Another finished project.

Finally got around to finishing my quilt. It's been quite some time that I started it, in fact, years. So happy with the results. Now, what to do next? I have something up my sleeve. Will post as soon as I finish.

It's Been A While.

It's been quite some time since I have blogged. Facebook seems to have taken over the world. I miss blogging, although I have created a new blog, not on blogger.I was just sitting, with my laptop, and checking some sites out. Decided to look at my blog and discovered....I MISS IT. So, here I am and I have lots to catch up on. This is my latest post, from my other site. Thought I would share some holiday cheer, I do love the holidays, although they can be a little hectic. My DIL has been teaching me to create pics and such so I can display what I am doing in a more stylish way, Pinterest way...ya know. Here is the latest pic. I know, I have a long way to go.

1. Essential Oil Bath Salt 2. Old Book paper shredded 3. Wedding Announcment cut into 1/4" strips. Gave it to the couple for a Christmas present.

Our house in SF in the 50's

My sister and I visited San Francisco, to find the house that she remembers living in, I was just an infant, so I have no memory of it, only stories. It is one block from the beach and just a few blocks from the Zoo.

The steps are just as she remembered.

Vegan Taco Bake.

Found the Taco Bake recipe on Pinterest, replaced the cheese with homemade vegan cheese. It's delicious.

White washed potting table.

Another project finished. I have been wanting to white wash this potting table for years. I am pleased at the result.

I bought this potting shed from a very good friend, who moved far far away. Her husband, Bob, built this for her. She didn't want to hall it across the country so I was next in line to have it.

Home made Shea Butter soap. My first attempt at making soap, it turned out great. All ready for to hit the shelves, my shelves.

Just scroll down a few pictures and you can see the bars cut and ready to cure.

Oatmeal Parfait

This is just as yummy as it looks. Oatmeal with chia seeds. I layered it with a frozen banana and blackberries, soy vanilla yogurt and more oatmeal.

Vegan Oatmeal Patties

It's hard to think that this concoction is going to turn into delicious vegan oatmeal patties. But it certainly does.

After oatmeal mixture has cooled, I use a wide mouth canning ring and lid to form patties. Just spoon mixture into lid until you have desired amount. I wet the inside of the lid with a little water to keep mixture from sticking when I push it onto the pan.

Just push mixture out and make the next one. So simple.

See how perfect the patty is. Now, just pop them in the oven and cook.

So yummy, especially with my husbands homemade pickles.

Goes great with a bowl of Green Pea soup. If you would the recipes, please leave a comment and information, I will be happy to send them to you.

Carob Fudge

Believe me when I say, being a vegan doesn't get any better. This is some awesome fudge made with carob. I am not a fan of carob but let me tell you, this is so delicious. Did I mention it's quick and easy to make? Well, it is!

Not sure anyone really reads my blog so I am not going to post the recipe. If you would like it, just leave a comment with your information and I will be happy to share it with you.

Vegan Cupcakes

In the past, I have tried a few attempts at vegan cupcakes, and failed. I tried again and I am pretty sure I succeeded. I love a cake that's fluffy and moist along with light and fluffy frosting. These are perfect.
I probably will never know if they are as good as the ones sold in New York at Baby Cakes Bakery, but I know they are 100% better than the ones I made from her cookbook.

Lentil Loaf

I must admit, I am having fun with the vegan style.

Thanks again Oh She Glows!
For recipe, go to: http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/01/ultimate-vegan-lentil-walnut-loaf/
(Sorry, I guess I forgot how to add a link)

Olive Oil Pasta with Pecans, Lentils and Red Peppers

1 serving (3oz) spaghetti (I used whole wheat)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, dry toasted ( I used Pecans)
1/2 cup + 1-2 tbsp medium heat salsa
1.5-2 tbsp good quality extra virgin olive oil
2-2.5 tbsp nutritional yeast (gives it a creaminess)
1-1.5 tbsp ketchup
1/2 tsp garlic powder, or to taste
1/2 tsp dried basil (I used fresh)
1/4 tsp black pepper (I didn't have any)
1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste (I used Sea Salt)
Pinch red pepper flakes
1/4-1/2 cup chopped red pepper (optional)
1/2 cup spinach
1/3 cup cooked lentils
Directions:

1.Cook 1 serving of pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, grab a small pot and turn heat to medium. Add chopped walnuts to dry pot and lightly toast for a few minutes, being careful not to burn.

2. After toasting the walnuts, add in the rest of the ingredients (except for the spinach), to taste. Be careful as the walnuts will sizzle and may splatter when you add in the salsa. Stir well and heat on medium-low for another 7-8 minutes.

3. Place spinach in a colander and rinse. When pasta is cooked, remove from heat and pour onto the colander (with the spinach in it) and rinse lightly. Drain and then add the spinach and pasta into the pot. Now pour the sauce into the pasta and spinach and stir well. Season to taste and adjust flavours if necessary. Makes 1 large serving or 2 small servings.

Thanks Oh She Glows!

Crocheted Soap Pouch

Quick and easy crocheted soap pouch. Made out of 100% cotton.

By putting a bar of soap inside, it can be used to exfoliate the skin or you could just keep a bar of soap in it and hang it in the shower.

Home Made Bath Soap.

Last year, my son and daughter in law, took me to several Apple Farms, in Southern California. Each farm had their own gift shop. While roaming around one of them, I noticed a bar of soap, I picked it up and ran my fingers over the edge. I was amazed at how soft and soothing it felt. It had a wonderful aroma too, it was lavender. It contained goat milk and Shea butter. I knew, if I did my homework, I could make this. So began my journey.....
I have been searching and reading, for the past year, how to make soap. I was so intimidated with the ingredient "Lye". I gathered as much information as possible and talked to a few people that have made their own soap. Okay, I can do this.

In the meantime, before I decided to make my own, I ordered several bars of Shea Butter soap, from an online distributor. I was amazed, after several showers using the soap, how soft my skin had become. I didn't need lotion. Before, I would shower and then lather my arms, legs and face with lotion. So, I have discovered, for myself, the Shea Butter leaves my skin feeling so soft, not dry at all.

The most important information I can give you,if you want to make your own soap, and remember, this was my first attempt, I am not an expert, is, do your homework, especially if your using Lye. You can burn and ruin your whole batch. There are plenty of websites that will help you with the recipes, instructions etc.

Homemade Laundry Detergent.

There is nothing more gratifying than making something homemade, not to mention the money one saves. I was able to make 14.5 lbs. of laundry detergent for $11.65. The great part about it all is, it's all natural, no added chemicals or fillers and I will only have to use 1-2 tbs. per load. Think how long this is going to last. I shouldn't have to buy detergent for a good 6 months.
Oh the aroma too...you should smell how fresh and clean my kitchen smells, since that is where I mixed this together.
I can't wait to do laundry...now there is a plus right there. Who likes to do chores like that?

1 4lb box of Borax
1 4lb box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
1 Box of Arm & Hammer Super Wash
3 bars of Fels-Naptha...found it at Wal Mart

Grate Fels with kitchen grater, I used my food processer. Mix all ingredients together in a large bucket and enjoy. Use 1-2 tbs per load.