Are you aware that it is the last week of November? I know right. Every year this happens but seriously, it%u2019s just flying by so fast.
The mr and I did the norms for the week. Went for a amazing hike in nice snow. We worked on work, the mr made paper, I cut up the paper. I spent some time with clay, works the studio, organized some stuff and watched it snow and loved every bit of it. Then it rained and got kind of sad that all the snow melted.%u2639%ufe0f We picked up farm share, had dinner with my mom and Paul, hung out with the littles for a bit, and fed Barb some soup. Nothing terribly exciting, besides feeding Barb. She makes every exciting.
And then we get to Saturday. Family thanksgiving plus is was Erin%u2019s birthday. (Happy Birthday Beotch!) Always crazy, what with every one of my family members together in my house, eating food, and hopped up on booze and sugar. The day started early with me running away to the gym to get in some sane time, then one last stop at the grocery store before heading home to finish baking and getting all the food ready. Barb came over early to help cut up veggies but really, for her and the mr to make fun of me and gossip like little old ladies. So food got prepare, then I cooked it all. (Minus the main which mom made. She made a crazy chicken thing, cooked in her oven, and brought it over. No meat gets cooked in my house.) And then the family descended on the house, hungry and crazy. Food got served/ thrown all over and for a few short minutes, everyone was sitting down all at once together. But that lasted 2 seconds, and the kids went off and I ran back to the kitchen while everyone was eating to straighten up a bit and because I don%u2019t need to see people dropping chicken bits all over. I just let them eat in peace while I hid for a few minutes in the pantry and snacked on roast Brussel sprouts, carrots and mustard.
After everyone ate, we all ran around the house, picked secret Santa names, had a massive dance party in the kitchen and did dessert and birthday cake. Erins birthday yes, but Coco got to blow out the candles. So cute, that little loving the candles and all but I am going to be watching out for him. I think he might turn into a little pyromaniac. HAHAHA. But for real. Dinner ended with everyone leaving except Barb, Megan,and So. We picked up a little but basically just sat in the pantry eating raw Brussel sprouts from the stock, with mustard of course, and talking about boys. Then they left too and the mr and I were left alone to assess the damages.
The house. Oh my, oh my. It is a FUCKING DISATSER! I know I tell you all that I spend a good chunk of time every weekend cleaning%u2026Well this time, today, all Sunday, I%u2019m a be cleaning. Cleaning the cake and ice cream and cookies crumbles all over. Cleaning up the dinner rolls behind the couch, all the ripped paper, smashed potates, food and drinks particles. Chicken bits, which everyone was super awesome about and tried not to get anywhere, are everywhere. All. Over. The house. Then the kitchen. Every single piece of silverware and then some plus at least 40 plates and bowls are waiting for cleaning. Not to mention the the pots and pans. The compost is overflowing. The recycling is a mess, and I have at least 2 laundry loads of rags and napkins and dirty towels to do. The fridge looks like a freaking bomb blew up in it with tons of half lidded containers precariously stacked on top of each other, waiting for just the right movement of the neighboring jar or the movement of the hot sauce to have it all come crashing down. Aye ya ya. But all worth it because I love my family and we had a blast. I just need to remember next time I am at one of their houses to like pee on their toilet seat or mash some frosting into their couch cushions, you know, to be fair and all.
Anyway, so today I clean and maybe try to hang up some Christmas decorations? The mr is off to do very nice things for people that might not appreciate it, but do it he is going to do (he is too good a person). Hopefully by the time he comes home later tonight, I will be done cleaning, he will be done helping for a good long while, and we can eat soup and maybe watch a movie together. Or more realistically, he watches a movie while I read and probably fall asleep on the couch. Real life.
Reads I read from the internet this week.
-A long but good read. RuPaul: The Philosopher Queen. who doesn%u2019t love RuPsul?
-I just pulled out a nice tablecloth, covered in stains mind you, but maybe i%u2019ll be able to get some of them out now. A Cheat Sheet to Get Rid of Every Type of Holiday%u00a0Stain. Or not. I don%u2019t think I care enough. HA
-This is so appealing to me especially since the mr loves his heavy comforter and I just want a light blanket with the window thrown open in 20 degree weather. The Scandinavian Sleep Secret: Mine and Yours Duvets. HE is always covering me up at night.
–The best health foods? Soup, garlic and cake. Food is healing, and if cake makes you feel better, well then cake it be.
-These cakes remind me of my 5ht grade volcano science project. I made it out of cake and whipped cream. It was awesome. Antarctic Research Takes The Cake In These Science-Inspired Confections
–Vegan man sues Burger King claiming meatless burger is cooked on same grill as meat. This is one reason I do not eat out. Oe of the last times I did eat out, there were egg shells in my scamp bled vegan tofu dish%u2026.. So yeah.
-Who doesn%u2019t love a good TV tray? A Brief History of the TV Tray
-HAve you ever raised a adolescent dog%u2026 It is crazy to say the least. Animal adolescence is filled with teen drama and peer pressure
-So there is this ti look forward to. Cockroaches Are Evolving And in the Future They can Become Impossible To Kill
–A Brief and Buttery History of Libby%u2019s Pumpkin Pie Recipe. The pie of my childhood.
And pictures from the week.
I didn’t do this, it was Coco. I think he has a slight vendetta agains the Hulk. Must be jealous of his really big green body, or maybe his tiny head. Whatever it is, I am sure it is a valid problem that the 17 month old has. The head must come off.%u00a0
Another week come and gone with more snow then I think is acceptable. (The acceptable amount of snow now is none) This weather is really stalling a lot of outdoor work and projects that the mr and I have and need to do so I am very much going to appreciate the fine fine weather when it actually comes. Especially my feet because I don’t know hoe much longer I can handle having to wear socks. I should be in sandals right now.%u00a0
Other then the weather holding us back, we did accomplish somet things. We brough the new couch home (yay) but it is still sitting on the front porch awaiting the cleaning of it’s life.I didn’t get out to the garden this week, because ice and snow, but the seedlings are growing so well that I have upgraded their indoor soil dwellings to newspaper pots. We are still on a massive, ever more pressing hunt for a new faucet for the bathroom sink,%u00a0and I have decided to go into business %u00a0for myself making and selling sourdough bread and paintings of fish. (hit me uo if you need either) So yeah, we are doing things.
Early Friday morning %u00a0the mr and I hopped into the car and headed south for PA to visit with the Family. While down there we stayed at the old mans house somewhere in the Poconos. Megan, Justin, Alex, and the Bean (Sophia), came down too so it was a full house. %u00a0The visit wasn’t super long but we were able to spend the afternoon yelling at %u00a0Grammy (because she can’t hear for shit)%u00a0at her swanky new digs of a home. There we met up with aunt Teena %u00a0for a quick visit because she too is all out crazy now with seedlings, plowing fields and keeping the voles from eating her livelihood. . We also got in a hike, walked with the dogs, saw so many deer that I don’t really care that I see deer anymore and watched Major Pain because that movie is pretty much it.%u00a0A good quick visit for the books.%u00a0
And it’s Sunday, actually it is freaking way early Sunday morning.%u00a0If you are reading this before noon, the mr and I are most likely in the car driving home.We decided to hit the road early so we have some afternoon time to get some shit done.%u00a0As soon as we get home I am in for food,%u00a0a walk, a nap, and then hopefully enjoy some of that spring time weather that I hear is “suppose” to happen starting today and get some yard work done.%u00a0%u00a0It had better be nice out when I get home or else.
Internet fun times from the week
–All of the World’s Yeast Probably Originated in China.%u00a0Oh so thats where it came from.%u00a0
-This could be a great game changer, but lets not let it be an excuse to be assholes and use a bunch of plastic.%u00a0Recycling hope for plastic-hungry enzyme
-I did not know, and now I do.%u00a0How Birds-To-Be Get Oxygen Inside Eggs
-The Turn-of-the-Century Pigeons That Photographed Earth from Above.%u00a0Pigeons are cool.
-A Decade After The Bubble Burst, House Flipping Is On The Rise. It’s a crazy business.
-There%u2019s a Giant Unicorn Island Floating Off the Shore of the Philippines%u00a0This is for real and I don’t think I like it.
-Why buy pots when you an make them (just make sure the new paper ink is food based)%u00a0Easy Newspaper Pots
–Do I Have Seasonal Allergies or a Cold?%u00a0This is always the question. And I would rather it be a cold but it’s usually allergies.
-Your Cheat Sheet for All the Spring Alliums. Good to know if you don’t already.
–To Curb Ocean Pollution, U.K. May Ban Plastic Straws, Stirrers And Cotton Swabs. Super proactive,smart people.
Pictures from the week
I feel like we are stuck in Narnia with the White Witch. Always winter, always snow. It will be worth it though if I get to meet some talking beavers, but until then, I’ll start looking for the lion. This cold snow shit needs to end.%u00a0
The week has been pretty shity and very very stressful so we are going to leave that alone and I’ll just tell you about good things, like watching all of my house plants that I repotted grow like gangbusters. Or seeing the veggie seedings start to emerge from the dirt.%u00a0Half of them need to be repotted but the other half need to go directly into the ground. Glad I didn’t get to it this week because the snow and the snow and the ice, oh, and the stupid snow. We were with the Miley, Judah, and Emerson every day this week. We helped them clean and organize their bedrooms,which was stressful, but also fun. I almost accidentally %u00a0broke Mileys toes off, Judah showed us magic tricks,%u00a0%u00a0and Emerson taught %u00a0us all the alphabet. (And the mr got to play with so many dolls). There was time for So to stop over so I could fix her dress and eat carrots and make me laugh with all the funny faces. And we even had a few days of some what nice weather where I was able to open the windows in the house (that did not last long). Oh and the fridge, I was able to clean the shit out of the fridge. The week didn’t completely suck.
%u00a0I think that highlight of the week is that we found and %u00a0awesome new couch (and skill saw).%u00a0While we were looking for replacement faucets for the bathroom sink (because it is leaking bad)%u00a0we stumbled upon a very nice, not to big, not to small, vintage, excellent condition, very comfortable, couch. And it was on sale, like super cheap and pretty much exactly what we have been looking for.(there is a picture bellow) %u00a0Our current couch, the little yellow one that we use %u00a0in our spare room, is way to small and very uncomfortable and after today, it’s going bye bye. We pick up the new couch tomorrow. And when we do we will continue or search for a new faucet because we did not find what we were looking for. Until we do we %u00a0will be brushing and washing our hands in the bathtub.%u00a0
Today is going to be the first day in more then a week that the mr and I do not have some crazy crazy happening. So what are we going to do? Well I think we both need to turn off our phone, lock the doors, draw the curtains (we don’t have curtain) and hide from the world. Will that really happen, no, but it’s nice to think about. But I do think we will spend the afternoon relaxing a bit. I’ll paint, or read, the mr will probably work on screens or his fly file (it’s officially fishing season) and then we will go to bed early. Next week is a busy, but hopefully a good busy and not like shitty busy. Wish us luck.
What I looked at when I was looking at the internet
-I probably wouldn’t use it as a headboard but as a sweet ass wall piece… maybe someday I will get to it.%u00a0How to Make a Woven Headboard
-Now this is a sweet little cabin in the woods.%u00a0
–Fact or Fiction: Can You Really Sweat Out Toxins?
-I used to listen to music at the gym but after sweating all over and then ruining my 2 different iPods, I stopped. But I still hear music in my head.%u00a0%u00a0How Your Body Reacts When You Exercise With Music, According to Science
-How to Keep Your Social Life When You Love Going to Bed Early%u00a0Be friends with other people who go to bed early too.%u00a0
-I really want to go see this movie, and after reading this, I want to see it that much more.%u00a0And I really hate scary movie ( I also might be kind of in love with John Krasinski).%u00a0A Quiet Place%u2019 Turns Eating Into a Suspenseful Act
-Watch out, those non organic strawberries are probably toxic.%u00a0Strawberries again top 2018’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ fruits and veggies
–Drug Use Is Detectable on Your Fingerprints.Say what?
–New 360-Degree Immersive Drawing Created With 120 Marker Pens by Oscar Oiwa%u00a0Pretty freaking crazy
-Really, who eats these things?%u00a0People Have Started Panic-Buying Necco Wafers
Pictures from the week
Did you get to enjoy any of that spring day where the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and all the snow melted? I busted out the sandals, broke a sweat on a walk, and picked up some garbage that was living doormat under the snow and ice. That was one excellent spring day, and was well needed, and now I am ready for another snow storm because we all know it’s going to happen. And I want it too because spring winter, with clean fluffy snow and blue warm skys is the best. And then real spring will be even better. Ah the weather. Never a dull moment.%u00a0
As weeks go,%u00a0nothing out of the norm this past one. There was some work, some play, lots of baking, and some feeling like a crazy person. It’s that time of year when things are kind of slow but about to get crazy and we know it, but there is not a whole heck of a lot we can do to prepare so we just do what we can and wait. And plan. And plan an escape. We need to escape, at least for a little while. And the west coast seems to be calling our names. So we shall see of things to come.
%u00a0I did spend a good amount of time trying to finish up the star cave in the kids room before Friday because we had a planet pillow making sleep over party and I just wanted it to be done. (it pretty much is, I just need to do a little touch up) %u00a0The littles (Miley, Judah, an Sophia) slept over, Barb came too, and we spent all of our time cutting fabric, playing with filling, and eating and leaving popcorn all over the house. %u00a0They all used their newly made galactic pillows and got to experience the awesomeness of sleeping under the stars in a heated room(I think I really outdid myself with this paint job. And all for a kids room in our house when we don’t even have our own kids. Can we say #1 aunt and uncle? I think so). %u00a0They got to wake up to pancakes, more pillow making, dropped clothing in the toilet and Sophia brushing her teeth 4 times because she said if she does that she would not have to brush her teeth again for a few days. He logic makes perfect sense but luckily Miley was there to straighten her out (I just told her that she was so smart and what a great idea. HAHA) And then they left and we spent the afternoon cleaning the filth off of every surface because kids are gross.%u00a0
Not sure exactly what the plan is for today but I would like it to involve some kind of seed and or plant shopping which is the only kind of shopping (besides food) that I like. Other then that, a coffee nap (maybe under the stars) , maybe clean the car out if its not raining and brush the cat out because he is looking a little mangy.
Some of the Internet I looked at %u00a0this week
–The World’s Most Colorful Natural Phenomena. I must visit all these places.
– It happens to me all the time with the weirdest things.%u00a0%u00a0Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon.
-I love a perfectly made bed.%u00a0Expert Advice: Proper Bed-Making 101, How to Make Square Corners, Step by Step. It really does make me happy.%u00a0
–Like Lemons? Quinoa? Thank This Food Explorer For Bringing Them To Your Plate
-I have a Le Creuset and Martha Stewart and a Lodge. II want a Staub. %u00a0And I love them all in different ways.The biggest difference to me is that the cheaper I tend to chip the enamel on the cheaper ones.%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0Are Lodge Dutch Ovens Really as Good as Le Creuset and Staub?
-The loveliest chapel ever.%u00a0. %u00a0A National Park-Inspired Chapel Composed of Branching Fractals by Yu Momeoda
–MAKE A DURABLE DIY HALF APRON FROM A $4 PLACEMAT%u00a0Thinking of this next time I see a sweet ass placement
%u00a0-About to get my seed starting on.%u00a0Vermont Garden Journal: Seed-Starting Problem-Solving
–Can Being Cold Really Make You Sick?%u00a0And when you are sick Tea, Honey And Lemon: Does This Classic Trifecta Actually Help A Sore Throat?
And pictures from the week
How was your week? Was it as straight up nasty humid and gross as mine was? Stupid heat wave.. I was not impressed.%u00a0
I will be the first person to admit it, that I am not my best person when the tempature rises and humidity levels get so high that it starts to creep into my soul. I go a little crazy/ crazy bitch and just am not pleasant to be around.%u00a0%u00a0Or maybe it’s that everyone around me is not pleasant to be around. Either way%u2026. just not good.%u00a0
And I forget things, like to pick up the %u00a0farm share this week. Now I am forced to go grocery shopping to buy most of our veggies (we are still getting a good clip from the garden) until next week. And Let’s not mention the pup.. cause he is just as miserable, if not more then we are.
So to beat the heat, the mr and I found ourselves traveling around, river hopping.%u00a0He fished, I stuck my feet in the water and read, did some watercoloring, or knitted. It was fantastic and probably saved a few of the lives of the people around me.%u00a0
We also took my little brother and sister up to the Bio dome in Montreal for the day, which was pretty cool. And of course we didn’t leave the city without making the manditory stop at Ikea, where I got myself a nice new green jar and my sister ate not 1, but 4!!!! hotdogs, and topped it off with a dessert frozen yogurt. It was the highlight of her summer. and maybe the lowlight as well.%u00a0Now that I think of it, it makes sense why she was so %u00a0quite on the way home. She was in a Ikea hotdog coma.
So yeah, the heat and humidity have finally broke and we are now (hopefully) going to finish off the rest of summer with a delightfully non humid and hot, weather pattern.
And then it will be fall and %u00a0we will go APPLE PICKING!!!!%u00a0
Some stuff %u00a0on the internet this week.
–Is coffee a vitamin? I think so.
-Finally, a fantastic spork.%u00a0
-Vermont Farms Grow Some Surprising Fruits
-Pop Tart beer%u2026 Where will they stop?
–Do animals blow their noses? Good question.%u00a0
-Good to know.%u00a0Is washing fruit effective in reducing exposure to pesticides?
–I think I want to be a Globe Maker
-This is my house in Sweden%u00a0(Someday!?!)
-And my house in San Francisco(One more to my collection)
-An NPR Story About Homemade Vegetable Broth%u00a0
And pictures from the week.
Weird week. I feel like I have been so busy, but can’t quite figure out with what. I guess winter can do that to you, you know, when leaving the house kind of feels like a chore. Yup, it’s mid February when its cold, windy, snowy, and kind of mah. But it’s cool cause I feel like it’s all down hill from now. Soon we will be looking at an extra hour of daylight and hopefully some above freezing temps! (I think we have had a record amount of days below freezing here in VT) No, I am not complaining, just looking forward to getting out of hibernation.
Anyway, here is some internet stuff I have found fun and interesting this week
And some life stuff from the week…It was farm share week and yes, that’s a kohlrabi bulb. And no,%u00a0I%u00a0have never in my life seen a kohlrabi as big as this one. It is for real bigger then my head. %u00a0If I didn’t know my farm was organic, I would think that they were growing these in toxic sludge. Wondering what I am going to do with it? Come back this week and see.
Oh my love%u2026 A few days ago I had my super comfy warm rag wool mittens stolen from me at the gym. I know, I was so pissed, but hopefully whom ever stole them is getting good use out of them. Anyway, to my Valentines Day surprise, the mister got me a new pair and sewed a heart into the palm of one. So freaking cute right!
%u00a0I like to take a look back at old pictures when I am feeling the crazy.. This one makes me think of summer and our honey bees. (That’s the mister digging into the top bar hive)
%u00a0The blue sky! And oh man am I craving some traveling. I think this was taken somewhere is Colorado. I want to go back.
Well that’s about it. Hopefully where ever you are, you are warm and staying out of crazy. Just wait, a few more weeks we will have more daylight and I bet even some above freezing temperatures because it has to happen, right?
Have a great week!
-C
I don’t think I need to tell anyone about how weird the past few weeks of weather have been, so I will just leave it alone because we don’t need to keep thinking about how stupid cold it is outside or that the next week is only suppose to get worse. Booooo, but oh well. More time for cooking, reading, and trolling the internet (I have spent a little more time then usual getting sucked into the world-wide web.) Beacause I have been spending a little more time interneting, I have added an addition to %u00a0my usual happy bits, %u00a0a%u00a0few links that I have stumbled upon that I think are cool and of things that I want or want to make%u2026 Cool internet stuff%u2026..a bit of internet happy.%u00a0
So I recently discovered that I can waste a good amount of time on pintrest, especially looking at interiors and architecture and clothes (which I found really weird, but with one pin, an open can of worms%u2026Dangerous stuff). I have a long way to go before I have nearly as many pins as other folk, but I am getting a good a start. Check out my boards…
I smiled so much when I read %u00a0 this%u00a0article.%u00a0%u00a0 %u00a0So sweet and are some of the coolest tattoos %u00a0ever.
The original nomad.%u00a0I am not a hot tub person (it makes me feel like I am being cooked..) But I might be able to get into one of these when doing some camping.
I practically started salivating when I saw%u00a0this%u00a0falafel.%u00a0 I am so going to make it%u00a0for a special mister and me dinner!
I don’t have any big kitchen utensils%u2026 like a kitchen aid or a panini grill, and for now, I am ok with that, but I really want this waffle iron. I could so use the crap out of it.
So that’s some internet stuff and here are a few life moments%u2026..
I got to%u00a0hang out with my little sister for the first time in like a month%u2026 She is just so busy being busy. I guess high school,play practices and boys and friends can fill up ones time at 15%u2026 but I miss her so much! I was very excited that she was able to hang out with me this week. %u00a0What did we do? Well we spent most of out time together taking pictures of her in my glasses, making food and then taking pictures of her eating food. %u00a0(She is eating whipped carob moose%u2026 like one should eat it) A fantastic day of silliness.%u00a0
I have been feeling like I might be fighting off an illness so I have been eating this Turmeric Ginger Garlic Carrot soup%u00a0which I have been adding cabbage and topping with these pickled heart beet, all week long. So tasty and full of so much good.
%u00a0Oh yeah. Me, the mister, my sister, and her lovely little little went to Ikea this week. (the littles first international trip!!! Over the border and into Montreal) And of course at the end of any good shopping trip there is some type of food%u2026. She %u00a0was so excited for the hot dog and frozen yogurt cone at check out. Champion food eater this one is.
And what’s not to love about pretty flowers (primrose)%u2026..Sadly this is not a current picture. I need to get me some color today.%u00a0
Which leaves me with my goals for the day..
Get 2 new library books (and return the huge stack by the door)
Make something tasty good for dinner and prep food for the week
clean bathroom and change sheets
buy flowers
Take a nap
Hope you all have a great day and the%u00a0most splendid week!
Stay warm!
-C
No matter what is going on in my day, seeing a blue sky like this puts a smile on my face%u2026.To bad that smile turned to ice and my face froze in place. Because for some reason, winter around here now means below zero all the time. I mean, I love winter, but I am not going to lie%u2026 I wouldn’t mind if the wind would stop blowing and we had a couple of days of above zero weather.. and maybe a good foot of snow. I guess I’ll just have to be patient, cause its bound to happen. I mean, we live in Vermont, and if nothing else, we get weather.%u00a0
Anyways.. another week full of stuff that fills. I am a little taken aback that its already February%u2026 when was it January? Time just keeps going by fast and faster, (especially when I get cabin fever) and I think, “What have I done in the past year?” Well, I have done a lot. I was just looking through pictures from a year ago and found some of our tiny home in working progress. Not to many people can remodel a five unit house and a meat locker to live in, within a year.. by ourselves. (ourselves being Nick and I)..So yeah, that made me feel pretty freaking awesome and accomplished. (I needed to remember that because I haven’t been feeling it) But now I am feeling inspired and am looking forward to some new projects and fun things to come! (hopefully getting my pottery studio up and running, maybe another house remodel and lots of traveling!!%u2026. take that winter blues!)%u00a0
Anyway.. here are a few little bits from my week that made me happy.
The mister called these snow mounds goosebumps%u2026 I think that is exactly what they are%u00a0
The only warm day this week. (20..woo whoo!) Took the little out for a sled ride. She spent the entire time dragging her hands in the fresh snow.%u00a0
And oh how I cannot %u00a0handle how freaking cute she is!! Plus, a shout out to my brother in law%u2026.MADLOVE!
Fresh snow..Even though it was -15, I had to stop and take this picture. The colors were amazing
Cabbage at the farm share pick up! Love ICF!!!
89 cents a pound for fresh organic cranberries. Score!! Made these Oatmeal fresh cranberry coconut chocolate chip cookies%u00a0with them. Big hit.
This picture was taken exactly a year ago%u2026..The mister and I were finally putting in the bathroom of our tiny little home%u2026. And look at that awesome sink! (another amazing salvage yard find) If you ever need or want to remodel a bathroom, I suggest using a old cast iron utility sink. So practical, so functional, so pretty.%u2026.it makes me happy everyday!
Happy Sunday!
Happy February!
And if you are into it%u2026.
Happy Football Super bowl Game and or party! ( If you need any awesome fast party recipes, I have bunch, just check out the recipes page!)
You ever have one of those days where its 9 am and your ready to call it a day? . Yesterday was one of those day for me. Its spring vacation around here (more like an arctic vacation) and I had volunteered my day to babysitting/ hanging out with 2 of my nephews, ages 11 and 13. (I know, I am the greatest sister). I had all of these great ideas and plans of things to do, but when it came down to it, they wanted to do nothing but play video games and not really listen to anything I said. I basically had to drag them outside to go for a walk we me and that’s all I could get them to do My great little nephews, I love them so much, but yesterday they had their minds set on being little monsters.
I needed a drink. And I needed lunch. And so I was inspired to make this bloody mary tomato soup. Its got all the essentials to a great drink, the tomato, the spice, the zingy flavors, but warm and thick to eat as soup which was a perfect lift for a freezing cold dragging day. And no, I didn’t add the vodka to it because that would be irresponsible of me. I am not about to serve up lunch soup to a couple young boys with alcohol in it. I am not a dumb ass…Save the vodka for when the kids go home!
What we have going here…… Chopped up onion, celery, and carrot in a pot. Stick that pot on the stove for a few minutes on medium heat to start the cooking process. While that happening get the other stuff ready. A big can of diced tomatoes, hot sauce, worcestershire sauce*, prepared horseradish*, celery salt, garlic powder, salt and pepper And last but not least a good squirt of yellow mustard. Now add it all to the pot and bring to a boil. Turn down to low and stick a lid on it.
*I used the horseradish that is made with only horseradish and vinegar…..You can use the other stuff that contains sugars and milk, but I don’t know how tastes. And the worcestershire sauce I used did not contain fish but be aware that a lot of the popular brands do, so if you care, check labels!
After about 20 minutes the veggies should be soft and the flavors should all have melded together. Taste soup as it is cooking and add any more spice that you want.
Now in goes the emulsifying stick of fun! (Or dump in a blender) Blend blend blend!
I stopped when I got to a smooth consistency with the littlest bit of texture.
And now the soup is now ready for the bowls!
And there it is…served with a stock of celery and a wedge of lemon (I forgot to add them to the pictures!) A bloody Mary to take the edge off any drag of a cold weather day. And best part.. left over soup is great served chilled with a shot of vodka to loosen this Mary up!
Have a Happy Day!
-C
The Stuff
Side note…The spicier ingredients…hot sauce, horseradish, and worcestershire sauce are pretty flexible. My advice is to start with the lesser amounts of the ingredient and work your way up until you get to your happy soup place.
32 oz can of crushed or diced tomatoes
2 medium carrots
1 small onion
2 stalks or celery plus more for garnish
1-2 teaspoons horseradish
1-2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce or ground cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
A lemon cut into wedges (To squeeze on as a garnish)
2 teaspoons celery salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and cracked pepper to taste
Dice up carrots, onion and celery and place in a large pot and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Once the veggies are slightly soft, add in the rest of the ingredients plus one tomato can worth of water. Bring to boil, cover and turn heat down to low. Cook for another 15-20 minutes or until all the veggies are super soft and the flavor have all developed. Add salt and pepper, taste and add any additional spicier spices that you want.
When happy with taste, either in a blender or with a hand emulsifier, blend soup until smooth (or to your desired constancy) Soup is now ready to serve.
Ladle or pour into bowls and serve with a stalk of celery and maybe a wedge of lemon. Crackers or croutons are welcome too.
Eat with a Spoon
Soup left overs are great refrigerated and served cold. Add a splash of vodka to make it fun.
I can’t stop eating these. They are like little balls of crack and I am an addict.
Frozen peanut butter grapes… I mean, I just can’t stop.
So you say you have never frozen your grapes? Well you should. It’s the only way I like to eat them anymore. I was never a huge grape fan, but one day long ago, I discovered the wonder that is the frozen grape and it is amazing, Now whenever grapes are on sale at the grocery store, I buy way to many and end up filling our tiny little freezer with jars and bowls of grapes. Then whenever the mister goes to grab the bag of frozen peas for his sore back or knees, there is almost always a frozen grape avalanche. Why I don’t put a lid on those containers is even a mystery to me. Oh, now I remember.. I want easy access.Oopen the freezer, grab a few grapes, and go on my way… not having a lid to take off makes the process a little easier.
Then one day, the frozen grape game turned into something else, something a little more decadent and even more addicting. Where it came from, I do not know. Maybe it’s some subconscious throwback to a childhood full of peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches, or maybe it’s just that fact that I think peanut butter can pretty much go with anything. But no matter why, I started dipping those frozen grapes into peanut butter and never looked back. And now when I have grapes, it’s all I want to eat.
I am warning you now, once you start making these, watch out, because before you know it, you will develop a frozen grape addiction too. And littles.. they are as easily addicted to these as well. I have seen kids that hate grapes go totally bonkers for these. Just so you know.
The stuff you will need. Washed and drained fresh grapes (green or red. I usually use red but the green were half the price and the red ones didn’t taste very grapie*) Creamy peanut butter, skewers, and a little bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional)
*Note. When you are the store, try before you buy. You know what I mean, eat a few while shopping aground. I say this because not all grape are created equal. Some taste way better than others. I have bought grapes before that didn’t taste like anything or that have really tough skins, and those just piss me off, so eating a few will guarantee that your money is being well spent and that the grapes won’t disappoint you.
Ok, so now let’s make these bad boys.
Simple simple. Two grapes per skewer (or toothpick) Lay on a wax paper covered dish or pan and stick them in the freezer until frozen. When the grapes are frozen, melt peanut butter. Take a big glob and stick in a tall skinny cup or bowl and stick in the microwave or heat in a sauce pan and then transfer to a tall skinny vessel. Take frozen skewed grapes and, one skewer at a time, dip in the peanut butter. Cover with as much or as little of the peanut butter as you want and place on wax paper. If you are feeling feisty, add a sprinkle or cinnamon or even a dash of cocoa powder. Or, this may seem a little crazy, but garlic powder is so F*ing good.(it’s worth at least giving it a try) When all grapes are dipped, place back into freezer for another 10 minutes or so to let the peanut butter set up a bit.
Whenever your ready… Eat. And be so happy. And always keep a back stock of frozen grapes in the freezer. They are the best.
Keep it realz.
-C
the quantity is up to you, but I recommend making a shit ton!
Creamy Peanut butter (I use organic creamy from Trader Joes, or natural skippy)
Green or Red Grapes
Cinnamon and or cocoa powder (Optional)
Toothpicks or skewers
Wash grapes and skewer 2 grapes onto a stick. Place on a flat surface and stick into the freezer until frozen, which usually takes about an hour.
Once grapes are frozen, stick a big glob of peanut butter into a tall skinny vessel (Like a juice cup or a 4 oz ball jar) and warm to a liquid constancy in the microwave (about 30-45 seconds) or if you don’t have a microwave, stick in a sauce pan, warm on stove, and pour into a glass (what I do)
Remove frozen grapes from freezer and dip into melted peanut butter. Place on a wax paper line tray or pan and sprinkle with cinnamon and or cocoa powder, or not, or a few (whatever you want) and stick back into freezer for another 10 minutes.
Eat as many as you want… Make so many because you will become addicted!
Ah Sunday…Monday-Saturday would suck without you. The past week has been glorious with all the warm sunny days. I have even managed to give myself a slight sunburn on my face (time to whip out the real sunscreen!!) I am really looking forward to today because honesty, I need a down day. Not complaining, but when the weather is nice, I try to do my life and spend as much time as possible being and playing outside, so I have burned myself out a bit. So today I have very little planned except a bike ride to the library to return and retrieve a few books that will keep me occupied for the rest of the day and maybe I’ll get to the baskets of dirty laundry and mop the floors… maybe. All I know for sure is that I have a least one pot of coffee coming my way. Much excitement!!!!!
Some Internet things to check out.
-I have the seeds and the plot, just waiting a little longer for the weather to hold!!!! .7 Secrets For A High-Yield Vegetable Garden
-Washed Up: Alejandro Duran’s Site-Specific Found Plastic and Trash Installations…. Sad about trash but so awesome and pretty.
-Why Asparagus make you pee smell funny…… So now you can tell everyone.
-The Space Station Gets A Coffee Bar. I know I would for sure not go to space unless there I could have coffee.
-I am looking forward to this cook book. Honey & Jam: Seasonal Baking from My Kitchen in the Mountains.
– I still don’t have one, but its good to know. How Microwaves Heat Your Food.
A few shots from the week
The sky has had the most amazing clouds all week.A walk leading to a free rain barrel. Love free stuff! (and everyone pictured)We took the car through a car wash… My first time, it was thrilling. Only and his yearly bath. Wet cats look so pathetic, but he was a champ. Neither nick or I suffered any wounds.So much asparagus… I can’t get enough! (and my pee doesn’t smell)
And I’ll just leave you with that.
Hope your day is full of coffee refills and leisurely outdoor activities!
My contribution to last nights dinner at my sisters…. Freshy fresh veggies spring rolls.I had about 30 minutes between work and getting over to my sisters house to throw something together so it needed to be something fast, easy, and something I could make without going to the store. She was making the main course (some teriyaki situation and rice) so I was doing up the veggies.
I had just bought a package of spring roll wrappers…. Bingo! The perfect and logical choice. I grab the wrappers, a variety of veggies and after spending 12 of my 30 minutes trying to scrub the oil based paint off of my face and hands, I still managed to completely prepare, construct, and take pictures of these lovely tasty spring rolls. and get over to my sisters in time for dinner.
Impressed?
Damn right!
The stuff. Carrot, beet, asparagus, red cabbage, and kohlrabi, which all (except asparagus, which I just cut into thirds) got cut into matchstick sized pieces with my mandoiln. Then there are the rice spring roll wrappers that we need to make the veggies into rolls. Also a bit of red wine vinegar to drizzle onto the veggies for a little extra zing. And lastly, soy, fresh ginger, and a couple cloves of garlic for a spicy salty dipping sauce.Start by having everything set out and ready to assemble. Fill a large shallow dish or baking sheet with really warm water. Working with one at a time,place a rice wrapper into water and let sit for about 10 seconds or until the paper starts to soften. Remove from water and place on a damp surface (just splash a little water on the counter) Take a little bit of everything and and place on the lower middle part of the paper. Fold in the sides first, then tuck and roll the wrapper as tightly as you can without ripping the wrapper.
Repeat until you have used up all you veggies.For the dipping sauce. Finely grate ginger and garlic and add to soy sauce. Stir… and it’s done.Freshy, pretty and fantastically delicious. And for real, took about 8 minutes to make. (I even had enough time to wash the dishes before we left!)
I am so awesome!
Hump Day Pow!!!!!
-C
Fresh Veggies Spring Rolls
Makes 8-10 but can easily be increased or decreased to desired amount
8-1o rice spring roll papers
Splash of Red wine or rice vinegar
1/4 cup soy or tamari sauce
2 cloves of garlic
teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 medium carrot
1 medium beet
1/4 head of purple cabbage
10 thin fresh asparagus
1 small kohlrabi
Note… I used the veggies that I had in the fridge at the moment. If you have a bunch of veggies but not these particular ones, use what you have. Pretty much all veggies taste good inside a spring roll!
Gather your veggies and prep by either using a mandolin, a grater, or some sick knife skills, and julienne, shred, or slice you veggies into thin match sticks. Once all the veggies are prepared, sprinkle a little vinegar over the top.
For the rolls…Grab a large shallow vessel (a rimmed baking sheet works great) and add in warm water. Working one at a time, place the wrapper into the water for about 10 seconds or until the wrapper starts to soften. Remove and spread onto a clean, damp work surface. Gather a bit of each veggie that you are adding and place towards the bottom middle of the wrapper. Now fold the sides in over the pile of veggies. Then with the side closest to you, tuck and roll wrapper away from you, trying to keep it tight, but not to tight that it rips.. (Hopefully that makes since.) Place finished rolls onto a damp surface to keep from sticking and if not serving right away, drape with a damp towel or paper towel to keep from drying out.
For the soy ginger dipping sauce. Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and soy into a bowl and mix together. Serve with spring rolls.
Eat one, two, or a plateful. It’s nice to share but not a necessity.
I have never in my life seen, let alone received, a kohlrabi as big as the one I picked up from my farm share last week. It was, no joke, bigger then my head. (completely nuts) If I didn’t know the farm and the farmers of my CSA, I would have to question whether or not it was grown in radioactive sludge…(kind of like the dandelions in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie from the 90’s)
What is a kohlrabi you ask? It’s kind of a cross between a turnip and a cabbage that is usually the size of a baseball. It can be eaten raw (I like chunks dipped in mustard) or cooked. (roasted chunks dipped in mustard) It pairs well with sweet stuff like apples and honey, or in any savory stuff. Its one of my favorite vegetables (I say that about them all!)
So now that you know about kohlrabi (if you didn’t already) its time to get yourself some and make this soup. Because for real, I am not kidding when I say that this is one of the best soups that I have ever made. You really must try it. And do it soon because hopefully in the next few weeks the soup weather will turn into fresh pea weather and we might not want soup as much (I eat soup all year long)
A gigantic kohlrabi cut in half ( I only used one of the halts) A whole yellow onion and 2 large carrots. I also added in 4 cloves or garlic
Peel the kohlrabis tough skin off and chop up into chunks. Chop the carrot, garlic and onion as well .
All of those chopped veggies get thrown into a pot with two cups of water and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cover and place on medium heat for about 20-25 minutes. (give a stir ever now and then) Keep cooking until the veggies are fork tender.
Once the chunks are all cooked up, its time for the immersion blender. (or into a regular blender) Add in at least 3 cups of water, but more to thin out to your desired consistency and let it rip. Stop blending once the soup is nice and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Leave on low heat to bring back to a good soup eating temperature.
Now the soup is done.. and you can eat it just as it is, but you should really add in the asparagus. It is just so f*ing good. Just grab a few spears, dice them nice and small, and throw into the soup pot. Let it cook for another 5 minutes and wa la.. Soup is done. Ladle into bowls and if you want a little fancy presentation, add a swirl of mustard (it’s so good) and a whole cooked asparagus spear.
And eat one of the greatest soups ever!
Happy Day Wednesday!
-C
Creamy Kohlrabi Soup with Asparagus
3-4 kohlrabi (or 4 cups chopped Kohlrabi)
2 large carrots
1 large onion
4 or more cloves of garlic
Salt and Pepper
4-6 spears of Asparagus (extra if you want to garnish)
Yellow Mustard (optional)
Peel outer layer of kohlrabis. Roughly chop the onion, carrot, kohlrabi and garlic and stick it all into large dutch oven or stock pot. Add water until veggies are half submerged . Add a good sprinkle of salt and pepper and place on burner on medium heat and cover. Check ever 5 or so minutes and give the pot a good stir. After about 25 minutes, all the veggies should be very tender and almost fall apart when stuck with a fork. With an immersion blender or regular blender, blend till smooth, adding water until soup is at your desired constancy. Return soup to medium heat. Small dice asparagus and add to pot. (I added 2 extra whole pieces and fished them put once cooked for garnish.) Keep on heat for another 5-10 minutes until asparagus is cooked.
Scoop into bowl and squirt top with yellow mustard and top with a spear of cooked asparagus.
Eat with a spoon and lick bowl clean.
Weird week. I feel like I have been so busy, but can’t quite figure out with what. I guess winter can do that to you, you know, when leaving the house kind of feels like a chore. Yup, it’s mid February when its cold, windy, snowy, and kind of mah. But it’s cool cause I feel like it’s all down hill from now. Soon we will be looking at an extra hour of daylight and hopefully some above freezing temps! (I think we have had a record amount of days below freezing here in VT) No, I am not complaining, just looking forward to getting out of hibernation.
Anyway, here is some internet stuff I have found fun and interesting this week
And some life stuff from the week…It was farm share week and yes, that’s a kohlrabi bulb. And no, I have never in my life seen a kohlrabi as big as this one. It is for real bigger then my head. If I didn’t know my farm was organic, I would think that they were growing these in toxic sludge. Wondering what I am going to do with it? Come back this week and see.
Oh my love… A few days ago I had my super comfy warm rag wool mittens stolen from me at the gym. I know, I was so pissed, but hopefully whom ever stole them is getting good use out of them. Anyway, to my Valentines Day surprise, the mister got me a new pair and sewed a heart into the palm of one. So freaking cute right!
I like to take a look back at old pictures when I am feeling the crazy.. This one makes me think of summer and our honey bees. (That’s the mister digging into the top bar hive)
The blue sky! And oh man am I craving some traveling. I think this was taken somewhere is Colorado. I want to go back.
Well that’s about it. Hopefully where ever you are, you are warm and staying out of crazy. Just wait, a few more weeks we will have more daylight and I bet even some above freezing temperatures because it has to happen, right?
Oh do I love a good Sunday. The picture above was taken last Sunday and what a glorious day that was. The mister and I took the pup hiking and it was the most spectacular of days. Sunny, 30 degrees and no wind..I could’t have asked for better weather.
The rest of the week turned out alright. The weather went back to hell again and I was a little frantic and super busy, but all in all, good. I accomplished some things that needed to be done and got to spend time with just about everyone in my family. The highlight was when my sister slept over and we finally watched the Fault in our Stars while eating lots of food, cuddled together on the couch. (movie was good, but book was better. Books are always better) We then woke up early the next day and we (the mister too) journeyed across state lines to the closest Target where we purchased some hand soap, 2 seltzer waters and 2 jars of baby food. (I needed the jars) On our way out, the lady experienced her first ever taco from the taco bell in the food court before heading back to Vt. We spent the car ride singing terrible pop songs and eating the babyhood (Blueberries and sweet potato, and yes, they are tasty) We then came back tom my house, listened to more awesome music while she did her homework and I played on the computer and made dinner. It was the best.
Heres a few of this weeks happy bits from the internet.
– I will be making these wire baskets this week. I need storage and I love a good wire basket.
-I have been ending up on this website every night..Making plans
-I need this shirt!!! Feel free to buy it for me!
-Throw Back Song!… And yes, I was sure I was going to be Mrs. Zac Hanson when I was 11.
-My sister sent me this link, Wool and the Gang. So cool.
-These pictures made me laugh. I end up with veggies like this all the time.
And here are a few pictures of my real life happy…..
Playing on the frozen lake. It was so freaking cold and windy, but we just had to do it!
Beach stairs. Hopefully soon they will be a little less icy and maybe even lead to some sand and not waist high drifts of snow.
Two of my favorite people in the world.
And I made brunch with 2 more of my favorites.
My little brothers (can I say little if they are bigger then me?) came over and we all had dinner together while listening to music from when they were born. Nothing like a few 17 year olds to make a person feel old.
Blooming daffodils. I love to watch my flowers open up, it’s just as good as the flower itself.
I have been meaning do a post on seltzer and syrups for a while now and this one is perfect… Everyone around me has been getting sick and I am trying my hardest to not get anything.
Citrus and ginger…. Two of my favorite things, combined into one super refreshing, light and crisp, thirst quenching drink. Tasty and packed full of vitamin C from the citrus and blood warming, tummy healing ginger. Its kind of a feel better elixir, a good for you drink, a sparkler pop. A drink everyone can get into (the mister even liked it), And it has no added sugars or nasty coloring, it can’t get much better.
Feeling Happy, feeling crappy, or just plain feeling, this drink is a good for it all.
I made the ginger date simple syrup ahead of time.. All I did what chop 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger and about 3 tablespoons pitted dates and added to a pot with a cup of water. Simmered the stuff until the dates were mostly dissolved, about 15 minutes, took off the heat and pureed it. I let it steep for another 5 minutes and strained….no biggy. This is a milder sweet simple syrup. If you like sweeter add more dates or even add a bit of honey… Do what tastes the best to you.
Juice the lime and blood orange…..so much pretty!
I ended up with about 12 tablespoons of juice from a the lime and the orange.. If you need or want to, juice an additional orange and lime.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of the fresh juice per 12oz glass and add about 2-3 tablespoons of the ginger date syrup…(adjust amounts to you taste) Top off with cold plain seltzer water and maybe an ice-cube or two. ( I would have if I had thought to make ice)
So lovely…. so nice. I really got into these flavors. This drink has the ability to make you feel warm and cozy while being cold and fresh. It makes me happy.
Double thumbs up here!
Stay un-sick!
-C
Ingredients
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh chopped ginger
3 tablespoons chopped dates (more if you want sweeter)
1 cup water
1 lime
1 blood orange
Plain Seltzer water
Ice (optional)
For the ginger date syrup
In a small pot on low heat, add chopped dates and ginger to a cup of water. Simmer until dates have mostly dissolved, about 15 minutes. remove from heat and puree with either a blender to a hand emulsifier. Let steep for another 5 minutes and strain, reserving the pulp (add it to soup or salad dressing). Let completely cool.
To assemble drink, juice blood orange, and lime. Add about 3 tablespoons of the ginger syrup and 2-3 tablespoons of the citrus juice per 12 0z cup. Top with plain seltzer water, give it a light swirl with a spoon or straw and add ice cube if you want. Now have at it!
I can’t stop eating these. They are like little balls of crack and I am an addict.
Frozen peanut butter grapes… I mean, I just can’t stop.
So you say you have never frozen your grapes? Well you should. It’s the only way I like to eat them anymore. I was never a huge grape fan, but one day long ago, I discovered the wonder that is the frozen grape and it is amazing, Now whenever grapes are on sale at the grocery store, I buy way to many and end up filling our tiny little freezer with jars and bowls of grapes. Then whenever the mister goes to grab the bag of frozen peas for his sore back or knees, there is almost always a frozen grape avalanche. Why I don’t put a lid on those containers is even a mystery to me. Oh, now I remember.. I want easy access.Oopen the freezer, grab a few grapes, and go on my way… not having a lid to take off makes the process a little easier.
Then one day, the frozen grape game turned into something else, something a little more decadent and even more addicting. Where it came from, I do not know. Maybe it’s some subconscious throwback to a childhood full of peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches, or maybe it’s just that fact that I think peanut butter can pretty much go with anything. But no matter why, I started dipping those frozen grapes into peanut butter and never looked back. And now when I have grapes, it’s all I want to eat.
I am warning you now, once you start making these, watch out, because before you know it, you will develop a frozen grape addiction too. And littles.. they are as easily addicted to these as well. I have seen kids that hate grapes go totally bonkers for these. Just so you know.
The stuff you will need. Washed and drained fresh grapes (green or red. I usually use red but the green were half the price and the red ones didn’t taste very grapie*) Creamy peanut butter, skewers, and a little bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional)
*Note. When you are the store, try before you buy. You know what I mean, eat a few while shopping aground. I say this because not all grape are created equal. Some taste way better than others. I have bought grapes before that didn’t taste like anything or that have really tough skins, and those just piss me off, so eating a few will guarantee that your money is being well spent and that the grapes won’t disappoint you.
Ok, so now let’s make these bad boys.
Simple simple. Two grapes per skewer (or toothpick) Lay on a wax paper covered dish or pan and stick them in the freezer until frozen. When the grapes are frozen, melt peanut butter. Take a big glob and stick in a tall skinny cup or bowl and stick in the microwave or heat in a sauce pan and then transfer to a tall skinny vessel. Take frozen skewed grapes and, one skewer at a time, dip in the peanut butter. Cover with as much or as little of the peanut butter as you want and place on wax paper. If you are feeling feisty, add a sprinkle or cinnamon or even a dash of cocoa powder. Or, this may seem a little crazy, but garlic powder is so F*ing good.(it’s worth at least giving it a try) When all grapes are dipped, place back into freezer for another 10 minutes or so to let the peanut butter set up a bit.
Whenever your ready… Eat. And be so happy. And always keep a back stock of frozen grapes in the freezer. They are the best.
Keep it realz.
-C
Peanut Butter Freezer Grapes
the quantity is up to you, but I recommend making a shit ton!
Creamy Peanut butter (I use organic creamy from Trader Joes, or natural skippy)
Green or Red Grapes
Cinnamon and or cocoa powder (Optional)
Toothpicks or skewers
Wash grapes and skewer 2 grapes onto a stick. Place on a flat surface and stick into the freezer until frozen, which usually takes about an hour.
Once grapes are frozen, stick a big glob of peanut butter into a tall skinny vessel (Like a juice cup or a 4 oz ball jar) and warm to a liquid constancy in the microwave (about 30-45 seconds) or if you don’t have a microwave, stick in a sauce pan, warm on stove, and pour into a glass (what I do)
Remove frozen grapes from freezer and dip into melted peanut butter. Place on a wax paper line tray or pan and sprinkle with cinnamon and or cocoa powder, or not, or a few (whatever you want) and stick back into freezer for another 10 minutes.
Eat as many as you want… Make so many because you will become addicted!
I am finally getting to the point in the kitchen that I have stuff for food other then lentils and carrots. Slowly I am restocking all the food and spices that I have let myself run out of when we started the moving out process. It has been a great purge, especially for all of my spices, which I have (or had) so many of and some where maybe not as fresh as they should be. Slowly I have been dumping those not so fresh spices into the crock pot with beans and replacing with freshy fresh ones.
The other day I did a spice run at the coop. Bulk spices are the way to go but sometime I can get a little out of hand. A pinch of this, a cup of that. I want them all, but I was pretty good. Just a few for now, and nothing to crazy.%u00a0 One that I did get was dill, lots and lot of freshly dried dill (I might have gone a little overboard with the amount I bought. I guess I was worried I might run out of dill, but its ok, I will for sure use it.). What to do with dill? Well toss pretty much anything with some dill and vinegar and you got yourself a dill pickle of sorts which is great.%u00a0 I just so happen to have a pickle craving and not a pickle in the house so me and my abundance of dill went and pickled potatoes to make french fries. And I must say, these fries are freaking amazing.%u00a0 Everything fantastic about dill pickles and french fries all in one. Baked because I don’t fry things, and not at all french. These fries are just what I needed to hit my dill pickle craving and use up some of my abundance of dill.
Here’s to the pickle fries. Mouth puckering goodness!
The stuff. A few russet potatoes and some vinegar. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill are the spices to use. And olive oil, which is not pictured but necessary.
First off, cut up the potatoes into fries. Cutthe potato in half, then cut that half in half, then each half of half into strips… easy easy. Toss the now fries into a big bowl of cold water as you go. (It removes some of the starch so your fries are not soggy)
Stain the starchy water from the bowl then dump the vinegar in with the potatoes, tossing as you go. And now you wait. Stick the potatoes into the fridge for about 1/2 hour to an hour, tossing the them around ever 10 minutes or so. (the longer they are in there, the more vinegar they will absorb)
Now preheat. Strain the vinegar out of bowl, drizzle potatoes with olive oil and toss until evenly coasted then sprinkle on the spices.
Pretty potatoes, looking good enough to eat(but don’t eat raw potatoes, that is gross and will make you sick)
Single layer on a baking sheet, ready for the oven.
Baked until golden crispy and nice. Didn’t even wait for a plate, just some mustard and off we go.
Dill pickle french fries. So good.
Bye
-C
should serve 2 people
3 Russet Potatoes
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 teaspoons dill
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
i teaspoon pepper
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Rinse potatoes then cut lengthwise into 4 equal pieces. Then cut each slice into long strips about 1/2 inch . Place the cut potato into a bowl of cold water and toss them around to remove a bit of the starch. Drain the water then dump the vinegar onto the potato and toss around. Let sit for 30- 60 minutes in the fridge, tossing ever 10 minutes or so.
Preheat oven to 400.
Once the oven is hot, pour off the vinegar from the potatoes (can be reserved for cleaning) Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, making sure they are evenly coated, then mix all the spices together and sprinkle all over potatoes. Place coated fries single layer on a baking sheet and into the oven they go. Bake for about 45 minutes flipping after about 25. Fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve with ketchup, mustard or whatever you like on fries or pickles.
%u00a0 %u00a0%u00a0 Before we get to the fries, I just want to mention that %u00a0yesterday was one of those fantastic winter days that reminds me why I love living in Vermont. %u00a0Pretty white snow everywhere, the sun was out, and 20 degrees without a gust of wind. The trash dog an I were even able to go for a little hike. %u00a0It was so nice and soooo sooo needed!%u00a0 Anyways, the other day as me, my sister and the mister where putting together %u00a0one more piece of Ikea furniture, (I am the master at Ikea assembling!) %u00a0a little runs into the room and presents the mister with a Dominos pizza. Yup, a whole pizza just for him. Why you might ask? Well I guess my sister was %u00a0delivered the wrong pizza and the place didn’t want it back and she didn’t want it, so she gave it to him.
A whole pizza to himself. I didn’t mind too much..he was just going to be eating it for lunch and dinner until it was%u00a0out of the fridge. But for dinner I did want him to eat something of the vegetable matter that didn’t come out of a box. I was going to make him a big salad, but then realized that would mean%u00a0sharing the last of the greens that I had for MY%u00a0dinner and I was not about to do that, so I made him parsnip and carrot fries instead. No biggy, just some slicing, a little tossing and a bit of time in the old oven. And I figured I might as well make a nice sauce for those fries because I be so very nice.
The biggest problem that I ran into when I made these fries was that I didn’t make enough, so you should probably make twice as many as you think you will eat. If you end up not eating them all (which you probably will), well then you now have a great start for a soup or a nice addition to a salad. Either way, you will eat them because they are amazing and addicting%u2026 and as healthy as can be!
The carrots and the parsnips are all sliced up into big matchsticks and ready to be baked to crispy browned perfection. %u00a0I added the oil to the pan to toss the fries in and then sprinkled with a fair amount of salt and pepper. %u00a0If you don’t have and or want to use a cast iron pan, a baking sheet works just the same.
%u00a0 %u00a0Oh saucy sauce stuff. Tomato puree, sriracha, and yellow mustard. Add a little bit of honey to lighten it up (can use brown sugar if keeping it vegan), a splash of apple cider vinegar and a couple minced cloves of garlic. Topped off with the smokey delightful spice of cumin. I cold eat this on everything%u2026and I kind of did.%u00a0
All mixed up in an oven safe dish, I stuck it into the oven for a about 8 minutes until it got a little bubbly, just to let all the flavors fuse together%u2026
Fries are done, Sauce is ready. Served in super cute tea cups.(from now on I want to serve everything in tea cups.) A perfect side dish, snack, or even a light meal. %u00a0It lead the mister to ask the question…What pizza?%u00a0
Happy Day!
-C
Parsnip and Carrot Fries with Smokey Sriracha Sauce
Wash%u00a0and trim%u00a0carrots and parsnips and cut into large matchsticks%u00a0(any shape is good, just make them all uniform) Toss with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on cast iron pan or baking sheet and stick in oven for 30 or so minutes, and rotating after about 20. The fries are done when %u00a0crispy and brown.
For the sauce. Mince garlic and add to all the sauce ingredients in an oven safe bowl. stick into oven for about 8 minutes until slightly bubbly and hot.
How awesome will you be when you bring the most freaking amazing tortilla chips to the party this weekend? You will be like..”what, it ain’t no thang.. I am just good like that” Yes, yes you are.
And yes, I am assuming that you will be making these awesome chippers to share at a Super Bowl part this weekend. I say this because even as I sit here writing this (with the TV on) there has been nothing but football talk…deflated balls, hot wings, half time shows and commercials. It’s almost as big as Christmas. Got to get the decorations, the special game day food and your football jerseys. It’s crazy and all over the place. So that’s why I am assuming you are making these for the game. But if you not going to be participating in any football parties.. by all means, make these chips for yourself anyways. Celebrate you day! Have a non football watching party. Or just make these whenever. Jalapeño Lime chips for everyday!
Note: You can make these chips without the jalaeno and or the lime if you need or want to. You can also stop after the first step and have some dank corn totillas for tacos ands stuff..But definitely make the chips… worth it for sure!
All the stuff.. Masa harina, hot water, salt, a lime and a jalapeño. Zest lime and place half the zest into a glass bowl with oil and either sit on warm oven or microwave for 30 seconds to infuse. Puree the jalapeño with a cup of hot water and add the puree and half the zest of a lime, plus salt, to the masa harina. Mix it all up with another 1/2 cup of water or enough to make the dough resemble play dough… You can add more water or masa if you dough is to wet or dry.
Knead dough a few times just to make sure it’s completely uniformed and divide into 12-14 equal pieces. Place balls on a plate and cover with a wet paper towl to keep from drying out.
I do not own a tortilla press so I used what I had… wax paper, a wooded cutting board and brunt force. I took each ball and place it between the two pieces of the waxed paper, placed the cutting board on top, and with all my might and body weight, pressed down to smoosh. It works like a charm.
My cast iron skillet is big enough to cook 2 -3 at a time, but doing one at a time is cool too. Preheat the skillet to medium heat. Cook each tortilla for about 2-3 minutes ( or until starting to brown) on each side. Half way there to chips!!!
With my fingers ( you can using a basting brush for sure), I rubbed a little of the lime oil all over both sides of each tortilla. Stacked a few high, then sliced those tortillas into triangle shapes. If you want to go crazy, you could cut them into strips or even use a cookie cutter and do some fun shapes… but triangle are easy, classic, and practical. A good shape for dipping!
Placed all nice and cozy on a baking sheet. trying not to overlap. Into a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes to complete the chip making process.. After about 15 minutes, check for doneness. When nice a crispy, remove from oven, squeeze lime juice all over and sprinkle with salt. I then stuck them back in the oven for a few more minutes just to dry the lime..
After cooling down, take those chips and stick them in a bowl.
Eat a few, but wait and save them for the party. Or better yet, make a few batches. Bring a batch, eat a batch. (Its ok, you are allowed)
Eat with some salsa, maybe some of this guacamole, or just as they are…Anyway is the right way as long as you are eating!
Have fun making these and have fun getting read for the party this weekend (Super Bowl or not!)
-C
Jalapeño Lime Tortilla Chips
Makes 12-14 tortillas.. then made into a medium bowl of tortilla chips.
Ingredients
2 cups masa harina
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups hot water
1 teaspoon salt
1 lime (juice and zest)
1 large or 2 small jalapeños
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt
To start, zest lime and add 1/2 of the zest to bowl with the oil. Place oil on warm spot on stove to let the oil infuse the limeness.
Take jalapeno and puree with 1 cup of hot water. In a large bowl, add puree and remaining lime zest to the masa harina and mix, adding an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of hot water until the dough resembles play dough, not to soft, but not to dry and completely incorporated
Divide dough into 12-14 balls and place on a plate under a wet paper towel to keep dough from drying out.
One at a time, take a dough ball and place between two pieces of wax or parchment paper. Place either a plate or cutting board on top and press down as hard as you can (you could even stand on it). Remove flatten tortilla from paper and place in medium hot skillet. Cook each tortilla for 2-3 minutes on each side.
When all tortillas have been made, lightly rub lime oil on all over both sides. Stack a few on top of each other and cut into triangles. Place pieces on a baking sheets (I used 2) and bake at 400 for 15- 20 minutes or until lightly browned and crunchy. When chips are done, remove from oven, squeeze or sprinkle lime juice on chips and sprinkle with salt. Stick back into oven for another 2 or so minutes to re-crisp from the lime juice.
Remove and let cool completely, then dump into a bowl
You ever have one of those days where its 9 am and your ready to call it a day? . Yesterday was one of those day for me. Its spring vacation around here (more like an arctic vacation) and I had volunteered my day to babysitting/ hanging out with 2 of my nephews, ages 11 and 13. (I know, I am the greatest sister). I had all of these great ideas and plans of things to do, but when it came down to it, they wanted to do nothing but play video games and not really listen to anything I said. I basically had to drag them outside to go for a walk we me and that’s all I could get them to do My great little nephews, I love them so much, but yesterday they had their minds set on being little monsters.
What we have going here…… Chopped up onion, celery, and carrot in a pot. Stick that pot on the stove for a few minutes on medium heat to start the cooking process. While that happening get the other stuff ready. A big can of diced tomatoes, hot sauce, worcestershire sauce*, prepared horseradish*, celery salt, garlic powder, salt and pepper And last but not least a good squirt of yellow mustard. Now add it all to the pot and bring to a boil. Turn down to low and stick a lid on it.
After about 20 minutes the veggies should be soft and the flavors should all have melded together. Taste soup as it is cooking and add any more spice that you want.
I stopped when I got to a smooth consistency with the littlest bit of texture.
And there it is…served with a stock of celery and a wedge of lemon (I forgot to add them to the pictures!) A bloody Mary to take the edge off any drag of a cold weather day. And best part.. left over soup is great served chilled with a shot of vodka to loosen this Mary up!
I can’t stop eating these. They are like little balls of crack and I am an addict.
The stuff you will need. Washed and drained fresh grapes (green or red. I usually use red but the green were half the price and the red ones didn’t taste very grapie*) Creamy peanut butter, skewers, and a little bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional)
When the grapes are frozen, melt peanut butter. Take a big glob and stick in a tall skinny cup or bowl and stick in the microwave or heat in a sauce pan and then transfer to a tall skinny vessel. Take frozen skewed grapes and, one skewer at a time, dip in the peanut butter. Cover with as much or as little of the peanut butter as you want and place on wax paper. If you are feeling feisty, add a sprinkle or cinnamon or even a dash of cocoa powder. Or, this may seem a little crazy, but garlic powder is so F*ing good.(it’s worth at least giving it a try) When all grapes are dipped, place back into freezer for another 10 minutes or so to let the peanut butter set up a bit.
Whenever your ready… Eat. And be so happy. And always keep a back stock of frozen grapes in the freezer. They are the best.
Ah Sunday…Monday-Saturday would suck without you. The past week has been glorious with all the warm sunny days. I have even managed to give myself a slight sunburn on my face (time to whip out the real sunscreen!!) I am really looking forward to today because honesty, I need a down day. Not complaining, but when the weather is nice, I try to do my life and spend as much time as possible being and playing outside, so I have burned myself out a bit. So today I have very little planned except a bike ride to the library to return and retrieve a few books that will keep me occupied for the rest of the day and maybe I’ll get to the baskets of dirty laundry and mop the floors… maybe. All I know for sure is that I have a least one pot of coffee coming my way. Much excitement!!!!!
The sky has had the most amazing clouds all week.
A walk leading to a free rain barrel. Love free stuff! (and everyone pictured)
We took the car through a car wash… My first time, it was thrilling. 
Only and his yearly bath. Wet cats look so pathetic, but he was a champ. Neither nick or I suffered any wounds.
So much asparagus… I can’t get enough! (and my pee doesn’t smell)
I have never in my life seen, let alone received, a kohlrabi as big as the one I picked up from my farm share last week. It was, no joke, bigger then my head. (completely nuts) If I didn’t know the farm and the farmers of my CSA, I would have to question whether or not it was grown in radioactive sludge…(kind of like the dandelions in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie from the 90’s)
A gigantic kohlrabi cut in half ( I only used one of the halts) A whole yellow onion and 2 large carrots. I also added in 4 cloves or garlic
All of those chopped veggies get thrown into a pot with two cups of water and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cover and place on medium heat for about 20-25 minutes. (give a stir ever now and then) Keep cooking until the veggies are fork tender. 
Once the chunks are all cooked up, its time for the immersion blender. (or into a regular blender) Add in at least 3 cups of water, but more to thin out to your desired consistency and let it rip. Stop blending once the soup is nice and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Leave on low heat to bring back to a good soup eating temperature.
Now the soup is done.. and you can eat it just as it is, but you should really add in the asparagus. It is just so f*ing good. Just grab a few spears, dice them nice and small, and throw into the soup pot. Let it cook for another 5 minutes and wa la.. 
Soup is done. Ladle into bowls and if you want a little fancy presentation, add a swirl of mustard (it’s so good) and a whole cooked asparagus spear.
Weird week. I feel like I have been so busy, but can’t quite figure out with what. I guess winter can do that to you, you know, when leaving the house kind of feels like a chore. Yup, it’s mid February when its cold, windy, snowy, and kind of mah. But it’s cool cause I feel like it’s all down hill from now. Soon we will be looking at an extra hour of daylight and hopefully some above freezing temps! (I think we have had a record amount of days below freezing here in VT) No, I am not complaining, just looking forward to getting out of hibernation.
It was farm share week and yes, that’s a kohlrabi bulb. And no, I have never in my life seen a kohlrabi as big as this one. It is for real bigger then my head. If I didn’t know my farm was organic, I would think that they were growing these in toxic sludge. Wondering what I am going to do with it? Come back this week and see.
Oh my love… A few days ago I had my super comfy warm rag wool mittens stolen from me at the gym. I know, I was so pissed, but hopefully whom ever stole them is getting good use out of them. Anyway, to my Valentines Day surprise, the mister got me a new pair and sewed a heart into the palm of one. So freaking cute right!
I like to take a look back at old pictures when I am feeling the crazy.. This one makes me think of summer and our honey bees. (That’s the mister digging into the top bar hive)
The blue sky! And oh man am I craving some traveling. I think this was taken somewhere is Colorado. I want to go back.
Oh do I love a good Sunday. The picture above was taken last Sunday and what a glorious day that was. The mister and I took the pup hiking and it was the most spectacular of days. Sunny, 30 degrees and no wind..I could’t have asked for better weather. 
Playing on the frozen lake. It was so freaking cold and windy, but we just had to do it!
Two of my favorite people in the world.
And I made brunch with 2 more of my favorites.
My little brothers (can I say little if they are bigger then me?) came over and we all had dinner together while listening to music from when they were born. Nothing like a few 17 year olds to make a person feel old.
Blooming daffodils. I love to watch my flowers open up, it’s just as good as the flower itself. 
I have been meaning do a post on seltzer and syrups for a while now and this one is perfect… Everyone around me has been getting sick and I am trying my hardest to not get anything. 
So lovely…. so nice. I really got into these flavors. This drink has the ability to make you feel warm and cozy while being cold and fresh. It makes me happy.
%u00a0 
Before we get to the fries, I just want to mention that %u00a0yesterday was one of those fantastic winter days that reminds me why I love living in Vermont. %u00a0Pretty white snow everywhere, the sun was out, and 20 degrees without a gust of wind. The trash dog an I were even able to go for a little hike. %u00a0It was so nice and soooo sooo needed!%u00a0 Anyways, the other day as me, my sister and the mister where putting together %u00a0one more piece of Ikea furniture, (I am the master at Ikea assembling!) %u00a0a little runs into the room and presents the mister with a Dominos pizza. Yup, a whole pizza just for him. Why you might ask? Well I guess my sister was %u00a0delivered the wrong pizza and the place didn’t want it back and she didn’t want it, so she gave it to him.
The carrots and the parsnips are all sliced up into big matchsticks and ready to be baked to crispy browned perfection. %u00a0I added the oil to the pan to toss the fries in and then sprinkled with a fair amount of salt and pepper. %u00a0If you don’t have and or want to use a cast iron pan, a baking sheet works just the same.
%u00a0 %u00a0
Oh saucy sauce stuff. Tomato puree, sriracha, and yellow mustard. Add a little bit of honey to lighten it up (can use brown sugar if keeping it vegan), a splash of apple cider vinegar and a couple minced cloves of garlic. Topped off with the smokey delightful spice of cumin. I cold eat this on everything%u2026and I kind of did.%u00a0
Fries are done, Sauce is ready. Served in super cute tea cups.(from now on I want to serve everything in tea cups.) A perfect side dish, snack, or even a light meal. %u00a0It lead the mister to ask the question…What pizza?%u00a0
How awesome will you be when you bring the most freaking amazing tortilla chips to the party this weekend? You will be like..”what, it ain’t no thang.. I am just good like that” Yes, yes you are.
Knead dough a few times just to make sure it’s completely uniformed and divide into 12-14 equal pieces. Place balls on a plate and cover with a wet paper towl to keep from drying out.
My cast iron skillet is big enough to cook 2 -3 at a time, but doing one at a time is cool too. Preheat the skillet to medium heat. Cook each tortilla for about 2-3 minutes ( or until starting to brown) on each side. 
Half way there to chips!!!
Placed all nice and cozy on a baking sheet. trying not to overlap. Into a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes to complete the chip making process.. After about 15 minutes, check for doneness. When nice a crispy, remove from oven, squeeze lime juice all over and sprinkle with salt. I then stuck them back in the oven for a few more minutes just to dry the lime..
After cooling down, take those chips and stick them in a bowl.
THE LOVELY CRAZY
November 29, 2019 by maximios • Blog
Are you aware that it is the last week of November? I know right. Every year this happens but seriously, it%u2019s just flying by so fast.
The mr and I did the norms for the week. Went for a amazing hike in nice snow. We worked on work, the mr made paper, I cut up the paper. I spent some time with clay, works the studio, organized some stuff and watched it snow and loved every bit of it. Then it rained and got kind of sad that all the snow melted.%u2639%ufe0f We picked up farm share, had dinner with my mom and Paul, hung out with the littles for a bit, and fed Barb some soup. Nothing terribly exciting, besides feeding Barb. She makes every exciting.
And then we get to Saturday. Family thanksgiving plus is was Erin%u2019s birthday. (Happy Birthday Beotch!) Always crazy, what with every one of my family members together in my house, eating food, and hopped up on booze and sugar. The day started early with me running away to the gym to get in some sane time, then one last stop at the grocery store before heading home to finish baking and getting all the food ready. Barb came over early to help cut up veggies but really, for her and the mr to make fun of me and gossip like little old ladies. So food got prepare, then I cooked it all. (Minus the main which mom made. She made a crazy chicken thing, cooked in her oven, and brought it over. No meat gets cooked in my house.) And then the family descended on the house, hungry and crazy. Food got served/ thrown all over and for a few short minutes, everyone was sitting down all at once together. But that lasted 2 seconds, and the kids went off and I ran back to the kitchen while everyone was eating to straighten up a bit and because I don%u2019t need to see people dropping chicken bits all over. I just let them eat in peace while I hid for a few minutes in the pantry and snacked on roast Brussel sprouts, carrots and mustard.
After everyone ate, we all ran around the house, picked secret Santa names, had a massive dance party in the kitchen and did dessert and birthday cake. Erins birthday yes, but Coco got to blow out the candles. So cute, that little loving the candles and all but I am going to be watching out for him. I think he might turn into a little pyromaniac. HAHAHA. But for real. Dinner ended with everyone leaving except Barb, Megan,and So. We picked up a little but basically just sat in the pantry eating raw Brussel sprouts from the stock, with mustard of course, and talking about boys. Then they left too and the mr and I were left alone to assess the damages.
The house. Oh my, oh my. It is a FUCKING DISATSER! I know I tell you all that I spend a good chunk of time every weekend cleaning%u2026Well this time, today, all Sunday, I%u2019m a be cleaning. Cleaning the cake and ice cream and cookies crumbles all over. Cleaning up the dinner rolls behind the couch, all the ripped paper, smashed potates, food and drinks particles. Chicken bits, which everyone was super awesome about and tried not to get anywhere, are everywhere. All. Over. The house. Then the kitchen. Every single piece of silverware and then some plus at least 40 plates and bowls are waiting for cleaning. Not to mention the the pots and pans. The compost is overflowing. The recycling is a mess, and I have at least 2 laundry loads of rags and napkins and dirty towels to do. The fridge looks like a freaking bomb blew up in it with tons of half lidded containers precariously stacked on top of each other, waiting for just the right movement of the neighboring jar or the movement of the hot sauce to have it all come crashing down. Aye ya ya. But all worth it because I love my family and we had a blast. I just need to remember next time I am at one of their houses to like pee on their toilet seat or mash some frosting into their couch cushions, you know, to be fair and all.
Anyway, so today I clean and maybe try to hang up some Christmas decorations? The mr is off to do very nice things for people that might not appreciate it, but do it he is going to do (he is too good a person). Hopefully by the time he comes home later tonight, I will be done cleaning, he will be done helping for a good long while, and we can eat soup and maybe watch a movie together. Or more realistically, he watches a movie while I read and probably fall asleep on the couch. Real life.
Reads I read from the internet this week.
-A long but good read. RuPaul: The Philosopher Queen. who doesn%u2019t love RuPsul?
-I just pulled out a nice tablecloth, covered in stains mind you, but maybe i%u2019ll be able to get some of them out now. A Cheat Sheet to Get Rid of Every Type of Holiday%u00a0Stain. Or not. I don%u2019t think I care enough. HA
-This is so appealing to me especially since the mr loves his heavy comforter and I just want a light blanket with the window thrown open in 20 degree weather. The Scandinavian Sleep Secret: Mine and Yours Duvets. HE is always covering me up at night.
–The best health foods? Soup, garlic and cake. Food is healing, and if cake makes you feel better, well then cake it be.
-These cakes remind me of my 5ht grade volcano science project. I made it out of cake and whipped cream. It was awesome. Antarctic Research Takes The Cake In These Science-Inspired Confections
–Vegan man sues Burger King claiming meatless burger is cooked on same grill as meat. This is one reason I do not eat out. Oe of the last times I did eat out, there were egg shells in my scamp bled vegan tofu dish%u2026.. So yeah.
-Who doesn%u2019t love a good TV tray? A Brief History of the TV Tray
-HAve you ever raised a adolescent dog%u2026 It is crazy to say the least. Animal adolescence is filled with teen drama and peer pressure
-So there is this ti look forward to. Cockroaches Are Evolving And in the Future They can Become Impossible To Kill
–A Brief and Buttery History of Libby%u2019s Pumpkin Pie Recipe. The pie of my childhood.
And pictures from the week.
I didn’t do this, it was Coco. I think he has a slight vendetta agains the Hulk. Must be jealous of his really big green body, or maybe his tiny head. Whatever it is, I am sure it is a valid problem that the 17 month old has. The head must come off.%u00a0
Another week come and gone with more snow then I think is acceptable. (The acceptable amount of snow now is none) This weather is really stalling a lot of outdoor work and projects that the mr and I have and need to do so I am very much going to appreciate the fine fine weather when it actually comes. Especially my feet because I don’t know hoe much longer I can handle having to wear socks. I should be in sandals right now.%u00a0
Other then the weather holding us back, we did accomplish somet things. We brough the new couch home (yay) but it is still sitting on the front porch awaiting the cleaning of it’s life.I didn’t get out to the garden this week, because ice and snow, but the seedlings are growing so well that I have upgraded their indoor soil dwellings to newspaper pots. We are still on a massive, ever more pressing hunt for a new faucet for the bathroom sink,%u00a0and I have decided to go into business %u00a0for myself making and selling sourdough bread and paintings of fish. (hit me uo if you need either) So yeah, we are doing things.
Early Friday morning %u00a0the mr and I hopped into the car and headed south for PA to visit with the Family. While down there we stayed at the old mans house somewhere in the Poconos. Megan, Justin, Alex, and the Bean (Sophia), came down too so it was a full house. %u00a0The visit wasn’t super long but we were able to spend the afternoon yelling at %u00a0Grammy (because she can’t hear for shit)%u00a0at her swanky new digs of a home. There we met up with aunt Teena %u00a0for a quick visit because she too is all out crazy now with seedlings, plowing fields and keeping the voles from eating her livelihood. . We also got in a hike, walked with the dogs, saw so many deer that I don’t really care that I see deer anymore and watched Major Pain because that movie is pretty much it.%u00a0A good quick visit for the books.%u00a0
And it’s Sunday, actually it is freaking way early Sunday morning.%u00a0If you are reading this before noon, the mr and I are most likely in the car driving home.We decided to hit the road early so we have some afternoon time to get some shit done.%u00a0As soon as we get home I am in for food,%u00a0a walk, a nap, and then hopefully enjoy some of that spring time weather that I hear is “suppose” to happen starting today and get some yard work done.%u00a0%u00a0It had better be nice out when I get home or else.
Internet fun times from the week
–All of the World’s Yeast Probably Originated in China.%u00a0Oh so thats where it came from.%u00a0
-This could be a great game changer, but lets not let it be an excuse to be assholes and use a bunch of plastic.%u00a0Recycling hope for plastic-hungry enzyme
-I did not know, and now I do.%u00a0How Birds-To-Be Get Oxygen Inside Eggs
-The Turn-of-the-Century Pigeons That Photographed Earth from Above.%u00a0Pigeons are cool.
-A Decade After The Bubble Burst, House Flipping Is On The Rise. It’s a crazy business.
-There%u2019s a Giant Unicorn Island Floating Off the Shore of the Philippines%u00a0This is for real and I don’t think I like it.
-Why buy pots when you an make them (just make sure the new paper ink is food based)%u00a0Easy Newspaper Pots
–Do I Have Seasonal Allergies or a Cold?%u00a0This is always the question. And I would rather it be a cold but it’s usually allergies.
-Your Cheat Sheet for All the Spring Alliums. Good to know if you don’t already.
–To Curb Ocean Pollution, U.K. May Ban Plastic Straws, Stirrers And Cotton Swabs. Super proactive,smart people.
Pictures from the week
I feel like we are stuck in Narnia with the White Witch. Always winter, always snow. It will be worth it though if I get to meet some talking beavers, but until then, I’ll start looking for the lion. This cold snow shit needs to end.%u00a0
The week has been pretty shity and very very stressful so we are going to leave that alone and I’ll just tell you about good things, like watching all of my house plants that I repotted grow like gangbusters. Or seeing the veggie seedings start to emerge from the dirt.%u00a0Half of them need to be repotted but the other half need to go directly into the ground. Glad I didn’t get to it this week because the snow and the snow and the ice, oh, and the stupid snow. We were with the Miley, Judah, and Emerson every day this week. We helped them clean and organize their bedrooms,which was stressful, but also fun. I almost accidentally %u00a0broke Mileys toes off, Judah showed us magic tricks,%u00a0%u00a0and Emerson taught %u00a0us all the alphabet. (And the mr got to play with so many dolls). There was time for So to stop over so I could fix her dress and eat carrots and make me laugh with all the funny faces. And we even had a few days of some what nice weather where I was able to open the windows in the house (that did not last long). Oh and the fridge, I was able to clean the shit out of the fridge. The week didn’t completely suck.
%u00a0I think that highlight of the week is that we found and %u00a0awesome new couch (and skill saw).%u00a0While we were looking for replacement faucets for the bathroom sink (because it is leaking bad)%u00a0we stumbled upon a very nice, not to big, not to small, vintage, excellent condition, very comfortable, couch. And it was on sale, like super cheap and pretty much exactly what we have been looking for.(there is a picture bellow) %u00a0Our current couch, the little yellow one that we use %u00a0in our spare room, is way to small and very uncomfortable and after today, it’s going bye bye. We pick up the new couch tomorrow. And when we do we will continue or search for a new faucet because we did not find what we were looking for. Until we do we %u00a0will be brushing and washing our hands in the bathtub.%u00a0
Today is going to be the first day in more then a week that the mr and I do not have some crazy crazy happening. So what are we going to do? Well I think we both need to turn off our phone, lock the doors, draw the curtains (we don’t have curtain) and hide from the world. Will that really happen, no, but it’s nice to think about. But I do think we will spend the afternoon relaxing a bit. I’ll paint, or read, the mr will probably work on screens or his fly file (it’s officially fishing season) and then we will go to bed early. Next week is a busy, but hopefully a good busy and not like shitty busy. Wish us luck.
What I looked at when I was looking at the internet
-I probably wouldn’t use it as a headboard but as a sweet ass wall piece… maybe someday I will get to it.%u00a0How to Make a Woven Headboard
-Now this is a sweet little cabin in the woods.%u00a0
–Fact or Fiction: Can You Really Sweat Out Toxins?
-I used to listen to music at the gym but after sweating all over and then ruining my 2 different iPods, I stopped. But I still hear music in my head.%u00a0%u00a0How Your Body Reacts When You Exercise With Music, According to Science
-How to Keep Your Social Life When You Love Going to Bed Early%u00a0Be friends with other people who go to bed early too.%u00a0
-I really want to go see this movie, and after reading this, I want to see it that much more.%u00a0And I really hate scary movie ( I also might be kind of in love with John Krasinski).%u00a0A Quiet Place%u2019 Turns Eating Into a Suspenseful Act
-Watch out, those non organic strawberries are probably toxic.%u00a0Strawberries again top 2018’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ fruits and veggies
–Drug Use Is Detectable on Your Fingerprints.Say what?
–New 360-Degree Immersive Drawing Created With 120 Marker Pens by Oscar Oiwa%u00a0Pretty freaking crazy
-Really, who eats these things?%u00a0People Have Started Panic-Buying Necco Wafers
Pictures from the week
Did you get to enjoy any of that spring day where the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and all the snow melted? I busted out the sandals, broke a sweat on a walk, and picked up some garbage that was living doormat under the snow and ice. That was one excellent spring day, and was well needed, and now I am ready for another snow storm because we all know it’s going to happen. And I want it too because spring winter, with clean fluffy snow and blue warm skys is the best. And then real spring will be even better. Ah the weather. Never a dull moment.%u00a0
As weeks go,%u00a0nothing out of the norm this past one. There was some work, some play, lots of baking, and some feeling like a crazy person. It’s that time of year when things are kind of slow but about to get crazy and we know it, but there is not a whole heck of a lot we can do to prepare so we just do what we can and wait. And plan. And plan an escape. We need to escape, at least for a little while. And the west coast seems to be calling our names. So we shall see of things to come.
%u00a0I did spend a good amount of time trying to finish up the star cave in the kids room before Friday because we had a planet pillow making sleep over party and I just wanted it to be done. (it pretty much is, I just need to do a little touch up) %u00a0The littles (Miley, Judah, an Sophia) slept over, Barb came too, and we spent all of our time cutting fabric, playing with filling, and eating and leaving popcorn all over the house. %u00a0They all used their newly made galactic pillows and got to experience the awesomeness of sleeping under the stars in a heated room(I think I really outdid myself with this paint job. And all for a kids room in our house when we don’t even have our own kids. Can we say #1 aunt and uncle? I think so). %u00a0They got to wake up to pancakes, more pillow making, dropped clothing in the toilet and Sophia brushing her teeth 4 times because she said if she does that she would not have to brush her teeth again for a few days. He logic makes perfect sense but luckily Miley was there to straighten her out (I just told her that she was so smart and what a great idea. HAHA) And then they left and we spent the afternoon cleaning the filth off of every surface because kids are gross.%u00a0
Not sure exactly what the plan is for today but I would like it to involve some kind of seed and or plant shopping which is the only kind of shopping (besides food) that I like. Other then that, a coffee nap (maybe under the stars) , maybe clean the car out if its not raining and brush the cat out because he is looking a little mangy.
Some of the Internet I looked at %u00a0this week
–The World’s Most Colorful Natural Phenomena. I must visit all these places.
– It happens to me all the time with the weirdest things.%u00a0%u00a0Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon.
-I love a perfectly made bed.%u00a0Expert Advice: Proper Bed-Making 101, How to Make Square Corners, Step by Step. It really does make me happy.%u00a0
–Like Lemons? Quinoa? Thank This Food Explorer For Bringing Them To Your Plate
-I have a Le Creuset and Martha Stewart and a Lodge. II want a Staub. %u00a0And I love them all in different ways.The biggest difference to me is that the cheaper I tend to chip the enamel on the cheaper ones.%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0Are Lodge Dutch Ovens Really as Good as Le Creuset and Staub?
-The loveliest chapel ever.%u00a0. %u00a0A National Park-Inspired Chapel Composed of Branching Fractals by Yu Momeoda
–MAKE A DURABLE DIY HALF APRON FROM A $4 PLACEMAT%u00a0Thinking of this next time I see a sweet ass placement
%u00a0-About to get my seed starting on.%u00a0Vermont Garden Journal: Seed-Starting Problem-Solving
–Can Being Cold Really Make You Sick?%u00a0And when you are sick Tea, Honey And Lemon: Does This Classic Trifecta Actually Help A Sore Throat?
And pictures from the week
How was your week? Was it as straight up nasty humid and gross as mine was? Stupid heat wave.. I was not impressed.%u00a0
I will be the first person to admit it, that I am not my best person when the tempature rises and humidity levels get so high that it starts to creep into my soul. I go a little crazy/ crazy bitch and just am not pleasant to be around.%u00a0%u00a0Or maybe it’s that everyone around me is not pleasant to be around. Either way%u2026. just not good.%u00a0
And I forget things, like to pick up the %u00a0farm share this week. Now I am forced to go grocery shopping to buy most of our veggies (we are still getting a good clip from the garden) until next week. And Let’s not mention the pup.. cause he is just as miserable, if not more then we are.
So to beat the heat, the mr and I found ourselves traveling around, river hopping.%u00a0He fished, I stuck my feet in the water and read, did some watercoloring, or knitted. It was fantastic and probably saved a few of the lives of the people around me.%u00a0
We also took my little brother and sister up to the Bio dome in Montreal for the day, which was pretty cool. And of course we didn’t leave the city without making the manditory stop at Ikea, where I got myself a nice new green jar and my sister ate not 1, but 4!!!! hotdogs, and topped it off with a dessert frozen yogurt. It was the highlight of her summer. and maybe the lowlight as well.%u00a0Now that I think of it, it makes sense why she was so %u00a0quite on the way home. She was in a Ikea hotdog coma.
So yeah, the heat and humidity have finally broke and we are now (hopefully) going to finish off the rest of summer with a delightfully non humid and hot, weather pattern.
And then it will be fall and %u00a0we will go APPLE PICKING!!!!%u00a0
Some stuff %u00a0on the internet this week.
–Is coffee a vitamin? I think so.
-Finally, a fantastic spork.%u00a0
-Vermont Farms Grow Some Surprising Fruits
-Pop Tart beer%u2026 Where will they stop?
–Do animals blow their noses? Good question.%u00a0
-Good to know.%u00a0Is washing fruit effective in reducing exposure to pesticides?
–I think I want to be a Globe Maker
-This is my house in Sweden%u00a0(Someday!?!)
-And my house in San Francisco(One more to my collection)
-An NPR Story About Homemade Vegetable Broth%u00a0
And pictures from the week.
Anyway, here is some internet stuff I have found fun and interesting this week
And some life stuff from the week…
It was farm share week and yes, that’s a kohlrabi bulb. And no,%u00a0I%u00a0have never in my life seen a kohlrabi as big as this one. It is for real bigger then my head. %u00a0If I didn’t know my farm was organic, I would think that they were growing these in toxic sludge. Wondering what I am going to do with it? Come back this week and see.
Well that’s about it. Hopefully where ever you are, you are warm and staying out of crazy. Just wait, a few more weeks we will have more daylight and I bet even some above freezing temperatures because it has to happen, right?
Have a great week!
-C
So that’s some internet stuff and here are a few life moments%u2026..
Which leaves me with my goals for the day..
Hope you all have a great day and the%u00a0most splendid week!
Stay warm!
-C
Anyways.. another week full of stuff that fills. I am a little taken aback that its already February%u2026 when was it January? Time just keeps going by fast and faster, (especially when I get cabin fever) and I think, “What have I done in the past year?” Well, I have done a lot. I was just looking through pictures from a year ago and found some of our tiny home in working progress. Not to many people can remodel a five unit house and a meat locker to live in, within a year.. by ourselves. (ourselves being Nick and I)..So yeah, that made me feel pretty freaking awesome and accomplished. (I needed to remember that because I haven’t been feeling it) But now I am feeling inspired and am looking forward to some new projects and fun things to come! (hopefully getting my pottery studio up and running, maybe another house remodel and lots of traveling!!%u2026. take that winter blues!)%u00a0
Anyway.. here are a few little bits from my week that made me happy.
The only warm day this week. (20..woo whoo!) Took the little out for a sled ride. She spent the entire time dragging her hands in the fresh snow.%u00a0
Happy Sunday!
Happy February!
And if you are into it%u2026.
Happy Football Super bowl Game and or party! ( If you need any awesome fast party recipes, I have bunch, just check out the recipes page!)
-C