Things I like Thursdays Jan 31

Greetings!

Well, I hope everyone is warm and safe.  We are fine here in Az., but 75% of the country is freezing! Crazy weather. It looks like rain will dampen the Phoenix Open this weekend but it will be nothing compared to the rest of the country and visitors are still in shorts.

However, I will be inside quilting if possible. I need some down time and also want to put some Valentines mug rugs together. In the meantime, here are some "likes" of mine that I want  to share with you:

1. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Do I even need to say more? Smart, likable and strong. Hopefully, she can continue to pull Congress together and get their job done. I try not to post political statements on our "like" days , but this last week was just too much stress on our country to not acknowledge her -many times.

2.  Cream-less Mushroom Soup .  I saw this on "The Kitchen" airing on Food Network and tried it right away. Here's the link:https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/geoffrey-zakarian/cream-less-mushroom-soup-5535311.

It doesn't look pretty but it's really good and I don't even like cooked mushrooms.  I did not use sherry vinegar or toppings as the recipe suggests.  I did use "Bella" mushrooms.  It was pretty quick and easy, too. Who knew you could use bread pieces  instead of dairy products to make soup creamy?

 I needed to try this recipe  because mushrooms are quite the health food which I need right now.


3. The Arizona Science Center.

 I hadn't been there in about 10 years and it's geared to elementary kids, but our family enjoyed the visit. It's in downtown Phoenix which is not far from us. Just a LOT of traffic. Thomas enjoyed the trip. I think he was 3 or 4 when he was last there and he's much more aware now and curious about planets, weather and the world.  There was  an interactive weather exhibit which he loved because he got rained on.  The one thing I noticed on that very crowded (hundreds of kids) day at the center  was the fact that Thomas was the only kid in a wheel chair. The museum is very  ADA adaptable, so I was surprised.

4. My new iron:

It's a "Black and Decker Classic" I got thru Amazon.  It's very heavy so you get a good press. Not sure how my wrists feel about that, but we'll see.  I'm going to try and keep it dry.  We have "hard" water here so the calcium builds up very quickly inside the iron.  My last 2 irons were used with steam and I could never keep them clean.  One time, the steam picked up the calcium inside and dumped it on a finished quilt.  It was gross. Luckily, Woolite removed the stains. Now, I will try to use a spray water  bottle if steam is absolutely necessary.  Of course, I also use diluted  Mary Ellen's Best Press on fancy stuff.

 This iron reminds me of mom's old GE iron that she had all the years I was growing up!  (I've had at least 5 irons over the years).  I was the only girl and the eldest of 4 so I got to iron dad's white work shirts and daily white handkerchiefs which he always carried. I used an old Coke bottle with the holes in the cap to sprinkle water on garments.  We soaked the shirts and hankies  in a starch mixture and left them rolled up in the fridge till it was time to iron-usually on Saturday.  Wow-there's some memories.
 So far, I love how this new iron presses the item flat.

Well peeps, that's all for this week-hopefully I'll have some quilts to show you next time.  Please join us at Lee Anna's site:Not Afraid of Color  for fun "likes" and stories.

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!
mary☺

Things I like Thursdays Jan 24

Greetings!

Hope ya'll made it thru some pretty tough weather!  We were fortunate enough to have good weather this last week.  If the weather holds, it will be just in time for our famous golf tournament on Jan 31st , Waste Management Phoenix Open.  Many people choose to move here after attending this event. It's called the biggest party on Tour. Last year attendance was over 719,000!  Even though I live about 20 miles from it, I will need to put up with ridiculous increase in traffic all week. It is fun to see the beautiful aircraft (owned by many players or visitors) that park at the Glendale Airport near me or the Scottsdale Airport closer to the venue. I'm not a golf fan but it is pretty to watch on  tv.  And, of course, Phil Mickelson went to ASU, so he's the home-town favorite.

In the meantime, I'll be meeting my daughter for her birthday today and pedicures.  Then tomorrow we're all going to the Az Science Center to see dinosaurs.  Very exciting week ahead.

Here's a list of my "likes" for last week:

1.  Udi's Frozen Gluten Free Ziti Bake.

  Many days, I don't have time or the inclination to cook.  But, so many foods contain items I'm allergic to which forces me to cook.  This does not !  And, their products are so yummy. Restaurant quality, about $8 on sale and takes about 10 minutes. Done and done.

2.  Flourless Peanut Butter cookies-therefore, Gluten Free.

I definitely don't bake anymore but my daughter made these delicious cookies  for me at Christmas.  I had to try baking them since she said it was super easy-she was correct!

FLOURLESS PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Preheat oven to 350. Parchment paper on cookie sheet

1 C. PEANUT BUTTER

½ C SUGAR

1 EGG

Mix 2 minutes , roll 1 tsp and place on paper.  Flatten with fork. Bake 9-12 minutes-check at 10 minutes for slightly firm to the touch. Remove to wire rack. Cool 10 minutes.

Store in airtight container or 1 Gallon resealable bag. Makes 18

I can't believe they only have 3 ingredients! I do realize that's a lot of sugar by ratio. That might not be for everyone.  I only eat 2 small ones a day.
I was done baking.in less than 1/2 hour and no mess in the kitchen. Score.
I don't know where this recipe came from.

3.  Sally Hansen Insta Dri Nail Polish.

 I haven't painted my hand nails in years but one day while at Target, I decided I needed that. I usually keep my nails very short so I don't wound Thomas (diaper changing, facial care, etc) but this time I'd let them grow a little. This nail polish is the fastest drying I've ever seen and stayed on pretty good considering how many times a day I wash my hands or dishes.  I have old lady skin on my hands (so many spots I may have a tan soon and of course many hard- won wrinkles) so this made them a little prettier.  $4 at Target

4.  Secrets of Longevity by Dr Mao Shing Ni

I had seen Dr Mao on the Home and Family tv show.  I liked the way he thought and talked about caring for ourselves based on his research of  the healthy elderly in China. Many centenarians in China still practice Tai Chi. ( I'm lucky to walk a mile in my 70's).  I tried Tai Chi many years ago but it was difficult to remember the sequence of movements.  About a dozen people showed up at the first class and 2 of us at the second. The class was cancelled. I need to try it again.
 I'm not concerned with longevity as much as quality of life. I'm interested in ways to improve my health and underlying conditions, rather than just treating symptoms. Dr Mao is quite popular with celebrities and has been in the public many years, evidently. Dr Mao is a 38th generation doctor of Chinese medicine.
 This book was published in 2006 and I'm just now hearing about it. The book combines Eastern and Western approaches to a healthier, longer life, leaning heavily on what we put in our bodies as well as how we treat them based on Chinese influences.  I'm half way through the book and enjoy it.  Based on what I've read so far here and in other books and articles,  I need to  make some changes to my diet-- if nothing else! So far, I'm committed to incorporating more soups in our diet.  I have never been a souper but realize that it's an easy way to eat more veggies and I just need to experiment more.  It's all about me.  I've also added daily consumption of ginger tea on top of teas I already drink.
I purchased this book from Barnes and Noble for around $15.  It's well worth it.


Well, guess that's quite an eclectic list, but they affected my life in a positive way.  I sewed on my house blocks a little, but not enough to talk about.  Maybe I can get some sewing in this week.
But, I'm writing this on Sunday as I will be gone most of the week.  Go New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs.  Just sayin.  Update: Well, I sure know how to pick em. I probably won't even watch Super Bowl this year- I'll  sew instead.

I hope you can share some of your positive thoughts by joining us at Lee Anna's site:Not Afraid of Color. I know I love to hear from all of you!

Have a great week.
mary☺

Things I like Thursdays Jan 17

Greetings!

So, I've been using Pixlr Express to adjust and sign  my photos since I started my blog almost 2 years ago, even tho it took almost a day to figure out how to use it.  The company is  now changing to a new format: PIXLR.  It is taking me awhile to become familiar with the new format of operations. UGH.  Bear with me on the photos.


It's been a great week (no surprises, no health issues, everyone is safe and sound in the family). Here's a list of my faves:

1.  HOUSE BLOCKS.  A squirrel attacked me about 10 days ago, and any chance I get, I sit and make a house block!

  They are such fun.  I saw this particular block on a website but can't remember where (sorry) but it  linked to the pattern at:Humble Quilts
Originally, these are designed for blocks to be mailed to Debbie"s Quilt Shop in California for CA Fire Survivors.   I'm confused - but it appears Diane Knott designed the pattern which finishes at 10 inches. You only need 2 1/2 inch squares or strips.  I leave a small, mixed group of scraps on the cutting table just for this project.

2. Backing purchased and  in the stash.  I mentioned last week I ordered backings averaging $5/yard from Connecting Threads cause it was such a great sale.

I got a subdued gray, small light flowers and a coral graphic.  I'm very pleased to have these in the stash and it saves me so much money! You can't go wrong with Connecting Threads

3. Rice Heat Pack.  I also managed to make another Rice Heat Pack to replace giving my daughter my own pack for her emergency heat pack for work.

I just used some leftover mini charms to make a 12 x 8 piece, folded it over RST ,stitched it up leaving one end open, turned it right side out,  filled with rice and closed the seam.  It was made in  less than an hour. When I need it for sore muscles, I heat it in the microwave for 1 minute. Plus, it's kinda cute just laying around.

4. My favorite tv series are back on.  Yay. Victoria on PBS, The Resident on CBS, Manifest and Amsterdam.  I have several new  shows recorded as well- like the CNN series on fashion history but haven't gotten around to watching them.

I hope everyone is enjoying this week and keeping dry.  It's been a pretty wet winter season all over, including here.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.  I 💕 them!

Please join us at Lee Anna's site for more: Not Afraid of Color

mary😏

Things I like Thursdays Jan 10

Greetings!

The second week of January? Say what? My time is flying by. I'm knee deep in putting things away and reorganizing but want to share with you some likes for this week:

1.  Shiatsu Massage Pillow. I was going to the chiropractor every 2 weeks for $55 a shot and thought I would purchase this instead:

Those are my Christmas socks-sorry. I had a shiatsu massager for about 20 years and it was so awkward, heavy and falling apart.  I saw this new one on tv and I'm so glad I ordered it from Amazon.  I recommend it highly. It's the cost of one visit to the chiro.   My daughter bought the one with heat and loves it also. I haven't needed a trip to the chiro since I started using my new massager.

2. New PJ's from my daughter.

Normally I wouldn't get so excited about jammies but these are so comfortable and cute.  I was shopping at Cost Plus World Market in December and mentioned them to my daughter because they are sold separately and the top is very long-like mid thigh.  No working up above the waist! She drove over there and got them for me !They are the softest flannel.

3.  Winter Village BOM at MSQC by Edyta Sitar

This is so cool! (pun intended).  But, at $400+ total cost, not for my budget.  I don't do BOM's but I just like looking at this quilt.

4.  Lap Top Desk from Sunvalley Brands.  I ordered this thru Amazon so that I can sit comfortably in my chair with my ipad, also use it  in bed for reading and Thomas can use it for his tablet also.

It is adjustable in height and angle. Love it.

5.  Ipad case from Tech Vendor thru Amazon.

It's pink!

And comes with a pen, side pockets and adjustable edges for standing.

6. Hallmark Movie socks from my daughter.  I received these for Christmas also.  I can't believe she found them!

Enough Christmas shopping and gifts.  Just had to share some of the fun things that made me happy.
I have truly thoughtful kids.

I hope you are enjoying this week.  Please join us at Lee Anna's post:Not Afraid of Color for more fun.

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day.
mary😏

Things I like Thursdays Jan 3

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We made it to another year. wow. Hope everyone survived and enjoyed the holidays. I'm ready for a long nap. I'm just plain exhausted from it all.  However, I do have a list of likes to start off our new year:

1. Sweater weather:

Check out our forecast!! Freezing overnight for several days now and more to come.  I'm covering my beautiful lavender and hope they make it. Luckily, we warm up everyday to the 50's.

2. Phone purse for my daughter's birthday

This one's about 6 inches wide and 12 long because she wanted to put a few extra  little things in there like ID,lipstick and keys.   I lost the pattern and instructions but was able to make it in a few hours yesterday afternoon by looking at my old phone carrier which is much smaller.  I haven't had much time to sew but was anxious to have this done.

3. MSQC package received!

I did have time before Christmas to check out some sales. I get so excited when they're delivered!
I ordered  fabric on sale before Christmas at MSQC  : 2yds Kona Snow, 4yds Gray/purple backing and a  Moda Gray junior jelly roll for binding for $60! The snowmen scissors were free. I gave the scissors to Thomas for Christmas cause they are left handed as well as right-score!

4. Caprese salad

This is so easy to make.  Sliced Roma tomatoes, pieces of fresh mozzarella and fresh basil.  Sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper. I took this to my son's home for Christmas lunch where we had homemade pizza. I like to serve it at room temp. Yummy.

5. Concentrated Chicken broth

I get tired purchasing cans of broth because they are heavy and take up room in my small cupboards. I originally tried this years ago at Walmart but they no longer carry it locally.  So, I ordered a case online thru Amazon.  It is the best brand (I also have the beef).  I just add 1 Tablespoon of the concentrate to a cup of hot water for  broth.  This way, I always have broth on hand in the fridge.

6. "Prime" from Amazon.  I finally broke down and got "Prime" on Amazon.  This is a service for about $12 per month for free shipping/delivery and it also provides entertainment/reading hookups which I have not used yet.  I hope the monthly fee is worth it.  Knock on wood-I've never had a problem with Amazon and like their prices.  They almost always deliver before the stated date.  I just worry about packages being stolen when we're not home.  Hopefully, that won't happen. And, I need to be careful not to order ore than we need.

Whew- guess I've been spending some money. I ordered some other fabric on sale from Connecting Threads so I'll post about  that when it comes. I had gone through  my stash and realized I needed backings, so I really scored with an average $5/yard  at Connecting Threads to solve that problem.

I usually have my holiday decos put away by now but need to save my energy for Thomas till he goes back to school on the 8th. There'll be plenty of time to start my usual January reorganizing.

Update: I had to go outside this dark morning in my jammies and coat at 6 AM because the winds knocked off the sheets covering  my lavender. It was 30 degrees out!  I don't know how ya'll do it in the cooler climates! I'm such a wuss.

I hope you are relaxing the rest of this week!  Please join us at Lee Anna's post for more "likes":Not Afraid of Color.  Lee Anna's posts are encouraging,  uplifting and adventurous.   Plus, all of our group is diverse in art and creativity. I feel  inspired to create even more in my life. I am so grateful for everyone sharing.  Hope you will check them out, too.

Thanks to all of you for your comments and kind words  on my little blog.  It means so much to me.

Have a great day!
mary🎇