Finally things are taking its shape. Some of the flowers have bloomed. I hid some of my container plants along the border of the front plant beds add some color in between the leaves.
This includes burying some containers in the dirt but it all works in harmony see the waves of not overwhelming blooms. The impatience are doing great this year despite the call from the nursery to destroy them plants. Geraniums are happy at the steps while Hydrangea bush is cascading with its heavy blooms. It is truly inviting when it is watered on a regular basis.
This is how this story goes... I took a class on how to make tomato sauce at home. Since, we have planted many tomato plants. I would really like to save some for the cold winter months. I had to take the kids with me. However the 15 year old could have watched the 4 year old for 45 min.
But, I asked the instructor if I can kids of course the answer was Yes, this way they can try the sauce too. Nicolette did surprise me by attending the class and being a great listener. She loved the sauce and was happy to taste it. So we will be making sauce at home this Summer!
During our visit to Cape Iran into this small shop. What caught my eye was the large wooden fish which was displayed outside. After admiring the fish from outside I headed inside and had a small talk with very friendly shop owner. She was a local and she explained that she uses the wooden spools in which the telephone wires comes in. They are kind of industrial. They get a second life through her work. I loved that idea. The name of the shop is called studio. I hope I am doing a better job explaining this.
She was just playing with the idea and it was the birth of this wonderful store. She really has a niche for painting and does a terrific job in that. I loved her work. This is a little bit of Cape I wanted to share with you...
We consume rice noodle in few ways. One is sautéed it with vegetables. Almost like panfried noodles but with less fat of course. Some of the staple vegetables we add to our noodles are carrots, white cabbage, leeks white and green parts. I add eggs and salted fried fish (sound kind of funny right, but it is part of Malaysian infusion of panfried noodles). If you are not a huge fan of fish you may add any meat you like.
What you need
A small piece of Ginger skinned and finely chopped
3-4 garlic cloves skinned and finely chopped
1 onion skinned and chopped
2-3 carrots skinned and thinly sliced to sticks
1 cup of sliced cabbage
1 leek green and white part thinly sliced as match sticks
salted cod fish (cut into small pieces and fried)
3-4 eggs made into an omelet and sliced
Cook the noodles according to the package directions
3 table spoons of light soy sauce
Freshly ground black pepper to serve
First add 2-3 tablespoons of butter and sauté garlic and ginger, add the onions. When the onions are translucent add the vegetables start with carrots, cabbage, white part of the leeks. Cook them for about 30 seconds in high heat now add the cooked rice noodles ( I usually cook them and leave them in the water and add it with a little bit of water from the noodles). This will keep the noodle moist. Next mix in the omelet, fried cod. Add the green parts of the leeks and drizzle the soy sauce on top and mix them well keep it in heat for 30 more seconds and serve it while it is hot and don’t forget to add freshly ground black pepper to it!
Simple and easy!
We are getting a new fence. This is something we wanted for many reasons. Mainly for privacy, building the garden, and to enjoy the yard more often with kids.
Since our house is very old we inherited many windows. With that comes the issue of privacy. I can see my neighbors yard and her neighbors yard from my bathroom. We can use a little privacy in our tiny house.
Gardening is something I have always enjoyed since I was a very young kid. I felt I could not enjoy it and build as much as I want to without a back splash which would be in this case the fence. Because the house is white we decided to build it white and keep it low maintenance to us and to the neighbors as well. As you can see how excited I am running around and snapping pictures. We had to move our evergreen trees twice hopefully they will take off. We had few showers since the move. Rose garden is officially moved to one side of the garden which I am not very thrilled.
I cannot wait to add the Hammock, to our yard. I am thinking of a small fire pit to burn the branches we collect during the year and we can spend more time in the yard till the end of Fall.
Meanwhile the raise beds are doing great, However the turnips did not do much as I anticipated. We dug them out and thinking of Garlic we can add to that bed this Fall!
I like to have flower pots by our doorway, even though we do not have much space at the door. I received a petunia plant from school as a gift from parents and I was kind of thinking a way to add that to create something fun. Few trips to the nursery always catches my eye with interesting plants. Hopefully no more trips to the nursery until Fall.
I found a flowerpot that I have acquired long time ago and I created a mix that would compliment what I had received from parents. I was happy with the end product. Then I got more creative when I was at the craft store, since they have done markdowns on bigger planters.
I decided to go for a wider mouth, glazed, and a sage green flower pot. I did mix in a dark potato type plant, red coleus, verbena, and a basil. Like I said I was all into experimenting. Not much of a bloomer but seems to be happy at the front doorway.
I have learned over time, from my little shop, it is best to use what I have left from sewing. I meant of course fabric because I go through bolts! I have been using some of left over fabrics to make drawstring bags for Montessori Toys.
I have treasured little Nicolette's toys. I meant her infant toys in drawstring bags. This might be a little crazy but I have treasured few of the items I have made for her. There is something in us that we like to hold on to little sentimental from our childhood. Perhaps it is the mother in all of us.
These are the little drawstring bags that I am making to store the little bell in the ribbon. I personally think it is a very important / significant toy during infancy. That the infant gets to interact with its environment first hand.
Enjoy the Summer!
My creative space was screaming for flowers. I know my neighbor has a huge patch of Black Eyed Susan. After, eyeing she is working in her yard. I decided to head over to her with a vase of water and kitchen shears.
Nicolette, was happy to keep us company chasing the dragon flies in her yard! We both agree that I am going to snip the flowers and she is going to place them in the water.
After, chatting for few seconds and hoping that the weather to cool down we headed inside.
From our yard we collected some Yarrow, Day Lilly, and few Hosta leaves for our fresh cut bouquet! Then we arrange them till our hearts desire. We placed them in our craft room! Hope these guys will last for a while!
I do not feel like cooking during Summer, let alone turning the oven on in this heat. On the same note, I am not a happy driver in this heat as well. I sweep the onion basket and the vegetables from the refrigerator and decide to make a pizza.
What I had:
2 big onions (cleaned and sliced)
1 cup of mushrooms sliced
1 big red bell pepper sliced
few anchovies
Cheese
Whole wheat flat bread
Basil Pesto
How to:
Spray two cookie sheets. Lay the flat bread and spread a thin layer of Basil pesto and set a side. Mean while sauté the onions until they are wilted and caramelized add some sugar to keep it going. Add the mushrooms. finally add the red bell peppers. Spread this on the flat bread add Anchovies. Add grated cheese and bake until cheese it melted and serve warm with lemonade!
This was a GREAT pizza and every one liked it!
Forecast for this week is crazy! it is going to be the record high for the New Englanders. I am toasting in this small house. The scattered thunderstorm looks like a fortune even though it is going to be so Humid.
I was watching the rain drops hitting the ground and evaporating with steam for few seconds. I bet the plants were screaming to cool down some of the foxgloves had wilted due to heat.
Rain through the window was calming to watch.
I was waiting for this long summer break to take on few projects. One was to clean and organize the refrigerator. Please excuse the mess, there were many things which were outdated, and it needed a nice scrub down from inside - out.
We decided to finish the food we have first. However, the clean refrigerator might looks like there is non; but trust me we do have plenty with our garden produce. A lot of sandwiches this Summer with fruits!
Having containers does help to keep the refrigerator clean in the long run. All I need to do is a quick wipe. I am planning to go to the grocery far more less during Summer months which was replaced by many quick trips in the yard spent with Nicolette weeding the plant beds.
Niclolette was so excited to help in the process of cleaning. I wonder it was cleaning or going to the gym for her swim lessons. I want to say it was the swim lessons.
Niegel turned 15 unbelievable, my little guy is growing. He worked extremely hard on his academics this year. He enjoys cross country which has push me to run too. Still enjoys simple food and loves to relax with a book.
He red the Kite Runner and Life of Pie which I have enjoyed very much and it was interesting to have a conversation with him about his thought about them.
He is spending his B’day with his friends at the BSA Summer Camp and I am so happy for him. Little Nicolette plant a happy B’day kiss on his cheek before his departure!
We may have to wait till he come back to celebrate!
This summer I am taking a break to take care of myself. I am also working for myself this Summer. I am already busy re- stocking my tiny Montessori Shop! I am planning to introduce couple of more new items this Fall and kind if excited about it.
I have plan few fun quilting projects this Summer which I am really looking forward to. Knitting projects are over flowing which includes few cowls and hats for little Nicolette.
The fabric stash is piling up and the garden is growing with beautiful flowers. I was able to cut some Hydrangeas to adorn my work table it was truly a welcoming sign towards creativity!
There are few sewing projects to be tackled making couple of dresses for Nicolette and some fun things for me, in the work pile.
Enjoy!
Now that we can sleepin a bit late... we decided to be lazy or creative with our breakfast by bring in many options. We unanimously voted to have an omelet with whatever we can throw in to mix with eggs.
We had cherry tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. It was bit of a mess but taste delicious in a lightly grill whole wheat tortilla wrap.
We thought it was worth to sleep in for a such wonderful breakfast.
Enjoy!
Its a long overdue... I have not visited this space which I have created; due to many reasons. I have been busy and also taking a personal break I needed it. I hope to blog as much as possible this summer.
I love digging and creating in my garden. My garden is something I have to admit that I cannot give up. There is so much growth and new creations this year. Adding a lavender patch was my dream. I really hope that it will thrive in this spot. I have to add pictures of that soon.
During this month I created this bouquet of flowers with the help of my neighbors peonies. I used few chive blossoms to add a whimsy to this. Its was lovely to have these inside. It helps me to slowdown and admire the nature's creations and it creates a calmness inside me.
I finished my school year of teaching and I enjoyed it very much. Spending time with children has always inspired me to create MORE!
It feels great to be back in this space...
Enjoy!
