February 15, 2012
Green
We move from red to green in the holiday mode thanks to the crafts department at Martha Stewart. It is still winter but one can start the plan for spring.
Gardens, flowerboxes, fresh rooms (yes open the windows), trips. And you?
February 14, 2012
Hot off the press
My friend Blake made this for her son Grayson this morning and sent it to everyone. Isn't it the best? Last night I made a nice rich chocolate sauce from Cooking Fun for G to have with her chocolate milk. Make a big old jar for your loved ones. Drizzle on ice cream, make a glass of chocolate milk after school, eat a spoonful whenever. Delight in the little joys of the holiday...you don't have to make heart cards to show your love.
Follow this link to my recipe. It's part of a Paula Deen's Real Women of Philadelphia blog spot (no chocolate milk for Paula) web interview...
February 13, 2012
Quick thinking valentines
Valentine's day is fast approaching. I went back to review some ideas from my books Crafting Fun and Homemade Fun.Thought you might just enjoy these for fun and inspiration. One of the titles for the project is "Quick Thinking valentine's" because don't we always need to make the last minute effort tonight with our kids to pull together the valentine's for all the friends at school?
Valentine projects from my books:
1 Valentine Ice Pictures (click on that 1 to get the link.
Quick Thinking Valentine's ( as featured on Crafty Crow!)
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
February 07, 2012
Busy workday meal
I've been away so much doing other work, writing new books, keeping myself and my family moving ahead in life. I miss my blog but I have to confess I am one of the 99%. I work for a living. Now that my family is growing up a little more and I'm past the intensive childcare mode, we are breezing into teenage life and all the glories and angst that accompanies that era in a family.
I am often bone tired when I get home and can't always muster up the energy to cook a good meal. Being a believer in homemade, I don't like to buy frozen food that often. This morning, having a little extra time and all ingredients on hand, I made a standby Shepherds Pie recipe with a twist. I didn't have enough baking potatoes so I added the last lonely yam to the mix and got a delicious result. The color is also pretty. As I prepared this dish I started thinking about my grandmother, a farm girl, and her waste not want not attitude. In honor of farm women who worked so much harder than I ever will I plowed the potatoes with the fork and made tractor paths with the mashed potatoes.Creativity is a funny thing. It pops up in the most unexpected places.
Hooray, a home cooked meal will be ready for this evening.
January 22, 2012
Bird in tree
My husband gave me a pair of binoculars for Christmas. When we kayak I always ask for the little "binos" so I can scout out the birds. Now I have a great pair of "binos" and hope to bird watch this winter into spring. It's amazing how differently things look when we can see clearly.
December 12, 2011
October 17, 2011
some kids from the past
I read about this photographer Charles W. Crushman on Design Mom. Looking through his archives I picked these images of children in everyday life to share.
I recall pushing this type of lawn mower for fun in my grandparents well manicured back yard. Humble folks and lawn proud. My grandfather called from his window for me to stop clipping the lawn. He cut a perfect lawn and there I was hacking it up... I didn't know this grandfather well, it is one of my strongest memories of him.
Love the dresses and the general hanging around here. Do kids get the chance to just hang around these days? Days are lived fast and furiously. It's very hard to slow down. I love this photo since it reminds me to encourage my family to take it a little slower day to day. Hang around and see what happens.
Beautiful light.
Love the bare feet. No parents in sight. Do kids get to roam like this anymore?
A rare shot of Black children. Beautiful. The boy on the right reminds me of my friend Blake whose Grandmother was part Cherokee. She has the very same lovely eyes.
I could go on. Thanks for visiting this ad free blog zone,
October 10, 2011
Apples = apple sauce
We picked the last of the bounty of apples from our two apple trees this weekend. Kinda fun to climb a ladder to reach the highest ones.I spent a lot of time in apple trees as a kid. Just hung around in the tree thinking about stuff. Being up in a tree can give a new perspective on things...I wonder if that's what the birds are doing...
Anyway, Fall season is apple crisp and applesauce time. We aren't making quantities, just a quick batch for the fun and flavor of it as well as for our family tradition. If I don't teach G to make applesauce who will?
But what I really wanted to show you are the apples. They look a little odd unsprayed, all natural. Underneath that less than lovely appearance are some of the very best apples I have ever had. I wouldn't bring a basket of apples to the neighbors looking like this but they are perfectly perfect for applesauce. Next year we are going to figure out how to spray them organically. I suppose we are inclined to do this so we have less than mottled apples.
My quick applesauce goes as follows:
Cut and peel 6-8 large apples. I use this This Kuhn Rikon peeler from Switzerland. Works great.
If I'm in a hurry I add the peeled apples whole and let them cook.
Place in pot and add 1/4 cup of water
Simmer on low for twenty five minutes.
Let cool.
Here's the key step. I run the whole apples through this ricer.
I got it as a Chritsmas gift and never like to use it for potatoes. It is perfect!! for applesauce.
Sweeten to taste. I like to add about one heaping teaspoon of sugar to this quantity which amounts to about 2 full cups of applesauce. Place in lidded glass jars and eat as soon as possible.
October 03, 2011
Games kids play
On my way to work this morning, I walked by children playing with chalk on the sidewalk outside their school. They were just playing, hopping, talking and enjoying the day. Their teacher was nice enough to let me stop and take a few photos. Using my trusty iphone camera here's what I saw.
September 17, 2011
Heirlooms
Hot days turned chilly overnight. Blankets and comforters were added to the beds. Sweaters and jackets pulled from the depths of the closet have that cedar wood storage smell. The Union Square farmers market is brimming with produce, cheeses, cider, and maple syrup. I think it's safe to say Autumn has arrived.
