Saturday, January 31, 2009

The Wayward Crafter-Feeling Crafty

I've been cutting, sewing & knittin'...

"to stock the shelves" at TJ's Sweet Home
You may remember this post...
I made this for my kitchen...


Not sure of the exact spot I'll put it in but I think I have an idea!
Have a great weekend!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Birds of a Feather...and a Cat?


Baby, it's cold outside! It's in the thirties here in our little Texas coastal town. There's frost on the roof of my car and socks on my toes...brrr.


These little birds are huddling together from the chill as they wait for their new homes and partners. They just make me smile every time I look at them.















Yesterday, as I was getting ready to make our bed, I spied something furry on my side...





Bobo has been taking to climbing in when the house quiets and Daddy and Ari have gone to work and school. I have been shooing him and making it up but this particular morning, I didn't have the heart. So he stayed in the cozy covers all day and the bed never got made. Stay warm!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Less

I thought I would share some of our meals & recipes for our new "healthier, lower fat, lower calorie" adventure. Still going strong.



Last week, I came up with a quickie meal that was lower (fat, cal) & convenient. I had a can of sweet potatoes on hand, (I don't prefer canned, but when in a pinch for time...) & a pound of leftover ham in the freezer. I rinsed the syrup off the potatoes & drained in a colander then put in a lightly Pam sprayed baking dish with the ham on top. Drizzled a little apple juice on top for moisture & threw it in the oven to heat. A little salt was my only seasoning and I served it with fresh, cut up pineapple and salad. Not perfect in the realm of hard core dieters & fitness buffs I realize, but better than our usual fare (butter anyone?) Next time, I think I'll place sliced pineapple on top before I bake. It wasn't stellar, but it was good and "lower" than we would have normally had.



This morning, I had this...





Lite, lite butter in the eggs, a sprinkling of salt & pepper on the tomatoes, and dry toast from my homemade wheat bread. Served on a pretty plate (we DO eat with our eyes too!) Again, lower & less than normal. But still, mmmm...

Now, go have yourself some breakfast.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Busy New Year

I've been staying busy trying to catch up from the time I "took off" for the holidays. It wasn't that I was doing nothing; my hands and creative juices were busy making Christmas gifts for grandchildren. But my etsy shop has been neglected. I'm working on several projects to put in there and am excited about my little creations. For now they are hush-hush!

I am also trying to narrow my focus this year on key projects instead of being scattered here and there (I have so many interests!) so I am trying to cut down my internet "playtime" which will somewhat affect my blog :-(. Especially right now while I am trying to stock up TJsSweetHome with goodies.

The beginning of the year has been blissfully quiet and calm around here. Mike and I are committed to a healthier way of eating (I am always working on that; the fact that HE is and is doing so well...I'm VERY proud of how he is doing. He's showing much discipline and self control-something I struggle with :-0) as I'm sure is a greater portion of the U.S. . Doing it together is motivating though. I have a true blue veggie buddy! (The only down side to it is that I have to make his lunch every morning so he doesn't succumb to take-out :giggle: I don't really mind! But did I mention I am having to put my bread making into overdrive so he has a steady supply for sandwiches? Free Smiley Face Courtesy of www.FreeSmileys.org)

I'm off to stitch & knit y'all...Have a great day!