tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19956076139952278182024-03-12T17:56:59.797-07:00Home Made HavenFinding My Creative Muse From HomeKatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-83886080831156764852013-04-03T10:56:00.000-07:002013-04-03T11:05:49.112-07:00Frugal Monday Menu on a Wednesday | Lentil SaladSorry, I didn't get to post this on Monday, but I do want to share my lentil salad. It's cheap to make and yummy to eat.
I read recently where more people are turning to bean recipes for their low cost, but high protein value. It makes sense. Meat costs are skyrocketing and will probably keep going up, up, up. And then, of course, there the issue of too many hormones and if that's Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-13635427425786051022013-03-30T12:59:00.001-07:002013-03-30T13:17:48.713-07:00Where Have All the Spoons Gone?You know that black hole where socks disappear? I think there's a black hole for spoons, too!
I started with 48 teaspoons 10 years ago (two 60-piece sets). This is what I have left! I still have plenty of knives, forks and tablespoons!
Where did they go? Well, no one is talking.
The cost of replacing them with the same pattern (now discontinued by Oneida) is over $2.50 each. Ouch and ain't Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-98231661154016702013-03-26T10:41:00.000-07:002013-03-26T12:44:14.753-07:00Morning Pictures | Coming to LifeIt feels like Spring is here and things are beginning to come back to life.
Poppies are... well, popping up.
The roses are starting to show their leaves again.
Peach trees are blooming.
Even one of apple trees is showing blossoms.
It's feeling so Spring-like that Hubby is working on the drip systems.
Life is good. Even Maggie Mae says so.
Hope life is blooming in your Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-30628968874230532052013-03-17T10:51:00.000-07:002013-03-17T11:01:37.274-07:00Hopping Into SpringI haven't done much holiday decorating lately (not even this past Christmas), but I thought I change my ways... at least a little.
Of course, it probably has more to do with finding this cute little pate at the thrift store yesterday. Isn't he he cute. I just loved him the moment I saw him. And he was less than a buck (which I say that about the waaaay too expensive Jelly Bellies).
I found Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-33727437171205913622013-03-08T12:40:00.001-08:002013-03-08T12:56:17.104-08:00Snow Day - Take 3Wow! It snowed again last night. That's the third time this winter, which is unusual for us.
I know a lot of folks around these blogs are "pining" for Spring (sorry!). But not me... yet!
Maybe it's a residual of those 150 mile round-trip days going to my last gig. I'm probably more tired than I realized.
No, for now, I'm happy to be hunkered down in the kitchen, next to Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-4973496411930138002013-03-06T16:05:00.000-08:002013-03-06T16:05:48.941-08:003 Strategies for Staying On TrackNow that I'm working from home again, I have to admit... I don't always feel like working. It's too easy to get caught up on a 101 things or spend all afternoon on Pinterest. But between my previous life as a freelance writer and a whole lot of things I took part in during my corporate days (project management, six sigma and such), I've come away with a few strategies to keep me usually... mostlyKatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-41882948140229566942013-03-03T15:19:00.001-08:002013-03-03T15:36:42.228-08:00Tray DayI love trays! They're great for corralling stuff. Any kind of stuff.
Like the small ceramic tray that holds the salt, pepper and spice shakers on my kitchen counter.
Or the apple tray on my microwave that holds this and that (and usually doesn't look this neat).
Then's theres the fancy silver tray that holds candles (and badly needs polishing, BTW).
My favorite Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-1194553528160754122013-02-28T14:40:00.002-08:002013-02-28T14:40:57.457-08:00Cleaning Cast Iron Cookware How-toI love my cast iron cookware. I'm using it more and more, even my old, old stuff that's considered vintage. I find it so easy to use. So you can image my surprise while writing some product lenses (that's Squidoo speak for articles) that lots of people were intimated by cast iron. Why... because of the cleaning.
Well, we have to fix that because, cleaning cast iron as easy as... well, frying Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-75979854726798849822013-02-26T14:17:00.004-08:002013-02-26T14:28:35.077-08:00Frugal Monday Menu | Mama Mia Minestrone
I had all the right intentions, but life just got in the way yesterday. But that's okay, because any day is the right day for a frugal meal.
Going meatless is a sure way to keep a meal within budget. In my family a favorite meatless meal is minestrone. I haven't figured it out yet, but my meat-loving guys love it!
Minestrone is an Italian vegetable soup and is a Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-57234350672420588532013-02-24T13:30:00.000-08:002013-02-24T13:32:25.995-08:00He Answered My Question, Yes He Did!The conversation after Hubby made coffee this morning (sweet). But first the picture of what I found.
Me: Ah, honey, where did all the coffee grounds come from?
Him: I was meaning to ask you about that. How to you stop the coffee grinder?
Me: Well, I usually only grind what I need. See the switch that says 2-4-6-8-12. But if I want to stop it, I just slide the switch to off!
Him: Oh! (Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-88045013478896688822013-02-23T12:14:00.002-08:002013-02-24T13:08:35.410-08:00A Peek Into History in an Old CookbookI love old cookbooks. Like this one below. It's just beautiful with it's embossed cover. You don't find books like that today. But it's more than just a pretty cover, it's what's inside. And I'm not talking about old recipes.
I'm not sure where I came across this book. Maybe an old bookstore, but the embossed cover had me. It was published in 1932, the heart of the Great Depression.
Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-88453700297519202512013-02-20T17:05:00.001-08:002013-02-20T17:08:26.578-08:00Snow Day Take 2
Yes, it does snow in Southern California.
At least at 3,600 feet.
And this isn't even last night's snow. It's the last snow, just a week or so ago. While we do get snow here, it's at most once or twice for the whole winter season. Not twice within 10 days!
And it's not melting off as usual either. So cold! I'm hunkered around the woodstove trying to get some work done.
Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-8709105918695065952013-02-18T15:23:00.002-08:002013-02-18T15:30:52.320-08:00Frugal Monday Menu - Poached Eggs in SauceBeing self-employed again means money is tight (not that it wasn't before). So where to start tightening? Food is a good place to start. I'm searching my recipe box and the Internet for recipes that are frugal and good.
Eggs are my go-to cheap staple. I'm always looking for a new ways to use them. I found this recipe -- poached eggs in sauce -- a few years ago and it's turned out to be a great Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-40643831857817969942013-02-17T08:27:00.000-08:002013-02-17T19:10:21.032-08:00Time to Fly!I'm officially unemployed again! I probably should be upset, but I'm not!
No, instead I'm ready to soar!
It was fun and in another life it would have be a dream job, but my six months at the Mouse Factory was just a job. Now it's time to get back to my real life! Yayyy!!
The little guy in the pic is a symbol of how I feel. Isn't he cute? He a solar-powered flying pig. He doesn't really fly,Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-81755573459551527972013-02-03T15:20:00.000-08:002013-02-03T15:36:36.501-08:00A Pretty Little PotThe countdown continues. 10 more working days at the Mouse Factory. Then it's home and unemployed... but I'm looking forward to it.
While the drive is horrendous, I do like that I'm only two exits away from Ikea. I've run over there whenever I can. Last Thursday was one of those days. I like browsing there for the ideas. Once and while I come across something I can't resist... and if it fits my Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-48050703915394544072013-01-26T17:10:00.001-08:002013-01-27T07:55:32.760-08:00A Dark, But Not So Gloomy DayWhile it's not as cold as it has been, it has been wet and a wee bit chilly. Of course, not nearly as cold as our friends back east. I've been hunkered down by the fire and just when the sun comes out and I think I can let the fire die, the sun's gone and it's cold in here again! UGH!
Perfect day for cowboy beans.
I'm not sure why I call it cowboy beans. Maybe because it seems like somethingKatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-22907497809358970152013-01-22T06:18:00.001-08:002013-01-22T06:18:46.020-08:00The Countdown Begins
25 more days!
19 of those work days!
And then the assignment end!
Horray! Horray! Horray!
I've been away, toiling at the Mouse factory. I've had some fun, not made nearly enough money, but I miss my life, my home, my blog.
Soon!
Image: courtesy of Karen at Graphic Fairy
Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-80730231703394176092012-05-04T16:53:00.002-07:002012-05-06T20:38:17.966-07:00A Bath in the Front YardFinally, it feels like Spring has sprung and I can finally start planting the garden. I've been chomping at the bit to get moving, so welcome to...
This place came with two claw foot bathtubs. One was intended for the bathroom remodel. That never made it for lots of reasons. The other, without feet, was going to be a a fun and funky plant container. Well, finally...
I had Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-24500048987513516562012-04-26T08:57:00.000-07:002012-04-26T09:01:09.330-07:00Lilac HeavenJust a few days ago my lilac buds were closed tight. Today...
I'm in lilac heaven. The scent is beyond description.
But it's so short lived, so if you'll excuse me, I'm joining the bees and filling my face with this lovely smell while I can.
Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-18387833477171814082012-04-18T21:37:00.002-07:002012-04-18T21:40:09.671-07:00We're Waiting!I'm up to my eyeball working on a new site, but after hours sitting in front of computer I just had to take a break. I ran outside for a little walk and tried to avoid this unhappy mob...
They just want to go back to work, back to the gardens. They've been patiently waiting all winter.
Soon my friends. Promise!
Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-74825767503507497382012-04-17T16:38:00.002-07:002012-04-17T16:44:46.050-07:00It's Spring and I'm Heartbroken!I know, who can be heartbroken on such a beautiful day?
Just three days ago it's snowed.
But now the poppies are exploding.
The lilacs are just about ready to bust open, too.
Even my beloved roses are showing tender new growth.
And therein lies my heartbreak. I love roses and I wish I could have more. But this is not the year.
We've had a dry spell for quite awhile and even the recent Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-25750296309479052262012-04-16T09:54:00.007-07:002012-04-19T22:27:17.685-07:00Fabric Covered File Cabinet TutorialI finally did it... I finally got my fabric covered file cabinet done!
At the beginning of the year, one of my "must-do" organizational projects was getting a bill paying center set up. Well, here it is, the middle of April, and I'm finally done. Better late than never.
Although I consider myself mostly organized, I have to admit I was a bit scattered with the bills. I had one place Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-45319616379276313142012-04-02T07:45:00.002-07:002012-04-02T07:52:34.749-07:00Cooking on a Cold DayThe weather's been weird. Warm enough to make the peaches think it's time to bloom.
But then it turns cold.
Brrrrr!
I've been hunkered down in the kitchen with the wood stove to keep warm (it's really doing a great job this winter, too). Between working on a new "project," which I'll show ya all in a few days, I was thinking about dinner.
Ground turkey was on the menu for today, but how Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-56972451186507281992012-03-25T09:21:00.002-07:002012-03-25T09:24:48.676-07:00What Have I Been Up To? Or, How Things ChangeWell, obviously, not updating this blog!
Sorry about that, but I can say I've been busy. Writing mostly. Some of that for clients, and a lot for me. Since I left the corporate cubicles last June, it's been and interesting time. Back then I thought I'd be able to earn enough writing for online sources to at least pay for my Corba insurance (a big ouch, BTW).
Things have a way of not going Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995607613995227818.post-78653888193881802172012-01-16T11:21:00.000-08:002012-01-16T11:21:10.788-08:00Canning Meat... Again!
It's seems about once a month I find myself canning meat. This time my local Vallarta market had pork cushion meat. They also call it tamale filling. I don't make tamales... yet, but I do like to take advantage of thrifty food finds. A few months back, I bought a pressure canner so I can put up meats, and vegetables that I grow in the garden. A pressure canner is an absolute must for low acid Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813537615175432260noreply@blogger.com0