musings, mutterings, and creative muddle. . .





Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Reaching For The Gold Ring

I've had so many people tell me how much they Really-Really like my button rings but wished Iwould use gold-toned wire. . . when I placed my last supply order (you should have been here when I opened the box - just like Christmas!  I really went overboard on the pearls, as well - Gorgeous!) I made sure to include some golden wire.

Then I got sidetracked with this and that and the other, such us updating all my photos in my ksyardbird shop on Etsy.  And listing a few more things. . .

Today, I pulled out the wire, selected a few buttons and ~


I like the kind of scoop in this button - kind of a little teeny-tiny crystally glass bowl on your finger. 

Monday, August 30, 2010

Obsessed with Veggies

Don't faint, but Son-O requested veggie-pasta salad to go with the steaks (that had been hiding in the freezer for nearly two years. . . ask me why they weren't freezer-burnt and tasted totally fresh and delicous) we decided to grill last night.  Yes, a teenager *asking* for veggies.  Yup.  He's pretty cool.  Thank you very much.  No.  You can't have him.


Of course, being Mom, I embraced this request and ran with it.  Did some digging around various recipe websites for some ideas and hit upon some gold. . . vegetable and pasta style.

Friday, August 27, 2010

What To Do With Those Cukes?

Hubster and I received a copy of "The Farm Journal's Best-Ever Recipes" cookbook from his elder sister many years ago.  The publication date?  A young 1977 and it's absolutely loaded with (seriously) Best-Ever Recipes!  Looks well-loved, doesn't it?



One of our all-time favorites is one that helps us use up all those delicious summer cucumbers.  Of course, me, being me, has to tweak it just a wee-bit and make it all my own.  With my own modifications comes a my own recipe name:

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Tweets and Sweets


I really hate how our elm trees drop their leaves so much earlier than other trees - makes for icky bird baths and a messy yard!  Not to mention their 'fruits' all over the yard.  I'm glad the squirrels are around to help keep those picked up.


Friday, August 20, 2010

Foodie Friday: Greek-Style Pork Chops

Oo-la-la!  Tasty stuff here! 

I do so love it when Hubster gets creative and tries out a new recipe that's completely 'out of the recipe box'.  Sometimes they don't work out so well and don't make it into our elite personal recipe binder - but then there are other times that not only does the recipe find itself into our collection, it lingers on our taste buds for days. . .

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Celebrating Home - Tasty Taco Soup Style

I'm always on the look out for new recipes - aren't you?  And when my friend, Missy of  Celebrating Home, told me she was making Taco Soup in Celebrating Home's Bean Pot at the party I was attending - why, I was pretty intrigued!

We don't cook in the microwave.  We reheat leftovers in the microwave.  We heat our canned veggies in the microwave - even steaming some in those fancy little steamer bags.  We pop popcorn in the microwave and boil water for the hummingbird feeders.  But C-O-O-K?  Ummm. . . no.  I don't like the flavor that's usually left in meat when cooked too long in the microwave.  But, hey, if Missy says it was good - then I was anxious to try it.

And with a bit of coaxing, I was able to take some photos and blog the whole tastefully easy process.  Check this out!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Foodie Friday: Baking and Biscuits

I thought Hubster was one chip short of a chocolate chip cookie when he suggested making these cheesy-garlic biscuits the other day.  I mean, the temperature of the oven to bake these tasty morsels was going to be about as hot as it was outside.  Seriously.  But, I'm very glad he ignored me, persevered, and served these biscuits full of all their yummy goodness with our second-day (sounds better than leftover, don't you agree?) Gumbo.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Gumbo - Using Up Those Garden Veggies

Okra is a staple in gumbo as it helps to thicken the soup without making it 'stiff' like corn starch or flour may do.  And considering okra is in its prime right now (we've got it coming from all directions!)  this was a perfect way to use it up - along with some tomatoes and peppers.  Lovin' those fresh vegetables!



Monday, August 9, 2010

Smelling Oh-So Good, Naturally

Remember that day that Mrs. B and I went on our adventure to the Lillie's Quilt Shop in Independence, Kansas?   What a fun time we had!  On our way to find some tasty lunch, Mrs. B took me to her husband's favorite shop ("When Mr. B buys me a gift, it comes from here,"  Mrs. B told me) and I could see instantly why he likes the shop so well!  Lucky Mrs. B:-)


Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tasty Tuesday - Chimichangas

I don't know what it is about summer, but we sure seem to really crave Mexican-influenced fare.  Maybe it's all of the fresh peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce we have available to us.  I mean, beyond salad, what's a better way to get your veggies than with refried beans, tortillas, a little spiciness, and (most importantly) cheese?!



Hubster did the honors over the weekend and most definitely came out The Winner with these Chimichangas!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Sewing Up An Adventure


Had the best time on Friday!  A new-found friend, Mrs. B, and I vamoosed out of town and visited Lillie's Classic Quilts in Independence, Kansas - a 45 minute drive south of us.


Oh!  What a colorful time we had!!