We have a saying in the South- "a month of Sundays". It refers to a long time- such as "I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays", or "I haven't done that in a month of Sundays". It's similar to "in a coon's age", though I'm going to be 100% honest with you... I don't know what coon's age refers to. I'm not sure if it refers to the lifespan of a racoon (1 1/2-3 years, in the wild...if you were wondering) or if it's a racial thing. Since I'm not sure, I try to avoid it...so my preferred saying is "month of Sundays".
Yeah, how's that for a ramble?
Anyway, if you want to do the math on a month of Sundays, you'll quickly realize it refers to quite a while- the average month being 30 days only 4 Sundays to a month (generally. Yes, sometimes you get 5 Sundays in a month. I don't like Math. Just go with it).
So. It feels like it's been a month of Sundays since I've posted here, though I see by the date that it's really only barely a realtime month. Hm.
I've been doing a lot of reading (and playing on Facebook, but reading sounds better). I've enjoyed crocheting some new projects, though my current one is a fun pain in the butt. I'll be sure to post pictures once it's finally done. God willing and the creek don't rise, that will be soon. (You're welcome for that fun, bonus southern expression).
I've goofed off enough, time to go play on Facebook- I mean.... get back to my crochet.
-Kristen
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
A Dinner of Leftovers
So I enjoy leftovers, but sometimes we end up with something that is kind of hard to use. For instance- we had exactly eight small meatballs left over from our spaghetti and meatballs (the meat was leftover from hamburgers- the deer meat is packaged in two pound packages).
So, what to do, what to do?
Why not meatball subs?
However, we have eight tiny meatballs and no sub rolls. Bah.
So this is what we did! I took out a package of hot dog buns and popped two in the toaster oven, (split open) with a slice of provolone cheese in the middle.
I made up some spaghetti sauce and reheated the meatballs, then we simply spooned the meatballs and sauce over our buns and laid a piece of provolone on the top. Voila!
Then, because each "sub" was tiny, we repeated it- with ham. I took some sandwich ham, cut it up and put it on the sauce covered hot dog buns, then threw a slice of provolone on them and heated them up.
Talk about a leftovers meal! The only thing purchased FOR this meal with the 1/4lb of provolone, of which we have some leftover.
It pays to think outside the box! Now we have plenty of hot dog buns left for our hot dog meal later in the week, we're both full, and the meatballs didn't go to waste! I call that a successful dinner. :)
-Kristen
So, what to do, what to do?
Why not meatball subs?
However, we have eight tiny meatballs and no sub rolls. Bah.
So this is what we did! I took out a package of hot dog buns and popped two in the toaster oven, (split open) with a slice of provolone cheese in the middle.
I made up some spaghetti sauce and reheated the meatballs, then we simply spooned the meatballs and sauce over our buns and laid a piece of provolone on the top. Voila!
Then, because each "sub" was tiny, we repeated it- with ham. I took some sandwich ham, cut it up and put it on the sauce covered hot dog buns, then threw a slice of provolone on them and heated them up.
Talk about a leftovers meal! The only thing purchased FOR this meal with the 1/4lb of provolone, of which we have some leftover.
It pays to think outside the box! Now we have plenty of hot dog buns left for our hot dog meal later in the week, we're both full, and the meatballs didn't go to waste! I call that a successful dinner. :)
-Kristen
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Windowsill Garden
It's cold outside- I'm sure you've noticed. Even Florida has noticed. You got snow, Florida. Don't deny it.
I'm working on a windowsill garden. It's not much- a few scallions I saved before the bag I purchased went bad are happily growing in a small half pint mason jar. Fun story- scallions regrow themselves very easily. Even if you start with just the white bulb, a tiny bit of root and about an inch of stem, stick it in a jar with a little water, let it get some sun, and boom- new stems to be harvested and enjoyed!
In another half pint mason jar is a few stems of Cilantro. I'm trying to root it, because it supposedly can be done. I'm running in to problems, and have no idea why. So far the first few stems eventually turned yellow and died, all without producing a root. Hopefully this set will do better- I use cilantro rarely, so it kills me to buy a bundle and have most of it go to waste, even if it is only a dollar or so.
I have a few inner pieces of Romaine lettuce left in the fridge from a head we purchased last week. I plan on cutting the stem down to just a few inches and placing it in water. From what I've seen, in just a few weeks the head of Romaine will regrow itself!
What a great way to have a small garden in the winter and stretch your dollar even farther!
-Kristen
I'm working on a windowsill garden. It's not much- a few scallions I saved before the bag I purchased went bad are happily growing in a small half pint mason jar. Fun story- scallions regrow themselves very easily. Even if you start with just the white bulb, a tiny bit of root and about an inch of stem, stick it in a jar with a little water, let it get some sun, and boom- new stems to be harvested and enjoyed!
In another half pint mason jar is a few stems of Cilantro. I'm trying to root it, because it supposedly can be done. I'm running in to problems, and have no idea why. So far the first few stems eventually turned yellow and died, all without producing a root. Hopefully this set will do better- I use cilantro rarely, so it kills me to buy a bundle and have most of it go to waste, even if it is only a dollar or so.
I have a few inner pieces of Romaine lettuce left in the fridge from a head we purchased last week. I plan on cutting the stem down to just a few inches and placing it in water. From what I've seen, in just a few weeks the head of Romaine will regrow itself!
What a great way to have a small garden in the winter and stretch your dollar even farther!
-Kristen
Saturday, February 1, 2014
I'm stuck
Lately I've been working at a good clip on my book- I'm down to the last chapter or two, which is incredibly exciting for me.
Unfortunately- I'm a little stuck. I know what has to happen, I am just drawing a blank how to get my characters where they need to go.
When it comes to times like these, I don't try to force it. I'll spend sometime (not tomorrow, tomorrow is the SUPER BOWL!) sketching and outline of this next series of events. I'll even rework the previous chapter to see if I can take everyone down a new path which will open up things for me.
It is a very intense thing, writing a novel. I almost wonder if I haven't put this wall in my own mind because I'm a little scared to finish the story.
Anyway, it's almost DONE. I anticipate having it finished in the next two weeks. Then I'll go back, work my rewrites and get my readers lined up.
I'm really, really excited- writing is a passion of mine and I can't wait to submit an actual work. I pray I can get it published, but even if I can't pick up an agent, there are so many options out there now- quite a few writers self-publish and when they show they can attract readers, are offered publishing contracts for subsequent books.
Wish me luck!
-Kristen
Unfortunately- I'm a little stuck. I know what has to happen, I am just drawing a blank how to get my characters where they need to go.
When it comes to times like these, I don't try to force it. I'll spend sometime (not tomorrow, tomorrow is the SUPER BOWL!) sketching and outline of this next series of events. I'll even rework the previous chapter to see if I can take everyone down a new path which will open up things for me.
It is a very intense thing, writing a novel. I almost wonder if I haven't put this wall in my own mind because I'm a little scared to finish the story.
Anyway, it's almost DONE. I anticipate having it finished in the next two weeks. Then I'll go back, work my rewrites and get my readers lined up.
I'm really, really excited- writing is a passion of mine and I can't wait to submit an actual work. I pray I can get it published, but even if I can't pick up an agent, there are so many options out there now- quite a few writers self-publish and when they show they can attract readers, are offered publishing contracts for subsequent books.
Wish me luck!
-Kristen
Friday, January 31, 2014
Warmth at the end of the tunnel
It has been freezing cold here in the South lately- and by freezing, I should clarify. Freezing would have been glorious. We got down to single digits on night- and if I wanted to deal with those kinds of temperatures, I'd move up North.
It has been hard to take care of the animals. They are cold, our hands are freezing as we try to open cages- let's just say the poor rabbits haven't gotten a lot of attention lately.
What has gotten attention? Their frozen water bottles. We have to collect the bottles, then soak them in hot water to unfreeze the bottles, then fill them up with fresh, unfrozen water. We head out and give the bottles back to the thirsty rabbits. Rinse, Repeat.
I have high hopes that the bottles will remain unfrozen for the next few days. Both the rabbits and we would appreciate the break!
It's looking like we'll have some days of very warm weather (mid-50s to high 60s), followed by some days where we hover around freezing. Then back to warm, back to cold.
It's ten wonders we all aren't super sick. The poor animals are never going to figure out if they should molt their coats or hold on to them!
-Kristen
It has been hard to take care of the animals. They are cold, our hands are freezing as we try to open cages- let's just say the poor rabbits haven't gotten a lot of attention lately.
What has gotten attention? Their frozen water bottles. We have to collect the bottles, then soak them in hot water to unfreeze the bottles, then fill them up with fresh, unfrozen water. We head out and give the bottles back to the thirsty rabbits. Rinse, Repeat.
I have high hopes that the bottles will remain unfrozen for the next few days. Both the rabbits and we would appreciate the break!
It's looking like we'll have some days of very warm weather (mid-50s to high 60s), followed by some days where we hover around freezing. Then back to warm, back to cold.
It's ten wonders we all aren't super sick. The poor animals are never going to figure out if they should molt their coats or hold on to them!
-Kristen
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Stamps are going up!
Quick heads up- stamps jump to 49cents each on January 26th. It is a good time to grab some Forever stamps.
This is why I do my best to pay our bills online! Geez!
-Kristen
This is why I do my best to pay our bills online! Geez!
-Kristen
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Too many buns!
We have a small household- there are just the two of us, so things like Hot Dog buns and Hamburger buns kill me. We have to buy them in packs of 8, but we don't eat Hot Dogs or Hamburgers often enough that I can use a whole pack of buns before they go bad!
At least I can buy the weenies in packs that allow me to split them up and we make our own hamburger patties, so I combine the meat- one day we may have spaghetti and meatballs, then two days later, we'll have burgers. That's the easy part to divvy up.
So what are some ways to use those excess buns?
Garlic toast: I throw a little butter on the buns, sprinkle a little garlic salt (or sometimes, cheese) and pop it in the toaster oven as a compliment to other meals.
Breadcrumbs: Yes, even buns work well to make your own breadcrumbs. The easiest way is to tear the buns in chunks and toss them in your food processor. A few spins later, breadcrumbs!
Sandwiches: Yep, I've been known to make myself a sandwich using a hot dog bun. Better than letting it go to waste! It's kind of like a small sub.
Hot Dogs on Hamburger buns: I hate Hot Dogs on sandwich bread. Don't ask me why, I always have. So imagine my dismay recently to open up a leftover pack of buns and find mold on them! Ugh, and here I thought I was doing so well!
Hamburgers are on the menu later this week, so we hit on an idea-
After cooking the hot dogs, Tim sliced them lengthwise down the center (then he threw them back in the pan because he loves them a bit charred lol). Then, we cut the hot dogs in half width-wise. We put four pieces to a bun, topped it like normal and enjoyed our lunch. Yes, it was a little more bun than we usually have with the dogs, but hey.... it killed two birds with one stone, since now I don't have to worry about what to do with the leftover hamburger buns we'll end up having!
-Kristen
At least I can buy the weenies in packs that allow me to split them up and we make our own hamburger patties, so I combine the meat- one day we may have spaghetti and meatballs, then two days later, we'll have burgers. That's the easy part to divvy up.
So what are some ways to use those excess buns?
Garlic toast: I throw a little butter on the buns, sprinkle a little garlic salt (or sometimes, cheese) and pop it in the toaster oven as a compliment to other meals.
Breadcrumbs: Yes, even buns work well to make your own breadcrumbs. The easiest way is to tear the buns in chunks and toss them in your food processor. A few spins later, breadcrumbs!
Sandwiches: Yep, I've been known to make myself a sandwich using a hot dog bun. Better than letting it go to waste! It's kind of like a small sub.
Hot Dogs on Hamburger buns: I hate Hot Dogs on sandwich bread. Don't ask me why, I always have. So imagine my dismay recently to open up a leftover pack of buns and find mold on them! Ugh, and here I thought I was doing so well!
Hamburgers are on the menu later this week, so we hit on an idea-
After cooking the hot dogs, Tim sliced them lengthwise down the center (then he threw them back in the pan because he loves them a bit charred lol). Then, we cut the hot dogs in half width-wise. We put four pieces to a bun, topped it like normal and enjoyed our lunch. Yes, it was a little more bun than we usually have with the dogs, but hey.... it killed two birds with one stone, since now I don't have to worry about what to do with the leftover hamburger buns we'll end up having!
-Kristen
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