According to Lia

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting

2011-12-15T19:01:00.002-05:00

This recipe is adapted from the Food Librarian's chocolate bundt cake recipe. It's delicious as both bundt and cupcake but I find the cupcake easier to distribute to neighbors (which is key to maintaining my figure during the holiday season, *wink*). The frosting is similar to marshmallow fluff but includes none of the scary additives or corn syrup found in the processed store bought variety. Paula Deen is to thank for the best version of the recipe that I have so far discovered.

FOR CUPCAKES

1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1/4 c plus 1 T (or 5 T) cocoa

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 t salt
2 t cinnamon

1/2 c buttermilk
1 t baking soda

2 eggs
2 t vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Bring to a boil in a pot: Water, oil, butter and cocoa

In a large bowl, combine together with a whisk: flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon

Add the chocolate mixture to the flour and mix until combined.

Add the buttermilk and baking soda and mix. Add eggs (after beating in a small bowl) and vanilla extract to combine.

Fill lined cupcake pan 3/4 full in each cup (with a 12 cup muffin tin you will have leftover batter).

Bake until inserted tester comes clean (approximately 20 minutes).

FOR FROSTING

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or 1 tablespoon white corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup water
2 egg whites
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Place sugar, cream of tartar or corn syrup, salt, water, and egg whites in the top of a double boiler.

Beat with a handheld electric mixer for 1 minute.

Place pan over boiling water, being sure that boiling water does not touch the bottom of the top pan. (If this happens, it could cause your frosting to become grainy). Beat constantly on high speed with electric mixer for 7 minutes.

Beat in vanilla.

Cool cupcakes before frosting. My proportions yielded 18 cupcakes and enough frosting to cover the entire batch. Use a teaspoon sized spoon to dollop each cupcake with frosting (a little swirl can be achieved by twisting the spoon as you pull away from the cupcake after depositing the frosting).

~Happy Thursday Everyone~

Stuffed Squash

2011-10-09T16:40:00.000-04:00

Here in the Midwest it's officially fall. The leaves are changing, the nights are crisp, and I've been baking up a storm. To keep the ratio of sweet to savory in balance around here, I've been experimenting a bit with baked entrees. Now in addition to the cupcakes, shortbread, cookies, tarts, and pies coming out of our kitchen we also have casseroles and stuffed squash. The ingredients given here are more suggestion than commandment and can be amended to suit any number of tastes. Love meat? Add some minced sausage. Vegetarian and looking for a protein punch? Substitute quinoa for the brown rice. Additional veggies can be chopped and added to the onion saute and don't be shy with the seasoning.

INGREDIENTS

2 medium squash (butternut, acorn etc...)

2 cups cooked brown rice

1/4 cup tomato sauce or puree

1 large onion

1 egg

olive oil

salt

pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp ground cumin

fresh herbs (sage, oregano, thyme, basil...whatever you've got)

1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar or hard goat cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
Halve each squash, scoop seeds and excess pulp, place cut side up on baking sheet and bake until fork tender (40-60 minutes)

In the meantime, chop and saute the onion in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.
When squash is tender, remove from oven and scoop flesh into a medium mixing bowl (do this carefully, preserving the skins which will be stuffed).

Add rice, onions, the egg (beaten), tomato sauce, paprika, cumin, and any fresh herbs and mix well.

Stuff squash shells with mixture and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Top with cheese and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve garnished with fresh herbs

~Serves 4~

Lavender Shortbread

2011-10-02T13:33:00.000-04:00

Adding lavender to baked goods may sound like an odd idea but I urge you to give it a try. I used fresh lavender in this recipe but dried lavender (more readily available to non gardeners and city dwellers) would also work. The key to shortbread is to chill the dough between each step. Shortbread is very sticky and tedious to work with, chill, chill and then chill it some more, it's the only way to make the process manageable.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups finely milled flour

1 cup confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)

2 sticks of butter

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp of fresh lavender buds or blossoms (stems removed)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Whisk together salt and flour and set aside

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter (at room temp) until fluffy.

Add sugar and continue to beat until well combined.

Stir in lavender.

Gently fold in flour/salt mixture and stir (by hand) until combined (using a pastry cutter for this part may help, dough should be smooth and very sticky when finished).
Divide dough into two balls, cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Press dough into disks between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and roll out to 1/4" thickness.

Cut cookies into desired shapes, place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and chill for at least 15 minutes (to help them hold their shape when baking).

Bake for 8-10 minutes (turning cookie sheets once to ensure even baking) until edges are very lightly browned.

Chill on wire rack (or in my ill-equipped case, a cutting board) until firm and cool.

I drizzled ours with white icing (4 parts confectioners sugar whisked with 1 part milk) but they're delicious on their own as well. They will keep for several days stored at room temperature in a covered container.

~Happy Sunday Everyone~

Weekly Watercolor Sketch 14

2011-09-27T13:51:00.000-04:00


~People's Food Co-op Bounty~

Way back in my other life (before baby Elinor arrived) I started a documentary art project "The Weekly Watercolor Sketch". The idea was to paint a small composition of a household scene each week for an entire year. My goal was to have 52 little paintings that chronicled my daily life in an attempt to capture details and vignettes that I may otherwise take for granted. I completed 13 before having a baby and then had to take a hiatus. Now that life has settled into a more predictable rhythm, I hope to resume the project. Although the series may take longer than a year to complete, I am committed to seeing this idea to its end.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Citrus Sour Cream Cakes

2011-08-31T19:29:00.001-04:00

These little tea cakes are dense, moist, and delicately flavored. I love them with rooibos tea but they are also lovely with coffee or even lemonade on a hot day. The recipe was adapted from the Fruit cookbook from The Essential Kitchen. Enjoy!

Ingredients

8 oz unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

6 eggs

3 cups all purpose flour (sifted)

1 cup sour cream

1 tbsp orange juice

1 tbsp orange zest

1 tbsp lemon zest

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350

Oil or butter a large bundt pan (or mini bundts)

Cream butter and sugar

Beat in eggs one at a time

Fold in flour and sour cream

Add orange juice, vanilla extract, and all zest, mix gently but thoroughly

Pour into prepared pan(s) and bake until tester comes out clean (aprox 20 minutes if using small molds, 40 if using a large bundt).

For white icing whisk together 1 part milk to 2 parts confectioners sugar. Drizzle over cooled cakes and allow to set.

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Sewing for Elinor (part 2)

2011-08-06T14:11:00.004-04:00

This little corduroy playsuit is my latest undertaking from the Sewn With Love pattern book. I love the details (pockets with bows, thoughtfully placed gathering etc...) but there were some problems with the pattern. First off, as pictured on the printed pattern the pockets would be upside down. Because I failed to notice this flaw until after stitching the pockets down I ended up having to seam rip and re-sew which was frustrating. Additionally, the instructions call for buttons on the bottom placket. Having changed more diapers than I care to count I can say unequivocally that snaps make far more sense than buttons in that area. Though the book's instructions are decent, I found this online tutorial to be a helpful addition. Overall I am pleased with the results.

The little pockets located on the front of the pants are such a charming detail. Though the process of constructing both pockets and bows was somewhat tedious, the results are worth the extra effort.

While I opted to use snaps instead of buttons on the leg openings, I did use buttons on the back placket. The little horn buttons rimmed with a hammered metal casing were an Etsy find and I love how they compliment the plain grey corduroy.

~Happy Saturday Everyone~

Zucchini and Cheddar Quiche

2011-08-06T09:39:00.002-04:00

Quiche is such a useful dish. It can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, is appropriate in all seasons and can be prepared ahead of time for ease when entertaining. A good crust and some eggs provide the backdrop for endless ingredient combinations. I've been known to use quiche as a vehicle to use up whatever extra veggies we have on hand.

INGREDIENTS

1 large zucchini

8 eggs

1/2 cup milk

2/3 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

salt 

pepper

sprig of fresh thyme or sage (optional garnish)
1 1/4 cup finely milled flour (I mix wheat and white)
1 stick of butter (plus a small amount to grease pan)
1/4 cup ice water

Using this recipe (minus the cinnamon), make the crust, roll out, place in buttered pie pan, and refrigerate until ready for use.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Slice zucchini into thin rounds and layer in bottom of crust.

Whisk together eggs, milk, plus a pinch of salt and some fresh ground pepper.
Pour egg mixture into crust and add any remaining zucchini rounds (reserving enough to make a decorative ring for the top).

Sprinkle cheese over top and arrange remaining zucchini in a ring.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 min (or until the crust is golden and the eggs are firm but not hard).
Cool slightly before serving, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

~Happy Saturday Everyone~

Harvesting Lavender

2011-08-02T10:17:00.000-04:00

It's harvest season here in the Midwest. The tomato plants are dripping with fruit, tiny green peppers are tucked beneath waxy foliage, and the herb garden has finally taken hold. Lavender, so pretty to look at and a great attraction for pollinators, has the added bonus of multiple household applications. Sachets are easy to whip up using muslin or cheesecloth and keep drawers and closets smelling fresh. The buds can also be added to homemade body care products such as bath salts, toners, or soaps. My mom makes a delicious lavender infused honey and I've been known to add the blossoms to my iced tea blend.

It's a good idea to cut the lavender before the buds turn to blossom. They tend to hold their form much better during the drying process and last longer if being stored for later use. Start by carefully cutting your lavender (one stem at a time) as close to the host branch as possible. Taking the time to prune correctly will make for a healthier plant. When you have finished harvesting, divide the lot into equal piles of desired size.

Wrap each bundle tightly with butcher's twine or unbleached string and hang to try. The bundles will last well into the year. If you prefer to store the buds separately wait until completely dry before gently removing them from their stalks. Store them somewhere cool in a clean jar or tin.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Home Improvements (bathroom storage)

2011-07-02T21:32:00.004-04:00

~Dilapidated Bathroom Storage~

Our previous bathroom dresser was a dilapidated eyesore. Funny how you learn to live with hideous, poorly functioning furniture and adjust to its 'quirks'. The drawers stuck (and one was completely broken), the bottom was sagging, and it creaked badly with use. A couple of months before my due date I reached my breaking point. The idea of wrestling with that hideous beast with a crying baby in the background was all the motivation I needed. Because we do not plan to stay in our current home long term, I didn't want to invest in the perfect storage solution to fit the space.

~New Bathroom Storage~

The new dresser (a cheap find from Ikea) isn't perfect but it's a vast improvement. To solve the issue of drawer depth we have employed plastic storage bins to house like items. The legs make cleaning much simpler (I can actually get under it) and it's simple enough to be attractive despite it's humble price tag. There's nothing quite like having a baby to make me appreciate even the smallest of home improvement accomplishments.

~Happy Saturday Everyone~

Sewing for Elinor

2011-06-06T19:08:00.004-04:00

~Sewn with Love~

For my first real foray into sewing from patterns, I chose to make a couple of items for Elinor out of Sewn with Love by Fiona Bell. Ask me why I thought starting with baby clothes (which are teeny, tiny, and tedious) was a good idea and I will tell you that Elinor has been a great inspiration to jump in with both feet in numerous arenas. The patterns come on a CD and need to be printed from a computer, taped together, and cut out before use. Although this process was time consuming, the resulting sturdy pattern (so unlike the flimsy tissue generally used) was wonderfully easy to use.

~Elinor's Spring Dress (size 3-6 months)~

Sewing notes

The baby dress was fairly simple.
I didn't care for the pockets and so I ended up leaving them off.
After having trouble finding small enough buttons for the allotted spacing, I ended up using two larger ones than the recommended three.
Overall the pattern was pretty straightforward and I appreciated the accompanying step by step instructions in the book.

~Elinor's Ruffled Onesie (size 6-9 months)~

Sewing Notes

After successfully completing Elinor's spring dress, I felt ready to tackle the little ruffled onesie (called a baby bubble in the book).
Although the pattern was somewhat more involved (with elasticized leg holes and neckline) it actually went much faster. I am definitely improving.
One alteration I made was to use snaps rather than buttons for the panty closure.

Based on the two patterns I have currently tried, I would recommend the book. Some things I learned along the way include keeping the iron handy at all times (to press any seams or hems), and to zigzag, serge, or otherwise finish all raw edges that will not be hemmed before sewing the components together (which deviates from the written directions). There are quite a few cute patterns for boys as well and I am looking forward to trying some of the toddler and pieces for older children as Elinor grows. All in all the book is a good value and a nice addition to my crafting library.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Easy DIY Floral Favors

2011-05-23T20:21:00.008-04:00

These little floral favors are fast, inexpensive, and very simple to make. I purchased my fancy hairpins and floral pieces from Etsy shops. The glue, thumbtacks, and paperclips I already had on hand.

SUPPLIES

Floral pieces (I purchased both the floral pieces and the hairpins at this Etsy shop).
Equal number of hairpins.
Paperclips and thumbtacks (optional).
Gorilla Superglue (available at hardware stores).

Follow glue manufacturer directions to adhere floral pieces to hairpins.
The plastic flowers can also be added to paperclips (use it as a bookmark), or thumbtacks (to attach a cute photo to a bulletin board).

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Spring Celebration

2011-05-19T13:27:00.005-04:00

In our home we celebrate spring (as opposed to Easter) as a time of renewal. This year's festivities included handmade decorations, lots of good food, and gifts and treats for all who attended. This was our first Spring party with little Elinor and we were very happy to have both grandmother's, a dear family friend, and her auntie there to share the day.

~Spring spread~

Which included an assortment of cheese and crackers, cranberry/mango/hibiscus punch, hummus and vegetables, quiche, salad with roasted beets, natural sodas, carrot cupcakes, chocolate bundt cake, baskets, party favors, and seasonal decorations.

~Decorative mama and baby sheep~

Each in their own tiny pasture. You can find the wheatgrass growing tutorial here. The process is simple, inexpensive and something fun that children can help with.

~Bunny cupcakes~

Carrot cupcakes with vanilla cream cheese frosting, there were no leftovers. I adapted the from Martha Stewart by doubling the frosting (I like a well frosted cupcake) and reducing the sugar in the cake batter by 1/3.

~Happy Thursday Everyone!~

Three Sisters Casserole

2011-05-04T08:21:00.007-04:00

This dish is comprised of 3 of the culinary cornerstones in much of Latin American cooking, beans, corn, and squash. I was given a version of this casserole as part of a postpartum meal circle and loved it. I tweaked and modified the original composition by adding a layer of tomato sauce and some additional spices. It's not a difficult dish to make but it is somewhat time consuming, perfect for a rainy weekend.

INGREDIENTS

1 large onion
2 large (or 3 medium zucchini)
1 cup tomato sauce (puree, or stewed finely diced are also fine)
1 cup cornmeal
2 cups black beans
2 cups grated sharp cheddar (loosely packed)
olive oil
salt
pepper
1 tsp whole cumin seeds
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp celery seeds

In a medium saucepan, saute the onion (diced) in olive oil and a pinch of salt until translucent.
Add beans to onion and simmer (I used dried beans and at this point that had been soaked overnight but still needed to be cook which extends this step) until tender.
Add ground cumin, chili powder, celery seeds, and paprika to bean and onion mixture and continue to simmer.
In the meantime cook cornmeal according to directions (plus the whole cumin seeds and a pinch of salt) and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 and lightly oil a baking dish (I used a 3 qt size).
Slice the zucchini into disks and set aside.
Taste beans, add salt and adjust seasonings to taste.

To assemble casserole, fill bottom of dish with the cooked cornmeal, then add beans and a layer of zucchini (equivalent of 1). Lightly season zucchini with salt and pepper. Add the tomato sauce and then the remaining zucchini. Season top with salt and pepper and bake until zucchini is tender when pierced (35-45 minutes).

While casserole is baking, grate cheese and set aside.
10 minutes before casserole is finished (around the 3o minute mark) top with grated cheese.
Optional garnishes include a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, salsa, chopped green olives, guacamole...

~Serves 6-8~

Felt Block Rattle

2011-05-03T20:35:00.008-04:00

~Elinor's First Spring Basket~

I recently made Elinor a soft wool block out of an old felted sweater. The finished toy was among the goodies in her first spring basket. Using this great tutorial, I decided to take advantage of the cube's six sides and embroider each side with the letters of her name. If you're unfamiliar with embroidery you can learn several easy stitches here. The size and colors of your wool cube can be adjusted to suit a particular occasion or child's taste.

SUPPLIES

Embroidery needle
Assorted colors of embroidery floss
Embroidery hoop (if you want to embroider anything onto your felt squares before stitching the block together).
Wool felt (I used a re-purposed sweater that I felted)
Batting
Bell
Plastic container
Tape
Tailors chalk (or equivalent to mark fabric)
Ruler
Scissors

~Initial marked in chalk waiting for embroidery~

~Completed embroidered letters~

The finished product is soft, safe (no small parts to choke on, toxic plastic, or lead paint), and makes a pleasing jingly sound. Can't recommend them highly enough.

~Felted Wool Cube~

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Spring Garland

2011-04-19T14:04:00.006-04:00

~Spring Garland~

The stairs are one of the first things you see when you enter our home. The attached banister is a natural choice for seasonal decor. I have posted previously with a Halloween garland of sparkly black bats and Valentine garlands made up of cards. This latest version is just in time for spring. Whether you celebrate Easter, Passover (or simply the changing of the season as we do in our household) a little pop of color and cheer is a nice way to freshen up the home.

MATERIALS

Cardstock in multiple colors (to match/coordinate with patterned paper).
Patterned paper (Gift wrap, tissue, origami, or hand pressed will all work. The paper should be thin and may even be somewhat transparent).
Glue stick.
Hot glue gun (or strong craft glue).
Twine, string, embroidery thread, or ribbon (enough length to cover chosen hanging area).
Cookie cutters or templates found online in spring shapes (I used a chick, a bunny, and a flower. Other options include leaves, eggs, and birds).
Scissors or craft-blade.

DIRECTIONS

Start by tracing your desired shapes onto the cardstock (which will be used as backing)
Once you have all of your pieces cut out of cardstock, use your glue stick to apply patterned paper to each shape.
Using scissors or a craft-blade carefully trim the patterned paper to fit the cardstock shape.
When all of your pieces have been cut, glued, and trimmed, lay them out on a flat surface to determine spacing and order. I find it helpful to measure where I intend to hang the garland and work with that measurement in mind when determining spacing.
Once your spacing is determined, lay a piece of twine or ribbon (cut to fit your hanging space with a few extra inches on either end) onto a flat surface and glue your shapes on using hot glue or craft glue. Attaching each shape near its top will help them hang straight and discourage twisting and flipping.

~Spring Garland (details)~

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Turkey Meatloaf

2011-04-19T11:19:00.005-04:00

There's something so quintessentially American about meatloaf. It's inexpensive, filling, and relatively simple to make. I make mine with ground turkey and tomato paste rather than ketchup and beef. Having grown up in a less than traditional household, my first taste of meatloaf was actually at my Mother-in-Law's house. It's a delicious and comforting dish that makes for great leftovers and can feed a group.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup bread crumbs (you can buy them pre-made but they're easy enough to make in a food processor using stale bread)
1 extra large egg
5-6 celery stalks
3-4 carrots (rinsed and peeled)
2 medium onions
olive oil
salt (1 tsp)
pepper (1 tsp)
smoked paprika (1 tsp)
celery seeds (tsp)
dried thyme (1 tsp)
dried oregano (1 tsp)
1 small can of tomato paste (approximately 5-6 oz)

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large saute pan saute the carrots (diced), the celery (rinsed and diced) and the onions (diced) in olive oil and a pinch of salt until tender (approximately 10-15 minutes) over medium heat.

When vegetables are tender, in a large bowl combine the turkey, the vegetables, the bread crumbs, the spices, the tomato paste, and the egg.

On a cookie sheet covered in parchment or foil, dump meatloaf mixture and form with hands into a loaf.
Bake until cooked through in middle (approximately 30-40 minutes) you can test it by sticking a skewer or thin knife into the middle of the loaf, if it comes out clean the loaf is done.
Let sit 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

I serve meatloaf with some sort of vegetable side (green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts etc... and yellow skin potatoes).

~Serves 6~

Simplicity Parenting (creating daily rhythm)

2011-03-24T20:38:00.009-04:00

~Available via Amazon, $10~

A week before I gave birth, I received this wonderful book as a gift. Having added it to my Christmas wishlist, I had some idea that its contents may prove useful. What I didn't realize was just how applicable the ideas put forth by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross would be to my own life as a parent. The basic idea behind Simplicity Parenting stresses the importance of cutting the clutter out of family life. Whether that be limiting screen time, access to adult information (news and other sources of violence and worry), paring down commitments to organized activities, simplifying meal times, or establishing a rhythm for daily life, paring down the unnecessary clutter makes for a more peaceful family life. The book gives logical explanations for each area of suggested simplification and illustrates their implementation using real case studies and personal patient experiences.

~Weekly whiteboard planner, Amazon $11~

Some of the ideas that really stuck with me were the meal simplification and establishing a daily rhythm. I don't mind cooking and sometimes I even love it. Unfortunately, after a long day trying to come up with something for dinner using random ingredients while my hungry family waits is stressful and frustrating. Enter in the weekly meal plan. 30 minutes worth of work yielded a meal plan that will remain the same week in and week out. The plan clearly lays out what we will eat as a family every evening, removing all the guesswork.

~Applying magnets to back of whiteboard~

The other concept I decided to implement (daily rhythm) required a visual weekly calender. The weekly whiteboard planner (to which I glued magnets to make it refrigerator door compatible) is an easy way for me to keep track of where we are in both our day and our week. Rhythm is all about having a general order in which tasks are completed rather than a set time at which each task takes place. For instance, if we always have a story after lunch my daughter and I both know what is coming next. Committing to an order for daily activities rather than trying to keep to a tight schedule governed by the clock leaves room for spontaneity and leisure without letting things get too chaotic.

~Newly magnetized board on refrigerator door~

We've been adhering to our weekly/daily rhythm chart for two weeks now and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I feel much less stressed, the house is clean and well cared for, everyone is well fed, and both the baby and dog are getting attention while participating in daily activities.

Our Weekly Routine

Monday: Breakfast, Tidy kitchen, Sweep stairs + sweep, vacuum, and mop downstairs rooms, Lunch, Walk, Nap time for baby (laundry time for mama), Belly time + story, Dinner = Soup and salad.
Tuesday: Breakfast, Tidy kitchen, Sweep + vacuum + mop upstairs rooms, Lunch, Walk, Nap time for baby (laundry...), Belly time + story, Dinner = Turkey Kofta.
Wednesday: Breakfast, Tidy kitchen, Dust downstairs rooms, Lunch, Walk, Nap time (laundry...), Belly time + story, Dinner = Pasta.
Thursday: Breakfast, Tidy kitchen, Dust upstairs rooms, Lunch, Walk, Nap time (laundry...), Belly time + story, Dinner = Saute with rice.
Friday: Breakfast, Tidy kitchen, change bedding + wash all throw rugs + tidy house, Lunch, Walk, Nap time (laundry...), Belly time + story, Dinner = Fancy fish.
Saturday: Breakfast, Tidy kitchen, clean bathrooms + water house plants + soak orchids, Lunch, Walk, Nap time (laundry...), Belly time + story, Dinner = Roast.
Sunday: Breakfast, Tidy kitchen, clean microwave + clean toaster oven + clean stove + change kitchen towels, Lunch, Walk, Nap time (laundry...), Belly time + story, Dinner = Casserole.

Notice that most of the activities remain the same from day to day. The blue items are the days chores and the red item signifies what we're having for dinner. The list does not account for everything that we do (we may do some crafting, errands, have an impromptu dance party). It simply provides a framework for each day by laying out the tasks that need to get accomplished. In between there is plenty of room for play. While I highly recommend a weekly rhythm, I think it's important to tailor the activities to each individual family. I have no doubt when I begin to work again, Elinor starts school, we have more children, or seasons change, that I will be tweaking our rhythm to reflect our family's needs. If the idea of implementing something this involved in one fell swoop feels daunting, consider baby steps. Start by establishing a regular Saturday dinner and choosing one or two chores for each family member to complete on one set day each week. You can build up as your family adjusts to the new changes. Clear expectations, a reasonable schedule, daily rhythm, and the prioritization of family dinner's can lead to a happier, cleaner, and more peaceful home.

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Note: Simplicity Parenting has an online presence worth checking out (including a blog full of posts from real parents chronicling their own successes with simplifying their families' lives).

DIY Coffee Table Upgrade

2011-03-24T18:29:00.007-04:00

~Coffee Table (after sanding and painting completed)~

Last year I stopped by our local Recycle Reuse Center and picked up a coffee table. The table cost a grand total of $15 and though in bad shape cosmetically, was sturdy and solid in its construction. I had been meaning to sand and paint the table for some time but could not come up with a treatment that would both yield my desired aesthetic and appropriately cover the scratched veneer.

~Coffee Table (before, scratched and dingy)~

I didn't want to spend a lot of money on supplies and I didn't want to use spray paint inside (too cold for outdoor painting) which limited my options. I ended up using Valspar low VOC exterior paint (in a dark gray color) for the base after lightly sanding and priming the table with a coat of white non-toxic primer. The metallic finish was achieved by applying Valspar faux finish metallic paint (the line is called Brilliant Metals and I used the palest silver available).

~Coffee Table (before, detail)~

~Coffee Table (after, complete with metallic finish)~

After layering 2 coats of the metallic finish and letting each coat dry completely, the sheen of the metallic paint really came through. The finished product is luminous without being super shiny and has so far stood up well to being wiped with a damp sponge and regular household use.

~Coffee Table (one more after shot)~

So there you go, for maybe a total of $40 (with leftover materials to spare) I have a coffee table that serves our family's needs and matches the living room's decor. A great option until I can afford/find the kind of quality permanent piece I am willing to invest in.

~Happy Thursday Everyone~

Mini Valentine Garland

2011-02-13T16:13:00.005-05:00

~Mini Heart Garlands~

SUPPLIES

Red and white card stock or thick construction paper
Scissors
Glue (thick craft glue or a glue gun)
Red and white twine or embroidery thread
Pencil
Small piece of cardboard (like an index card, for the templates)

DIRECTIONS

Start by making a two small heart templates (using a bit of extra card stock or cardboard). One should be slightly larger than the other in size.

Trace the desired number of both heart sizes onto both your red and white card stock. You should end with either one extra large heart or one extra small heart (example, 9 large hearts and 8 small hearts) in each color.

Cut the traced hearts out and lay them on a flat surface to determine desired spacing.

Cut a length of contrasting thread for each set of hearts (red twine for white paper hearts and white twine for the red paper hearts) leaving several extra inches on each end for hanging.

Using a dab of glue, secure each heart to twine at predetermined intervals. Allow to dry.

Hang garlands across a window, over a mirror, attached to a wall with tacks, draped over a banister etc...

~Happy Valentine's Day Everyone~

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-13T15:52:00.005-05:00

~Valentine Card Garland~

As much as I love holiday themed decor, a new baby has left me with less time than usual to craft.  Luckily even a few simple touches are enough to satisfy my compulsion.  Some of you may recall last year's holiday card garland filled with lovely Valentines.  This year I was lucky enough to receive another round of lovely handmade cards from my mother and sister and voila, almost instant decoration that is both lovely and timely.  To recreate the look in your own home you will need twine or string, Valentine themed paper products or cards, clothespins, and a couple of nail or tacks.  Choose a place in your home for the garland to hang, measure and cut the twine to the desired length, lay out your decorations on a flat surface to determine spacing, and then hang by securing to twine with clothespins.

~Valentine Card Garland (detail)~

~Happy Sunday Everyone~

Wish List Wednesday (feathered friends)

2011-01-19T11:58:00.004-05:00

~ Bronze bird with nest hairpins, WoodlandBelle via Etsy, $58 ~ Wool owl mittens, ForMyDarling via Etsy, $ 36 ~ Bird cream and sugar set, WhitneySmith via Etsy, $84 ~ Bluebird tea towel set, TheShabbyChicCottage via Etsy, $16 ~

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Elinor's Room

2011-01-09T12:34:00.017-05:00

~Elinor Rose Freeland, The Suspicious Strawberry~

On December 31st, in the wee hours of the morning we welcomed Elinor Rose Freeland into our family. She has been a delight and a wonder from the minute she arrived. So far the "nursery" has been a lovely place to rest, read, house out of town family, and play with the baby. Although the room contains no crib (we are co-sleeping) and features a lack of baby themed items, it still manages to feel cozy, welcoming, and functional. Readying our home for a baby involved moving our entire office (and dismantling my studio) to make way for a nursery. As many lovely themed baby's rooms as there are out there, I just couldn't see the point of elaborating dressing a room for a person unable to express their own preferences. I decided to keep the room simple, functional, and neutral until Elinor can help to put her own stamp on the space.

~Nursery (view from doorway)~

The gray and cream striped rug is a lovely soft wool and was purchased at Cost Plus World Market. The daybed (complete with much needed storage drawers) is an Ikea find. The baby lounger is by CocoBloom. A string of white lights and paper lanterns (made by Elinor's aunt Sara) adds a bit of festivity and the antiqued gold mirror is from Home Goods.

~View of bookshelf~

The little tree is an Orange Jasmine tree and produces heavenly smelling white blossoms several times a year. The Bookshelf is a Pottery Barn Kids item and I have to say, I'm a little bit in love with it.

~Inside Elinor's Closet~

I lined the back of her closet wall with an inexpensive world map and found matching blue velvet baby hangers on Amazon. The baby scale (on which Bruce the shark is resting) was also purchased via Amazon. The bins on the top shelf are organized by age and contain clothes for Elinor to grow into.

~Bookshelf detail~

James and I have been overwhelmed by the love, support, and generosity that our friends and family have displayed. Elinor's room is the result of many hours of work and numerous thoughtful gifts.

~Happy Sunday Everyone~

Simple Baby Blanket

2010-12-29T11:41:00.008-05:00

To keep from going crazy, I have been trying to stay busy while waiting for the baby to make her first appearance. My daily tasks have been ranging from filling the freezer with extra meals, sewing, knitting, minor home repairs, reading, and in a moment of true boredom even some filing. This little baby blanket (small enough to be folded into a diaper bag) is sturdy, washable, and simple to make. The proportions are just right for someone wee to lie on when visiting a friend's house that lacks cozy rugs or in the spring and summer months could be laid out on the grass. The size could easily be enlarged to accommodate larger children or adults. I am seriously considering whipping up several of these to have in rotation (between washings) so that the diaper bag is never without a cozy durable surface to lay the baby on. I like the idea of using whimsical prints or fun colors for children and babies (which have the added advantage of hiding stains). The printed fabric that I used was a gift from a family friend. If you look closely you can see that it depicts a school field trip scene to a natural history museum (this of course fills my nerdy self with glee). Vintage tapestries or bedspreads are another great source if you are looking for interesting original prints. Look for fabrics that are woven from natural fibers as they will be easier to launder and softer on your family's skin.

You Will Need

1 piece of nice, medium weight fabric with no stretch. 36" x 24"
1 piece of heavy weight durable cotton, linen, or wool blend fabric (for this I used heavy cotton canvas cut from an unbleached painters drop cloth) with no stretch. 36" x 24"
1 piece unbleached cotton batting. 21" x 33"
Scissors
Fabric marker or tailors chalk
Iron plus ironing board
Straight pins
Thread that coordinates with chosen fabric
Yardstick or ruler
Sewing machine (although this project could be completed by hand).

Instructions

To begin, make sure that each piece of fabric has been washed and dried in accordance with how you intend to clean your finished product. I washed all items in a cold water cycle and then dried them in medium heat. After washing and drying, cut the fabrics according to sizes indicated above and set batting aside.
Using your ruler or yardstick and fabric marker, mark a 1" margin/border around the edges of both the printed fabric and the heavy fabric for backing on the unfinished side (you don't want to mark up the nice side of the printed fabric).

Using the markings as your guide, fold and iron 1" borders around the edges of both the printed fabric and the heavy backing.

After ironing your hems, you should go from having two pieces of fabric that measured 36" x 24", to having two pieces of fabric that measure 34" x 22".
On a large flat surface, lay your printed fabric with the print/finished side down.
Next center your piece of 21" x 33" cotton batting in the middle of your fabric (there should be a small border).

The last layer will be your heavy backing, make sure to leave the finished side facing upwards (the 1" ironed hems for both pieces of fabric should be facing the cotton batting underneath).
Make sure to center your two outer fabric layers, they should completely cover the cotton batting. You will be left with a three layered fabric sandwich, the finished sides of the printed fabric and the heavy backing facing outwards so that the ironed hems are hidden with the batting placed between them.
Use straight pins to pin through all three layers of fabric on all four sides.

Sew first seams set 1/2" in from edges of blanket, this will ensure that the cotton batting within will not slide or bunch with use.
Finish the blanket by sewing the last set of seams at 1/4" from edge of blanket.

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

An Expression of Gratitude

2010-12-29T11:25:00.003-05:00

~The Family Tree 2010~

Dear Readers,

This year has been a very blessed and momentous year here in the Rose-Freeland household. Between a new job, a new puppy, a pregnancy, co-producing an art show, painting commissions, and trying to keep up with this blog James and I have been very busy indeed. I just wanted to say thank you for all of the support and continued interest. Despite my sporadic posting and long periods of dormancy, I am always so grateful to return and find encouraging comments and thoughtful emails.

Hope that you and yours have a wonderful 2011,

Lia

Home Tip Tuesday (it's winter inside and out)

2010-12-14T10:15:00.007-05:00

~First Snow~

I've been inspired by the season to add little doses of holiday cheer around the house. Rather than large installations and complicated setups (of which I have neither the space nor time to create), I have opted for a few items here and there. Our tiny kitchen table now boasts a piece of cloth and a few holiday decorations and I'm working on some paper snowflakes to hang from the windows. If you are new to holiday decorating and have yet to build up your collection, consider candles, natural elements, small bowls of ornaments, or homemade paper crafts. There are many easy inexpensive ways to add festivity to your home.

~Holiday Winter Scene (in kitchen)~

~Snow Couple~

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Goodbye Bedside Table, Hello Baby

2010-12-09T15:35:00.007-05:00

As most of you know, James and I are expecting our first baby later this month. Preparing for the arrival of our daughter has caused me to rethink every little space in our small home. I have been reevaluating function and structure in each room and changing things around a bit. I previously posted about the moving our office into our walk-in closet (which I might add still houses all of our clothing, yikes!). The latest project completed involved our master bedroom. Turns out that the co-sleeper we have does not fit next to the bed in addition to the bedside table. This means mama had to give up her bedside table *sigh*. During the last few days I have been adjusting to having no place for a book or glass of water, but I draw the line at lying there trying to read in a dark hole. No surface on which to set a lamp led me to purchasing a pair lamp sconces. Even this little change has made a big impact on the feeling in our room and having a little light on my side of the bed is a definite improvement.

~Bedroom Before~

~Bedroom After~

~Happy Thursday Everyone~

Holiday Gift Guide 2010

2010-12-08T20:08:00.013-05:00

For Babies

~Bird Print Organic Cotton Quilt & Burp Cloth Set, Organic Quilt Company via etsy, $57.50 ~ Cream Baby Scarf and Bootie Set, Zarina 2009 via Etsy, $45 ~ Wooden Teething Hippo, Little Sapling Toys via Etsy, $12 ~

For Kids

~ Polar Pals Wooden Toys, Imagination Kids via Etsy, $25 ~ Wooden Picture Chore Chart, Abbies House via Etsy, $16 ~ Caribou Cherry Wood Standing Puzzle, RJA Woodworking via Etsy, $20 ~ Classic Embossed Alphabet Blocks, Amazon, $29.95 ~ Deluxe Kitchen Play Set, Hearth Song, $19.99 ~ Kids Toolbox, Friendly Hardware, $42 ~ Rootvue Indoor Farm Kit, Hearth Song, $32.98 ~ Colorful Flag Garland, Sparkle Power via Etsy, $24 ~ Plush Squirrel, This Place is A Zoo, $19.95 ~

For Teens

~ Yellow Bike Messenger Bag, Ika Bags via Etsy, $62.72 ~ Silver Hedgehog Charm Necklace, Moncadeau via Etsy, $13 ~ Art Clutch (multiple fabrics available), Downstairs Designs via Etsy, $30 ~ Pinstripe Ipod Case, Mariforrsell via Etsy, $32 ~ Sneaker Customization Kit, Uncommon Goods, $45 ~ Mini Projector, Toys "R" Us, $34.98 ~

For Women

~ Red Linen Tote, Rib and Hull via Etsy, $39 ~ Natural Eye Shadow (neutral shade), Painted Lips via Etsy , $6.50 ~ Bronze Blossom Hair Pins, Woodland Belle, $58.50 ~ Rough Diamond Ring, Janish Jewels via Etsy, $149 ~ Cream and Natural Striped Scarf, Knit Frekkles via Etsy, $73 ~ Red Jersey Dress (also available in black), Anthropologie, $138 ~ Leather Oxford's, Amazon, $75 ~

For Men

~ Apollo Cockpit Screen Printed Tie, Toybreaker via Etsy, $30 ~ Bronze Whale Tie Clip, DreadNoughtWorkshop via Etsy, $55 ~ Leather Utility Pouch, Forest Bound via Etsy, $36 ~ Reclaimed Wood Pencil Holder, Paradise Hill Designs via Etsy, $21 ~ Wool Tweed Messenger Bag, Mariforssell via Etsy, $105, Gray Plaid Virgin Wool Blanket, MexChic via Etsy, $70 ~ Mustached Stemless Wineglasses, Modern Madness via Etsy, $26 ~ Birds On a Wire Travel Mug, Pretty My Drink via Etsy, $35 ~

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Merging Office & Closet

2010-12-02T14:01:00.009-05:00

As many of you may have guessed, the reason for my sporadic posting is because I have been frantically preparing our house for the newest and tiniest member. With less than three weeks until my due date, I thought that I would share some of the progress with you:

So what did we do? And what is there still left to do?

Painted the walls a dark charcoal gray.
Hung a set of inexpensive adjustable white shelves from Lowes Hardware.
Bought a wall mount for the computer monitor to free up much needed desktop space (the desk is a tiny antique and though it fits the space perfectly, it is sadly lacking in surface area).
Mounted a drum shade over the bare light bulb on the ceiling.
We still plan to buy a curtain (the kind that runs along a track on the ceiling) to hang in front of the clothing, located on the wall opposite the bookshelves.

~Happy Thursday Everyone~

Super Simple Fall Wreath

2010-11-12T12:10:00.008-05:00

~Easy Fall Wreath~

There is something really cheesy and sad about seasonal wreaths constructed from artificial materials. Seasonal wreaths ideally add lovely decoration and embody the time of year. For me, plastic twigs and fake foliage really defeat the purpose. Unfortunately, purchasing a beautiful wreath made of all natural materials is often prohibitively expensive. My solution was to buy a woven twig wreath frame (which can be found at craft stores such as Michael's) for $3.99 and to add natural elements from around the neighborhood. After purchasing your wreath base, gather botanical items (such as leaves, rose hips, berries, contrasting twigs, pine cones, or miniature gourds) and secure them using craft wire or by simply tucking items into the nooks.

~Wreath detail~

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Pasta with Turkey Sausage and Kale

2010-11-12T10:03:00.006-05:00

This recipe yields a tasty autumnal pasta that is simple to make and even better the next day. Kale provides texture and greenery but if you hate it, try substituting spinach or even arugula.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb orecchiette pasta (any short noodle variety will do)
1 large sweet onion
1/4 cup white wine
1 large bunch of kale (about 6-8 large leaves)
2 large sausages ( I used a spicy Italian turkey variety)
olive oil
salt
pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 small lemon
grated cheese (optional garnish, I would recommend a hard goat cheese, sharp cheddar, or shredded parmesan).

Cook pasta according to directions in lightly salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of liquid when pasta is finished.
In the meantime, saute the onion (cut into thin half circles) in olive oil, a pinch of salt, and thyme over medium heat until translucent.
Add sausage (either crumbled or sliced into bite sized pieces), and paprika to onions and continue to saute until browned.
Add white wine to sausage onion mixture and use utensil to stir and scrape bottom of pan.
Wash the kale leaves and cut them into 1/2" strips (leaving out the toughest bits of stem), set aside to drain.
Add cooked pasta to sausage and onions and stir to combine.
Add kale strips, nutmeg, and more olive oil/pasta water as need to loosen sauce.
As soon as kale has wilted add a squeeze of lemon juice, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

~Serves 4~

Owl Silhoutte Decoration

2010-10-25T14:08:00.003-04:00

~Front Door Decoration~

Using some of the black card stock leftover from my bat garland, I decided to decorate our front glass door with an owl silhouette. The image can be found here if you are interested in printing your own template. Depending on where you plan on placing the finished silhouette(s), you may want to use multiples in varying sizes. After printing your template, trace with pencil onto your black card stock or construction paper. Carefully cut image out using scissors and adhere to desired surface (I used scotch tape).

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Vegetarian Tamale Pie

2010-10-25T11:20:00.009-04:00

This recipe is best made over a weekend. Although the process contains no difficult elements, there is a tedium that comes with the multitude of elements and steps. I have never actually made or eaten tamale pie before but after seeing a picture somewhere have been craving it madly for weeks. My version is vegetarian but still very hearty. You could easily use a chili recipe that includes meat or eliminate ingredients that don't appeal to you.

INGREDIENTS
~Chili~
4 large celery stalks
4 medium carrots
2 large onions
4 cups cooked black beans
1 large (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
olive oil
salt
pepper
4 large cloves garlic

In a large stock pot, saute both onions (chopped) in olive oil and a pinch of salt for 5 minutes over medium heat.
Add all celery and carrots (chopped into small pieces) to onion mixture and continue to cook until vegetables have softened.
Add black beans to pot, stir and cook until warmed through.
Add paprika, cumin, chili powder and cook further to combine spices. Once all spices are incorporated, add salt and pepper to taste.
Add tomatoes, turn heat to low, and simmer until chili is slightly reduced and ingredients have come together (you can have this take anywhere from 30 minutes - 2 hours).

INGREDIENTS
~Cornbread Topping~
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Melt butter in large skillet.
Remove from heat and stir in sugar.
Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended.
Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan.
Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain.

INGREDIENTS
~Casserole~
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
prepared chili
cornbread batter topping

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large casserole or glass baking dish layer in the chili, then the corn, sprinkle with cheese, and finally add the cornbread topping.
To ease the application of the sticky cornbread batter, spray a metal spoon with cooking spray and add only small amounts at a time working across the top of the casserole.
Bake until cornbread is done (when a knife or skewer is inserted it comes out clean) but no further. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Cook's note: this dish is lovely served with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. The leftovers make for a great breakfast when served with an egg and a splash of hot sauce. In terms of toppings, the sky is the limit, guacamole, salsa, fresh chopped cilantro, spicy pickled vegetables...

~Serves a crowd~

Easy Halloween Wreath

2010-10-23T10:00:00.012-04:00

Halloween can be a tricky holiday to decorate for. If kitsch is your thing there is plenty out there to buy and enjoy. Unfortunately, if you lean towards simpler or more traditional decor, you may find yourself at a loss when it comes to Halloween decorations. The wreath pictured above evokes the ravens and crows that can be seen circling the fall sky and couldn't be simpler to make.

YOU WILL NEED

~Wire wreath frame~

12" wire wreath frame (I purchased mine at a crafts store for $3.00)
1-2 black feather boas (use one or two boas depending on how plush you want your wreath, I found some inexpensive options on Amazon. The quality isn't great in that they shed, but for a stationary hanging wreath they're fine).
Constructing the wreath entails wrapping the boa(s) around the wreath frame, making sure the ends are tucked in.

I couldn't resist including a detail photo of my cheesy monogrammed wreath hanger. Available at Pottery Barn for those of you who have similar delusions of grand estates.

~Happy Saturday Everyone~

Easy Shepard's Pie

2010-10-21T10:19:00.012-04:00

A fall chill has definitely been in the air this week. After days of cool sunshine and chilly nights I am fully ready to make the transition to cold weather food. In our house that means soups, casseroles, pies, baked goods, stews, and pastas. This version of Shepard's Pie is far from traditional. Basically a pan of roasted vegetables topped with seasoned ground turkey and mashed potatoes, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your own tastes by adding or subtracting from the list of suggested vegetables and spices.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb ground turkey (I prefer dark meat)
2 eggs
5-6 russet potatoes
1 medium head of cabbage
1 medium or 2 small winter squash (any sweet variety will work)
2 large onions
5 large carrots
salt
pepper
olive oil
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp dried thyme

1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 stick butter
1/2 cup half and half, whole milk, or cream

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Fill a large pot of water and set on stove to boil.
In the meantime, chop cabbage and carrots into thick chunks, onions into large cubes, and peel and chop winter squash.

Arrange veggies in casserole, toss with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Place in oven on lower rack and bake until vegetables begin to soften (making sure to turn casserole and use and utensil to stir vegetables to prevent over browning). If your vegetable seem to be browning too fast add a bit of water to the pan and cover with foil for remaining baking
While veggies are baking, peel potatoes and place in large pot of boiling water to soften.

In a mixing bowl combine the ground turkey, a pinch of salt and pepper, both eggs, plus the thyme, mustard, and paprika and mix thoroughly.
Once potatoes have are fork tender, drain water and return to pot. Mash with a fork or potato masher. Add the butter, cream or milk, and salt and pepper to taste and stir thoroughly.

Take vegetables out of oven when tender. Cover with meat mixture and then with mashed potatoes and return to oven.

Bake on a middle rack for an additional 25-30 minutes (or until meat is cooked through and potato peaks are browned).
Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Note: We enjoyed our Shepard's Pie with a simple salad of chopped romaine and radicchio, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, toasted pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette.

~Serves 6-8 (generous portions)~

Home Tip Tuesday (Halloween Bat Garland)

2010-10-19T12:53:00.009-04:00

Homemade decorations are my favorite way to display budget friendly holiday cheer. Generally I am the type of person who is unlikely to undertake a project unless I feel I can execute it perfectly. For years that meant a minimum of holiday decor. I finally realized that I do not have to decorate the entire house for each holiday. Now making a few little things is something that I look forward to. Surprisingly, one simple project can be enough to bring the spirit of the season into your home.

YOU WILL NEED

Bat Template (courtesy of Martha Stewart)
Twine or ribbon
Black card stock or construction paper
Clear drying craft glue
Small paintbrush
Tape
Nails or push pins
Black glitter
Scissors
Pencil

Start by deciding where in your house you would like the bats to hang. I generally concentrate my holiday decorations in the front hallway where they will have the biggest impact on guests.
Eyeball (or if you are really meticulous measure) the space you have in mind to determine the number of bats you will need to fill the area.

Trace the desired number of bats onto your black card stock using a pencil.
Carefully cut out each bat with scissors.
On a paper bag or craft paper lay your bat flat (1 at a time) with the side up that is completely free of pencil markings.

Using your paintbrush cover the bat in a thin even layer of glue and then immediately with glitter. Tap excess glitter onto a free sheet of paper or card stock to be used on subsequent bats and set bat aside to dry.

Complete glitter process on all bats and allow to dry on a flat surface (some curling of the paper or card stock is fine and will add charm to your finished bats).

On a long, flat surface lay out the length of twine or ribbon needed for garland. Tape ends to create a taut line.

Slip each bat glitter side down under the twine and secure at equal distances with tape (making sure the the tape is completely secure).
Turn garland right side up, hang in desired area and enjoy.

Note: If you do not have a banister consider hanging your bats individually (by making loops of ribbon or twine that attach to each back rather than a garland) in another area such as a window. The garland can also be made to hang down the length of a wall or door if the bats are arranged vertically.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (maximizing small spaces)

2010-10-05T11:20:00.003-04:00

~Artwork Detail~

Whether for utilitarian or decorative purposes, utilizing even the smallest spaces in my home has turned out to be a worthwhile endeavor. The tiny awkward wall situated between our kitchen and living room benefited visually from the placement of a small unifying piece of artwork that compliments each room's decor. On the utilitarian side, I replaced the towel bar (a large, cumbersome, and rather ugly feature) with a small towel ring in our downstairs bathroom to save space and honor the scale of the small room.

~Downstairs Bathroom~

~Kitchen/Dining Room Passageway~

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Making Applesauce (canning process and recipe)

2010-10-01T14:36:00.014-04:00

If you have never canned or preserved anything applesauce is a good place to start. There are very few ingredients to keep track of, everyone loves it, and it's hard to get a really good version in the store. Try saving yourself some money by visiting your local farmer's market and asking for seconds (slightly past their prime apples that are perfect for sauce). I used a variety of apples in my sauce to impart a depth of flavor but there are tricks (like adding lemon juice) to keep even a single variety from being too one note.

You will need:

8 (16 oz) pint jars (with lids and bands) or any equivalent combination of jar sizes.
Extra large stock pot or boiling water canning pot.
Large soup pot.
Tongs or jar grabber.
Medium sauce pan.
Several clean dish towels.
Funnel
Trivets or other heatproof buffers to set on counter.
12 lbs apples (peeled, cored and chopped).
Water
1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground fresh nutmeg
Lemon juice (optional)

Directions:

Wash all jars, lids, and bands with hot soapy water. Set aside on towel to dry.
Fill canning boiler or extra large stockpot with water (about 2/3 of the way) and set on stove to bring to a boil. In my little kitchen the canning pot took over two burners (a front and a back) which were both turned on to expedite the process.
In the meantime peel, core and chop all apples (turn on a podcast or something because this part takes forever).
About halfway through the apple peeling process fill a medium to small saucepan with water (about 1-2 inches up) and bring to a simmer. Place lids (not bands, just lids) into the water and simmer (never letting it come to a boil).
When apples are all prepared, fill your soup pot (NOT the canning boiler/extra large stock pot) with apples and a splash of water and bring to a simmer (stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon). When apples have begun to come together and get "saucy" add cinnamon, nutmeg, and if needed a bit more water. Cook for an additional 5 minutes and adjust seasoning to taste. I used a variety of apples (including tart ones) so my sauce was plenty tart. If your sauce seems to lack depth adding 1-2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice can help a great deal.
By now your extra large pot of water (either a real boiling canner or a extra large stockpot) should be boiling. Place jars (without lids or bands) into water and allow to simmer for at least 5 minutes.
When applesauce is at desired texture and taste level (I like chunky applesauce and I never strain or use a food mill) you can begin the canning process.
Using tongs or a jar grabber remove one jar from simmering water (making sure to dump out excess water in process) and place on a trivet or towel next to stove.
Using a spoon and a funnel, fill the jar with applesauce (allowing 1/4-1/2 inch at top).
Use a butter knife to gently stir (this removes air bubbles).
Wipe rim with a clean towel.
Remove a lid from the simmering water in saucepan and place carefully on jar.
Loosely screw a clean band onto the jar (do not tighten much, band should only be fingertip tight).
Repeat process for all jars or until applesauce is used up.
Return jars to boiling water in extra large pot and "process" (which means boil with pot covered) for 20 minutes.
After processing remove jars carefully from canning pot and place on a heatproof surface (trivets or folded towels) to cool.
Let stand on counter for 24 hours.
Check for a good seal by carefully removing band and testing the lid adherence to the jar. If you can hold the jar up by its lid without the jar falling off the seal is good. There should also be no give in the top of the lid when pushed in its middle.
Tighten all bands, label, and store in a cool dry place.
Will keep for about 1 year.

Tips

If this is your first time doing something like this take heart. It's not that hard if you allow yourself the time to read and reread directions.
I like to print my steps out and tape them to a cabinet or back splash so that I can reference where I am in the process without leafing through books or running to my computer.
In canning lingo, the lid is the flat metal disk that sits atop the jar. It does not screw, has no threads, and would fall off of the jar were it not for the sealing process. The band is the metal ring (with threads) that screws on over the lid.
If any of your jars are not properly sealed after 24 hours of cooling you can either reprocess them (boil for another 2o minutes) or you can place in the refrigerator to be consumed within 1-2 weeks.

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Weekly Watercolor Sketch 13

2010-09-30T13:12:00.002-04:00

~The First Trimester~

~Happy Thursday Everyone~

Wish List Wednesday (if I wasn't pregnant...)

2010-09-22T10:37:00.004-04:00

(clockwise from top left)

~ Multi stone drop earrings, Anthropologie, $29.95 ~ Red jersey dress, Pavlinadadakova via Etsy, $69 ~ Silk paisley scarf, Peach Couture via Amazon, $29.99 ~ Black and tan leather bag, RayDesign's via Etsy, $42 ~ Cutout lace up boots, Anthropologie, $149.00 ~ Checkered tights, Anthropologie, $16

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (shabby chic)

2010-09-20T16:00:00.006-04:00

~Photo credit, Lonny Magazine August/September 2010~

When home/lifestyle magazine Domino closed up shop I was devastated. The mix of house tours, decorating tips, product roundups, and traveling ideas were almost always just right. Unfortunately no other magazine has come close to filling the vacancy. Until now that is. Many of the former editors and collaborators for Domino magazine have pooled together their know how and contacts to launch the new online (and completely free) magazine Lonny. Filled with a similar mix of articles and presented in a layout that is both user friendly and visually appealing, Lonny is doing an admirable job of picking up where Domino left off.

In the latest issue, an interview with designer Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic sheds some new light on a dated decorating scheme. My memories of Shabby Chic always veered into the "bit too precious" and "carefully distressed" realm. I was pleasantly surprised to see a new, cleaner and more streamlined aesthetic represented in the photo spread. The casual feminine roots are still there (although in my opinion much improved) but the simplification and focus have taken the ideas to a whole new level.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Wish List Wednesday (stylish cozy)

2010-09-15T12:55:00.002-04:00

~ Felted wool slippers, Onstail via Etsy, $68 ~ Gray silk gathered dress, Cocoricooo via Etsy, $52 ~ Printed cardigan, Anthropologie, $148 ~ Wool thigh highs, J.crew, $18.50 ~ Leather crossbody bag, J.crew, $278 ~

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (hidden organization)

2010-09-14T13:31:00.003-04:00

~Coupon Bulletin Board Process~

Our household's coupon bulletin board started out in the kitchen. When I redid the kitchen last year, the visible jumble of papers detracted from the decor that I was going for and the bulletin board was relegated to the basement landing. I finally got around to mounting the board on the back of the basement door. Out of sight and off the floor, it takes up minimal space and manages to be central enough to still get used. The idea of using the backs of doors (and other hidden spaces) to organize and hide the realities of day to day is a very useful one. This idea can also be applied to wall mounted ironing boards, over-the-door shoe caddies, and towel racks.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (coordinated throw pillows)

2010-09-13T16:44:00.004-04:00

~Photo credit, House Beautiful Magazine October 2010~

I've talked before about the value of accessorizing a home with coordinating and harmonizing elements rather than matching everything . The photograph above demonstrates just how lovely and sophisticated a room can be when dressed in fabrics that compliment one another but still manage to distinguish themselves from each other. The key to keeping the room from falling into discord is the neutral wall color and simple repetition in artwork and framing choices. If you crave colorful walls and more excitement in your artwork try choosing pillows and accessories with varying prints that share a color family (ex: greens and blues, reds and oranges) to keep things focused. You can save yourself a little money by making your own pillow covers out of beautiful distinct fabrics (such as Indian sari's, tapestries, woven placemats, etc...).

~Magazine Monday~

Romaine Salad with Chicken and Purple Potatoes

2010-09-10T11:05:00.006-04:00

If you've never tried purple potatoes before you're missing out. They have a slightly earthier and more robust taste than a yellow or redskin potato (almost as if there was a bit of beet in them) and the color is truly beautiful. This recipe is perfect for the transition between summer and fall. There are still delicious fresh tomatoes and lettuces to be found in abundance but the colder temperatures dictate warmer elements as well.

INGREDIENTS
8-10 small purple skin potatoes (can substitute redskin or yellowskin)
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 medium heads romaine lettuce
4 medium flavorful tomatoes
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 lemon
olive oil
salt
pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Scrub, rinse, and cube potatoes (into approximately 1/2 inch cubes).
Toss potatoes in 2 tbsp of olive oil plus salt and pepper into a glass baking dish and bake until tender.
Marinate chicken breasts (cut into halves width wise) in the juice of the lemon, salt and pepper, and olive oil.
When potatoes are fork tender remove baking dish from oven and turn with spoon or spatula.
Cover potatoes with chicken pieces and sprinkle chicken with a bit more salt and some fresh thyme.
Return to oven and bake until chicken is still moist and very slightly pink in center. Allow to rest on rack for 10 minutes (the chicken will continue to bake even after taken from oven).
Wash romaine and cut or tear into 1 inch strips.
Slice tomatoes and lightly dust with salt and pepper.
To assemble salads layer lettuce, tomatoes, chicken breasts (sliced) and potatoes.
Dress with dressing of choice and serve.

~Serves 4~

Wish List Wednesday (fall decor update)

2010-09-08T14:24:00.002-04:00

(clockwise from top left)

~ Metal pear salt cellar, Jayson Home & Garden, $45 ~ Embroidered lumbar pillow, Pottery Barn, $39 ~ Mini grey suitcases, Kate's Paperie, $10-$15 ~ Walnut wood turtle puzzle, rjaWoodworking via Etsy, $14.50 ~ Mercury glass footed votive holder, Anthropologie, $8 ~ Virgin wool blanket, MexChic via Ets y, $70 ~ Metal measuring spoons, Anthropologie, $24 ~ Brass whale paperweight, HighStreetMarket via Etsy, $38 ~ Poppy flower ceramic bowl, PrinceDesignUK via Etsy, $27 ~

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (easy cleaning)

2010-09-07T10:33:00.001-04:00

There are certain areas within a home that seem to get filthy so quickly that cleaning feels futile. In my home these areas include the front hallway, bathroom sinks, bathtub, and stove top. Unfortunately there is no silver bullet when it comes to cleaning. You have to get your cleaning supplies out and just do it. What can make things simpler and ultimately save you time is to keep the clutter at bay. I find that when I have to clear surfaces before I even start to clean it can be very discouraging. In the downstairs bathroom I decided to install a small shelf (actually an inexpensive spice rack from Ikea) above the sink. The shelf holds all of the items that would otherwise sit on the sink and when it comes time to clean, all I have to do is spray, wipe, and rinse.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (Fall Felt Crafts)

2010-09-06T11:42:00.002-04:00

It's officially fall and I'm ready to craft. Whether you're an accomplished seamstress or just starting out, Martha Stewart's latest roundup of felt crafts has a project to suit any skill level:

EASY

~Photo credit, Martha Stewart~

Suffering from seasonal allergies? Why not make a pretty cover for carrying your pack of necessary pocket tissues.

MEDIUM

~Photo credit, Martha Stewar t~

A lovely gift for any kids or adults who are headed back to school this fall. Get directions at link above.

DIFFICULT

~Photo credit, Martha Stewart~

These textured throw pillows are a great way to spruce up a living or bedroom for the fall season. The detailing is luxe and the styling could work in a multitude of decors depending on the color of felt and scale of pillow.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Friday Web Roundup

2010-09-03T09:56:00.001-04:00

~Photo credit, Pillar Box Post~

Imagine being the lucky fish that get to live in this groovy pad. Seriously, I have never seen a cooler fish tank.

~Photo credit, In Plein Air~

Artist Robin Weiss is responsible for the delightful paintings found on the blog In Plein Air. The concept of plein air painting centers around working directly from life for both scene inspiration and construction. Check out the variety of settings and styles.

~Photo credit, Re-Nest via Apartment Therapy~

If you live in a small space the beautiful desk pictured above might be the solution to your problem. Functioning as both a shelf and a small desk, the pieces are crafted out of wood and have the aesthetic of furniture in a manageable size.

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Weekly Watercolor Sketch 12

2010-09-02T15:50:00.001-04:00

~Party Dress~

~Happy Thursday Everyone~

Wish List Wednesday (time for fall)

2010-09-01T10:28:00.004-04:00

~ Tweed pencil skirt, Nordstrom, $133.90 ~ Black wool vest, Anthropologie, $118 ~ Patterned tights, Anthropologie, $18 ~ Vintage patterned blouse, CapriciousTraveler via Etsy, $26 ~ Fuchsia cashmere scarf, Lands' End, $39.99 ~ Brown platform oxford's, Dansko via Zappos, $150 ~

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (feeling festive)

2010-08-31T10:57:00.004-04:00

There are few things that signify "party" or "holiday" like twinkle lights. Unless I am dressing a Christmas tree or decorating outdoors, I prefer to use strands of white lights with white wiring. Most homes have white trim and white ceilings, using white strands of lights helps things to look a bit more polished. If you want to get really festive with your lights consider buying a variety pack of origami paper and making cubes. The cubes can be stored flat and inflated for use (meaning that they are easy to store) and are relatively easy to make. If you set out to make a few each time you sit down to watch a movie you will have a set that can be pulled out for any festive occasion before you know it. You can add seasonal touches by using colorful paper lanterns in spring and summer and snowflake cut outs or ornaments in the winter.

~Origami cube instructions~
~Origami paper (free shipping)~

~Happy Crafting Everyone~

Magazine Monday (displaying artwork)

2010-08-30T13:11:00.003-04:00

~Photo credit, Real Simple Magazine September 2010~

This isn't the first time I've brought up the subject of hanging artwork in the salon style. In small areas such as foyers, hallways, and stairwells, filling the walls with frames and images that coordinate can create a big impact. If your images are all visually similar (a set of black and white photographs, or children's artwork, or vacation snapshots) feel free to vary the frames a bit. If your collection is more varied, use similar or matching frames to bring cohesion to the grouping.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Friday Web Roundup

2010-08-27T23:59:00.000-04:00

~Photo credit, Apartment Therapy~

Although botanical prints have generally been associated with traditional, old, and even stuffy decor, the latest set of examples from Apartment Therapy begs another look. Especially for city and urban dwellers, using botanical prints to add a natural design element (and a much needed shot of green) can help balance your decor.

~Photo credit, Design*Sponge~

Take a look at the collection of bedroom photos if you are in need of inspiration. With 20 beautiful, creative, and diverse rooms to ogle I was captivated.

~Photo credit, Pillar Box Post~

I love the idea of covering clipboards with pretty fabric or paper and using them as organizational tools in the office. This concept could easily translate into a kids room or utility area depending on the materials you use (for kids try fun prints or vinyl for easy cleaning, go with metal clipboards in a garage or basement).

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Cheesy Roasted Squash

2010-08-27T20:41:00.008-04:00

In truth zucchini and yellow summer squash are not my favorite vegetables. I find that few people or restaurants serve them to me in the state of caramelized creaminess that I prefer. All that aside, roasted summer squash with cheese could quite possibly the perfect summer side dish and I would gladly eat it every summer for the rest of my life.

INGREDIENTS
4 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash
1 heaping cup grated cheese (I prefer a mix of goat gouda and sharp cheddar)
Olive oil
salt
pepper

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Cut each squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds with spoon.
Place squash on baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
Lightly season with salt and pepper and bake until extremely soft and lightly browned on edges.
Remove from oven, sprinkle squash with grated cheese and return to oven to melt.
Serve hot.

Serves 4 (as side) or 2 (as main meal component)

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Weekly Watercolor Sketch 11

2010-08-26T10:47:00.000-04:00

~Rose In Bud Vase~

~Happy Thursday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (a little dose of bold)

2010-08-23T10:57:00.000-04:00

~Photo credit, House Beautiful September 2010~

Despite my homes relatively small size (925 sq feet) I do my best to create an open, airy feeling. For the most part this entails neutral palettes, a few large pieces of furniture in each room (rather than many small items), and an absence of decorative clutter. Neutral wall paint has made updating my rooms so much simpler and I find myself shying away from color more and more. However, as simple as neutrals can be, I do miss the in-your-face dose of individuality that a bold color injects into a room. The latest issue of House Beautiful provided just the inspiration that I need to get some color back into my life, save your bold statements for your small spaces. Choosing a rich paint color or bold wall paper pattern to use in a bathroom, closet, or foyer can be a fun, simple, and cost effective way to introduce some luxe into your space.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (all purpose cleaner recipe)

2010-07-20T14:48:00.003-04:00

~Backyard garden, blooming lavender & thyme~

I've posted before about the importance of using environmentally friendly products around the house. I've also bemoaned the expense. Turns out the solution may be to make your own products. The great thing about the following recipe is that it yields an effective all purpose cleaner for surfaces (works especially well on glass, chrome, tile, and counter tops) and can be stored in a spray bottle for easy application.

1 pint rubbing alcohol or witch hazel
1 tbsp dish washing detergent (biodegradable and non toxic is preferred)
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp lavender essential oil
1/2 tsp tea tree essential oil

Mix ingredients together in a gallon jug and fill remaining space with warm water, shake well. Can be administered from a spray bottle. Store in a cool dry place and as with all cleaning products, keep out of reach of children and pets.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (small spaces)

2010-07-19T11:49:00.004-04:00

COTTAGE ENTRYWAY

~Photo credit Thomas Loof via House Beautiful August 2010~

The latest issue of House Beautiful highlights just how stylishly one can live in a small space. From studio apartments to cozy cottages, all of the homes feel warm and personal without veering towards suffocating or claustrophobic. By far my favorite home was the 1,400 sq foot cottage shared by interior designer Melanie Pounds and her other 3 family members, located in Birmingham Alabama. The spaces are neutral, luxurious, and practical. I especially loved that as parents of small children, they decided to have all the furniture discreetly slip covered in machine washable fabrics (you would never know by looking at them). Another thing to note is the ease that's conveyed by allowing a few large items to dominant each room rather than filling them with small and inconsequential knick knack furniture. The walls are a beautiful textured finish of rich smokey neutrals, the floors are tiled and the ceilings are wooded which makes for a subtle and unexpected contrast.

DINING ROOM

~Photo credit Thomas Loof via House Beautiful August 2010~

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Friday Web Roundup

2010-07-16T09:59:00.005-04:00

~Photo credit(s), Brooklyn Limestone~

This before and after shot of a dated galley kitchen is really astounding. The original post chronicles the renovation process which was mostly a DIY effort. Wow.

~Photo credit, Design*Sponge~

This DIY coffee can lantern project could easily inexpensively add quite a bit of charm to your next outdoor soiree.

~Photo credit, Apartment Therapy~

Although I would definitely add more artwork to the space if it were mine, the abundance of beautiful textiles and charming details in this home are worth a browse. I especially like the fabric on the bed, rocking chair in nursery, and large sofa.

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Lazy Eggplant Parmesan

2010-07-15T09:28:00.008-04:00

Typically during the summer I crave things like salad, fruit, and uncooked veggies. We can chalk up my current obsession with comforting savory foods to being pregnant. This recipe is super easy to make and can be increased for larger groups. If you have the time and inclination, making your own sauce and bread crumbs will yield even more delicious results (but it's not necessary).

INGREDIENTS
1 large eggplant
1 jar tomato pasta sauce
1 package pasta (I used spaghetti but any variety will do)
1/2 lb of mozzarella cheese
1 cup bread crumbs
1 large egg
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
2 large cloves of garlic
olive oil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and put large pot of water on to boil (cook pasta according to package directions and see step 9 for further steps).
Slice eggplant into 1/4-1/2 inch rounds, sprinkle lightly with salt, and set aside in large glass baking dish.
Fill 2 shallow bowls with bread crumbs (mixing thyme, pepper, and salt with crumbs), and a beaten egg.
Grate mozzarella and set aside.
Rinse salt from eggplant slices and pat dry.
Dip each eggplant slice in egg and then bread crumbs (pressing the slices down with your fingers to insure even coating).
Cover the bottom of a large glass baking dish with a single layer of battered eggplant slices, spoon tomato sauce over each slice and sprinkle with cheese.
Repeat process for a second layer of eggplant slices, bake in middle rack of oven for 30-40 minutes (or until eggplant slices are fork tender).
Mince both garlic cloves and toss cooked pasta in a bowl with olive oil, salt to taste, and the minced garlic. Set aside.
Serve each portion of eggplant with pasta and freshly torn basil.

~Serves 6-8~

Wish List Wednesday (maternity comfort)

2010-07-14T04:00:00.006-04:00

The time has come... to spill the beans. The reason for my long absences and rather sporadic posting is a good one, I've got a bun in the oven. I was completely unprepared for the ton of bricks that is the first trimester and I couldn't be bothered to get out of bed let alone blog. As I roll (or waddle) into the second trimester I am ready to slowly resume my normal routine. Things are going to be somewhat different around here (maternity wear, baby stuff, and me working on the nursery) but I'm still the same old me.

~ Black ruched tank top, Gap, $19.50 ~ Smokey plum cardigan, Anthropologie, $78 ~ Black leggings, Nordstrom, $48 ~ Black wedge sandal, Nordstrom, $49.90 ~ Espresso leather bag, Fossil via Amazon, $55 ~

My first public rant as a pregnant woman will revolve around the difficulty of dressing an ever increasing body. Don't get me wrong, I don't work in an office or corporate environment and feel extremely lucky to dress as I please. Like most pregnant women, all I want to be is comfortable. Unfortunately when I passed myself in a mirror looking like a dumpy manatee in over-sized sweats and one of James' t-shirt I was immediately in a bad mood for the rest of the day. As far as I can tell, the key to maternity dressing revolves around finding ways to be comfortable without completely heading off the deep end. Items like leggings, cardigan wrap tops, and stretchy tanks have all been lifesavers. For those of you who are not pregnant, consider this uniform as a great foundation for fall fashion (when it gets here) and try adding a light jacket and boots. *Remember, leggings are only an appropriate pant when the bottom is mostly covered.

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (the power of steam)

2010-07-13T21:47:00.002-04:00

Using cleaning products that are environmentally friendly is an easy way to do your part. As an added bonus, products that are free of dangerous chemicals keep your pets and family safe. Unfortunately there is a downside, most cleaning products (especially the good ones) are pricey, environmentally friendly versions even more so. For now I am not going to go so far as to make my own laundry detergent (though it can be done). What I am willing to do is harness the power of steam. Hot water and steam provide the best solutions to some of cleaning toughest jobs. I recently purchased a steam cleaner (small hand-held model) and it has completely transformed the grout in my bathroom. For those of you on a tighter budget a kettle or a pot to boil water in is all you really need to get started:

Pour a thin layer of boiling water over your stove top, allow to soak for a few minutes and marvel at how easily the crust and grime come away when wiped.
Use boiling water to clean and sanitize the trays from your microwave or toaster oven (remove from device before applying water).
A thin layer of boiling water added to pots or pans with tough stuck-on food will greatly reduce the need for scrubbing.
Try pouring boiling water down a slow drain (even more effective after an application of baking soda and vinegar to get things loosened up).

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (outdoor party decor)

2010-06-14T15:24:00.005-04:00

~Photo credits, Martha Stewart Living~

Problem, you have a small home or apartment, you want to throw a party but fear your lack of space. Solution, get creative and turn your own yard or a public outdoor space into a great party place. Martha Stewart Living had a great post recently filled with ideas on how to bring the indoors out. A string of lights with lanterns or flowers, a weighted tablecloth on a windy day, weatherproof pillows, and a simple canopy for shade were among my favorite ideas. Follow the link above to get more information.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Picnic Food

2010-06-01T16:37:00.007-04:00

~Point Betsie Lighthouse Lake MI~

Here in Michigan it is officially summer. With temperatures topping out in the high eighties and the humidity approaching unbearable the time has come to escape to a lake or shady spot and give in to the lethargy of the season. For this post I am rounding up a few of my favorite summer recipes. They are all easy to make, and will keep (no mayonnaise, meat, or other highly perishable ingredients) in a cooler or lidded basket.

~Southwest Salad~

Roasted Vegetables with Garlic Cous Cous (make ahead of time and enjoy warm or cold).
Southwest Salad (a spicy vegetarian salad complete with vegetables and protein).
Melon with Mint and Citrus (this works well with any sort of melon, keep the chunks on the large side to keep them from becoming overly warm or soggy).
Mint Water (a refreshing and sugar free beverage that cools the palette).

To this little feast I might add a block of cheese and a chewy baguette. Freezing a few bottles of water and tucking them amongst the food containers is a great way to keep everything cold without packing extra items (ice packs etc...) and you are rewarded with the added bonus of super cold beverages on arrival.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (bedskirt installation)

2010-05-25T15:19:00.003-04:00

~Photo credit, Pottery Barn~

If we had a bedroom large enough for a full bed frame complete with head and foot board, a beautiful wooden platform bed would probably be one of my top choices. Unfortunately, our tiny room allows for a detachable headboard and that's about it. The headboard is great but it leaves the mattress and box spring on full display. The mattress itself is covered by a sheet, but the hideous exposed box spring leaves something to be desired. The solution to this problem is a box spring cover (for lower beds and a more contemporary feel) or a bed skirt (great for those of you who use your under bed area for storage or have a higher bed frame). The point of this lengthy preamble is that I finally found a simple, inexpensive bed skirt (at Target) this week. Installation was a pain and James and I struggled to keep the bed skirt straight while we heaved a heavy mattress around our tiny room. Of course my brilliant idea came to me after we struggled but I hope that some of you can benefit from our delayed ingenuity. After you have aligned your bed skirt or cover so that it appears even and smooth on top of your box spring, use a few safety pins to anchor it in place before re-positioning your mattress. You may have to do some tugging and smoothing after the mattress is positioned but at least the bed skirt will be anchored in the right places and you can pull without worrying that you are going to mess things up and have to start over.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (foliage and flowers)

2010-05-24T13:13:00.005-04:00

~Photo credit, Domino Magazine September 2007~

Flowers instantly inject any room with a feeling of freshness, life and beauty. Unfortunately the price tag for a chic bouquet is out of reach for many (and a rare occasional indulgence for those who afford it). Propelled by a feeling of frugality I recently started searching out beautiful bouquet options that would be affordable to reproduce. The photo pictured above perfectly illustrates one of the best ways to save money when purchasing flowers, focus on beautiful foliage. If you think of the blossoms themselves as accents rather than the main attraction and fill the space with foliage a budget friendly centerpiece is well within reach. Keep the colors varied and look for unusual shapes and textures that lend visual interest. This idea can also be applied to wild flower bouquets or a few stems snipped from your garden. A few beautiful blossoms and variety of interesting leaves and stems are really all it takes.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Gaucamole (perfect summer snack)

2010-05-21T12:31:00.008-04:00

This guacamole recipe is an adaptation of the delicious dip that I grew up eating. My dad, who is a master guacamole maker, is as imprecise as most home cooks I encounter. I have had to do a bit of guesswork to produce a re-creatable recipe. The ratios are my own but the ingredients are all his. Enjoy-

INGREDIENTS
3 medium avocados
1 small lemon
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 small garlic clove (finely minced)
1 tsp coarse salt (or 1/2 tsp fine table salt)
fresh cilantro leaves (optional garnish)

Cut avocados lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a medium mixing bowl (discarding the skin and pit).
Using a fork or pastry cutter work avocado until smooth and creamy (I usually leave a bit of chunkiness in mine but it's simply a matter of taste).
Add the onion, salt, juice of the lemon, tomato pieces, and garlic and mix to combine.
Garnish with chopped tomato, cilantro, or jalapeno slivers and serve with salsa and corn chips.

~Serves 4 as a snack (or 2 as a significant portion of a meal)~

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Wish List Wednesday (odds and ends)

2010-05-19T20:19:00.003-04:00

My wardrobe needs a little sprucing up. Here are the odds and ends that I think would do just that.

~ Brass cuff, Anthropologie $29.95 ~ White tunic, Anthropologie $49.95 ~ Gray anorak, J.Jill $99.99 ~ Silk chartreuse blouse, J.Jill $34.99 ~ Dove gray suede flats, J.Jill $49.99 ~ Chocolate leather belt, Anthropolgie $34.00 ~

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (kitchen improvisation)

2010-05-18T14:46:00.004-04:00

There are few things more disheartening than striking out on your own and attempting to recreate the tastes of your childhood home only to find that you are sadly lacking in the equipment department. Over the years as my kitchen has matured and acquired more of the gadgetry that makes cooking straightforward rather than maddening, my MacGyver moments have lessened. Of course the memories remain (and in all honesty I am still missing enough of the basic items that cooking continues to be an interesting adventure). Pictured above is the process of steaming vegetables without a vegetable steamer.

Fill a large deep pot with 1-2 inches of water.
Lay an aluminum "hammock" over the water (leaving a couple of inches between the two) and fold edges over the sides of the pot.
Cover and bring to a boil.
Using a fork or skewer puncture the foil (trying to keep the holes relatively evenly spaced) and place the vegetables into the foil hammock.
Turn the heat to medium low, cover with a lid and steam the vegetables until they reach desired tenderness.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (integrated living)

2010-05-17T14:22:00.004-04:00

~Photo credit, House Beautiful June 2010~

I love the photo above as a great example on how to integrate dining spaces into a living room. As open concept living becomes more and more popular, even those who can afford houses large enough to boast stand alone dining rooms are more likely to choose the kind of floor plan that encourages interaction between residents, guests, children, adults, cooks, and hosts. What I take away from this particular example:

Use art to unify the space. Although the connected living room is not in this particular photograph, the color scheme is greatly complimented by the large painting hung in the dining area.
Delineate the area with 'dining like items'. The small shelves holding dishware and the lighting fixture clearly mark the area for dining without dividing up the space.
Choose a sturdy, simple, versatile table. One of the many benefits of having a dining space connected to a living space is that the table can be used for so many things. Art projects, homework, a casual buffet... Keep the table simple and leave yourself with many options.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (tissue box cover)

2010-05-11T13:30:00.005-04:00

~Photo credit, Martha Stewart~

At the risk of veering towards obsession, I am going to suggest yet another home improvement project discovered via the Martha Stewart website. Some of you may have noticed an outcropping of "pretty" boxes of tissue which can now be purchased in many supermarkets and large chains like Target. While I like the idea of beautifying the everyday things that sit out (tea towels, coat hooks etc...) wasting money and raw materials on fancy tissue boxes seems silly. Most of these new boxes are not recyclable and are considerably more expensive than there old fashioned alternatives. Turns out a bit of felt (which could be embroidered, stamped, or stenciled for a personal touch) will handily cover any old inexpensive (and RECYCLABLE) tissue box. I just love it when what's good for the environment is also good for the pocketbook.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (citrus plants continued)

2010-05-10T13:22:00.000-04:00

~Photo credit, Martha Stewart~

In last week's Friday Web Roundup I extolled the virtues of owning a citrus plant (kept outside during the warmer months and brought indoors to winter). The unique smells of the leaves, blossoms, and fruit will impart ongoing freshness to a home as the plant courses through its reproductive cycle. Keep your citrus in a sunny spot and it will thrive despite the snow and sleet that may be falling outside. I like the idea presented by Martha Stewart to grow rosemary and or lavender with a small citrus tree. The blend of foliage and fragrance is decidedly Mediterranean and would compliment anything from a large sprawling garden to a modest porch or patio.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Friday Web Roundup

2010-05-07T11:00:00.005-04:00

~Photo credit, Chez Larsson~

Over at Chez Larsson spring cleaning is getting an organization boost with help from sturdy canvas bags. Turns out these beach tote staples (historically found at L.L. Bean and Lands' End) are perfect for corralling items in awkwardly shaped spaces.

~Photo credit Apartment Therapy~

Ok Ok, now that spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner, extolling the virtues of indoor plants may seem silly and seasonally irrelevant. Bear with me. Some plants are harder than others to keep happy indoors. Typically plants that originate from tropical or other warm weather climates (such as citrus plants, orchids, jade trees, and jasmine) require extra care when kept indoors. Of course these beauties are also often the most likely to smell wonderful or produce the exotic kinds of blooms and foliage that keep people from heading off the deep end in the dead of winter. Here comes the tie-in/seasonal relevance, start your tropical plant outdoors during the summer. Now is the perfect time to purchase a house plant (as they are on sale in many shops and nurseries). Giving your plant an entire summer of sun and rain will lend it a much needed boost for the winter that you will expect it to survive indoors.

~Photo credit, Design Sponge~

This may be a little on the specific side (and when I say specific I mean specific to me, ha) but I have fallen in love with the wooden art table found in one of Design Sponge's latest house tours. The rest of the home is also nice, but this little work area has captured my imagination.

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Resume of Regular Programming

2010-05-07T10:54:00.003-04:00

Hello to all my lovely readers,

In response to emails and inquiries I wanted to let you all know that my blogging hiatus was taken to prepare for my upcoming art show. I definitely needed all the time I could get. Luckily, the show opens tonight and blogging will resume its regular schedule on Monday.

For any of you who live in Southeast Michigan and would like to come to the show:

Teamwork Art Show

Cheers,

Lia

Wish List Wednesday (summer footwear)

2010-04-28T20:36:00.003-04:00

~ Brown leather zip sandals, J.Jill $69.99 ~ Pale gray wedge, Nine We s t $78.95 ~ Black espadrilles, Anthropologie $96 ~ Flat metallic strap sandal, Banana Republic $79 ~

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (easy scrubbing)

2010-04-27T20:27:00.000-04:00

~Photo credit, LaSplash.com~

I hate to clean grout and tile. These days there are a multitude of products on the market that blast through mildew and soap scum like there's no tomorrow. Trouble is, due to their toxicity the active ingredients are best used in a world where there's no tomorrow. Stuck between wishing for a sparkling bathroom and coming to terms with the fact that I will NEVER ever be the type of woman who spends her weekends scrubbing down the bathroom I think I may have found a solution. Combining a non toxic abrasive (such as borax, baking soda, or Bon Ami) with a moderately priced electric toothbrush yields impressive results. The narrow shape is perfect for hard to reach places and with the toothbrush doing all the hard work finger fatigue is a thing of the past.

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (shelf risers)

2010-04-20T16:52:00.001-04:00

I never would have believed that something as simple as a shelf riser could change my life for the better. Before I organized our kitchen cabinets, putting away the dishes was an irritating job. In fact, I'm pretty sure that if every single dish had ever been clean and not in use at the same time they wouldn't have all fit. An hour of sorting, a box of giveaway, a set of matching dishes and a couple of shelf risers later and every single thing has a real and permanent place.

~ Tall chrome riser, The Container Store $14.95 ~ Stainless steel lazy Susan, The Container Store $19.99 ~ Pull out cabinet organizer, Simple Human via The Container Store $39.99 ~

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Magazine Monday (elegant dining)

2010-04-19T09:28:00.003-04:00

~Photo credit, House Beautiful Magazine May 2010~

This isn't the first time I've extolled the versatility and elegance of white dinnerware. As illustrated in the latest issue of House Beautiful Magazine, a neutral base for dining often yields more luxurious results regardless of budget. Look for classic shapes for maximum versatility. Add dessert plates, soup bowls, or stemware in complimentary neutral tones or even color depending on the season and overall aesthetic. Bottom line: a white base allows you to play and mix things up without veering towards a messy haphazard look.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Friday Web Roundup (the pet edition)

2010-04-16T12:42:00.009-04:00

After coming to the realization that having a dog (and at some point children) makes the neat home that I like to keep impossible, I have begun to adjust my expectations. The homes featured in today's Friday Web Roundup provide proof that having pets (or children...or both) doesn't have to mean the end of a beautiful home. As the following features illustrate, the key to balancing form and function is to relax rigid standards and focus on smart storage solutions and cozy furnishing that are both easy to clean and stylish.

~Photo credit, Apartment Therapy~

Look closely at the dogs resting under the bench. Ha. I love how clean, functional, and comfortable the space is for both pups and people.

~Photo credit, Door Sixteen~

The idea to be gleaned from this photo is the use of throws to control pet hair (and dirt) accumulation. Pick out a few throws in fabrics that are machine washable and that coordinate nicely with your upholstery and use them as a casually chic buffer between fido and the furniture.

~Photo credit, Absolutely Beautiful Things~

Lovely home filled with art, quality furniture, upscale accessories, and yes dogs. According to the owner, the key to maintaining a home with pets is to have couches slip covered and keep things simple.

~Happy Friday Everyone~

The Anatomy of a Commission

2010-04-15T14:26:00.009-04:00

~Tropical Coast Commission 2010~

~Tropical Coast Drafting~

Commissioned paintings are an interesting thing. On the one hand, an artist's painting style is their own and permeates all the work that they produce to some degree. On the other hand, beginning a painting with a set of instructions and parameters that originate from another person effects the outcome considerably. My latest commission originated from a client's set of vacation photos. Taking elements from numerous photographs plus ideas from memories relayed by the client, the finished product is a compilation of two visions and multiple sources. I am grateful for the opportunity to create work that I dictate from conception to completion, but I am also very glad to work with clients to bring a joint vision to life.

~Tropical Coast detail (draft & finished painting)~

~Happy Thursday Everyone~

Weekly Watercolor Sketch 10

2010-04-15T13:29:00.000-04:00

~Bedroom Window~

~Happy Thursday Everyone~

Wish List Wednesday (the bags I crave)

2010-04-14T11:18:00.003-04:00

~ Brown leather foldover bag, RennesLeChateau via Etsy, $330 ~ Striped canvas and leather tote, DNTX via Etsy, $195 ~ Brown canvas strap leather handbag, Fossil $148 ~ Top handle leather tote, Coach $258 ~ Olive leather hobo, Latico via Amazon $103.60 ~ Rust leather satchel, J.crew $268 ~

~Happy Wednesday Everyone~

Home Tip Tuesday (nearly instant garden)

2010-04-13T11:53:00.009-04:00

~Photo credit, Minifarm~

I've wanted to have a modest vegetable garden since we moved back to Michigan more than 4 years ago. Turns out, conditioning soil (with all the digging, turning, and supplementing) is arduous work. Of course then there's the planting and tending of the plants themselves... let's just say it took me until now to have functioning basic gardens in both the front and back yards (never mind vegetable gardens). My mom, who happens to be a master gardener, suggested a raised framed garden bed for my vegetable garden but the thought of building the frame and all that jazz has left me less than motivated. Imagine my delight when I stumbled across the Minifarmbox which:

"delivers everything you need to start your own organic vegetable garden today. In just weeks you’ll be eating your own organic Superfoods for a fraction of what you spend at the farmer’s market".

The kit comes with a cedar wood slat garden frame (that requires no tools or nails to assemble) to which you can add soil and an irrigation system if you so choose. The company also sells patio friendly models (with covered bottoms on wheels for easy transport) and custom sizes. Products start at $159 (which gets you a 4 x 11 x 4 frame) and are available for shipping within the United States.

~Photo credit, Minifarm~

~Happy Tuesday Everyone~

Blog Birthday Giveaway

2010-04-12T16:29:00.007-04:00

~Blowing out the candles at my last birthday dinner~

Hey Y'all (don't ask, it's the mood I'm in)

After just over a year of blogging I have started to receive emails from companies and internet marketers about giveaways, products reviews, and free goodies. So far the items have either been pointless, or the guidelines have been outside what I feel is appropriate and ethical for my blog. The good news is that all that back and forth got me thinking about doing a giveaway to celebrate According to Lia's birthday. The giveaway will be funded by moi with no hidden advertising agenda. So far my ideas for items include:

A favorite product (something essential to my summer enjoyment).
A great book (summer reading).
An original watercolor painting.

Let me know in an email or a comment what you would like to see in a reader giveaway.

Cheers,

Lia

Photograph to Painting (moonlit field)

2010-04-12T15:38:00.006-04:00

For the last few weeks I have been religiously painting and preparing for my upcoming show. My portion of the show (which features 3 other artists) focuses on my life in Michigan and includes scenes from northern Michigan, daily life in my neighborhood, and the town in which I live (Ann Arbor). I will be posting periodically as I finish the paintings for the show (which are rendered using photographs plus details and colors from my memory).

~Moonlit Field, digital photograph~

~Moonlit Field, watercolor on Arches paper 2010~

~Teamwork Art Show facebook page~

Magazine Monday (7 water saving tips)

2010-04-12T12:25:00.006-04:00

~Disappearing Lake Baikal, Photo credit, Huffington Post~

There's little dispute within the scientific community that climate change is man made, accelerating, and very serious. As the climate heats up and many lakes and rivers around the world begin to disappear the need for people everywhere to take real action increases. Like most of you I can't afford to outfit my roof with solar panels or build a wind turbine in my back yard. What I can do is increase my recycling, decrease my carbon footprint, and do my part to save one of the world's most precious commodities, water. These 7 tips, via Real Simple Magazine, are easy to implement and quickly become habitual.

Turn off the water while you're brushing your teeth: bottom line, this simple action can save an average of 2,880 gallons of water a year, per person.
Buy more recycled paper products: bottom line, recycled paper products require much less water during processing than their new material equivalents. You can save 637 gallons of water a year.
Use a reusable water bottle: bottom line, each 1 liter plastic water bottle takes 7 liters of water to make. This action can save 577 gallons of water a year. *I recommend metal water bottles over hard plastic for reusable choices because of the BPA's found in plastic options. Even plastic labeled "BPA Free" may contain BPA's because of poor regulation and oversight in the industry.
Install a low flow showerhead: our co-op recently installed one of these devices in our home and I have to say, the water pressure is still fine and the water we are saving each year (and the heating of that water), 4,550 gallons more than pays for the cost in utility bill savings.
Water your lawn in the early morning or evening: bottom line, hot midday sun evaporates water more quickly than your grass can absorb it which means you are pouring water, time, and money down the drain. Saves 4,524 gallons of water per year.
Water your garden and lawn with a hose rather than an automatic sprinkler: people are smarter than sprinklers and employ many unconscious water saving strategies when watering. You can save up to 12,500 gallons of water a year.
Eat one more vegetarian meal per week: It takes a lot of water to produce the grain or maintain the grass that comprises the diets of livestock. Bottom line: replacing just 4 oz of beef with a vegetarian option per week can save 3,000 and 171,704 over an entire year.

~Happy Monday Everyone~

Trout with Spinach and Olive Relish

2010-04-09T10:52:00.011-04:00

As the weather heats up and quality fresh ingredients become more available, my cooking becomes simpler. Summer is just around the corner and I am in the mood for unfussy dishes filled with the newly available produce.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb trout or other firm mild fish
4 heaping cups of fresh spinach
1/2 cup basmati rice
1 cup mixed olives (of good quality)
1 large tomato
1/4 large red onion
small bunch of cilantro
olive oil
salt
pepper
1 tbsp white wine vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small sauce pan bring 1 cup of water (plus a pinch of salt and a dash of olive oil) to a boil, add rice, cover with lid, and turn to low heat to cook.
Cut fish into 4 pieces, arrange in baking dish, pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place in oven and cook until firm and flaky (about 10 minutes).
Combine the red onion (chopped), the olives (chopped with pits removed), the tomato (chopped), the cilantro (chopped), and the vinegar plus a splash of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
When fish and rice are finished cooking assemble each portion by layering spinach, rice, fish, and relish.

~Serves 4~

Friday Web Roundup

2010-04-09T10:22:00.005-04:00

~Photo credit Robin Weiss via In Plein Air~

Artist Robin Weiss who publishes the In Plein Air blog has a knack for capturing the beauty of natural light. Look out for the careful selection of details and wide range of subject matter.

~Photo credit, Apartment Therapy~

Kim and Scott's house tour, brought to us by Apartment Therapy, perfectly illustrates how well placed paint and wall decor can give the illusion of architectural details where none exist.

~Photo credit, Design Sponge~

Lovely photo gallery filled with intimate images of Paris. Photographer Marc Olivier has a knack for capturing charming, unique details.

~Happy Friday Everyone~

Weekly Watercolor Sketch 9

2010-04-08T10:22:00.001-04:00

~Anjou Pears~

~Happy Thursday Everyone~