Etsy weekend shopping… Wood Elements carries “heirloom-quality” biscuit cutters. They are hand turned and finished with a mineral oil that is safe for contact with food. The biscuit cutter also works well for cutting a circle shape into cookie dough. They are 3 inches high, with a 2 1/4 inch diameter. They are carved from cherry wood. Each cutter is handmade and one of a kind. Cherry is abundant in North America which explains its notoriety defining such America styles as Shaker and Mission woodwork. Classic and rich, cherry is a yellow wood that deepens to a mahogany color when exposed to sunlight. Although it is a traditional wood, cherry offers a feeling of distinction with its wave-like grain and fine texture. Biscuit... [Read more]

Back when Relationships used to be known as Dating Dames, I used to post links to the games and quizzes they’ve got over at Cosmo online. These quizzes are just for fun, so don’t expect any real serious advice. If you are looking to kill a little time, take a look at one of these……. *Quiz: Are You Way Too Obsessed With Your Ex?  Some guys (or girls) are hard to forget, but nobody wants to be stalkerish. See how you are doing with this quiz. *Quiz: Are You Good-Girl Hot or Bad-Girl Hot? The quote with this game is “Are you so bad, you make the Rock of Love girls look good?”  Are those girls hot?  I always thought they looked more sad than hot. *Quiz: Can You Keep A Guy Intrigued?  I think that depends... [Read more]

One of the other blogs that I write is a natural beauty blog. While looking for something beauty-related to write about for today, I found this Spice Block by Domestic Aesthetic. It’s made from recycled wood and it’s a very unique accessory for the kitchen. I keep my Kosher Salt in a little glass bowl close to my stove. Twice I’ve knocked the little glass bowl to the floor. What a mess - glass everywhere. That would never happen with this gorgeous piece.  It’s a tool that is also art. This spice block is so sexy, we want to store our jewelry in it! A beautiful way to present your favorite herbs for a meal or keep it in your kitchen for a little countertop chic. Of reclaimed mahogany wood with a food safe finish. Made... [Read more]

I’m still on a soup kick…. I made up a pot of Minestrone, using items that I already had around the house. I like a Minestrone because it’s one of those dishes that is easily adaptable. I can think of a number of variations, including adding items like turnips or potatoes. I’ve even read recipes that stirred a tablespoon of Pesto Sauce into the soup bowl just before serving. My oldest daughter loved this soup. I hope your family enjoys it, as well. If you try it with variations, please share your ideas in the comments. Chunky Minestrone *4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces *2 TB olive oil *1/2 onion, chopped *2 celery stalks, chopped *1 carrot, cut into small rounds *4 cloves garlic, minced *1 can stewed tomatoes,... [Read more]

I love soup. As soon as the weather cools, I pull out my stockpot and I get busy.  My oldest daughter likes a simple chicken soup and my youngest is more of a stew fan. I am in the market for a new soup cookbook.  Here are a few book from Barnes and Noble (my favorite store) that caught my eye… Soup, By the editors of Cooking Light magazine Online price $14.36 Ah, the comforting allure of soup, as brought to you by the creative experts at the Cooking Light Test Kitchens. With 56 easy-to-follow soup recipes, this new cookbook is as beautiful as it is practical; a handy reference for delicious recipes that are nutritious as well as satisfying.     Love Soup: 160 All-New Vegetarian Recipes from the Author of The Vegetarian Epicure By... [Read more]