Monday, November 30, 2009

Czech Button Glass Earrings


♥Purple Intrigue♥

Beautiful Czech Iridescent Button Glass - They display different colors depending on the light/angle! The color is called Volcano.

Czech button glass! The colors are outstanding! The patterns are intricate! I just love them!


Friday, November 27, 2009

Turned on the Furnace Today!


Jim Beam 180

Regal China

Gold Decanter 1967



It's the day after Thanksgiving and after two days of intense cooking, I am very thankful that I do not have to cook today! It's in the 30's today and we just turned on the furnace for the first time this year! I think the Pecan pie was every one's favorite this year. I had one piece! I think I am the only one that likes pumpkin pie in my house. The turkey was delicious. It weighed about 20 lbs. The green bean casserole is already all gone!


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Tuesday

♥Vintage AB Glass Set - Matching Brooch, Bracelet, Necklace ♥

This is a gold toned matching set or parure. All stones are glass and have an aurora borealis finish. There is a necklace with a fold over clasp, a bracelet with a fold over clasp, and a brooch/pin with rollover safety clasp on the back. All pieces are unsigned.


(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!


Today's tip would be to purchase more compact fluorescent light bulbs. These are to replace my incandescent light bulbs. Initially they cost more but they use approximately 75% less energy and can last ten times longer. Many stores have them on sale.

Got Fluorescent Light Bulbs?

Monday, November 23, 2009

Midnight Velvet

Midnight Velvet



(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!



Today's tip would be to use cold water on the laundry. Unless you have something like cloth baby diapers or something like grease stains, cold water is usually more than adequate to get the job done. In the Summer, I love to line dry the bed linens outside. Just a little sun and breeze and they are dry in no time. Love the smell of those blankets and sheets when we go to bed that night!

Got Cold Water?



Friday, November 20, 2009

Beauties Of The Red Mansion

Beauties Of The Red Mansion
Collector's Plate



(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!



Today's tip would be to run the dishwasher only when full.
This doesn't take long around our house!


Dishwasher Full?


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thursday This and That


♥Sugar Plum Earrings♥



(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to leave an empty pitcher by the kitchen sink to catch the water while you are waiting for the hot water to come out. You can use this to water some plants, do some cleaning, or for use in cooking later on.


Got an empty pitcher to catch water?

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Buy in Bulk, Cook from Scratch

Can you believe this is a piece of potpourri? Landon took a picture of it for his abstract/object assignment in digital photography. Of course, I modified it in Photoshop Elements. He is now learning about Photoshop in class and I hope that soon he will show me some great tips! I look forward to being the student!




Warm Glow
Brass Harlequin Fire Opal Glass Earrings


(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to buy items in bulk and cook from scratch. I love making home made bread, pizza, egg noodles, egg rolls, and apple pie. Its a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when you share these with your family and friends. Landon, my 16 year old, makes potato pancakes and fry bread from scratch. He was very pleased last night when he noticed that his pile of fry bread had disappeared! He loves to experiment and perfect a recipe!

When my grocery store has items like 10 for $1.00 and the 11th item is free, if it is something that I use consistently, I really consider buying if it is within my budget.


Buy Bulk?
Made From Scratch?



Monday, November 16, 2009

Grocery Store Coupons

Photo by Landon that I played around with in Photoshop Elements.





Fae Dragonfly Romantique

A beautiful Czech button glass was used as a focal for this whimsical dragonfly necklace! It has a beautiful blend of green and lavender iridescent colors. The colors change depending on the light/angle.



(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to clip coupons and organize them for the grocery store. My weekly bag for the grocery stores in my area come with coupons every week. I love to match them up with items on sale! I have also found a few sites on-line that I can print coupons from. I have already printed them and used them at Krogers and Meijers and they both accepted them. Here are a couple sites that I have used:

http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13000&zid=xu12&nid=10&cid=14520112

http://coupons.redplum.com/offers/default.aspx?Id=TheCouponCupboard&DefaultZipCode=

Got Coupons?



Friday, November 13, 2009

Not Your Usual Mug!

This mug was a Christmas present to my husband year's ago by one of his sisters. It was purchased at Winter Fair. As you can see, its not your usual mug. Landon photographed this when doing his object assignment for digital photography.



Glorious Colors Earrings



(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to
consider using VOIP (voice over IP) for your home phone service. If you have cable, this may be an option for you. We have had this service for over three years and it has saved us quite a bit. We can call anywhere in the United States and Canada for one flat monthly fee. Our service includes call forwarding. This is handy if your Internet should go down. Calls are forwarded to our cell phones. We have call waiting, voice mail, and are able to block numbers by going on-line. There are many plans out there so one must shop around and compare for good quality of service and value.

Got VOIP?

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Food Coloring Picture

Landon took this picture for his abstract assignment in digital photography. It is blue food coloring released into water. He had a wide variety of different shots when he did this. I have modified his original file in Photoshop Elements.

Saphiret Glass Earrings
This is new design that I have done with these glorious stones. I love how they turned out with their very vintage feel and look!



(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to purchase generic brands/store brands of items that you buy on a regular basis.
Generally, these are less expensive than name brand and the quality is just as good. I usually only buy one at first to do our own testing and we decide as a family if this is to be a repeat purchase.

Got Generic?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Random Pics


Just a few more picture that Landon took while on our walk on Sunday. He took the one picture of the water from up high on a bridge. It looks like everything here in central Ohio is getting ready for Winter.


(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to lower the temperature on the thermostat for the heater. We like it cooler in our house so this has saved us lots! If we do feel chilled, everyone goes and looks to find their hoodie. A bath by candlelight is so very relaxing. It is suggested that you turn your thermostat down at least six to eight degrees at night. We sleep much better this way but you will find everyone snuggled under their down comforters too!

One must always consider the elderly, sick, and children in this decision.


Lowered the Thermostat?

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Sepia Picture


Landon took our picture on our walk. Sepia filter used.





Dragonfly Glitz
Czech Button Glass Cabochon as Focal


Quick tip today.....combine as many stops as you can when running errands to save on gas. Gas has been about $2.65 a gallon in my area lately.


Monday, November 9, 2009

Indian Summer

Landon and I and the two GSD's went for a long walk yesterday. I wanted to show Landon this area I had found off of a walking/bike path. There is a meadow and just a maze of paths. I took this picture near the water's edge. We had a few great days of Indian Summer!



Saphiret Glass Earrings


(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to purchase eggs. Recently, they have been priced at about $.88 a dozen. We love scrambled eggs and sometimes add tomatoes, spices and veggies to the mix when the cooking is just about done. The boys especially love deviled eggs. We sometimes boil a dozen or two up just to have for snacks. Sometimes we have eggs and other things (breakfast) for dinner. I cook my eggs like this: I start out with just a little bit of butter or margarine in a frying pan and heat until melted. I then add a small amount of water to the pan and heat. Then I add my three eggs and cover until done.

Got Eggs?



Friday, November 6, 2009

It's Friday....Again!


Sea Oasis
Love the blues in these!



(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to purchase potatoes. Recently, they have been priced at about $1.59 for ten pounds in my neck of the woods. One store had buy one get one free so I now have twenty pounds of potatoes. The cost was $2.99. We love potatoes here. Our favorites are potato salad, scalloped potatoes and ham, mashed potatoes, and hash browns! When we cook a ham, we usually leave a good amount of ham on the bone and freeze. This is then used to start the ham and potato soup that we absolutely love!

Got Potatoes?




Thursday, November 5, 2009

Self Portrait

Landon took this picture of himself using a mirror for his experimental assignment in digital photography. I took a few liberties with the file and played with it in Photoshop Elements.


♥Nature♥

Pair of earrings for pierced ears. The wires are brass and have an antique copper finish. This brass is nickel and lead free.



(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to purchase a turkey at my local grocery for three weeks in a row. Turkey is priced at $.29 lb. this year! I will use one for Thanksgiving, one for New Year's and maybe another for a family gathering. I store these in our large freezer that we have.

We boil everything down after we separate the meat and make a broth. This is frozen for later use. I use the breasts, extra dressing, and gravy to make a casserole from leftovers later on. I have all of these stored in the freezer. I use one of the turkey breasts, stuffing, and gravy. I add salt and pepper to taste. I will start with two cups of rice that ends of being four cups after cooked. I combine everything in a casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes. I call it my
After Thanksgiving Casserole!

Got Turkey?



Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Did not use the viewfinder!

In Landon's grouping of experimental pics is this shot of our living room ceiling fan. It was taken without using the viewfinder. The blades are moving so fast they appear as swirls. I took liberties with his file and used a sepia filter that I like.





Vintage Large Rhinestone Art Glass Brooch Pin - Green


(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to purchase some lentils. I have a great Lentil-Tomato Soup Recipe to share:

1 1/2 cups dried lentils
5 cups water
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 TBSP butter
1 3/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp basil
2 TBSP parsley (or less)
1 can (16 oz) tomatoes, chopped and drained
3 TBSP tomato paste

Sort and rinse lentils. In a large saucepan, combine lentils with the water. In another pan, saute the onion and garlic in butter until limp. Add this to the lentils. Stir in the spices. Bring this to a boil and reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender - approx. 45 minutes. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well. Then, simmer 15 minutes longer. Serve.

This is a recipe a good friend gave to me years ago and we love it!

Got Lentils?

Followup on yesterday's tip. I found a market about ten minutes from my house (by car) that had the Basmati rice. I combined this rice with chicken breast cut up which I had stir fried. I started with finely chopped onions in the pan first. In the microwave, I cooked a frozen bag of peas and carrots for four minutes. I added salt, pepper, and soy sauce to the meat. Everything was combined when done. I have to say that the Basmati rice is delicious. For me, it had somewhat of a roasted nut taste. It doubled in size after cooking and it was not sticky!






Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Creative Framing in Photography

Landon took this picture of a cast aluminum chair through the holes of another chair just like it. How creative of him! Of course, I took a few liberties with the file and played with it in Photoshop Elements.




Brass Rare Saphiret Glass Drop Earrings





(¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
«::: Random Tip of The Day:::»
I have decided to add a tip here and there on my blog on how to better cope with today's economy. Just little things, a thought here and there, but they can sure add up!

Today's tip would be to purchase and eat more rice. This is such a versatile and economical food and it can be paired with vegetables, meat, fish, spices and more! I am going to be looking into Basmati rice as it is supposed to be very favorable and less sticky.

Got Rice?




Monday, November 2, 2009

Experimental Photography

As part of Landon's experimental picture project last week, here is Mo-Jo in motion. He's moving fast and Landon is also moving the camera on purpose and angling it down for a more interesting perspective.



Sea Opal

Pair of earrings for pierced ears. The wires are brass and have an antique copper finish. This brass is nickel and lead free.