Finding Nemo   Dorie   Money


I have mentioned in previous posts about finding money, especially on my morning walks.  Sometimes I find money in parking lots or in front of stores.

When I was in college, I drove whatever car was available.  The majority of the time it was my grandfather's '77 Ford Granada.  Not exactly the coolest car out there.  It did get me (most of the time) from one place to another.  My Dad used to tell me, "Leave the windows down.  That way someone will feel sorry for you and throw $5 on the seat."

One day, I drove to school and parked the car.  When I returned to my car at the end of the day, I found a $20 bill on the ground next to my car.  I was pretty excited and told my parents about it when I got home.  Of course, my Dad said, "If you would have had your windows down, you might have gotten more money."

The other day, I was out in the yard doing yard work (of course).  I was on the patio and turned toward the bushes by the deck and saw a $10 bill on the ground.  I looked around, thinking it was a joke.  I picked it up and continued gardening.  I'm not sure if someone felt sorry for the bad landscaping or weeding or what?  I'm not complaining, tho.  I have never been enthusiastic about gardening, but, now that someone is paying me, it's not so bad.

Uber Driver

I mentioned a few posts back how Alex got his Driver's License.  Currently, we are sharing a car.  Some might think this is awful and that it puts a strain on your day to day.  I believe this is the best thing that has ever happened.  I now have my very own, personal uber driver!  He drops me off and picks me up.  I can ride in the car and look out the windows and not worry about the traffic.  I arrive at destinations and I don't have to worry about where to park.  Oh, and give him a few Swedish Fish and he's happy.

Of course, my uber driver enjoys this set up because he gets to use the car more.

Now to get him to put gas in the car.........

The Lavender Fields

We have three lavender plants in the front of our house.  I call the area, "the lavender fields."  The other day, Bella and I harvested the lavender from "the lavender fields," and hung it to dry.

I have quite a bit of dried lavender from our recent harvest.  So far I have made a sachet (sewn), and a lavender bag (used a small organza bag to put under your pillow....it's great if you have problems sleeping).

Looking forward to using it in soap, potpourri and put in a bag for the dryer (similar to dryer sheets).

Do you have any other useful ideas for dried lavender?

Roasted Vegetables and Pesto Penne Pasta

I found this recipe on Damn Delicious blog.  If you have time, check out her blog.  She has some really damn delicious yummy looking meals!  I have successfully made several meals already!  

I have a ton of basil growing in my garden and thought this would be the perfect recipe to try.  I'm looking forward to using my grape tomatoes in this recipe (when they ripen).

Roasting the vegetables was super easy.  In fact, you could just roast the vegetables and use that as your meal.

I wasn't sure how this recipe would go over with my family.  You see, I didn't add the meat to the recipe.  We had left over barbecue chicken that (I felt) they could have added (if they wanted).  It was the first time I made the recipe, so, anything could happen (not work out, taste bad, etc).  But, the blog is titled, "Damn Delicious," so...... I have to say it was a SUCCESS!  In fact, Nick asked to finish it off (so, no leftovers!)  I will definitely be making this again.

Here's the recipe from Damn Delicious:

Roasted Vegetables and Pesto Penne Pasta

1 pound penne pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup almonds, toasted
12 basil leaves
2 pepperoncini, stems removed
2 cloves garlic
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
salt and pepper to taste
5 Tbsp olive oil, divided
2 links chicken sausage, chopped (optional)
8 oz asparagus, cut into 1" pieces
8oz mushrooms, halved
2 zucchinis, quartered and cut into 1" cubes
2 jalapeños, halved


In a large pot, cook pasta according to directions, drain well.

To make pesto, combine the tomatoes, almonds, basil, pepperoncini, garlic, red pepper flakes and Parmesan in a food processor or Vitamix, season with salt and pepper to taste.

With the motor running, add 3 Tbsp olive oil until emulsified, set aside.

Preheat oven to 450F.  Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Place vegetables in single layer and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Gently toss to combine (I actually did this in a separate bowl prior to putting on the baking sheet) 

Roast in oven for 8-12 minutes

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, pesto and roasted vegetables.

Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Felt Tablet Cover

I believe I mentioned that during my stressful soap making experience, Bella decided to make her own felt tablet cover.  Her tablet is small and she wanted to make a cute felt cover to put it in (Thanks, Pinterest!).

Because her tablet is so small, one piece of felt folded in half covered her tablet.  She sewed this herself.  She drew and cut out a starfish and, with help, glued it onto the front of the cover.

This is a simple sewing project that any one (even kids) can do.

Supplies:
Felt
Measuring tape
scissors
thread
paper (to draw design on)
glue (optional)
pencil (can trace onto felt)

Soap - Soap Making - Homemade Soap

I did it.  I finally took the plunge and made soap.  I have tried melt and pour in the past.  (Alex wanted to make soap and I thought this would work for us).  This time, I made Cold Processed soap (CP).

I have wanted to try making soap for years and I am so glad I finally had the nerve to try.  I think my biggest fear was working with lye.  I took all the precautions and everything worked out perfectly.

There are several tutorials out there so I'm not going to bore you with another one.  Just do your research and choose the best option for you.  I think the hardest part of this whole process will be waiting for the soap to cure (4-6 weeks).  I will probably make more soap while I am waiting.  I think the bars will make great Christmas gifts and, well, as I have posted before, we can ALWAYS use soap in the kids' bathroom.

I would like to show pictures and tell you what a lovely experience the soap making process was for me.  How it opened my eyes, heart and soul.  Filling me with joy, peace, love and harmony.  You know, the whole Martha Stewart experience.

But, as you know, none of this happened, because this is a Scary Journey Inside My Life.  The reality?  Bella decided to start a new major craft project the minute I started my soap making project. (sewing her own felt tablet cover).  This project somehow involved a bit of help from me, all at crucial soap making parts.  Luckily, I had everything set up and ready to go, so my soap project went somewhat smoothly.

Only time will tell (4-6 weeks) how my soap project worked out.

Let's hope for the best!

I think I am in the wrong house.

Someone changed the toilet paper roll in the bathroom.