DE-STRESS WITH COOKING AND CRAFTS

It's that time of year again!

2011-09-19T09:07:00.001-07:00

I have started crafting for this season. I am currently making an afghan to give as a christmas gift. Gifts will be as many homemade as I can pull off. I will also be doing a lot of baking. This economy has hit my household as it has many others. I found this ereader on amazon for a steal (since it's been discontinued)) and I've learned to make it work for me. I have found a wealth of free and very cheap books and I can take it anywhere. I love it. Im looking forward to a great season.

It's been a while

2011-01-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've even looked at the page. I have missed so much reading the blogs of other sewers, cooks, and knitters. It's an escape that is much needed these days. I plan to pick up again the relaxing hobbies that I enjoy and share once again.

2010-09-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

Oh my has is really been 4 months since i last posted? I think I have been really neglecting this blog. It's a pity because I love i so and I love reading the blogs of others. So glad it's fall again. Ready to bake again.

Stress relief in the garden

2010-05-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have had a hard work week with a couple bright spots. One was monthly brunch with our good friends and the other was gardening. The plants are growing by leaps and bounds. The tomato plant is as tall as me but no fruit yet :( It is wonderful just watching the transformation..............

Enjoying the warmth

2010-05-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

The weather has certainly warmed up and grilling season is in full swing. Not only is grilled food enjoyable to me but light foods that dont require heating up the kitchen. My husband made this shrimp salad, a twist on tuna salad with a bed of iceberg lettuce and fresh cucumbers. Delicious. Not to mention great steaks. The steaks were so good, I forgot to post the after pic lol.

Ahhhhhhhhhh, Spring!

2010-04-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

Even down here in Sunny Florida, spring took a while getting here but at last, its here. Before the oppresive heat comes, we are enjoying a paradise like weather and I am taking advantage by starting my garden. My veggies, all but a couple tomato and pepper plants were all started from seeds. It's been hard but so fulfilling and stress relieving. (I ought to add that to the title of this blog). I have tomato, green and red pepper, beans, peas, cantelope, brussel sprouts, cucumbers, squash and zucchini, cantelope,dill, scallions, chives and onions. I dont know what the yeild will be but I am so enjoying this.

HATS, HATS, HATS

2010-01-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, I started to crochet a hat for my son and ended up with this.... Lately, I've lost my mojo and haven't been crafting. Im feeling it again and am going to start on a new afghan................

2010-01-01T02:58:00.000-08:00

I HOPE THAT EVERY ONE HAS HAD A JOYOUS AND MEMORABLE HOLIDAY SEASON. AND A GREAT NEW YEAR TO COME! KEEP COOKING, KEEP KNITTING, KEEP CROCHETING AND KEEP SEWING!

Classic Di Porchetta - Dean

2009-12-15T12:03:00.001-08:00

Classic Di Porchetta - Dean & DeLuca

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This is definately on my wish list. I will have to find out how to make this on my own. This delicasy here is very pricey $850 to be exact. Definately cheaper to try and make on my own.

Rotisserie Chicken

2009-11-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

I have a new convection oven with a great rotisserie attachment. I used this form the first time and here are the results.... Golden, succulent, rotisserie chicken. Seasoned with salt, pepper, parsley, garlic and butter... Accompany with garlic mashed potatos and string beans and youre in heaven...............:)

Been so long

2009-09-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

OMG I cant believe how long it been. Im all but abandoned my blog. With working 3 jobs I can barely think straight. I have enjoyed browing and reading all of the other sewing, knitting, crochet and cooking blogs. When we went on vacation, I seem to have lost my battery charger on my camera and I love that camera. I hope to luck out on Amazon and find a replacement. I have so missed my blog. I hope to start posting again soon!

Erica the graduate Video by Jackie and Tony - MySpace Video#

2009-08-11T06:11:00.001-07:00

Erica the graduate Video by Jackie and Tony - MySpace Video#

Shared via AddThis

Family Road Trip

2009-07-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

It's July and time to embark on our summer road trip. It is a great way for us to bond and spend time together. Erica, my oldest came along for the trip. We were traveling to Michigan for Fourth of July gatherings on both sides of the family and to bring my mom home with us. She has taken care of us related or not and now she needs help and it's our pleasure to give it to her. My favorite part of the trip it being on the road, stopping with other families in mini vans, care and trucks with their cargo bags filled to the rim with kids, pillows, coolers, dvd players strapped to headrests and all the other stuff that we take to embark on a long trip. I sure hope that our children carry this wonderful tradition into their lives. We stopped half way there and got a couple hotel rooms and recharged. All in all, the trip was great. We had mini family reunions and great food. Great trip

NEW CATALOG

2009-06-24T18:17:00.001-07:00

I received a new catalog from Lion Brand Yarn. There are some great ideas for new projects. Enough to keep me busy while we venture out on our road trip in a couple days! I think I'd better start on my holiday knitting while I'm on vacation. Looking forward to it!

Hello

2009-06-21T23:08:00.001-07:00

IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I LAST POSTED. I HAVE BEEN WORKING SUPER OVERTIME AND NOW I AM ON VACATION. MY FAMILY AND I ARE TAKING A ROAD TRIP TO MICHIGAN AND I WILL BE CATCHING UP ON MY KNITTING AND CROCHET. I'VE DONE A LITTLE SEWING THOUGH. I HAVENT FINISHED MY DRESS. I NEED A DRESSFORM SO I CAN TAKE PICS OF MY PROGRESS. I SEWED A COUPLE TRAVEL PILLOWCASES FOR THE TRIP THOUGH. I BOUGHT A SMALL JANOME MINI SEWING MACHINE. IT IS AMAZING. I THINK IT WORKS BETTER THAN THE BIG ONE. I LOVE IT. I CANT WAIT TO TACKLE MORE PROJECTS WITH THIS MACHINE.

Wow!

2009-05-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

I have all but abandoned my blog for the past few weeks. Working so hard. I havent had time to enjoy my new sewing hobbie. (Which I love) I took this whole weekend off. Something I haven't done in ages. I took in the Jazz Fest in Clearwater and plan on doing nothing but watching TV and relaxing after that. I had a little exhaustion in the sun yesterday but that was remedied when we found a cool spot under a tree and lots of lemonade. The music was wonderful. Wayman Tisdale, Maysa and Eric Darius did their thing!

Love my machine

2009-04-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying my new machine. It's a beginners machine but very powerful. I have begun my first project. It'll probably take a couple of weeks to finish easy. After all, I am a beginner. This is just a stress relieving as knitting. I should really start working on that sewing room; what a mess! (LOL)

WHAT I'M WORKING ON

2009-03-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

I was at home on a rare off day when I discovered that my favorite show, The Tudors has began season 3 on Showtime on Demand. I was so excited. I got comfortable on my favorite spot on the couch, had a wonderful cup of coffee with hazelnut kahlua and whipped cream, and began crocheting. I think that I would like this to become a wrap , perfect for a cool evening concert.

MY BIRTHDAY!

2009-03-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

MY BIRTHDAY WAS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH AND I REALIZED THAT I HADNT MENTIONED IT ON MY BLOG. I SO ENJOY HOW THE OTHER BLOGGERS INVITE EACHOTHER TO SHARE IN HAPPY MOMENTS OF THEIR LIVES. THIS IS WHY I SO ENJOY BLOGGING. I HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME ON MY BIRTHDAY I CANT BELIEVE I DIDN'T POST IT. WELL HERE IT IS. A NIGHT AT THE BLUE MARTINI AND DINNER AT THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY WITH OUR GOOD FRIENDS. A GREAT TIME.

2009-03-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

AFTER CAREFUL RESEARCH, I HAVE DECIDED UPON THIS JANOME SEWING MACHINE. I HAVE READ A LOT OF GREAT REVIEWS AND HEARD NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS COMPANY. I GOT THIS MACHINE SUPER CHEAP AND CANT WAIT TO USE IT. HERE'S TO HAPPY SEWING!

2009-03-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

I RAN A FEW ERRANDS TODAY. ONE OF WHICH WAS TO LOOK FOR A SEWING MACHINE. TARGET HAD NICE ONES FOR SALE BUT I OPTED WITH OVERSTOCK.COM. I GOT A GREAT REFURBISHED MACHINE FOR ABOUT $55 (SHIPPING INCLUDED). I THINK I WILL BRANCH OUT FROM THERE. I GOT ALL OF MY STUFF TO COMPLETE OUR WEEKEND TASK, PAINTING THE ENCLOSED PORCH. MY HUSBAND'S GONNA LOVE THAT (LOL).I ALSO FOUND THIS GREAT WICKER BIN FOR $10 AT BIG LOTS. PERFECT FOR MY YARN. I ALSO HAVE TO CLEAN THE PANTRY. YEAH ME LOL! THE BIGGEST JOB IS THE YARD. WE HAVE ABOUT 6 CITRUS TREES(ORANGE, GRAPEFRUIT, LEMON/LIME& TANGERINE THAT ALL BEAR FRUIT. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE FRESH CITRUS AT HARVEST. I LOVE THEM BUT THEY TAKE OVER THE WHOLE YARD. I THINK WE'LL HAVE TO HIRE LANDSCAPERS TO CLEAN IT UP AND THEN I'LL FIGURE OUT THE REST. HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!!!!
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JUST IN TIME PIZZA

2009-03-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

I SAW THIS PIZZA ON THE KING ARTHUR FLOUR "BAKERS BANTER" BLOG. THIS LOOKS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. CANT WAIT TO TRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUILDING A WORKSPACE

2009-03-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have been working soooooooooooo hard (2 jobs). I have had to resolve to make time for crafting. I have even gotten interested in sewing. I had a small inexpensive machine for small jobs like hems and repairs. I am currently looking for a full sized machine and am having a ball searching through all of the great choices. I have become more interested in bigger projects. I got two patterns to start with. One is scrubs for work. I can never have too many scrubs and it seemed like the perfect pattern. I also got a pattern for this cute dress. I have the perfect fabric for it. I will try and see if I can get something going with it in time for the annual Jazz Fest in Clearwater in May. I set aside a small space and I am building a workstation. Right now it is in it's infancy. I have gotten great ideas from different blogs. I eventually want to convert our storage room into a sewing room. That will be a big job which I am not ready for yet but I do need a little space to call my own so this will do for now. I can use my dining room table to cut fabric.

BEEF STEW

2009-01-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

Now that we are settled into winter. ( Yes we even had a coldspell here in Florida), hearty meals are often craved. I love to make stews, chili's and casseroles this time of year. Especially when I lived up north. I made this beef stew with a cheap cut of beef, cut and cubed. I cooked the meat first and subsequently adding the veggies in order of the time it takes to cook. Potatoes and carrots take about the same time to cook. Add the veggies when the meat starts to become tender. After you add the veggies, make the gravy by dissolving a little flour in water and add to your stew. If more veggies is what you like then go for it. Be sure and season it to your liking, serve with a green salad and dinner rolls and you've got dinner and leftovers. Enjoy!

WOOD NEEDLES

2009-01-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

I PURCHASED THESE WOOD NEEDLES FROM KNIT PICKS AND JUST NOW GETTING A CHANCE TO USE THEM. THESE NEEDLES ARE WONDERFUL. THE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND COMFORTABLE AND MAKES KNITTING FLOW COMFORTABLY. I CERTAINLY INTEND TO BUY MORE.

MORE GADGETS

2009-01-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

With the holidays behind us all and a new year here full of resolutions. I resolve to enjoy my kitchen more. I have the greatest gadgets and dont use them as often as I'd like to. I have seen a multitude of wonderful recipes on a number of wonderful cooking/food blogs. I plan to try more of them. I found these latest gadgets on the clearance rack. Nothing costed more that 4 bucks. I found a meat mallet, pastry cutter, potato ricer (which I can wait to use) and a collapsable strainer. Lets see what I can cook up with these!

LEMON POUND CAKE

2008-12-30T14:58:00.000-08:00

I must admit, I cheated a bit with this cake. I just dont have time to do a lot of baking from scratch so I went "semi-homemade". For a moist cake, I added a cup of prepared vanilla pudding and a half cup of applesauce and for the glaze, I melted lemon icing and brushed it on top. Very delicious!!!!!!!!!!

WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS

2008-12-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was wonderful. I was home with my family and it was my daughter's first Christmas as an independent woman. I am grateful that she is living only half and hour away. I came home from work to my traditional Christmas mamosa and the kids opened their gift. All were excited. After a holiday season full of traditional big meals, I baked a spiral, we had spaghetti salad and created a variety of meal trays. This is how we do Christmas each year. I hope the everyone's Christmas was wonderful!

HOLIDAY CUPCAKES

2008-12-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

TODAY I HAVE BEEN BAKING CUPCAKES , CUPCAKES AND MORE CUPCAKES. DEVIL'S FOOD, YELLOW AND RED VELVET. I USED MY NEW WILTON DECORATOR TO FROST THEM. OH WHAT FUN. NOW I HAVE TO PACKAGE THEM AND DELIVER THEM. BUT NOW A NAP. WORK TONIGHT!

HOW COOL IS THIS???????????

2008-12-22T13:28:00.001-08:00

I FOUND THESE CUPCAKES ON THE BLOG OF A KNITTER AND I THOUGHT THEY WERE AMAZING. I HAVE GOT TO FIND THIS BLOG SO I CAN GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE. WHAT IMAGINATION! PERFECT FOR THE KNITTER LIKE ME!!!!!!

FUN CUPCAKES

2008-12-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

THESE CUPCAKES FALL UNDER THE CATAGORY OF "SEMI-HOMEMADE" MY BASE WAS A YELLOW CAKE MIX WITH MY OWN ADDITIONS LIKE APPLESAUCE, BUTTER, VANILLA AND A LITTLE PUDDING FOR A VERY MOIST, RICH CUPCAKE. CUPCAKES ARE WONDERFUL. I MADE A BATCH FOR WORK AND MY DAUGHTER AND HER ROOMATES AS WELL AS THE KIDS AT HOME. WITH CUPCAKES YOU HAVE YOUR INDIVIDUAL SERVINGS, TRULY PORTABLE! THE PERFECT TO GO DESSERT.

HOLIDAY APPETIZERS

2008-12-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

I made these appetizers for Thanksgiving. I make them almost every holiday. They are a big hit and keep folks out of the kitchen until the main courses are ready. I made crab dip with crab meat, vidalia onions, cream cheese ( garden veggies flavored), salt and pepper. I also used the salmon flavored cream cheese. I seasoned the cooked shrimp for the shrimp cocktail with onion, celery, and old bay and lemon and used store bought cocktail sauce. The smoked salmon platter has red onions, capers, egg and sourcream dill sauce. This washed down well with Chardonnay or Sparkling wine!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GREAT ITEMS

2008-11-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

My husband bought me this buffet server today. It was unbelievably cheap at Target this week. My first thought when I got this was the last potluck dinner we had at work without enough equipment to keep our food warm. I also found this cool cooktop for about 12 bucks (I love the feeling of finding a bargain). I already own a small 4 quart nesco roaster oven and recently purchased a crockpot versaware but this buffet server is great and it serves also as a warming plate. Just in time for Thanksgiving!!!!! If I can get all the girls at work to purchase one of these, then our potluck problems are solved!

Election Day Fried Chicken

2008-11-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

Never have I seen such an exciting election day. I was in the mood for an American Favorite.Fried Chicken. I use my iron dutch oven that I have had for about 10 years now. Absolutely perfect for frying chicken. This pot is my chicken fryer. I cleaned the wings, legs, thighs and breasts. If the thighs and breasts were too large, I used a cleaver to cut them in half for faster cooking. The seasoning usually consists of seasoned salt, and pepper and I add a bit of cornmeal to my flour. The seasoning goes into the flour as opposed to the chicken itself. The chicken must be patted dry before dredging. I let them cook for about 8-10 minutes per batch. Each batch contains about 5-6 medium-small pieces. Fry the until they are golden brown and floating in the oil. MMMMmmmmmmmmmm MMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmm. Fried Chicken!

Light Meal!

2008-11-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

Today I wanted dinner to be on the light side so we went with fish. We grilled grouper fillets and asparagus spears. The grouper and asparagus were seasoned with seasoned salt black pepper and red pepper flakes. We then sprayed them lightly with olive oil cooking spray and grilled for about 5 minutes on each side for the fish and five minutes for the asparagus if frozen and ten minutes if fresh. With that, iced tea and a light and healthy meal is served!!!!!!!!!!!!

MY STASH

2008-10-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

I recently gave a lot of yarn away and I still have a considerable stash. My imagination is blooming with ideas. My favorite things to create are afghans. Crocheting them are quicker but knitting is more about relaxing with your craft. Speaking of stash, my son and I picked up Halloween candy for the trick or treaters and wow, we have quite a stash! This is the best time of year!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cool twist for halloween from Betty Crocker: A Spooky Haunted Gingerbread House!

2008-10-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

THIS IS SUCH A COOL TWIST ON THE TRADITIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE. I CANT WAIT TO WORK ON THIS WITH MY KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Create a creepy gingerbread house decorated with your favorite candies and cookies. It's a fun project for the entire family!

Prep Time: 25 min
Total Time: 2 hours 25 min
Makes: 30 servings

Gingerbread and Decorations
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup full-flavor molasses
1/3 cup cold water
3 1/2 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Assorted candies and cookies
Frosting
1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon full-flavor molasses
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch square pan and 15x10x1-inch rectangular pan. In large bowl, mix brown sugar, shortening and molasses until well blended. Stir in cold water. Stir in remaining gingerbread ingredients except candies. Press one-third of dough into square pan; press remaining dough into rectangular pan.
2. Bake 1 pan at a time about 15 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched in center. Cool 5 minutes; turn upside down onto large cutting surface. Immediately cut as shown in diagram (cut windows if desired). Cool completely, about 25 minutes.
3. In medium bowl, mix 1 cup of the powdered sugar and remaining frosting ingredients until smooth. Stir in enough remaining powdered sugar to make stiff frosting. (If frosting becomes too stiff, stir in additional milk.)
4. Decorate front of house as desired using frosting and assorted candies and cookies. For windows as shown in photo, cut yellow tissue paper slightly larger than outline of windows. Brush paper with vegetable oil and "glue" to back side of windows, using frosting. Use frosting to attach supports to back of house, sidewalk to front of house, door and sign to front of house and fence to sidewalk. Complete decorating as desired.

Planned-Overs
Didn’t use up all of the frosting and decorations? Spread leftover cookies with frosting for a sweet treat.
Special Touch
Invite neighborhood kids over for a “house decorating” party. Have the gingerbread base made and assembled, and set toppings out in separate bowls. Make a batch of gingersnaps to serve to your crew. Decorating a house can be hard work!
Storage Tip
Your haunted gingerbread house is made from natural ingredients so should be kept for one holiday only. It's so simple to create, you’ll want to make it bigger and better next year.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving: Calories 155 (Calories from Fat 35 ); Total Fat 4 g (Saturated Fat 1 g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 110 mg; Total Carbohydrate 28 g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 2 g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 2 %; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 8 %; Iron 12 % Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Fruit; 1/2 Fat
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

ITALIAN SAUSAGES WITH ONIONS AND PEPPERS AND BLANKETS!

2008-10-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

I COOKED ITALIAN SAUSAGES WITH ONIONS AND PEPPERS. I BROWNED THE SAUSAGES AND ADDED ONIONS AND BELL PEPPERS. PLACE THE ENTIRE OVEN SAFE PAN INTO THE OVEN AND BAKE FOR ABOUT 25 MINUTES. THEY CAN BE SERVED ON BUNS WITH A GREEN SALAD AND DINNER'S DONE.
AS FOR MY BLANKETS. I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY STRIPPED BLANKET FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. I WOULD HAVE BEEN FINISHED BUT DOUBLE SHIFTS ALWAYS MAKE IT HARD. MY BABY BLANKET IT SO FAR BEHIND. I HAVE BEEN DOING A LITTLE WORK ON BOTH TODAY. I SHOULD FINISH BY THE END OF THE MONTH. THE FUN FOR ME IS THE CROCHETING AND KNITTING ITSELF. THAT'S WHERE THE STRESS RELIEF COMES IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GRILLED NY STRIP STEAKS

2008-10-19T17:08:00.001-07:00

MY HUSBAND FINALLY PUT OUR NEW GRILL TOGETHER. WE HAVE A BARREL CHACOAL GRILL AND BOUGHT A GAS GRILL. TO BREAK IN THE NEW GAS GRILL, MY HUSBAND MADE NY STRIP STEAKS. WE WERE BOTH IMPRESSED WITH HOW PERFECT THE STEAKS TURNED OUT. HE SEASONED THEM SIMPLY WITH SALT AND PEPPER, RUBBED THEM WITH GARLIC, AND FINISHED THE MEAL WITH SEASONED ROASTED POTATOES, GREEN BEANS AND A BOTTLE OF BOURDEAUX. WE COULDN'T HAVE EATEN BETTER AT THE FINEST STEAKHOUSE. HATS OFF TO YOU BABY. YOU DID GOOD!

I'M BACK

2008-10-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

WELL THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS HAS BEEN CRAZY! I HAVE MOVED INTO A DIFFERENT HOUSE AND THE ECONOMY IS CRUMBLING BEFORE MY EYES. I HAVE TAKEN A GREATER JOY IN MY COOKING AND KNITTING. IT REALLY HELPS WITH THE STRESS. LET'S JUST HOPE FOR THE BEST

HOW COOL IS THIS?

2008-09-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

I found this ice cream maker from DD's Discount for 20 Bucks! Can u believe that? My kids are going to be plesantly suprised with this one. Cant wait to get started.

2008-09-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

A WHILE AGO, I FOUND THIS WONDERFUL YARN CALLED FETTUCINI. THIS YARN IS WONDERFUL AND BULKY AND I THOUGHT I HAD MORE THAN ONE BALL. I GOT THIS YARN FROM BIG LOTS FOR ONE DOLLAR A BALL. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS DISCONTINUED BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE. IT'S A SHAME THOUGH BECAUSE I STARTED KNITTING AWAY AND WHEN I GOT TO THE END OF THE BALL, I WAS SO DISSAPPOINTED TO KNOW THAT I WAS ALL OUT. I THINK I'LL KEEP LOOKING AT THE DISCOUNT STORES. OTHERWISE, I'LL MAKE A SCARF FOR MY SHIH TZU OSCAR.

2008-09-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

THIS WAS A LOT OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I PUT AN X BY THE THINGS THAT I WOULDN'T CONSIDER AND LEFT BLANK THE THINGS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO TRY
If you want to join in, here are the rules:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. CrocodileX
6. Black Pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. PhoX
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. EpoissesX
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork bunsX
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie Gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Head Cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper WILL NEVER DO AGAIN!
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna caudaX
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassiX
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream teaX
38. Vodka jellyX
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried Goat
42. Whole InsectsX
43. PhaalX
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whiskey from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. FuguX
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. EelX
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea Urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. UmeboshiX
53. AbaloneX
54. PaneerX
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. PoutineX
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin - can't even find what this is!
64. CurrywurstX
65. DurianX
66. Frog Legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. HaggisX
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. RoadkillX
76. BaijiuX
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom YumX
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe Beef
86. HareX
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. HorseX
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissaX
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee

WHO KNEW?

2008-09-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

I HAD NO IDEA THAT BAKED SPAGHETTI WAS SO EASY. I TOLD MY HUSBAND YESTERDAY AT DINNER THAT I DONT KNOW HOW WE DIDN'T THINK OF THIS YEARS AGO. ALL YOU DO IS MAKE THE SPAGHETTI THE WAY U NORMALLY DO (YOUR OWN SPECIAL RECIPE), PUT THE ENTIRE DISH INTO AN OVEN SAFE DISH, ADD YOUR FAVORITE CHEESE ON TOP AND BAKE FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AT ABOUT 375 DEGREES. AND IT WAS SIMPLY DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!

GREAT KITCHEN HELPER

2008-09-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

I recenty found these glad simply cooking bags that allow you to cook fresh veggies in the microwave. These bags are wonderful and I recently found some on the clearance rack at Target. It's a great way to save time and serve fresh veggies to your famly!!!!!!!

I love them.

NEW TOYS ON A BUDGET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

I often shop discount stores for kitchen items at a steal. This way I am able to buy all kinds of "toys" for my kitchen. If I see a chef on tv or even a chef on a blog with a cool tool or gadget, the discount stores is where I look first and I usually get them dirt cheap. Here are a couple of things I found. This egg slicer is so cool. The bacon press was $5 and works well with my cast iron skillet. The hand blender was less than 10 bucks and an inexpensive way to own a cool little appliance without upsetting my husband. I paid less than $40 bucks for these items. This is also how I get most of my yarn. I go to stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, BigLots(where I get yarn for about $1 a ball) and when Target has a sale, I'm there if there's money in the budget for it. The Crock Pot for example, was only $20 bucks! Can u believe that! I can't wait to get cooking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lazy day at home

2008-09-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Today is our one day out of the week where everyone is home. It is very warm today. The rain made it warmer but we had bbq ribs for dinner. My husband commands both grills (gas and charcoal) and he loves it. We topped it off with his semi-homemade sauce, mac and cheese, and baked beans.

My progress on the baby blanket is slow. I'm using yarn that I already have since I have quite a stash. I'll give it a few hours tomorrow. I am just going to enjoy the rest of my family day because the chaos begins again tomorrow!

2008-09-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

With school back in swing, the baking bug has bitten. I baked my son devil's food cupcakes for having a great week at school. I used a box mix and added a few things like chocolate pudding and applesauce instead of margarine. What resulted was very moist and decadent confections. Meanwhile, I am working on a baby blanket for a friend at work who's daughter is expecting.

Holiday Knitting

2008-09-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

I am starting my holiday knitting and crocheting. My gifts will mostly consist of scarves and hats and mittens. Fairly easy projects. There are so many beautiful yarns out there. I know that every recipient will be pleased. Meanwhile, I need to make dinner and get ready for work. (Nightshift calls)

VACATION'S OVER BACK TO WORK BACK TO SCHOOL!

2008-09-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

Although I have had a wonderful summer with my family, ( Two trips this summer; One to North Carolina and one to Orlando) it feels good to get back to routine. I truly miss the signs of fall like the leaves turning colors (because I am now living in florida), but autumn is coming none the less. I recently got back into my crocheting and knitting and I am cooking more. I have started a few projects, but no finished product yet. For me the fun is in the creating. I am still learning knitting techniques but have crocheted since I was 10. The best stress reliever. And relief is what I need working full time as a nurse.