One of my favorite soups is Manhattan Clam Chowder. Although we don’t live on the coast I am a fan of any type of seafood chowder. Many people only try the New England Style Chowder which is a cream based soup. Over the years I have moved away from the heavier types of soups in favor of broth based varieties. In part, because I have family members who are lactoseRead More →
Let there be light! I am finally getting some light in Pinecone Cottage. This week I am having a vintage chandelier put into my shed. I have been using twinkle lights around the perimeter but now I am getting an extra dose of twinkle. The chandelier is one that my husband and I bought at a yard sale about 7 years ago. It has just been sitting in our garageRead More →
For many years I have had a fascination with pressed leaves and ferns. When autumn rolls around I begin to snag colored leaves to press. Reds, oranges and yellows are all attractive and if done right can last for many years to come. Here is the technique that I use to press my leaves. How to Press Autumn Leaves: Gather your favorite fall leaves while they are still bright andRead More →
This post contains affiliate links that can provide a small income to my blog at no extra cost to you. For complete details, please see my Privacy Policy. Now that October is here it’s time for one of my favorite treats…Pumpkin Bread. I like it with my morning coffee or with a cup of Pumpkin Spice Tea in the afternoon. It has all those flavors of fall that we lookRead More →
Do you enjoy the change of seasons? Each season has it’s own feel to it. I love the ebb and flow of the year and how you can count on the changes that are to come. Maybe it’s a lifetime of being a student or a teacher but for me the Autumn Season always seems like the beginning. So as we move into this season with crisp cold nights andRead More →
The weather in the Northwest has suddenly turned cool. Thoughts of sweaters, blankets and fires are suddenly filling my mind. I truly love the autumn season and look forward to the crispness in the air and the brightly colored leaves. As we anticipate this new season we have much to look forward to. However, before you plop down in front of that fire there are some annual chores that needRead More →
At my daughter’s wedding I was responsible for the Coffee Bar. Since it was a camping wedding, we served breakfast to one and all on the morning after. I only had a few days prior to the wedding to get it all together, so I used what I had. I am an avid collector of vintage thermoses and milk bottles. So I created a Vintage Coffee Bar. I was totallyRead More →
When the “Celebration” is over, the party guests have gone home and exhaustion finally sets in….what’s a person to do? Why make soup of course. The wedding venue is cleaned up and friends and visitors have said their goodbyes. The bride and groom are on an 8 month world wide adventure. Most of us experience a little bit of a let-down when the festivities are over. We have spent aRead More →
I love flowers. I often think that I should have been a florist. You don’t have to be a “professional” however to enjoy and display the flowers and natural elements growing in your yard and garden. Not only do I grow flowers for bouquets, I also use my herbs in those displays as well. Oftentimes, I make an all herb bouquet to enjoy. I want to show you how easyRead More →
As the temperatures are heating up so is the abundance of produce from the garden. How do we deal with the overflow of cucumbers, tomatoes and the never-ending zucchini? I want to share a few suggestions with you for dealing with this feast of bounty that you are growing. As frustrating as it can seem I would say first and foremost… “Be Grateful”. What a wonderful blessing your bounty is. Read More →