Frank Sinatra - "Nice and Easy" (Concert Collection)

Using the Ingredients You Have at Home When Cooking

This afternoon I decided to make a meatless lasagna. I found an old recipe in one of my favorite vegetarian cookbooks.  I first tasted this at a yoga ashram in the Berkshires, half a lifetime ago. The yoga center was called Kripalu. They had fabulous food!

I went through my cupboards to be sure that I had all of the ingredients. I was happy to discover that I had everything required, except  the ricotta (or cottage) cheese. It's always nice to cook from your stockpile.

I quickly checked the bus schedule, and decided to hop on the 12:19. I rode my beach cruiser  to the bus stop, and sat and  knit my sock while waiting on the bench. When the bus arrived, I wasn't able to move the bike rack into the loading position. It was rigidly stuck  into the upward angle. The driver told me it was broken. I asked her if I could lock my bicycle to the bench and leave it there. She agreed. I noticed that she was very pretty, which is unusual for a bus driver in this area.

As I paid my fare she looked at me thoughtfully and commented, "You remind me of Katherine Hepburn."  I was shocked and flattered. "I bet people tell you that a lot," she added. I thanked her and admitted that a couple of people had noticed a resemblance when I was much younger, in my early twenties. Little did she know that she made my day! I thought it was interesting, because I have been working on my singing and acting every night, in preparation for an upcoming performance. It's funny how what we do changes our aura.

I went to the grocery store, took the bus home, and was relieved to find my bike still waiting for me at the bus stop. I am always afraid of it getting stolen. I was glad that I had my bike lock with me. Only an hour had passed. I put on my helmet, coiled the lock back into position, clicked it into place,  and sped home.

The lasagna came out really well. This sauce doesn't have a whole cube of butter in it, like my other recipe. I figured with the pasta and cheese, this was much healthier. It has a hot and spicy flavor. It will be nice to eat the leftovers next week. The flavors will mingle and develop. I hope you enjoy your weekend.

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The Charm of Tea Cozies

Yesterday I put the finishing touches on the tea cozy. It is definitely one of my favorite hand knit kitchen items. (I'll spell it both ways in this post.) I'm writing from America, but many of our readers live in other countries. Tea cosies are just so charming and perfect for cottage life. I have a pot of yogi tea brewing on the stove right now. I relish the ritual of flavoring the water with fresh or dried herbs, letting it simmer on the vintage stove, and then straining it into the teapot. I cover the pot with the tea cosy, and enjoy hot tea for hours. It's such a comforting ritual to enjoy while I read blogs and update my Etsy shop. It just makes the house feel like home.

I am so pleased with the way the Noro Silk Garden yarn looks, now that it's all knit up and blocked. It's a lovely blend of mohair, silk, and wool. It's so soft and warm to the touch. I found a few more small balls of it in my stash. Last year I used it to make some slippers for my Christmas sales. There's definitely enough left to make another tea cozy. I think that will be a fun and relaxing project to work on this afternoon. I plan to spend the day at home. I just refilled the hummingbird feeder. The little birds have been enjoying the nectar frequently. I get great pleasure from watching them through the window as I write.

I sold sixteen bars of soap yesterday. What a thrill! This is the busiest time of year at Pink Cottage Soaps. I thrive on the activity. I plan to make another batch of Coconut Dream soap today. It's so creamy, and has a rich, foamy lather.

I am still working on the socks. I would also like to knit some tiny Christmas stockings with my leftover sock yarn. I've been wanting to make those for years, but I always seem to miss the window. Time seems to just fly by in November and December. How are you doing today?

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Reducing Your Monthly Expenses

As I've gotten older, there is one thing that I've learned to do that has really reduced my stress. I've changed my spending habits. So much of how we treat our money is ingrained behavior. Most of us spend  the way our parents did. It takes conscious development to alter those habits. Qualities like maturity, delayed gratification, and impulse control come into play.

When I was a professional dancer, I reinvested  a large percentage of my weekly salary into dance classes and vocal training. Those expenditures were also deductions on my tax return, so they were worth it. They also kept me in top condition.  When I went to auditions, I was confident and capable. Training and practice are so important when you are working in the arts. Show business is very competitive. Only the top one percent of dancers are able to make a living at it, professionally.

When I switched to teaching dance and yoga full time, my income dropped. Dance teachers generally don't make nearly as much money as professional performers. When touring with an Equity show, you can really save a high percentage of what you earn. The pay is excellent. Shifting to being a dance teacher was quite an adjustment. I had a lot of trouble with my finances during those years.  I found the cost of class music, dance clothes and shoes, daunting. Commuting, keeping an older car maintained, and owning a home as a single woman stressed me. I was now paying for my own medical insurance, property taxes, and home repairs. These large bills really seemed to eat up my paycheck. I wasn't used to having them, and I didn't plan for them in advance. That's what I needed to do. Some of the studio owners were paying me late. Others were bouncing checks, or forgetting to sign them.  Many only paid once  a month. I began using credit cards to buy groceries and gasoline. I told myself it was just until payday. I always intended to reimburse myself  once I got my check. I started to experience a lot of unexpected things going wrong. The water heater would break, or I'd have an unplanned vet emergency. I was really living on the edge.  I struggled with credit card debt for fifteen years. In hindsight, I'd say that I was under earning.

Once I got out of debt, and began working for myself, my finances came into balance. My cottage was now paid off, which made a huge difference. I started using public transportation and riding my bicycle regularly.  I bought a train pass one weekend, for ten dollars. I could take it anywhere in Los Angeles. It was fun to sit,  knit, and to watch the world go by through the window.

I scrutinized my bills. I cut out television, restaurants, Starbucks, and buying books. I started ordering  books  from the library. It's so easy to do now, with the Internet. I had always cooked my meals at home, but I began making more soups, bone broths, and stews. I bought less meat. I cut my grocery bill by 40 percent. I began baking bread. I had always baked cookies, cakes, and desserts in my kitchen. I was pleased to discover that homemade bread was very inexpensive and delicious.

Overspending on groceries was one of  my weak areas. I used to reward myself for working hard  by buying lots of treats at Trader Joe's. I loved their pumpkin pie mousse cake, Belgian chocolate, and bagged white cheddar popcorn. I was spending $100.00 a week for groceries as a single person! I didn't realize at that age that the amount was very high. It was so easy to buy a few packaged items or expensive dog treats as I stood in line at the checkout counter.

I even went car free for a year. That was interesting, but challenging. It can take all day in Los Angeles to go from where I live to an audition in Burbank and get home. It was also exhausting. I switched to being car light. That's the best of both worlds.

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Cooking Takes Time, But It's Worth It

This morning I did my grocery shopping. I took the bus, since I try to use only one tank of gasoline per month. I would like to do some more hiking with the dogs this week, so I will use my bicycle and public transportation for other errands.

This is the way I walk to the produce store to buy my fruits and vegetables. The bus lets me off about a mile from here. Instead of taking a second bus, I walk. It's good exercise, and I enjoy the scenery. I saw a couple of ducks on the lawn as I passed by the lake. There were a few of them in  the water, as well. I'd forgotten how much I love ducks. There is something so peaceful and natural about them.They seem to have such a pleasant life, swimming and socializing. 

I came home,  made some pasta sauce, and cooked up a pot of spaghetti. That made a hearty lunch. It takes time to prepare healthy foods, but it's so worth it. For dinner, I chopped up some beets and carrots to cook, and put a Russet potato in the oven. I added an extra one for Lana. She loves potatoes.

I also simmered  a pot of yogi tea on the vintage stove. I put cinnamon, cardamom seeds, ginger, black peppercorns, nutmeg, and water into one of my Le Creuset pots. After straining it and adding soy milk, I poured it into the teapot. I eagerly covered it with my new tea cozy. It really does keep the tea hot for quite a while. It's so much fun to use the special items that you knit. It's like having a new toy. I just love the colors of that Noro yarn. They are spectacular!

A Creative and Adventurous Weekend

How was your weekend? Mine was fantastic. I took the dogs up to Devil's Punch Bowl for a gorgeous hike. I had a little trouble finding the location, but everything worked out in the end. I went out of the way twenty miles, but it was worth it. This hiking trail was spectacular! It's even prettier when there's snow. My ex boyfriend took me there a few years ago. It's only an hour from the cottage. We will have to go back; the scenery is breathtaking. I didn't want to leave.

The mountain air was crisp and fresh. The trails were rugged and clean. I felt like we were in a different world. There is something about the mountains that is so healing. Every time I visit I want to move to a mountain cabin in the woods.

The dogs had a nice drink of water, and then settled themselves comfortably in the back seat for the ride home. Cesar Milan says that dogs need adventure. It seems to be true.

We stopped by Creative Ewe on the way home, and I picked up a gorgeous ball of Noro Silk Garden yarn. I thought these would be nice colors for a tea cozy. Lula was sitting in the driver's seat when I came out of the shop!

I did a lot of knitting over the weekend. I finished this Christmas bag, and went crazy on the tea cozy. It's the first one that I've ever made, and they are very addictive! It's been a while since I've worked on worsted weight yarn. It feels so fast, after knitting socks, and that vintage sweater on dk yarn. What did you do over the weekend? I hope you had fun.

Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate them. They make the blog interesting and enjoyable.
      

TOMMY TUNE and CHITA RIVERA Sing!

Oranges in November and More Soap In The Works

The other day I took a walk through the back orchard, and checked on the citrus trees. This is the Moro Blood Orange tree. It's amazing how many oranges it has. When I looked at the tiny green fruits several months ago, I could barely see them. I didn't think I'd have much of a harvest. I was wrong. This tree seems to produce biannually. There will be a heavy crop year! I am very excited.

The Navel Orange tree is small, but healthy. The lighting in this photo shows the oranges at the bottom of the tree. They are nice and round. They have what looks like a bellybutton on the opposite end of the stem. They are such a delicious, sweet, eating orange. I think this one is my very favorite variety.

I made another batch of Christmas soaps today. The orders keep coming, This time I used shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and cranberry chutney fragrance. They are in the molds, on the kitchen table now, hardening. I will make another soap recipe in a few days. A lady at my dad's bridge club buys them for Christmas gifts. She gives them to all of her friends there.

This is what the shea butter and oils look like when they have almost completely melted. I set them aside while I mix the lye and water together. After letting it cool for twenty minutes, I combine the ingredients with a stick blender. That's when the magic happens!

I started another one of these sock yarn bags. This time I'm using some leftover Christmas yarn that I bought to make socks last year. It will be fun to have a festive bag to take with me to knitting groups in November and December. It's so rewarding to work on holiday crafts.  It makes the home feel cozy. I'm anticipating the colder weather, hot chocolate, freshly baked bread, and homemade soups and stews. How about you? Are you making any Christmas crafts yet?   

An Afternoon of Crochet

I worked on this little sock yarn bag this afternoon, and got it completed. I used up some leftover wool from my stash. I absolutely love the result! They are so cute, and really fun to make. The pattern is called Handy Dandy Sock Yarn Bags. It's on the yellow pink and sparkly blog. www.yellowpinkandsparkly.blogspot.com. You can also find it as a free pattern on Ravelry.  It's called Crochet Sock Yarn Bags.

This is what they look like in the early stage, after making the base.

I used it when it was partially completed as a candle holder. I really like the effect. These would make sweet little  Christmas gifts.

The irises and amaranths are blooming in November. It was nice to take a break in the garden.

There are still several  chocolate chip cookies leftover from baking the other day.

Here is the finished bag. You chain to make a drawstring. I can't wait to make another one.   

Practicing Singing and Music

I have gotten back into the routine of practicing my  songs each day. Even though I am no longer auditioning regularly, it's still enjoyable to work on music, and to have that as a part of my daily routine. Music uplifts the soul. We all need activities in our lives that bring us joy and fulfillment.

So often now people are discussing very dark topics. The news is tragic and depressing, and it can be a challenge to stay positive and happy. I find that engaging in hobbies that you enjoy, and watching and listening to things that are inspiring, really helps. As a child, I loved to make up dances and sing along to albums. I still feel the same way. We can raise our spirits by doing  things that make us feel jazzed up and energized. Usually that involves using our talents.

Today I started working on a new crochet pattern. This one is for small crocheted sock yarn bags. It's a great way to use up your leftover small balls of sock yarn. The pattern is free on Ravelry. I tried starting it while attending a knitting group today, but I had trouble with the count. I switched back to making a sock. I don't really have to think when I'm ribbing the cuff of a sock. I worked on it later, after I got home. I'm so excited to continue with it. The pink Austermann yarn is absolutely gorgeous!  I will take a photograph of it and post it on the blog tomorrow.

The coconut Christmas soaps came out nicely. These are a batch that my neighbor ordered. She gives them to her clients as gifts. I love how white the coconut oil makes the soaps. It reminds me of snow. They are scented with apple rose fragrance oil. I'm looking forward to making another batch tomorrow.    

Taco Seasoning Recipe

Taco Seasoning Recipe

1 lb. ground beef or turkey
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. onion powder
3/4 tsp. garlic salt
1 1/2 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
Dash of cayenne pepper

Brown the meat and sprinkle on the seasonings. I add a small amount of water and let the meat simmer for a few minutes.

Serve in taco shells with chopped fresh onion, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and finely grated cheese. 

A Productive Sunday

I hope you had a nice weekend. Mine was terrific. I went to a knitting group at the library on Saturday. It was an excellent blend of personalities. We had a great time together. One of the ladies who crochets wanted to learn to knit, so I helped her. She had been taught thirty years ago, and she picked it up again very quickly. I  cast on, knit a few shows and started her off making  a swatch. First she knit three rows. Her garter stitch looked very good, so I explained to her how to pearl. She was circling the opposite way at first, but corrected it quickly. I showed her how if she knit one row, and pearled on the way back, it would create stockinette stitch. She did so well with that that I showed her how to create ribbing.  (She wants to knit a hat.) We did a knit two pearl two version. One of the other women who is a knitting teacher suggested continuing the ribbing as a scarf. "That's a great idea!" I answered. It never dawned on me that the first few rows of her swatch would make a nice border. It was kind of fun to have it develop so organically. It reminded me of the fun I used to have making up dances. I may knit one of these scarves myself. It is so cute.

After setting the clocks back Saturday night, I woke up early Sunday morning. I let Lana out at 5:30 a.m., made coffee, and felt fired up to do some housework. I threw  a load of laundry into the washer, and mopped my floors with homemade liquid soap and hot water.  I gave them a second coat with hot white vinegar water. They look so clean!

The gleaming  floors lifted my spirits so much that I felt spurred on to use my homemade citrus cleaner on the bathroom. I love the smell of it. I got the recipe over on Rhonda Hetzel's Down To Earth Blog. I also used one of her recipes to clean my bathtub. I sprinkled baking soda in the bottom, and then made a paste with my homemade liquid soap, It does a really nice job of scrubbing the ring out of the tub. I like that it's non toxic and natural.

After that, I made tacos with ground turkey. I had all of the ingredients on hand. I picked up Lula, and took she and Lana for a gorgeous hike in the mountains. They loved it, and it gave us a great workout. I came home, enjoyed a delicious lunch of tacos, and then went to the Sunday knitting group at the library. I worked on my sock. I should have it completed today or tomorrow.

It is amazing to me how much happier I feel with such a clean house. I tend to avoid mopping my floors. It really makes a difference in the energy of the home. I've got to do it weekly. I frequently  put off washing my windows, as well. I need to make time to do that tomorrow. I made another batch of Coconut Dream soap this afternoon. My neighbor ordered some for Christmas gifts. It was a very soothing process. It's such a simple recipe. I used Apple Rose fragrance from Brambleberry. It sets quickly, so I will be unmolding it this evening. How are things going with you?    

NatalieWood as Gypsy Rose Lee Gypsy