Armpits and Duct Tape Coin Purses

I tried making homemade deodorant last week. I know. Trust me, I know. A few years ago I tried the homemade deodorant thing, and it did not go so well. First I tried plain baking soda, which was...

Photo Friday: Frogs

They've quieted down a bit now, but the last few weeks have been so loud around here. Frogs. Being raucous since...hell, I dunno, THE DAWN OF TIME. I went out and peered into the swamp and saw this...

Books That Need Reading

Lately I've been seeing list after list of books everyone is supposed to read. While part of me wonders who in the hell comes up with these lists and more importantly how can I get in on this...

I Apologize in Advance

I was checking out craigslist last night, because that's what I do, when this popped up. You have no idea how much I want to email that guy. With something like this: I DON'T CARE IF SHE'S BROKE,...

Photo Friday: Ducks in the Road

Literally. In the road. This handsome Mallard and his lady friend toddled past the house last week and I snapped a few pictures of them from between the fence rails in the yard. Photo Friday should...

War of the Roses

On Monday I did battle with the roses in the backyard. They run one length of the yard, from a mock orange tree to a crabapple. Which you can kinda sorta see from the photo below. Over the years...

Fixing Broken Springs on a Wingback Chair

A matching pair of wingback chairs was given to me by our neighbor several years ago. In very short order, a couple springs on each chair let loose. Through the bottom, thankfully, not the top....

Photo Friday: Birds, Again

First off, I feel like Luigi from 'Cars'. I MUST A-SCREAM IT TO THE WORLD! MY EXCITEMENT! FROM THE TOP OF SOMEPLACE VERY HIGH! My dentist appointment yesterday revealed that I have no wisdom teeth....

Just Another Manic Wednesday. Shut Up, Bangles.

The song might say Monday, but my Monday was pretty straightforward and simple. Not manic. Today, however, is slightly manic-y. First up, it be May 1. In case you were not aware of that. Today the...

My New Favorite Hairdo - The Twist and Bun

This one happened by accident when I was trying to do a French twist. Which, with my hair, is sorta impossible. Like the proverbial 25-pounds-of-flour-in-a-5-pound-bag. Except with hair. Anyway,...

Photo Friday: Spring?

Spring might maybe perhaps be arriving. Finally. This weekend it's supposed to be near 70, and I'm so excited I could pee like a nervous Border Collie. I haven't seen the lawn in months. Probably...

Old Lamp to New Lamp

My mother-in-law found this lamp while doing a bit of spring cleaning. What a beaut. The lamp was headed for the garbage, but I snatched it instead. I loved the shape, and figured it could be...

Painted Plywood Floors Revisited

All winter long my sinuses gave me a lot of grief. Not only did I get my very first sinus infection but there were so many days spent dealing with headaches and pressure in mah face. Which I've...

Photo Friday: I Blame Daniel Craig

OMG, you guys. I watched 'Elizabeth' last night and was so distracted by how un-foxy Daniel Craig used to be that I forgot to actually write today's blog post. It was scheduled and ready to go, but...

Photo Friday: Splitting Wood

How to Make Crystallized Ginger

Another recipe. I know. But this is a good one, mostly because it's a twofer - not only do you get candied ginger, you also get ginger syrup. I had never eaten crystallized ginger before, but...

Open Letters

Dear Salmon Canneries, It would be super awesome if you put a little note on your cans of salmon that said 'THAR BE BONES IN THIS HERE CAN.' Because you know what really sucks? Getting ready to...

Photo Friday: Robins

Robins and geese are back! Which is supposed to mean the return of warm weather, but HA! Joke's on me! As I'm writing this (Thursday afternoon) it's 23 degrees with the windchill and snowing. I...

Green Dresses and Black Shoes

The past few weeks it's like the gods of clothing and accessories have vomited on my head. In a good way. Dresses and shoes have found their way into the closet, and one of my favorites is this...

New Staircase!

First of all, I would like it to be known that this staircase was finished without me consuming even 1 bottle of wine. Brandy slush yes, but that doesn't count. Of course I forgot to take a before...

Photo Friday: Choose the Form of the Destructor

Excuse the quality of the photos, they were taken with the camera on my tablet and are therefore not great. This poor skunk didn't even see it coming. AND NOW SHE WILL SLEEP ON THE REMAINS OF THE...

Jammie Dodgers and Downward Facing Dogs

Random Occurrences from the Past Week, Because There's Not a Whole Lot Else To Talk About Right Now: - We are now 2.5 weeks into The Staircase Project. The finish line is in sight. Sweet fancy...

Brandy Slush

Oh man, I have been posting a lot of recipes lately. I can't seem to help myself; having daylight longer into the evening makes me want to take pictures of everything. That, and there's been a bit...

Photo Friday: March Moon

March moon. The moon last August. Someday someone is going to have to clean out my attic and they're going to come across 4,983 photos of the moon. I have made peace with this fact. See ya on Monday!

Green Chile Chicken Burgers with Cumin Sour Cream

Pinterest strikes again! That's where I first saw this recipe for Jalapeno Chicken Burgers. The original recipe called for the burgers to be served with guacamole and salsa. And while I'm on the...

DIY Metallic Picture Frames

Even with several feet of snow still on the ground here, I've been in the throes of an epic spring cleaning session the past week or so. Parts of the house are being remodeled, parts have been...

Photo Friday: The Wood Pile

I think we're good on the firewood front for awhile. For perspective: Send help. And strapping men.

How to Hang Plates Without Hangers

I wanted to title this post something like 'How to Hang Plates Without Hangers or Nails, Like a Total DIY Gangsta' but that would have been a bit much even for me. But it's true! It can be done!...

Oven-Fried Popcorn Shrimp

Okay, so these aren't technically 'popcorn' shrimp, they're bigger. Yet still labeled 'small'. Someone please come over and explain shrimp labeling guidelines. Years ago I used to buy the frozen...

Photo Friday: The Difference a Year Makes

The above photo was taken last year around March 15. This year's March 15th photo: Screw it. I'm gonna go hibernate until the snow melts.