Old Maid New

lovin

2012-03-10T05:02:00.000-08:00

The fact that I walked into the kitchen and found these

on the counter...which means someone took the

time to empty the dryer, fold towels, and bring them down

to the kitchen. Didn't do the put-away, but 2 out of 3

ain't bad.

My newest Farmer's Market Maple Syrup...

fits right into my whole food kitchen.

A dream had me craving grapefruit...

something I hadn't eaten in years! It took

all those years to learn how to prepare and eat them well.

Heat in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Remove and drizzle with...

you guessed it!

Fresh Maple Syrup.

Amazing!

That I was able to make homemade...

I know what's in it...

granola.

Do you know what's in it?

Bingo...

Fresh Maple Syrup.

My newest favorite breakfast...

warm oatmeal with walnuts and dates and...

a swirl of

Fresh Maple Syrup.

Hmmm...is there a theme to this post?

Go to your local Farmer's Market

and get yourself some!

this moment

2012-03-09T04:40:00.001-08:00

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends

in this Friday ritual. A single photo.

A simple, extraordinary moment from my week.

A moment to pause, savor, and remember.

amen.

...crocuses one week...snow the next...such is March...

work

2012-03-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

In my handy-dandy desk side Oxford Dictionary, two columns are dedicated to define this simple/difficult word. My favorites in this case: 1 -n application of mental or physical effort to a purpose; use of energy. 2 task to be undertaken. 3 thing done or made by work; result of an action.

9 physics the exertion of force overcoming resistance. 13 theol. meritorious act. -v1 be engaged in bodily or physical activity. 5 operate or function. 7 to toil. 8 bring about; produce as a result.

11 progress gradually with difficulty. 15 be in motion; engage in physical exercise or training. Bring gradually to an efficient or advanced state.

Or, work can be defined by way of photographic means.

On the road to independence.

Today, work is spelled with 5 letters...

R-E-H-A-B.

There is work in the doing.

There is work in the watching.

Each step taking you closer to being you...

again.

I love you Mom.
You are the strongest woman I know.

joy of now

2012-03-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought

that this mild winter

would have me longing to

shovel?

A Michigan winter without (much) snow?

Plain weird.

Normally, this time of year

has me dreaming of

white beaches...

not white driveways!

Yet, here I am.

My first shoveling of the year.

Documented.

Sure it's March

but we are still smiling...

appreciating

while we can.

The sun is shining brightly

its warmth is sure

to melt it quickly...

better get to

the shovel before there

is no need.

No need to bundle...

fingerless gloves

polar-tec shirt

jeans

boots.

Almost put these

in storage

more like winter props

than anything else...

part of the outdoor decor.

Today...
actually put to use.

Soaking up the rays

after this small

probably unnecessary

task.

Walking in the door

to the sweet fragrance

of James' home-cookin

goodness...

Ah...

the joy of now...

the joy of snow.

Who'd of thought?

March madness defined.

this moment

2012-03-02T05:19:00.003-08:00

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends in this Friday ritual.

A single photo. No words. Capturing a moment from

my week. A simple, extraordinary moment.

A moment to pause, savor, and remember.

amen.

real home

2012-03-01T07:04:00.003-08:00

no facebook.

no twitter.

e-mail? yes.

but even there i've discovered

a strange phenomena.

not sure what to actually call it.

surreal.

artificial.

fake.

i'm not trying to be harsh

i know there are perfectly good

reasons to

have said accounts.

to keep in touch with faraway friends

and relatives...daily

because the actual writing of a letter

is so very time consuming

a phone call?

please!

too personal.

writing or calling

make it very difficult

to leave the

innocuous comment

without explaining yourself.

you know...

odd little one-liners

that leave the reader wondering

if something is wrong...

good...

unfortunate.

all the questions and

attention

that follow

somehow re-assure the

originator...

they have "friends"

it is a technique that has been

in my opinion

abused

almost feels like high school

all over again

give me real any day

someone to look me in the eye

hold my hand when i really need it

give me a hug

have a drink with

laugh and hear their laugh come back

you know...

real.

like having my stuff

around me

they make me feel

right at home

genuine

tangible

like my

comfy couch.

if i'm sad or happy or

somewhere in-between

they know it

because they really know

now there's comfort.

quick texting

may have its place...

on my way

help i'm stuck

kinda thing

but

i love you

is best served with

a hug and a kiss.

real can be scary

to open up and be yourself

they might not like that person

rejection

feeling like a misfit

getting picked last for the team

nobody wants to be one of

them

all i need is my guitar

my second-hand

beat up

a little bit hole-y

chair

my husband

mom

kids

sister

friend

they are real

present

honesty

i am a misfit

i am the occasional

outcast

often times i feel

left out

i am usually part of the out-crowd

on those rare moments in my life

that i have been briefly

welcomed

into the

in crowd

i get a bit itchy

Jesus made a habit out of

hangin with the likes of me

so i am ok with it

that is honest to goodness

true blue

shoulder to lean on

place of refuge

real

kind of

comfort

hipster

2012-02-27T05:48:00.001-08:00

My nephew, Sam

finished a school

assignment early and was

given permission to

draw.

He went about drawing this picture

of me!

Then, he completed his

artwork with a

poem.

You are my...

cup of tea,

Mocha of joy,

My razzle frazzle coffee,

Starbuck's special,

cozy cabin,

granday (grande), funday,

small town coffee,

tea time house

and young hipster.

So will that keep

you awake?

-Samuel Joseph Kulczak

age 8-

At the moment on my frig

which features

other crayon drawings

that I love.

But this one is

extra special...

Frame-able...

inspiring a kitchen remodel...

in shades of mocha...pink...yellow.

With words that reach off

the paper and

tug at my heart.

So...

I'm a young hipster...

Not a way I would describe

myself...

but if this is how Sam sees

who am I to

argue?

p.s. I love you too, Sam!

this moment

2012-02-24T06:11:00.002-08:00

Natural born yogi

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends in this Friday ritual.

A single photo. No words. A simple, extraordinary moment from

my week. A moment I want to pause, savor, remember forever.

amen.

angled

2012-02-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

canning jars...

cleaned and drying

filled with grains, nuts, dried fruits...

labelled

and looking pretty

against freshly painted walls...

america's heartland

yellow

the ninja 1000

finds its proper home

on mill springs blue

shelving

so much for close-ups...

let me try this

from another

angle

so you are able to get

the whole story

well on my way to

a place for everything...

but

everything

not quite in its place

yet

ah, well...it will happen.

hurry

2012-02-21T07:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life demands it.

Sometimes it just happens.

To think...last Tuesday was Valentine's Day.

What happened to Wednesday, Thursday, Friday...

the weekend?

A blur.

Driving in the fast lane can have that affect.

At the same time

trying to figure out how it all got done.

Emergencies cause that kind of living.

Everything put on hold...

knowing everything still needs to get done.

We do what we can

and prioritize the rest.

Let's not forget...

wonderful friends and family members who

help when you need them most.

Those times when you hate to ask...

and they are already busy doing.

When your husband

grabs hold of all the household

stuff and takes care of it all

with such ease.

Kids who step up and show

how much they have grown.

Brothers and sisters

who carry the load and worry with you

so things don't get too

heavy.

Hurry up and wait.

The rest will take care of itself.

amen.

this moment

2012-02-17T04:53:00.000-08:00

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. Capturing a simple, extraordinary moment from my week. A moment I want to pause, savor, remember forever.

amen.

got milk?

2012-02-15T05:57:00.000-08:00

Not your typical Love Day gift...

the Ninja 1000...

with my guys

it's all about the name...

and the power.

Well...

we got the power.

Whole Foods Kitchen

had Heather Bruggeman

whipping up

Pina Colada...Berrie Blast...and Green

Smoothies.

Not to mention a tutorial on

making your own

Almond Milk.

We'll get right to that...

but first the kids were

begging for malts.

We had been without a blender

for a long time.

How could I refuse?

We had to break it in...after all.

Oh, and yes...we do have the power.

This beast gets the job done

lickity-split!

Moving toward healthy

I turned to my handy-dandy

super organized

(so unlike me, but I am loving it)

WFK 3-Ring Binder.

For step-by-step instructions.

Soaked those almonds overnight.

Couldn't wait to get started

in the a.m.

Showed those almonds who was boss.

The Ninja 1000 pulverized them.

Good work, Ninja!

Poured the whole shebang

into a cheese cloth lined bowl...

With very clean hands...

gathered it up

and squeezed out every

last drop.

Poured it into a canning jar

and now when the mood strikes...

I can have a malt or smoothie

with Almond Milk.

But wait!

What about the almond meal left behind?

Something new I learned...

it can be used as a base for many recipes.

Mine?

Flour-less Orange Cake

found at

allrecipes.com

The family really liked the

moist consistency.

A real winner that comes highly

recommended...

by me.

There was one mistake...

it makes 2-10" round cakes

rather than one.

More cake...

what a wonderful problem to have!

lovely

2012-02-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

One day

out of the year

set aside

for love.

To express your heart

in lovely ways...

with flowers...

chocolates...

homemade cards

that tell

the receiver exactly what you

love most about

them.

The many ways to say,

"I Love You."

Happy Valentine's Day!

monday reflections

2012-02-13T07:46:00.000-08:00

We wanted winter

and we got it!

A few inches of snow and

a whole lot of cold.

Come on in

and warm your toes

by the fire.

Our dogs

Zoe and Buddy would

normally jump to greet you...

today they are relaxing

by the rays.

Excuse the mess...

but we are in that phase

of worse before better.

Canning jars drying...

Put to work

holding miscellaneous

grains and nuts.

With labels and everything!

Heather's Whole Food Kitchen

has me yearning for organization.

It also has me marvelling

at our ever changing

pantry.

(Yes, those are Honey Nut Cheerios

in the background...

baby steps.)

Lots of dry beans.

Sesame Spinach Noodle Salad

for dinner this week...

hence,

the Japanese Udon noodles

that have never seen my pantry before now.

(Again, yes...those are Oreo

cookies on top...

I need to stage my pics better

next time :)

Did I mention...

Heather Bruggeman's

organized shelves...

I am a shade of envy green.

Why?

I could argue and say

I can find

everything I need.

But, in all honesty...

how often does one need to hold

onto pretty jars

because said person is sure to

make an Old Maid New

creation out of them?

From this angle,

my answer would be

YEARS.

Without nag...but plenty of mention...

my sweet man put the boys

to work emptying this area.

No small task.

Phase two...

going to Do It Best

for some paint with primer...

I kid you not...

a portion of our wall never saw paint

after a remodel...

wait for it...

over ten years ago!

Same can be said for the shelving

my sweet guy installed

shortly after that.

Here is the preview...

I bet your sensing a future post

coming on.

But...

you are going to have to wait for it.

I have to add...

I forgot how much fun

working on a project together

can be!

Thanks for dropping in...

stop anytime.

WFK :: recipe review

2012-02-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

A Whole Food Kitchen Review

Apple Cranberry (or Blueberry) Crumble

a recipe from

Heather Bruggeman

(check-out her blog beauty that moves

listed at right)

A two-part assembly process

made much faster

with helping hands.

While I was combining the crumble portion...

The boys were pealing apples

and mixing the

filling ingredients.

Then the fun part...

putting it all together in

a pretty Longaberger pie dish.

Pop in the oven and enjoy the

apple cinnamon fragrance

that fills your home.

Once it has cooled...

eat dessert.

Now for my review:

My newbie status with a Whole Foods Kitchen

has my taste buds scrambling to keep up.

I was expecting a second-cousin to

apple crisp though

suspicious since the crumble did not

call for BUTTER.

Initially a bit bland...Heather did note that

the recipe is great for breakfast or

you could "call it" a dessert.

The Save...

my sister Sue thought to serve it with

a vanilla yogurt.

I did have organic plain...mixed with a

touch of vanilla

and a drizzle of honey.

Spoon over the top...

delicious!

I made this recipe twice

this week!

Like I said...

helpers made the process

fly by...and isn't it much more fun

to work/bump into/coach/laugh

with others while in the kitchen?

We got snow last night!

I think we will play outside...

and come in for some hot cocoa

and a dish of

Apple Blueberry Crumble.

Enjoy your weekend.

this moment

2012-02-10T05:04:00.000-08:00

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. A simple, extraordinary moment I want to pause, savor, remember forever.

amen.

:: thankful ::

2012-02-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

This morning I have a thankful heart.

Thankful for a warming fire.

Thankful for a drawer full of woolens.

Thankful for blankets.

For the promise of a sun shiny day.

Thankful for the second story fireplace.

That first cup of hot coffee in my morning.

Warm fuzzy slippers on cold hardwood floors.

Yesterday afternoon

I was having a coffee and conversation

(we have a never-ending conversation)

with my sister Sue

when a

clankity-clank-clank

competed with our voices.

After a short search we discovered

it was coming from the furnace.

The short story...

a repairman will be visiting today.

Our temperatures have been very mild

this winter...but my, oh my, am

I thankful for flannel sheets.

It is 50 degrees in the house.

I feel like you should be able

to see my hot breath on the screen.

Those woolens we have been ignoring

are now getting used...

indoors.

Blankets...snuggling...finding a sunny spot...

oh, and of course...

sipping hot coffee

are on my agenda until

Mr. Fix-It arrives.

Until then...
I will raise a prayer of thanks
for all things
warm.

dive

2012-02-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

My approach:

to dive right in and feel at home.

To become intimately familiar with

kale (that's a vegetable...right?)

sucant ( a sweetener...I think)

and a whole world of foods that have

me stopping to ask the clerk

for directions!

But, with Heather Bruggeman to guide

and facilitate this process

through her gentle words of encouragement...

I feel confident in the outcome.

My Whole Food Kitchen is Underway!

With weekly modules,

community forums,

deliciously new and strange (to me) recipes,

video how-to's,

worksheets...

and guest contributors...

it is like having my very own

Personal Whole Foods Trainer.

The aim...

Real.

Real foods that focus on

simplicity.

An opportunity to try new things...

think differently about how

I eat and what I feed

my family...

ultimately...

create a lasting change.

I dove right in and tried a featured recipe

Cauliflower Potato Curry Stew

by this weeks contributor,

ReneeTougas.

A big pot of wonderful ingredients

that had me (and my gang)

experiencing exciting

flavors like

curry...turmeric...coriander...

all quite new to my kitchen.

Here is the stew after adding

coconut milk.

Creamy...

yumminess.

The best part...

leftovers for lunch today!

Yesterday was day one in the

"re-writing of my food story."

Won't you join me?

bored

2012-02-06T05:28:00.000-08:00

A Weekend What To-Do List (in no particular order):

~Sit with a cup of tea until the feeling passes
~Bite at a nail until it bleeds
~If something is broke...fix it.
~Learn Anatomy the fun way...color and learn interesting facts like, a stress fracture in your foot is often one of the first signs of osteoporosis. Yep, you heard it here first!
~Do what you do...make candles for the shop in fun fragrances.
~Cut your hair really...really...really short. To the point of regret.
~Do what you love...play guitar.
~Begin something new...Whole Food Kitchen Workshop starts today. Yes!
~Eat those chicken wings at half-time.
~Take a walk
~Help someone
~Take a Tums.
~Clean.
~Think about cleaning.
~Surf the web endlessly.
~Remember your commitment to Unplugged Sunday...suffer guilt.
~Think about exercising.
~Watch Madonna and think to self...yep...if I would have stayed with the program I could look like that.
~Suffer hair envy as she prances across stage...did I mention short?
~Move on to toenails.
~Opt for something stronger...my choice...Disaronno.
~Make small talk during silly commercials because the boredom has somehow atrophied your brain
~Offer up a "what we should have done during the game" idea...after the game
~Go to bed
~...

this moment

2012-02-03T04:10:00.000-08:00

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. A simple, extraordinary moment I want to pause, savor and remember. amen

the laundry basket

2012-02-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

The first of February...

ever increasing daylight...

and this photo...

Things that make you

**sigh**

with a relieved exhale.

Now...I would like to direct your attention

to the

clothesline

???

Recently, while sitting

at my sister Tina's kitchen table...

I mentioned wanting to make fabric baskets...

Do I have a book for you!

She always has the bestest books!

She was correct...as is her Tina way.

It's A Wrap

by, Susan Breier...

Sweet inspiration!

At home...

I began eyeing-up

my laundry basket.

Filled with denim scraps.

Now remember...

I am Old Maid New

and as I create

with worn denim...I can't bear to

part with even the tiniest

morsel of jean.

I know I will find a use for those zippers

as soon as I do.

Well...

Susan Breier

lit a fire of an idea!

First stop
the nearest hardware

Lambertville's Do It Best

for some cotton clothesline.

Back to my laundry heap.

I cut those scappy pieces into

uniform 3/4" strips...

And as best I could remember

from speed reading the directions...

started wrapping and creating...

a recycled denim

coil basket.

Sewed those wrapped sections

together using a

zig-zag stitch

and marvelled as the basket

took on its own unique shape.

I felt like a potter at the wheel...

molding...forming...

letting the medium be my guide.

Very organic stuff here.

Observed periodically

as it began to

contour

and find its shape.

It was calling for handles...

so handles it

had to have!

This first one is a keeper...

to hold knitting

fireside.

To add to my collection

of favorite...
hand-crafted lovelies.

Such a beautiful creation...

yes... I said so myself.

Tis true, I speak of love...

it is February, after all!

Today's challenge...

create something

with your own two hands...

and one beautiful

mind.

the little things

2012-01-30T06:41:00.001-08:00

Project Mode.

An area that had suffered neglect

in our house...

and has desperately needed attention

for some time...

got attention!

I ask you, women...

is there anything sexier than a man

in flannel...fixing a drip...replacing a floor...

getting the job done right?

Here's the only before shot I managed

to get before he got busy.

Imagine...

the before this before...

was even worse.

Step 1:

Empty out cupboard.

Tear out the existing floor.

Get needed tools...

take a few snapshots.

Step 2:

Measure twice...

cut once.

Replace the floor

with beautiful...clean...

plywood.

Ah...

I'm lovin it already.

My man is amazing!

That stubborn drip still lingered.

Step 3:

Fix that drip

once and for all.

Time to become

a contortionist.

I'm betting this job

ranks right up there

with

root canal.

But...

I'm loving the view.

Especially when

asked for my assistance.

I'll get right on it...

after I capture

this great angle.

You guessed it...

he loved that one.

More posing.

He showed that drip

who was boss.

My man.

My sink man.

Actually...

when he wears flannel

I call him

snow plow man.

(from a short-lived series...Men In Trees,

I had a bit of a crush on

snow plow man)

Step 4:

Get me out of the

kitchen so he can

finish what he started.

You just gotta love a man

with that work ethic!

Step 5:

Put down floor tiles

on a surface that sees

a lot of action.

The unveiling.

A thing of beauty!

When you stop to think

how many times you

open this cupboard...

to throw something away...

to get at cleaning supplies...

it just makes sense to make it

pretty and practical.

After all...

it's the little things

that make such a

difference.

Thank you, Snow Plow Man.

I Love You, too!

quinoa :: again

2012-01-28T04:47:00.001-08:00

Okay...so I just might be a bit quinoa crazed of late. No! Whatever would make you say such a thing? You ask. Uh...I don't know...could it be that when I tell my boys I'm trying a new recipe, their first question is...does it have quinoa in it? Quinoa...a word that just a short week ago, they had never heard of...is now part of their everyday vocabulary. Score one for mom!

Not to kick 'em when their down...but...I decided to give Quinoa Veggie Surprise, from...here I go again...whole food mommies...ugh...a try. Simple ingredients that the writer claimed had her daughter saying, "This is the best healthy dinner we've had!" And in that...was the surprise. Well, with a recommendation like that...I had to give it a go.

Well...surprise! It sucked. Okay...let me back up here. It was edible...but once again, it lacked one important ingredient...flavor.

I realize that part of this new lifestyle is going to involve appreciating the true flavor of the foods you are eating. Allowing your taste buds to experience...let's say, broccoli...as broccoli...rather than butter drippin'...cheesy loaded broccoli. So...I didn't turn my back on the batch. I packaged it up and put it in the frig.

Turns out...Quinoa Veggie Surprise is a dish best served cold. Especially after kicking it in the butt with my secret arsenal. At lunch, the next day, I gave it a sniff and thought...I know! I will hit it with my sister Sue's Balsamic Vinaigrette. Toss on some cashews for crunch...in a word...AMAZING.

Sue's Vinaigrette? For a small batch, I mixed 1T Balsamic vinegar...2 T Olive Oil...a dash of Sea Salt...A fresh grinding of good Pepper...1 teaspoon of sugar. Shake or stir good. I drizzled two teaspoons over my Veggie Quinoa and it enhanced...not overwhelmed...the flavor of the carrots and broccoli.

It was so good...that I packaged up the remaining portion and...like the sweet wife I am...sent it off with hubby for lunch. I couldn't let quinoa get a bad rep in this house. I need all of their support if I am to make a go of this new lifestyle. I am happy to report, I received a call at lunch thanking me for the great tasting quinoa. He went on and on about how much better it tasted...about those yummy cashews.

Yes...what a good wife I am. Okay...if you're still with me...I confess...I saw a fellow blogger post about this wonderfully healthy lunch she packed her man and I thought...oh, how sweet. I can do sweet...right? It's been a while...but if I try really hard, I bet it will come back to me. So thank you...beauty that moves...for the inspiration. And that's (unknowingly) from my husband as well!

So good...I'm giving you another angle...perhaps to inspire you. Oh, almost forgot the Veggie Quinoa with a real...honest to goodness...Surprise!

2 cups water...2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes...1 cup Quinoa...boil...reduce heat, cover until done...about 15 minutes. Steam Broccoli (I was pretty generous with amount) approx. 2 cups with 3 sliced Carrots...steamed right along with the broccoli...1 can of Black Beans, rinsed and drained. Serve cold with Susie's Balsamic Vinegrette and Cashews.

Good stuff. Don't forget...pack 'em a healthy lunch! Happy weekend.

this moment

2012-01-27T04:26:00.001-08:00

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. A simple, extraordinary moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. amen.

the clean :: the dirty

2012-01-26T07:33:00.001-08:00

Laundry.

You can't escape it

for if you try

the job only gets larger.

With heaping mounds of clothing

trailing down the hall...

bedding after illness...

it was time.

Wouldn't you know...

out of detergent.

What are the chances...

that on this very day I read

a posting on

good earth living's blog

all about

Soap Nuts.

What?!

My family has sensitive skin,

especially during dry winter months...

and

I never heard of these natural wonders?!

Well...

I heard now.

I couldn't wait to try it...

had to run to

Bassett Natural Foods

and for $18.99

bought this box.

The muslin bags were right on top.

You see...

for those like me...

you secure 3-4 Soap Nuts in the bag

and toss into your washer.

(works with HE as well)

Re-use until the nuts

are no longer slippery when wet...

or they start to crumble apart.

Usually after the third or fourth load.

The Soap Nuts were much as expected.

However...

it is never a good sign when the sales

clerk acts like she never knew the store

carried the item...and mentions

"they aren't very popular."

Makes one wonder...

is there a shelf life on these beauties?

good earth living

where I first read about them...

Laura Emily, a new ETSY shop keeper

(I added her to my blog list...

where there is a link

to her ETSY site)

shows the Soap Nuts she will offer

on Friday

(I was in a hurry to have mine NOW)

Her Nuts are admittedly much like wrinkled

prunes...though not as ancient looking as

mine.

(NO dirty jokes allowed)

I also received a surprise.

Soap Nut earings...

a gift with purchase.

Weird...but nice all the same.

I bet you're wondering...

so...

did they work?

So far...so good.

After the 3rd load I traded out the

Soap Nuts for

"Fresh" Nuts.

I used very little softener...

since I was warned by a repair man

that Downy...

and all softeners are the bane to

appliances.

And the Soap Nuts offer

natural

softening agents.

Cool stuff.

On...

to the dirty.

I have invited you into my bathroom before.

It has all the necessary

equipment.

Looks cute and clean.

I wouldn't invite you in if it weren't.

I am about to go where no others have gone...

talking daily deeds...

talking...

crap.

????

Okay.

All you Whole Food Junkies out there...

You could have forewarned me!

Started eating whole foods

in preparation...preview...

of the class I will be taking in February.

Since I began this transition

I have been astounded...

YES...astounded

by my

morning ritual.

Holy Crap!

My visits here are now

brief and to the point.

HUGE.

I feel ten pounds lighter

each time I leave the bathroom.

Whole Foods

have an amazing cleansing affect.

Must be all those good grains.

Like quinoa for instance.

Yep...

moving right to the kitchen.

Gotta eat breakfast to refuel.

On tap...

Quinoa Pumpkin Pancakes

from

whole food mommies

(they gotta do something about that name)

It calls for quinoa flour...

grind quinoa in your flour mill...

yeah...

like I have one of those!

I do have a food processor...

same thing...

right?

I let it do its thing a good long time...

until it kinda

resembled flour.

Good time to

gather all the ingredients.

Lotta good stuff. Waited for a cake-like appearance

at the edges before

the flip...

presto.

They sure looked the part.

Unfortunately...

didn't taste the part.

A gripe of mine...

don't tell me it's good when

it isn't.

I want to go whole foods

I don't want to sacrifice flavor.

Basically...

a miss here.

It filled the stomach...

it didn't satisfy the taste buds.

The dogs liked them...

so they aren't going to waste.

I am still stocking

ingredients to fill my pantry

with whole food choices.

Reading good, old-fashioned advice

from

Whole Foods For The

Whole Family...

a cookbook I bought like forever ago

from

La Leche League International.

To this day...

a go to cookbook with a

practical approach.

Balance.

I must achieve a balance

between

good for you :: great tasting

or I will lose

my family.

Thanks for hanging in there with me...

as I strive to make this

happen.

others

2012-01-25T05:54:00.001-08:00

listen.

our day began as it often does

with a prayer...

that God guide us in the way

we should go.

a conversation followed.

a typical conversation in any home...

what would you like to

accomplish today?

laugh.

homeschool never made the list.

clever moms don't let that stop them...

we always

find ways to make it happen

sometimes

without their ever knowing...

live.

beside which

life lessons are being reinforced.

we have a large family

and since we are home much

of the time we find we

enjoy taking good care of all.

my joey

takes good care of

our nature friends.

rarely needing reminders.

usually mom needs to be told its time

to go to the feed store...again...

since we have run out of

supplies.

happy birds.

delirious squirrels.

love.

at lunch break

James volunteered to prepare

his craving...

hot dogs on the grill.

snow is not an obstacle in this home...

and apparently in many others

who commented on this

moment.

grilled to perfection.

just like mom likes 'em

dark on the out

juicy on the in.

loaded with onions.

oops.

this would have been the perfect

spot for a picture

of that dog.

instead...

oatmeal cookies and soy milk

for dessert.

no...

not a tofu-turkey, rosebud...

the all-american

beef dog.

ugh...

baby steps!

ah...

there's that

missing pic.

the techie

in me

is but a newborn

babe.

switching those around

must be the next

lesson.

i would ask the boys

but...

you're not going to believe this...

they are still in bed.

those spoiled homeschool kids!

james snapped this shot of me

as we were heading home...

list complete.

maybe singing...

possibly lecturing...

probably discussing what our evening

will hold.

until tomorrow.

amen.

whole again

2012-01-23T06:46:00.001-08:00

Sore throat...joint and body aches...feverish...

I took a much needed sick day.

Bed rest...hot tea...

echinacea...

advil.

I haven't taken a day (truly) off

for years.

When I wasn't sleeping...I was reading.

My sick choice...

(no pun intended)

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Somehow...

seriously, I have no idea how...

it was downloaded onto my smart phone

along with Pride and Prejudice...Great Expectations...

both too much for a congested head.

Alice turned out to be the perfect choice.

Maybe it was the cold...maybe it was the mixture

of meds...maybe it was my foggy state...

whatever "it" was...

I found the book

delightful!

I fully agree with Alice,

"...what is the use of a book...without

pictures and conversations?"

I remember thinking that as a child...

and as I lie on my sick bed

I would stop to examine each

wonderful drawing that appeared.

I was so enchanted that I continued the adventure

and read

Through the Looking Glass.

Lewis Carroll

has many a rumor floating about...

to this day...

but he knew the heart of a child.

Even an adult child, like myself,

can admit that.

The next morning...

I felt a bit like Alice emerging

from the rabbit hole.

Somewhat healthier...not quite myself.

Hungry.

I found a recipe at

Whole Food Mommies

( I didn't name it, I just visited it!)

that used my newest purchase from Costco

quinoa (pronounced, KEEN-wah).

I altered the recipe to accommodate

my humble cupboard.

It was delicious.

So good, that I am going to share it with you.

You're welcome.

1 cup quinoa boiled in 2 cups lightly salted water

until done (15-20 minutes)

While boiling... Chop 1/2 onion,

fine...rinse 1 can white kidney beans...

drain 1 can of chopped tomatoes slightly...

chop some fresh cilantro

(I had this on hand from my lentil and

guacamole)

1 clove garlic pressed,

3 T lemon juice,

1/2 t ground cumin,

Toss all together in a bowl.

Serve with fresh chopped avocado.

Amazing.

Somehow...

Alice in Wonderland

and quinoa

belong in the same posting.

Lewis Carroll would understand.

It takes a stong woman to

admit to being a

bit mad.

wintertide

2012-01-21T06:26:00.001-08:00

Think winter.

Think candles.

The spice of the holidays...

traded for the fresh, cool,

clean fragrances of

winter.

What to do with the tin?

Waiting in my Jeep

at a local Subway...I

I found what I was looking for.

The frosty snow on my windshield.

Sparkling, glittering...

beautiful.

Simulating the wintry

snow...

decorated simply...

like the landscape.

In cool hues...

and clean fragrances

reminiscent of winter walks,

welcoming homes,

roaring fires.

Old Maid New...

capturing the beauty

of every

season.

Available @

Harmony in Life

Sylvania, Ohio

or contact me @

jenondrus@yahoo.com

this moment

2012-01-20T05:18:00.000-08:00

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. Capturing a simple, extraordinary moment from my week. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember forever. amen.

thursday thought

2012-01-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

"Good teaching isn't filling

a bottle,

it's lighting a fire."

I found this while perusing the Etsy site

under the maple tree.

It was mounted on an original

archival print

with a wise old owl.

Pause.

To which I add...

amen.

Today I will

keep that thought

front and center...

as I gently wake the boys from

their long winter

slumber.

I have often felt

our home

closely resembles the children's story...

The Napping House.

Three are sleeping above.

Two dogs and a James,

buried under blankets

for warmth and a few extra zzz's.

light a fire.

Encourage a yoga session.

Stretch the body.

Stretch the mind.

That's my motto.

Oh,

and...

breathe.

gather kindling.

Since I decided to join

a whole foods on-line workshop...

(which starts in February)

I've noticed my choices

have been healthier.

I'm dipping my big toe into

the idea of it.

Since mom is...

the whole family benefits.

Thinking fresh and simple.

strike a match.

Healthy bodies...healthy minds.

Avocados ready to become

guacamole...

lunch is set.

Thankful for blueberries

in January...

oatmeal never tasted so good.

blow gently on burning embers.

Thinking outside of yourself.

There is a whole world

of need.

Even the birds of winter

need to be remembered.

Add filling the feeders to our list.

add more fuel.

Get plenty of fresh air...

and don't forget to

say your prayers.

tend the roaring fire!

normal :: almost

2012-01-18T05:41:00.001-08:00

Do.

A quiet, uninterrupted Tuesday.

Perfect recipe for

finding the focus I so long for.

A return to center...

well actually, still a bit left

of center.

Grow.

My "desk" area is once

again littered with

Joey's Algebra 2

work.

With surprisingly little coercion...

gentle nudging, perhaps.

James preferred local...

spread out on the living room

couch.

The joys of homeschool!

A desk standing

at the ready with

supplies at

your fingertips.

Pencils, pens, calculator,

graph paper,

sharpener.

Play.

The keyboard calls

periodically throughout our day.

Music fills the air...

tunes from Mario, Zelda, Tetris...

an unbelievable symphony

of beautiful

notes.

Midday

found us at the recycling bins

to drop off

and to

pick up.

I needed a few cans.

Scrubbed, filled with water, frozen,

punched tin designed...

nesting in the sink

as they

thaw.

Waiting to become candles...

filled with clean wintertime

fragrances.

Learn.

Reading up on Clean Eating as

I consider an on-line

class to make mine

a Whole Foods Kitchen.

The remote is handy.

We have been watching

many of the documentaries

that Netflix

offers.

This past week our focus was

on food waste and

what we can do to make

a difference.

good stuff.

Move.

A return to exercise.

A gradual...evolving program

that has started with

a kettle bell workout.

Work.

Started and completed

a few projects

at my

work station...

play station.

An organized mess of

woolens, buttons,

denims

and yarns...

that I feel at

home in.

Coffee sleeves.

100% recycled wool.

Vintage buttons.

Today...

dressed in pink.

Doing.

Living.

Eating well.

Ended the day with a delicious pot

of Lebanese Lentil Soup.

So very warm and filling.

(allrecipes.com)

normal?

almost.

cloudy

2012-01-17T06:31:00.001-08:00

warning!

i am in a funky...partly cloudy...

chance of rain kind of mood.

so enter at your own risk.

the weather is reflecting my mood.

or maybe i am a reflection of the weather.

a three day weekend.

yippee!

holding so much promise...

the boys would be busy on a job with dad.

my days were open for...

whatever.

get busy sewing up some of those

projects i've been thinking of...

replenish a depleted stock

for the shop.

i did make two zafus...

that's gotta count for something.

two down...

many to go.

i did practice the guitar.

these days i play to learn

new songs that weren't written by me.

i enjoy it...but at

the same time i feel concerned that

the music in my head has

quieted down.

too busy learning someone else's words...

my brain is clouded with their words...

their melody.

i can't help but feel i need to turn them off

so i can hear again.

books.

calling to be studied...read...explored...

and yet my boys have been

reluctant to fully embrace the adventure.

like their mom, they feel the tug

of other interests

and aren't really fighting it.

listen.

like i said before

it is a hard concept sometimes.

to whom do you listen when your heart

feels like it isn't sure which

direction to take

first?

instead of moving forward

you feel a bit trapped in the blur

wishing for clarity.

today

i will try to respect that wish.

i will focus my energies and

make that wish a goal

with directives

to make it happen.

and...oh...

i will pray.

and i will

listen.

This Moment

2012-01-13T06:02:00.001-08:00

This very moment. Joining Soule Mama and friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. A simple, extraordinary moment. A moment to pause, savor, and remember. amen.

Finally

2012-01-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

This past summer

I shared a project I was working on...

Prayer~Hope~Wish Flags

Not that I use those words interchangeably

mind you.

The idea was to utilize the banners

in a meaningful way.

Since other projects started consuming

my time and energy

The Flags

were put on the back burner.

Then, after talking with my sister Sue

I concluded...

what better time than the new year to present them again?

And Here They Are!

Offered in a kit form.

A Family Project With Significance.

Is this the year you and your family hope to accomplish

something special...give to those who need...

pray for peace...

help others...get involved in your community?

Give your goal an artful expression

to reinforce what you hope to achieve together.

Is someone in your life celebrating

a special birthday or milestone?

Express good wishes with

pictures and messages designed

by those who love them most.

Give thanks!

Create a gratitude banner.

The kit contains everything you see here

plus instructions and ideas.

The only thing you need is your imagination

and some Sharpies.

10 salvaged fabric flags

(one is done for you)

with sewn casings, 10 muslin squares to draw on

(an extra is provided for an oops.),

vintage buttons to decorate your project,

floss in many colors, natural hemp to hang the finished project.

My hope...

that this project will unite your family

in a purpose bound with

memories.

Happy New Year!

From

Old Maid New.

Re-Thinking Pretty

2012-01-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

Change is good.

We've heard it often enough

so it must be true.

Sometimes we make changes because

others ask it of us.

Last year, for instance...

I was asked to make some yoga mat carriers

for the shop

Harmony in Life

that were more androgynous.

Done.

Good addition.

Then...because I was tired of the

same ol' same ol' designing

I went a step further and got a bit

urban funky with it.

(see Aug 2011 The Mat Pack post)

Bottom line...they didn't sell...

not a one of 'em.

Lesson learned.

Turning to my stash of beautiful

Amy Butler

fabric scraps...thanks to sister Tina for thinking

of me when these bits and pieces

landed on her craft room floor...

and instead of tossing them

gave them to me because she was sure

I would find a use for them...

and here it is...

Back to the drawing board...or

as I call it...

the sewing machine.

With those awesome prints to guide me

I went back to my original

way of thinking...

make 'em pretty.

Same old (maid new) denim styling...

balanced with feminine

detailing.

Yes...these jeans were used and abused.

Even had a few scars to prove it.

I borrowed a technique I

saw on my young nephew, Sam's jeans...

an inside patch!

How pretty is that?

A repair that

adds to the beauty of

the finished product.

Re-thinking pretty.

After all...

the customer knows best.

Bottling Light :: Snowmen

2012-01-09T05:31:00.001-08:00

Decorations are down...

immediately I crave the

twinkle of lights in the shadowy corners

on these long dark

nights of winter.

I really shouldn't complain

since our days have been

glorious!

Hovering near 60 degrees.

But...those dark days will happen...

this I know...

just as I know that the

sledding snows my boys so crave

will also come...

hopefully not in March and April.

Until then...

now is the time to

prepare.

This has become my January tradition.

As the colors of Christmas

are safely packed away in the attic...

I place colored glass bottles and

old jars

on the sill...

reflecting light and color.

capturing light.

bottling light.

It makes me smile when I'm making

my early morning coffee...

washing dishes...

getting a drink of water.

Smiling now

just looking at them.

Snowmen have that affect as well.

As the green and red come down...

blue and white appear.

The light enhancing colors of

winter...

here in the form of a snowman.

Standing guard

to block the cold drafts

from my front door.

Stencilled

with perpetual smiles...

on an old pot I painted many years ago...

waiting to store the

hats and mittens

that somehow multiply as the

temperature falls.

Greeting you as

you enter the bathroom.

It'd be rude not

to smile

back.

But alas!

There is one remaining

strand of lights

left hanging around

to brighten

the mood.

Really now...

I ask you...

how could I possibly take that

beautiful, romantic glow

down?

It isn't bothering anybody...

quite the opposite.

It stays!

But...

as I said earlier

it is best to be prepared.

On those days

of darkness and gloom...

(maybe they wont come my way!)

(maybe.)

Not today anyway.

I will turn to my

Happy Light.

Purchased at Costco...

Verilux...

to help those of us who tend to

suffer from

S.A.D.

Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Imitating the white light

of sunshine...

happy rays...

happy days!

This Moment

2012-01-06T06:19:00.001-08:00

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. A simple, extraordinary moment from my week. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. amen.

Featuring

2012-01-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

Today I am giving

the Handmade Gifts I received...

their day to shine in the spotlight.

Now I am not a gift snob.

I did receive some perfectly

lovely store bought gifts

as well.

But as a crafter, I know

the planning...gathering...

the doing of it...

all require

time.

Precious time.

A glass globe ornament...

filled with lines from a

Christmas Carol...

each individualized...and chosen specifically

by the giver (my sweet mama)

that somehow sings

of the person who is to receive it...

me.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

Because every chance I get

I find reason to sing

Glory To The Newborn King!

My niece, Jillian, began selling

these wonderful wreaths this

holiday season.

Everywhere we were...there she

would be...wrapping and designing...

to keep up on the demands

of selling and giving.

I confess...

I bought this one at

one of her shows.

That retro crafting just

makes my heart

happy.

Here is a corner from my dining room.

This little cabinet holds

all things sweet and lovely

to me.

If you look on the top shelf...

you will see one

of my sister, Mary's

one-of-a-kind cards.

This will change as I get one

of these lovelies

throughout the year.

Now it is showcasing

JOY.

I loved the simplicity of this design.

Truly...little pieces of

art.

My mom enjoys paper crafting

as well...

just yesterday this

"thank you"

arrived in the mail.

This is my thank-you for

the very thoughtful

thank-you, Mom.

One word...

beautiful!

Up next...

a gift for the family.

Sweet Baby James...

yeah, he's thirteen, but he

will always be my baby...

crafted a construction paper chain...

the traditional count-down

to Christmas.

Hung on a "walking stick" we acquired

on a trip up north

with Mary and Ed and Boys...

such great memories!

It made me oh, so very happy to see

that chain each and every day...

knowing...

well, what we mothers already know...

time moves along...

sometimes too rapidly.

It is so important to

embrace each and every

moment.

Two links remain...

they will be added to our

tree trimming box

for next year...

dated and signed by the

designer.

Finally...

my niece and great-niece...

God-daughter and Great-God-daughter...

Jessica and Paige,

made me these cute and functional

(gosh, how I love functional)

coasters.

Holding this mornings

cup of coffee.

A snowflake pattern that will

see me through the winter months.

Knowing me...

will most probably be around all year!

There is nothing left to say...

except...

Thank you...

each one of you...

from the

bottom of my crafty

heart.

I Love You, too.

A New Year :: My Word

2012-01-02T06:32:00.001-08:00

How did it get late so soon?

It's night before its afternoon.

December is here before its June.

My goodness how the time has flewn.

How did it get late so soon?

--Dr. Seuss

When I read this recently on

a fellow blog...

I felt it summed up my thoughts

about time

precisely.

The philosophy of Dr. Seuss!

I will sit and ponder over

a cup of tea.

During the hubbub

of the holiday shopping time we took a break and stopped

for a sit-down dinner.

A conversation ensued

that went something like this.

Joey, to me, in his teenaged way...

"I've realized something...that when

you (meaning me) talk...

your ears stop working."

To which I responded...

"Well, I've heard it said

that God has blessed us with two ears

and one mouth so we

would talk less and

listen more."

He sat staring at me with a perplexed...astounded

expression...processing what I just said

and followed with...

"You do realized you just slammed yourself!"

I did!

Didn't I?

Then I added,

"That's right...even I need to remember

to listen more."

It was an odd and funny moment

that keeps replaying in my mind.

A Freudian slip?

Perhaps.

Something to explore further?

Definitely.

Especially since it keeps presenting itself to me.

Little reminders in the

form of Yogi Tea's

little words of wisdom.

Now please don't think I rely

on fortune cookies to guide me...

but when a thought persistently

picks and chips at your brain...

maybe,

just maybe, mind you...

one needs to stop and take notice.

Sipping on Triple Echinacea Tea

hoping to ward-off

the many germs I came

in contact with over

the holly jolly holiday.

Again...

in that same line of thinking...

I was being told to basically,

shut-up!

I don't know how it got started, but

I've heard that people

will often choose a word each year

to describe their hopes...dreams...

ambitions...

I have never participated in this

endeavor...but

apparently a word has chosen me...

LISTEN.

It's a good word.

It carries much depth.

Not an easy word.

Not for me anyway.

To all who has an ear...listen to what the Spirit is saying...

Let everyone with ears to hear listen!

This is my Son, the Beloved: listen to Him!

The true source of all wisdom.

Words worth listening to.

Happy New Year Friends.

This Moment

2011-12-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

Once again...joining Soule Mama and all her friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. Capturing a simple, extraordinary moment from my week. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember forever. amen.

Holding Pattern

2011-12-29T12:42:00.001-08:00

What a strange week this is...

this week between

Christmas and New Year's.

The week that somehow leaves me feeling

restless and a bit uneasy.

The hectic days of preparation

subside...

and I find I almost miss them.

With the week off homeschooling...

we decided to give ourselves

a small...

well actually,

a large

gift.

We wrapped up the book shelf

so we could dress-up the

room for the holidays.

The added benefit of

"out of sight out of mind"

keeps it

wrapped-up tight!

Don't get me wrong...learning is still

happening, as it always does,

in the form of playing the keyboard

and reading about all its

wonderful programs...

reading a downloaded book on a new

Kindle...playing with all

the new toys in the house...

spending the night at big brother's

and playing video games without sleep!

Me?

I am in a holding pattern.

Still enjoying a cookie with my afternoon

coffee...watching Hallmark Holiday

Movies each night...

playing the songs of this

beautiful season.

So...please, be patient with me

as I continue to leave

the sounds of Christmas on my blog...

along with the holiday

background...

and share thoughts of this

all too brief season.

I'm holding on tightly

to these final

days of

2011.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-27T07:09:00.001-08:00

Bing Crosby

crooning in the background...

cookie crumbles on a plate

with milk...

presents waiting...

under the lit and bedazzled tree.

Telling signs...all.

It is

Christmas morn.

That brief moment of realization

that the wait

is over.

To pause...

to hold onto that fleeting moment...

to embrace the joy.

For in a whirl of torn

wrappings and ribbons...

smiles and giggles...

the "you shouldn't haves

but I am so glad you dids"...

the thank yous...

I love yous...

all is revealed.

The music continues

with a new crooner...

filling our home with the

beautiful sounds

of a much anticipated/unexpected gift.

None more precious

than family...

who comes knocking on our door

to share in the wonder

of that

moment...

and a good cup of Christmas brew!

I hope your Christmas morning

was filled with such

beautiful moments

as these.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2011-12-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

Kierstin heard it.

Baby Kaylee heard it as well.

Have you heard it?

Last night at midnight...

I stepped outside to let my dog out

and I could hear the gentle

sound of snow flurries as they fell

quietly to earth.

Like a sweet song of anticipation...

a longing of what is to come...

the wonder and awe

of all that is...

seen and unseen.

Be Still.

And know.

Be still and know that the voice

you are hearing is the

Great I Am.

Let Your Heart So Sing For Joy!

This Moment

2011-12-23T05:32:00.000-08:00

Taking a break from my holiday preparations to join all my friends from Soule Mama. Capturing a moment of wonder. A simple, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember forever. amen.

Holiday Gift Guide :: Idea #5

2011-12-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

I could feature more

Old Maid New

Originals...

texting gloves...stadium mittens

scarves...hipsters...zafu's and zabutons...

and so much more.

Instead I'm putting you to work.

I'm talking about one of my favorite

gifts to receive...

Lovin From Your Oven

In the form of a cookie.

In this case

Mrs. Field's

Cinnamon Sugar Butter Cookies

Believe me when I say

that this little

snicker doodle type cookie

is sure to please.

It's all about the butter!

Now don't fret if you don't have the recipe.

I Googled it as labeled

above an it can easily be found on-line.

I got this cookbook from my mom

and it has been a family favorite ever since!

What a great combo pack...

the book given with a dozen of the cookies to eat.

I am a lover of the consumable gift...

those gifts that

I can really use and enjoy

every single little bite of.

Mrs. Field is great about using

just a few wonderful

ingredients.

With easy instructions, too!

This is my secret arsenal.

Spice Islands Pure Vanilla Extract.

It costs a bit more

but when you want to make your

pastries extra special

then this is the ticket.

Rolled into little 1 inch balls...

coated in sugar and cinnamon...

baked to perfection...

soft on the in...

slightly browned on the out.

Bite-sized heaven.

There is a plethora of creative packaging ideas

on-line as well.

Warm...

fresh from the oven...

in one of the many Christmas Tins

you've saved over the years

works just fine.

On a plate, perhaps?

After all...it's not about the

packaging...

it's what's waiting inside that counts.

Give the gift of homemade goodness.

This Moment

2011-12-16T04:09:00.001-08:00

Taking a break from Old Maid New's Holiday Gift Guide to Join Soule Mama and her friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. A simple, extraordinary moment from my week. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember forever. amen

Holiday Gift Guide :: Flowers and Joy

2011-12-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome

to Day 5 of the

2011 Holiday Gift Guide...

Old Maid New

Style.

Flowers and Joy!

Ever play the game

where you see a picture of something

up close

then try to guess what it is you

are actually seeing?

If not...

here's your chance.

What do you see?

That's easy...

a 100% recycled

sweet pink

felted wool flower with

a vintage green

button.

Right?

Yes!

But it is attached

to a little

pocket...

which is connected to

an unconventional purple

Christmas Stocking.

A fun Holiday

alternative

for any little (or BIG)

girl on your list.

Are you getting the hang of

this game yet?

Here's another chance

to test your new

skill.

What do you see?

Joy!

Spelled out in a variety

of vintage buttons...

in all shades of

red.

Topping off

this

striped woolen

Christmas Stocking.

Spreading the

Joy Of The Season

to all.

How did you do?

Given as a

"gift bag"

to hold

a special present...

a re-usable coffee sleeve perhaps...

a pair of leg warmers, perhaps...

perhaps.

Hung by the chimney

with care...

awaiting Santa's

arrival.

Giving your home

the old/new

look

Old Maid New.

Holiday Gift Guide :: Idea #3

2011-12-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome To

Old Maid New

Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Today's Featured Idea:

100% Recycled

(of course!)

Felted Woolen

Leg Warmers / Boot Toppers

Pictured here

with a Wellington Style Boot.

If you have ever worn these

then you know that they

are unlined...

A.K.A.

Brrrr...cold.

Fine for mucking around

on summer days...

not so fine

when worn during the winter months.

Leg Warmers

to the rescue!

The Boot Topper portion

is all about

being cute and fashionable.

The Leg Warmer insert...

is all about being practical!

Constructed to last.

Design...

Old Maid New

one-of-a-kind detailing.

Patchy look woolens...

seams on the outside...

in a word...

funky.

When I dropped these off at the shop

Harmony in Life...

Sue, a co-owner,

pulled these Ugg's out from

behind the counter...

(Shh...they are a gift for her daughter)

...and tried them out.

It transformed that boot

into...

dare I say it...

yes,

I dare...

a thing of beauty.

That's the whole point of

Old Maid New.

Stop back tomorrow for

Gift Idea #4!

Holiday Gift Guide :: Coffee Sleeves

2011-12-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

Old Maid New

Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Idea #2:

The Recycled Wool

Coffee Sleeve

This has been a staple of

Old Maid New

since its beginnings.

What coffee drinker on your

Christmas list...

be it lovers of the dark espressos...

chocolaty mocha's...or creamy lattes...

wouldn't enjoy their very

own coffee sleeve?

Each with their own unique

"personality"

and style!

Just like that special person

you are giving it to.

Putting environmental concerns aside...

let's take a simple

side by side virtual test to see

which one comes out on top.

Ready...(watch carefully)...set...scroll!

I don't know about you...

but that just blew my mind!

The Recycled Wool Coffee Sleeve

is the clear winner...

coming out far ahead of its

cardboard competitor.

The Recycled Wool Coffee Sleeve

is available at

Harmony in Life

contact me

jenondrus@yahoo.com

Perfect as a stocking stuffer.

Perfect when paired with a coffee house gift certificate.

Perfect for yourself as well.

Your cup...your hands...

and your earth

will thank you for it.

Thank you for stopping by.

Holiday Gift #3 coming at you tomorrow!

Big News :: Holiday Gift Guide

2011-12-12T06:31:00.001-08:00

The other day I got an e-mail

from my friends at

Harmony in Life...

under subject

was the title

Big News!

???

I soon found out that

someone from

The Toledo City Paper

had been at the shop

taking pictures.

And guess who was

featured in their

Holiday Gift Guide?

Give up? Me...that's who!

Old Maid New

right there on page 17!

Here is a close-up

of the half-page

lay-out!

(oh, yes...I am a proud mama) There are many other

lovely ideas in their

guide...but I don't

want to ruin it

for you.

Pick up your copy at news stands

everywhere!

Beginning Today...

I am going to

feature my one-of-a-kind...

outside-of-the-box...

designs

right here...

for the unique person you are.

Your gift giving should reflect that!

And so I begin...

A Holiday Gift Guide

Old Maid New

style.

The Flower Pin.

100% Recycled and Felted Wool.

Vintage Buttons.

Repurposed...

something old

given a new and beautiful life.

Funny story here.

This simple design was originally

meant to be given free

with the purchase of

my up-cycled denim

Yoga Mat Carriers.

The fine customers at

Harmony in Life

wanted to purchase

them separately.

This little flower pin has been VERY

popular this holiday

season.

So, I don't want you to miss out!

What can I say?

The customer is always right!

What coat wouldn't look

even better

with a little cheery felted-wool flower?

Even a drab albeit functional purse...

Can be reinvented

with

a bright red

100% recycled

Flower Pin.

The best part...

they are so affordable

you can use them

in your

holiday gift wrapping...

Who wouldn't love

a little

Flower Pin

on their package?

It's like getting a gift

with a gift!

A perfect

replacement for that

ordinary

bow.

I know what your wondering?

Is Jen's affordable

my affordable? When I was asked the price

(remember they were meant to be free

with purchase)

by a sweet customer

at the Holiday Open House...

I blurted out...

$4.50.

You read that right...

that's four dollars and fifty cents!

She bought two.

I decided to

maintain that pricing

as a little gift to my

wonderful and loyal

customers at

Harmony in Life...

located at

5747 Main Street

Sylvania

contact me via e-mail

jenondrus@yahoo.com

I can't sign-off without giving

Gale & Sue

a big HUG

and

for making this all possible.

I love you guys!

Stop back tomorrow for idea #2.

This Moment

2011-12-09T05:13:00.001-08:00

Once again joining Amanda Blake Soule in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. Capturing a simple, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. amen.

A Norman Rockwell World

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

I knew the very moment my eyes

first opened...

that something had happened

during the night.

My bedroom had a new and

different light.

Away to the window

I flew like a flash...

tore open the shutters

and threw up the sash...

the first snow!

Blanketing the world

in a layer of

white.

Making Frosty

(and me!)

grin with

excitement.

It was, what I consider to be...

the perfect snow.

Covering everything...

except the roads!

It didn't stop me

from running my errands.

Then again, with Ol' Blue

(that's the name I gave my new/old

Ford pick-up)

nothing slows me down.

An intersection

I pass through

every day...

had been transformed.

My drive was filled

with breath-taking

sights.

Ordinary?

Extraordinary! All was calm... all so bright.

Potential postcards

were everywhere

I looked.

Even when Ol' Blue

arrived back

home...

I felt like I was

driving into a

Christmas card.

Embrace the magical moments

of these ordinary days.

A Beautiful Mess

2011-12-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

My Kitchen and Dining Room

are very busy places these days.

These precious days before Christmas.

From Planning Projects to

Finished Gifts...

the many stages are spread across

my work surfaces...

also known as the dining room table and

kitchen counter.

Finding I have to

shift piles to make room for dinner.

Necessary supplies arrive

just in the (Saint) Nick of Time.

Even freezer space is needed for step 2 of my candle making process! Fragrances of Christmas surround me.

Frasier Fir...Christmas Memories...

Cinnaberry...

on this particuar day.

The hutch is used as the

final packaging station.

A craft room can be such a lonely place...

don't you think?

The world is my craft room!

The elfing has fully

commenced.

This Moment

2011-12-02T05:15:00.001-08:00

Joining Amanda Blake Soule in this Friday ritual. A single photo. Capturing a simple, extraordinary moment from my week. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember forever. amen.

Subtle Changes

2011-12-01T13:12:00.001-08:00

With the turn of the calendar

something magical begins to happen.

December

not only ushers in

frosty mornings...jingle music...

and peppermint mocha's...

it alters the way we see.

Gone is the grapevine...

in favor of pine. Windowsills of yesterday... Offer a new outlook.

Simple adornments...

Are given a fresh holiday perspective.

The centerpiece of

Thanksgiving...

Is traded for a

Colonial Christmas rendition.

Even the braided rug

has been stored away...giving

angels room to sing.

The changes happen slowly

around here...

giving each new arrival

its moment

to shine...

and to be seen.

Wishing you joy and peace

during the beautiful days

of December.

Owl Be Home For Christmas

2011-11-30T07:59:00.001-08:00

That Wide-Eyed Creature of the Night

That Wise Old Feathered Friend

The Owl

I used to doodle this bird

on the margins of my paper

when I was in school.

Have you noticed?

He's made a comeback!

I can't go anywhere these days without

seeing this now

retro design.

I found myself doodling again...

creating an image I liked...

then turning to my

felted woolens

to bring the image to life.

Blanket Stitch...Running Stitch...

a couple of vintage buttons

set off by the daisy background...

a little stuffing...

a pinch of balsam...

more stitching and

there he was!

Looking happy to have been

made.

With a twine loop

so he can

hang around for the holidays.

I felt he needed a branch

to perch on.

Those that I doodled in school

always sat in a tree

with the moon behind them.

It just made sense

to me.

Here he is in shades of gray,

blue and burgundy.

Do you know what

a flock of owls is called?

My guess...

adorable.

Hung on the tree

where he can keep a watchful eye on things.

Scenting his surroundings

with the mellow classic

Frasier Fir.

"Owl be home for Christmas... you can count on me... please have snow and mistletoe... and owls upon the tree..."

Owl be seeing you...

okay, okay...

owl stop now.

Enjoy your day...create something beautiful.

Around The Table

2011-11-28T04:18:00.001-08:00

A Thanksgiving Like No Other

In that I was unusually calm...

making my family feel like

something wasn't

quite right.

Where was that woman who barked-out

cleaning...scrubbing...dusting...

sweeping...and peeling

orders?

With a small group of guests...

I am happy to say,

she was

not in attendance.

Why stress?

That's my new motto.

Somehow the food is always ready

on time and family

gathers at the table to enjoy

the spread.

With a lot of

"remember when"

stories.

Between bites.

My sister Mary called from Indy

after hearing how I got

together with Mom on Wednesday

to prepare many of the side dishes...

cranberry salad, green jello salad,

apple sauce, pumpkin pies.

She said..."I thought from your blog

you were going to

simplify!"

To which I replied,

"Read it again...I said I was

going to enjoy the process...we still

want all our side dishes...I just

enjoyed making them."

LOL

From every angle...

delicious!

Working with mom in the kitchen

was one of the highlights

of the holiday...

such fun bumping into each other...

mixing, concocting...

taste testing

together.

My boys telling me that

this was one of their

favorite

Thanksgivings...

priceless.

The food has been cleared away...

a little turkey and

green jello are all that remain

after weekend nibbling.

And of course...

memories...

of good times...good food...

shared with good people.

I hope your holiday was just as filling!

This Moment

2011-11-25T06:07:00.001-08:00

Joining Soule Mama and her many friends in this Friday ritual. A single photo. No words. Capturing a moment from my week that I want to pause and savor and remember forever. amen

The Tradition Of It

2011-11-23T07:32:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving

A day to pause and to simply

remember to

give thanks to God

for all He has given us.

I have dinner at my house

and each year the guest list changes.

The family grows...

the family changes.

This year I will be serving a rather

small group.

So I can put stress aside and

enjoy the process.

And turn to recipes

that have stood the test of time.

Each year I focus

on that which makes Thanksgiving

special to my guests...

other than the turkey or pumpkin pie.

My father-in-law looks forward to

Lime Jello Salad.

All my boys love Grandma Ondrus'

Sweet Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole.

One year my brother-in-law requested

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls...

now that I can do!

Nothing says Thanksgiving to me

quite like

Cranberry Sauce Salad.

It starts with making

Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

as directed on the package.

First sorting and cleaning the berries.

Boiling...

waiting with anticipation

(as we did when we were oh, so young)

for the cranberries to pop

...and then reducing the mixture

into a thick sauce.

Then...

following my mom's recipe...

given to her by her

mother-in-law...

my Grandma Thompson.

This dish has been served at every

Thanksgiving dinner I have ever attended.

No wonder...

it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it.

As you can see the rest is

so very easy.

I will note that I use walnuts

(is there any other nut?

not as kids there wasn't!)

The best part...

you make it the day before and

store it in the frig

until you serve the guests.

I am in the process of making it

as I blog so no finished pics.

Trust me...

if you don't have a

cranberry go to recipe...

then give this one a try.

This is the original card given to me...

as you can see by the many splatters

and the "passed on" date.

Imagine...

my mom's dates somewhere in the 50's.

Precious memories flood in

as I peruse these recipes.

Love...Laughter...and averted disasters!

So much to be thankful for.

So...

What makes your Thanksgiving special?