Is it worth making Jewelery @ home?

I lost my favorite store due to recessions. Then altogether I gave up shopping and then I began working this year. I love getting acessories, I am conscious about my purchases and try to refrain from unnecessary purchases. A close college recommended me another store for clothing.

I found my self visiting couple of times at this store and I felt I really don’t need acessories. I would like to simply some of my clothes and acessories. It has always been a challenge! I take the road to make something pretty at home and it is fun to wear something I have made at home. 

And then, when you tally up the time, energy, money, and creativity is it worth? Well, I was in bit of a pickle when I was considering to buy these but I ended up buying them anyway. Conclusion at the moment due to timing I think It is much economical to buy acessories. 

Mighty Nest - a greener home

I have had a chance to read few articles about greener living. Which, I enjoy and it helps me making healthy choices for myself and my family! Might Nest has been in my list for couple of years now and this year I decided to do a simple subscription for us. Despite the fact that we get something new from mail every month, it is very helpful to gain insight to new healthy and greener products. 

When I am traveling I am conscious to take my water bottle with me so I can refill. Most places have water fountains I can refill and cut down buying plastic bottles. It came with a lovely card how to defuse drinking water with herbs and many more other options. This has lead me to take a cup to the coffee shop and if I don’t have my cup altogether I opt out going to the coffee shop. 

The next product was bees wax food wrapping cloths. They were super nice and I don't use plastic wraps to wrap a sandwich or other food. I had to get use to it, again it is a conscious decision. 

For the month of March I received a set of cloth towels. Super absorbent I can use them instead of paper towels. I place a little bucket under my sink and throw them in there and add them to my laundry. I can reuse it again and again! 

I personally use a cloth napkin and a placemat when I pack my lunch again there is no paper napkins. 

These are tiny steps to make a greener Earth and they add up during the course of a day and a year! 

International Day - Boston

We have started a new thing. Well, I can’t say this is entirely new but we are going to try our best to go to a new restaurant each month. Mainly to try food from another country. Why because this could lead to explorations since we have a seven year old and an eighteen year old! Technically the oldest is an adult at this point. So this mainly for the younger one who is so picky. Older one is beginning to appreciate the food and the culture. 

So for the month of february we went to a restaurant which offers food from Afghanistan! We were into a lovely surprise. It all began with serving a thin bread with a choice of sauces.  We all ordered different food and shared few along the way as well. I ordered rice and a vegetable dish. Others ordered rice with meat. The staple food seems to be bread and rice which is mostly typical to this area. We enjoyed our first endeavor of trying different food from another culture!

What caught my eye at the restaurant is the artifacts. They were displayed beautifully and was blended well with the inside decor.  

Making Tea at work!

I am working this year and that’s mean making materials as well. That is the ugly and the fun part of my work! On the other hand I get to introduce whatever I want as long as it fits the pedagogy parameters. 

One of the staff members in our school has introduce tea making to this community. I fell in love with it and I wonder why? Well, some of you who knows me well; knows that I love tea so I guess it just worked for me. 

The flip side of this is I had to find everything, and then of course something is always missing and this teacher who was so nice and helpful offered one of her extra aprons for me. I know I owe her very much. I need to get my act together and sew some aprons soon. I will soon and I promise. Because she shared this awesome idea how to make them as well. I also feels like I am growing in this school. Learning, making, and presenting all happening at the same time. Makes me ten years younger!  We will just assume that for at least my sanity. 

I found this local thrift store thanks to my neighbor. It has been my life saver yes, literary it has been my life saver. I found all these at the thrift store and children has been in my room pouring, seeping, sipping, and repeating all these steps with joy!

I am seriously considering writing about this; how to make tea. I have become more of a herbal tea drinker. Which, I have come to love and enjoy. My next project will be how to make herbal tea at home. This was just one project I have assemble together at work. I am extremely happy with this one!  

The list consists of :
1 tea pot
2 small spoons one for serving sugar and the other for string 
1 small jar
1 small bowl
1 tray porcelen
2 place mats
2 napkin rings
2 cups
2 saucers
1 tray for carrying the tea pot if the child feels too warm
1 apron (others know the activity is not available for another)

Pumpkin Waffles...

It’s a tradition at our house to make pumpkin waffles in the fall. I guess that is the best time to make everything possible with pumpkins. This is an old picture I had in my collection. I believe I have taken this to publish but never get to work on it. 

Bad thing about this post is it is all most time for fall. I know I know it is spring then it will be summer and then fall. Well, I am glad I get to publish before the fall season. 

Tree House...

We never get to officially open our tree house. Hopefully this summer, we might have to pick a day to have a little house warming party. I managed to spend couple of days up there to finish my some work. It is truly amazing to work outside. I love hearing the bird callings, dapple sun, watching darting birds from in and out of nests they have build to raise their young. 
I was equally motivated and distracted to finish my work. I am glad that Fall semester is over!

We have officially finished our tree house; perhaps we need to add few add ons such as lights and a comfy seating area. The best thing about this tree house is the chicken coop is right below the tree house. 

Which allow us to spend more time outside watching our girls running around the yard!

Seven Years

Nicolette’s 7th B’day was in NY. Yes, we planned it that way. Mainly we wanted to spend some quality time together as a family. Niegel is off to college next year and probably this summer will be crazy him getting ready to go to college. Our trip to NY all worked up being OK at the end.

We reached NY by mid afternoon almost time for lunch. Everyone enjoyed a mixture of Chinese and Vietnamese food. Nicolette learned to eat spring rolls wrapped in herbs with lettuce and she liked it. Dipping the whole mess in the fish sauce was a bit tricky but she tried it at the end. 

There is always so much to do and see in NY. I loved the decorations and store fronts. 

Nicolette had a blast waking up to see her goody bags while Niegel ran in the central park. We joined him and headed to the MFA and it was a treat. 

Of course with many choices on food we decided to enjoy a well known Indian food buffet in Jackson Heights, NY. 

Then we visited family to head home. It was a long drive back home but glad we did and planned all this and to spend few more days at home catching up. Mainly to do fun things we always craved such as reading, knitting, stocking, reading, watching TV, and sleeping.

2015

It is so far the busiest year for ALL of us, but in a good way. I completed two studio classes while working full time  I would not do that again, I mean taking two studio classes together. I was at the Dr.’s office more than four times. 

I did two surgeries hopefully all taken care of. I went to a reunion and had a great time with friends. If you have not attended a one I highly recommend it. My oldest became a senior at high school and yes we went through the process of college applications. He did an AWSOME job getting everything together of course with reminders and I am happy for him. 

Little one  started the first grade and went through a learning curve. She survived and did a wonderful performance at school for holidays. 

I am teaching this year and loving it! It is WORK but I love the group of children and the staff I get to work with everyday. 

I wish I blogged more but I simply could not. I learned that I do have to put things away and this was one of those I had to place on hold. I am working on getting back on it. 

Fall pumpkin festival...

One late afternoon we decided to see the pumpkin carvings done by the students over next town. It was a cold afternoon but it was a perfect day for it! Needless to say some weekends at our neck woods are packed with things to catch up! This was that kind of a weekend but we all had a great time!

Eggplant + Pasta = Heaven

Our local grocery store is flooded with eggplants and of course I stumble upon this recipe from a blog which I frequently visits. I thought I should give this a try mainly it was the season, We love egg plant, and wanted to add a twist to our regular mundane pasta dishes. The results were amazing.

At the end we had more reasons to love this dish and a bonus no meat in this dish at all. 

I loved the subtle mint flavor and the kick from red peppers. Cheese makes it so much better. I took this for lunch at work and works great with a small salad. My oldest had this for dinner and he liked it very much. We will be making this few times this year. At least before the end of the egg plant season. 

Ingredients
1 medium eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 pint cherry tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, whole

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

1 pound rigatoni pasta

1/4 cup torn fresh mint leaves

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions

Watch how to make this recipe.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl combine the eggplant, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red

pepper flakes. Spread the vegetables out in an even layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven until the vegetables are tender and the eggplant is golden, about 35 minutes.

While the vegetables are roasting, place the pine nuts in a small baking dish. Place in the oven on the rack below the vegetables. Roast until golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and reserve.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta into a large bowl and reserve 1 1/2 cups of the cooking liquid.

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a food processor. Add the torn mint leaves and extra-virgin olive oil. Puree the vegetables.

Transfer the pureed vegetables to the bowl with the pasta and add the Parmesan. Stir to combine, adding the pasta cooking liquid 1/2 cup at a time until the pasta is saucy. Sprinkle the pine nuts over the top and serve.

Recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

First Day of School to ALL...

Yes, we survived the very first week of school. I am very excited to teach this year and to go to campus in the night. Children survived the first week only two days but it was adjusting to the new schedules and meeting friends. Speaking of friends I was glad to make new friends as well. Lot to learn with record keeping which I hate and love at the same time. What I heard so far is once you get it down it seems to help plan the lesson plan can’t wait to get use to it. 

Nicolette is happy to find new friends and some of her old friends in first grade. She will be joining the before and after care for few days this year and she is very excited about it. 


Niegel is a senior in high school and I am happy for him working on his SAT and the meets. I know he is going to like his classes this school year!

I am simply getting use to all the new schedules and planning. One last thing I love my classes as well this year. 

Canning freshness straight out from the garden…

Yes, I don't know what better way to explain this new interest or rather a process of mine. I have been navigating the internet how to pickle beans (I mean green beans) and I found a way which I like very much. No idea how it all going to turn out but sounds like a great plan to lock away the freshness of backyard vegetables. 

Perhaps for some Bloody Mary’s in future and I feel it is not that fancy without pickles as a garnish. Moreover you need few pickles after drinking few of those. I also found out that I cannot find okra pickles from MA because that is not a northern thing. I had to buy a bottle while I was in VA. 

One thing I like about this particular recipe is it really adds heat to pickles with few black peppers and red chillies. I can’t wait to try some with my salad. 

A bit late post about 4th of July...

This is our first official Hydrangea bush and they were tiny when I first planted them. I love these mainly for two reasons one for the neat flowers the other during Fall the foilage turned into this beautiful deep maroon like red. I truly love a four season garden and I am still working on this tiny stamp size garden. It is always a working progress…

While we were in VA, Niegel decided to run a 5K ( we did planned this before hand) and It was fun. He did great but most of all he enjoyed it very much because he consider this as his home town.

As always Nicolette managed to find a dog to pet while her brother finishes the race. It was a great joy to watch her.

We were able to carve some time to sneak into the National Gallery of Art. We all took turns in enjoying various parts of the museum. Mostly the early paintings…

After a long stroll we were hungry and it was almost time to have dinner we all unanimously decided to dine at China Town, DC. 

Found a spot see the fire works and not too far from the capital; yes it was smokey but had a great time.

We had plenty to cover from taking care of the house, to running a 5K, visiting the museums, having dinner at China Town, and finally finding a spot to watch the fireworks. It was a great week!

Our first gathering for 2015

For 2015, gathering was much better term mainly because we received few vegetables from our friends as well. Largely few neighbors who is growing in their backyards. Some went to ladies who is always get anxious if I am at the compost bin(chickens). 

We love our wax and green beans from our yard because they are so tender and yummy. I am working on canning few for winter so I can have some at school lunch. I have heard from few friends they are so crisp. Hard part is not picking them when they are in abundance. Tomatoes are all steak this year and I hope I might get a bumber crop this year. 

It is a delightful experience to go to our tiny backyard and pick few eggs from the coopand at the same time pick few vegetables for a meal. Tender turnips adds so much flavor to a salad. I traded few eggs for handful of summer squashes this year. Beets were doing much better this year and we had it twice so far and there is few more to pull. 

Butterfly Bush

Some plants stay with you no matter where you move. Our first butterfly bush is dead and gone in VA I have no idea what happened but I planted total of three bushes at our MA house why? because I love them so much. 

This spring I was able to cut down one bush to my heart content but I had to stop because there was a finch family residing in one of the bird houses and I did not want to bother muma bird and she was bit feisty. I fled the scene and decided to head inside. we have not seen much of the butterflies this season yet but when we do I love recording them. Little Nicolette loves observing them and keeps a great track how many visits per day. Her data accumulation is very interesting and hilarious too. 

The other day I was able to capture this image of this flower which was porking out from the bush. Purple adds a cooler tone to the garden during warmer months. Butterfly bushes come in various colors including white but it is well known for its sweet nectar which attracts butterflies. 

Visiting the idea why I stick with the butterfly bush is very clear because it attracks butterflies and humming birds.   

My love for hydrangeas....

I still recall the day I saw this plant when I was in sixth or seventh grade. It was at one of my mother’s friends house. They had a bush and their neighbor had a bush as well and it had these beautiful huge clusters of flowers together and they were pinkish violet.
And my next encounter was at a garden show which I must have begged my mother to take when I was young teenager. I can recall to this day that she had no interest in gardening and if she did someone helped her to make our garden. During this time I showed an interest in house plants and other colorful foliage. Mainly the lovely begonias which had beautiful foilage. They were stunning and had different textures as well. 

This heavy influenced came mainly from a classmate. Her mother was a phenomenal gardener. I always loved and admired her garden and the energy she had to take care of her garden cannot put into words. I knew she was a teacher and mother of three who was very much interest in gardening. She gave me the first seedlings, I was very thankful to her and to this day cherish that single moment.
I was determined to change our garden to somewhat of a jumble. My mother had a lot of patience with me, she did helped me in getting pots, fertilizer, and at the end I am sure she did enjoyed our little garden coming to life as well. Her friends offered me cuttings and plants when possible. I was a young gardner back then. 

I first plated our first Hydrangea bush in Virginia. They were very young plants back then. I saw them when I visited them this year I mainly choose them for its foliage because they turned bright copper like hue in fall perfect to add color to a cookie cutter stamp size garden. I added more during this visit as well they were a pink and blue bush, I can't wait to see them next year. 
Then I planted some in MA and waited and waited they bloomed last year but this year they add so much depth to our yard. I simply could not resist the urge to photograph them day after day. 

Will I add more this fall may be if time allows how about next spring I want to say heck yeah !

Ladies and Chiks...

Our little chicks are no longer little chicks. They are getting bigger and yes I am certain I have two roosters.  One Plymouthrock and a RhodeIsland Red but I have still not figured where to pack them hope to find a petting zoo soon. I am a bit disappointed with the whole drama. The local feed shop did guaranteed 99.9% they are hens so you do the math. Last year feed shop owner sold three hundred hens and there were three roosters but the irony is this year I bet she sold the sameamount or little more but I have got two roosters from that batch. From a total of six chicks which I purchased early spring. Well I got that 0.1% well protected in our coop. 

That being said most of them seems to getting along with each other. Bright side of this story is we will be having two less from the six. I initially wanted only two more extra hens so they could be cosy during winter. Older girls like to hang together leaving the younger group alone basically but they seems to be content together as well. Occasional pecking from older girls are hard not to notice. Placing a pecking block has somewhat reduced pecking at each other and constant distraction from gander bounty keep them all check and happy!

Our Vegetable Patch...

I remember three years ago I started our own patch of vegetable garden. It was a raised bed and I frantically plated everything I can in a 4 x 6 feet space. Well, it was an experiment but a successful one and that year we had so much tomatoes but not much beets. I recall I would clip few beet greens to cook and that’s about it. Since then we have expand our growing space one foot at a time. I have had successes and failures during this three years but in all I have learned a lot. 
This tiny bit of raised bed had taught me a great deal from feeding my family to preserving food. I have reduced my trips to grocery store and made conscious decisions what I put in my children’s food. I have also integrated their little hands and young ideas in implementing in our vegetable patch. 
We have reduced the weight of our trash can by adding much to the compost. This little raised bed let us explore the idea of backyard chickens which in return made our compost the best by adding chicken coop waste. We learned nothing goes to waste is a TRUE concept not a myth. Our left over vegetables goes to chickens and in return we make less trips to the local feed store. I am adamant about cutting down my visits to the Midwest cornfield. Again there is a lot to learn about how corn could end up everything we eat and the food industry in the US. 
This summer I panted broccoli, green beans, parsley, sage, thyme came back from last year, swiss chard, and many more. I have already clipped my herbs for cooking, and harvested green beans twice. Chickens are fed with fresh green every day. At the end of the day I feel happy about this tiny edible raised bed of our!

  

Lavender Garden…

This past winter had been a very harsh winter for New Englanders. Out lavender hedge is fairly young and the corner garden is about a year old. I did plant some last summer as a hedge which I plan to grow more as the years come. However to my surprise they did extremely well this year. It is a wonderful feeling to see them com back and produce bloom after bloom. 
We have notice so many bees and butterflies visiting this corner with delight. I love to see purple smoke from a distant. I have always loved lavender as an herb and as an essential oil. It can elevate headaches and minor aches in minutes. Lately I am using them in my chicken coop mixed with bedding seems to helping chickens a lot and with bugs. 
I have been surfing the internet to see what else I can do with a bumper lavender crop. I love making lemonade with it; that is about it right now. I might take on the challange of making few pillows for winter with seeds if I am up to it.

Happenings...

Sorry for the long absent. Summer school, classes for little Nicolette, and everything in-between is kind of getting in the way of posting. The best is to at least begin with one or two post to get back in the swing of posting. It is easier to begin with garden because I manage to poke my head outside twice a day if not more than that. Many changes, first chicks are growing up like weeds I mean literally like weeds. 
We have a bunny family visiting us every evening and I am bit skeptical about the entire thing. I enjoy their view now and then. My neighbor told me to keep a bowl of garden leftover on a side so they won't eat my green beans. 

Lavender hedge has grown a bit and always busy with butterflies and bees. I harvested some this year. I have to find ways to use them.