No Strings Attached Chicken Rotisserie Crockpot Soup

When all you have left is the rotisserie chicken carcass, stick it into a crockpot, add water, carrots, onion, garlic, seasoned pepper, a little chicken soup base - cover and let simmer. But be sure you remove the string holding the wings and legs underneath first! (Hmm, chicken seems a little stringy...)

After I crock it for about 6 hours, I strain it and put the broth into a container and refrigerate overnight -- to let the fat rise to the surface so I can skim it away. Then I reheat it and add fresh sliced carrots, chicken bits, 2 cups of egg noodles and voila! I think the rotisserie seasonings help to make a pretty and flavorful broth. And it is one more money-saving way to get another meal out of the bird. Leftovers freeze easily -- I put a bowlful amount in individual Zip-locs and freeze flat to save space.

Garden Update

New additions to the garden -- "Zinfandel" Oxalis vulcanicola with pretty yellow flowers.

Thought I would try Pesto Perpetuo Basil this year. The purple basil may still come back.

But the Rock Rose did!

Just transplanted these Indian Paintbrushes. They should have more blooms and get brighter and more orange-y as soon as they settle in a bit more.

Look at the Heliotrope! It quadrupled in size practically overnight and is still growing and setting more tiny but powerfully fragrant purple flowers.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

September, "Satellites" 3:06

Money Monday - Urawaza!

I first heard of the Japanese word Urawaza - meaning clever tips and tricks - when I read Paul Boutin's article in the February 19 Circuits section of the New York Times. He listed several neat low-tech fixes for high-tech problems. My favorite was using your head (literally) to extend the range of your remote car door opener by holding the metal part of the key fob against your chin and then pressing the button, turning your head into an antenna to make the signal go a little bit farther! And Lisa Katayama is the author of "Urawaza," a collection of clever (and cheap) ways to solve problems with what you have on hand. Anything you can do to make something work better and last a little longer is a great way to save money.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

A-Punk, "Vampire Weekend" 2:18

Java (Jelly) Bean Coffee Cup Sleeve

I combined two ideas for coffee cup sleeves. The pattern for the "Java Jacket" is from CK Media's Quick Gifts holiday issue and the closure idea is from House on Hill Road/Erin Harris' Coffee Cozy.

I needed to adjust the curve on the pattern, as for some reason it was wider at the center and didn't appear even when it was wrapped around the cup. I'm also thinking you may want to also make the band about 1, 1 1/2 ,or even 2 inches narrower, depending upon what size drink you usually order. (You could also use a cardboard cup sleeve as the pattern.) Instead of following the directions of sewing right sides together and turning inside out, I sandwiched the batting between the wrong sides of the fabric...and machine quilted around some of the jelly beans. Being a little too lazy this afternoon to switch out the serger threads, I did a serpentine stitch along the edges and then a narrow zig zag over the edge. I liked Erin's idea of using a new hair elastic to loop around a button - this will help the sleeve accommodate differently-sized cups. (My model is a 20 ounce cup from Buc-ee's.)

Pam Archer's "Java Jacket" article also suggested different alternatives such as adding small ball fringe to the lower edge, an outside pocket , or using ironing board insulation instead of batting for extra-hot coffee.

This is a fun and quick little gift to sew showcasing cool buttons, trim and using some stashed fabrics or leftover technique practice pieces.

Who are these people and what are they doing here?

As you can obviously tell, I have a rather eclectic group of friends and fellow bloggers in the right alley. I thought each week on Sunday I would randomly showcase one from the list and why they are there. I love to discover new blogs, and I think you will enjoy the introduction for new places to visit in Bloggy Land.

This week - Unclutterer ...Because hope springs eternal.

Bunny, Hop - Burda 7997

An "egg-stra" special bunny in this stash VIP Cranston Easter egg print.

Since the time I made the shorts from this pattern last August, I fear it has been discontinued, as I could not find it on the Burda website. 7997 may still be in the store catalog. I hope so, there's a lot of goodies in this pattern.

It went together fairly easily and quickly. I liked the fact I didn't have to sew and then turn the pieces rightside out. You stitch and then finish the raw edges wrong sides together.

I didn't want the embroidered face to get lost in the print, so I thread traced the markings on a lightweight interfacing on the wrong side of wool felt, and then narrow zig-zagged the features. I jazzed up the eyes with adhesive rhinestone flower "tatoos" from last summer's Target Dollar Spot offerings. It gave it a little bling and kept the eyes from looking too creepy.

He needed a tail - so I hot glued a cotton ball to his backside! The End

Hello Kitty Computer!

My HP Mini computer goes Hello Kitty with the addition of two Hello Kitty stickers from the Target Dollar Spot! The sheet of "Jumbo" puffy HK stickers are priced at $2.50; but give you plenty of Spring Hello Kitty sticker decorating opportunities.

Carrot Raisin Bread

On "Live with Regis and Kelly" this morning, they were talking about Pepperidge Farm's Raisin Bread, and then a little bit later reading The Naughty Secretary's blog, she was talking about carrot raisin bread - but didn't post a recipe. So I Googled "Carrot Raisin Bread" and found this recipe from Unity Health, provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutions of Health. A long way to get a slice around here, and you know it has to be healthy coming from these sources. I gave it a try this morning and give it an A!

I divied the batter into my three 3 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 loaf pans, and rotated them in the oven every 10 minutes for a total of 30 minutes. An extra pan to wash, but I saved 20 minutes in the oven. I used regular raisins instead of golden raisins, and figured it wouldn't make that much difference. It didn't and next time I may add a little bit more, maybe 1/3 cup. Trying to measure 1 1/2 cups of shredded carrots proved messy and daunting, so I just went with two regular sized carrots in the Cuisinart Little Chopper. Chopped, shredded - it looked good to me. I also used Penzeys Ceylon cinnamon. I think the cinnamon and the allspice helped make it not only smell wonderful while baking, but taste better, too. And I loved the chopped pecans for a little extra crunch. Normally I don't repost the recipes from online sources, but nowadays, you don't know who or what companies - especially insurance - may still be around when all said and done.

CARROT RAISIN BREAD

1½ cup sifted all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground allspice
1 egg, beaten
½ cup water
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
½ tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cup finely shredded carrots
¼ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup golden raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil two 9x5 inch loaf pans. Stir together dry ingredients in large mixing bowl. Make a well in center of dry mixture. In a separate bowl, mix together remaining ingredients and add this mixture all at once to the dry ingredients. Stir just enough to moisten and evenly distribute carrots. Turn into prepared pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for five minutes in the pan. Remove the loaves from the pans and complete cooling on a wire rack before slicing. One serving size is a ½ inch slice.
Calories = 99 Fat = 3 g Cholesterol = 12 mg Sodium = 97 mg

St. Patrick's Day 2010

Or next week's new toy for Grandma's cat! I dunno about this one. I went along with Martha Stewart's Zipper Flowers basic idea of using a zipper and folding/wrapping/forming the flower...But decided to use needle and thread to secure the petals instead of a hot glue gun! This was the longest zipper I had in the stash (20" versus a 36"?!) and an odd enough color I didn't think I would be using any time soon. A fast, quirky project if you have an assortment of leftover zippers.

Valentine's Day 2010

But isn't any time is a good time for hearts and love? This "Blossoming Brooch" project was from the February issue of Martha Stewart Living's Good Things column. Instead of lace I used wire-edged ribbon from Costco -- in the lifetime-sized 50 yard roll. I loved the heart edging - good for all year-round. I used a 34" piece and gathered it to about 12". I think the wire helped it form a good shape and stay in place. Not only will this look cute as a pin, but also for package decorations or any other opportunity for a flower to brighten your day.

Wearing o' the Green! - Shamrock Boutonniere pins

Or, "Mom did you really sew this to my uniform vest?!" Yes, yes I did! Just the top ribbon cockade part though.

I found the link to Martha Stewart's Shamrock Boutonniere, at the Craft Gossip site yesterday afternoon and finished them while watching "Dancing with the Stars." Don't we all do better under a little pressure? (Sewing and DWTS)

The larger shamrock is the template I used for ours. I sort of followed Martha's directions. . .

1) I traced the shamrocks onto clear plastic...2) went into the stash and pulled the shamrock fabrics, cut two each 3" x 5" of each fabric...3) discovered I didn't (or couldn't find) my Wonder Under and used a piece of non-fusible interfacing sandwiched between...4) I stitch-traced along the templates and learned the small one is just too small... 5) Then I zig-zagged 1.5 L x 2.0 W around each shamrock and cut out... 6) Folded each leaf in half and pressed, then stitched along the crease...7) I didn't have floral wire, but I had metallic silver pipecleaners and I attached the shams to them.

I grouped three together and tied with two green bows. L thought hers needed more bling, so I added a string of green sequins and the shamrock bow on top. I tied mine together with the wired shamrock ribbon. We are good to go! Just cross your fingers she will be lucky enough to slip under the uniform police radar at school.

Et tu, Threads?

Anyone else notice Threads Magazine increased their price from $4.99 to $6.99 with the new issue (#142 May 2009)? I will still keep buying it, but only with Jo-Ann's and Barnes and Noble coupons. Maybe that's why they raised the price?

P.S. On the positive side, I loved Kenneth King's roses article on page 59 - they are gorgeous!

Hello Kitty, Hello Spring!

Check out the new totebag for Hello Kitty at the Target Dollar Spot. This version is priced at $2.50, but it is much sturdier. Pretty in pink with "grosgrain ribbon" handles and coated fabric. It measures 10" x 12" x 3".

Sandra Betzina Today's Fit Vogue 1049 - Views A & B

Grab Sandra Betzina's Vogue 1049 top collection while it is still in the catalog! Both Views A & B are winners. There is an optional cutting line with View A so you don't have to make it asymmetrical. The View B tank is reversible, but you could also just add a facing or simply turn the edges under 3/8" and topstitch, as I did in my trial run. Good news for petites, View A is another shorty - I had to add 3" in length and 1 1/2" to the sleeves. I also noted it had a closer fit -- you may want to cut between your next size up to give you a little more fudging room, depending upon the thickness of your fabric. The facings are cut-on and incorporated into the front and back pieces. It even included a dart for the front! (Note that the back piece #2 is mislettered at the center fold line, it says F instead of E, even though it is the E fold line. So if you are highlighting to make your size stand out, start with the side/shoulder seams and trace across.) I also loved her method of doing the shoulder seams. The shaping of the neckline and shoulder seams of the View B tank top is subtle and flattering. View B's directions also suggest using piping between the two fabrics to hide the reversible layer, or giving a faux piping effect by pressing one layer up a bit and topstitching to keep in place.

Money Monday - Go Green!

I try to drink lots of water and get at least two servings of green tea a day. With the exception of the cooler temperatures this past weekend, it's hard to drink hot green tea when it's warmer. I was using the Lipton tea to go packets, but they didn't always dissolve completely, had a somewhat off-taste and were costly. I decided to try making my own, reusing the water bottle from the morning's workout so by the time I left to get my daughter from school, it would be cold enough to grab and go. I've got a big mug to hold the refilled 16.9 ounces/500 ml of water to microwave and make my green tea. (Costco sells a box of 100 green tea bags for around $12). Add a little bit of honey, let cool , pour back into the bottle and refrigerate. Not only do I reuse my water bottle one more time before recycling, but I can make my own non-clumping, chemical-free green iced tea for less than 15 cents.

Who are these people and what are they doing here?

As you can obviously tell, I have a rather eclectic group of friends and fellow bloggers in the right alley. I thought each week on Sunday I would randomly showcase one from the list and why they are there. I love to discover new blogs, and I think you will enjoy the introduction for new places to visit in Bloggy Land.

This week - By Any Other Name/Needles, Pins, Thorns A sewing blog by Rose in California. Cool projects and she has a great list of more sewing-related blogs.

Sandra Betzina Today's Fit Vogue 1085 - View A

Vogue 1085 View A, the raglan-sleeved top with drapey neckline. This is my second version. I used a raspberry red knit for the first run, automatically adding 2 3/4" to the back/front length and the sleeves...but it was too long! A first! It was also too tight - was the chocolate Zinger tasty treat I succumbed to last night to blame? (OK, two Zingers.) I couldn't save it, even shortening the length and using 1/4" serged side seams. Sandra allows 1" seam allowances for the side seams, all the others are 5/8". So I retaped the pattern pieces back together and added a little extra to the side seam allowances for this one. I was going to use the leftover neck binding piece until I tried to pin it to the neckline - it wasn't stretching enough to fit. I tried tugging it and there was hardly any stretch. Did I cut it on the wrong grainline? No, the problem was the stretchy part of the knit was lengthwise. So it wasn't the Zinger's fault! It was the $1/yard Wal-Mart stash fabric, which I just assumed had the stretch going crossgrain! I still liked the contrast look and recut the binding. I also ended up taking out some of the side seam allowances, too. Whew! Sandra's sleeves still run just a little short on my arms, I think it needed an extra 1" in length. This view also has a pouch pattern piece for a weight to tuck into the front binding to help the neckline drape. Sandra suggests a quarter, though for this fabric it was a little too heavy and I went with a nickel instead. Also good to know you can also make this in a woven using a bias layout to increase the versatility, for just a bit more fabric. The one thing (two?) I realized while wearing it about today how it pulled across the bustline. Later tonight I pulled the front pattern piece and noticed the apex point was lower - lower than where the raglan sleeve met the side seam. Yet despite my tugging up, down and out, I was higher. Even the draping effect couldn't disguise it. Check the pattern to see how it corresponds to you. Honestly, I liked and bought the pattern for the wrap top, View B. I'll stick with Sandra's Vogue 2945 when I want another draped-front top.

Netflix Stars - The Secret Life of Bees

4.5/5.0 - A wonderful movie! Add it to your queue. Dakota Fanning is absolutely charming, with excellent performances by everyone in the cast. But be sure you have a box of Kleenex handy when you watch it. I haven't read the book by Sue Monk Kidd yet, but after seeing the movie, I can't wait to reserve it at the library.

Sea Sew

I caught the repeat of Lisa Hannigan peforming "I Don't Know"from her CD, "Sea Sew" on The Colbert Report. You gotta love the fact she sewed the cover art! Not only can she sew well, but also sing! It made for great background sewing music while I was beginning Vogue 1085. I especially like "Lille", "An Ocean and a Rock", and "Keep It All". The other songs are good, too, with interesting titles such as "Teeth", "Splishy Splashy" and "Pistachio" ! Give it a listen, iTunes has it at a good price of $7.99 for all ten songs on the album.

Penzeys One Coupon - Basil!

The new Spring issue (Volume 3, Issue 6) of Penzeys One magazine has a coupon for a free 1/2 cup jar of California Sweet Basil, a $3.25 value. Good thing, I go through my basil by handfuls, this is good stuff. Online orders, use product code 30159C. Offer expires May 17, 2009. (The link will also take you to a list of 16 basil recipes on the Penzeys website)

Tomato, Tomahto

This year instead of starting from seeds, we are trying the seedlings from Another Place in Time, "Celebrity" and "Black Plum" We followed their advice and buried them extra deep to develop a strong root system.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Gabriella Cilmi, "Sweet About Me" 3:24

Signs of Spring

One word for this - AH-CHOO! I think the red oak will be finished leafing and pollinating by the end of the week. Relief!


My Indian Hawthorne bloomed! Proof. I call it my "Charlie Brown" bush. It's over 22 years old and doesn't look it. Except old. It also got pretty beat up by Ike (the salty wind turned the remaining leaves bag brown), but it's a survivor. Other Hawthornes may grow faster, be bigger, greener, have more leaves and blooms, but I just can't pull the root on this guy.

Outside the kitchen, Oxalis clover - third generation! Another trooper, it was hiding under leaf and roof debris. T uncovered it when he trimmed the Thraylis to make room for the basil.

Cherry Blossom Salvias. I first planted it over ten years ago! To say it is gorgeous, prolific and a reseeder would be an understatement. It is disease-resistant, can take the heat and gumbo soil and keep on blooming at least 10 months of the year in Houston. If you would like some of the seeds in the next few weeks, drop me an email and I'll send you some (US addresses only because of postage and the Department of Agriculture and Customs).

Money Monday - Buy Down to Save Up

(With apologies to my dad, the English teacher). Despite the economy, we still need our SPF moisturizer and dishwasher detergent. After many trials and errors, I found two products that worked well for me - Bobbi Brown and Cascade. But looking to save some money, I thought I would try these for funsies. Because of Costco's product guarantee, especially those endorsed with the Kirkland Signature label and their friendly return policy, it was worth the potential savings attempt.

After hearing horror stories about the "environmentally friendly" dishwashing detergents, I was a bit skeptical about Costco's - but the $5.49 price for a 7.81 pound box was a good gamble bet. Even the box itself doesn't have the metal spout. Verdict: It washed the dishes quite well. No difference other than I think it actually cleans better than Cascade.

Bobbi Brown vs. Kirkland Borghese Protective Face Lotion. For starters, the size difference - 50 ml versus 100 ml. And price - $45 versus $16.99 abouts. Both have SPF 15 and same percentage of Octinoxate (7.5%). I like the fragrance of BB's a little bit better, but the Costco one is pleasant. It smells fresh and a little more like summer. That's OK. Saving more than 60%, I'll adjust!

Be willing to try different versions of the products you use. You may be surprised how much you like them and how much money you can save.

Send 'em Some Spring!

This is the latest campaign of Give2TheTroops.org for our soldiers overseas. Deadline is April 4. Click this link for a list of suggested items - including marshmallow Peeps and Girl Scout Cookies!

Who are these people and what are they doing here?

As you can obviously tell, I have a rather eclectic group of friends and fellow bloggers in the right alley. I thought each week on Sunday I would randomly showcase one from the list and why they are there. I love to discover new blogs, and I think you will enjoy the introduction for new places to visit in Bloggy Land.

This week - Mad About Martha A blog devoted to everything Martha. I love the links to other Martha blogs, news about her upcoming books, television show, crafts, recipes tried from Everyday Food and more. If you need a little Martha inspirational boost, this is the blog to cheer you on.

Apple Pancakes

I found the recipe in the latest Spring 2009 Penzeys catalog on page 13. (Click here for the online link). It went together really easily - loved the tip to mix the ingredients in a 4 cup measuring cup, less dirty dishes!

APPLE PANCAKES

1/4 Cup butter (1/2 stick), divided
4 eggs
1/4 tsp. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
3/4 Cup milk*
1/2 tsp. salt
2 medium baking apples, peeled and thinly sliced
3 TB. CINNAMON SUGAR, divided

Preheat oven to 400°. Divide butter evenly between two 9 inch pie plates and put them in the oven to melt the butter. Rotate the pie plates until the butter coats the bottom and the sides. To make dividing the ingredients between the two plates easier, we used a 4-Cup measuring cup as our mixing bowl. Beat eggs, vanilla extract, flour, milk, and salt on medium speed for 1 minute. Toss the sliced apples with 2 TB. of the cinnamon sugar. Arrange 1/2 of the apple slices in each pan so they cover the bottom in pretty much a single layer. Pour 1/2 the egg mixture over the apple slices in each pan. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the batter in each pan. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Serve right away, while still puffy, with warm syrup. Prep time: 10 minutes Baking time: 20-25 minutes Serves: 4-6

*I used skim milk. Next time I'll try using just a smidge less butter and substituting an egg white for one of the whole eggs. Every little bit helps!

A darker shade of pink

Yes, that's what it is - my newest bluebonnet. "This is one of those maroon ones, isn't it?" grumbled Longhorn T as he helped dig a space for it in the garden. It is pretty in pink though!

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

March 19/21 --
$1.99 McCalls
$3.99 Vogue

Coupon Commotion Week, March 8/14 --
$1.99 Simplicity
and lots of 40% coupons in the newest mailer

Penzeys Spring Catalog coupons!

A coupon for a free 1/4 cup jar of Chili 3000 or Chili 9000 is on the mailing label wrapper of their Spring 2009 catalog. The online codes are 11439C and 11434C, respectively. Visit their website www.penzeys.com to get on the catalog mailing list! They always have good recipes in the catalog and this particular one has lots for the chili's. (Ham chili?! Whoda thunk?)

Netflix Stars - Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

1/5. L commented that Michael Cera is just plain creepy now. Agreed. And the only thing I like about N & N are the Nick and Nora PJ's at Target. Seriously, they are really cute. The PJ's, not the movie characters.

Peanut Butter Crumb Cakes

This is from the Spring 2009 Taste of Home Cooking for 2 magazine, currently on the newsstands. Normally I don't buy nor subscribe to this particular TOH publication, but when flipping through it, this recipe caught my eye, amongst others.

I used skim milk instead of 2% milk and cut the butter by a tablespoon (2 instead of 3 tablespoons) for a still tasty and healthier result.

Peanut Butter Crumb Cakes

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cold butter
1 egg
1/3 cup 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, cream peanut butter and brown sugar until crumbly; stir in flour. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1/3 cup for topping. In a small bowl, whisk the egg, milk and vanilla. Add baking powder and baking soda to the remaining peanut butter mixture; stir in milk mixture just until moistened. Transfer to four 6-oz. ramekins coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with reserved topping and chocolate chips. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from ramekins to a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: 4 servings.