Sunday, November 27, 2016

Thankful!

I recently had a week off from work and enjoyed spending time with my kids! It's crazy how we get so involved in day to day activities that we forget what’s important. We make sure we get to work on time, get everything done at work and home, spend a few hours watching a TV show that doesn’t mean anything then go to bed and start all over.

As I get older and I have time to reflect on my past and future, I realize that I am so lucky to have this time with my parents, my girls, and now my girl’s partners. I am looking forward to seeing how their lives evolve. Simple things like playing a game of Monopoly and hearing the laughter just made me realize how much I have to look forward to.

I went on a hike this week, a hike that I said no to several times. After the hike I realized that I need to spend time looking around and appreciating the little things in life, and not worry about the crazy things that in a year won't even matter.
 


Here are a few photos from the hike, remember what is important and appreciate those moments. 

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Unique Farmhouse Bench

I wanted to share this cute and unique farmhouse bench I found at an estate sale last weekend. It is not only a very cute bench it is a bookshelf too! I love the crescent moon cutout on each end, of course I had to put it in my bathroom.

The bench was very dirty when I took it home - again my wood preserve that I have shared with you in an earlier blog came to the rescue! It brought the dried out wood to life showing all of its unique character.





The small rag rug on top was a purchase from a sale I went to last year. Love it when the treasures you find fit so well together.  


Monday, September 5, 2016

Autumn is here, time to decorate!

I shared with you last year my love of all things autumn, decorations, cooler weather, football (Go Bobcats!) warm pumpkin drinks; I could go on and on…. 

Everything is back out again and I am ready to share my fall decor again! 



Enjoy your autumn and get your decorations out today!

Lucky has his Martha Stewart sweater on 
he is ready for the fall! 

"It's a good thing."

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Pan Protectors and Scrubby's for the Kitchen

A while back I made these red scrubbers for the Kitchen with Red Heart Scrubby yarn. It is easy to knit and it makes great scrubbers to clean up stubborn messes on your dishes. They wash up great and you can use them over and over.

I found this next project on Pinterest to make pan protectors instead of using paper towel. I am using some of my stash up and protecting my new pans! 
Since I got this set of pans I have been using paper towels to separate the pans so they don't scratch.I never thought about knitting these doilies - this is why I love Pinterest! Here is an easy pattern and you can make these while you are watching Lifetime movies or Netflix this summer! The pattern is called "The Almost Lost Washcloth"

The Almost Lost Washcloth:
No. 8 Needles (U.S.)
Cast On 14 stitches and knit back
  1.  Knit 4, yarn over, knit, leaving 2 stitches and knit back
  2.  Knit 4, yarn over, knit, leaving 4 stitches and knit back
  3.  Knit 4, yarn over, knit, leaving 6 stitches and knit back
  4.  Knit 4, yarn over, knit, leaving 8 stitches and knit back

Cast off 4 and knit to end – knit back (should be 14 stitches on the needle)Repeat for 14 points - Leave enough yarn to sew sides together and go around circle and draw circle together. - Tie ends in a double knot.
Lucky is very helpful with my knitting! 

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Pizza from your garden!

My daughter sent me this recipe for homemade pizza crust. We like to make pizza with our basil leaves and small tomatoes and a little bit of Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese. The basil is growing great this year, I bought the cherry tomatoes for this pizza. I did plant cherry tomatoes this year however I have never had much luck producing tomatoes; although I'm very good at growing the plant. If you have any recommendations please let me know.



Here are the photos of the pizza. Hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do!


Ingredients:
1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
½  teaspoon white sugar
½  cup lukewarm water
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg, beaten
Directions:
Stir yeast and sugar into lukewarm water, using a fork. Let stand in warm place until a creamy layer forms on top of the water, about 10 minutes.

Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Mix olive oil into four and stir for 2 minutes. Pour yeast mixture and beaten egg into flour mixture and stir to make a stiff dough. Turn dough out onto a floured work surface and knead until springy and smooth, about 8 minutes. Place dough into a floured bowl and cover with a piece of plastic wrap wiped with a thin film of olive oil.

Let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down and roll out to desired shape.  


Lucky says have a safe and happy Fourth of July!!

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Rhubarb Crisp

I was on a rhubarb kick a few years ago and I planted three rhubarb plants. Two have taken off and produce an amazing amount of rhubarb for us. One little plant just barely survives year after year. I have transplanted it, but still it's not happy. Here is a photo of my rhubarb, iris and hollyhock patch! My grandmas Iris plants did very well this year


I wanted to share this easy recipe for rhubarb crisp. It's easy and delicious!

Total time: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 45 min.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups sliced fresh rhubarb
2 cups sliced peeled apples or sliced strawberries
1 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla Ice Cream Optional (but delicious!)

Directions:
1.  In a large bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add rhubarb and apples or strawberries; toss to coat. Spoon into an 8-in. square baking dish.
2.  In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, butter, flour and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until bubbly and fruit is tender. Serve warm with ice cream if desired. Yield: 8 servings.




Enjoy!

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Lacy Wrap

This lacy wrap pattern was found on Patternworks, I used the same yarn they recommended. It is a very easy pattern and I really like the way it turned out. I also purchased the removable buttons from Patternworks. The buttons have a removable screw and can be put on any scarf or sweater. They make a nice finishing touch. This wrap definitely requires a little something extra. 

My daughter models it so nicely!

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Convertible Cowl

Whenever I go get my tires rotated or checked, I end up at the yarn shop while I wait; this always leads to purchasing something. I know that I could just go to the yarn shop without this excuse, but I really don't need anymore projects! Last fall while waiting, I went into the yarn shop and I saw this cowl displayed. They usually have the pattern displayed with the sample, but this time I had to ask about the pattern. Turns out, it was on Ravelry. I went home and purchased the pattern. I love the idea of changing it by buttoning it differently. I already had both the yarn and the buttons, and they just seemed to work together for this versatile pattern. Below are some process pictures of the cowl and the final product.


I am always drawn to anything green! I should look that up and see what that means.
Here is the link to the pattern: 
  

Here is the cowl completed! 



I think it turned out great, I would recommend this pattern! 

Friday, April 8, 2016

Back Roads of Montana

We have had the most beautiful spring weather here in Montana. We decided to go for a drive and ended up on a dirt road. We had spectacular views of the mountains. I have attached a few photos from our drive to share with you.



Lucky loves to go on rides! 

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Welcome Lucky!

I have been looking for a new dog for over a year now, after our little Pomeranian Ivy died. She was 10 years old and diagnosed with a tumor, it was a very sad ending. It took me a long time to decide to get another dog. I checked the humane society website daily, I looked at an adorable litter of puppies from the shelter and two year old pug who needed a home, but neither seemed to be the dog that fit. I was not sure that adopting a puppy and working would work for me at this time. I kept looking. I even told everyone at work I was looking for the right dog.  

Two weeks ago a friend from work sent me a text to get down to the local shelter, saying that "There is a cute dog that would be perfect." The old owner turned him in because they traveled too much. I saw the photo, filled out my paperwork, and was the first person at the door when they opened. I was not the only one; there were a total of at least 26 others as well as several calls about this dog. I went in on Friday and saw Lucky, who was very nervous but very friendly. He is a 5 year old white Schnauzer. I left that day thinking that I would not even stand a chance with so many people interested in him. 


My daughter and I were driving by the shelter on Saturday and I said, "Lets go see Lucky. I just want you to see him." We took him out to the greeting area. He was busy marking his territory, but when I called him, he came running and jumped on my lap. I asked them when they would be deciding on who got to adopt him and she said "I just decided and it’s you!" They offered a weeklong "babysitting" trial period which we could see if he liked his new environment and we could check out his behavior to see if we fit. After two days, we knew we wanted to adopt him.


Lucky is now formally adopted, well actually it's more a "re-homing" situation. I feel very fortunate to have this dog in my life.  He has been in our home for two weeks. I'm very glad I waited to find the perfect fit and give this dog a forever home. 

Friday, March 11, 2016

"Sláinte!" (Health!/Cheers!)

In 2008 I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to Ireland with my Dad and my two girls, it was a trip that I will cherish forever. We saw amazing scenery, met the nicest people, ate wonderful Irish food and stayed in some truly amazing places. We were on a tour bus with a very entertaining tour guide and nice group of people. Our tour included the basics, touring routes, accommodation, and sightseeing in Dublin, Galway (including Connemara & Clare) Killarney, Waterford and Kilkenny. We enjoyed home cooked Irish breakfasts every morning, and true Irish hospitality.


Along with my great memories I brought back several souvenirs which I enjoy decorating with all year long, but especially in March. I always stop to look at Irish decorations and can't help adding to my collection. I have found some nice treasures at Cavanaugh's County Celtic shop in Butte Montana, the people are so friendly and they have a shop full of treasures. Below are some of my Irish decorations including the Belleek and Linens from Ireland.

If I ever get another opportunity to go back to Ireland I will jump at the chance. I can honestly say it was the best trip I've ever had.   

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Cookbook Collection

A few posts ago I was letting you know about my book holder find from a thrift store and how I restored the wood. Here it is updated with some of the old cookbooks I have found over the years. One of my favorite places to find old cookbooks is the fall library sale they have here. People donate books to the library that you can purchase and the money goes back to support our local library. I have found several cookbooks that make a colorful display and give you a glimpse into the past.


As I flip through the pages it is fun to see what people have hand written by recipes. They update what they did or what they should do next time adding their recommendations to make it better. It makes me smile when I see the handwriting from my mother or my grandmother’s generation it really is different from today’s penmanship. If you are looking though a family cookbook you might find a treasure - I found a letter to my mother from her father in one of them which she had forgotten about and it brought back lots of memories for her.
  

The recipes might not fit into today’s health conscious life styles with lard, butter and more butter, but they tend to have fewer ingredients that you commonly find in your pantry and best of all are made from scratch.



Sunday, February 21, 2016

Sunday Drive

It was a sunny day today in the Bitterroot Valley and a beautiful day for a drive. The temperature was 41 degrees Fahrenheit. We have had cloudy weather here for the past several days and we jumped at the chance to get out and enjoy the day. Here are a few photos we took today on our drive. The snow on the mountains is amazing against the blue sky.


Here are a few more photos to enjoy. We saw a few deer crossing the road and just caught one looking back at us.


Hope your day was as sunny!

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Completed!

I decided to hand quilt this quilt years ago and I finally completed it!  I would work on it then put it away for a year then pull it out – you know how it goes. I do believe my final incentive was that I wanted it for the room we painted last summer. I had never hand quilted a quilt this large before and I can honestly say that I will probably never attempt that again. It is rewarding to look at it now as I do prefer the look of a hand quilting; the hours spent doing it though is crazy!


Here are photos of the completed quilt; I think it looks great with the antique iron headboard and frame.


At any rate it is a good start to the year when you can start checking things off your to-do list. I will get back to my wool applique quilt now and check that off my list next.  I have so many projects I want to start, but my 2016 resolution is to finish projects I have already started and I am sticking to it. 

Saturday, January 23, 2016

New Slippers

I decided it was finally time for new slippers. This is my sixth pair of slippers I have made from this pattern, my girls and I have really enjoyed them. This slipper is constructed more like a shoe than a sock.

Below are my old slippers, as you can see I really needed a new pair!  I took the green buttons off the old pair and put them on the new pair. I included photos of the slippers before and after the felting process.


This is a great pattern, you can find it on Ravelry it is the French Press Felted Slippers by Melynda Bernardi. I think you will really enjoy making this easy project, plus they are warm and cute!