Garden 2012: Update 3

My garden has grown since last time I mentioned it!

I've added some pretty pansies in all of their purple velvety goodness. A can is a great planter in a pinch, of course. They'd been out of water for almost a week and I didn't have time to thrift a planter, so I dug around in my recycling, drilled a hole in the bottom and there you have it!

Muah!

I have a different variety in my planter basket. So pretty, but fading away. I think the direct sun is too much.

Adding some green to the other side of the "yard" with some hosta. The sorry looking ones on the left should look a bit better in the next few years. (I hope!) And, did you know that if slugs start eating your hosta, you can just "plant" a pie plate of beer next to them and they'll drown in it?! Awesome. Now I just need to find me some beer. And some slugs.

Sweet corn!

My beans are so big already - June hasn't even started!

My first pea blossom.

And finally a tomato turning red!

Having any luck in your gardens? Flowers? Herbs? Tell me about it! I'd love to hear.

New Kitchen Valance - on the cheap

So, we've had this rolling shade from the Home Depot for about 3 years. It covers our big sliding glass doors at night. (Otherwise it's too freakalicious to be in the kitchen when it's dark outside and the whole world potentially has its eye on you. And your children.)

Anyway, it cost about $15 (maybe less?) and it's starting to look a little worn as only a $15 shade should. I mean, it's not like I'm going to put in a custom shade in a place we rent -- and don't plan to stay in forever. (*crossing my fingers and hoping we go sooner than later. Love the rent and the freedom - hate the neighborly sounds and poor construction.)

Here she is. Lookin' pretty sad.

Insert awesome $1 vintage Vera sheet picked up from a random garage sale a couple of weeks ago. It was fitted, so I cut it up.

I'm not really a butterfly, floral-y person, but I'm in love with this print for some reason. Butterflies, ferns and leaves in multi-green and khaki colors.

Pair it with some yellow walls, a free curtain rod (minus the hardware, unfortunately) and you have a vintage valance on the cheap. And one that makes me smile.

So, here's the before...

And here's the after!

(sheet - $1 (thrifted), curtain rod - free, rod hangers - $4 (Home Depot) = Total Cost: $5)

*Sigh. Trying to add more vintage into my personal decor style ... 

More "on the cheap" posts to come!

Anniversary Celebrations - 4 years!

Jeremy and I celebrated four years together last Thursday. We try to go with the traditional gifts list for ideas, gifts and fun. Last year (3) was leather. Jeremy got me some inscribed leather luggage tags from Etsy and I got him a very needed leather belt.

This year was "fruit and flowers".

Yeah.

What do you get a guy that's fruit and flowers? I thought about this and thought about it and just didn't come up with anything too wonderful. I did, however, leave two tiny strawberries from our garden on his dinner plate and came up with a silly card with the theme. Maybe next year will be easier?

Getting it for a wife might be easier, however we were on quite the tight budget. So, Jeremy made me an awesome, completely homemade banana cream pie (fruit), which tasted incredible (and which we gobbled up between us in a few days).

YUM.

And, he brought me home a single red rose (flower). So lovely.

 

Some friends gave us a chance to get away with some anniversary money we received ... they watched the girl for four hours! We ended up getting dinner and going to see The Hunger Games, which was pretty good in our opinion. No movie ever lives up to the book, but this one was pretty accurate. 

We rarely get to go out alone or see movies in the theater, so it was a treat.

Happy 4th anniversary, Jeremy. Only at least 48 more. 

Int'l Earring Collection

I've been trying to come up with different posts - just to get some variety in the blog ... and just to have fun!

I realized that I've never documented my international earring collection before. In my travels, my goal was to get a pair of earrings from every country I've been. I haven't even made it close to my goal (and half of the ones I do have are from other people!), but it's still fun to think about and do.

Slovenia

Haiti

Peru

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Germany

 Jamaica

Funny that they are all drop or dangly earrings, but I guess I know what I like, huh?

Countries missing earrings: Mexico, Canada, Bahamas, Switzerland, Scotland, Austria, India (I lost those - boo), Spain, France, Lichtenstein, England and Italy. Not very impressive right? I guess I'll just have to travel to those places again. *sigh*

I almost got a gorgeous pair in the Czech Republic, but their currency was intimidating and we were there for only a few hours. How disappointing!

:-)

Our First Berry Goodness!

From our very own berry patch.

And ... when we went to eat them later after Jeremy got home, I handed her one again and SQUISH!

Yeah.

A Sweet, Simple Mother's Day

Mother's day last week was sweet and simple. The best kind.

A pretty flower, a very thoughtful card ("signed" also by her, of course) and two meals cooked by Jeremy.

I love being loved. :-)

May garage sale finds (vintage edition)

I've been garage-saling this month to look for a few items we need on the cheap. And I love reusing if it's something we don't need to buy new. (If it's pillow or matress, you'll hear me singing a different tune though. Used? Ew.)

Last time I went looking I came up with several fun vintage finds!!

(1) cardboard doll suitcase - $1
(1) vintage table fan - $5
(3) doll dresses (30 cents)
(1) "the Golden Rule" - German measuring system pattern book (50 cents)

I thought the red "the Golden Rule" book just looked interesting when I picked it up. There are color pages and lots of good stuff in it. Boy was I uneducated!

I looked it up on etsy and the same edition (2nd edition - first is in German) in mint condition is $145!!! Um, holy crap!

Score.

It has black and white and some color photos. Late 60s! Love!

It has the Lutterloh system instructions, pictures, and over 200 patterns! Amazing.

If you want to see if before I sell it, feel free to let me know (Valerie?)!! If I can even make half of $145 on it, it'll be way more than worth it! So exciting.

Trash or Treasure? My newest project on the list.

So, we headed out the door to make a fun little roadtrip to Target to get us out before the girl's bedtime and got about two blocks down the road when I spotted these beauties on the side of the road (excuse the harsh sunlight).

"Jeremy, turn around! I have to have those!"

It wasn't, "Oh, go back so I can look again." It was love at first sight. I knew I needed this furniture.

Granted, when we got up close, we could see why they were sitting by the side of the road. It was actually pretty disgustingly covered with dirt and animal hair. And I'm not talking a few, I'm talking clumps of animal hair.

Jeremy was grossed out and proceeded to try to talk me out of these. "Really? Are you trying to discourage me from doing what I love? I know ladies on blogs that would DIE to have these things to re-do! Come on, just help me!!!"

I wasn't havin' any arguments. No way.

Look at those lines! Lovely. No missing legs (only 2 missing finials - easy enough fix!), no wobbly arms. Just really dirty and stinky.

Miss Mustard Seed would've been proud. And, my husband showed his love and helped me load these up in the car and drive the 2 blocks (or 5) back home.

We didn't make it to Target, but my heart was fuller with these beauties in my possession. Annie Sloan Chalk paint and new upholstery, here we come!!!

So many projects, so little time! :-)

an OWL nursery

My soon-to-be nephew, Asa, is coming in August and I've offered to help with the nursery fixin's!

J & S have decided on a yellow/gray nursery theme with owl accents. Here is their inspiration photo. Lovely, huh? I heart these colors together!!!

source

Before I knew the nursery or gender details, I did know about the owls, so I have been collecting DIY owl ideas as I came across them. So much fun! Once they found out it was a boy and that the colors were yellow and gray, I decided to make a little owl lovey for Asa.

Here's the tutorial from Make it and Love it. Hers is more plush, but I used mostly felt because I was on a budget. And it's still soft and sweet.

I found a remnant of yellow felt at JoAnns - 50% off. Score! So I used that for the main body pieces (because the squares you can buy are too small). At Hobby Lobby I picked up a 25 cent sheet of gray for the wings and orange for the beak/feet. The green came from the scrap bag.

The directions were fairly easy to follow and I stuffed him full of batting leftover from my headboard project. It was flat batting and even though I tore it into manageable pieces - I still thought he was a little lumpy. Not too bad though. Gotta use what you have!

What a loveable lovey. I can't wait for Asa to pose with him!! :-)

Finally, I'm waist deep in nursery sewing projects. Instead of sewing for the nursery over the trip, I actually sewed for Jenn (a shortened a gown and sewed in curtain linings) and brought home the chevron nursery fabric instead. It's probably for the best, so I can just take my time and not feel rushed to finish in 4 days. We're making the crib sheets, skirts and bumper all based on the inspiration photo below.

source

We're also sewing pillows and curtains. I'm finished with one sheet (thanks to MADE) and just beginning the crib skirt. Lots more sewing to do!

When the nursery sewing projects are more complete, I'll update my progress in pictures and then feature the whole nursery later this summer.

I'm psyched. Totally.

My two favorite recipes

AND ... we're back!

More on the long weekend coming soon. So, in lieu of real news, here's my two favorite recipes to make with sweet bell peppers.


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I've REALLY been struggling in the meal planning department. I don't really enjoy cooking these days (I'd much rather be thrifting or sewing) and I just get so discouraged when I have no ideas!!

The other day chicken was on sale (thank goodness!) and I stocked up and promptly made two of my favorite recipes. I price matched a three pack of peppers at (cough) Wal-mart - from Aldi - for 99 cents. Score.

source

First up...

Sweet and Sour Chicken

2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 T paprika
2 T olive oil

1/4 c. sugar
2-3 T. cornstarch
1 can pineapple chunks, juice reserved
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
1/4 c. soy sauce (I use reduced sodium)

1-2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
1/2 medium onion, chopped


Saute chicken breasts sprinkled with desired amount of paprika and salt in oil until cooked through. Add bell peppers and onions, steaming for a couple of minutes. In a separate bowl combine sugar, cornstarch, pineapple juice, vinegar and soy sauce. Pour over chicken and vegetables. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened.

Serve over steamed white rice and enjoy!!


((Sorry, I've tried to photograph SSC before and it never looks good. I'm really not a food photographer. So, just imagine with me.)) 


Then...
Homemade Fajitas

Seasoning:
1-1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. oregano
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. red pepper
1/4 t. black pepper
1/8 t. garlic powder (or 1 clove, minced)
1/8 t. onion powder

Cut 2 chicken breasts into strips and saute in olive oil. Add seasoning and a little water. (I usually at least double the seasoning recipe because we like it better). Once the chicken is cooked through, I add the sliced bell peppers (about 1-1/2 large ones) and 1/2 sliced onion. Cook until crisp tender and serve with warm tortillas, taco sauce and sour cream if desired.

 Mmmmm!

Do you have a go-to recipe when you are out of ideas?? Do share!! I'm in need!

On Living Cellphoneless

I have to admit, living without a cell phone has its advantages.

And disadvantages.

But all-in-all, it's been a pretty easy switch. We needed to save money, wanted to simplify and decided that giving up our cell phones was worth it.

*********


But, I'm not gonna lie. There are times I've missed having a phone...

- like when I catch Ladybug doing something funny, I'd love to snap and send a quick pic to the fam. Instead, I have to race to get the DSLR and snap it instead.

- Or when I realize that "mobile coupons" at Target are only available to those with smart phones. #societaldiscrimination.

- That time when the urgent care visit took 5 hours instead of two. Even I was really starting to worry.

- At Home Depot when I thought the 14-1/2 inch cut wasn't quite enough but couldn't call home to remeasure. Sure enough, it was 15-1/2. Bummer.

- Having to admit, "Um, I don't have a cell phone. Sorry."And being stared at like I have two heads or something.

- Missing call, after call, after call from my best friend.



Then, there are things that I haven't missed, like...


- Being called or getting a text after I've gone to bed.

- Being on my phone instead of being with my daughter.

- The temptation to answer or text in the car.

- Losing my cell or dropping it in water.

- Sticky little fingers always asking to play with it.

- I can  always text over email.

-And last, but most definitely NOT least, I do not miss the $80 bill every month. Not. One. Little. Bit.


:-) Ever thought about simplifying like this? Could you live without your cell? Or other electronics?

Body Scrubs - DIY gift idea!

I've been saving economical gift ideas to look back to when I need a birthday or Christmas gift and I've been gathering materials for this Lavender scrub and these too.

So I went all the way to Whole Foods to get sea salts and sweet almond skin care oil.

The only other thing I needed was my $15 bottle of lavender essential oil - which I stashed away somewhere after making the natural bug spray last summer.  Actually it was in my linen closet - I cleaned those shelves earlier this year and distinctly remember seeing the oils.

And now, I can't find them anywhere. I've cleaned out the linen closet again completely. Looked twice through everything on the shelf it should be on. I've looked through my kitchen cabinets, my stash of Etsy and bulk and creative stuff, my gardening stuff, the tools, even the Christmas stuff. I 've looked everywhere and I can't find it!!! Ehhhhh... these scrubs were totally based off the lavender I had and now my idea is ka-put.

So, until I find that, it's on to plan B.

I made the Peppermint Foot Scrub and Orange Vanilla Sugar Scrub instead. Not nearly as potent because they just use food extracts, but fun at least.

Sweet almond oil, sugar, and vanilla, peppermint and orange extracts.

Here they are after mixing! (I skipped the food coloring part.) Orange vanilla on the left, peppermint on the right.

I made some round labels in InDesign and printed them off and decoupaged them onto the tops of my jars. Because now, I guess, I decoupage everything. :-)

And, decidedly forgot to take pictures of the finished product. Oh well, you get the drift. I used some of the extra peppermint scrub on my hands and it made them oh-so-soft!! Love it! You should try it.


******

After writing this post and at least 4 weeks of searching, I found my lavender essential oil. Right where I left it. Right where I thought it was but couldn't find it for the life of me.

*Sigh. At least it's found.

 
Goodness gracious me, and I finally made my lavender sea salt scrub.

Do you have any go-to gift ideas that you make? Or other homemade body scrub recipes you love? I want to try the honey/brown sugar body scrub too. I just need more almond oil...

'Till next time.

~Lisa

Books I've Read Lately - 4/24/12

I've been reading some lately. Most of my books are either free Kindle books or recommendations from others that I reserve at the library. This, my friends, is reading on the cheap. There is no way on this earth that I could afford reading books that weren't free, nor would I want to store books that I bought and only read once.

Free is so much more worth waiting for - even if it's a couple of months through a library hold. Of course, you do come across duds that come here and there - especially free downloads. Some of these I simply delete from my Kindle or skim through and decide, "Well, I guess that's what I get for reading free."

But every once in awhile I read a good one.


Promise Me This
**Still free if you go and download it to your Kindle!

Promise Me This is a Christian novel - most Christian stories are either too predictable, too corny or just have bad theology for me to enjoy - but this one was actually pretty good. It wasn't a super intelligent read (these days I pretty much just need a "get-away" read) but it was good. Told the story of a gardening family affected by the sinking of the Titanic, a journey of love and forgiveness, with a bit of war-time romance. I though at first it might be predictable, but in the end it kept me guessing.

If you want a "get-away" read with some history and romance and a decent story line, this is a good one.


The Language of Flowers

The Language of Flowers is a really good read, too. I got it as a recommend from my friend, Jess, and loved it. It's the story of a foster child, Victoria, who learns the meaning of family and love through the language of flowers. It was a simple read, but at the end, I cried. (And I don't cry much when I read, so that was a good sign.) I was definitely attached to the characters. Highly recommend.




The Hunger Games

And, in true reading-fad style, I finally got my reserved copy of The Hunger Games from the library this month. I read it in a day. Once you get used to the slightly strange first-person voice, the rest is a pretty easy read.

I only had one hang-up -- believing the post-apocalyptic setting of the USA. If it would've been Europe, Asia, anywhere but here, I think I could've believed the story a bit more. For some reason, the location being here in the States threw me a little bit. However, by the end I was chomping at the bit to read the second book in the trilogy. Unfortunately, I am number 420 on 81 copies, so by the end of the summer, I may have read book 2.


That's all for now!

Garden 2012: Planted!

Over Easter, my parents helped me till and plant the rest of my garden. I've decided that this is the last year I'm growing in my garden soil - if it doesn't do well, I'm going to pots next year.

So, we'll see about the experiment as the summer goes on. But as for now, here is my garden!

A few small rows of sweet corn, one row of watermelon, red onions and an egg carton full of pepper seedlings (which haven't sprouted yet...)

One row of sugar snap peas, two rows of bush green beans, parsley, dill, basil, chives, garlic, yellow onions, a cherry tomato and a roma tomato plant.

and my (free) flower garden. Lots of experiments this year!

Grow tomatoes, grow!

And on the other side, a few strawberry buds. Maybe we'll get more than 5 berries this year!

 Can't wait for the produce I am hoping for!

Shop Finds {somebody stop me!!!}

Help! I might need an intervention ... I keep finding wonderful vintage stuff for the shop, but unless it's boy or a quarter garage sale find, I really need to temper my vintage finding/buying. I have tons to list, but I just get so excited to find something!!

My friend, Sarah, is a huge garage-saler and has found some great stuff (garage sale season has started early with 70s and 80s in March this year) already. I rarely find vintage baby clothing at garage sales, but she's scored.

Here's the cutest little "cheerleader" baby shirt dress she found. 10 cents. Seriously.

Oh, so, cute!

And a Sal Army find: my German "dirndl" style baby shirt:

And, I stopped at a kids sale on the half price days and found several dresses:

(nautical!)

... and a lovely peach smocked, size 3 Orient Express toddler dress.

Gorg. *sigh*