EASTER EGGS

My cute baby Joe!!!
Joe's Humpty Dumpty Broken Egg

Finished Eggs

Jennies' Favorite Egg

Easter egg coloring with my children Jennie & Joe. This is the messy production, but fun.

Jennie is hiding behind a tie-dyed paper towel.

VINTAGE HAIR NETS

I found this lot of vintage hair nets at an estate sale. All are still in the packages. Thought the graphics were kinda cool.

MODERN LIVING ROOM

Even though I have been in the antique business over 20 years, I wanted to show my modern living room. The last picture shows the work in progress. The finished pictures are before I added my art work and a few accessories. It's funny, but our house used to look like an antique store & one day I was just so sick of rearranging, dusting and never having the room look right. I couldn't believe my husband went along with the idea as he is a big time collector. After 20 years of living in the same house, I finally feel like this style fits this early 1970's home. I will later post some old photos of the past decor.

CANDLE IN THE WIND

Today it is so windy.........I have decided that I hate the wind & am glad I do not live in the "Windy City" of Chicago.

Speaking of wind, reminded me of my all time favorite music artist Elton John (CANDLE IN THE WIND). In the early 70's I would play his albums over & over. I would crank the volume all the way up & sing my heart out. After all these years, I can still remember all the lyrics. Unfortunately, my children will not let me sing in the car & especially in front of their friends.

When the "GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD" album came out (it was a double album, long anticipated), I didn't realize what some of the songs were about. For example "All The Girls Love Alice", "Social Disease", "Sweet Painted Lady" etc..... I found my dad reading the words one day & he informed me that this was unacceptable garbage and proceeded to forbid me from listening. Believe me, I continued to play these records just on a lower volume. How could he think these beautiful songs were so bad? I was just a young girl who loved the harmony & music.

COOL VINTAGE

Above are some really cute vintage clothing items that I own modeled by my beautiful daughter Jennie. I love vintage...........and she makes it so much fun.

Update on this past week: Worked out every day except Wednesday, as I felt like I had the flu.

Also, had another call to preview an estate sale this coming Monday. Hope it's a good one.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Diabetic Brownies

Kyle's 16Th Birthday

This has been a busy week. I have kept up with my daily workouts. I usually go with my brother Eric or my children to the YMCA. We do at least 30 to 60 minutes of cardio and then 20 minutes or more of the weight machines. I feel as though I am toning my muscles, but the weight loss is not happening. During the week, my doctors office called to have me do a blood work-up, EKG and urine. I hate getting an EKG, it is quite embarrassing. The next day I was called into the doctor's because my blood test showed that my thyroid and blood sugar were out of control. Basically, I was informed that my thyroid has quit working and it is causing my diabetes to not be regulated. Also, this is probably why I am constantly hot flashing. At first I was feeling really depressed, because they said I will have a tough time loosing weight and possibly gain weight. I have been battling these health issues for years. I am tired of feeling sick every day and the lack of energy. But I will not give up! The doctor has increased my diabetic medicine and has put me on the thyroid pill. I will be going back in 6 weeks after another blood workup, hopefully we will see improvement. A funny but pathetic story to add..................Chuck, my husband has lost 12 pounds by laying on the couch while I am doing all this working out. All he had to do was give up cream in his coffee!

The pictures at the top show diabetic brownies my daughter Jennie made for Valentine's Day. So sweet!

Also, we attended a birthday party for Kyle who turned 16. As a normal "new" driver, he ran into the garage door and busted the headlights. Luckily, nothing more serious.

Work: I previewed a possible estate sale in Rimrock, AZ. After visiting with the elderly lady, I have decided not to take this job. Negative factors include the distance, not enough quality furniture and she doesn't want me to have the sale in the house. This will not work for me. I may elaborate on this subject later.

MANICOTTA

For Valentine's Day I made homemade manicotti a recipe from my Italian mother-in-law. So trust me.....this is good! The pasta is made like a pancake in a frying pan. 3 eggs, 1 cup flour, 1 cup water. Use a drop of olive oil in the pan & ladle the mixture....it doesn't take long, flip once for a very short time. Amazing how it will be flexible like a boiled noodle. Make a stack of these. For the filling: 1 lb. ricotta, 1/2 cup grating cheese, fresh parsley, 1 egg. The fresh parsley is a must to give it the authentic taste. Roll the cheese mixture in the pasta, cover with your red sauce and top with grated cheese. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. I only make this recipe about once a year as I make extra to give to loved ones and this will be a day long project. I always make homemade meatballs to go along with the manicotti. My family knows this means love. The title "MANICOTTA" I copied from her recipe.

VINTAGE VALENTINE

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY 1920's STAND-UP CARD

CIVIL WAR ANTIQUES

Here are 2 items I have listed on eBay today. One is a holster for the army issue colt. This is a rare item and expected to bring $$$. The next item is a wooden hat form or mold for the Kepi hat worn by Civil War soldiers. Maybe someone out there will appreciate these special items. Just wanted to share a bit of history.

On a personal level....worked out with my brother Eric today at the "Y". Tonight's dinner will be Angel Hair Pasta with Tomatoes & Avocados.

CREAMY PENNE & MUSHROOMS

Tuesday, I made the above recipe & my family ate all of it before I could take a photo. This recipe is from my diabetes cookbook. Very delicious!

I am continuing with my daily workouts at the "Y".

Exciting part of my day....watching LOST!!! I love Sawyer.

VINTAGE PROM DRESS

VINTAGE PROM DRESS yellow tulle, rose fabric details from the 1950's-60's

Monday: Some housework, laundry, made homemade vegetable soup and worked out at the "Y" with the kids for an hour & 30 minutes.

SUNDAY

I worked out today with my children at the "Y". We did 45 minutes of cardio and 45 minutes of weights. Afterwards, we picked up some healthy foods for the day. Early evening we went to a Superbowl party and enjoyed the game. Especially the half-time show with the WHO! Even though pizza was served, we just ate the veggies. Yeah....I have made it through another day.

SATURDAY

A RAINY DAY. Worked out at the "Y" for 2 hours. Thought I would have a heart attack near the end. Later, we picked up Subway & 2 movies. "I Love You, Man" really enjoyed, recommend. "District 9" TERRIBLE! Poor acting and ridiculous plot. Listed a few items on eBay.....a full day considering I didn't get out of bed until 10:30. Also finished "Sundays at Tiffany's". This is a very quick and easy read. Great story with a different kind of plot.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Busy week, but a good one. Worked out at the "Y". In our small town, the YMCA is the nicest facility for working out and swimming. They have really modernized the workout room from when I first moved to Prescott in 1988. Also, I finished reading "Sister Carrie" and have started "Sundays at Tiffany's" a book on the New York Times list.

LOST

TONIGHT IS THE FINAL SEASON OF LOST!!! I can't wait....my stomach actually has butterflies. I think this is one of the best shows ever on TV, along with The Soprano's

CARROT SOUP

Tonight I made carrot soup for dinner. I make this recipe about once a month because my family loves this dish. Even I like it and before this recipe, I thought I hated cooked carrots.

Heat 2 tbs olive oil, 2 tsp minced garlic, 2 tbs fresh cilantro, and chili paste (I used Sriracha otherwise known as rooster sauce. Dr. Oz has claimed this to be the best condiment you can use & my family is addicted to this spicy sauce). Saute' 2 chopped onions and a bag of diced carrots. Add a couple of peeled and diced potatoes and 6 cups of broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for approximately 45 minutes until vegetables are soft. After it cools a little......puree' in batches. Serve over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

You can spice this up with curry or chili powder. I did this as my family likes it spicy.

BARBIE BIRTHDAY CAKE

This weekend we attended a birthday party in Phoenix for a 1 year old. The cutest and yummiest cupcakes. The coolest thing....she asked everyone to bring a donation for the Phoenix Crisis Nursery instead of buying her daughter a gift, as she has had a year of love, laughter and presents.

VINTAGE DRESS

I thought this was a cute dress....I purchased at an estate sale. I am going to have it shortened to make it more modern. This vintage dress would be perfect for a prom or party. I will post pictures of the finished piece when it is done. I will probably list it on ebay.

HOMEMADE EGG NOODLES

EGG NOODLES DRYING

I made this recipe for my son Joe. It' s not in my diabetes cook books, but I have to admit...I did eat some & YUM!!! After the noodles dried, I added to the broth from a chuck roast that I had cooked in the crockpot. I shredded some of the meat, boiled a few potatoes, added carrots, celery and onion. The noodles only take about 10 minutes to boil. You can add these noodle to any of your favorite dishes. The recipe follows.

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 pinch salt

2 eggs beaten

1/2 cup mild

1 tablespoon butter

Stir together the flour and salt. Add the beaten eggs, milk and butter.

Knead dough until smoth, about 5 minutes. Let rest in a covered bowl for 10 minutes.

On a floured surface, roll out to 1/8 or 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired lengths and shapes.

Allow to air dry before cooking (I waited 30 minutes).

To cook fresh pasta...in a large pot with boiling salted water until al dente.

"SISTER CARRIE" THEODORE DREISER

I am now reading "SISTER CARRIE" by Theodore Dreiser published in 1900. This novel is on the list for top 100 books. I am working my way through this list in a random order.....party due to the non-efficient library in my small town. After I finished "PERFUME", I brought my "100" list to the library to check out another book and you wouldn't believe how many of the books were not in, misfiled or they didn't have. So this is how I ended with "SISTER CARRIE" because I told myself to take the first one that was available (I was having a hot flash and sweating profusely even though everyone else was cold from the remaining snow). Luckily, I am enjoying this novel very much and would like to not put it down. So far, a small town girl moves to Chicago, lives with her sister & brother in-law, finds a job in a shoe factory and is realizing there must be more to life than the shabby existence she sees around. Well, I have screwed around enough this morning...back to reading. ~~~ ANOTHER complaint about our library......not enough parking!!!!!! Sometimes you have to park blocks away and they do not do a good job of shoveling the snow & ice!!!!!!

ANNA KARENINA & PERFUME

ANNA KARENINA & PERFUME

Recently, I finished reading ANNA KARENINA. I enjoyed the book until the last few chapters. After Anna commits suicide, I would have liked to have known more about her son and Alexey Karine's thoughts. Instead, Tolstoy's focus was on Levin (who's character was my favorite in this novel) and his religious quest.

I am now reading PERFUME The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind. This story takes place in 18Th century Paris. An orphan is born with no body odor of his own but with a highly developed sense of smell. He attempts to create the ultimate perfume by killing virgin women and taking their scent. I became interested in this book after checking the top 100 list. Approximately six months ago, I found out that Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, was inspired by PERFUME to write the song SCENTLESS APPRENTICE from his IN UTERO album. I couldn't wait to tell my daughter & her friends as they were obsessed with Nirvana (since then she is now obsessed with The Misfits). The next day I went to the public library ready to have a great read. To my dismay, the only copy had been checked out! I had made sure the book was available via on-line, so I was a little confused. When my daughter came home from school, she told me they went to the library on their lunch hour & checked out the book! I thought this was really funny.

I would recommend both novels.

AL 3 WEDDING

ALLEN III The Groom
ME

JENNIE & GABE

JENNIE & BRANDEN

JANICE & JENNIE


We had a great weekend attending a wedding, for my nephew Allen, in Mesa at the historic Wright House. What a beautiful setting with gazebos, the original homestead and gorgeous gardens. The photos are of myself and my children, minus Joe who was unable to attend. It was great seeing everyone and lots of good dancing memories.....Aya was a big hit!

HELP

HELP..... I am on some kind of weird non-sleeping schedule. Up every night until 3:00. It's really starting to wear on me.

This week I have been sticking to my plan of eating healthy, reducing calories and drinking more water. I have worked out 4 times and plan on 5-6 times per week.

Help is also needed with being addicted to Facebook, especially Farmville. How sick!

GINGER CHICKEN with RICE NOODLES

GINGER CHICKEN with RICE NOODLES

Mix together: 6 tbs chopped green onion, 3 tsp fresh grated ginger, 6 minced garlic cloves, 3 tsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt.

This mixture is used as a chicken rub. Use 6 chicken breast. Grill for approximately 15 minutes.

Meanwhile boil 2 cups chopped carrots and 1 package rice noodles for approx. 6 Min's.

Drain & add 3 tbs. lemon or lime, 1 cup chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts.

Serve with the chicken on top.

DIABETES DUNGEON

I WILL BE USING MY BLOG to make myself accountable for eating healthy and working out. I am a diabetic and overweight. I have tried many times to get my health under control & maybe if I make it public, I will be more accountable for my actions. This week I have been using the Core Rhythms DVDs and following my diabetes cookbooks. I will be posting some of the recipes. My post will also include whatever is on my mind.

CUTE ESTATE SALE FINDS

Kitchen towels with a vintage look.

CUTE ESTATE SALE FINDS

HAIR

It has occurred to me that my hair is pretty much the same as when I was 9 or 10 as in my blog header (this is a 1970's photo of me in front of our house in Missouri, with my dog Brownie). This is a little scary being that I am almost 47!!!

VINTAGE FUR COAT

On Friday, I was able to attend one of the most incredible estate sales that I have been to in years. Sadly, one of our fellow antique dealers passed away in 2009 and this was a partial sale of all her antique store items. I purchased several vintage clothing items, hat boxes, hats and other nice items. The photo shows one of my "finds"........a fur coat with the most beautiful button. This coat is from Washington D.C. My mannequin does not have hands, so the sleeves look a little funny. Today, I have spent most of the day adding items for sale on my eBay store site. I also made myself exercise to Core Rhythms. I got through the whole routine. My face was so red from being out of shape, BUT I MUST DO THIS. I really need to start taking care of myself.

PORK & CHILI STEW

QUICK PORK & CHILI STEW

• Heat 4 tsp. olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat
• Add 1 lb. pork tenderloin cut into 1 inch cubes
• Cook approx. 4 min.
• Add 1 med. onion sliced
• Add 2 poblano peppers diced
• Cook approx. 3 mins.
• Add 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Add 2-4 med. russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• Add 14 oz. broth
• 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1 tbs. lime juice

Bring all ingredients to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer & cook until potatoes are tender.

You can substitute green bell peppers for poblano.

My family loved this dish. It is low cost and low calorie. Filling and satisfying.

JULIE/JULIA

TONIGHT I watched "Julie/Julia". If you have read the book, you will not be disappointed as the movie follows the book closely. The actors and scenery are first rate. Be warned.......it will make you want to cook.