Janet's House

Workroom/Studio-The Continuing Saga Part 3

I’m getting so excited because we’re nearly finished with the workroom. If you’ve been following my progress you know it’s been a lot of sorting, donating and rearranging. See part one and part two for the dirty details and the progress thus far.

One last trip to IKEA to purchase the long table for my sewing machine and the small cabinet to anchor one end of that table (that’s the cabinet right up there). I also got a few more drawer dividers as they prove to be great for sorting and giving everything its own place.

I went to the paint store and picked out a light grey. I chose Miller Paint in Cool Elegance (#0517). I wanted to have the sewing area defined with a different color than the rest of the room, yet I want it neutral. White would be too much with all the cabinets, tables, drawers and shelving being white. I love the way white looks against grey so I went with my feelings.

Choosing a grey was tricky. Grey can lean towards brown, green, blue or lavender and one thing I knew for sure was that I didn’t want it to look like concrete or a nasty rainy day. I compared and asked questions of the staff until I came up with ‘cool elegance’.  Fresh, clean and a nice contrast against the white of everything else.

I’m a pretty good painter if I do say so myself and the biggest suggestion I have is one I learned long ago: Preparation is the key! After patching, priming, sanding, texturing and wiping down the walls I was ready to paint. Taking the time to prep really pays off with a nicely finished wall.

We’ve been pulling up carpet as we go and actually I don’t completely hate the 50 year old linoleum that’s underneath. It’s been covered much of its life so is in pretty good shape, at least for now. I like the way my chair rolls across the floor so smoothly and if I make a mess with glue or paint it will prove an easy clean up.

I’m almost done with the room but before the final unveiling I thought I’d throw out a few paint tips:

• If your not sure about the color, take the time to purchase samples or even a quart. Let it dry and view it in day and evening light.
• As I said above, preparation is key! At the very least, take the time to wash the walls.

            

• Spackle, dry then always use primer over the patched area or you’ll end up with dull spots.

            

• Retexture your patched areas (if the wall is textured). You can purchase texture in a can with various splatter but I like to use an old towel scrap and pat the primer to help blend it with the original wall texture.
• Always wear paint clothes. I have a certain t-shirt and pants that I keep with the painting supplies. Otherwise whatever I wear becomes the next set of paint clothes.
• Keep a damp rag for wiping off the inevitable ceiling smear.
• Always check the bottom of your shoes before you leave the room. (learned the hard way)
• Always apply 2 coats if you’re painting over color and at least wait until it’s dry before you decide if you like the color or not.
• We are tearing out the carpet so didn’t need a drop cloth. If you want your rug or flooring intact use a big canvas drop cloth. You’ll be glad you did.
• Mark the top of the paint can with the room you painted and the date. 
• I like to save a small jar of the paint for touch ups. If the jar is small there won’t be any air for rust or crust to collect. Usually you only need a dab to touch up a nail hole. Plastic lid if you’ve got it.

       Check back next week for the unveiling!

                   

I Love Pillows!

I saw this idea on someone else’s blog and couldn’t wait to try it. She has a good tutorial but I’ll show you how I did it too. I was eager and wanted to do something small that I could get done by Valentines Day. John Lennon always comes to mind when I’m trying to think of something clever and “all you need is love” is the perfect sentiment.

Luckily with all my sorting and organizing I knew I had a bit of white linen fabric. I had a brand new sharpie in the drawer and the only stencils I had were some freebies I had thrown in box. See, my organizing has paid off already. I knew where everything was.

I cut a piece of the linen and laid cardboard (from my IKEA boxes) underneath the fabric and followed the instructions. I penciled the letter first in case I made a mistake, then, still using the stencil traced the outside of the letter with the fine point sharpie. The layout was a bit tricky because I couldn’t put lines on my fabric, but by outlining the letters as I went I could eye it pretty well.        After removing the stencil I filled in the letters free hand.

The piece of fabric is small so I needed to come up with an idea to turn it into a pillow. I’m trying not to make whole pillows, which take up valuable shelf space. Instead I’m making pillow covers or temporary sleeves which are much easier to store.

I decided to turn it into a band to wrap around my white pillows. I’ve done this with some needlepoint lately (more to share in next months posts!) and decided this was the best way to use this piece and give it a good couple of weeks on the sofa.

I can’t wait to come up with the perfect quote and some new stencils and maybe some different fabric and make another pillow. Check out more details and pictures on the Wit and Whistle blog and tell Amanda I sent you. Stay tuned!

Tips: If you’re not a sewer, buy ready made pillow covers, slip the cardboard inside and grab your sharpie.

A Winter Salad

I needed a salad to take to my book group last week and decided this combination of ingredients would be a delicious cold weather salad. It’s very similar to my Harvest Salad but it’s meatless and I used a different cheese.

Salad:

Greens-combination of red lettuce and spinach

1 red apple, cut into bite sized pieces

1/2 red onion, sliced very thin

blue cheese crumbles

maple walnuts (see below)

Honey mustard vinaigrette (see below)

 

Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons vinegar

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard

• 1 teaspoon salt

• dash of black pepper

 

Maple Walnuts:

• 2 cups walnut halves and pieces

• 1 tablespoon butter

• pinch of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

In a heavy or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. When butter is melted, quickly stir in the salt and cinnamon. Stir in maple syrup and then stir in the nuts.

Continue stirring over medium-high heat as the nuts are getting hot and the syrup is bubbly. Stir constantly as the syrup bubbles and then begins to thicken around the walnuts.

The nuts are done when the syrup is a thick glaze on the nuts. Remove pan from heat and lay nuts on a plate to cool.

Preparing for College

 

As my almost 18 year old (how’d that happen so fast?!) son finishes his senior year in high school, I’m mentally preparing myself for the empty nest. He’s decided on the University of Montana in Missoula and I couldn’t be happier. I love that wonderful small town with its beautiful mountains, rivers and nearby Flathead Lake! With the SAT’s, applications, college visits and letter of intent behind us I decided I wanted to make him something to take with him.

I told him I wanted to make him a quilt, and feeling quite cooperative that day, we went to the fabric store together. I know part of his reason for joining me was that he was afraid of what I might pick out. I feel quite certain that I wouldn’t have come home with anything flowery or sissy-like, but I guess you never know what an unattended mom might come up with and I understand his not wanting to take a chance. His whole college reputation may be at stake here!

Anyway, we actually had fun and he picked out a very manly collection of the Universities colors. I’m anxious to get started and I think it will be fun to make. I’ve got exactly seven months before he’s on his way. Yikes! Whether he likes it or not, there will be lots of love stitched in. I’ll show you my progress and the finished quilt, of course. Stay tuned!

Projects in Motion

As I’m sorting, tidying, cleaning and generally trying to give everything its place I keep coming across unfinished projects. Of course!! Most creative people are guilty of cupboards and baskets full of half finished or non started creations. I think it’s part of the enthusiasm of wanting to make things.

Yesterday I was sorting yarns and remembered my (still great, I think) idea of making a baby sweater then finding a wonderful fabric for a skirt or romper. I panicked when I also remembered that my favorite fabric shop for bright fun prints was closing at the end of the month. I stopped what I was doing, grabbed my yarns and headed to Fibers in Motion. I had great fun picking out fabrics to go with the yarns.

 

I have one sweater started and now with the print fabric I’m eager to complete the sweater and get on with the skirt.

 

 

 

 

 

This is my favorite. I can just picture a little girl all decked out in this happy color combination.

 

 

As I revisit my “projects in process” (much better than unfinished projects), I’m becoming enthused again. I was afraid that taking the time to organize would take me away from creating. Quite the opposite I’m finding. Instead, I’m having fun revisiting projects long buried and feel inspired and ready to jump back into knitting, sewing and creating.

If you live in the Portland area, be sure to drop by Fibers in Motion before LuAnn moves on to the next creative phase of her life. There are still a lot of beautiful fabrics available.

Work Room/Studio Update

 

Phase one is nearly complete. The wall units are up and are filling quickly. Taking everything out of the room proved challenging. I had stacks of totes and boxes everywhere throughout the house. Everything came off the wall and what was left was pushed to one side.

 

We made our trip to IKEA and picked out 2 tall, wide, floor to ceiling cabinets (PAX) and one narrow tall cabinet. We chose frosted glass on the narrow cabinet to break up the massive wall of white.

 

 

 

 

On the first trip we decided to just buy the cabinets (or carcasses as my husband calls them) and a few shelves and baskets. After the cabinets are in place I’d have a better idea of where I wanted everything to go. IKEA is great because you can do this. We didn’t have to decide on a permanent layout and whether to buy shelves, drawers or pull out baskets. Everything is interchangeable and all of their portable bins and totes are made to fit the depth and width of these cabinets.

Once assembled I began bringing in my totes of fabrics and yarns. As I sorted all of it I knew I wanted more pull out baskets. These are a good choice because I can see everything in there. In a closed drawer everything becomes covered and lost. I knew I wanted one shallow drawer for all my sewing needs and accessories.

On the second trip to IKEA I picked out more shelves, pull out baskets, drawers and door handles. Then I began filling everything up. This big cabinet on the right is for holiday totes, tablecloths, wrapping paper and extra bedding.

 

The center narrow cupboard will be used for off season décor. The quilts on the top shelves were made by my grandmother. I don’t use them but will enjoy them whenever I open the cabinet door.

 

This is a big job because I’m trying to get rid of things as I go, as well as organize and place like things together. I’m excited to move on to phase 2 which is the area where my sewing table will be. There are nasty holes to fill and mend, then I think I need to paint. One thing leads to another, you know. Stay tuned.

                                  My little helper

Hawaiian Pulled Pork

Must be the snow that awakened us on Sunday that made me pull out the slow cooker to make something wonderfully tasty, and a reminder of warm places. I looked in my freezer and found a boneless pork roast and some short ribs. I defrosted them and seared them, then added them to the slow cooker.

I had 2 cups leftover of the soy glazed pork rib sauce in the freezer so I added that. I looked in the fridge and found 1/2 jar of spicy pepper jam and some Medjool dates. I cut up the dates (about 5 of them) and tossed them in. I found about 1/2 bottle of Island Teriyaki sauce and another bottle of another teriyaki to add. I don’t know if it’s the recession or the high cost of groceries but If I can use something instead of throwing it away, I’m now more earnest than ever about it.

I set the cooker for six hours. At about hour five I pulled the roast out, sliced it, and using 2 forks, shredded it. The ribs were falling off the bone, so I just made sure they were small shredded pieces. I added the meat back to the sauce and let cook for another 30 minutes or so.

This is one of those recipes that’s hard to nail down. If I make it again I’ll probably use whatever I have at that time. I think what I’m suggesting is, once again, cook with your feelings. Smell things. If they go together, dump them in. A crock pot, or slow cooker is a pretty forgiving cooking aid. It will take whatever you toss in and blend the flavors. If you stay in the same general spice arena you can’t go too wrong.

I served the shredded pork with rice with a sweet, tangy cole slaw. It was delicious and I’m sure a sign that George Clooney would win the Golden Globe award for his roll in the Hawaiian themed ‘Descendants’.

How to Make a Terrarium

    

It must be the time of year but I want more plants in my home. Everything outside looks pretty barren and I need some lush green. With the woodsy warmth of the Christmas tree long gone I’ve decided to  make a terrarium. I’ve got this great glass hurricane that I had rocks and a candle in, but never remembered to put it outside on the table during the summer. I think its new life as a terrarium will put it to better use.

I did a little research and found a video here. It’s a fairly simple ecosystem that once planted has very few requirements. Light and water, that’s it. If you’d like to make one, you’ll need gravel, charcoal, potting soil and of course plants. Make sure you choose plants that require similar care.

 

Here I’ve layered about an inch of gravel, then 1/2 inch of charcoal. I wanted to use these beautiful, polished river rocks so I added them as a layer before I added about 3 inches of soil.

 

 

 

After you add the soil, simply add the plants. I added moss and baby tears for ground cover and a fern for height.  You can add extras like more rocks or little creatures.

 

Try succulents or cacti for very easy care. Find unusual glass containers at Ikea or even thrift stores. It’s such a nice way to bring the outside in. Have fun with it!

             Happy Weekend!!

From Junk Room to Studio- A Plan of Action!

 

These are my “BEFORE” pictures. Poor lighting makes poor pictures and although I’m embarrassed to show them, I think it clearly shows the obvious. Time to redo! I’m also showing you my photos to keep myself on task in getting everything out of that room so I can start over. I think clearing out is almost more difficult that putting things back together. Making choices on what stays and what goes. Awwwgg!

This downstairs room is the one room in the house that has never been remodeled or changed. It’s the guest room on occasion, but mostly it’s the catch all room. It’s the place where something goes when we don’t know where else to put it. It is also where I sew. Currently I am climbing over stools and boxes trying to finish sewing. It’s poorly lit, crowded and cramped.

 

It was my sewing area for a long time until I moved everything up to my daughters old room during her college years. I had this small but lovely set-up, but plans change and she’s back home for a while so I’ve relinquished my space.

 

 

I’m taking this remodel quite seriously and am excited to include lots of storage cabinets, a well lit sewing space and room for the keepsakes and memories that will make this space my own.

This old drawer has held my needlepoint yarns for years. It will stay.

 

I love these old mugs. The teddy bear one was created using images of the bears I made back in the 80’s. The rainbow mug was from my mom around the same time. It’s quotes are all about achieving dreams. I remember how excited she was to give it to me; it said all the encouraging things she was feeling.

 

 

 

I’m spending time looking at pictures on the internet (Pinterest) and magazines for ideas. Even though most are much more grand than my budget or needs I enjoy looking and making decisions. Sometimes one little thing in someone else’s photo will become my inspiration. So far my requirements are:

• Lots of cabinets, drawers, pull-outs and storage
• Excellent lighting
• Peg board for tools close at hand
• Bulletin board for inspiration and ideas
• Large, but foldable table for big sewing/cutting projects

Now that you’ve seen the “Before” be sure to check back for the after. I’m off to box up more junk!

As the mug says: “Clearly define your goals. Write them down, make a plan for achieving them, set a deadline, visualize the results and go after them.” Okay!  Ready, Set, Go!

Yes, You Can Freeze Avocado!

I was at the market the other day and avocados were 10 for $10. A rare price indeed. I think maybe they had a lot that were nearly ripe. I purchased 5 and decided to freeze 3 of them. I cut them up but left them somewhat chunky. I’ll probably use them for guacomole or in a soup I’ll make soon. They won’t be good for everything, but will be fine to spread on a sandwich or bagel.

I added a bit of salt and a squeeze of lemon, just because I had a cut lemon available. The main thing is to squeeze out every bit of air. The air is what will turn them brown. Flatten the bag, zip lock across the top leaving an inch or two in the top center. Tap and roll the bag, pushing out the air and quickly zip it closed. Smooth it back out and lay it flat in the freezer.

I think avocados are a bit delicate to last too long in the freezer so I'll plan on using them soon. This bag has been in the freezer for several days and is still nice and green.

 

(and yes, I did misspell avocado in the picture above)

How to Make a Good Cup of Cocoa

 

It’s getting cold here and even colder in other areas, like 9 degrees in Orwigsburg Pennsylvania, I hear. I dedicate this post to my friend who now lives there and is missing the wet sloppy days of an Oregon winter. She needs cocoa!

I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to my hot chocolate. Not too bad though; I don’t require the finest in cocoa powder, but I won’t bother to drink it if it’s made with water. I’m of the sentiment that if I’m going to eat something decadent I don’t mind putting in a little bit of time to make it really worth my while and with the extra few minutes it takes, I leave out calories, additives and preservatives.

Looking at the label on a container of Nesquik it lists more than 7 ingredients, some artificial. For an 8 oz. cup they recommend 2 tablespoons at 60 calories. My container of Hershey’s Natural Unsweetened Cocoa lists one ingredient: cocoa. 1 tablespoon is 10 calories. Since I use 1 heaping teaspoon, I’m generously figuring 8 calories. Add the 15 calories for the one teaspoon of sugar and I’m up to 23. Pretty good. I guess all those additives add calories too. Yuck!

Here’s the way I make cocoa. I’ll admit it takes up to 3 minutes to make, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Warm 1/4 cup half and half in microwave for 20-30 seconds. Add 1 heaping teaspoon of natural unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir with a whisk. It will take a bit of time to break up the fine cocoa powder. It wants to float on top; just keep mixing. It really only takes about a minute. Fill the mug with milk and put back in the microwave for about 90 seconds. Keep an eye on it, you don’t want to scald it. For extra decadency add a marshmallow during the last 30 seconds.

Note: I use 1% milk so I suppose if you are using whole milk you could just skip the 1/2 and 1/2. But  start with the 1/4 cup of warm milk and the whisking process.

For added cocoa fun check out the Beekman Boys take on cocoa from around the world!

                     Stay Warm!

Spicy Soy-Glazed Short Ribs

I got this recipe out of a book called Secrets of Slow Cooking. Curiously I had everything in my fridge, pantry and freezer to make it. There are quite a few ingredients and mixed together they created a wonderful smell that warmed the kitchen all afternoon. I prepared this dish around noon and it slow cooked all day.

Actually the only thing I didn’t have was 2 limes, so I substituted a lemon. My short ribs were big, meaty things and I’m thinking the recipe was for the smaller bite sized ones for appetizers.  Nevertheless, these ribs made a nice meal for the three of us. I served them with rice and my favorite avocado and grapefruit salad. I like the way the citrus complimented the sweet ribs.

Ingredients:

3 1/2 pounds beef short ribs

2 bunches scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced on the diagonal

1 clove garlic, minced

1 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup molasses

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup chili-garlic sauce

1/4 cup plum or hoisin sauce (optional)

Juice of 2 limes

1 tablespoon toasted-sesame oil

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 Tablespoons sesame seeds

 

 

 

Begin with nice meaty short ribs. Trim away all excess fat.

 

 

 

 

In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ribs well on all sides, about 8 minutes total, then remove the ribs to a 4-quart slow cooker. Pour 1/2 cup water into the skillet and scrape up all the browned bits in the bottom of the pan. Pour the liquid over the ribs in the cooker.

 

In a medium bowl combine half of the scallions and all the remaining ingredients except the sesame seeds, stirring until the brown sugar is dissolved.

 

 

Pour the mixture over the ribs.

 

 

 

Cook, covered, on the low setting for 4 hours, or until the meat is very tender and almost falling off the bones.

 

In a small skillet over medium-high heat, toast the sesame seeds, shaking the skillet and stirring constantly, until they just begin to color. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

 

 

Remove the ribs from the sauce and place on a large serving platter. Spoon a little of the sauce over the ribs and rice and sprinkle with the sesame seeds and the remaining scallions. Serve.

                         Enjoy!

Happy New Year!!

Resolutions. I kind of like making them. A good way to keep discipline in check. Last year at this time I had just begun to write. It was the perfect time to make writing a resolution and I found it quite an easy one to keep. I’ve enjoyed sharing my projects, cooking, thoughts and ideas with you.

This year my resolution is to try to encourage my readers to be more creative. I honestly believe that everyone is creative and am constantly amazed at how many people refer to themselves as uncreative. I see what they do, how they dress or how their mind works and I think they really do have creative bones in their bodies, maybe they just don’t know it. Yet.

Creativity gives your life meaning, individuality and purpose. It keeps your life from becoming stagnant. It’s what makes you stand out from the crowd. I don’t think being creative should be a luxury; something to reward yourself with after everything else is done. It should be a natural part of your everyday life.

Often being creative is simply being unafraid to fail. I’ve made huge messes; I’ve got drawers full of unfinished knitting or sewing projects and I can provide witnesses to my many kitchen disasters. What makes me different is that I’m always ready to jump in and try to make something. If it doesn’t work, I think about it, try it again or often as a last resort, read the instructions. I enjoy pushing myself just to see if something interesting will come of it.

I love this quote I cut out many years ago: “The people who have failed the greatest number of times are the successful people. They’re the ones who failed and failed and kept on trying until they finally succeed.”  I think of the many “failures” I’ve made, but I persevered and ended up with success. Not every time, but enough to try it again.

When you’re thinking of what you might add to your own New Years resolutions, consider adding creativity to your list. See how our New Years resolutions can tie into one another? My goal is to refine and define the way I show how to make something. Keeping things simple should keep people from being scared off. I wrote about creating and encouraging creativity last year. If you’d like to reread that post, click here, then continue to visit me here at Janet’s House and I’ll help you find more ways to be creative and show off your individuality in the coming year. I think you’re going to like it!