Simplify

Dining In The Great Outdoors

2012-02-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

Recently a group of us were together at the memorial for our dear friend Pam's Dad, Mike Sgobba. It was at this memorial that we said we needed to plan a get together soon. And soon, we did. We hosted a group at our home yesterday afternoon. This group of friends was part of a larger group of us that used to take an annual houseboat trip to Lake Mead every year at the end of the summer. There were two full boats, about 20 or so of us. We had such wonderful times on these annual trips. The next time we have a get together, I want to try to have everyone there. Lasher's, Moore's, Covington's, Kirshner's, Schmitty, Jen, everyone. I don't think any of us are up for that kind of a trip anymore, but maybe a cruise?
Greg and I had planned to have dinner outside because my house doesn't have a dining room, and seating a group larger than 8, all together at once in the house just doesn't work. Unfortunately, the weather changed from summer like, to quite chilly by yesterday. But we did it outside anyway. I thought we could eat outside, early in the evening, and then go inside. But we wound up staying outside the whole time. I pulled our picnic table from the grove up to the patio deck, and set the tables so that we could all sit together.

My original plan was to set the tables in the grove, and string white lights between the trees. But with the threat of rain, we decided not to do the lights, and just set the tables up on the bbq deck, and then we could easily change to plan B if necessary. I wanted rustic, and used burlap runners for the tables, with quilts on the picnic benches for comfort.
The bar proved to be a valuable asset for an outdoor party. Holding so many of the necessary things needed for dinner, as well as looking pretty.

Next to the bar was a copper bucket for keeping drinks chilled. I had extra blankets out for additional warmth, and it was so cozy sitting by the fire.

Everyone brought a dish, and even though Deb brought two lovely appetizers, I made this as well, just in case they arrived after the other guests.

They arrived FIRST...and we had so many goodies to enjoy!

As soon as everyone arrived, we brought the goodies outside and settled in for some good food, great conversations, and a wonderful evening together. Already, the guys are "discussing" the best way to BBQ the Tri Tip!!!

Someone said something funny, but I don't remember who?

We gathered at the table just before dusk, to enjoy good food and good friends. Greg toasted to the longevity of friends, and all of us being together.

And then we ate!

And oh how yummy it all tasted!!! After dinner, we lingered at the table while Kathy read some of the old information flyers she had saved from our houseboat trips.

Anything that may have happened on one of the trips, would certainly be noteworthy fodder for Gregg Sporrer to include in the next year's flyer. We had a good laugh over remembering the story of my Greg and the girl in the day glow orange bikini!!!!!! He made the next year's flyer in a big way!!!

The gals. Not a good picture, but this was the best of the lot. ( I had to change clothes because when setting food on the table I leaned over a candle and caught fire!)

One of the really wonderful things about our gathering last night....was that Debbie, the lady in the pink, was there! Debbie was in the hospital this time last year fighting for her life! She spent several months in the hospital, and has been recovering since. But she is doing great now!!! Standing directly behind Debbie is Pam, her sister, and my friend since Jr. High school. In fact, we all went to high school together. All except Lori, front middle. We met Lori and Tim through Pam and Gregg. The guys played baseball together, and formed a great friendship, and they introduced them to all of us, and now here we are, all of these years later!!!

I tried to get everyone to come inside for dessert, but instead we settled in close to the fire, with blankets and coffee and enjoyed the pies and cookies that Kathy brought.

The evening came to an end, and we said our goodbyes, with promises to do this again very soon. Greg and I took a quilt and went back to sit by the fire and rest a bit. It was a PERFECT night!
Thanks for sharing it with me.
XO Kris

Knitty Bitty Thursday

2012-02-16T22:47:00.000-08:00

Today our knitting group met. We have all been going to a local knit shop for a couple of years, and the shop recently closed, so some of us are organizing get togethers so that we can keep in touch, and share our craft. Last week we met here at my house. Today we met at Viki's house. Here we are about to have a little lunch before we got our yarn out.

Good thing Viki doesn't read blogs. I somehow only got her nose in this picture!!!
Here is my pretty friend Donna.

Viki, our host, spent most of today working on repairing her doggins' toys.

I think my friend Viki looks a lot like Meryl Streep! She was a wonderful hostess, and we had such a great afternoon together.
When I left, it was so gorgeous out, I went up to Glen Ivy, which is the spa I love to visit, and took some photos. There was still a little snow on the hills, and it was such a pretty day, I just wanted to enjoy the views.
Past the stately old oaks that line the street that leads you in to Glen Ivy.

Past the golf course, getting closer to the verdant green hills that surround the canyon.

All the way up to the sign that bears the name of the spa that I love so much.

And then I circled around and enjoyed the view going down the hill. It was one of those magnificent skies. The kind that you get after a day of rains, coupled with a bit of a breeze that leaves the air crystal clear.

The sun was shining just right through the streaky clouds, leaving an almost hypnotizing view.

I was wishing I could stay out and enjoy it longer. But I had to head home because my dear friend Anita was coming through town on her way to the airport and asked me to meet her for dinner. So I pointed the car towards home, and continued to be mesmerized by the beautiful afternoon all around me.

Heading down my street, I stopped to admire the snow covered mountains that lay to the North of me. Can you see them through the clouds?

Home now........to get ready to go meet my friend.

Anita was taking a red eye tonight to Georgia, but we had a few hours to kill. We had a yummy meal, and sat in the back of a cozy restaurant, catching up and laughing, and enjoying each others company. Anita was the first friend I met when my family moved to the town where I grew up. We were in the 5th grade, and have been best of friends since. After 3 hours of great conversation, we bid goodbye in the parking lot, and I drove away with a smile on my face and feeling so very lucky. I am blessed indeed.
I leave you with this quote I saw recently. It really resonated with me.

XO Kris

Keeping Busy Here!

2012-02-14T20:48:00.000-08:00

Hellooooo and Happy Valentine's Day. Do you celebrate big? Buy everyone you love a special treat? Plan a romantic meal with your one and only? Are you that girl? Me? Well, yes and no. I used to be. I come from a family that was BIG on holidays. We celebrated birthdays big, and my parents made every holiday very special for us. I think I carried that on with my own family. But this year, I lost my mojo. No special Valentine's Day gifts for the loves of my life. No cards, no fancy meal, no homemade goodies. I did bring each of my grand kids a big heart shaped cookie with pink icing and sprinkles though. But dinner was a pizza that Geeps brought home for us. And it was perfect. Oh, and I did have a delightful lunch date today with two girlfriends, and that was fun. But no big "doin's" for us today.
Noah was looking awfully dapper in his red HEART BREAKER shirt, toting his red basket of homemade Valentine's for his classmates.

When I went to see my grand daughters today, they were also dressed in their Valentine's Day finery. Red Tutu for Hannah and a ridiculously large and lovely red bow in her hair. Clairey had on her pink Tutu and was just as excited as Hannah about the sweet treats Hannah got from her classmates at her school party today.

On Sunday we watched the girls for Gennifer so she could go have a prowl around at Sur le Table by herself. She brought me home this darling tea towel!

I have such a thing for cute tea towels, and can never pass them up when I see them. This is my new favorite.
On Sunday before the rain came, I finished up the rolling bar cart. I have brought it back onto the covered patio for now, because we have been having rain, but it will reside out back on the bbq pad. And it will get used this Sunday when we host our little gathering here. I will have better pictures then. We were just about to get some rain and this does not show the true color. It is cocoa brown.

I think this shows the color a little better.

This was during the painting process. Those three shelves will be so useful!! I am going to make a skirt for it too, for when we use it more as a bar and want to hide the shelves.
Pretty cute, eh?

I set that pitcher on the burlap runner to keep it from flying off in the wind before I shot the picture.
I made another delicious bread yesterday. It was a whole wheat with oats again, but with some added chopped walnuts. SO yummy!

Well, th...th.... .thhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaats all folks. This wascally wabbit is going to go get into her warmest flannel jammies and crease the sheets!!! Nighty night.
XO Kris

Valentine's Day Cookies

2012-02-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

I made these a few years ago. Guess what I feel like doing today?

Saturday At The Funny Farm

2012-02-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

We woke up early and I made us each an egg sandwich to get fortified for the day of work ahead.

I went out back to muck out the coop, and Geeps headed straight for Home Depot for sprinkler parts. It was an absolutely gorgeous day here in our parts. Brilliant blue skies with cotton candy clouds. Cool when there was cloud cover, and warm when there wasn't. A perfect day for hard work in the grove.
About mid morning, I heard what I thought was a herd of stampeding longhorn about to come through the grove where I was working. When I looked up discovered it was Noah and his buddy Riley. They had come to pick fruit with their Mama's. Soon after they arrived, we had four more little feet to run with the others. And at about the same time, my friend Jae stopped by to say hello too!
I got the kids out front to run some races, while Jae and I sat and chatted with some iced tea.

On your mark....get set..........GO!

A little rest time on the swing with a Capri Sun.

Girl talk.

Kids are so creative. They were playing Red Light, Green Light with those pillows, while Noah and Claire ran pell mell around and round the porch.
Geeps was working on broken sprinklers. Here he is trying to coax a kiss from Clairey.

You can see that our gardener was a no show last Friday! Grrrrrr!!!
After the front yard play, we took then across the street to Simmons Park. Where again, they had a ball!

They ran, they teetered, they slid, they played hide and seek. Wheeeeee!

Hannah figured out how to slow herself down by using her boots.

Clairey had no fear.

And Riley got to swingin' so high, she could touch the clouds!

You just can't beat an old school swing set!!!
Even Gamma went down that slide! Oh yes I did! I took my camera with me and shot this of Hannah when she went down ahead of me.

The Mama's rode the horse! Here is Gennifer demonstrating how to ride side saddle!

And here she is demonstrating how to ride a bucking bronc!

I don't think Amy had ever been horseback riding. She seemed unsure of what to do, and a little afraid of the horse.

Typical Urban Cowgirl....has her cell phone in her hand!
And because I have no shame, I rode bare back too. In my chicken coop mucking out boots, and yoga pants and old t shirt, with a hair clip in my hair, and nary a stitch of makeup on. Yes.....I am a fashion plate! I didn't anticipate that everyone we knew would be stopping by to visit yesterday! I don't dress up for my yard work. Do you?

Noah worked up the courage to try that super steep slide. He came down at lightening speed and landed with a thud.

I love this of Hannah peeking out the window in the fort.

Oh that sky!!

Before Gennifer left, she gave Geeps a haircut. She will only make house calls for her Daddy!

The girls played hopscotch and ran around on the back patio while Geeps got his hair cut.

The shadows grew longer, and by then it was almost time for Geeps to go in and get cleaned up for his evening with Erika and Noah. Eri had gotten him tickets to go to the Monster Truck Show with them for Christmas. She got front row seats, and took him out to dinner to Island's first too! Here they are all ready to go. Noah is sporting his Monster Truck shirt and everything, excited and raring to go!

In the words of my grandson, they had "Super Duper Thousand Fun!!!"
Before I leave you...here is a sneak peek at what I am working on. I bought this vintage bar on wheels at my favorite Vintage & Thrift a few months ago. I could see this diamond in the rough as being a great piece for our old school back patio and barbeque area. We spend a good many nights out there in the summer time, and food prep and storage is always a problem. This has three tiers that graduate in size from bottom to top. And it is on wheels for easy moving. It can be dressed up and skirted for use as a traditional bar, or left exposed for casual dining. I could see it's many possibilities. I snatched it up, brought it home, and hadn't intended to redo it until summer, but we are having a bit of a ParTay here next weekend, so thought I would get to sanding!

The lower shelves had already been removed in prep for sanding. I removed all of that chippy paint, and painted a coat of primer first, then the first coat of paint. I have to go get more paint today, and then I will show you the finished piece.
Better get to it. See you soon.
XO Kris

Hello Weekend

2012-02-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Friday, and Happy Weekend!! It was a full week, as they usually are around here. I was out this morning to feed the chickens and I was struck at how pretty it was outside. Though we are still several weeks from Spring, you can begin to see signs of it everywhere. The jasmine is about to burst!

The flowers are coming to life again.

Oh, and I found my Valentine's pillows.....4 days before Valentine's!

I had lunch with my friend Jae yesterday, and she brought me this flag she saw recently. She knows how much I love my feathered friends!

We have barely had a winter this year, but I must say, there is something so exciting about Spring.

The orange trees are also about to burst open with their delicious fragrance.

I can remember, years ago when Corona was filled with orange grove properties, and when March rolled around, you could smell this heavenly fragrance all throughout our town. I used to love to have the windows open at night, because the orange blossom's sweet scent would float in like a cloud, and then hang in the air, allowing the perfume to lull me to sleep.
Oh I can hardly wait.
My daughter Gennifer was given a nice bread maker by one of her clients the other day, and I guess all of our bread talk made me pull my machine out today. I made a loaf of whole wheat, and rolled oat bread. Apparently, this recipe was meant for a larger capacity machine. Oopsie.

When I took it out of the machine, it was still a bit doughy so I put it in the oven for about 15 minutes, and then it was perfect!

The slice on the right has Irish Kerrygold butter on it. Yummy!
It has been a pretty full week. I am ready to turn in and catch up on my Blue Bloods!!!!
Nighty Night.
XO Kris

Pizza.....Pie....and Pickin' Fruit

2012-02-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

It was a nice day. We had gray skies, with some scattered showers. A perfect day to stay home and cook. I dropped Noah to school, carrying his umbrella and stomping in every puddle he could find along the way. Then came home and made this yummy pie I had seen on a sweet friend's blog.

The Beehive Cottage

Maryjane is crazy talented and has such a charming blog. Do go visit her. Her recipe is as follows:

Buttermilk Pie, Oh My!

"Pat in the Pan" Pie Crust

(you can also use a frozen pie crust)

2 1/2 cups flour

2/3 cup oil

2 T milk

1 1/2 t salt

Mix together and "pat" into the pan and make a pretty edge. set aside.

Pie Filling

Mix together until frothy:

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup melted butter - cool and drizzle in bowl

1 t vanilla

1/2 cup buttermilk

(no buttermilk? Make your own:

1 cup milk & 2 T cider vinegar. Stir, chill.-Martha Stewart)

2 T flour

4 eggs

Pour into pie shell and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or by tapping the side of the pie pan and center barely moves.

Make sure you take your first bite when it is a bit warm! Oh, so good!

It reminded me of a custard pie, which is an all time favorite of mine. I have never made a custard pie before, but every time I happen to visit a diner, and there is homemade custard pie in the case, I have to have a slice!!!! Mmmmmm! This pie did not disappoint!!!!

It only takes a few simple ingredients. I just happened to have one pie crust left over in the fridge, so I whipped this pie up in no time.

I always have fresh eggs these days, thanks to my girls. These were brought in just this morning. Whisk ingredients together, and pour into prepared pie crust. The only thing I did differently, was add a generous amount of fresh ground nutmeg. Both to the pie while mixing, and then I dusted the top with it as well. Whole nutmeg can be hard to find, and also quite expensive. But the flavor is so far superior to the ground nutmeg you buy. I have noticed that almost every market now carries a section where they feature some spices in the cellophane bags for far less than you can buy them in the spice aisle. I buy whole nutmeg this way, and then keep it in a sealed jar in my spice drawer.

I could have used my smaller pie plate, and not had so much crust showing. Next time I will use a differnt dish, or make more custard to fill the shell.

Pop it into the oven for 45 minutes. The aroma will keep you watching the clock, because you will be so anxious to have a slice!!

It came out of the oven with a beautiful caremelized top on it. When I cut into it, that little bit of a crust on top reminded me of a creme brulee. And when I bit into it, the flavor was a cross between a traditional custard pie and a creme brulee. It was divine!

Both of my girls were here this afternoon, and they each had a slice. Here is what they thought....

Yep, I would say they enjoyed it. Nice mani Eri!!
After the pie devouring, we got our wellies on and went out back to pick fruit. Clairey was first to be ready to go.

I love the way they are all sort of stooping over to look at the chickens. Can you see Tillie way over there on the park bench? Silly chickens! We need to get Noah a pair of Wellies so he can stomp in the mud too!
Genny got the picker, and I got the wagon, and off we went. The kids were big helpers!

And they had some silly fun too.

I was surprised at how good Gennifer was at picking! In all of her years growing up here, I don't believe she ever picked a single avocado. Once. Ever!

They filled up the wagon, and then it took the three of them to push, pull and guide the wagon back into the yard.

After the kids all went home, I made a pizza for dinner. I like to buy a couple of pizza dough balls at a time, and keep some in the freezer for those days when I don't want to make a big dinner. They defrost quick, and you can make a pizza with just about anything. I made mine with red pepper rings, mushrooms, tomatoes, mozzarella, and ham. Tonight I didn't even bother with a pizza pan. I just put some cornmeal down on a heavy duty tray and pressed the dough out into a rough rustic rectangle.

I baked it at 425 for about 16 minutes. When it came out of the oven, I slid it off onto the butcher block so that I could cut it into squares.

Then I topped it with fresh spicy arugula and parmesan cheese with a light drizzle of olive oil. Delicious!

Bon Appetit!
XO Kris

Monday...Monday.....

2012-02-06T16:18:00.000-08:00

Hello out there! Did your team win yesterday? I didn't care who won, I just hoped to win the football pool. I didn't . I never do. Boo-Hiss. Well I didn't embarrass myself or my husband at his boss' house yesterday. I was on my best behavior. I didn't spill anything, or trip. Didn't overflow their toilet, or get one of my terrible cases of hiccups that last for hours, and break the barrier of sound. I made pleasant conversation and enjoyed myself immensely. Yesterday was clear and beautiful here in So. California. On the way there coming through the toll roads towards the beach, you could see the outline of Catalina perfectly! It was so pretty. The house we went to was in San Clemente. Their house sat high on a hill and they had a fabulous view of the ocean. There were lots of people there, and quite a spread of food. We brought the shredded beef, and it was yummy. There was sushi, and every kind of dip you could imagine. Along with wings, and cold cuts and cheese, and drinks of all sorts. They had one of those "Nothing But Bundt" Cakes and it was melt in your mouth delicious! We left shortly after the game was over, and we quickly changed into our comfies and watched our last episode of Downton Abbey to bring us to current time on the series. Oh how we have enjoyed this show!!!! I even have Drew and his girlfriend hooked on it now too.
Today after I dropped Noah at school, I went to visit my friend Jae for a bit. We laughed and chatted like we always do. She had an appointment so I left and popped into the public library to visit their used book store. They feature different deals all the time, and today was half off all cookbooks. I found a book by one of my favorite chefs, Rocco Despirito. I have a couple of his other books and they are so good.

The recipes are simple and delicious. With some great photos.

Priced at 3.00, but half off, I got it for 1.50! I found this series of books that looked like a good read, but they were missing the first and second in this series. Have you heard of these?

I will need to find the first two before I can read them though. Also got one garden book. Mostly because I loved the cover and thought it would be pretty sitting out.

I love our public library's used book store. Great prices!! I also wanted to find a movie that my friend Kate found at her library that she loved. She said it was crochet heaven!!! I couldn't find it though Kate. Darn!
I took these pictures of my hens a little while ago. They can still fit through the fence that separates the grove from the backyard. At least, all but Ham can fit.

Poor Ol Ham...can you see her over there on the other side?

I have been living in my funky crochet slippers lately. Today is kind of chilly and a slipper sort of day.

It has been a very busy few weeks around here! I don't have a lot of pep today. Noah has a cold and I feel like I could be getting one too. I think I will go fix myself a cup of hot tea, and work on my afghan and get cozy underneath it while I stitch.

See you soon.
XO Kris

Happy Birthday Drew!

2012-02-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

Our son Drew, turned 23 on Thursday. TWENTY THREE!!! How did this happen? Drew is the baby. Our girls were 6 & 8 when he was born. Even after they were all grown up, we still had a kid. Not anymore. I can't believe how fast time has gone. How fast it continues to speed by. Now. Especially now. I want to enjoy every moment. I want to savor the time. Drew had to work on Thursday so we celebrated his birthday last night. I always let the kids pick the dinner of their choice for their birthdays. Drew wanted scallops and shrimp. So I prepared a surf n turf dinner. I wish I had planned to photo the prep and the after. But I was busy running around and didn't have the time. I have been cooking since I was a brand new bride of 19. I remember cooking things like stuffed grape leaves, and beef wellington. As our family grew, it became much more ordinary things, like spaghetti, meatloaf, chicken and rice....you know, the things three kids would eat. I don't know if it was the combination of foods, the company, everything getting finished up at the same time to allow for so many items being served hot at the same time. A fluke? Whatever it was, last nights dinner was one I will remember for a long time. I think it was one of the best meals I have ever fixed. Not fancy . Nothing served on my best china, or in my prettiest serving pieces. We did it family style, in a mish mash of serving pieces. But it was delicious!
I put a dry rub on two tri tip steaks, and let them come to room temp before Greg grilled them. I marinated jumbo sea scallops and soaked the wooden skewers in water so that they wouldn't burn when they were grilled. I fixed a couple of pounds of jumbo shrimp, and oven roasted delicate asparagus spears. I cooked a large pan of scalloped potatoes before everything else went into the oven, so that I could finish off the asparagus and shrimp in the last few minutes while the tri tip was resting before slicing. The green salad was prepared before everyone arrived, and then tossed in dressing just before serving. One of the hardest things in preparing a large meal, is timing. If you can learn to prepare all that you can ahead of time, and use multiple heat sources when cooking, you can have everything go to the table piping hot. If you are serving any type of roast, or large cut of meat, it needs to rest before slicing, so the last minute things can finish off while you let the meat rest while covered in aluminum foil. Gennifer started our delicious night of feasting with an appetizer from Pioneer Woman's cookbook. Hot artichoke dip with crusty baquette and blue corn tortilla chips. No picture, sorry. It was yummilicious though.

Tri Tip roasts, with two types of salsa, which I purchased because I didn't have the time to make homemade yesterday. Scalloped potatoes, garden salad, oven roasted asparagus.

Sweet succulent jumbo sea scallops, and tender jumbo shrimp. It melted in your mouth. I saw this recipe for shrimp on Pinterest. How I love thee.....I was dying to try it. So easy too. You take one stick of butter, put it on a large tray or sheet with sides. Pop it into a hot oven to melt. I set the oven at 375. When the butter is melted, take sheet out of the oven and put your shelled, and deveined shrimp onto baking sheet. Then take one envelope of dry Italian seasoning mix, ( I used Zesty Italian Seasoning ) and sprinkle onto shrimp, and mix a bit. Slice up a couple of fresh lemons and lay those slices onto shrimp. Put tray back into oven, just until shrimp are pink. The recipe says to cook for 15 minutes, but truly that is about twice as long as you need to cook them. Watch them close, and don't let them overcook, as shrimp will become tough if you cook too long. THIS WAS FABULOUS!!!!!!! Really...SO CRAZY GOOD!!!!!
There were no leftovers to wrap, except a couple slices of tri tip. Clean up was easy. After a fun dinner with lots of laughter, we sang happy birthday our boy...no longer little. All grown up. 23!!

Non of my kids like cake much. So birthday "cake" is usually something like a donut tower, or cookie pizza, or in this case, double fudge brownie sundaes. I made the brownies the night before. Using a box mix of fudge brownies, mix as per instructions on box. Then pour half of the batter into pan, and for my twist, I sprinkle a layer of chocolate chips, then top with remaining batter and bake as usual. So gooey and fudgey, you will flip!

Happy Birthday son! May all of your wishes come true! And for my birthday, all I want is for you to get a haircut.
Greg and Jake in their matching (by accident) shirts from Stone Brewery.

Drew and his darling girl, Diana.

The only picture I got of Gennifer she was making a not so nice gesture! Apparently she didn't want her photo taken. So I should post it!!! But I won't because she knows my password and she just goes into my blog, all on her own, and removes any photo of her that I post if she doesn't approve.
Eri wasn't able to be there last night, and we missed her and Noah!
Last night while we were still sitting at the table after dinner, I caught a glimpse of the girls standing in front of the glass domes that held goodies. By the time I dashed to get my camera, Hannah had already run off, but I caught this of little Clairey.

Oh how our girls love their sweets!!! Just like their Gamma! I didn't get many pictures last night, but here are the girls giving Uncle Goo their gift. He looks like he loves it!

Yesterday was such a busy day for me. I was having our knitting/crochet group here to my house during the day. So I knew that I had to be very organized to have everything prepared for dinner that night too. I just put out some cookies and snacks for the Knitty Bitties. Everyone brings a sak lunch, and then we just munch and stitch. I made that wonderfully refreshing punch that Gennifer found on Pinterest. 1 can of limeade, 1 liter of Sierra Mist or 7 Up, and 2 sliced cucumbers. I added 1 1/2 liters of the soda this time and liked it better. It is so refreshing.

I went out to see what I could snip for a small vase of flowers, and nothing is blooming yet. All I could find were a few snips of geraniums and some nasturtium. But I loved this in a simple rustic vase.

All of the ladies brought something to share, so we had so many goodies. And Joyce made a delicious pasta salad too! I never got a single picture while they were here. These were taken after they had gone home. Deb brought these delicate crunchy delights from Corner Bakery. OH MY GOSH!!!!! You must run and get them if you ever pass a Corner Bakery!!

Joyce also brought this bag of yumminess for my family.

Chock full of dried fruits and whole walnuts!!! YUM!!
Denise brought me this fun book!!! Perfect for the LIST MAKERS in your life!

Such a fun day!!! And yesterday afternoon, right after the Knitty Bitties left, I peered around the kitchen corner to see what Noah was doing. I saw him sitting like this on the coffee table, engrossed in his show. He is looking so grown up lately. He and Hannah both, they are becoming such big kids. They will start Kindergarten in August! This picture is blurry, but I loved it so!

That's a wrap. It's Saturday morning, and we have a lot going this weekend. We are meeting up with Greg's sister and her kids tonight at the beach for dinner. And tomorrow we are going to a Super Bowl party at my husband's new boss' house! Yikes, I had better behave!!
See ya!
XO Kris

Hump Day

2012-02-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

We had a busy morning! Jake and Clairey came to play on the sport court. Hannah was in school, and Noah has no school on Wednesday. Shortly after they arrived, my Mom came over to visit and to bring a birthday gift to Drew.

The kids ran around like crazy, and my Mom and I enjoyed sitting in the swing with the warmth of the sun on our legs to warm us. You know that perfect kind of warmth that makes you drowsy? Nice!!
Drew's birthday is tomorrow and he has to work, so Mom brought his gift out today. She made him a huge pan of her homemade Macaroni & Cheese!

And something fell out of the card that resembled money, but it was a blur because he stuffed it into his pocket so fast!

My Mom looks about 4 feet tall in this picture. She is average height, but Drew is 6' 5" so everyone looks small next to him. He wasted no time having a plate of Grandma's good Macaroni & Cheese!!!! You know where I learned to cook don't you?
Here is my Mom trying out my new comfy chair in the play room. She had an important call she had to take.

I am still tearing my house apart looking for my Valentine pillows? I can't find them anywhere. I put my Valentine hearts on my winter door wreaths. I use the same wreath I put up after Christmas, just a plain winter wreath, and add the wooden hearts I painted with chalkboard paint and put a Valentine message on. Then tied them on with some pretty red gingham ribbon and a piece of heart ribbon.

Dolly has her winter scarf on, just in case we ever dip below the 70's again here in sunny So. Cal!!

Noah just left with his Daddy so I am going to go shopping for my little boy. He will be 23 tomorrow!!! Where oh where does time go????
XO Kris

DONE!!!

2012-01-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

Today after dropping Noah off at school, I got to painting! I had hoped to bang it out while he was gone, in a little over 2 hours, which was how much time I had. Did I get it done in 2 hours? Nah...it never seems to go as fast as we hope. But I did finish. It went from this a few days ago.

To this on Saturday.

To this today.

Not very exciting, I know, but so much better than the mangled walls I have been looking at for way too long. But since I did all of the wallpaper removal myself in both rooms, and then the re texturing of the walls, and the painting, I figure I saved about 1,000. Was it worth it to me? YES!!! Now I am ready to jackhammer out my bathroom tile and lay tile. When I told Geeps, he made a funny face. He is used to me though. He just may come home one night with a new bathroom floor and a rented jackhammer in the garage!
So now I am looking over magazines and Pinterest for ideas on what to do in the laundry room for decor. I keep a butcher block table in there with our ancient microwave and Keurig Coffee Pot. I have a coffee pot in the kitchen, but the Keurig is nice to have too, for those quick cups of coffee on the go. Just as I was wrapping it up, Gennifer and the girls came by for a visit, and shortly after they got here, Erika arrived to pick Noah up. We all had a nice visit in the play room, and I had a bit of a rest. Then as soon as they left, there was another knock on the door, and boy was I glad to see who was there!!

The little girl scout up the street with a wagon full of cookies!!! Good thing I only had 8 dollars on me. Because that was the exact amount that bought these two boxes! Those lemon cookies are so good!!!
Geeps is on the way home and bringing something for dinner. Thank goodness, because this Gamma is tired! I think I will take tomorrow off, and just sit as much as possible. Oh who am I kidding? I don't sit for long.
I am just so relieved that this job is now done! On to the fun stuff now. Decorating!

I think I am going to paint all of the cabinetry creamy white. And I want to figure out some way to hide the back of that microwave. That curtain above the washer and dryer, I made a few years ago to hide the ugly hoses and whatnot that were visible behind the machines. I put it on a tension rod and will most definitely keep it. But I will be changing out the fabric to something new and fresh.
I also want to paint the ugly brown hollow doors we have throughout our 40 year old house. The list is endless on an old home, that is for sure!
Tonight.....I rest! And watch more Downton Abbey!!!!!!
G'night.
XO Kris

Another BIG Job....DONE!

2012-01-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

Good Sunday morning to you! The sun is shining, and so far no wind. We have had some big wind lately. I get bad headaches in the wind, so I hope it is done blowing for a while! Yesterday morning, we had a surprise visit from all three Grands! Our daughter Eri and her little boy Noah showed up with a pretty pink box of donuts!

At the same time, our son in law Jake arrived with Hannah and Clairey to borrow the carpet cleaner. Perfect timing! We all sat around the kitchen table chatting and eating donuts and sipping coffee. Erika and Noah wanted wash her car. So Geeps was nice enough to go out there and give her a hand, and then they all washed my car too.

While they were outside washing cars, I decided to try my hand at tackling the job of re texturing the walls in my laundry room. This was where nightmare wallpaper removal began. I removed the wallpaper in that room a year ago, and haven't done a thing to it since! Embarrassing, but true. I knew that when I was done with that room, and also the removal of paper in the guest room where I just finished, that I would have to have the walls re done. So I didn't do any more with the laundry room because I was going to have both the rooms done at the same time with the retexturing. This is what the walls looked like before I started.

When we moved here, there was navy blue floral wallpaper in the kitchen and attached laundry room. They had put up plaster over the texture on the walls to make it a smooth surface. Let me tell you that removing wallpaper over this is just awful! I tackled the kitchen several years ago, had the walls redone and then painted. But I didn't want to redo the laundry room at that time, so I repapered it to avoid having to do anything with the walls. So it was time!
I started in the very furthest corner of the room, so that if it didn't turn out well, it was hidden. But as I kept going, I got better and better at it.

Then I did all of the area at the top of the walls.

I discovered just the right consistency for mixing the joint compound with water. I found that mixing it to appear like smooth peanut butter was just about perfect to apply and then allow the mixture to form small peaks, that will later be "knocked down" for the finished look.

I learned that the giant bucket of joint compound from Walmart for 5 dollars works just as well as the tiny container of joint compound I bought at Home Depot for 5 dollars and change.
By the time I got to the last wall, the most obvious wall, the one that will be most seen, I had developed a good system for applying the texture, and was on a roll. I was also covered in joint compound from head to toe!!! My friend Karen at

The Vintage Bag Lady

suggested using a plastic grocery sak for applying the texture to the wall. I learned that tying the handles tightly around the bag, holds the bag into a nice shape and almost makes it into a sort of mitt for holding onto it.

All done and drying! I will paint this week, and then begin to add some new touches to my laundry room. I am thinking about painted the cabinets in there, and just changing things up a bit for a fresh new look.

When I was done with the laundry room, I felt I had done a much better job and decided to take the little bit of compound I had left and go redo the patch on the wall in the guest room. So that will also need to be repainted.

By the time I was done with all of that, Jake had returned the carpet cleaner and I got busy shampooing the carpets. It was a perfect day to do it because it was warm and dry and windy. So no rest for the weary, or for me, and I got busy with task number two.

Yikes...I was over do on doing this! A couple of years ago, I was getting some quotes on having the carpet cleaned in the whole house. It was so high, that I decided it would be money well spent to purchase this Bissell 2X Carpet Cleaner! I paid the same amount for the machine that I would have for the job of having someone else do it for me. And I have been able to do my carpets any time I want to now. Also, our kids have used it on their homes, and Geeps has done the boat carpet and motor home carpet too. It was a good investment, and it works so well!

By the time I was done with all of that, darkness was beginning to set, and Geeps came in from his work in the grove, and went out to pick up some dinner for us. We were both exhausted! We ended our hard day of work with watching a GREAT new series I had heard about. It is on PBS Master Piece Theatre. The series is Downton Abbey. I had seen a few people comment on how good it was on some of my favorite blogs, and it piqued my interest. I love English authors, and historical novels and such. I knew I would love this show. I told Geeps about it, but we couldn't find it! I heard that season one was finished, and season two was in session. With the fourth episode airing tonight. I was panicked because I wanted to tivo it. Well, it turns out, I was calling it DownTOWN Abbey, not Downton Abbey, and this is why Geeps couldn't find it. He was able to locate it and set it up to record, and we also downloaded the first season series and began to watch it last night. SO good. SO SO good!!!!! The acting, the photography, the period costumes, EVERYTHING! So good. Look for it!!! We sat up and watched two episodes last night, and finally I had to call it a night. We are about to watch episode three in a bit here.

Lastly, I put my binding on my little hearts quilt the other day, and am in progress on another.

Go make it a great day!!!

XO Kris

Pucker Up!

2012-01-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

That's right. Pucker up, for this fabulous recipe for Tangy Lemon Bars. My friend Thea gave me this recipe. I have made lemon bars a time or two before. I love anything with lemon in it. But lemon bars never turned out the way I wanted them to. Not this time. The whole thing is whipped up in the Cuisinart. Starting with the dough.

This gets pressed into a 9 x 13 pan and baked.

The filling is made in same bowl, and no washing is necessary til the end. Pop the bowl back onto Cuisinart, and make the filling. Pour into cooled crust, and bake again. Do you have a microplane? I am a bit of a gadget lover, both for cooking and sewing. I have so many gadgets and tools that I love. This microplane is one of them. Great for zesting citrus!

And this gadget is a favorite of mine too. My Mom got it for me. It juices lemons down to the very last drop!

Back to these delicious lemon bars. After it is baked, it comes out of the oven with a slight crust to the top.

Dust the top with powdered sugar. Slice when cool, and PUCKER UP. These are fantastic! I hope you will try them. Thank you Thea, for sharing this yummy recipe from your Georgia friend! Here is the recipe:
Luscious Lemon Bars
Crust:
1 Cup Cold Butter
1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
2 Cups Flour
Pinch Salt
Cut butter into cubes and toss into Cuisinart. Add rest of dry ingredients, and pulse until mixture comes together and resembles peas.
Press into 9 x 13 baking pan and bake in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. I took mine out at 18 minutes.
While cooling make the filling:
In same bowl:
4 Eggs
2 Cups Sugar
4 Tablespoons Flour
5-6 Tablespoons Lemon Juice ( I used 6 GENEROUS T of juice )
Zest of 2 lemons ( I zested 4 lemons, because I am a rebel like that )
Pinch of salt
Mix together, then pour over your cooled crust. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Top will form a crust.
Sprinkle powdered sugar over top. Cut when cool. Pucker up and ENJOY!!!

For dinner last night I made a Turkey Pot Pie. This is so easy, and such a delicious meal. Also makes a perfect dish to take to a shut in, or someone who is just home from hospital. It also freezes very well.

Fresh & Easy had their cooked turkey breasts on sale for half off the other day. I bought this one, and then cubed the whole thing. Freezing what I didn't use for this meal, in three other separate bags, to use for future meals. I cubed some turkey, minced 1/2 an onion, very small, cooked a few small potatoes in the micro for 10 mimutes, to cube and add to pie. I used about 2/3 of this bag of mixed veggies. I rolled out store bought pie dough and put into pie tin. I use a large pie pan for this, with deep sides. Cook two packages of either chicken or turkey gravy. I had one of each, so used both, no problem. Using a large bowl, combine your turkey, veggies, minced onion, and cubed potatoes. Pour cooked gravy over this and mix to combine. Season well with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. Pour into your prepared pie dish.

I don't know why I bothered to flute those edges, because you add a second crust to top this. I roll the crust out to be a couple of inches larger than the pie pan diameter. Then, using the rolling pin to roll your dough back up onto the pin, take the edge of the dough, and line it up, slightly overlapping the edge of the pin pan, and then using the rolling pin, just roll the dough off, onto the pie.

Take the overlapping dough that is hanging over the edges, and tuck it up underneath the edge of the pie crust on the bottom, and then flute the edges. I also like to brush mine with some egg wash for nice sheen on the crust when it comes out of the oven.

I cut slits in the top of the pie dough to allow steam to escape.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 45 minutes.

Allow to set up for 5 minutes or so before cutting into it so that the contents holds shape when you cut. Serve with a salad and you have dinner!

In other news here at my house, I have been wanting to do some machine quilting. I have several quilt tops that have stacked up in my sewing room that need to be finished. I am not a proficient machine quilter by any stretch of the imagination. But I have done a simple meander on all of the wall hangings and runners I have made. It takes a LOT of practice to get the correct ratio of hand movement to machine speed, to achieve nice even stitches. I have a LONG way to go. But I thought, why not practice by making up all of those small projects I have that are accumulating in my sewing room. So I have been playing with my machine and got it all set up to do free motion quilting and after I took Noah to school yesterday I came home and got to it. This runner is one that I made several years ago in a Thimbleberries series class that I took at my local quilt shop. It has been hanging on my design wall forEVER. Since it has hearts, I chose to do that one first.

Here I am attaching the binding with m walking foot. Yes I take my camera everywhere with me. Don't you?
This next photo, I was trying to take it of all of the machine settings so that if I ever allow a long time to go by between switching the settings for free motion quilting, I would remember where I put all of my dials. But when I viewed it on my computer, I saw that the dials were all fuzzy, but the photo of Geeps and I that is sitting on the table was in perfect focus. I thought that was kind of neat.

Here is the runner, or topper, all quilted, with binding attached, but not yet hand sewn down. I will finish that today.

One down, a bazillion to go. Maybe by the time I get to the last ones, my machine quilting will be getting a bit more adventurous. I did stitch a heart in the corner of this one. And I found some quilts I had done for the grandkids when they were babies, and I had done their names and dates in cursive, and some echo quilting and simple shapes. But I am rusty, and need to practice more.
It's Friday people! Go out and make it a great day! And have a wonderful weekend!!!
So, what have YOU been up to?????
PS As I was making the pot pie, and pausing to take pictures, I got to thinking how much easier it would be be to do some videos of some of the cooking techniques that I talk about here on my blog. Maybe that would be a great way to go for my some Cooking 101 online? I will need to have Gennifer help to show me how to set that up. I have a tripod, so it shouldn't be too difficult. What do you think? Cooking Class via video?
XO Kris

Beautiful Night Sky

2012-01-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

Last night at dusk, I went out to put the chickens back into the coop for the night. I was immediately struck with how beautiful the sky was. I stood for a minute looking up and admiring it. And then I ran as fast as I could back into the house to get my camera to capture the beauty. I was so busy today, that I didn't look at those photos until just now. Pictures never seem to do justice to what your naked eye sees. But I was pleasantly surprised with these.
This first one was looking North, on the side yard over where the coop is.

As I walked around to the front of the house, the sky just kept turning deeper shades of pink.

I love the silhouette of the big sycamore trees in our front yard, with just a few parched leaves left dangling on their near barren branches.

The large dark conical shaped thing in the tree closest in the photo is a giant parasite. Do you know what it is? Mistletoe. We never got it cut down before Christmas.
The palm trees that you can see over the roof tops are in the backyard around our pool. I do not love them. In fact, I despise them. Only because they shade my pool, and keep it from being as warm as I would like it to be. And they are messy and always need trimming. But they are pretty to look at.

Somebody was watching me through the window. Do you see him?

There is something about seeing a house that is illuminated by the soft glow of lights that feels so homey to me.

It was such a pretty night to be outside last night!

And then I went inside and steamed a head of broccoli to add to the potato cheese soup I had left over from the night before. I like it best on the second night. The flavors are more intense, and we love it with steamed broccoli added to it.

Life is good!
XO Kris

Tea Parties, Dancing, French Toast & Friends

2012-01-24T16:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a full day of rain. I love the rain. I wish we had more of it. When we do have it, I just enjoy every minute of it! My granddaughters Hannah and Claire came over yesterday morning while Mommy went for a check up. We had a lot of fun. First we had tea party. Don't you just love our little Hannah's new haircut? Her Mommy, my Gennifer, is the best hair stylist around!!

We had a couple of cowboys and Indians join us for the tea party. Noah insisted! Clairey brought the horses.

I asked Noah for hot tea with Blue Agave Syrup. He said, we are all out of Blue Agave Gamma, but I can mix red and yellow together to make Blue Agave!!! I cracked up!!

Clairey played with the school bus and Little People. And laughed herself silly over the wind up Choo-Choo.

They all took a nap. (Pretended, that is.)
And soon it was time to get Noah off to school.
It was pouring rain, and luckily my son Drew was home, so I didn't have to take all three of them out in it when I took Noah. When I came back home, I found that Uncle "Goo" had made eggs and shared them with the girls, and when I walked into the house I found the sweetest thing. Drew had pushed the coffee table out of the way, and put in the Wii bowling game and was teaching the girls how to play. He was standing next to Hannah talking to her and telling her how to use the controller, while holding little Clairey's hand. I had to run and get my camera!!

It just melted my heart!!

Uncle "Goo" is a musician, and he sometimes lets the girls play his instruments. They both got to strum the guitar a little bit. And then Uncle "Goo" played for them, and they had dance party.

They just make me laugh. So much energy!! I hope they always want to come to Gamma and Geeps house!
The rain continued all day, and I thought it was a good night for potato cheese soup. I got the soup on, and cooked a pound of bacon in the oven to top our soup, and froze the rest for later. Geeps stopped off at the store on his way home for a nice loaf of crusty French bread. We had a little more than a half of that loaf leftover, and I was thinking of making French Toast for breakfast today. But then while reading through some of my favorite blogs this morning, I came upon my friend Pam's blog,

For the love of cooking and got right to the kitchen to put together this fabulous oven baked French Toast with Streusel Topping.

You can alter this to suit the number of people you may be serving. I started with 5 eggs, but then after pouring the egg and milk mixture into the bread cubes, I felt it needed a bit more.

So I cracked one more egg, added a splash more of 1/2 & 1/2, a bit of vanilla and poured it over the bread cubes.

Then, the thing that makes this so different, is the streusel topping.

Bake it for 55 minutes, and serve with warm pure maple syrup.

DIVINE!!!! I microwaved the bacon that I saved from last night, and cut up some fruit. So delicious. And so easy! This will definitely be on the menu the next time I have a crowd for breakfast. Go check out Pam's blog for the right measurements. This is a Pioneer Woman recipe, although not in her current book. But it is on her blog.

For lunch today, I met up with my dear friend Sue. She was in town to pick up her darling grandson for a few days, and her daughter Courtney met up with us too. I had made Court a purple Bloomie after learning that she had borrowed Sue's and loved the color purple.

Here is Sue and Courtney. Sue and her husband Ron and I all went to high school together. And then when we moved out here to Corona, 28 years ago, we discovered that we were only 4 doors up from them!!! We have been having fun together ever since.

Courtney is a school teacher, and recently got this beautiful bag from her students and their parents!!!

I would say that she is much loved in the classroom!!!!!

Sue's little pride and joy, Ayden.

He just started to walk a little bit. Love those Frankenstein arms!!! Sue and Ron lived here by us for many years, but now live in Palm Desert. Even though we miss seeing them as often as we used to, we do get to spend a lot of fun times together. We both spend a lot of time up in Big Bear, and do a lot of boating together. We are already thinking about the upcoming summer and how many fish we will catch. Sue's friend Susan was with her today, but I didn't get a picture! Sorry Susan!!!! It was fun to meet up with you ladies....and cute little Ayden!

I have a wonderful looking recipe for Georgia Lemon Bars to try, from my friend Thea. I will be sharing that with you soon.

Before I go, I want to thank Deb for the ever so thoughtful email and message you sent to me. It made my day to hear from you!!!! Deb says she has been following my blog for a couple of years and feels like she knows me. We have shared a few emails back and forth, and I sure wish she didn't live so far away! I know we would be have a lot of fun together! Blogging has been nothing but a positive experience for me. I could never understand when people would say otherwise. Like anything else in life, it is whatever YOU make it!

See you soon with what I hope will be a wonderful lip puckering recipe!!!
XO Kris

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2012-01-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

Hello out there! We have had a very busy week here. I will start with today though, because it was a special day! Our daughter Erika was baptized this morning at church. We sat in the third row, right behind her, but I took my photos of the big screen above so that I wouldn't have anyone else's head in the photos. Which was kind of hard to do, because I was trying to watch her with my natural eye, while taking photos, and then the tears began too.
Here she is, just as she is about to go under the water. Pastor is talking to her. I love the look on her face.

And then, under she goes, washed anew.

And here she is, all smiles, after the service. Her best friends, Mike and Laura came out to share this with her, as well as her good friend Amy.

Here she is with her Dad and I.

We are very proud of you Erika! After church this morning, we stopped at Home Depot for my trim paint. I got home and prepped the trim, taping everything off, but before I got started, my Mom and Nana came over and brought us sandwiches from a favorite deli in Gardena ( near Los Angeles ) that my family has been going to since my parents were in high school. We had delicious sandwiches while watching the football game, and had a nice visit with my Mom and Nana.

Get ready to drool!!

Oh they were so good! Thank you Mom!! After my Mom left, I got busy on my painting. I finished painting the walls yesterday, and did the baseboards today. But I ran out of daylight and will have to do the trim around the closet later. What a job this room was! Probably the worst home project I have tackled to date. But it looks so much better with a nice fresh coat of paint on it. There are still lots of things to do in there. I really should have Greg rehang this rod. He put it up for me, but I didn't tell him that the brackets should be two inches outside the outer edge of the window. This was hung a while ago, and we will be changing it. Maybe "manana." A friend of ours told us that "manana" doesn't necessarily mean tomorrow, it just means, NOT TODAY!! This picture would be much prettier if I had waited until tomorrow in the daylight, with the window blinds open. I will do more later though. I still have lots to do in that room.

The next thing I am looking for in this room is a new comforter. And fabric to make a dust ruffle, and recover the antique hope chest I keep at the foot of the bed that belonged to my Dad's sister, my favorite Aunt Connie.
This is the new chaise lounge I recently bought. It is soooo comfortable!!! I am sitting in it right now as I write this post. That afghan is almost done. I will finish it before I start on anything else!

The telly is in this armoire in the corner of the room. But the prettiest part of this piece of furniture never gets to be seen because we never close the doors. So I reluctantly arranged the piece so that the doors were opened up all of the way, allowing for the optimal viewing of the t.v., and we do without the outside of the pretty doors showing. : (

I took that photo before I had finished putting pictures back onto the shelves. These are two favorite photos of mine. The one on the left is of my best friend Jae and I golfing. I look huge in that picture, but in my defense, my friend Jae is very little. And the other one is of our son Drew and his best buddy Brian when they were in high school. I took it right after they had both come in off the court.

On the high boy dresser sits some special things too. This is a very favorite picture of our grand girls, Hannah and Claire. And in the fern is the hummingbird nest I snipped out of one of the orange trees a couple of weeks ago when we were pruning. The large hawk feather is one that I found while jogging up at Bass Lake a few summers ago. And then a photo of my husband golfing, and some of his favorite golfing books. The bronze colored candle holder with the beads was a Goodwill find a few weeks back.

On the wall next to the dresser is a very old oar that belonged to my Dad. I am not sure of it's origin, but we were always a boating family, so I am sure that it is one that we used at one time. Below the oar is a picture we bought up at Bass Lake a few summers ago. It always make me think of some of our happiest of times. And also on the wall is a snapshot keeper that holds miscellaneous photos of our family. I need to update that soon.

On another wall sits a child sized table and chairs that I bought at my Vintage & Thrift, and painted in a creamy white. The chairs are very old wood and metal school chairs. I have it set for a tea party because tomorrow morning my grand girls are coming over for a couple of hours. The china tea set and linens all fit in that cute wicker basket. I bought it at an antique fair a couple of summers ago.

Also on that wall is the little play kitchen set that our two daughters had when they were little girls. When they outgrew it, I boxed all of the play foods, and the whole kitchen up and wrapped it all in plastic to save for one day when I had grandchildren. When our three grandkids play with this set, I remember all of the great times that our girls had playing with it, so many years ago.

Other than the fact that it is missing two knobs on the front, and the kitchen sink sprayer, it is in nearly perfect condition. Not bad for being nearly 30 years old!! I am so glad that I saved it!
The quilt rack that hangs above the chaise lounge is holding a quilt that I made many years ago. I need to make one in the colors that I am doing in this room. On the shelf above the quilt are more favorite photos, and a photo of Greg's favorite golfer Ernie Els, that a good friend of mine who is a photographer, took last year at Pebble Beach for us. I bought the quilt rack at a cabin sale up in Big Bear a couple of years ago, a few cabins up from my Mom's place.

The basket that is holding the yarn is also a Goodwill find. I love it because it has a wire base and is very sturdy.
This is the largest bedroom in our house. Even bigger than our bedroom, but without the attached bathroom. So it works out very well for a guest bedroom that doubles as a playroom/den for us. When I find the comforter I want, I will be changing and adding some things on the walls. But for now, after working very hard on the wallpaper removal, wall repair and retexture, then painting, I am done for now.
Before wrapping it up. I am enclosing a picture from " Bar Night" the other night. This is not all of us, just the one's I could fit into this frame.

My little brother and his family weren't there, so this is a light turn out. Some of us were sitting at the bar on the opposite side.
Oh and one last thing. Last night Geeps and I went to the movies with our girls. Just Genny, Erika and us. It was fun. Then we went to dinner at Panera. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening! We saw that movie with Tom Hanks, Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close. We all four thought it was outstanding! Sad, touching, thought provoking, and very well written and acted. Do go see it if you get the chance!
Well, I think that is about it from here. It has been a busy time, and there is still a lot going on for us. Good stuff. Good times. We are blessed!!!
XO Kris

Happy Friday!

2012-01-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

Hello, good morning, and Happy Friday! Looks like we are going to have a wet weekend. We have a relaxing weekend planned. Geeps and I are going to catch a movie tomorrow afternoon with our daughters. We weren't invited. We noodled our way in. When Gennifer was doing my hair the other day, she was receiving texts from her sister Erika, regarding their movie plans. I said.....Hey...I would love to go too! And when I told Geeps, he said...what about me? So I guess whoever wants to go will be going. I think my Mom may even join us. I think we are seeing the Tom Hanks movie.
I want to talk about Pinterest! Do you Pinterest? I do. I love it. I was only lukewarm on it at first. It was confusing to me (what's new? Lots of things are!) and I only did it a little bit. But then my girls were raving about it, and I gave it another whirl. Oh my goodness, what a great site this is. I am a magazine junkie and I must spend a fortune on my favorite magazines. Well, in our efforts to "Simplify" our lives, I have not been purchasing too many as of late. I often go to Barnes & Noble to leaf through some of my favorites, purchasing only the ones that I know I will refer to later. Pinterest has virtually taken away my magazine habit!! You can find any kind of inspiration you can imagine on Pinterest. What fun. If you haven't tried it, you should! I found this little gem on Pinterest, and thought it was genius. Using an empty oatmeal container, you attach your headbands for easy access, and also have the use of the container itself for hair bands and accessories. This would have been fantastic for me when I had two little girls who never went anywhere without pretty bows in their hair. But for me, I wanted to display my newest shop items, headband Bloomies! The one I saw on Pinterest was aqua. But it was done with paper. I actually removed the labeling and painted the cardboard in a pretty aqua, because I had a can of that from my recent garden chair I painted. I painted two coats, and did the lid as well. But the next one I do I think I will try it in paper, for a smoother surface. But I love it!

Displayed on a chunky candle holder, it looks like a sleek cake! I have it in my living room in front of the window for lighting purposes.

Whoever thought of this clever idea should be applauded! I was telling Gennifer that when she and Erika were little, I used to use these large oatmeal containers to make baby cradles for their dollies. I crocheted little baby blankets and made little pillows, and they loved them.

Ducey wants to say hi.

I am off to Home Depot to get what I need to repair my walls before I paint them. Go make it a great day!
XO Kris

Mid Week Musings

2012-01-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I woke up at 6:00 A.M. and it was only 40 degrees! Brrrr. I am sitting here thinking about all of the things that we have going on in the next few weeks, and it is crazy! I take care of my 4 year old grandson while my daughter works, but today he is with his Daddy. I am going in to see my other daughter, Gennifer in a bit so that she can make me pretty with a new hair do. And since I have a free day, I am sort of entertaining the idea of going to see The Iron Lady. I just love Meryl Streep. I have a friend who looks like Meryl. Viki is her name. Hi Vik!
Last night I made one of our winter favorites, Beef Barely Soup. I didn't blog it, but you can find that post here. http://cakesbykristin.blogspot.com/2009/11/beef-barley-soup.html I also made a loaf of homemade English Muffin bread in my bread machine. And you can find that recipe and post here. http://cakesbykristin.blogspot.com/2010/12/english-muffin-bread.html
This morning, I enjoyed the English Muffin bread toasted, with some of my favorite yogurt and homemade granola on top.
This is our favorite bread recipe of all time!
Tonight we are meeting my Mom and brothers and sisters in laws, nephews and girlfriends, and all family who wants to attend, at what we call "Bar Night." This is something we do periodically, where we pick a restaurant and all meet up in the bar, for a casual night of appetizers and visiting. We have a rather large family, and this is a fun and easy way to gather and allows us to get up and move around and visitate (made up word I stole from my neighbor Gary) with everyone. I think we may also get to go see my nephew Joe's new condo afterwards.
Off I go to get ready for my day. I hope to also get in and purchase my paint for the guest bedroom. And if I can squeeze it in, get that room painted this weekend.
Happy Hump Day!!
XO Kris

Breaking News....Wallpaper-GONE!

2012-01-16T11:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right. The wallpaper is gone! So is all feeling in my right arm!!!! I reluctantly drug my grumpy self into the play room yesterday at about 2:00 to gettir done!! I had my spray bottle with fabric softener diluted with hot water, a piping hot steam iron, rags, razor blades, extra water, a diet soda, and the telly turned onto the only thing I could find, The Hallmark Channel. Two and half movies, and five hours later, the paper was gone.

Several years ago when we had our copper repipe done, they had to cut several hole in the walls to access plumbing. These spots on the wall will have to be retextured before I paint. I also have to have the entire laundry room retextured before I can paint that room. I was half way considering doing those two small areas myself so that I can get this room done while I am on a roll. I YouTubed lots of videos and think I can do it.
There is this one spot in the corner of the room, where I could not get that paper to budge. I held the steam iron to it, I sprayed, I cursed a little, I scraped, I cried, and nothing. I am going to sand it off. The armoire hides it, so at this point, I don't care!

Most of this wallpaper came off in pieces this size!

I kid you NOT! It was a nightmare! After I resume feeling in my hands and limbs, and the burns from the iron heal, I will go on to the next step. But today, I don't want to think about it.
The other day while I was at my favorite Vintage & Thrift, I found this red tray with flowers on it.

I think I will put a plate hanger on it and hang it in my sewing room, right here above my aqua mailbox.

I was looking for a few of my Valentiney things to put out today. I have a darling red shaped pillow that I cannot find anywhere. This is a heart shaped mug rug I made several years ago when I was teaching myself how to make chenille.

I love all of the reds on my aqua bench.

More hearts.

I love this rustic tin heart. And next to it a a favorite photo of mine. We had family pictures taken down at the beach for my Mom last year. We wrote my Dad's name in the sand, and all gathered around it, then blew a kiss heavenward. The photographer took our picture from the pier. I get chills every time I look at it.

Puffy pink and red hearts in an aqua antique ball jar sitting in my kitchen window sill.

I am loving our much cooler weather. And we had beautiful rain all night last night. Much better weather for January!
Hope you all have a nice day today!
XO Kris

Watcha Doin' Saturday

2012-01-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello there. I am sitting down here with a steaming hot cup of coffee after spending the morning doing some shopping. I needed new skivvies and bras. Got em'. Not the most fun thing to spend money on, but boy are they nice to have! After my trip to Kohl's, armed with my coupon from Kirkland, I went in to buy something I had seen in their sale add. It was exactly what I was looking for, and what a steal! I needed something else on the wall above the sofa. The picture I have hanging in the living room is also from Kirkland, but a year or so ago. I fell in love with the colors. So warm and rich. Just the colors I have in my living, family and kitchen.

I still have a few more things to do in here. But I am getting to where I like it.

Now I am eager to do the crown molding in here. I want to try it myself. Any suggestions on that by anyone who has done it themselves?
Ducey loves to watch the world go by from this chair.

I do a lot of my blogging from this chair in the corner with the ottoman.

This is a peek at my inspiration piece for the spare bedroom I am working on.

LOVE the colors!!!
Geeps is golfing today, and I had every intention of finishing this wallpaper removal, but after my shopping I just didn't want to dig into that. We are going to friends tonight for dinner. She is from Peru, and is cooking a Peruvian meal. Yum! She calls me "GRINGA". Always Gringa, never Kris. We go back a ways, Armenia and I. We don't get to see one another as much as we would like to, so we are really looking forward to spending the evening with her and her husband Ken.
And last night we had a delightful evening with my brother David and his wife Glenda at TAPS. Oh my goodness did I have a delicious meal! Mahi-Mahi on a bed of mushroom risotto, with a gruyerre cheese on top, finished off with baby greens! Oh WOW!!!!! If you are going to be at TAPS anytime soon, and you want to try something other than their ever delicious Miso Marinated Chilean Sea Bass, which I LOVE, I recommend the Mahi-Mahi dish!!!
Well, I guess I better go take off my chicken pants and get into something a bit more presentable for our dinner date.
XO Kris

Wallpaper Removal

2012-01-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was delightful. Today was not. I didn't have Noah today, and so I thought I should get busy with the enormous job of removing the wallpaper from the spare bedroom so I can get it painted and finished. I began at 10:00 a.m. I worked ALL DAY! I did not finish. I got about 2/3 of the way through. My fingers are bleeding. I have broken every single nail. I have an infection in one of my fingers that I have been self treating, and now that is not so hot either. I did take twenty minutes to sit down and eat a peanut butter sandwich about 2:00. I wrapped it up at 7:00!! NINE HOURS!!!! I will NEVER wallpaper again! I don't EVER want to SEE wallpaper again! I have been wondering where in the heck my husband is? I just checked my phone. He left me a message that he "had" to go to dinner with some people from work. AT TAPS!!! I had Lucky Charms! They were "magically delicious." I am grouchy. Can you tell? I have this much left to do.

I couldn't move the armoire myself, or I would probably still be sitting back there, scraping and in near tears!! I started out using vinegar diluted in hot water. Oh the fumes!!! Then I remembered hearing that fabric softener works too. I can't say that it works any better, but it sure does smell better! Whatever wallpaper paste I used on the seams was some good stuff. That stuff is not budging. I am using a nylon scraper, and it is coming off in teeny tiny pieces. You know how sometimes when you hard boil eggs and they won't peel? That tiny papery thin membrane won't come off the egg? You try and try and usually wind up breaking the egg into pieces. Well, that is how this wallpaper is coming off. And my fingers are in pieces!! GAH!!!!! I am going to bed. Goodnight.
GRUMPY KRIS

Tuesdays Tidbits

2012-01-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

Today after taking Noah to school, I came home and sewed. I made some headbands. Bloomie Bands, that is. My model only wanted to model her hair.

Also made some of these.

Right now I am sitting here with my feet up having some chocolate chip cookies and hot tea.

Do you like my new mugs? Me too!!! I got them at one of my favorite thrifty haunts yesterday. Four of them for 3 dollars. They match my kitchen colors perfectly.
What did you do today?
XO Kris

Cooking All Day

2012-01-09T22:04:00.000-08:00

It's a new week. School is back in session. And I felt like cooking today. What did I make? Well, my daughter Gennifer called me the other day from Sam's Club because she was looking for a pork shoulder to make Pioneer Woman's Spicey Pulled Pork. She could only find the great big two pack and decided not to get it. I have had pulled pork on the brain since then. I have done pulled pork in the crock pot before, and I liked it. But this beat the heck out of any I have ever had before. Truly, a terrific recipe! Usually I am a bit of rebel when it comes to following a recipe. I change things around to suit our taste, using the recipe as a guide. This calls for a 5 to 7 pound pork shoulder. I bought a 4 pound pork loin which worked just fine. Not the small tenderloins you usually buy in a two pack, this was one large whole piece of meat. The rest I followed pretty much as written, except I was out of white wine vinegar and used sherry vinegar.
The recipe for the Spicy Pulled Pork is as follows:
One 5 to 7 pound pork shoulder
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, peeled ( I used about 8 )
1 T chili powder, 2 tsp. ground cumin, 1 tsp. dried oregano, 1-2 T salt, to taste, freshly cracked pepper
1/2 cup brown sugar ( I used dark, it has a much richer flavor)
3 T olive oil
2 T white wine vinegar ( I used sherry wine vinegar )
Lime wedges, flour tortillas
Preheat oven to 300. Using Cuisinart, blend onion, garlic, spices, sugar, olive oil, and vinegar until smooth. Set roast into dutch oven or roaster, and rub mixture over roast, covering all sides. Add 2 cups water, put lid on pot and let cook in oven for 6 to 7 hours. Her recipe says to turn every hour. I did turn once, but it was so tender that it just broke apart, so I didn't turn it anymore. I checked mine at about 5.5 hours, since my roast was a bit smaller. It was quite tender and ready to finish off. To finish, increase heat to 425 and uncover roast for about 20 minutes, or until it is brown and crispy. Remove from oven, letting pork rest about 15 minutes. Then, taking two forks, shred the meat. It will shred very easily, Her recipe says to lay shredded meat onto platter, pouring juices over top and with fresh lime wedges around platter and serve with warm flour tortillas. I left mine in the pan, shredding meat, and the juices were absorbed into meat. I served it on large warm tortillas with a little bit of refried beans, and crisp shredded cabbage, with plenty of fresh lime squeezed onto top. It was TO DIE FOR DELICIOUS!! I mean...as my husband calls anything that is outstanding, "CRAZY GOOD!" Here is what it looked like after cooking for 5 1/2 hours, and before shredding it.

Here is the pot of pork all shredded.

And here is how we had them, served in tortillas, burrito style, with shredded cabbage and beans and lots of fresh lime juiced squeezed onto it.

My husband and I both agreed that this was by far and away the best pork we have ever had!!! Melt in your mouth delicious, and packed with flavor! Wow! I can't wait to get Ree's next cookbook!!! I have made lots of things from her first one, and loved just about everything. A lot of what she makes is good old fashioned home style cooking. The kind I grew up on. My Mom cooked much the same way, and so do I. There are some excellent recipes in her book, so if you don't have it yet, I recommend it highly!
After the pork came out of the oven, I made another batch of homemade granola. There are so many recipes out there for this. It is easy, and WAY cheaper to make it than to buy it. I start with whole oats. Some of my favorite things to add or chopped pecans, chopped almonds, coconut (although I didn't have any today ) and dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin seeds, and/or spice. I use about 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and have also used agave syrup. I like to add fresh vanilla, and dried cherries, cranberries, or other dried fruits.

I keep it in a pretty jar on my counter and add it to my yogurt every day.
Then I had a hankering for chocolate chip cookies. My neighbor Sue gave me this new paddle for my Kitchen Aid mixer that has a rubber scraping attachment to it. I love it. It keeps scraping the bowl for you, keeping the dough all together. This is the attached card that it came with.

See the rubber sides that meet the edge of the bowl to scrape it? It works great!!!

One of my many cute rooster dishes, holding two fresh eggs that Noah had just brought in from the coop for me.

I made the dough, and then put it in Tupperware to make the cookies tomorrow. I got tuckered out.

Feels great to get back to having some routines again. We are still having incredibly beautiful weather here in So. California. Yesterdays gusty winds made for crystal clear skies today. I can't imagine it will last too much longer, but for now we are enjoying this outside weather. Surely there is some rain and colder weather in our future!!
See you soon.
XO Kris

Grovers In The Grove

2012-01-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

We had plans to work in the grove today. Geeps got up at sunrise and started the bonfire to burn off some of the dead brush we had out there. I made us some breakfast burritos and joined him at the bonfire.

It felt so nice to sit by the fire in the early morning chill with my coffee.

Wearing my favorite chicken pants. After finishing my coffee, I went in to get dressed so that I could help Geeps with the grove. I began with the pruning while he continued to burn off the brush. Then he came in with chain saw and removed branches that needed removing.

We piled wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow full of branches up along the back of the property to dry out. We loaded up 6 large recycle cans (borrowing my neighbors too) and piled the rest along the back fence. We will burn some off when it is dry and refill our cans again next week.

We sat in the swing about midday for a break and a cold drink, and then got right back to it.

This row here is what prompted us to get to work. With our paddle tennis playing, the balls were getting lost in the thickness of the trees. Plus you could take an eye out if you were trying to run one down. They all need a good pruning, but I pruned this row behind the court a bit more heavily to allow for space to run down the rocket balls that Greg hits to me....that I miss!! Today we just concentrated our efforts on the trees that are around the court. I heavily pruned 11 trees!! The entire grove needs to be done, so it is barely a dent. But a start nonetheless.

I swept off the sport court, and cleaned off the swing. That old swing was in our backyard at one point, by the pool. The awning rotted out, and the seats rotted, so we retired it to the court in the grove, and I gave it new life by topping it with an old heavy fabric roman shade for the awning, and I made cushions for the head rest, and put our old wicker cushions on the seats, and I'll be gosh darned if that old rusty swing isn't just as comfy as it was 10 years ago!!

As the shadows got longer, our energy waned, and we began to pack it in for the day.

The dry brush had all been burned off, and the new brush was neatly lined up against the back of the property.

While I was pruning, I came across this perfect little hummingbird nest. When I find these, I cut them out of the trees and display them in my house.

It was a long hard day of work. We are not spring chickens anymore! Geeps will be 57 this year, and I will be 52!!! This stuff was much easier 20 years ago. But if we pace ourselves, we can still do a lot of the work here ourselves. We put the tools away, turned on the grove water, put the chickens to bed, hosed off our shoes, and shook the sawdust from our clothes before going inside. I hauled the full wagon to the back patio. Looks like we will be having fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning!

We heated up the spa, and took a long hot shower. Geeps just went to pick us up a pizza for dinner. I am sitting here in my favorite chicken pants again....resting.

Before I go, here is the new black infinity scarf/cowl that I made.

I stitched in the back loop to get that cabled look. I love this one. It is different than the others I have made. It is longer, and can be worn alone as an infinity scarf like this. Only not with a wedding dress! I leave my wedding dress on my dress form in my sewing room all the time.

And also doubled around your neck like a cowl.

This one may be my favorite one yet. So versatile. Black looks great with almost any color Bloomie too.

The one I am about to start now is in browns with a little bit of green running through it.

Pizza is here. And then a long soak in the spa for these tired and aching bones!!! Hope you are having a great weekend wherever you are, and whatever you are doing!
XO Kris

Do Not Make This!

2012-01-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is going to be different for me! I made a Thai Chicken last night in the crocker. It sounded flavorful, interesting, and different. Using some ingredients I don't typically use. I wanted to sort of clean out the freezer and I had a lot of chicken tenderloins in there, so thought what the heck, I'll try this.
I got the recipe from a Crockpot Cookery. It smelled wonderful. It looked kind of good.

When Geeps got home, I put the rice on, and we went out back to the sport court to play paddle tennis again! He went in to suit up and tun on the court lights. I went in to suit up....(okay, I already had on a pair of yoga pants and one of his t-shirts and my tennies) and out we went to get our fitness on.
Oh my gosh, why have we not been doing this? It was so fun. We rallied back and forth for a good 30 minutes or so, and it felt GOOD! Really fun, and it felt good to go out there and get my heart pumping. Even though what I really wanted to do was go put my feet up and relax!
After our workout, we came in and I served the chicken dish. Greg liked it. Drew liked it. I hated it. Patooey! First of all, I am not a fan of turmeric apparently. This is a spice that is in the ginger family, and it turns the dish a sort of safron yellow. For me, this would have been very good without that nasty spice, and to make it more Thai, I would have garnished it with fresh mint in addition to the peanuts and green onions. It was really the turmeric. I do not like it. There is not much that I don't care for. Liver. Curry. And Turmeric! Bleh!!! I will say that the coconut milk used to cook this in was very nice and subtle, and the peanuts on top were delicious! I will tweak this to my own tastes next time!
Yesterday morning my neighbor Jane came over and asked me if I could watch Christopher for the day. I said sure, as I had no real plans. Chris and Noah are buds and they play well together. But Christopher sometimes gets bored too. For the most part, they played every single Wii game we had in our possession. Noah is new to playing Wii, and I can see that he is taking to it like a duck to water. Chris doesn't have a video game at his house, so he loves to come and play.

Christopher has Down Syndrome. He is a sweet, sweet boy. He just turned 19!!! But he will forever be a little boy. Christopher loves to come here. He asked if he could move into the spare bedroom down the hall. And he would if I said yes. He loves Greg! Greg always has time for Chris and will stop whatever he is doing to help him or play with him. We have learned a lot from Christopher! He has given us much more than we have given him!

I have a few new colors coming in Bloomies. Sue, this one is for Courtney! Purple...just like she wanted. I hope.

Lakers fans?

This one reminds me of the turquoise waters we saw in Cozumel and Roatan.

This gray is one of my favorites. Wait til you see it on my new Black Cowl!

Before I wrap it up for today, I want to say to Sharon, from Fullerton who left me the nice comment on my blog...I tried to reach you. I am assuming that you have a Blogger account but no blog, because I could not get to a blog from your comment. If you don't have a blog, I hope you will consider starting one. And I want to thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment. Yes, that Dutch Baby article is very old, and you are close with your guestimation!!
And to all of my new readers and followers....thank you! I try to come say hello to you whenever I see a new follower or comment. But sometimes, I can't seem to get to you. That must mean that you don't have a blog as of yet. But I do appreciate you commenting and reading along. I have been blogging now for about 3 and half years. It has opened up a whole new world for me. I love the friendships I have made. The funny stories. The creativity that is shared here. Blogging has never been anything but a positive experience for me. I know that is not the case for everyone. But you get what you give!! Truly.
It is another stunning day out there in Southern California. And I have things to do. See you soon.
XO Kris

Three Perfet Days = One Perfect Weekend

2012-01-02T23:51:00.000-08:00

We had such a nice weekend. We did a lot of things around the house that needed to be done. Watched a lot of football! Did a lot of cooking. And eating. Did some sewing. Some Bloomie making. Played with my two favorite girls. Watched a couple of movies. Visited with friends. Good stuff. All good stuff.
This morning after watching the Rose Parade, I made breakfast for Geeps and I. Have you ever heard of a Dutch Baby Pancake? They are so good. So easy. This is all you need.

I got this recipe from an issue of Sunset magazine, years ago. You just melt your butter in the same pan you cook the Dutch Baby in. I used my large paella pan. Meanwhile, blend your eggs, flour and milk together. Pour this batter into your melted butter, and place into a preheated 425 degree oven, for about 20 minutes. The pancake will climb the sides of the pan, and bubble up.

Here is a close up of the ratio of eggs to flour and milk if you want to make this.

Once out of the oven, cut into wedges, and server with plenty of fresh lemons and powdered sugar.

Geeps likes to put maple syrup on his too. We had some fresh oranges from the grove, and yogurt with homemade granola.
Yesterday, Geeps fixed breakfast. Sausage and egg sandwiches on sourdough English Muffins.

Yes, my husband wears overalls when he works in the grove. We are farmers. You should see my get up when I am mucking out the chicken coop!
After breakfast we had a visit from our two favorite little girls. Pay no mind to the walls again!! That paper WILL come down!!

My neighbor Jane got the grands all a darling little apron for helping me in the kitchen. I thought that they might like to play with them in the play kitchen. This little play kitchen with foods and dishes was their Mommy and Aunt E's when they were little. I am so glad I saved it. Noah wasn't here today, but the girls wanted Uncle "Goo" (Drew) to try on his apron.

After the girls left, I went to the feed store to get some supplies. I love to go into Norco to the feed store. Norco is the next town over from us. And actually stands for North Corona. It is an equestrian town. Most homes have horses, and lots of other animals, like chickens and goats.

I love all of those nice neat stacks of grain and feed bags. I also love how Norco has red, white and blue stripes painted in their streets downtown.

Even their convenience stores are cute and "country" looking.

I went home to take care of the chickens.

And then Geeps and I played paddle tennis on the sport court. It was hot! Mr. G said he was surprised that I had so much game!!! I was surprised that he was surprised! After our workout, we went in to watch the game. Yea Oregon! I know I am going to wake up very sore tomorrow from our tennis game. We plan to start getting out there to use the court more regularly. It is just crazy that we don't go out and play more often!
This evening I worked in my sewing room for awhile. I have a few new Bloomie colors. I will show you those tomorrow. Right now, my pillow is calling.
Night night.
Kris

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Today was the best kind of day. We did some chores around the house. Watched a lot of football. Made a delicious lunch that I am going to share the recipe for. Made a pair of pajama pants. Spent some time outside in the grove. Just an all around perfect kind of day. Let's start with that recipe. My husband had this one day at work last week. Some of the ladies brought in lunch a couple of days before Christmas and he just raved about this dish. I don't know what it is called. I am not even 100% sure of the ingredients. But after we googled some similar crock pot recipes, we came up with what we all agreed was an outstanding dish!! I started it last night at about 10:00. I wanted it to cook a good 12-15 hours. You will need about a 3 pound chuck roast, a large jar of pepperoncinis, and fresh garlic. Trim visible fat from roast. Make slits into meat and press fresh garlic cloves inside holes. I used about 6 whole cloves of garlic. You could use minced that you buy in the jar, or in a pinch, dried, but fresh is always best. Lay your meat into crockpot. I turned it up to high for first two hours, then to low.

I stemmed the peppers so I poured the juice straight into the crockpot, then dumped the peppers onto cutting board to stem them, and I also ran a knife down the centers to open them up. You can't see that the garlic is already in the meat, but it is. I just didn't get a photo of that.

Put the lid on and go to bed. This is what it looked like this morning.

It looks like a lot of liquid, but that gets absorbed. At about noon, I took two forks and shredded the beef. It shreds easily, and is very tender by this point.

For lunch, we had this heaped onto hamburger buns, topped with a slice of provolone cheese. The flavor is unbelievable! The peppers give it just the right amount of flavor and kick. And the beef is so tender it melts in your mouth.

I made a little pasta salad to go with it. We were so hungry that we didn't wait to toast the buns and cheese. But I think that would have been yummy! If we were having company, and serving lots of other things with this, I would do them as sliders on small buns. I will be making this again for sure! It was so easy. Three ingredients. You can't beat that. What a great dish for camping, or tailgating, or Super Bowl party..etc. This would also be outstanding in burritos! In fact, I think that is what we will do with the leftovers tomorrow. You will love it! Try it!!! Everyone gave this two thumbs way up!!
Before Christmas, at our enchilada making party, my daughter Gennifer made this wonderful punch. She had found the recipe on Pinterest. It called for ice cream too, but we did it without. Take one 2 liter bottle of Sprite, or 7-Up. One frozen can of limeade. And one cucumber, peeled and sliced thin.

Had I been making this for a crowd, I would have probably tripled the recipe. It is so refreshing, and pretty in a glass jar too. My adult children were saying that they thought it would be good spiked with vodka or something. For me, I love it with no alcohol. I am not much of an alcohol drinker, and I much prefer it UNspiked!! I have been sipping on this all day. Yum! I know I will be adding this to my summer list of party drinks.
Today I made myself a pair of "pie pants" or pajama pants, out of some red and white polka dot fleece.

I spent some time out back in the grove today. It was so pretty, just walking around back there. Checking on the fruit. We have lots of oranges, as usual, but this year they seem to be smaller than last. They kind of do that. One year they are huge, then the next they are smaller. But always, we have more than we could ever use.

Last year we had the biggest crop of avocados ever. Looks like it is going to be another good year for guacamole!

Our lemon trees are loaded, but the fruit is still a bit small.

In the past year or so, I have for the first time since living here, entertained the thought of moving to a smaller property with less upkeep. Some day we probably will. But oh how I would miss this place. I love to be outside here. I love that we have so much privacy in our yard. I love to bring my morning coffee out with me to walk around the grove and listen to the birds and watch my chickens.

I would miss my chickens! I would miss my garden. I would miss my grove. We won't be moving anytime soon, I don't think.

Before I go, I want to show you my latest Craig's List find. I have been keeping an eye out for a chair to put back in the guest/play room. This is a very large bedroom. We have a queen sized bed in there, along with a dresser, and an armoire with telly and all. This is also where we keep all the toys for the kids. And they spend a lot of time back there. I wanted to put a comfortable chair in there for me to sit in when the kids play back there. That way I can crochet or read a book, or read to them. This chair I bought was not anything at all what I was looking for! I wanted a small chair. But a soft comfy chair. This is actually a chaise lounge. I saw it and thought what the heck, I will go take a look at it. It was in very good condition, the price was right, and they lived only a few blocks away from me. So my son Drew and I went out to see it. It had been covered in storage in the garage, and it was very clean. In fact when I came home I used upholstery cleaner and washed it anyway, cuz that is just what I do, I clean stuff. I saw no visible dirt that was removed! What a bargain!
Please disregard that atrocious wallpaper in it's state of partial removal there on the wall. That is on my list of things to do in January!!

When I remove that paper and paint the room, I am sure I will be moving the furniture around. But for now, it is in an optimal spot for viewing the telly, and near the window for natural light. Guess how much it cost? Give up? 35.00. I love Craig's List!! That comforter on the bed, although very pretty, is not my style, and will be changed soon. It was Gennifer and Jake's set when they first married. It was the only thing I had on hand to cover a Queen bed for now. But I am seeing quilts in this room for sure.

So, with that I will wrap it up for tonight. I have my freshly washed "Pie Pants" on and am going to go get my crochet and work on that for a bit.

I welcome the new year! I welcome the first page of my new calendar!

I can't wait to have my coffee tomorrow morning while watching the Rose Parade!

Happy New Year to each one of you! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many of you through blogging. I am excited for so many things in this upcoming year. 2012 is going to be great, I just know it!!!

XO Kris

Winter?

2011-12-29T17:45:00.000-08:00

It is days like today, that beckon thousands to move to California! It was probably high seventies, with brilliant blue skies, and a few wispy clouds scattered about.

I went out early to collect eggs, and knew that we would be spending a good deal of the day doing something outside! As luck would have it, Gennifer called, and she and the girls came over for some play time and lunch.

I believe this was right after Noah was very upset because Clairey touched his hotdog! Prior to this though, they had a ball. They raced bikes and scooters, and drew with sidewalk chalk, and chased squirrels up into the pecan trees. Gennifer and I sat out in the sun watching them, and it was so nice!!
After the girls left, Noah talked me into making a dirt race track out in the grove with his hot wheel cars. While he did his boy thing, I worked in the yard.
We have great neighbors here. I am particularly fond of my neighbors across the street, Carl and Sue. They are about the same age as my parents, and I have been close to them since moving in almost 20 years ago. They know how much I love birds, and when they are on their travels they find some pretty interesting and unusual bird related gifts to bring to me. This year they got me a solar cardinal. I put him in my bed of nasturtiums.

After Noah got incredibly filthy in the grove, I brought him in and stuck him right into the bath. While he took a long bubble bath, I scrubbed the bathroom floor and hallway floor so I could watch him while I worked.
I have been wanting to get another small point and shoot camera so that I can pop it into my purse and have something with me all the time. I hate to miss a photo opportunity, but sometimes hauling my big Nikon is not convenient. Luckily, we found one of Erika's (many) cameras that we had gotten for her, still here along with all of the accessories. After looking closer at it, I remembered that it had some sort of problem with the shutter not opening up all of the way. Greg read the manual and found out that by removing the battery and reinserting it, this usually fixes the problem. Sure enough, it did. So I have a little point and shoot to play with now. This morning I was trying to familiarize myself with the settings. I took these of Ducey while he was in his usual mid morning spot by the big picture window in the front of the house.

Then he got a little irritated with me and jumped down to the floor. Where I was noticing how neat the kaleidoscope of colors were that were dancing on his fur, made from the stained glass I have in the picture window in that room. (run on sentence much?)

This is the stained glass that hangs in that window. It was a Christmas gift from my husband one year.

I know this is all over the place today. I took random photos with my little point and shoot, just trying it out. Gennifer also gave me this Anthro egg dish for Christmas. I love the shade of blue, and I love how pretty my multi colored eggs look sitting in it!

When she gave it to me, I remembered these three blue fluted custard dishes I had found a while back in a thrift shop. I sure wish that they had four of them. But I love them. These are the only blue dishes I have. Now I am thinking I need more!

While Genny was here, I was telling her how much I love my heated mattress pad that my Mom got for me. She said she was surprised to hear me say that because I suffer so terribly from hot flashes. Well, about a month or so ago, my friend Dawn from

Creative Cain Cabin

was coaching me through some holistic herbal relief from bronchitis, and in our discussions of herbal remedies, I asked her what she suggested for hot flashes. I should preface this by saying that I had a total hysterectomy at age 40. I did take premarin for a while. Then the bad press about it's relation to breast cancer etc., scared me and I stopped cold turkey. I have suffered horribly from hot flashes ever since, and even though I have tried other remedies, nothing has worked. Dawn suggested Pro Yam Cream. My health food store had something similar but called Balance Cream. Same ingredients though.

I did some research, she did some research, and I feel comfortable using it. I will bring it with me to the Dr. when I go in March for my "yearly" though. Let me tell you, this stuff has changed my life!!!! I went from having about one bad hot flash an hour, to one or two a DAY!!! I am SO much more comfortable!!! This has changed the quality of my life! And I hope I can use it as long as I need to. You use about a quarter teaspoon of this cream daily. Rubbing it into your skin on your tummy, thighs, or fleshy part of your arms. I cannot BELIEVE the difference in the way I feel. I have been using it for about a month now, and can't imagine not using it!!!
I haven't even set foot in my sewing room since Christmas. I was so busy in December with orders, that now, I want to do some projects for myself that I have been postponing. My last project was an ipad case for my Mom for Christmas. In finishing it, I broke my needle in my machine, and also bungled the dimensions of this case. I made a quilted case for my ipad but my ipad is a bit larger than my Mom's, so I was trying to go a little bit smaller for a much more snug fit. I don't use patterns. I can barely decipher one. So if I ever put these in my shop, I better fine tune it. But I thought my Mom's turned out really cute. Even for a book bag or something, which is how I presented it to her for a gift. I put a book inside for her.

The bag is a light pink quilted fabric. I put some wool applique on it. And a black ruffle along the top, and

black quilted handles.

These colors are not showing up as their true color. I do quite a bit of sewing. I piece on my antique featherweight that belonged to my Dad's older sister. I have a 30 year old heavy duty Viking that I bought from my sewing machine repairman, Ted Lloyd several years ago. He knew I was in the market for a new machine, and he had refurbished this one, and sold it to me for a good price. I love it, and it has multiple stitches, and sews very nicely. But I have been wanting a machine with a little more possibilities. A machine designed for quilting, with needle down option, and an open toe darning foot. I also want a blanket stitch for applique. I have been looking, and have a few in mind. I am not sure if I want embroidery too? I would love some feedback from my sewing friends? If you were buying a new machine, and you do a lot of quilting, but also other basic sewing, what would you buy? Price is an issue. I can't buy a 1,000 dollar machine. Something under 500 dollars is what I want. What say you, my sewing friends?
So how was that for an all over the place kind of post? December is winding down. I have a lot of ideas swirling in my head for projects to do in the new year. First though, I want to make some simple valances for my daughter Erika's new place. We were over there last night to hook up Noah's new Wii, and as I was lying on the sofa with Noah's new McQueen pillow, looking around at how cute she has it fixed up, I asked her if she was allowed to put up curtains. She said yes. I said let's do it!!!! I have an idea for something that will look really cute in there. That is my first project for the new year.
What's everyone doing for New Year's?
Signing off,
XO Kris

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

2011-12-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

Well, It's over. I spent the entire day yesterday, boxing, sorting, labeling, and stacking.

It is all waiting in the garage for Mr. G and our son Drew to put away this weekend. I always challenge myself to get every last thing, and every year, after it is all put up, I find something left behind. I was patting myself on the back last night, thinking I had gotten it all! But this morning when I reached into the fridge for my coffee creamer, I found this.

Drat!!! My Christmas dishes go into the cupboard above the fridge. Not an easy cupboard to reach. Plus, in order to do so, I have to remove the things I keep on display on top of the fridge, which includes my prized Italian Biscotti jar that was a gift from my Mom. I keep it safely secured to the top of the fridge using earthquake putty. I would have to remove that again, and all of my cookbooks I keep up there. The big heavy ones, like Julia Childs book. Not gonna happen. I will be keeping this creamer in my cupboard with my every day dishes all year. Oh well.
I just wanted to share with you a few of my favorite gifts this Christmas. First, from Santa, my new garden wagon. Boy will this baby get used. I had one, and it mysteriously disappeared. I missed it a lot. And Santa knew!

Thank you Santa!! My daughter Erika got me this sign. We had seen it one day when we were shopping at Hobby Lobby and I didn't buy it. She went back to get it for me. I love it, and will actually try to remember to put those words into action in 2012.

She also got me a gift card to Joann's which I will have fun spending, I am sure!! Thank you Eri!
Next were gifts from my oldest daughter Gennifer and son in law Jake. Just look at how pretty they are.

They are the prettiest shade of Raspberry, with those darling leopard Wellie Sox to wear with them. Can't wait for rain here, and snow in Big Bear!!
They also got me something that every good chicken farmer needs!

Love these Rooster "Pie Pants" as our family calls them! The term Pie Pants was coined by my brother David. He says at big holiday meals like Thanksgiving, and Christmas, you need to wear pants like this, with an elastic waist, so you can eat more! He calls these pants "Pie Pants." You can always save room for pie when you wear your Pie Pants!!! Thank you Gennifer and Jake...I love these gifts!!
** disclaimer. It looks like I haven't dusted in a month of Sundays when looking at my mirror. But I could dust every day, and there would still be a fine mist of powder residue in our bedroom. I can't break the powder habit after a shower.
Next...my son Drew got me such a thoughtful gift. A pretty candle stick, and two skeins of yarn, and the new Sugarland CD!

Thank you Drew, I love these!! I do need to get the right size candle for the holder though.
My brother David got us a neat thing for the techie times we live in.

Charging and playing station for your ipod, iphone, etc. And an itunes card to download some music. I really must learn to do this stuff, since I just got my new iphoneS. I know we will enjoy this a lot! Thank you brother!!
My brother Mark has gotten me a mouse gift at every Christmas since our father has died. My nickname is Mouse. Or it was, to my Dad. He got me a mouse for every occasion. You would not believe the mice I have. Some are small, some are huge. Many are Christmas mice. Mark has continued this tradition, and it chokes me up every year! Oh how we miss our Dad!! Anyway, this mouse was so cute. He is made entirely of scrap metal and nails. HEAVY!! I can use it as a weapon if I ever need to take out an intruder!

I love him. Thank you Mark!!!!
Being the creature of comfort that I am, probably my most favorite gift of the year was from my Mom. She has been with me recently when I was looking for a heated mattress pad. I have heard that they are wonderful, and so much better than an electric blanket. They are kind of hard to find, and a tad pricey too. So with the holidays upon us, it wasn't something I was going to buy any time soon. But what a great surprise to open up my Christmas package to find my very own! I could not wait to launder sheets and flip the mattress, and get that pad put on our bed!! I have had two glorious nights sleep!!!! I love it!!!

Luckily it has dual controls, because Mr. G does not like to crank his side up to 10 like I do! It truly is, like my friend Cheryl says, like laying on a giant heating pad. Oh how nice this will be after a hard day of working in the yards!! Thank you Mom...I LOVE it!!!
We had a very nice Christmas. But as always, I am glad when it is all tucked neatly away until the following year. Like just about everyone else, I will be cleaning and organizing. I have lots of projects to begin, and a few to finish. I have some great ideas for new products to work on for my hand mades shop. I have books to read, people to visit, and fun to have. As December winds down, I am reflecting on 2011, most of it good stuff, and anticipating 2012, hopefully, mostly good stuff too.
Happy Hump Day my friends!!!
XO Kris

Christmas

2011-12-26T22:41:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful, action packed Christmas! Lots of family, wonderful food, laughs, and good times. We had Christmas Eve dinner at our house. We had enchiladas and tamales. They were delicious. The little ones opened up their gifts from us.
We all gathered again on Christmas morning, and shared a wonderful breakfast together. We feasted on ham and fresh scrambled eggs. Bacon, sausage, french toast stratta, and gorilla bread! No calorie counting on Christmas!

Everyone got a fun gift or two.

Santa left me this.

The kids had fun playing with their new toys.

In the afternoon we went to my brother's house where the rest of the family was gathering. We ate yet another wonderful meal. It was a wonderful day. We ended it by going to see We Bought A Zoo. I may have snoozed a bit during the movie. I am told. Today we did nothing. It will take me a week to recover from December. I am looking forward to the new year!!!! See you soon. Night-Night!
XO Kris

Enchilada Party

2011-12-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

Greetings and Happy Christmas Eve! Well, it's here folks! Did you get everything crossed off of your list?
Last night we had our second annual enchilada making party at my daughter Gennifer's house. She and I both provided all of the food. 4 rotisserie chickens, 8 pounds of shredded Mexican cheese, 12 cans of Las Palmas Enchilada Red Sauce, three bunches of oninons, umpteen cans of black olives, two gigantic bags of shredded lettuce, hundreds of corn tortillas, and dozens of foil pans to put them in!!!!
We gathered for pizza first, and then got busy. I was so busy working and orchestrating the assembly line, that I got very few pictures. Most of these were taken by Greg with my camera. Here we are with our aprons on and ready to work.

My son's girlfriend Diana, the one next to me in above photo, gave me this darling apron for Christmas! She wanted to give it to me early so that I could use it on our enchilada making night. Does she know me or what? Our daughter Erika was there, but she was taking these pictures, and the ones where she is in the photo, apparently are not on my camera. Shoot! She had to leave early for a birthday dinner for a friend of hers.
My nephew Donavon and his wife Kaylen are here from the bay area for Christmas, and they joined us last night too. I warned them that if they came, they would be working!!!! And good workers they were!!!

Drew and his girlfriend Diana.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

I have no makeup on, and look so tired in that picture. Oh well. So off to work we went. Hannah wanted so badly to stay up and help roll enchiladas, so before she and her sister toddled off to bed, she got to roll a couple all by herself.

Ewwwww...my hands!!!

We fried, dipped, rolled, and topped.

And when we were done, we had 15 dozen enchiladas!!!!

Everyone took some home, and we have plenty to freeze, and plenty for our dinner tonight! My girlfriend Armenia just dropped off homemade tamales, and we will enjoy those with our enchiladas tonight! Muchas Gracias Armenia!!!
Today, I will do a little baking, a little cleaning, a little last minute wrapping, and hopefully, a little resting!

We will have our kids all here tonight. And then again tomorrow morning for gifts and a big breakfast. Tomorrow afternoon we will meet up with all of my family at my brother David's.

I wish each one of you, a joyous Christmas! I have met so many new people, through my blog, and have treasured each one of your friendships. I have been able to stay connected with old friends, that I don't get to see as often as I would like. I have been touched by so many of your stories, and your creative projects shared. I look forward to another great year in 2012.

I will be back in a couple of days to see all of you, and your holiday traditions. Merry Christmas Friends!!
XO Kris

Oh That Elf!!

2011-12-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

We got up this morning to find Billy rock climbing on our fireplace!

Can you see him? Way up high, and tethered to a rope.

Oh that silly Billy!
I was playing around with some basic shapes and made some tea towels and finger tip towels yesterday.

I won't be doing much holiday baking this year. But I will be dipping Trader Joe's Fantabulous Peppermint Joe Joe's in white chocolate and dusting with sanding sugar.

Have you tried those Fleur De Sal Caramels? Wow! Try them. They are from Trader Joe's too. And the chocolate raspberry sticks....an all time favorite of mine. Dunkin Donuts coffee is a must have too.
I received these cute Snowman measuring cups several years ago as a gift, and this year I found these nesting Snowman cups at Target. I was going to give them away, but changed my mind.

Well, if you haven't done it yet, you better hurry. We are two days away! Yesterday I mailed my package, and made one quick pit stop to finish all of my shopping. Tonight we are having a party. A wrapping party, that is. I informed Mr. G that he was invited!!! Why should he miss all the fun? Last night we went out for a nice dinner with good friends. We have stopped exchanging gifts, and instead, pick a time to get together, which is so much better!! Gosh without any last minute orders to make, I feel like I have all the time in the world! This morning my little Clairey is coming while Gennifer does something with Hannah. Tomorrow Erika is off, and so is Mr. G so I can do whatever it is that I have left to do.
In case I don't make it back here before Christmas, I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!!! I have enjoyed getting to know all of you! I look forward to 2012 being a great year!!
Enjoy!!!
X's & O's
Kris

I Lied, This Is My Last One

2011-12-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

I know I said I only had one more Cowl to do. I really had two. This one was an order. It was for one of the ladies that my daughter works with in the salon. I finished it this morning and delivered it to her today.

I am loving the black! I need to make more in this color. But AFTER the holidays! I have crocheted so much I am doing it in my sleep! I lost track of how many I have made. I did have one more to to do. I have a dear friend who has a sister that was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She has gone through her chemo, and had her last radiation today! She got to bang a gong when she was done, and they all whoop it up! She lives in New Jersey, on a farm. I wanted to make her something in pink. So I finished this today too.

I couldn't find the shade of pink I wanted, so I used a pale pink, and a darker pink, sort of a raspberry. I used two strands of yarn together to make this soft and cozy cowl for Layne. I doubt that the Bloomie is going to be her thing for padding around the barn, but I think they go together so nicely, so I pinned a Cream Bloomie to it too. This may be my favorite one so far.

I am shipping this out tomorrow, Fed Ex. Good thing it isn't breakable!! Did you all see the Fed Ex guy throw the computer monitor over the 6 foot fence to the concrete driveway? Wow! I bet he will be looking for a new job soon.
Our Silly Elf Billy, has been getting into all sorts of mischief lately! He was sledding the other morning when we woke up. Then, I guess he was sore because the next day we found him sitting in a hot tub full of bubbles!!

Noah has been getting such a kick out of Billy and his antics! Tomorrow morning when he comes, he will find that Billy got himself into a bit of tight jam again! He seems to have gotten inside the cookie dome, and is now suffering from a bit of a sugar coma!

He has cookies stuck on his face and didn't leave much for us but crumbs. That Billy!!! Our Granddaughters, Hannah and Claire have an Elf too. He has been up to a few shenanigans as well. It is fun to see where these guys will wind up each morning!
I have had eggs over flowing in my fridge. My girls don't seem to mind the winter weather and shorter days much. They more often than not, lay an egg every day. That makes 5 eggs a day, and over 2 1/2 dozen eggs a week! I am sharing them with my kids and neighbors, and still have plenty. Tonight I made a bacon and Swiss Quiche, with spinach and tomato.

Quiche is so easy. I never use a recipe. I just use what I like. Mix up some eggs. I think I broke 6. Add some milk or 1/2 & 1/2, about 1 to 1 1/4 cup to approx. 6 eggs. Season with salt and pepper. I also use fresh grated nutmeg. I love nutmeg in egg dishes. My cheese of choice is Swiss. I had bacon, so I cooked a pound of it in the oven til crisp. Used 3 tomatoes. Reserving one to arrange on the top for pretty. And I threw about a half of a bag of baby spinach in there. Prick bottom of pie crust with fork several times.

I mix the eggs, seasonings and milk. Then add tomatoes, bacon, and spinach and cheese. Pour into dish. Then I layered more cheese on top, and thinly sliced tomatoes in pattern to finish. If I had had fresh mushrooms, I would have used some. My favorite quiche is in the spring with fresh asparagus, mushroom, scallion and swiss! Experiment with your food. Food is fun!

Bake at 350 for about an hour and 15 minutes. Or until hot and bubbly, and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand for about 10 minute before slicing into it.
Bon Appetit!
XO Kris

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived in Southern California! I love it!

I spent the majority of the weekend standing in lines, fighting traffic, and finishing my holiday shopping. Now I can do some fun things this week with the granddkids. I spent 3 hours last night doing this.
Even though I said I would not be taking on any more orders before Christmas, I took one more. I will be working on that today.

I have an order for 4 Holiday Bloomie's that will be ready for pick up today at 2:00.

Aside from a couple of sewing projects I am working on for gifts, there won't be much left in my shop until after Christmas.
Have you had these white chocolate Hershey's Kisses with peppermint? Oh MY!! Go find these, they are amazingly delicious!!!

Do you have an Elf On The Shelf? We do. His name is Billy. Silly Billy is what we usually call him. Over the weekend Billy was tucked underneath a blanket on the sofa and had gotten a bag of fruit snacks to use as a pillow for his head. Today, we woke up to find that Billy was completely rested and had gone sledding in the house!!

Is your Elf getting into mischief too? I wonder what he will do next?
I am going to have one more cup of coffee and then greet the day. There is a little person sitting next to me who says he wants breakfast now.

What have you got going on this week before Christmas?
XO Kris

Holiday Happenings

2011-12-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

Today is the boutique. I only had a couple days to prepare. So considering that, I was pleased with how much I got done. I dropped off my wares last night at the salon, and before I had it all set down, I sold the red cowl and bloomie, and received a special order for a solid black long cowl and bloomie.

I will be better prepared for the next boutique.
Yesterday I got to go watch my granddaughter Hannah at her Christmas dance program. What a cutie!!

Her Mommy brought her some pretty pink roses. She was so cute when she got them.

Oh my gosh, these kids are growing up so fast!!!
Eggs! We've got tons of them!! My girls are delivering about 2 1/2 dozen a week!

I got a fun package in the mail yesterday from my dear friend Ally, in New Jersey. She is in my BBK cooking group, and she and I have shared a very close friendship for many years.

She always sends me some of her home made peanut brittle, and a jar of her home made jam. She is an incredible photographer, and she also sent me a book of her summer flower photos.
Among several other goodies!

We have a busy weekend ahead! Hope to get my Christmas cards in the mail tomorrow. We also have a Christmas party to attend. And of course, a lot of shopping to do! I don't like having so much left to do with so little time left to do it in, but I do love being out and about the weekend before Christmas, when it is nice and cold, and it feels like "Christmas" outside. Whatever you have on your list of things to do this weekend, I hope you are taking time out to enjoy the Reason For The Season.
And do something nice for someone when you are out and about. Like, pay for the car behind you at the Starbuck's drive thru window. Or bring in your neighbor's trash cans for them. Or offer to pick up some groceries for a shut in. It doesn't have to be big or expensive. Just do it!
XO Kris

Crochet Santa Face

2011-12-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

I have had a few requests on how to make the crochet Santa Faces seen on earlier posts. He is hanging on my Christmas trees.

Face:
Using a light pink yarn, chain 4, sl st into 1st st to make ring. Ch 3, work 12 dc into circle, counting turning chain as 1 dc. Join to top of ch 3 with sl st. Cut yarn and secure end.
Attach white yarn at point where circle was completed. Ch 3, make 1 dc into same st. Then make 2 dc into each st around pink circle, join, cut and secure end of yarn (26 dc counting turning ch as 1 dc)
Cap:
With sl st on hook, join red yarn in any st. Ch 3, work 1 dc into next 3 sts, then 2 dc into next 2 sts, then 1 dc into next 4 sts. (Total of 12 dc, counting turning ch as 1 dc.)
Ch 1, turn. Dec 1 st over next 2 sts, sc into next 8 sts, dec 1 st at end of row, in last dc and turning ch (10 sts.)
Ch 1, turn. Dec 1 st over 2 sts, sc in remaining 8 sts to end of row. At this point sc 3 sts down side of cap, bringing yarn to point where red and white yarn meet. Ch 2, turn. Sc in both sts, then sc across top of cap to last 3 sts. Sl st into each of these 3 sts. End off red.
Note: The two sts that you ch where red and white yearn meet will make the tab on which the pom pom is sewn. Also, this side of the cap will turn down.
Row 1: Attach white yarn in first white st at outside row of beard See diagram 1 * Ch 3, sc in 3rd ch from hook (picot made), sc into next st. Repeat from * around the outside edge of face. Cut and secure yarn.
Row 2: The middle row of the beard will be crocheted into the sts of the white yarn. ( See Diagram 1) Secure yarn under dec near point where outer row of beard begins. (See diagram 2.) Make picot as in row 1 on each of the dcs until you reach the other side of the face. Cut and secure yarn.
Row 3: Inside row of beard. Secure white yarn under 3rd dc from center of cap in the pink circle. Make picots on each of the dc until you reach the 3rd dc from the center on the other side. (see diagrams 1 and 2)
Eyes: Using 6 srands of floss doubled, make eyes using french knots, wrapping floss around the needle 4 times. ( See diagram 3.)
Nose: Using one strand of red yarn, make nose using a french knot, wrapping yarn around needle 1 time.
Sew pom pom to cap, and sew a saftey pin the back of cap or crochet a loop on the top of cap using red yarn to hang.

Speaking of Santa...how do you like my Christmas Socks? I love these. My Mom got me these slippers a couple of years ago. They are so cozy.

XO Kris

Three Styles Of Cowls

2011-12-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I went in to have my hair cut yesterday and was wearing my newest red cowl, with a black Bloomie. Dawn, you asked to see it being worn. Here you go.

It is so warm and cozy! I had brought a bunch of new Bloomies with me for Liz to sell in the salon. But instead, I am going to be going back on Friday to drop off Bloomies and as many Cowl's as I can have made, for a boutique that they are having at the salon. They loved the red one. I also made this charcoal one. It is slightly different. It is wider, and can be worn like a hood. Probably not a lot of opportunity to wear it that way here where we live, but in Big Bear you could! Brace yourself for a scary picture. I was sitting on Drew's bed, in his messy room. I had just come home for having my hair done, and threw on some old sweats to do some work in. Here you see it worn like a hood, for when you are in a blizzard!

And then as a Cowl/ neck warmer.

And with Bloomies.

Lovely outfit eh? So I will be working like crazy this week. After the boutique, I will be focusing on finishing getting ready for Christmas. I have never been this far behind before.
This morning Noah came in to get me while I was getting ready and said, "Gamma, come take my picture with the Snowmen!" I had given him a box of decorations to decorate the playroom with all by himself. He had a ball with the snowmen! He had a Snowman lunch, and hung stockings, and garland too. This is the room where I am still in the process of removing wallpaper. Don't judge. It will have to wait until after the holidays.

I have no shame. I showed you photos of me in my rattiest sweats. I have shown you a room in the house that looks awful with wallpaper half on and half off. You think that's bad? Look at this next one. Mr. G took this photo of me last weekend early in the morning while I was out in the grove in my jammies, with same said favorite pair of ratty sweat pants, refilling a water dish for my chickens. I had gone to bed the night before without having blown dry my hair and it was standing up every which way. I saw him come out with my camera, and I said, " Don't you dare!!!" And he did! Luckily I pulled my nightshirt up over my head as fast as I could first.

Just keeping it real for you! Yes, those are purple Crocs! I keep them outside the door to slip into when I go outside without my shoes on. Yes, I am a dork! Yes, I have no shame! Thought you could use a laugh!!!
Tootle Loo
Kris

Vintage Thrift Finds

2011-12-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

Brrrrr, it's cold here in So. California! Yesterday it rained all day. It was so nice. I got to use my bun and back warmers in my car. Oh my....what have I been missing all of these years? Do you have them? Do you love them? I did not want to get out of my car after picking Noah up from school in the pouring rain!
After dropping Noah in the morning, I ran into one of my favorite thrifts. I am on the hunt for something. I didn't find what I was looking for, but I did come home with a few things. I spent less than 3 dollars!
They had boxes and boxes of Christmas stuff. I found this large ziplock bag with tons of vintage Christmas tags and labels. There were even a couple of hand painted vintage cards.

These darling vintage Santa buttons. I need to take a better picture, so you can see how cute the face is. Sorry for the bad picture. The lighting is very bad today.

Also a cute red and white snowflake cup, eggs were courtesy of my girls. And a very old Santa face mug. Oh, and the white wicker sleigh the tags are sitting in too. I am thinking it may get a coat of red paint.

When I got home I found some really special things in my mail box.

Those dishcloths were knitted for me by my friend Jeanne. Jeanne is in my Brunch Bunch Group. I have belonged to an online cooking group for 20 years. We are a group of about 10 women, who live all over the United States. What brought us together was one thing we all have in common. The love of cooking. However, over the years, deep friendships have formed between us, and in addition to our love of cooking, we have shared our lives. We have seen one another through the happiest events of our lives, like weddings and births, and through terrible sadness too. We have lost one of our members to cancer, and we have supported one another through everything from ordinary to extraordinary. We have a caterer, an Inn Keeper,a food editor for a newspaper, a nurse, a business owner, an executive with a large name Toy Company, and a few of us are homemakers who simply love food, and everything about it. We are in California, Louisiana, Michigan, Maine, New Jersey, Arizona, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Delaware. Many, actually, most of us have met in person. These women are very near and dear to my heart. When I received this package from Jeanne yesterday, I was struck with just how meaningful this group of ladies has been in my life. That doesn't even count the incredible fountain of knowledge we have shared with each other about cooking over the years. We are called The Brunch Bunch Kitchen. Or BBK for short. Isn't the internet an amazing thing????
Some Holiday Bloomie colors. Snow, Cream, Holiday Red, Holly, Brick, Mustard and Basic Black that goes with everything. Picture taken without a flash.

With a flash. Lighting is bad today. Very dark outside.

My favorites? Oh, the Holiday Red is so, so pretty. The Snow White is really nice. Mustard continues to be one of my best sellers. Martini, which I don't have pictured here, but do have pictured in a previous recent post that sold with a Cowl, is also a big seller. I have more cut, but not made yet. In addition to these Holiday colors, I have Brown, Heather Gray, Textured Gray, Yellow, Tan which I call Beach, and Blue Jean. I still have in stock Shabby Chic, and several summer colors too.
In my Cowls, right now I have in stock, an ecru in the longer style that covers more of the shoulders and lays lower on front. And my new style like the red one pictured in previous post, I have Red, and a beautiful shade of charcoal. I am working on a rust, and another tweed. I will only be taking Holiday orders for the rest of this week.
I am going to have my hair done today. That always makes me feel better! Have a great day, and drive safe. It's getting crazy out there!!!
XO Kris

Holiday Cowls & Bloomie's

2011-12-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Last night I finished up all of my holiday orders for Cowls & Bloomies.
Thea's order for a Cowl in Tweed, and three Bloomies, in Holiday Red. Blue Jean, and Martini.

Jackie, your order for one Tweed Cowl with Martini Bloomie, and one Bone Cowl with Mustard Bloomie is all ready for pick up today.

This was a custom order for three Holiday Red Bloomies for Teacher's Gifts. The cost for Bloomie is 15.00 dollars. To package like seen in photo is addtional 5.00 dollars.

These make a great gift for teachers, and secretaries. I can also put an alligator clip on the back by request, so it can be worn in your hair as well as pinned onto clothing and scarves. If you would like to order these before Christmas, let me know soon. I also have white, cream, green and gray. Will post other colors tomorrow.
This is new cowl design. Stitched in a very soft yarn. May be worn with or without a Bloomie, or crochet flower.

Remember the leopard print pillow I made for Erika? She had bought two yards of slightly different leopard prints for me to make some basket liners with the one print, and two pillows for her new sofa with the other print.

I was only able to get one pillow made with this print. The store where she got it didn't have any more, and since it was a Halloween ordered print, they wouldn't be getting more in. So, since I had a scrap of it left, and she wanted two of the same size pillows, I bought a yard of tan micro suede and used the scrap I had left to make her second pillow. I slightly shirred the sides, and then sewed that to the center piece of the front. Then using those big funky wooden buttons I bought for the pillows, I centered it on the middle of the shirred leopard print piece. I tufted the button on the first pillow. But this one looked better just sewn to the front without tufting it.

I took them over to her yesterday, and I actually like them better this way, looking slightly different.
Okay..two weeks left until Christmas. Are you ready? I'm not! I still have most of my shopping to do. My cards to get out, and wrapping and baking, and.....and....and!!! But right now, I am going to go have another cup of coffee! Happy Monday!!!
XO Kris

Wrapping It Up On The Inside

2011-12-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

Good Sunday morning to you. Let's see what's going on in the family room today. In the winter, we like to have a fire nearly every night. So I move the big leather chair and a half to the hearth. It is the favorite place on a cold night with a roaring fire! Last night I sat there through an entire movie I thought was pretty rotten. Crazy Stupid Love, it was called. Mostly it was just Stupid. Greg seemed to like it. I was just hooking away.

The Merry Christmas pillow was made using over sized tea towels I found one year at The Alley. I made several, and kept two different styles. I have the other one out front in a chair. The quilt that is laying against the chair was made for me by my best friend Jae. The little barn red desk on the hearth with a lamp is one I bought at the Good Will store and refinished for the kids. The seat folds down, and you open the desk top. I painted a chalkboard surface inside on the top and put magnetic adhesive on the one side for magnetic letters. All folded up though, I love it right here on the hearth to hold a lamp to read by, and a place to set down my hot tea.
This barn red piece we bought several years ago for a steal. We both love it. It has drawers up and down the entire length of it with a larger cupboard in the top center where Mr. G keeps his humidor. Those drawers hold all sorts of things out of sight for us. And of course, it is my favorite color!

My lighted garlands are one of my favorite holiday decorations. I keep them up well after Christmas is over.
This table holds an aqua blue bench that I bought last weekend while out shopping with my blogging friends in Glendora. This shop had almost everything for 1/2 off. I paid a ridiculous 12 dollars for this gem. I love to use benches around the house for decorating. And I loved the color of this one, and with hints of red peeking through in places. I keep trying to move that snow globe, but my assistant likes it there, so it stays.

This I love. I saw it over at my friend Jann's blog have a daily cup from Mrs. Olson
She had a large glass jar filled with vintage house light bulbs. I knew I had a couple of strands of those too. So I unscrewed them all and put them in this jar. Very cute, thanks Jann! I wish I could find an old antique toy pickup truck to put them into. Still looking.

The above tray sits on the coffee table. The yule log was carved by my favorite neighbor Carl, and given to us as a gift one year. The tin of apples is an antique lunch box.
This Christmas photo taken many years ago, was one of my all time favorites. We borrowed my Dad's old truck to take them. We also pulled it into the grove and took some out there too. It was a fun prop!

That was nearly 20 years ago!
I love this Snowman centerpiece. Mom always had this out at the cabin during the holidays. I love to see it every Christmas.

This red boot I painted when our youngest was a baby. I am glad I put the year on it. I hope nothing ever happens to it. I can still remember sitting in the kitchen painting this late at night. I remember when I found it and thought it was so perfect because it had three mice on it. Mice, because I collect them. And three for our three kids. I always put candy canes in it. One day when I was in the shower, Noah came and knocked on the door and yelled to me, "Gamma, I brought you a candy cane!" I threw a robe on and went running out to check the boot. I was so afraid it had fallen off the ledge into a million pieces. He had scooted an ottoman over to the fireplace and stood up on it to reach a candy cane. Phew...close call!!

My little bathroom off the kitchen and laundry room.

When we moved to this house, I had found a guy who painted trompe le oile and had him do them in several rooms of the house. My favorite one was our oldest daughter Gennifer's room. I had him paint a headboard on the wall, with a straw hat on the post, and ribbons flowing from the hat. It looked so real, you had to touch it to see that it was painted. He also painted her name on an opposite wall, in purple, her favorite color. I hated to paint that room when she moved out. But it had to go when I moved my sewing room in there. I also had him paint a window in this bathroom. I wanted it to look like you were looking out into the grove beyond. I asked him to paint a shelf with geraniums on it, and my cat. I have painted this bathroom a few times since having this done, but I paint around the mural using q tips so as not to disturb the painting. I have never grown tired of it.
Lastly for today, looking out my kitchen window where I have some of my Ball jar collection. On the sill outside sits two of my Dr. Seuss trees.

That little pick in the larger Ball jar my Mom used to have sitting in a milk jar that sat in the widow sill of our old cabin up in Big Bear. I love to think of those great times we spent at that cabin when I see some of the things I now have that were in it.

Thanks for coming along with me to share my Country Christmas. As you can see, we aren't fancy here. Our house is filled with things that are sentimental to me in some way. I have strong attachments to these things and the memories that they evoke. No matter how you decorate, or what you set out to enjoy during the holiday season, I hope your home brings you as much comfort and peace as mine does to me.
XO Kris

More Decking The Halls

2011-12-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

Good morning. First I want to say thank you for all of your nice comments! And I also want to say hello to new followers. I always try to go visit you when I see a new follower, but sometimes it is hard to see who is newly following, as the list toggles back and forth from current to past, and jumbles itself all up. But I love seeing all of your new faces, and it brings me to your blog, which I may have not otherwise found. So welcome to all of you!!! Let's see some more of my Country Christmas.
Come on in.

I don't think I will ever tire of these pine swags on my front door. I especially love them on my barn red doors!!

Two years ago at the after Christmas sale at Tai Pan, I bought this tall skinny tree. We have a smallish living room, and our big tree made it rather uncomfortable on Christmas morning with all the people, and all the gifts...we were really squished in there. So this tall and skinny tree is absolutely perfect for the space.

In this picture it looks like it has a bit of a list? My assistant has done quite a bit of redecorating. I finally just let it be.
The tree skirt I made about 10 years ago. It was quite an undertaking! It was supposed to be hand blanket stitched, all the way around. But after doing the reindeer and the front trees and banner, I gave up and machine stitched the inverted triangles on. I got so overwhelmed that I never even embroidered the marked "Merry Christmas" on the front banner. I still like it.

The reindeer go prancing all the way around the skirt. Rudolph is my favorite.

The tree is so pretty lit up, like all trees are, no matter what the shape or size! Those sweet little elfin slippers were made by my nephew's wife's mother, Gwen. I LOVE them!!! Thank you Gwen!

Do you have an Elf On Your Shelf? In your tree? We do. His name is Billy. But we call him Silly Billy.

The tree topper is a simply a bow I made with giant coppery wire ribbon. I have two other boxes of ornaments that I haven't even opened in the past few years. I just use these giant glass red and green balls my Mom gave me, and nests and birds, and just a few other ornaments. I have one box with just mouse ornaments from my parents, but I still find it hard to take those out. Maybe next year.

Last night I was sitting in this chair that I am sitting in now, next to the tree in the living room. It was kind of late, about 10:00 or so. I was crocheting away, and glanced up to look at the tree. I was struck at how beautiful it was with the reflection of the lights in the window, and the faint vision of our house lights shining back in at me. I had to grab my camera and click a photo.

My living room is the only room in the house that has a more traditional feel to it. But I am thinking of changing that this year. More about that later. This beautiful church was a gift from my Mom.

Several years ago, I got those two candle toppers for my tapers. I have no idea why on earth I didn't get three? I always put three candle sticks together. I have never been able to find another one. But I still put the two I bought on the candles.

This garland I bought a few years ago in a beautiful shop in Big Bear. I like to keep it up all winter long. It looks so real.

That's it for today. Mr. G is cooking fresh egg sandwiches, and I think mine is ready!!! Have a great weekend. Tomorrow I will wrap it up with My Country Christmas.

X's & O's

Kris

My Country Christmas

2011-12-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

My house is ready to greet Christmas! Here is the kitchen, ready and waiting for Santa.
Walking in from the laundry room, looking right.

Looking left.

There are so many things I love about my kitchen. But it needs some serious tender loving care and updating. The cupboards are in dire need of refacing. The countertops need replacing. Some of the appliances are okay, some are not. But I will work with what I have for a while. I have loved my brick floor since the day we moved in. LOVE it. However, it is not very loving to my legs when I stand for hours on end cooking. I highly recommend the gel mats!!! They are a cook's best friend! This little area is to the right of my sink.

And this little red bowl sits to the left, with Christmas tea towels and dish cloths at the ready.

The little shelf above my stove with two wooden childrens rolling pins that were my girls when they were little.

I love chalkboards and use them all over the house to leave messages. I like to use the chalk writers that you can find in Michael's. I have them in nearly every color.
Looking up to the pot rack that was a gift from a good friend.

Looking out towards the dining area of the kitchen. My house doesn't have a dining room. This is the only place we have ever had our meals. Except when hosting large functions, where we spread out into the living room.

That area on the right wall used to have a useless little desk built in. I hated it because it prevented me from using the wall space, and I so wanted a buffet for that area. So one day, I ripped the entire desk out! Then started looking for a suitable piece for that space. I hit the jackpot on Craig's List a couple of years ago when I found this gorgeous solid buffet for 50 dollars! I could NOT believe my luck, and didn't hesitate to snatch it up! I am certain it sold for at least a thousand dollars. Probably more. I got a steal! And it fits this space perfectly, providing additional storage for my many dishes, and linens, as well as a surface to decorate for the changing seasons too.

My table is set for casual dining, with many things that are very special to me. I have collected mice my whole life. My Dad's nickname for me was Mouse. He began to give me mice at every occasion many years ago. I lost my Dad 8 years ago, and each year when I bring these out, they take me back to the time he gave them to me. To happy, happy days. I have these reminders of him all throughout my home.

I love my every day holiday dishes. I bought them many years ago at K Mart, when we had one here in town. I used to love their kitchen department. I have a complete set with serving bowls and everything. LOVE it. They just suit us and our style perfectly.

A few months ago, I found this set of red silverware at Good Will. It is just what I needed for these dishes. And Valentine's Day, and Fourth of July.....

That crooked fork is bugging me. I think my assistant was touching things! The cute Santa napkin holder rings were from Tai Pan Trading a couple of years ago. The braided placemats are from Kohl's and I love them. So pretty even without a plate sitting on them. I doubled up a red and a green napkin, just for fun. The little stockings are also from Tai Pan. Sometimes I tuck the silverware in them and set it beside the plate. The runner in the center of the table is one I bought many years ago at Target. I like to scrunch it up as a runner, even though it is a tablecloth, this way I can use my placemats too. The red scarves tied to the backs of the chairs, are runners that I purchased several years ago at Dollar Tree. They are perfect for weaving in and out of the backs of my chairs for something different and pretty.
A few days ago when I was returning home from the market, dear friends of ours, Santa Ron and Mrs. Sue were at the door with this darling Xmas gift. They know I am a Mouse, and brought this thoughtful gift. A Mrs. Holiday Mouse wine box with a yummy Cabernet from Paso Robles inside! Thank you Santa Ron and Mrs. Sue!!! I love it!

Above the table is a Corona of garlands in a gold beaded ribbon and a Christmas garland entwined together.

My little kitchen Christmas tree sits up in the corner atop one of the antique apple crates we bought in the Fall while apple picking in Oak Glen.

I have some kitcheny ornaments and then some other small ornaments on this tree. The crocheted Santa face I learned to make from a friend a long time ago, and the poor partially eaten gingerbread boys I made last season.

I love to see this little tree lit up in the evenings.

Thanks for stopping by today to see some of my Christmas decorations. Come on back tomorrow for another room.

Peppermint X's and O's

Kris

Subway Art

2011-12-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Kate over at The Garden Bell showed how she did her own Subway Art, and I loved it! I tried my own today. Here it is.

Kate, this was so fun. I have so many ideas to try. What a fun way to personalize something for someone else too!!! I did it in Picnik.
I have been decking my halls, and slinging tinsel. I will be back with photos soon. Hope all of you are enjoying the Christmas season!!!
XO Kris

Christmas Is Coming....

2011-12-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

Is she cute or what? This is Regan. She ordered a Cowl and Bloomie from me. She sent me the nicest email when she received it. I was so thrilled to see her wearing it in her lastest blog post. Look at that cute baby girl too! Regan, I am thrilled that you are so happy with it.
Jackie, I have one done, and one more to go.
Thea, yours is next. I have been spreading Christmas Cheer all over our home these past couple of days. I will do pictures soon. Have a great day!! Bundle up, it is cold and windy again.

My Stupendous Saturday With Blogging Friends!

2011-12-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a fabulous day! I met up with four of my blogging friends for a day of shopping and lunching, and home tours of their beautiful houses, all decked out for Christmas. It was the best kind of day. First we met at Elaine's house. She blogs at Sunny Simple Life
I have known Elaine the longest. Her blog represents her perfectly. She is warm and genuine, and her commitment to her family is not only obvious in her blog, but when you enter her home, you feel it. We got to see her home all ready for Christmas, and meet three of her four girls. Her kitchen is like a warm hug from MOM. It took me back to when I was kid. It is straight out of the 50's, complete with rotary dial phone.

I was so busy looking and chatting, that I didn't get too many good photos at Elaine's. There is her little "Q" back there climbing up onto the kitchen table.
This was on her dining room table.

One of Elaine's older daughters took a picture of us before we left on our adventure.

That is me on the far left. Elaine next to me. Shelly next to Elaine. She doesn't have a blog yet, but we are working on her. Next to Shelly is Patty. Patty is also Shelly's sister in law, and Patty blogs at Lemon Lane Cottage
On the far right is Debbie. Debbie drove in all the way from Lancaster. She is the one I have known the shortest length of time, but what fun it has been getting to know this lady! She is as fun and full of energy as her blog leads you to believe. Go see her at My Vintage Daydreams
That is little "Q" in the photo with us too. What a cutie she is! I told her that we need to have a playdate with her and my three Lil' Dumpins' They would have a ball! So off we went, first to the store that Elaine has raved about to us.

This was such a treat! We walked inside, and just didn't know where to go. Everywhere you looked was amazing! What a cute store. The back, behind the counter was filled with coffee beans and loose tea. The aroma alone was enough to draw you in. It was Christmas Open House, so it was very crowded. I will certainly be going back to this wonderful store!!! By the time we had finished at The Country General Store, we had worked up a powerful appetite, so we went to a charming little diner just a few streets away, on yet another beautiful Main Street that was lined with shop after darling shop!!! We were in Covina to start out, but this diner was actually in Glendora. It used to be a bank, hence the catchy name for the restaurant.

I had one of the best sandwiches I have ever had!!! It was a cold turkey, on squaw bread with cream cheese, cranberry dressing and sprouts. To die for!! Another place I am going back to!! This restaurant was nestled on one of those charming main streets you hardly ever see anymore. Where the street is lined with mature trees, and parking your car is as easy as angling it on up, right in front of the store you wish to visit. Then walking the street on both sides, where unique shops beckon you inside. There was an old timey candy shop. An antique store, a high end ladies consignment shop, where we had a little fun. Elaine, that dress is YOU!!!

There was a quilt shop, where I found out that Patty does quilt samples for the store.

Watch repair, shoe cobbler, and on and on...just so quaint!!! We had some fun in a specialty paper store where their Fall items were 60% off! Yes, we found some goodies!! I think this is the store where I nearly knocked Patty off her feet to the floor with one swift pivot of my heel on my way back to the SALE end of the store to get some Vintage Halloween boxes! She made a quick recovery, I shouted an apology over my shoulder, without missing a beat on my way back to the far end of the store where my treasure was waiting!!! To be fair...it was my big purse that clocked her, not me. I didn't even feel it! Sorry Patty!!!
So up and down the street we went. Popping into every shop that piqued our interest. We ended in a fantastic kitchen shop! I was in heaven. This is another place I MUST return to! Mom....we need to go take a class here! Looked like a good line up of fun classes!!!! My poor partners in crime had to go rest their weary feet out front on the bench while waiting for me to make my final purchase of the day. As if the day had not been perfect enough at this point....we were far from done. From there, Patty scooted on back to her home, to prepare for us to come have dessert as our last stop of the day, while the rest of us traveled to Shelly's fabulous home. Now, I am at a loss for words here. This house, was unlike anything I have ever seen in my life. Stunning, spectacular, cheerful, vivid, happy, charming, vintage, warm! These are all words that come to my mind. She takes most of her every day decor down, and creates a Christmas fantasy land that is just too wonderful to describe. Shelly lives in a townhome that she has turned into the most darling cottage I have ever seen! Let's just take a look in pictures. With the first one being the view as you approach to her front door step.

One look at that, and you just know you are going to be in for a treat!! Come on in, and feast your eyes!!!

Me thinks my friend Shelly likes RED!!! This was just the front room!!! The kind of place that you had to keep circling past, because every time you looked, you saw something new!
Here is the master vignette maker herself...Shelly, holding one of the stockings sporting her name, that she found at a thrift store.

Now let's walk on over into the kitchen. You will flip I tell you! FLIP! First, the two crisp white slip covered easy chairs with matching ottomans that beg you to sit and enjoy the space. Each draped with a vintage hand crocheted red and white afghan!!

That picture just about makes me cry!!! And that afghan on the far left made me swoon!

Next up...photos of her kitchen. It is a dollhouse! I told her that to me, it was like stepping right into Mrs. Claus' kitchen. Warm and fuzzy doesn't even begin to describe it!! Enjoy!!!

Even her patio was an extension of her home, and her love for red and white, and all things cottage.

Back inside for a quick peek at her "girly" bathroom!

Wouldn't you love to have a soak in that fabulous bathtub? Wow! Then, before having to dash off to our next destination, we got a peek at her bedroom.

Have you ever seen anything so cute in all your life? We told her she needs to be on a home tour, or in a magazine. I am sending these photos to Country Sampler and a couple of other magazines.
After Shelly's house, we drove just a mile or so away to Patty's house. Another charming home, on a picturesque street. Like something out of a Norman Rockwell photo. Individually unique cottage type homes, dotting a beautifully tree lined street, nestled into one of the most charming towns I have ever visited! We walked in to the house where the soft glow of a fire greeted us, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air. Christmas was in every nook and cranny of her home. She had prepared a lovely dessert for us, as our final destination of the day. Come see Patty's beautiful home with me.

Look at those beautiful diamond paned windows!!! Her kitchen is cozy and warm, and the cupboards were painted in the barn red of my heart, complete with bronze farm style hinges. LOVE!!!

She had laid a pretty holiday table for us, with her homemade goodies to enjoy.

Although we had not discussed doing this, we had each brought gifts to share. Sweet Debbie, who we were all meeting for the very first time, had thoughtfully prepared a gift for each one of us, personalizing it to each one of our interests. For me, she had this darling sign made, and two cute little vintage rooster salt and pepper shakers. As well as a bank that read SPA DAY, because she had noted how much I love going to Glen Ivy!! She said I needed to have a place to put my pennies to save for my special place. And she tucked a holiday hand creme into each one of our packages as well. Here are a couple pictures of the ladies receiving their gifts.

Patty had made each one of us a felted owl ornament. She had it sitting in a nest of crinkle paper along with some holiday candy, and tied up in a cello bag with a red ribbon, sitting next to each of our place settings at the table. Here is a photo of each of them lined up on the table.

Elaine gave each of us a Gooseberry Patch cookbook. And her little "Q" gave me this work of art while we were at her home.

This was Debbie's thoughtful gift.

I had made each of them one of my red holiday Bloomie's.

It was the most perfect, wonderful day! It was the best thing to put us all into the spirit of the holiday season. Giving, sharing, and enjoying the fellowship of friends. Elaine, Patty, Shelly, Debbie...THANK YOU! It was a day I will never forget! I can't wait to see all of you again!
XO Kris

Five For Friday

2011-12-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

Good Friday morning! I made the turn around and today I feel like me again! Woo-Hoo!!!
I am linking up with my friend Janna today at Denim and Dandelions for her Five For Friday linky party.
My first favorite thing of the week for today is what I found yesterday when I went into the hen house to collect eggs. It was what I have been waiting for.....and yesterday was the day!! My Five girls EACH laid an egg!!!!! I went 5 for 5!!!!
Well, I guess they did, not me. But I was excited!!!

A light brown, a dark brown, two blue/green eggs, and a white egg!!!!! At this rate, my girls are keeping our family and a few neighbors and friends in eggs!!
Number two thing that is exciting for me this week is my sewing room. WHAT A MESS!!!!
But that mess means I am knee deep in creativity. I am busy making things for myself, for Christmas gifts, and I have several orders that have come in this week that I am busy working on too.

I am a very neat and tidy person, so this is very unusual for me! But my sewing room doubles as a holding room for Christmas gifts, and wrapping area too. So it gets rather untidy this time of year. But I know just where everything is!!!
Number three happy thing for me is hooky time in the early morning hours when the house is quiet, and no one is stirring but me.

Number four, is my first cup of coffee of the morning. In my Christmas mug. With my Christmas coffee creamer that matches my Christmas dishes. Which are currently washed and sitting pretty in my cupboard. Sitting on one of my Christmas trivets.

Awwww!!! See, I'm not a total Scrooge. I just like to get through one holiday at a time!!!
Number five happy thing this week is the very beginnings of my Christmas decor coming out. While I haven't gotten my bins down from the garage yet, I have a few things in the house, like my Christmas dishes, and my Christmas Button Up that I hung on the wall yesterday, December 1st!

Janna hasn't posted her linky yet, but go on over and say hello anyway. She is the dear heart that made my button for me!!! She made one for my daughter Gennifer too. I sure hope she doesn't take it away, because I love it!
Tomorrow I am supposed to be meeting up with 4 of my blogging pals for a day of holiday cheer. I so hope I can go! These are very special ladies that I have met through the wonderful world of blogging. I have my fingers crossed!!!
It's Friday....go make it a great day! And I hope you have a wonderful weekend too!
XO Kris

Herbal Remedies

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Pammy Sue...this is for you. My friend Dawn over at Creative Cain Cabin is a big
believer in herbal remedies before using Western Medicine. I have a tendency to get bronchitis following a bad cold. It seems to get worse every year that I get older! I was willing to try Dawn's suggestion to see if I could ward it off. Dawn told me what to get, so Greg and I ran right out to GNC to purchase the exact thing she told me to get. They were closed, so we found them at Sprouts. I was able to find the brand she recommended as well. It is called NOW. Orange label, purple top!

I already take Biotin daily, for hair and skin. I take a daily vitamin. And MSM for joints.

The activated charcoal was suggested by Dawn to use as well. I began that treatment a couple of days ago. You take the charcoal powder if you can find it, and if not, crush the pills, and pour it onto an old cloth you don't mind throwing away, or several layers of paper towels. Wet the towel with hot water, and lay across chest before going to bed. I put another clean towel over the charcoal towel, and a tight sports bra over that. This is supposed to induce coughing and and help to relieve and reduce the chest congestion. Did I cough? YES! Did it help? I don't know if this helped, or it was coincidental that what I had was on the way out. But I do know this. I had the start of bronchitis. I know what that is. I have had it many times. I had very painful breathing, and it was on the way to bronchitis. I do not have it now. I am better. So, for me, it worked!!! I will continue to take the NAC and Vit C until it is gone. Here is what you do: Take 2 tablets NAC and 2 tablets Vit C FOUR times daily!! With lots of water, and you will need the water, because these are big tablets!! NAC supports lung health. And we all know what Vit C does. I also took Zinc right away when I came down with the cold. It was two weeks ago today that I got sick. I feel WAY, WAY better!!!! Dawn also told me to look for an ointment called Skinners. I could not find it, but am still looking. It is used like a Vicks Vapor would be used. I did used my Vicks ointment. I put it on the bottoms of my feet and then put socks on. It helps with the coughing, and it WORKS!! I have heard of this remedy for children too. Can't hurt, and in my case, it sure helped!!! Ask my husband, he will tell you!!
While at my local health food store, I inquired about something Dawn told me to try for HOT FLASHES!! It is called Pro Yam. They did not have this exact one, but they had several Yam creams. This one by Kokoro, called Balance Cream. It was the one that the lady at Sprouts suggested and said she has rave reviews from women!! I did talk to my favorite Pharmacist about using this, my son in law, Jake. He said he would do some research on it for me. I will talk to my Dr. when I go. But I am using it. It does contain natural progesterone. Which in essence, is hormone replacement therapy. I took Premarin for a year after having my hysterectomy, and then stopped after all of the bad press regarding it's relationship to cancer. But my hot flashes are so miserable, I am willing to try this. Guess what? Not a single flash since I began using the cream!
WIND...we have WIND today. Many of you will be getting snow drifts soon. We, here in Southern California, are getting leaves drifts.

I did a quick walk thru the grove to see if there were any trees down, and there aren't.
But I found this.

And this.

I'm not even going to fix anything until this wind stops blowing! Or clean the pool.

I have my Christmas dishes washed and in the cupboard. And the very beginnings of the holiday spirit coming into our house.

Lastly, I got a call from a friend last night, who knows a lady that reads my blog, and would like to order two cowls from me. Jackie, I wanted to show you the other color of cowl I have in stock now. I am going to purchase more yarn today for my cowls, but wanted to show you the other color. I assume you want either the tweed or a neutral color like this Bone, for your cowls?

I can also do another color if you prefer. But call me soon so I can get going on them.
Remember this little bag that I got a while back as a freebie at a local mall? I have shown it before. But I will show you again what I did. I just made ruffles and tacked them to the front of the canvas bag to hide the printed logo.

Now I carry this tote bag around with me all the time. It is perfect for a small project to fit into, and I take it with me wherever I go to work on it.

So don't toss your scraps! They can do so many fun things!
My Bloomies are in full production. For now, a few, and later I will show all of my Christmas colors.

That red one is a brick red. I also have a true red for Christmas.
Guess what this soft fuzzy fleece is going to be?

Jammy pants for MOI! I better scoot. I have so much to do today. And I am still trying to pace myself so I don't relapse.
If you live in my area....be careful out there driving today. It is wicked windy!!
XO Kris

Hump Day

2011-11-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

Today, for the first time in 13 days, I feel better. No more pain when I breathe. So I guess I have averted the dreaded bronchitis this time. Thanks to my friend Dawn and her herbal remedies!! I am spending the week slowly putting my Fall decor away, and cleaning in preparation for Christmas decor.
Today I am enjoying two of my favorite things about this time of year. Panettone, and Little Cutie Tangerines!

Panettone will forever remind me of my good friend Armenia! It was with her that I had this wonderful treat for the first time. Typically an Italian sweet bread, but many other cultures enjoy this tasty pan dulce too. My friend Armenia is Peruvian. She says that they have always had this at Christmas time as well.

This bread is not only a tasty treat, but it reminds me of my friend Armenia, and also my sister in law Cecilia. Cecilia was married to my little brother Tim. We met Ceci through my friend Armenia. Cecilia lives in Colorado now, and we miss her very much. Armenia and I don't get to get together nearly as often as we used to with her working full time now and me taking care of my grandson, but she is my forever friend. I think of her every time I bite into my Panettone!!!
I made this pillow for my daughter's new place. Her sofa is sort of a camel color. She wanted to add animal print accents. I told her to go find two pillows the size and shape she wanted at Good Will. Which she did. We cleaned them, and then instead of using pillow forms, I use the actual pillow as the form. I made the first pillow and soon realized that the fabric she bought would not make the second one too. I went this past weekend to Joann's where she bought it, and they are out! I did buy two big funky wooden buttons to use to tuft the pillows. I LOVE the way it turned out.

In fact, I think it looks pretty good on my leather sofa too!!! I sure hope they get more of this leopard print suedecloth in soon so I can finish her pillows for her.

I think that big button makes it!
I have been very busy in my sewing room lately. I will post some pics soon. I need to run now. I taught Noah how to play Jenga this morning and he wants to beat Gamma again!!!
Tootle Loo
Kris