I’ve always loved the look of a skirted farmhouse sink. It reminds me of a simpler time and I think it adds so much charm and character to a cottage-style kitchen. So I have found a way to get the look in a different way. We often have little grandchildren around here (or we used … Read More
Happy Mail
I started crocheting dishcloths in February. Every evening for weeks, I have been relaxing on the sofa and crocheting while watching a show. Originally I was making a few dishcloths to freshen up my dishcloth stash. Then I started making some for a bridal shower to use as favors/place cards. I have crocheted at home, … Read More
Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bakery quality cookies Everyone has their favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies, and I’m no exception. I’ve been making cookies since my early teens and chocolate chip cookies were always my favorite cookie to bake. I recently purchased a Cook’s Illustrated cookbook at a thrift store that is quickly becoming one of my favorite cookbooks. … Read More
Kitchen Refresh
I joined the COVID-19 project crew this week. Meaning, I finally got my act together and started to get more done around our home. Refreshing and decluttering My kitchen needed a refresh and a serious de-cluttering. It was feeling “too busy” and cluttered and I needed some visual space especially since we are spending so … Read More
Easy Lemon Scones
Just before I left to get groceries last week I came across a recipe for lemon scones. The only ingredients I needed were cream cheese and lemon so I added them to my list and planned to bake. I’m trying to keep the baking and sweets to a minimum, but … It just feels right … Read More
How to force forsythia and other blooming tree branches
When I’m impatient for winter to end I like to hurry the season along a little by bringing a little spring into my house. I do this by cutting some branches from different trees in our yard. Forcing is the process of causing a plant to flower before its natural season. The process is easy … Read More
Painted Chest of Drawers
Last summer and fall I started scanning Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for antique dressers to paint and re-sell. I really only expected to find one or two, but they just kept showing up. By winter the garage had a nice collection of antique furniture. I managed to collect 6 dressers, 4 tables, a vanity, a … Read More
Corona Virus + Travel
So many people have messaged me and asked about our experiences of traveling during the Corona Virus outbreak that I thought I’d just share our experience here. When we flew to Florida on March 14th we had no idea how much our country’s health landscape would change. Sunday, March 15 | Our first day in … Read More
Simple Crochet Dishcloth
When I was 19 years old I crocheted a granny square afghan. My grandmother taught me – as I sat beside her, while she crocheted beautiful afghans for her two daughters and 6 granddaughters. I made a creamy white, basic granny square. My grandmother made beautiful, delicate and lace-like squares. I’ll post a photo of … Read More
HARBOR VIEW CAFE
The Harbor View Cafe is absolutely one of our favorite area restaurants in the area. It’s about an hour from our house, but it’s a scenic drive and is situated in a scenic setting on Lake Pepin. The Harborview Cafe has been in the business of making delicious-made from-scratch meals for 40 years. The chalkboard … Read More