shirts, capris and no socks! I want to see my daffidills and crocuses come up! I want to see buds on the trees! Stop with the snow and cold already!

 

 

There are three two-foot high garden boxes in this pic! 

We've gotten so much snow this year....8.5 inches, plus another 4 and then another 6 or so! Good grief! At one point in time all three of our raised garden boxes in the back yard were completely hidden under mounds of snow! 

Sigh. We were teased here in the last weekend with fairly warm temps (if you can call 40's warm) - but we've already dipped back into the 30's with hints of more snow in the forecast. And I am pretty sure those were snowflakes mixed in with the misty yuck that was hitting my windshield this morning on the way to work. Blah!

Is it April yet?

Web Finds Wednesday!

The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - from purplepinkandorange

Coconut Cupcakes

Rhubarb Crumb Coffee Cake

Hazelnut Crunch Cake with Mascarpone and Chocolate

Maple Chip Waffles

Taco Soup

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes


Homemade Oreos

Web Finds Wednesday!

Whipped Cream: The Secret to Beautiful Cakes

Kitchen 101: Cutting

Lemon Triple Threat Cupcake Recipe

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Seed Shortages Imperil Home Gardens


Free Pattern: Crochet Natural Stripes Rug

Ay Chihuahua!

Been seeing some really cute photography work out there involving my favorite kind of dog - chihuahuas!!

These little dogs steal your heart -- so much personality packed into a tiny little body!

 

First there's the post I read on Layers of Meaning about someone who started a daily project taking pictures of her handsome chi.

And earlier I had stumbled across this etsy find in my Google Reader - and my good friend from hooray reminded me about it as well - thanks Alli!

Gorgeous Slipper Giveaway over at French Press Knits!

Not much time to enter - so you're going to have to hurry! Everyone has till 11:59 PM tonight!!

So, what are you waiting for?!

Go enter to win!! http://frenchpressknits.blogspot.com/2010/02/e2k-slipper-giveaway.html

Web Finds Wednesday

Lemon-Scented Pull-Apart Coffee Cake

Tutorial: Crochet Hearts 

White Chicken Chili


Gywn's Potato Soup

White Chocolate Coconut Blondies

Make Your Own House Slippers: Sewing Pattern

Keep Calm Carry Yarn

I am so buying this poster as soon as it's restocked on Etsy!! Here's the shop its from! http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenniegee

While I do have at least two projects on the knitting needles at the moment (a two year old scarf that needs finishing and a cowl that I just told you about here recently) - my craft of choice here in the beginning of 2010 is crochet.

Have just taught myself crochet here last year - I never quite knew what I was missing. I do love knitting, but it has it's limits. You have to have so many different needles to accomplish projects that have any shape other than flat and straight. For socks you need double pointed needles of various sizes, for hats and sweaters you need various widths and lengths of round needles. It gets to be quite an investment!

But with crochet - you just need the one type of needle in different sizes. And I find it is much faster - I can whip out a hat in an hour instead of 4 hours and I can make good sized baby blanket in about a week instead of a month.

Right now I am working on a fun, beginner friendly cap for a friend at church. Might just have to make one or two for myself when I'm finished! :)

Here's the link to the instructions for the cap and flower! http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Magazines/CTAUG06+Beginner+Friendly+Cap.htm

Anyone know of any other good free crochet patterns out there? If so post the link in the comments - I am itching for more ideas! :)

Web Finds Wednesday!

Pasta Carbonara

Grapefruit Mousse

Candied Grapefruit Peel

Grapefruit Bitters

Broccoli Calzone













Shop Ride & Eat! Free Sewing Pattern

What's On the Needles: January 2010

Well, long time no post - sorry about that everyone! 2010 is proving to be quite busy - good, but busy!

Anyway, I thought I'd share what crafty thing I am working on here lately - a lovely cowl from French Press Knits. Something different than the scarf after scarf I've been chugging out over the last two years but easy enough for beginner knitters so I don't have to put too much thought into counting stitches or increasing or decreasing - just nice soothing thoughtless knitting! :)

(image from French Press Knits - isn't it lovely?!)

Web Finds Wednesday!

Cafe Volcano Cookies - from Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy

Chicken & Pork Potstickers - from Foodie with the Family

How-To: Wash a Down Comforter

DIY Foxy Valentine Favors from Paper Crave

Canterbury Potato Leek Soup

Spicy Hummus Recipe from Rachel Ray

Crafting Cupcakes for Christmas

Yes, I realize this post is a little late, but wanted to share with you one of the things I made for Christmas! Plus, some of these little cuties hadn't quite gotten handed out yet even days after Christmas! :)

These were super easy to make thanks to the tutorial over at Bake It Pretty! - will definitely be making them again next year! One bummer though, I wasn't able to find the sparkly kind of flaky buffalo snow - just the plain kind. Though I really didn't start looking until about 3 days before Christmas - but still! So hopefully next year's will be sparkly!

For anyone looking to find the supplies for these: I found a better price on Styrofoam balls at Walmart AFTER I had already bought them from Hobby Lobby, the "cherries" were found at Hobby Lobby in their floral section as branches of berries, and the buffalo snow was found at JoAnn Fabric (had no luck whatsoever at finding any flaky snow at Michael's, Hobby Lobby or Walmart).

Check Out My Homemakers Who Work Post Today!

I know you've all had the inside scoop on what I got for Christmas - but with the holidays, my freelance work and all the traveling we've been doing lately I am a little pinched on time to write up great blog fodder!

I did manage to write a fun post called Kitchen Things for Christmas over on the joint blog I am writing for along with 13 other fabulous blogger gals - Homemakers Who Work!

Go check it out here!

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a lovely New Year in 2010!

New Year's Resolutions for 2010

Resolutions are a little tricky as they are always hard to keep. But writing them down helps I know so...here it goes (p.s. there's a few a didn't get to from last year).

1. Make a Quilt (from last year - didn't happen)

2. Exercise More (I think this will be on the list indefinitely - I did do well this year taking yoga classes consistently, etc - but could always improve)

3. Apply Work for Awards (didn't do but should - it is a time and funding issue)

4. Go to More Conferences/Workshops/Classes (always want to work on continually sharpening my skills and learning more though it has the same issues as above - time and funding)

5. Get Curtains Up on All Windows in the House - It has only been 3 years since we moved in - surely we can get windows covering up beyond the temporary blinds that have been up forever.

6. Play More Scrabble!

7. Paint A Wall in the House - Same with the curtains, just haven't gotten it done - ever. Kinda afraid that if I start I will get addicted and won't stop! :)

8. Call People More - Talk to Those I Love, Etc.

9. Register for the domain name I want.

10. Craft more! I always love making things - I should do more of what I love!

Web Finds Wednesday!

Baked Potato Soup - from Good Life Eats



6 Stealth Health Foods You Should be Eating



How to Become a Computer Expert




How to Fabric Pom Pom

Most Popular Posts of 2009

I always enjoy looking back into my stats and analytics to see what my popular posts were - here's the drill down for 2009!

Colorful Crochet

Reader Opinion Needed Accent Wall

Indianapolis Apple Orchard Hopping

Gidden Paint Giveaway

Ming Bling Lilly Garden Walk

Droid Does Yes Yes It Does

Rain Barrel 101

Winter Warm Up Weekend Mallow Run

Finding More Frogs

Can't Stop Staring - Indiana Wind Farm

Indy Blogger Day at King Tut Exhibit

Cabin Fever+Gardener=Mess

I've only been home mucking around the house for two days and I'm already making more messes than I am actually cleaning anything up. It all starts out well, I started with the kitchen cleaning up dishes and arranging my glass jars, transferring sugar and flour. Then I notice the pantry and organize it. Then I spy the overflowing tupperware cabinet as I put away dishes and so I sit and clean it out throwing away broken containers, etc. A nearby cabinet is next - adding never used casserole dishes without lids to the Goodwill pile along with my old pots and pans. Then I hit the kitchen table, cleaning off bills and Christmas list and THAT is when it get the green-thumb itch. I notice that my indoor plants all set up in near the window by the table need a little TLC.



So I start off with repotting two plants we had purchased at Lowes in their 75% off bin into roomier pots we found awhile back during one of our neighborhood heavy trash days - they even came complete with dirt! So, two plants repotted in the middle of the kitchen floor - mess #1.



But by then my hands had already felt the thrill of being back in soil - so of course I move on to my other potted plants - I see my pineapple plants and get suspicious of the "babies" I thought were growing in the pot all summer. So I take a spoon - yup a SPOON - goodness knows I can't find where I stored any of my hand trowels in the garage so a spoon will do. I start digging around the little plants that are overtaking my pineapple plants and guess what I found?? The tuberous roots of a spider plant! All those babies were in fact baby plants and not weeds, but they weren't off shoots from the pineapple plant. So I proceeded to dig out all the invading spider plants with my spoon till I have an even bigger mess of dirt. (mess #2)



Of course I cannot just leave the little invasive plants to die (mess #3), they were crafty enough to grow by seed all this time - and they were so healthy! We keep all our potted plants inside for the winter, and the pineapple pots sit under the spider plants and those crazy plants are always spitting out seeds - I swear I am cutting off shoots and sweeping up little black seeds every month - just never expected any of them to actually grow! Wow!



Anywho, I gather up cups to transplant the little plants - having that done I look at the two huge spider plants I already have - and of course they are in need of a trim with tons and tons of shoots of baby plants. I trim them up all up and save the best looking babies for even more cups.



I now have 9 cups of baby spider plants in my house (and all my messes cleaned up)! 4 of whom will find good homes with unsuspecting friends here in the next couple of days - but 5 of whom need badly to be adopted! So if any of my nearby blogger pals would like a baby spider plant let me know! They will do fine in the cup I have them in until probably spring time - then they'll need transplanted into a bigger pot.

Any willing plant parents out there looking for a new addition? Spider plants do grow into lovely lush plants! Leave a comment and me know!!

What I Got for Christmas

Had a very lovely Christmas over the last few days (Christmas Eve and Christmas day) - got to spend lots of time with our families, ate lots of good food and even was able to sit down and play a game of Scrabble with my cousin, his girlfriend and my Dad. It is always so fun to watch everyone open their presents and to laugh and joke well into the evening with people you love!

Uber excited about the nifty things I got for Christmas! My hubby got me a Bella Cucina Rotating Belgian Waffle maker - yum! And a set of Non-stick Hard Anodized pots and pans! He spoils me rotten! He also gifted me with lovely yarn, lots of Victoria Secret lip gloss (my favorite! pretty sure I have ALL the flavors now!), Bath & Body Works, fuzzy socks, new pajamas, a spool holder and a ceramic travel mug (we got each other one without knowing it!).



So we spent Christmas Eve morning nomming down waffles and packing up clothes and presents to travel up to our parents'. It was the perfect way to lead up to the hustle and bustle of going home.

Since we've been back home (came back the 26th) I've been organizing my kitchen fitting in my lovely new glass jars (thank you Mom & Sue!) and switching out my old pots and pans with my new set. I love big glass apothecary jars to store flour, sugar, coffee etc in and the big 2 gallon ones are great for serving drinks at parties (and now I have 3! 4 if you include the one I have upstairs full of our seashell collection)! I always whip a big batch of lemonade or tea for any shindig we have going on at our house - so the jars will definitely come in handy!

My family also got me more fuzzy socks (heaven!), more Bath & Body Works and other soaps and lotions (can never have enough!), a lovely sweater, candles, scarves and gloves (yay!!), amazing Starbucks coffee travel thermos for each Matt and I, a Starbucks gift card, gift cards to Rock Bottom Brewery, lots of yummy cookies and treats, a cookbook, a lovely table set complete with candle sticks and napkins, a sifter, and a senior picture of my brother.

Enough about my loot! I want to hear about yours? What fun things did you get or do for Christmas?

Merry Christmas!!

Bah- Humbug cat wishes you a Merry Christmas! :)

Web Finds Wednesday!

Awesome, simple little gift idea! Customized hand-santizer/soap - from Brown Paper Packages (includes tutorial!)


Peppermint Meringues - from Joy the Baker (I HAVE to try these!!)

Gingerbread Cookies

Elf on a Shelf - such a good holiday tradition!

Crochet Pattern for a cute pair of mitts! - from Craft Leftovers

The Original Christmas Cookie - from Four Pounds Flour


Whip-Up Holiday Guide - 30 Best Wreaths (my craft weakness this year! I think I'm going to make this felt ball one next!)

Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Days of Christmas: What My True Gave to Me...

(Sorry for the blurry pic)



My hubby spoils me rotten! We were out browsing around the antique shops in Mooresville a few weekends ago for their Victorian Christmas and came across a whole set of gorgeous lotus bowls - exactly like the little $0.49 find I came home with from Goodwill a few days prior!

Being the great guy he is - he proclaimed them an early Christmas present and snatched them up off the shelf! :)!

I had seen a color set of lotus bowls at our usual stop before they shuttered their doors and had been meaning to buy them one day but - like most good finds - someone bought them first! I hadn't seen such lovelies since - except recently when I found the one lone bowl at Goodwill and then a few days later - this whole set which we got for around $15!

Side note: Hubby proclaims that once my vintage china cabinet/hutch is full we cannot buy another one - and I must admit, it is pretty full with my fab vintage/garage sale/goodwill finds! :)