Sunday Sevens – Week 70

Hi all, we’ve arrived again at a new edition of Sunday Sevens, started by the lovely Natalie over at Threads and Bobbins. Why not take a peek at her blog and check out the “rules” for the Sevens….you might want to join us. It’s fun and easy – no pressure!

Progress

As you can imagine, my week consisted mostly of the fun and games that come along with any construction project. See how the tiny bathroom is coming along. It’s still a shambles, but demo is complete, shower is framed, and even bigger changes will happen next week. The week draws to a close….

Books

One of my goals is to do more reading and I’ve added this title to my shelf (temporarily in this case, as it is on loan from the library). I’m excited to get started on this one, The Pink Suit, by Nicole Mary Kelby. But it will have to wait just a bit, as I  am still enjoying Kate Atkinson’s Behind the Scenes at the Museum.

More Books + Cooking

Have a couple of newish cookbooks that I’ve barely used. The next recipe I’m planning to use, hopefully this week, is Cauliflower Orecchiette with Red Pepper, Basil, and Parmesan, from Cat Cora’s Classics with a Twist. Next up, something from America’s Test Kitchen’s The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook – it has a great variety of yummy dishes to try.

Cats

My own kitties were most uncooperative on “photo day”, so I’m substituting this cool metal sign. I’m certainly not advocating smoking, but I do love this sign.

Sewing

A separate post is coming which will spell it out, but I have completed a muslin (yes!) for my first make of 2016, and first garment for the SWAP. Changes are afoot. There are positives and negatives. Watch this space.

Bagels, how I love them

New Yorkers swear their bagels are the absolute best. It’s a bagel, says this California girl, what’s the big deal? But they are better, so much better. My local Balsam Bagels is the best of the best. And therein lies a problem. During my recent 2-month stay in California, I had one bagel each month. After returning home, I’ve had one bagel each day. This is undoubtedly contributing to the problems with my muslin. (oh, could that have been a clue?)

Till next time, stitch on everyone!

Sunday (on Monday) Sevens – Week 56

Hi everyone, it’s time (already!) for this week’s Sunday Sevens, a little ode to randomness, those bits that don’t merit a whole post. For info about Sunday Sevens, please pop in to see the creator, Natalie, over at Threads & Bobbins. There are no real rules, just sharing of seven(ish) pictures.

Frankenstein Chili

Frankenstein Vegetarian Chili

It’s getting cold here….fabulous fall days that call for fabulous fall meals. Something quick and easy, such as this Frankenstein Vegetarian Chili, so named because it’s a conglomeration of recipes, tweaks and on-hand ingredients, resulting in a dish that is, frankly (sorry), fabulous! As I made it this time:

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 C. chopped onions
3/4 C. chopped carrots
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 C. ea chopped green and red bell pepper
3/4 C. chopped celery
1 tbsp chili powder
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (19 oz) can kidney beans, undrained
1 (11 oz) can whole kernel corn, undrained
1 tsp ground cumin
1 -1/2 tsp dried oregano
1-1/2 tsp dried basil
dash red pepper flakes

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Saute onions, carrots, and garlic until tender. Stir in green/red pepper, celery, and chili powder. Cook until veggies are tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn.  Season with cumin, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Top with shredded cheese and serve with hearty bread.

New patterns

Simplicity K1620 – from Teresa

Teresa of Navy Blue Threads had a giveaway, and I received my Simplicity pattern! I’m planning to make my first pair of pants (so simple -YAY) from this pattern.

Colette Patterns

I purchased the Colette Sewing Handbook, which includes 6 patterns.

Don’t know how many I’ll make, but there is a scalloped skirt, and I’ve wanted to recreate this yellow dress I made in high school (that’s me in the center). Maybe there is something to tinker with…

Books and Movies

Haven’t finished the two books I’m reading, so I set this one aside and glance at it from time to time — hoping to get my yoga groove back. We’ve never seen this movie classic, so hubby and I finally watched it last night. Tennessee Williams certainly didn’t shy away from sensitive subjects.

Guess that’s it for now. Spending time getting house ready for my mother’s visit. She arrives on Wednesday and stays for three weeks! Who’s excited?

Happy stitching, all.

Sunday Sevens – Week 54

Hi everyone, it’s time for this week’s Sunday Sevens, a little ode to randomness, those bits that don’t merit a whole post. For info about Sunday Sevens, please pop in to see the creator, Natalie, over at Threads & Bobbins. There are no real rules, just sharing of seven(ish) pictures.

 

PROOF OF AUTUMN

These little girls have been annoying each other all summer, but look at them now. Methinks Frieda is making sure her heat source, Jasmin, doesn’t escape.

Our local major grocery, Wegman’s, is ready for fall! In addition to the decorated entrances, the entire street frontage is adorned with sheaves. (Oh bother – so blurry.)

A lovely, rustic apartment complex is across the street from the woods, and lots of students live there. With this view from your front door, would you study, or venture out along that little path?

Speaking of paths, the first time I walked past this gorgeous, winding driveway I was so envious. The first time in the snow? Pure happiness for my short, straight one!

And one new book, the incomparable B.B. King.

WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER OR FALL

One of my pet peeves – dishes left in the sink overnight (which would be my own fault). This morning, a rather marvelous arrangement greeted me. How did I do that?

AFTER THE THAW

Plans begin….and sometime in the spring, somewhere along the central California coastline, my daughter will be married!