I just picked up this little table on my way to the grocery store! I just love it when people put their “junk” out on the sidewalk with a little sign that says “free” and it becomes my “treasure” and it fits into my little car. Actually, this would not have fit into my car… Continue reading Why I love Portland and Free Stuff
Grilled Thanksgiving Turkey
We traveled for Thanksgiving so we celebrated at our home last night. We love cooking the Thanksgiving meal and the leftovers are not to be missed. This is our turkey. This bird is the word. I’m not joking – this is the best bird I’ve ever had. Grilled, on the Weber. Sprinkled with a dry-brine… Continue reading Grilled Thanksgiving Turkey
Organizing Recipes
Do you clip recipes out of newspapers? Magazines? Print them from websites? Then do you ask yourself…what am I going to do with these? If you’re like me, you’re always finding a new recipe to try. After years of recipe chaos (seriously, this was a mess), I decided it was time to take control and… Continue reading Organizing Recipes
Rate Hikes Disguised as News
Comcast hikes rates for Oregon cable TV, Internet access | OregonLive.com. This article was in our paper Monday and is about how cable bills are going up AGAIN. At our house, we don’t have cable and never will. So, maybe I wouldn't mind cable (and I know my husband would like to have it to… Continue reading Rate Hikes Disguised as News
Cooking with Dried Beans
Cooking with dried beans costs substantially less than canned beans and you control the ingredients (sodium, preservatives, etc) of what goes into your beans. A 25 lb (11.3 kg) bag of black beans for $14.79 lasts our family about 5-6 months. I cook 6 cups of dried beans once a week. (Hey, it can't be… Continue reading Cooking with Dried Beans
An Afternoon Delight
This is my daily after lunch treat, with a cup of coffee. Coffee that I drink out of a little gingham cup, of course! 3 (ok, sometimes 4, but that is it!) dark chocolate covered almonds. I need enjoy a little treat after lunch. Trader Joe’s sells these for $4.67/pound. Add this to your shopping… Continue reading An Afternoon Delight
Home Exchange
Do you have dreams of taking a family vacation to Europe? Would you like to stay in a home, have access to a car, and experience life in another country? If the thought of staying in expensive hotels and eating out at restaurants 3 times a day doesn’t sound appealing to you (or your pocket… Continue reading Home Exchange
Wrapping Paper Alternative
With the holiday season fast approaching, are you looking for an alternative to purchasing gift wrap paper? Try my trick and wrap your gifts in old maps. I inherited my stash of maps from my grandfather’s home. He had quite the collection of outdated maps. Maps are practically free at second hand stores, estate sales… Continue reading Wrapping Paper Alternative
Decorating with Tables
There are two tables in this picture. The little black table and the table hanging on the wall. Yes, that is a table. The floral table has 4 legs, tucked neatly behind it. For the cost of an old card table, you too can have a stylish wall hanging. This floral card table also has… Continue reading Decorating with Tables
Homemade Granola Recipe
My goal in the kitchen is tasty and healthy cooking. Who doesn't want their food to taste good and be good for them? This homemade granola recipe is easy to make and tasty to eat. Not only is it good tasting, it costs much less than store bought granola. Read on for pictures and visual… Continue reading Homemade Granola Recipe
Go Gingham 