Featuring Pussy Willows

 

 

 

In keeping with the theme of simplicity in my décor

I decided to feature pussy willows

on my piano top for this pre-spring season.

 

 

Simple whites help keep things light and bright

on these gray days.

 

Inside the lantern I placed a battery-operated candle.

I love these things, especially since they are on a timer.

They come on every evening at a certain time

and shut themselves off as well. 

 

I love walking into the living room

and seeing the soft glow of the candles in the evening. 

 

The pussy willows reflect in the mirror

making the bouquet seem even larger.

I am loving this look!

 

 

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



Creating a Breakfast Bar

 

Since I am often the first one out of the house in the morning

I decided to create a breakfast bar

that would be quick to put out in the mornings

and easy to put away afterwards.

 

 

First I took one of my wooden trays with handles.

On this tray I put the favorite spreads for toast or bagels

that can stored in the cupboard.

 

I then added some homemade Oatmeal mixes.

On the lids I labelled them with the type of Oatmeal

and also put the microwaveable directions.

 

Next came an assortment of bagels or English muffins.

I sliced each one and put them in Ziploc bags

and then labelled them with the type

(i.e. blueberry, cinnamon raisin)

and also the date.

 

They all sit nicely in a little plastic basket

that goes onto the tray.

 

I then made a little tray that can be slipped in and out of the fridge easily.

It has some butter and an assortment of our favorite jams.

 

The dry good tray slips in and out of the cupboard easily

and offers us a breakfast assortment.

In less than a minute I can have the breakfast bar set up.

 

 

Two trays set out by the fruit bowl and toaster

and breakfast is ready!

 

 

  ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



Hearty Spaghetti Sauce

 

I love making up this large batch of Hearty Spaghetti Sauce

and then freezing it in smaller portions.

It is so versatile and can be used in so many recipes.

It can help make dinner prep a snap.

 

 

Ingredients

2 lbs. lean ground beef

2 large onions

1 can sliced mushrooms, drained

 1 large green pepper, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 (6-oz) cans tomato paste

4 cups tomato sauce

4 cups water

2 Tbsp. parsley flakes

2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning

1 Tbsp. basil

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. pepper

1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

 

Spray bottom of large pot with non-stick cooking spray.

Heat over medium heat until hot.

Add ground beef, onions, mushrooms, green pepper and garlic;

Cook 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is thoroughly cooked,

stirring frequently.  Drain well.

Stir in tomato paste and tomato sauce; mix well.

Gradually stir in water.

Stir in remaining seasonings.

Bring to boil.  Reduce heat to low;

cover and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours

or until desired thickness, stirring occasionally.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Saturday, February 15, 2014

Outside my window... The sun is beginning to rise and the sky is a beautiful array of color.

 

I am thinking... That I have a lot to do this week.

I am thankful for... Sunshine and warmer weather.

From the kitchen...
~Sunday: Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Mixed Veggies, Corn, Salad, Buns, Chocolate Cake
~Monday: Schezwan Stir-Fry, Noodles, Sweet & Spicy Cucumbers, Mint Parfaits
~Tuesday: Simple Chicken Bake, Green Beans, Salad, Cream Puffs
~Wednesday: Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Ceasar Salad, Chocolate Cake
~Thursday: Beef on a Bun (Crockpot), Gravy, Tossed Salad, Cream Puffs
~Friday: Out
~Saturday: Chicken & Dumplings, Corn, Broccoli, Salad, Brownie Sundaes

I am wearing... Jeans and a 3-toned blue and white sweater

 

I am creating... Scrapbook pages, cards, painting a picture and x-stitching.

I am reading... Pentecost: An ARKANE Thriller by J.F. Penn

 I am praying for... Family & Friends

Pondering these words... Fear cannot take what you do not give it. ~Christopher Coan~

 

I am still hoping... That spring will be here soon.

I am hearing... Wind, the furnace running, music, and the dog snoring.

Around the house... Prepping for next week - anniversary & birthday celebrations and our daughter will be home for a week!

One of my favorite things... Sunshine!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Sunday:  Church
~Monday:  Continue working on decluttering project
~Tuesday:  Clean daughter's room
~Wednesday:  Housecleaning Day
~Thursday: Volunteer at MCC, Grocery shopping and errands
~Friday:  Pick up daughter from airport
~Saturday: Hubby's Birthday

 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

~From our weekend away last weekend~

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am joining...
Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman`s Daybook

For today... Saturday, February 8, 2014

Outside my window...

 

I am thinking... I am looking forward to our little mountain getaway.

I am thankful for... Living so close to the mountains.

From the kitchen...
~Sunday: Away
~Monday: Away
~Tuesday: Peppery Halibut, Rice Pilaf, Carrots, Tossed Salad, Mix in the Pan Chocolate Chip Cake
~Wednesday: Honey Garlic Pork Chops, Put Back Potatoes, Peas, Cauliflower, Salad, Coconut Cream Pie
~Thursday: Crockpot Chicken & Biscuits, Tossed Salad, Mix in the Pan Chocolate Chip Cake
~Friday:  Quick Fix Beef & Rice, Mashed Turnip, Garlic Green Beans, Salad, Coconut Cream Pie
~Saturday: Leftover Smorg

I am wearing... Jeans and a grey and purple striped hoodie

 

I am creating... Scrapbook pages, cards, painting a picture and x-stitching.

I am reading... Debt-Free Forever by Gail Vaz-Oxlade and A Place Called Bliss by Ruth Glover

I am praying for... Family & Friends

Pondering these words...

"Your life as a Christian should make nonbelievers questions their disbelief in God."

 

I am still hoping... The weather will warm up.

I am hearing... Inspirational music & the fireplace.

Around the house... Things are quiet and orderly.

One of my favorite things... Warmth!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Sunday:  Mountain getaway
~Monday:  Mountain getaway
~Tuesday:  Continue work on organizing kitchen
~Wednesday:  Housecleaning Day
~Thursday: Volunteer at MCC, Grocery shopping and errands
~Friday:  Valentine's Day
~Saturday: Snowshoeing (weather permitting)

 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

~From a previous year's trip to the mountains~

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am joining...
Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Card for Valentine`s Day

 

February is a busy month of celebrations in our household.

First up is Valentine`s Day and I usually make cards for everyone in the family.

The first one I finished was for my daughter as hers` has to be in the mail this week. 

 

I went with soft roses.

I just loved the floral design on the heart stickers

and the delicate design on the white paper.

 

I always like to add a little extra touch on the inside of the card.

 

Now I just have to bake some cookies

and her Valentine`s parcel will be ready to go :)

 

 

  ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

I am joining...

Have a Daily  Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday

Simple Winter Fireplace Mantel

 

 

The theme of simplicity is flowing throughout the house. 

 

 

Light green votive candles inside square glass vases

tucked into coarse salt give the appearance

of being nestled in snow.

 

White balls of puff along with pussy willows

add a winter floral touch.

 

 

My favorite white owl reappeared after Christmas,

perched on some books.

 

He's not the only owl in the neighborhood.

Since Christmas we have had a Great Horn Owl in our area.

I often hear him first thing in the morning

or in the evening - he has such a large "hoot".

I have only seen him once and he is a large and beautiful.

I hope to capture him on camera one of these days!

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

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52 Mantels for Thursdays are YOUR Days

De-cluttering the Top Cupboards - Before & After

~Before~

~After~

 

After I finished de-cluttering my countertops

I decided to tackle the top cupboards.

I took everything out of the cupboards

and gave the interior a good scrub down.

~Before~

~After~

 

I did a little re-organizing and a little bit of rearranging.

I also got rid of a few items that I no longer used,

but most of the space I gained just came

from simple re-organizing. 

 

~Before~ 

~After~

 

A few things got moved around so it made more sense.

Coffee and tea items got moved to the cupboard by the coffee maker.

The baking supplies were moved to a lower shelf

so it is now much easier for me to reach when I bake.

The cupboards now make sense and everything flows.

 

~Before~

 

~After~

 

I am loving the space.  It feels like a new kitchen

and it is so much easier to work in.

Opening the cupboard doors is now a joy :)

 

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

I am joining...

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays