Comet the Cat stays cool on his new Scratch Lounge. Yes, we handed over $$$ for cardboard. It has been worth every penny, though, since it’s been so HOT here in Virginia. It really does serve both purposes, as its name suggests. Comet loves to scratch it (instead of or in addition to the carpet,…
We love eclairs. We didn’t fully realize it until about two years ago, when picking up a two-pack from our local Wegman’s became a habit. Then I found a decent recipe and we were head-over-heels. My husband requested an "eclair cake" for his birthday (yesterday) and you KNOW I am always up for a cake…
I’m kind of in love with the soup I made this afternoon. It’s flavorful, healthy, and pretty – perfect with some warm, crusty bread. (I made a loaf from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper 1 teaspoon…
Fleece is everywhere! Blankets, scarves, gloves, robes, hats – this fabric has become a favorite for keeping warm during the cold months of winter. It’s very easy to sew since the edges don’t ravel. Fleece is available in a myriad of fun patterns as well as solid colors. Better quality fleece will be labeled as…
So sweet! So versatile! So . . . oddly shaped!?!? They’re sweet potatoes. Related to the morning glory rather than to the traditional potato, they may not be much to look at with their skins on, but sweet potatoes cook up so well. Bake them as you would a regular baked potato, fry them, mash…
This recipe is a great way to use up the never-ending supply of zucchini in the summer. You can bake this bread in regular bread loaf pans or those little foil loaf pans that are perfectly sized for giving away. This bread tastes great and freezes well, making a wonderful snack in a month or…
It’s time to make use of the many luscious tomatoes available at your local farmers’ market (or from your own garden). When you tire of salads and salted slices, turn to homemade pizza. Serve this light version of pizza this summer from the oven or grill, as an appetizer or bread portion for dinner. You,…
Yard sale, rummage sale, garage sale, tag sale – they go by many names, but are essentially the same. Take the opportunity to clean out space in your home, offer the items to someone else who will use them, and make a little cash in the process.
I can’t get enough of the BBC series, "Lark Rise to Candleford". Waiting for Season 4 to be available on DVD is difficult! Knowing that Season 4 is the last season is tragic. What is it about this series that has captivated my attention? There’s a hint of "Little House on the Prairie", which was…
Lovely to behold, a fragrance like no other, and sweet perfection as it melts on your tongue – what can it be except chocolate? It conveys love and decadence, is present at family gatherings and various celebrations, and graces both gourmet restaurants and grocery store check-out aisles. There are entire magazines devoted to chocolate! With…