Enjoying A Crisp Fall Day

So, Fall is in full swing here. The nighttime air has been dropping to chilly 30 degree temperatures. The days go from super sunny to grey skies, wind and rain. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees in my yard and each day I marvel at the simplistic beauty outside my kitchen window. Then, my next thought is "Ugh, it's so cold!" A month ago, we were experiencing unusually warm weather. It was humid and in the 90's and I was running around the house in short shorts and t-shirts. I had the windows open, with the warm breeze drifting in and out if the window screens. It was bliss. Now, I'm running around with sweaters layered over t-shirts while I scope out the house, searching for areas that need to be sealed up. The process of preparing the house for winter is my main focus at the moment. That and baking, I have been baking a tremendous amount of pies, bread and doughnuts.

Freshly fried doughnuts are the bomb! Oh, and Halloween is coming and this year, I am celebrating by not handing out candy! What? I know. Yes, so since I moved, I didn't need to decorate the front porch like I've done every year for the past decade. It is so freeing to not have to make my porch look like a haunted house. It is such a relief to not scramble to morning of Halloween to come up with some sort of costume to wear to pass out candy. This year, I'll be sipping coffee while I watch (from a distance) a small group of tweens trick-or-treat. It will be one of those things where they kids get a little independence, while the grown-ups still are watching over and making sure they stay safe. It will be way less of a stress than handing out candy, in full costume, while making small children cry as they cautiously accept your treats.
As I write this post, I am watching last seasons episodes of Chasing Life on Netflix. The other day, I began watching an episode of the current season on American Horror Story: Hotel and half- way through I was reminded of why I stopped watching the show. It just isn't my thing. I like spooky shows, in fact, I'm LOVING the show Scream Queens, it's hilarious; but AHS is just too much for me. Hopefully, I'll watch Night Of The Living Dead tonight, if I can manage to stay awake.  I do like a good zombie movie/show. Which brings me to The Walking Dead, the last episode was rough and, in order to avoid spoilers, that is all I have to say about that.
Two weeks ago, the mister and I decided to make grape jam. He picked four grocery bags full of concord grapes and I found a recipe on Pinterest for grape jam. I'd never tasted grape jam before, I've only had grape jelly. So, we followed the directions and made delicious jam. I wish it were as simple as that, though. Two hours into the process, I quickly realized that the recipe was seriously flawed, that the person who wrote the post was not nearly as thorough as they should have been and I deeply regretted not consulting the Bell canning book. We were up past midnight, waiting for the darn jam to gel. We broke up the frustration of the project by eating late night Totino's pizza and watching Doctor Who. Yes, the jam is delicious. I enjoyed it on toasted homemade anadama bread this morning. However, if I ever make it again, I'll use a different recipe and start it much, much earlier in the day.
So, that is what I've been up to lately. A bunch of baking, coffee drinking and all kinds of domestic delights. The next time I make a pie, I'll try to remember to document it, so that I can actually share my recipe. Until next time~ Toodahloo!

October Is Here!

I am only in the first week of October and already it is full of surprises! We were experiencing an unusually warm Fall, in the beginning, but I knew that would be short lived. Now it is super chilly and as if over night, most of the leaves have turned. The hurricane brought a bit of rain and wind and those stormy days tend to be crazy. Last week, I decided to take a crack at my bread machine. I received the machine for Christmas a decade ago and I stored it in my parents attic to use when I moved out. The appliance came with a lovely manual/cookbook. So, using a recipe from the cookbook, I followed the directions and added the ingredients to the pan. Then, I popped myself some popcorn, grabbed a blanket and set off to watch The Omen on Netflix. Just after Damien's nanny performed her party trick, the power went out. It was a stormy day, which would have been perfect for that sort of movie. I went downstairs, after the power returned and check int he bread machine. It seemed to have resumed the baking process, so I returned to the movie. However, after losing the power, I saw it as a sign to not watch the movie and turned on something else, instead. When the bread finished baking, it certainly smelled like bread, but after seeing the dent, I was worried if it would taste like bread. The Mister came home and made corn chowder and sliced my bread for me. To my delight, it tasted like delicious bread. Next time I decide to use the bread machine, I will check my weather app for any storms first.

Earlier in the week, the Mister's parents visited and his father handed me a bag of rhubarb. I love rhubarb, especially in pie. I chopped it up and froze to have on hand. Later, my parents came over for dinner, so I made rhubarb crisp; it was delicious!

The end of the week to an unexpectedly heartbreaking turn when one of the family dogs died. I am grateful to have been home, to hold him as he passed so that he wasn't frightened or lonely. I miss him terribly, he was a wonderful friend. We spent the rest of the weekend staying busy and doing our best to keep our chins up. We decided to go apple picking and that helped tremendously. We picked apples and pumpkins and enjoyed the fresh air and beautiful sunshine.

This pumpkin looks like it could make the perfect Jack-O-Lantern! Now, I am looking forward to the rest of October. At some point today, I will need to unearth all of my Martha Stewart October edition magazines and glean some ideas for baking and cooking. I hope to make this October fun, relaxing and make the house feel super cozy. Until next time~ Toodahloo!

Settling In

I know that I haven't been tremendously active on this blog for the summer. I was taking some time off to enjoy the warm season. This was especially important after such a difficult winter. Over a week ago, I moved house. This is never a small undertaking. I hadn't moved in a decade and it was a lot of work weeding through my possessions and deciding what to keep and what to discard. It was a very freeing experience to unload some cargo.

However, with the change brought additional challenges, like what to do with my makeup stash. Previously, I'd been using a shelving system which also stored my art supplies, dvd's, games and held up my tv. I used my desk not only as my work space, but also as my vanity. I wanted to keep my desk in an office/ hobby room, so I needed an alternative for my vanity. Then, I remembered that my sister had acquired two sewing desks and offered to give one to me. My other sister picked up the desk at our sister's house and brought it to me on the day that I was moving into the new house.

The desk was a lot heavier than I'd remembered and a different color than I'd remembered, too. I cleaned the desk up and gave it a few coats of fresh white paint.

After it dried my Mister carried it upstairs for me so that I could unpack my boxes of makeup and other beauty supplies. The sewing desk was the perfect solution for organizing and storing my modest stash. The shallow drawers with dividers are fantastic for keeping everything neatly organized. The deeper drawer houses my larger palettes.I spent an entire morning organizing my new makeup center. It was very satisfying to complete that chore. When you are surrounded by stacks of boxes, it is a relief to see the pile shrink.

Over the week, I slowly worked on unpacking and making the house look more like a home. It is amazing what some curtains and art work can do to make a house more homey On Sunday I baked a caramel apple pie and that was what finally made everything come together for me. Once I actually baked something, from scratch, I then felt completely settled in. Now that Fall is near, I am looking forward to the new season and it will be fun to share it with you! Until next time~ Toodahloo!

Time For A Big Girl Room....Doctor Who Style

On this extremely hot day, I have decided to cool down a bit and write a new blog post for you. The other day, I began a craft project which took an evening to do. It involved a bit of paint, sand paper, sheer frustration, friction and blisters...oh, my!

This wall clock has been at my house for a number of years. It has never left the original box in which it came. I will soon be decorating my room with a Doctor Who theme.Now, I'm not trying to say that I will have a massive TARDIS in my room, but I will have touches of Doctor Who inspired style throughout my room. I decided that this wall clock would be a nice place to start. So I grabbed some fine grit sandpaper and some acrylic craft paint in the color "English Navy" and I went to town.

I first sanded down the clock with fine grit sandpaper and removed as much glaze as I could. Then, I made a blue stain mixing 2 parts water to one part paint. At first, the stain wasn't sticking. So, I decided to sand even more with a grittier sandpaper and the stain still wouldn't take. After a lot of frustration, I decided to stop trying to stain the wood and to just paint the clock with the stain. This worked out, nicely.

Now I have a lovely TARDIS Blue wall clock that is ready for my room. As the decorating progresses I will share a bit more of the decor. Until next time~ Toodahloo!

Summer Is Here!

So, summer has finally arrived! I have been spending the month of June, trying to do some projects here and there. However, I have been occupying my time with other things, other writing projects and I have had a hard time focusing on crafts. I did try to do a repurposing project, which went terribly wrong and I had to abandon the process for the time being. I'm not certain if I'll ever pick that project back up, but that still remains to be seen.

The back yard garden is lush with floral delights. The frequent rain showers are making everything grow rapidly, including the lawn. Did I mention in a previous post that I learned how to mow the lawn this Spring? I can't say that I was a total success at the task; in fact, the mangled blade would prove that I am not skilled at all things. I think for now on, I'll leave the lawn maintenance to someone better adept at the chore.

While I was cleaning up the yard, one Saturday, I made the foolish decision to move 70 pound bags of sand from one part of the yard to another. Ever since then, my upper back and my right arm have been quite sore, which makes typing for an extended period of time a bit painful. Not to mention, sewing is a source of pain. I have discovered how therapeutic painting is. I began a painting project last week and I've found that my body hurts less after the exercise. Perhaps, by the end of summer, I'll have a nice new painting and a healed body. We'll see how it all works out. If I don't have many posts over the summer, it is simply because I am working on other things that may not be all too topic worthy. Fear not, I haven't abandoned my little blog, I'm merely transitioning to something different and I'll share those projects as they come. Until next time~ Toodahloo!

The Burnout Is Real

So, the warmer weather is here. I have patiently waited through a very long and stormy winter, waiting to finally get to this place. Now that the weather is warmer, I find that I am in a creative rut. I am spending more of my time working on outdoor projects. The constant weeding of the garden, not to mention my recent venture in lawn mowing...yes, lawn mowing. I never thought that I would ever be asked to mow a lawn. This isn't to say that I am too good to mow a lawn. The fact is, I once tried to mow the lawn and was quickly instructed to stay far away from the scary lawn mower. Imagine my surprise when I was asked, decades later, to jump into the mowing pool. I must say, I'm not a fan.  However, it is at least good to know how do something useful, like mowing a lawn, in the event that it needs to be done and there isn't anyone around to do it.

The problem is, I have stacks of craft projects that I've been eager to jump on, but when it actually comes time to start the project, I have five other projects going on and I am drained of all inspiration. This does happen sometimes, and I have to force myself into a zone where I can focus more on the task that I desire to complete.  Often this is aided by British pop music, a bit of sleep deprivation and Lucky Charms cereal.

Also, the weather has been off, lately. The air is humid and the rain showers happen frequently throughout the day. This is the sort of weather that makes me want to curl up with a comfortable throw blanket and sleep away the day. However, I am very determined to finally sit down and weave through the projects that I want to complete and get them organized. This way, if I have a starting point, I can focus on one project at a time and actually be productive. Who knows, summer time is so strange.. All of that rain is making the grass grow back and I will be pushing the scary mower all over again. This is a cycle that vexes me the most. Tomorrow might be the day that work resumes. When the projects are completed I will share them, as always. Until next time~ Toodahloo!

The Wacky Weather Made Me Do It

So, I haven't sat down to write a post all week. I've been meaning to, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. All week, the weather has switched from torrential downpours, crackling electrical storms and bright sunny days. It was tricky planning out my projects, with the weather so out of sorts. On top of that, I somehow managed to injure my ankle and I had to take it easy and keep my ankle elevated. This left me sitting at my desk, watching endless youtube videos from SUPERFRUIT, a smattering of drag queen makeup tutorials (gives so much insight and perspective) and binging on the ABCFamily show Chasing Life on Netflix.



I had a few delightful moments when I sat in the sun with a great friend, sipping cold cider and soaking up the sun. Surrounding my neighborhood are lilacs in bloom. Whenever I step outside, I am swept up by the intoxicating perfume and it is terribly calming.

Today, was another hot day. I'd like to work on repairing a quilt, but it's too hot. I want to organize my work space, but again- too hot. I did manage to learn how to mow the lawn today. I'm on the fence on how I feel about that.

In an effort to complete some tasks, I am at my desk, listening to a bad boy band song list that I created on Spotify, with my ear bud in, and hoping to stay focused. I'm not sure if the black coffee is helping, but I like it nonetheless.

So, about this song list, some of the music is sugary sweet, while other songs are really dirty and yet the background music all sounds very similar...the 90's were amazing for that. The temperature is cooling down and with any luck I'll complete my tasks in time to steady my mind and indulge in some Orphan Black; which by the way, RIPPED OUT MY HEART last Saturday night, sigh. Thank goodness it's just a tv show, but you really do get attached to some characters. Such is life.

This coming week will be filled with a boat load of projects, rain or shine. If it gets too hot, I'll turn on a fan..... that's how I roll! Until next time~ Toodahloo!

A Relaxing Memorial Day Weekend

It is a three day weekend here. I thought that I would thoroughly enjoy the moment. On Friday, I made biscuits, using the recipe on the back of the Bakewell Creme tin. This recipe makes huge biscuits and I only need a few for dinner. The rest were dedicated to homemade strawberry shortcake. I adore strawberry shortcake, the fresh strawberries and the sweet juice that is produced when you combine strawberries and sugar is pure magic. Strawberries piled on top of a biscuit with a huge mound of whipped cream, it's simply fabulous. This delight was pure bliss. I was riding on a high, and then I watched Orphan Black and I received a swift kick in the gut. Sigh.

Fortunately, this morning was bright and sunny. It was much warmer than yesterday, but with a slight breeze to keep things comfortable. So, I took Fred to the lake to play in the grass.

Then, Fred decided to take a little dip in the water. I can't believe how clear the water is now. It was a much murkier lake when I was a little girl. Now, it is beautiful and filled with life.

Still, no sign of the loon. Since it is the start of the summer season, the lake was very active today, I'm certain the loon was hiding on the other side... avoiding the boats.

In the afternoon, I set out to work in the garden. It is tilling time, so I was clearing the excessive debris that resurfaces after a run-through. The air smelled of honeysuckle and apple blossom; the fragrance would have made "Anne Shirley" swoon.

Spread throughout the yard are wild strawberry blossoms and these little blue flowers, I positively love wildflowers!
Now, I'm home after working in the garden, running errands and doing a bit of rose rescue (the indoor miniature rose was looking unwell) I now have on my lounge pants and a there's mug of coffee at my desk. I am done for the day. I still have some writing to do. I'd like to tidy up a little corner in my room and I'd really like to enjoy a pedicure. The night is still young, so I'll see how it all works out. Tomorrow morning, I'll go to the parade, then visit family and I will not do any yard work. It will be a very, very relaxing, but reflective time. Until next time~ Toodahloo!

The Evasive Loon Of The Lake and Wild Violets

Today was another fantastic day full of sunshine. Fred was eager to go for a mid-morning walk, and I was happy to oblige him. I took him the the lakefront and the loon was there, I didn't expect to see the loon, so I made the mistake of speaking to Fred. Then, I saw the loon get into the water and drift away. Before I had a chance to turn on my camera, the loon went under water. It is amazing how long they can go under and when they do come up, they are much farther away. I had the opportunity to get a great shot and missed it.

I tried to get a few more shots of the loon, but you can hardly see it in these photos. Hopefully, I can go back tomorrow, with camera ready and happen upon the loon again. Maybe, if I stay nice and quiet, I won't disturb it and then I can get some nice images. I'll try to go before breakfast, before all of the traffic and noise.

This afternoon, I was in the backyard, inspecting the garden. It appears that the irises with soon be appearing, the herbs are coming along and I have wild violets growing under my maple tree. This was totally unexpected; a first that I can recall. While I was taking photos of the flowers, I could hear a squirrel chattering away in the maple tree, above me. I guess the squirrel doesn't want me messing with "his" garden.
It is such a relief to finally be able to enjoy some nice weather. I was happy that we had a few days of rain, it was good for the garden. It gave me the chance to binge on Netflix. I wanted to watch some more episodes from season 3 of Moone Boy on hulu.com. Unfortunately, the rest of the season is only available on hulu plus. I'm pretty darn perturbed about that. All of the other seasons are available for free. I had hulu plus and I didn't like it. So, I'm going to wait for the season to be picked up by PBS. To quote Martin Moone, "BALLS!" That is all. Until next time~ Toodahloo!

Taking It Easy On A Rainy Day

I took this photo when I was out on a walk with Fred, the other day, That was very warm and it was bright and sunny. I certainly could not resist a lovely stroll with my canine companion. The fresh air and sunshine was good for the soul.

As hot as it was on that day, I needed chocolate chip cookies. I just had to have them. So, I pulled out the trust Betty Crocker cookbook and baked that best cookies ever. I grew up with this cookbook and I use it for practically everything. This cookbook was my home textbook from which I studied numerous recipes , starting at the age of 8, and it never has failed me. These cookies are so delicious and comforting to eat.

Today is a different story, It is slightly cold, damp and rainy. I am sleep deprived, because I stayed up way too late listening to old Boyzone and Girls Aloud songs (it was one of those days), and my dog likes to get up at sunrise. I am at my desk with a big mug of hot cocoa with whipped cream and Steven & Chris is on in the background. I know that I should keep working on a sewing project, but I've decided to work on that a little at a time. Plus, I have a big bucket of Wet n' Wild nail polish on my desk, inches from my face and it is very distracting.

I've been working on making curtains for my Dad. He needed curtains for his "man cave" and I already had this fabric on hand. These are really simple panels that I am going to attach to a rod with ring-clips. I decided to work on it a little at a time so that I wouldn't get bored with it. Recently, I have been inspired by so many things and I have so many ideas for projects, that I have to write everything down to keep track of it all. Then, when I visit Pinterest, it is even worse, the site has so many resources for inspiration. With all of this whirling in the head, it is hard to focus. I do hope that I am able to get more of things that I want to do, soon, I have a big pile of jeans that I will be repurposing for a number of crafts, very soon. So, keep an eye out for that, there should be posts on those projects in June. Until next time~ Toodahloo!

Enjoying The Outdoors On a Beautiful Sunny Day

My day began bright and early, at 6:30 am, with the sun shining through my curtains. Fred was very eager to start his day. After our morning ritual, some black coffee and breakfast, I agreed to go play outside. Yesterday, I noticed the lovely dandelions spreading across the yard. Ordinarily, I am not so excited by these weeds, I'd rather have buttercups. However, after such a long winter, the sight of bright yellow dandelions is a delight, This morning, a bumble bee was hovering from weed to weed.

I took Fred for a walk, he was very keen to explore the neighborhood. We went to the boat docks at the lake and we spotted a loon swimming nearby.

Fred was very curious about the loon, and a bit nervous about it, too. I am very excited to see her back.

This is how clear the water is, now. I love taking photos of rocks underwater, it allows you to see their true colors. Being that I am a bit of a geology nerd, rocks make me happy.

Next to the lake is a dam that is between the lake and the river. If you look closely, all of those squiggles are fish. There is also a ladder which allows the fish to safely swim into the lake. There are so many fish there! Fred was not impressed, he wanted to keep walking, so I had to stop taking photos are continue on with the adventure.

Later, I went to a neighborhood yard sale. My besties sister hosts a large yard sale each Spring and I think she has a few over the summer. This is the first yard sale of the season. Between now and leaf peeping season, the area will be filled with weekend yard sales. I love going to these, because you never know what treasures you'll find. In the photo above is a tin collection. I have a thing about decorative tins. I almost went home with a Harrod's tea tin. I might have to go back for it tomorrow, if it's still there. I was searching for a container to house my NYC lipstick collection for my desktop. I keep most of my lipstick in a Godiva chocolate box. I like to keep the NYC lipstick on my desk, because that is the lipstick that I wear most often. My desk doubles as my vanity (temporarily). Alas, I failed to find what I was looking for. After the yard sale, I visited my friendly local thrift shop and found just what I needed

I finished the day with a little garden work, with Fred looking on. I planted some strawberry plants in a hanging pot and I placed the crocus along with all of the other bulbs. This garden is going to be amazing this year! Now that the day is done, I think I'll eat something chocolatey and watch izombie. Hopefully, tomorrow I will be more domestic. Until next time~ Toodahloo!