What's on Your Mind?
~Birdie
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Canning Christmas Leftovers
When my dad came down from Oregon for Christmas this last weekend he had this ingenious idea. Let's buy a ham. So off to Costco we went to get a ham... on Christmas Eve. Much to my surprise Costco was not nearly as busy as I thought it would be and much to my dad's surprise they were taste testing Patron. It was love at first sight for him... Arizona was my dad's new best friend. Because, really, a Costco that taste tests Patron? That's unusual. Ham in cart along with a bottle of white wine, wheat thins, and some Artichoke dip, we stood in line for a short time and made our way out to the car. We were in and out of Costco in a matter of 30 minutes... it must have been some kind of record. Now, I bring all this up because I was preparing Christmas dinner for three this weekend- two of which ate meat (me being the vegetarian in the family). That's a 9 pound ham for two people. Needless to say, we had a ton of ham leftovers and what better way to ensure those leftovers don't go to waste, but to can it in some soup? We had some packages of dried split peas and red lentils already in the "pantry," some carrots and celery leftover for Christmas dinner ingredients, and a bunch of yummy spices in the cabinet- perfect for making batches of Split Pea and Ham soup AND Lentil and Ham soup. Yum! I chopped up the ham and veggies and set the lentils and peas to boil in two separate pots. Then I added the veggies and ham and let the lot simmer. We were a little worried at first that we would run out of mason jars (oh what a dilemma!), but by the last batch we were safe and sound with some empty jars left on the shelf. I also made some Paste e Fagioli with Orzo for Christmas Eve dinner so I canned those leftovers as well. Nothing was to go to waste in our refrigerator!
In all we came up with:
2 pints of fagioli
8 1/2 pints split pea with ham soup
6 1/2 pints of lentil and ham soup
Yum Yum Yum!! (says the vegetarian)
Happy (and safe) Canning!
~ Birdie
In all we came up with:
2 pints of fagioli
8 1/2 pints split pea with ham soup
6 1/2 pints of lentil and ham soup
Yum Yum Yum!! (says the vegetarian)
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| From Left: Split Pea; Lentil (In the middle); Fagioli |
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| One batch of Split Pea was still in the pressure cooker. |
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| My remaining jars of Garden Vegetable Soup. Yum! |
~ Birdie
Sewing in the Dark
12:15AM December 23rd, 2010:
It had hit me earlier in the evening that I had stockings for myself, my Beau, and my dad, but no stockings for my babies- the cats (Porter and Ada) and dog (Izzie.) So in a flurry of thread, fabric, and a sewing machine I quickly plotted together a bone shaped stocking for Izzie and a "fish" shaped stocking for Ada and Porter (although it didn't turn out quite as fishy as I had planned it.) It was a stormy night out, lots of wind and some rain, and as I was sewing the cats' fish stocking together there was a big boom and all went dark.
Scrambling to light some candles and thankful we had a few flashlights handy we had our house up and running in no time. It was kind of nice to have the peace and quite and be able to listen to the rain fall, but I was on a mission. I needed to finish these stockings! I set out some candles on the table and began sewing the little details onto the bone stocking as best I could. The photos turned out really neat and the stockings ended up charming, at best.
We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Christmas! Have a happy New Year and make those resolutions count! Next year's Christmas sewing project... a tree skirt. Whitney made one this year and it turned out great!
Merry Belated Christmas,
~Birdie
It had hit me earlier in the evening that I had stockings for myself, my Beau, and my dad, but no stockings for my babies- the cats (Porter and Ada) and dog (Izzie.) So in a flurry of thread, fabric, and a sewing machine I quickly plotted together a bone shaped stocking for Izzie and a "fish" shaped stocking for Ada and Porter (although it didn't turn out quite as fishy as I had planned it.) It was a stormy night out, lots of wind and some rain, and as I was sewing the cats' fish stocking together there was a big boom and all went dark.
Scrambling to light some candles and thankful we had a few flashlights handy we had our house up and running in no time. It was kind of nice to have the peace and quite and be able to listen to the rain fall, but I was on a mission. I needed to finish these stockings! I set out some candles on the table and began sewing the little details onto the bone stocking as best I could. The photos turned out really neat and the stockings ended up charming, at best.
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| Izzie's Stocking |
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| Izzie protecting her stocking. |
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| Mine. Beau's. Izzie's. Dad's. Ada and Porter's. |
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| Porter hiding under the Christmas tree. |
Merry Belated Christmas,
~Birdie
Friday, December 17, 2010
Dear Santa...
Dear Santa,
I have been a very good girl this year. I have worked hard, shared my bounty with others, and practiced tolerance and forgiveness to others. I have helped people when there were in need, and extended an invitation to those who need it for whatever reason. I have loved my spouse with all my heart and been a pretty good mama to my four legged babies. When faced with opposition I have tried my best to swallow my pride and took the high road when I could have stayed in the gutters with others. For these reason I have provided a list of things I would love to see under the Christmas tree this year... no pressure.
I think that is all for now. I understand some of the items are kind of large, so if it helps, please feel free to set them beside the tree, not under it. I really appreciate your efforts. Merry Christmas to you and your family up North at the Pole.
Sincerely,
~Birdie
I have been a very good girl this year. I have worked hard, shared my bounty with others, and practiced tolerance and forgiveness to others. I have helped people when there were in need, and extended an invitation to those who need it for whatever reason. I have loved my spouse with all my heart and been a pretty good mama to my four legged babies. When faced with opposition I have tried my best to swallow my pride and took the high road when I could have stayed in the gutters with others. For these reason I have provided a list of things I would love to see under the Christmas tree this year... no pressure.
- A book of John Audubon Prints
- Natural wood frames with matting
- Elvis Presley Records (vinyl)
- An Apple laptop
- A house, the keys to such would be fine under the tree
- Colored glass kitchen wares
- Antique kitchen utensils
- A chaise lounge the opens to the right
- A financial windfall
- The peridot earrings at Casablanca Jewelers
- Garth Brooks concert tickets
- A wrought iron queen/king size bed
- A gun safe
- A new couch and sitting chair
- A two room shed (or materials to such, I can put it together)
- A chicken coop
- Chickens
- Books, books, and more books!
I think that is all for now. I understand some of the items are kind of large, so if it helps, please feel free to set them beside the tree, not under it. I really appreciate your efforts. Merry Christmas to you and your family up North at the Pole.
Sincerely,
~Birdie
Thursday, December 16, 2010
SWIHA
Well... it's official. After long deliberation between Beau and I about finances and practical use, I have done it. As of January 31, 2011 I will be beginning my journey into the holistic health world. This has been a long time coming and I can't express in words how excited I am to be starting, finally starting this adventure. The more my spirituality grew these last few years the more I became interested in the human body and its incredible power of self-healing. The more I became interested in healing the more I wanted to find out how to do it naturally instead of injecting myself or my family with manufactured medicines that seem to be more concerned with making money than healing the individual. I have learned that in conventional medicine the medications we are taking for diabetes, weight loss, depression, etc. at there best are only good for making the symptoms of the illness go away (they do not cure) while at their worst they cause a list of side effects too many to list (hair loss, heart attack or stroke, inflamed joints, diarrhea, nausea, etc.). Before I woke up to an alternative I thought this was it. This is what we have to work with- take it or leave it. Get your flu shots, your H1N1, your blah blah blah. Boy was I wrong! There is so much out there beyond what we are fed through the media and society. There are alternatives and they work! Not only do they work, but they can cure! Cure! What a thought. Curing an illness. Healing the individual. I love holistic health because it focusing on the entire person. Curing the illness has much to do with healing the person as a whole- mind, body, and spirit. If you feel good emotional you will feel better physically. It is all connected. Now, before I get ahead of myself, I want to make it clear that I am amazed by modern medicine and medical technology. If I woke up one morning and my arm was on the left side of the room and my body was on the right, I most certainly would consult my nearest surgeon. There are some things that only modern medicine can tend to. For everything else, I am here to learn and apply.
School:
I have searched and searched and searched for a school in the United States (online or local) that would provide me with what I am searching for. I found many schools that, while having the most incredible school programs, were just as expensive as medical school. I found others that were a joke in every sense of the word. And I found others that were so cheap it made you wonder how it could be legitimate. Then I came across a school out of Oregon that was online as well as an open school to those in the area. They had a wonderful Apothecary Shoppe, lavender gardens, and herbs galore! The only problem with this school was that they didn't accept financial aide which left me at a loss. I don't have an extra $600 a month to pay for this program. So my search continued.
I had heard of a facility nearby, SouthWest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), where I live that was involved in holistic health and spirituality. They provided programs for Reiki, spa management, massage therapy, toe reading, and holistic practitioner's degrees. I was given mixed reviews of the place, but decided to check it out online to see for my self. The website is new-agey and is pretty straight forward. I looked over their degree programs and my jaw dropped. I found something perfect for me! A degree as a Holistic Practitioner with an emphasis in Western Herbalism and Holistic Nutrition. What was better yet, they accepted financial aide, their program is 24 months long (no breaks), and they help you start your own practice or connect you with a practice you can join! Where do I sign up!? I scheduled a meeting with an advisor, got some information, and took it home to digest it. About a month later I switched my Financial Aide to SWIHA and scheduled another advisement appointment. Yesterday, at 10:45AM, I was an official student, school ID and all! An advisor will set up all of my classes for the next two years and all I have to do is show up! I'm covered in tuition and extra supplies that I will need. I can't wait for classes to start! The closest one that would fit in my schedule was January 31st which occurs every Monday afternoon until April 18th! I am starting with Nutrition - Holistic Foundations I. EEP! My schedule will fill up between then and I will be taking multiple classes until I graduate!
Classes:
This is a 60 credit program with a total of 1,011 hours of coursework. There are a ton of classes I am excited to take, such as:
All of the Western Herbalism Courses (Sowing, Germination, Growth, Harvest, etc)
Physiology
Pathology
Botany (can't wait!!)
Herbal Specialties for Women and Children; Babies and Children
The Green Man (Herbal remedies and care for Men)
The Herbal Goddess (Herbal remedies and care for Women and pregnancy)
Western Herbalism- Manufacturing
All of the Nutrition Courses (Therapies, Foundations, Weight Management, etc)
These are only a sample of the classes I will be taking.
My Intent:
What do I plan on doing with this degree? Help people, of course. This information is free- you can find it on the Internet. The problem is, you can't tell if what you are reading is factual or practical. Does this really work? Not only that, but there is some specialization to the information. Knowing the proper doses for essential oils, knowing who can and can not benefit from a certain practice- it makes a difference. My intent is not to make money off of this degree. Make a living, yes, but live lavishly? No thanks. Having the knowledge to heal yourself and take the preventative measures necessary to avoid illness is so powerful! That's control and power at its purest- knowledge. I want to be a vessel. A resource. I want to help people become healthier through lifestyle changes and self awareness. I will likely be a House-Call practitioner. Coming to those who need me, keeping things intimate and personal; less clinical and cold. My goal is to have a small office in my garden in the backyard of our house to see clients in. We can walk the garden while we talk, I can have workshops with clients to help them start their own gardens, and we can sip tea at the table amongst the flowers. Warm and welcoming, calm and relaxing. To supplement this practice I also will be starting an online business that is more like an online Country Corner Store. You'll be able to purchase canned foods, bread mixes, and household goods. There will also be an area with a holistic focus- bath salts, sugar scrubs, organic homemade soaps and cleaning products, essential oils, homeopathic remedies, etc. I will likely put an "Ask Birdie" option on there so that I can try and help people at a distance with any needs they may have.
I think, most importantly, regarding this degree I plan on helping my family. Beau and I need to continue to make healthier lifestyle changes and moving toward our health's fullest potential. By doing this we will be laying down the path for our children to live healthy and take that on with them as adults.
I will be posting many more updates regarding my journey to keep the world updated on my progress, but also to spread the knowledge I have learned thus far.
Knowledge is Power (Yup),
~Birdie
School:
I have searched and searched and searched for a school in the United States (online or local) that would provide me with what I am searching for. I found many schools that, while having the most incredible school programs, were just as expensive as medical school. I found others that were a joke in every sense of the word. And I found others that were so cheap it made you wonder how it could be legitimate. Then I came across a school out of Oregon that was online as well as an open school to those in the area. They had a wonderful Apothecary Shoppe, lavender gardens, and herbs galore! The only problem with this school was that they didn't accept financial aide which left me at a loss. I don't have an extra $600 a month to pay for this program. So my search continued.
I had heard of a facility nearby, SouthWest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), where I live that was involved in holistic health and spirituality. They provided programs for Reiki, spa management, massage therapy, toe reading, and holistic practitioner's degrees. I was given mixed reviews of the place, but decided to check it out online to see for my self. The website is new-agey and is pretty straight forward. I looked over their degree programs and my jaw dropped. I found something perfect for me! A degree as a Holistic Practitioner with an emphasis in Western Herbalism and Holistic Nutrition. What was better yet, they accepted financial aide, their program is 24 months long (no breaks), and they help you start your own practice or connect you with a practice you can join! Where do I sign up!? I scheduled a meeting with an advisor, got some information, and took it home to digest it. About a month later I switched my Financial Aide to SWIHA and scheduled another advisement appointment. Yesterday, at 10:45AM, I was an official student, school ID and all! An advisor will set up all of my classes for the next two years and all I have to do is show up! I'm covered in tuition and extra supplies that I will need. I can't wait for classes to start! The closest one that would fit in my schedule was January 31st which occurs every Monday afternoon until April 18th! I am starting with Nutrition - Holistic Foundations I. EEP! My schedule will fill up between then and I will be taking multiple classes until I graduate!
Classes:
This is a 60 credit program with a total of 1,011 hours of coursework. There are a ton of classes I am excited to take, such as:
All of the Western Herbalism Courses (Sowing, Germination, Growth, Harvest, etc)
Physiology
Pathology
Botany (can't wait!!)
Herbal Specialties for Women and Children; Babies and Children
The Green Man (Herbal remedies and care for Men)
The Herbal Goddess (Herbal remedies and care for Women and pregnancy)
Western Herbalism- Manufacturing
All of the Nutrition Courses (Therapies, Foundations, Weight Management, etc)
These are only a sample of the classes I will be taking.
My Intent:
What do I plan on doing with this degree? Help people, of course. This information is free- you can find it on the Internet. The problem is, you can't tell if what you are reading is factual or practical. Does this really work? Not only that, but there is some specialization to the information. Knowing the proper doses for essential oils, knowing who can and can not benefit from a certain practice- it makes a difference. My intent is not to make money off of this degree. Make a living, yes, but live lavishly? No thanks. Having the knowledge to heal yourself and take the preventative measures necessary to avoid illness is so powerful! That's control and power at its purest- knowledge. I want to be a vessel. A resource. I want to help people become healthier through lifestyle changes and self awareness. I will likely be a House-Call practitioner. Coming to those who need me, keeping things intimate and personal; less clinical and cold. My goal is to have a small office in my garden in the backyard of our house to see clients in. We can walk the garden while we talk, I can have workshops with clients to help them start their own gardens, and we can sip tea at the table amongst the flowers. Warm and welcoming, calm and relaxing. To supplement this practice I also will be starting an online business that is more like an online Country Corner Store. You'll be able to purchase canned foods, bread mixes, and household goods. There will also be an area with a holistic focus- bath salts, sugar scrubs, organic homemade soaps and cleaning products, essential oils, homeopathic remedies, etc. I will likely put an "Ask Birdie" option on there so that I can try and help people at a distance with any needs they may have.
I think, most importantly, regarding this degree I plan on helping my family. Beau and I need to continue to make healthier lifestyle changes and moving toward our health's fullest potential. By doing this we will be laying down the path for our children to live healthy and take that on with them as adults.
I will be posting many more updates regarding my journey to keep the world updated on my progress, but also to spread the knowledge I have learned thus far.
Knowledge is Power (Yup),
~Birdie
Christmas Spirit
Bah-hum-bu... I mean... Merry Christmas!
~Birdie
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| Our First Christmas Tree |
I will admit, I think I may have lost a little bit of my inner child when it comes to Christmas. I have been a little Scroogish in the last few years, unable to really jump into the Christmas Spirit like I used to be able to. This year it was proving just as much a challenge as the last, except with the lovely challenge of 80 degree weather. Now, I can't speak for you, but my idea of Christmas is chilly weather, hot cocoa, layering, the desire to feel warm, and praying for snow. NOT wearing t-shirts, shorts, laying out by the pool, with a guarantee that there will be no snow. The second hard part about Christmas is the fact that I'm not able to spend it with my family, and haven't for about 5 years now. It is hard to get into the Christmas Spirit when you have zero decorations and to make matters even more difficult- your spouse is a Scrooge all his own. OY! We have some work ahead of us!
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| Santa |
I was determined that this year was going to be different, and, thankfully, it is slowly becoming so. We bought a real Christmas tree this year, a tree from a tree farm from my hometown no less, and went to the store to buy decorations. Neither of us having an ornament to our names, we had to start from scratch. We bought your basic bulbs, a string of color lights, and a string of white lights. Beau picked an Angel for the tree topper and we agreed to continue on the family tradition my dad and step-mom had started with my brothers and me. For 11 years my brothers and I would wait for Christmas, knowing the presents to come would be plenty and wonderful. Christmas Eve was our teaser. My dad and step-mom allowed us to open two presents on Christmas Eve, of their choosing. Those two presents, without fail, would always be a pair of new pajamas and a new Christmas ornament to mark the year's events for each individual. One year it was a clay molded child on a snowboard, another year was a little black bear named "Honey" (after my favorite beanie baby). Beau and I agreed to begin the hunt for a Christmas ornament for the other as a Christmas Eve gift to each other. This year we don't plan on gifting anything to one another as we have a joint venture we are focusing our money to at the moment that will, hopefully, be a wonderful Christmas present to us both... so the Christmas ornaments will be a nice treat. I also agreed with him that we would stuff each other's stockings that I had made (see previous blog post). While at the store I also picked up some wreaths, ribbon, and a Santa Claus (since we have NONE). I figure, one year at a time, we will be able to pick up enough decorations to bring the house together in a festive representation of our spirits... that are slowly picking up.
For those of you out there that frown upon the felling of a tree for the sake of Christmas decoration, let me put forth my argument: These trees found on tree lots and on tree farms are grown for this specific reason. Our tree is seven years old (I counted the rings). Our tree was planted by a farmer with the intention that someday it would be cut down and placed into someone's home. These trees are not taken from the forest. By purchasing this tree I have not only made my house smell delicious and look beautiful, but I have also supported a local farmer (local to my hometown anyway) allowing him to continue to provide for his family and thus their traditions can live on. I rest my case.
We came home with our decorations and set about the tree - putting each bulb on to the tune of Nat King Cole's Christmas Hits. Our tree was perfect for us. Not too big, not too cluttered, just right. I put some ribbon bows on the wreaths and hung them on the wall, set Santa out on the record player near the tree, and lighted some festive smelling candles to finish the look. Overall, I think it turned out pretty great! Having the look certainly helps get us in the spirit of the holiday.
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| Mine, Beau's, Dad's |
More good news to help, my dad will be flying in on Christmas Eve to spend the weekend with us. I haven't spent Christmas with my dad since I was 15, so this is a big deal for us both. Having him here will definitely help my spirit jump through the roof. Next year Beau and I have decided that we would spend a good week or so in the NorthWest to visit with family and spend Christmas with them. I'm very excited for next year. I was able to make a stocking for my dad for the occasion. Santa needs to be able to find him while he is away from home. Beau will be cooking is famous home made pancakes for Christmas breakfast. It should be a treat.
I bought some Apple Cider to warm up and sip on, yum yum! Now if only we could work on that snow! I think Phoenix would go into a state of shock if it snowed on Christmas day here. I've seen their driving in the rain- that isn't pretty. Snow would be a disaster!
Things I need to think about:
- What am I going to cook for dinner?
- What kind of ornament should I get Beau?
- I need to get stocking stuffers (Cracker Barrel Store anyone? yes!)
- I need wrapping paper.
- What am I going to cook for dinner?!
My Music Choices:
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| Frank Sinatra pops in too! |
Bah-hum-bu... I mean... Merry Christmas!
~Birdie
Monday, December 13, 2010
Anemic Stockings
It struck me, a few weeks ago, that I really wanted to start making things from scratch- dresses, shirts, Christmas decorations, blankets, etc. With this came the notion that I could make our own Christmas Stockings which would be so much better than the store bought ones. I quickly put my head together with Whitney to try and figure out the best way to figure this out. To start, we had to buy fabric. That's the fun part! I found the perfect fabric for Beau- the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence (He is very patriotic) and a deep red fabric with off white stars on it. Perfect! I chose a dark green fabric with small white dots on it to pair with an off white fabric with a subtle gold floral pattern. To make the cuff I chose a scruffy, faux fur fabric that was an off white to give it that antique look - ye be warned... that fabric is the messiest fabric I have ever seen! (But worth it.) We opted to do a quilted look for the body of the stockings so we cut the fabric into square patches and alternated them.
I was lucky enough to get a sewing machine one year for Christmas and although I had used it once or twice then, it had been about two years since I had read the manual or played with the device. It was like a foreign object. Thankfully, Whitney had just gotten herself a sewing machine and was familiar with how it worked so she was able to guide me through. Eventually, we figured it out and were able to proceed.
Once we created our quilt pattern and sewed together the patches, we looked down at our mini-quilts and took a deep breath before taking the plunge and cutting out a stocking pattern. We were sure to cut the boots in opposite directions (this was done after much "Are you sure?" "Yes I am pretty sure it should go this way." "This way?" "I don't know!") We cut the furry liner and cuff in the shape of the boot and sewed that onto the back of the quilted piece. This way the furry part would be on the inside of the stocking- nice and cozy warm. The cuff was a tricky part and although I got it right on my stocking, Beau's did not fair as well. Whoops. We sewed the pieces together, furry sides out, and left the top of the stocking open.
As for that pesky, but all important cuff? Here is what you do- you cut a piece for the cuff long enough to wrap all the way around the mouth of the stocking. Line one end of the cuff piece up to a seam of the inside out stocking (furry side out). Be sure that the non-furry side of the cuff is on top- so that when you flip the stocking it looks right. It should look like the furry inside of the stocking with the rough part of the cuff on top- Start sewing and sew all the way around the stocking. When you get back to the beginning seam finish the cuff off, but leave some room to be able to sew the open part of the cuff together. Take the stocking and press the ends of the cuff together and sew it up (like to pieces of a quilt). You want the "inside out look" on the cuff's seam. When you flip the stocking outside-in you will be able to fold the cuff down and the seam will be hidden underneath while the fluffy part sits nicely on the soft patches side of the stocking. Decorate as you feel appropriate.
I have yet to decorate and personalize our stockings, but I am on the hunt for the perfect pieces. I want to make them look a little more rustic with big leather buttons and maybe some pieces of nature, leaves and such.
Good luck on your own sewing adventures,
~Birdie
Once we created our quilt pattern and sewed together the patches, we looked down at our mini-quilts and took a deep breath before taking the plunge and cutting out a stocking pattern. We were sure to cut the boots in opposite directions (this was done after much "Are you sure?" "Yes I am pretty sure it should go this way." "This way?" "I don't know!") We cut the furry liner and cuff in the shape of the boot and sewed that onto the back of the quilted piece. This way the furry part would be on the inside of the stocking- nice and cozy warm. The cuff was a tricky part and although I got it right on my stocking, Beau's did not fair as well. Whoops. We sewed the pieces together, furry sides out, and left the top of the stocking open.
As for that pesky, but all important cuff? Here is what you do- you cut a piece for the cuff long enough to wrap all the way around the mouth of the stocking. Line one end of the cuff piece up to a seam of the inside out stocking (furry side out). Be sure that the non-furry side of the cuff is on top- so that when you flip the stocking it looks right. It should look like the furry inside of the stocking with the rough part of the cuff on top- Start sewing and sew all the way around the stocking. When you get back to the beginning seam finish the cuff off, but leave some room to be able to sew the open part of the cuff together. Take the stocking and press the ends of the cuff together and sew it up (like to pieces of a quilt). You want the "inside out look" on the cuff's seam. When you flip the stocking outside-in you will be able to fold the cuff down and the seam will be hidden underneath while the fluffy part sits nicely on the soft patches side of the stocking. Decorate as you feel appropriate.
I have yet to decorate and personalize our stockings, but I am on the hunt for the perfect pieces. I want to make them look a little more rustic with big leather buttons and maybe some pieces of nature, leaves and such.
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| My Fabric |
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| Beau's Fabric |
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| Our Layouts |
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| Sewn Together |
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| Our Pattern |
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| Finished, anemic looking stockings! |
Good luck on your own sewing adventures,
~Birdie
Saturday, November 27, 2010
My Good Luck Charm
* Today was a day to go down in the annals of antique shopping history. *
After the farmer's market this morning I was feeling particularly feisty and adventurous. Luckily, I wasn't alone and my friend, Cathy, came along for the ride. We started at a small thrift store that I had passed numerous times on my way to work and had always wanted to go into. Sadly, we found nothing of interest, although there were many things that caught our attention as awkward, unsettling, or absolutely amazing, but useless, so we left. We got into the car and started to drive. We had no particular intent or idea of where we were headed, but we talked and talked until we came to an area in Mesa where I knew there was an antique mall nearby. (Main Street and Power Road) I had never been in so it seemed like the perfect stop. On the drive I explained to Cathy the things I was starting to collect and what to keep an eye out for for me.
My list included:
Colored glass (tumblers, goblets, bowls, plates, vases, etc.)
dainty tea cups and saucers
china sets
silverware
salt and pepper shakers
vintage sewing patterns (particularly costume patterns for children set in the different eras of dress)
books written between 1880-1930
old photos - particularly children (because I feel they deserve a home)
I will say it right here and right now: "Cathy is a lucky charm!" I have never, ever had such a successful bargain antique shopping experience until this day. Oh the things I found!!! Just inside the door was a booth with tea cups which was what drew our attention to begin with. Through closer inspection I found exactly what I was looking for - a china set with a natural themed pattern. It came with three tea cups, three coffee cups, 8 dinner plates, 7 bowls, 1 salad plate, 8 saucers, and 6 tea saucers. Not a complete set, but what do I care... it was only $35!!! They are beautiful and I intend to have a myriad of china sets anyway to make up our home so I have to say that this is a delightful beginning. I've been gushing about them since I found the set! While in this same booth, I found a lime green glass fruit juicer that made me giggle and was promptly set aside with the china set at the front desk.
Further down the aisles and deeper into our search I found a set of three horseshoes which, although I wasn't looking for them, I am really glad I found. They will make a perfect addition over our doors when we get a house. Horseshoes represent prosperity and to have the horseshoe facing upward is like that of a full cup of it! Pointing downward and it will all spill out, ut oh! $3 for the three horseshoes = steal! Walking further down the way we found some interesting pieces (a small bear head and ram's head, and colored glass pieces EVERYWHERE, but way too expensive), but nothing that stood out as 'must haves.' That is until we made it to a booth near the restrooms that had little baskets full of vintage sewing patterns (Score!). I searched through the patterns and found a few dresses for myself as well as some cute jumpers and blouses for little girls. The treasure in this batch was a costume packet with four different dresses ranging across the eras! Exactly what I was looking for!
Continuing on I found bits and pieces of glassware that my mom had in our house when I was growing up: marble horse head bookends, a strawberry jar, crystal champagne flutes... I wanted to buy it all for the sake of my childhood, but realized I couldn't justify spending the money out of impulse and homesickness, so I kept walking.
Cathy and I met in an aisle midway in the store and acknowledged that we had seen what we needed to see and that it was most certainly time to get something to eat or else parish and so began our way back to the front doors. Walking past a low bench to the left of the aisle I noticed some beautifully colored navy blue goblets and checked the price, just for kicks. I was astonished to find that $17 took the lot of 8! Sold!! At this point I had to put my blinders on, otherwise we would still be there now, my paycheck gone, and my car loaded with goodies. I checked out at $93 with a few boxes full of treasures and a guilt-free happiness that consumed the rest of my day.
After a late lunch and dropping Cathy off at her house I am home and happy, pleased with my finds, but curious as to where I'm going to put them. Hmmmmm... let the organization begin!!!
May the Antiquing Gods be With You,
~Birdie
After the farmer's market this morning I was feeling particularly feisty and adventurous. Luckily, I wasn't alone and my friend, Cathy, came along for the ride. We started at a small thrift store that I had passed numerous times on my way to work and had always wanted to go into. Sadly, we found nothing of interest, although there were many things that caught our attention as awkward, unsettling, or absolutely amazing, but useless, so we left. We got into the car and started to drive. We had no particular intent or idea of where we were headed, but we talked and talked until we came to an area in Mesa where I knew there was an antique mall nearby. (Main Street and Power Road) I had never been in so it seemed like the perfect stop. On the drive I explained to Cathy the things I was starting to collect and what to keep an eye out for for me.
My list included:
Colored glass (tumblers, goblets, bowls, plates, vases, etc.)
dainty tea cups and saucers
china sets
silverware
salt and pepper shakers
vintage sewing patterns (particularly costume patterns for children set in the different eras of dress)
books written between 1880-1930
old photos - particularly children (because I feel they deserve a home)
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| So excited! |
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| Fresh Orange Juice Anyone? |
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| My mom had one of these. |
After a late lunch and dropping Cathy off at her house I am home and happy, pleased with my finds, but curious as to where I'm going to put them. Hmmmmm... let the organization begin!!!
May the Antiquing Gods be With You,
~Birdie
PS- These could be all yours for only $7.50 a piece! Hurry now before they're gone!
Farmer's Market
This morning was a relaxing one made complete with a quick romp to the farmer's market in phoenix where we picked up our weekly groceries. We really enjoy coming to this farmer's market, mostly because they have a wide variety of produce as well as live music (typically). The atmosphere is light and fun and particularly enjoyable since the weather has cooled and we now experience the desire to be warm instead of chilly. It's a good feeling. We grab our usual produce: potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, romaine lettuce (or spinach, depending), green beans, apples, and lemons - all organic and grown in Arizona. Every so often we will pick up some plums or avocados, cilantro or squash, but today we kept it simple. The potato and garlic booth that we go to are one of our favorite vendors. The family is from Colorado and truly love what they do. It is always a pleasure stopping and talking for a little while. We also stop and get bread from The Great Harvest. This bread isn't your every day, run of the mill bread you could find at any store. This bread is Heaven! We get the "High Fiber" multigrain bread that is so dense and rich with nutrients one piece is enough to satisfy a grumbling tummy. We spoke with the owner of the franchise (yes, it's a franchise, but it's a franchise with a good message and practice) who made the bread herself... that morning. She beamed with pride in what she was doing and how she was contributing to the local economy with her hand crafted breads. The grain for the breads come from Montana, non-GMO, and are organic. The farmers are under contract with The Great Harvest, but are able to harvest their own seeds and reuse them the next year. Take that Monsanto. High Fiber is made with particular care, they grind the whole grains themselves by hand and then add it to the batter. All organic, all delicious! It costs a little more than your typical bread ($7 a loaf), but it is worth every penny and nothing goes to waste, we eat every last crumb!
Although I am vegetarian, my Beau is not thus we always stop at the booth of a local rancher and pick up some ground beef. We spoke to the rancher for a while to find out their process for slaughter as well as the growth, aging, and lives of the cows. The cows are grass fed and are free range. They are about 2 years old when they are taken to a specific slaughter house that the rancher researched and interviewed. He was specific that his cows be treated, not only humanely, but with respect and with care. As for the slaughtering process they use either a .22 pistol or an air gun (thing?) between the eyes. This sounds a little graphic, but I assure you- this is the best way to do it compared to corporate practices where the cows are taken to slaughter and done so without the least bit of humanity. (See Food, Inc.) Our rancher says a brief prayer over his cows before leading them onto his trailer just as his father did and his father before that. We were very pleased to hear how passionate this rancher was about his lifestyle and his cows. He went on to tell us that he stayed with his cows and saw them through the process after bringing them to the slaughter facility, stating "I feel I owe them at least that considering what they are giving of themselves." Now that is my kind of rancher. It was a great conversation that ended with an invitation to the ranch to see for ourselves how these cows lived and were taken care of.
Buy local, eat local,
~ Birdie
Although I am vegetarian, my Beau is not thus we always stop at the booth of a local rancher and pick up some ground beef. We spoke to the rancher for a while to find out their process for slaughter as well as the growth, aging, and lives of the cows. The cows are grass fed and are free range. They are about 2 years old when they are taken to a specific slaughter house that the rancher researched and interviewed. He was specific that his cows be treated, not only humanely, but with respect and with care. As for the slaughtering process they use either a .22 pistol or an air gun (thing?) between the eyes. This sounds a little graphic, but I assure you- this is the best way to do it compared to corporate practices where the cows are taken to slaughter and done so without the least bit of humanity. (See Food, Inc.) Our rancher says a brief prayer over his cows before leading them onto his trailer just as his father did and his father before that. We were very pleased to hear how passionate this rancher was about his lifestyle and his cows. He went on to tell us that he stayed with his cows and saw them through the process after bringing them to the slaughter facility, stating "I feel I owe them at least that considering what they are giving of themselves." Now that is my kind of rancher. It was a great conversation that ended with an invitation to the ranch to see for ourselves how these cows lived and were taken care of.
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| Noodles and Bread. YUM! |
Our last stop was at a new booth where they were selling "natural," hand-crafted spaghetti noodles. Again, not the least expensive product, but worth it. We bought 4 different flavors for $20 and are pretty excited about trying them out. The idea with the noodles is that they are made with flavor so that you don't have to eat them with a sauce, they are the sauce. When you boil and cook the noodles you drain most, but not all, of the water. What remains is a flavored sauce while the noodles are also packed with that flavor. You drizzle some olive oil, perhaps cooks up some fresh veggies, and serve. Yum! We bought: Habanero, Red Bell Pepper, Tomato Basil Garlic, and Spinach Basil Garlic. Yum yum yum yum!!
Unfortunately, with my new work schedule, we aren't able to come to this market anymore, but since it was a holiday weekend I was able to take the day off and spend it at the market with my Beau. Next week it is back to the rat race and figuring out where a different market is at. I hear there is one in Scottsdale on Wednesday evenings which could work. We shall see!
Buy local, eat local,
~ Birdie
Friday, November 26, 2010
Gobble-less Recipes
Good morning after Thanksgiving! If you're like me you'll have just rolled out of bed, our stomachs still aching from all the food the evening before... however, if you're like those crazy folks who participate in Black Friday sales and shopping, well I suppose there is no hope for you. I had intended to write a post dedicated to my recipes last night, but after three pieces of pie and enough stuffing to feed an army, I decided sleep was my better bet. So here I am, 11 AM, typing away on my computer to make due my promise to myself (and Mother-in-Law). We spent a lovely dinner at our Aunt's house with good company, delicious food, and festive (Christmas) music. Their Christmas Tree was already up and decorated to perfection, lovely and snowy... I wanted to eat the branches the "snow" looked so puffy and fresh! My Beau and I contributed three dishes to the feast - a Chickpea Bruschetta Appetizer, Wild Rice Stuffing, and two Double Layer Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes. Recipes of which are below:
Chickpea Bruschetta
Serves 2 (as a dinner) |
| It's yummier than it looks, promise. |
Time: 10 minutes prep / chill in fridge for 20+ minutes
Ingredients
1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons black olive paste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely shredded1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
Thick crusty bread (we used french bread from the deli)
Mix all ingredients together. Season to taste with pepper. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes, preferably longer.
Wild Rice Stuffing
Time: 20 minutes prep / 1 hr 25 min total
Ingredients
1 32 oz vegetable broth (recipe calls for chicken broth, I switched it out for veggie broth)
1 cup wild rice
1 1/4 c brown rice
1 stick unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 cup dried apricots or cranberries, roughly chopped (I use both- looks very pretty and tastes yummy!)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
In advance: assemble the dressing, but do not bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 10 minutes to the baking time. (This comes in handy if you want to make the dish the day prior to needing it.)
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a pot, over medium-high heat, bring the broth and 2 cups water to a boil. Add the wild and brown rice, reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer until tender, about 45 minutes. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and celery and cook for 10 minutes. Add the cooked rice, parsley, safe, pecans, cranberries, apricots, pepper, and toss. Transfer to a buttered casserole dish. Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
*Note: The left over pecans, cranberries, and apricots make for a tasty trail mix for later in the week!
Double Layer Pumpkin Pie
Serves 10
Ingredients
4 oz (1/2 an 8 oz package) of cream cheese (softened)
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk, divided
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tub of cool whip topping, thawed, divided in half
2 graham cracker pie crusts (9 in)
15 oz can of Pumpkin
2 packages (4 serving each) Jello Vanilla flavor instant pudding and pie filling
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Mix cream cheese, 1 tablespoon milk, and the sugar in a large bowl until well blended. Gently stir in half of the whipped topping. Spread onto the bottom of the crust. (Will be thick)
Pour 1 cup of milk into a large bowl. Add pumpkin, dry pudding mixes, and spices. Beat with a wire whisk for 2 minutes or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick). Spread over cream cheese layer..
Refrigerate for 4 hours or until set. Dollop with remaining whipped topping. Store in refrigerator.
*Note- buy a second tub of cool whip for your pumpkin pie pieces! Yum!
Chickpea Bruschetta Photos:
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| Ingredients |
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| Homemade black olive paste |
Wild Rice Stuffing Photos:
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| Celery Before |
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| Celery After |
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| Onion Before |
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| Onion After |
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| Pecans Before |
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| Pecans After |
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| The rest of the ingredients |
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| Apricots and Cranberries |
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| Onions and Celery into the skillet |
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| All that's left to add is the rice! |
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| All set for the oven! |
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| Left over ingredients Trail Mix! |
Double Layer Pumpkin Pie Photos:
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| The cheesecake layer |
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| Mixing the pumpkin mix. |
All of these recipes were found online randomly throughout the years and I don't remember where I found them. I've made small adjustments as I have gone along such as using a rice medley that includes brown basmati rice, long grain red rice, wild rice, and sweet brown rice. It works out nicely and is a lot more cost effective than buying wild rice on its own.
Happy Thanksgiving!
~ Birdie
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