tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3710588214927219712024-03-05T03:10:55.644-08:00Fitch Family FunDivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-1482444781506685822010-11-11T14:19:00.000-08:002010-11-11T14:23:11.136-08:00Too hard to keep up three blogs!Find my personal blog (which includes all my juicing adventures) <a href="http://www.divaskychick.wordpress.com">here </a> divaskychick.wordpress.com<br /><br />My juicing journey without all the family and craft stuff is <a href="http://rawfoodrehab.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=0ofzq74k3zff6">here</a><br /><br />Thanks for reading!DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-72098122547017892762010-11-08T15:20:00.000-08:002010-11-08T15:23:47.111-08:00Day 5: Juicing Ain't So Bad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQoepbx4tTWAlHweQj6IwqTfTIvbiUG2dJdBAnS7K8yxsOicYTBliOiEUUQHy5IAl5HIHSxrClEwZg3706surrXw3keAfStFjvno8Hoy25MX7nw-sEll8tQS29Hhmb0bwKe8DuKpe55I4/s1600/IMG_8780.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQoepbx4tTWAlHweQj6IwqTfTIvbiUG2dJdBAnS7K8yxsOicYTBliOiEUUQHy5IAl5HIHSxrClEwZg3706surrXw3keAfStFjvno8Hoy25MX7nw-sEll8tQS29Hhmb0bwKe8DuKpe55I4/s320/IMG_8780.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537323193092528642" /></a><br /><br /><br />She says as she munches on a pilfered yogurt covered pretzel....<div><br /></div><br />Ahhh Day Five… Started out fabulous with a totally savory V8 style raw juice. It was pretty good. Not perfect but a good first try. Everything you see here PLUS a peeled lemon and a quarter of an avocado in the blender, a little celery salt, onion powder and some tabasco. Oh, and I only used a quarter of that jalapeno. I will make some version of this again tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow morning I have something special planned. Stay tuned, folks.<br /><br />I can’t believe I’ve been drinking the same Kitchen Sink juice for two years and only just last week started changing it up. What a waste of opportunity! I just had no idea so many options existed. I mean, juicing a pumpkin was a flat out revelation. Now I’m eyeing a red onion, a butternut squash and some lentil beans… Can you juice sprouted lentils? I have no clue. But I’ll bet Google does.<br /><br />My afternoon juice (and I make huge batches so it’s not like I’m drinking only two juices a day) was another experiment. Some pineapple, an apple, heart of romaine, kale, celery, carrot and a cucumber through the juicer and then in blender I put in maybe half a cup of raw beet I had been marinating in Ani’s Golden Elixir (mainly lemon juice, olive oil, raw honey and raw soy sauce.) I guess the olive oil takes it off the super great weight loss plan. Not to mention the honey. Didn’t taste as wonderful as I thought it would but it was very good. Maybe the pumpkin pie juice has just ruined me forever. My taste buds have evolved and there’s no going back.<br /><br />Okay, then there’s that pretzel… Look, I have a three year old. That I didn’t eat a whole BAG of pretzels is a victory. So there. :PDivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-39623895370371265882010-11-07T08:21:00.000-08:002010-11-07T08:24:12.248-08:00Pumpkin Pie Juice!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-wFjTSMWOhhxDyqKmcW6AKX8GtZkIaoqGPnIy6hDTMYZP29BP0W-1d2-pw7qrtbc1YZ0DsTrqDw-5x1Nrvzrz8ctYCqM3AsSCfCLtS6lQSZUgPmiD2YP3gLTPWgzYbTWLRr2J_2jbr2v/s1600/pumpkin+pie+juice+small.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-wFjTSMWOhhxDyqKmcW6AKX8GtZkIaoqGPnIy6hDTMYZP29BP0W-1d2-pw7qrtbc1YZ0DsTrqDw-5x1Nrvzrz8ctYCqM3AsSCfCLtS6lQSZUgPmiD2YP3gLTPWgzYbTWLRr2J_2jbr2v/s320/pumpkin+pie+juice+small.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536843975628559298" /></a><br /><br />Can I just get this out there, once, so I can move on? OH MY GOD!!!!!<br /><br />I just made pumpkin juice. I’m calling it Pumpkin Pie juice because I used pumpkin pie spice and some honey and a banana to sweeten it and seriously, this is the best juice I’ve ever made.<br /><br />I have to give credit where credit is due. Terri Mares on Raw Food Rehab gave me the idea and talked about it on her video blog <a href="http://rawfoodrehab.ning.com/profiles/blogs/great-tip-to-keep-your-juice">here</a>. She was discussing ways to keep a long term juicing diet interesting and can we just say Jackpot?!!!<br /><br />Here’s my recipe:<br /><br />One six inch pumpkin scrubbed clean, scooped out and chopped into pieces to fit juicer. Do not peel. Add two whole red apples. Juice in my Breville Juicer.<br /><br />In a blender, add a banana, a teaspoon of raw, unfiltered honey, a little less than half a teaspoon Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spice and a handful of ice. This is pumpkin pie in a glass, but totally healthy and raw. It’s breakfast AND dessert. Did I mention it’s heavenly?<br /><br />Coco drinks my green juices every day but she’s having a hard time with this one. She’s only three and hasn’t really found her way to spices yet. She’s more of a simple pasta with olive oil kind of girl. I’m eyeing her glass longingly, even though I’m giving lip service to her drinking it if she wants to watch Cat in the Hat later today. I think we may have to make a deal…DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-8311792076828914722010-11-07T04:56:00.000-08:002010-11-07T04:57:27.792-08:00Dinner time and Feeling GuiltyJuice Fast, Day Three<br /><br />Meant to post this last night but forgot to hit publish!<br /><br />My poor husband is starting a new business, wrapping up a long career in journalism with a well respected (although conservative) magazine. He's giving up regular TV appearances as the liberal punching bag on a conservative news show and entering the world of entrepreneurship to better provide for his family. I always joke that writing about business doesn't make him a businessman but in truth, I'm certain he's going to do very well. <br /><br />What does this have to do with juicing? Well it's dinner time and I here I sit, faithfully sipping my juice and yet feeling guilty. My man is so stressed and so busy but he still took the time to spend the entire day with our daughter so that Mommy could have a little time to herself. The least I could do is fix him a nice dinner, right? So what if the tantalizing aromas are tough to "stomach" (haha.)<br /><br />I should just bite the bullet and do this for him. And I will. Right now. Thanks for working through this with me.<br /><br />PS: I broiled eggplant rounds with a little olive oil and salt, made a tapenade with kalamata olives and sun dried tomatoes and served both with goat cheese on toasted crusty bread. On a painful scale of one to ten, I'd call it a ten.DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-46426398882636734992010-11-05T14:44:00.000-07:002010-11-05T14:49:41.089-07:00The Anti-Fall Post and Why I'm Juice Fasting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAc44kADiz6X-OJePBbfbZ0ju1UYhq7UEuJn2VSZ_8Fi0kzV-oY15zp-_fczwVK6bDGRrC_ppQNoGIiz13esKxOYG4eumnSqlPNJeh9k6v3Fn4_sNT-JAUpkhSHowEphUSJVnVEIoZDFva/s1600/juice+factory.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAc44kADiz6X-OJePBbfbZ0ju1UYhq7UEuJn2VSZ_8Fi0kzV-oY15zp-_fczwVK6bDGRrC_ppQNoGIiz13esKxOYG4eumnSqlPNJeh9k6v3Fn4_sNT-JAUpkhSHowEphUSJVnVEIoZDFva/s320/juice+factory.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536185795752031378" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 15.8333px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 28px; ">Much as I love the season, fall has not been kind to my waist line. I’m 44 years old and I just can’t eat like I used to. I jumped on the scale yesterday and was shocked to find that I now weigh more than my “fat weight.” In other words, I haven’t weighed this much since six months after my daughter was born, when I finally started dropping the fifty (!!) pounds I had gained during my pregnancy.<p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">At times like this there’s only one thing to do: Break out the <a href="http://www.juicemaster.com/shop/books/7lbs-in-7-days-super-juice-diet.html" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Juice Master’s 7 Lbs in 7 Days’ Super Juice Diet</a>. Fortunately I had a feeling this was coming (might have started during a recent croissant binge) so I’ve been psyching myself up. Steph thinks he’s going to join me like he did last February when he lost 25 lbs but if he gets any skinnier I’ll have to shoot him to put him out of MY misery. My husband is not supposed to be skinnier than me. It’s a rule, possibly even biblical. Punishable by stoning, obviously.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">So I’m psychologically ready and I’ve already survived day one. I’m checking out the recipes in the Liquid Lounge at <a href="http://rawfoodrehab.ning.com/" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Raw Food Rehab </a>and I’ve added some juicing and raw food blogs to the ever growing list I follow. And I know, this time, that I can’t just go back to stuffing my face when this fast is over. I’d like to achieve about a 75% raw lifestyle. That’s the aim.</p></span>DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-56429501644069112982010-11-04T07:37:00.000-07:002010-11-04T18:11:19.369-07:00Nesting in November<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4QX3HpVG7RyIA2v1VeKDkts_YoRyot2fzxbTn8YBDymBwaebGg4Yxu2F-rFAvS7EO7dWfM2-x6tmwOddbNxv2_bnofp5w8CAQf5icWM6JlJwr0MQn-t9TE3-lFls8b-knj7y16rFR39C/s1600/Napkins.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4QX3HpVG7RyIA2v1VeKDkts_YoRyot2fzxbTn8YBDymBwaebGg4Yxu2F-rFAvS7EO7dWfM2-x6tmwOddbNxv2_bnofp5w8CAQf5icWM6JlJwr0MQn-t9TE3-lFls8b-knj7y16rFR39C/s320/Napkins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535865622628717970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_FWqfy4xV5q-hRNWPJw0-pXWU3QYEezF9M4wpMG5HzUygl0ovNAOJOwI3CIawV7Nsuoj3iky9MagsY4iQQdzoAa6FbHN7m-tC7fZ4CN4YUpTkSWMCx3MR3sJHa8DCQFnTuxjEoAx7deD/s1600/IMG_8736.jpg"><br /></a>Fall makes me "nesty." I've been cleaning and reorganizing the past few weeks and sewing up a storm. I want to bake butter slathered acorn squash and cook hearty soups, sew duvet covers and wear cashmere. I want to make a wreath for the door and start my Christmas shopping. I love being at home this time of year!<br /><br />I've been taking a five week "homewares" sewing class at the Lill Street Art Center. We're supposed to be working on napkins, placemats, curtains and pillows but the instructor is very laid back (no patterns!) and really wants us to work on whatever we want. It's kind of like getting together with a bunch of strangers for some dedicated sewing time, and having an instructor around to help if you get stuck. In a way, it's just what I need.<br /><br />Last night I made fitted sheet for Coco's toddler bed. Nothing to show you because I just used a cream color muslin for the first time to see how it would come together. It was ridiculously easy using instructions from <a href="http://www.vanillajoy.com/diy-fitted-crib-sheet.html">here</a>. Do yourself a favor and watch the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN-KFv7H6ls&feature=player_embedded">video</a> on sewing with elastic if you've never done so. Even my instructor learned something.<br /><br />I've also completed the napkins above. Well, I've made eight of them. Is that enough? I used <a href="http://sew4home.com/">Sew4Home</a>'s <a href="http://sew4home.com/projects/table-linens/379-citrus-holiday-easy-napkins-with-festive-trim">instructions</a> instead of the teacher's. Then I made these coordinating cocktail napkins without any instructions.<br /><a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/img_8740.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/img_8740.jpg" alt="" title="Thanksgiving cocktail napkins" width="640" height="555" class="size-full wp-image-482" /></a><br />Just sew right sides together but leave a hole to turn inside out. Top stitch around the edge (which also closes the hole.)<br /><br />The fabric is Lotus Garden by Stonehill. I'm thinking about buying some coordinating yardage and making a table cloth like this one:<br /><a href="http://sew4home.com/images/articles/0292-20091030-5DMkII-IMG_8328-1.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://sew4home.com/images/articles/0292-20091030-5DMkII-IMG_8328-1.jpg" title="Tablecloth from Sew4Home.com" width="728" height="494" /></a><br />Does that look hard? It should be as simple as cutting and sewing straight lines, neither of which I'm particularly good at. Something to do with patience?!<br /><br />The whole project has to be done before Thanksgiving because we're having a pretty good size get together - six adults and three three year olds if no one else gets invited between now and then. As it is, I'll have to borrow chairs. I don't care, though. I love a house full of friends, family and good food. These particular friends are like family and their daughters are some of Coco's best friends. Isn't that lucky? I'm not quite ready to cook but I have my November issues of Martha Stewart and Bon Appetit next to my bed and I've got cranberry sauce on the brain. This time I'm going to quadruple the recipe and MAYBE we'll have some left over. Maybe...<br /><a href="http://itssewstinkincute.blogspot.com/" target=""><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4561049489_a63691786d_o.jpg" alt="Stinkin Cute Thursday Button" width="147" height="77" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://a.imageshack.us/img714/2521/floralthursbutton.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img width="150" border="0" alt="Katie's Nesting Spot" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/KatiesNestingSpotButtoncopy.jpg" /></a>DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-12452088968948194302010-10-31T02:18:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.752-07:00Glass Jack O'LanternsSo during my kitchen deep clean I found six tall orange glasses we picked up at CB2 about three years ago for a decor idea that never gelled. They've been sitting on the counter for a week while I considered what to do with them. <br/><br/>It hit me last night:<br/>[caption id="attachment_471" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Halloween Decor"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8676.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8676.jpg" alt="" title="Halloween candles" width="640" height="853" class="size-full wp-image-471" /></a>[/caption]<br/><a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8674.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8674.jpg" alt="" title="Halloween candles up close" width="640" height="479" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-469" /></a><br/><br/>Better late than never, I guess!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2000/01/halloween-blog-link-party.html"><img alt="SYS Thurs" width="125" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/halloween.jpg" height="125" /></a><br/></P> <P><BR></P> <P><a href="http://alliemakes.blogspot.com/search/label/Making%20It%20With%20Allie" target="_blank"><img src="http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz279/alliemakes/Photo-Frame.png" border="0" alt="Party Button" /></a></P> <P><BR></P> <P><br/><a href="http://bellabeforeandafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad234/bellabeforeandafter/SpookBella.jpg" /></a>DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-63818446846416997042010-10-30T04:41:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.706-07:00Halloween Costume: The Beautiful Bad WitchThe first costume I ever made!<br/>[caption id="attachment_459" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="A little bit of everything, tulle, chiffon, satin, feathers, tinsel..."]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8638.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8638.jpg" alt="" title="Coco Halloween Costume" width="640" height="480" class="size-full wp-image-459" /></a>[/caption]<br/>[caption id="attachment_460" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="And more feathers around the skirt"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8643.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8643.jpg" alt="" title="Halloween Costume full" width="640" height="853" class="size-full wp-image-460" /></a>[/caption]<br/>[caption id="attachment_461" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="No More Photos, Mama!"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8654.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8654.jpg" alt="" title="Halloween Costume Hat" width="640" height="480" class="size-full wp-image-461" /></a>[/caption]<br/><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2000/01/halloween-blog-link-party.html"><img alt="SYS Thurs" width="125" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/halloween.jpg" height="125" /></a><br/><a href="http://entertainexchange.blogspot.com/2010/10/handmade-halloween-contest-starts-today.html" target="_blank"><img width="190" alt="Entertain Exchange" src="http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr338/sportyshorty1/halloween/HandmadeHalloween.jpg" height="190" /></a><br/><a href="http://madincrafts.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-costume-link-party.html"><img src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s186/jeslman/ghost-with-bag.jpg" alt="BWS tips button" width="250" height="250" /></a><br/><a href="http://bellabeforeandafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad234/bellabeforeandafter/SpookBella.jpg" /></a>DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-70555532306634074342010-10-30T03:51:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.691-07:00Halloween EggsWhat do you do with all those temporary tattoos?<br/>[caption id="attachment_451" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Tattooed Eggs"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8441.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8441.jpg" alt="" title="Halloween Eggs" width="640" height="341" class="size-full wp-image-451" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>I use them to mark hard boiled eggs. I'd love to hear your ideas!<br/><br/>Link Parties - Check out all these creative types. I could spend hours surfing their blogs. <br/><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/825895175_xmTVA-O.jpg" alt="Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party!" /></a><br /> <br/><a href="http://www.iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com/" /><img border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy62/aftr/crafty.jpg" /></a>DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-75564172504475702632010-10-29T05:36:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.672-07:00Kitchen Cure, First Week: Showing off a littleRemember <a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8473.jpg">this</a>?<br/>Now it looks like this:<br/>[caption id="attachment_441" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Junk Drawer 2.0"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8661.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8661.jpg" alt="" title="neat drawer" width="640" height="480" class="size-full wp-image-441" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>I didn't show you this one:<br/>[caption id="attachment_442" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Very Mess Refridgerator"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8476.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8476.jpg" alt="" title="messy fridge" width="640" height="480" class="size-full wp-image-442" /></a>[/caption]<br/>(so embarrassing, right?)<br/><br/>And now:<br/>[caption id="attachment_443" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Fridge After the Cure"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8597.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8597.jpg" alt="" title="Neat Fridge" width="640" height="853" class="size-full wp-image-443" /></a>[/caption]<br/>[caption id="attachment_444" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Fridge Door After the Cure"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8598.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8598.jpg" alt="" title="Fridge Door" width="640" height="853" class="size-full wp-image-444" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>Okay, it's not perfect but if you know me, you gotta admit that's progress.DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-39130750420380933502010-10-29T05:34:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.039-07:00Auto DraftDivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-57571437266261967292010-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.662-07:00Roasted Delicata Squash SaladDo you love fall like I do? Do you have pumpkins and gourds in every color decorating your home? Have you been eating a lot of squash lately? Let me guess: butternut squash tops your list? Mine too, but trust me, you want to branch out. Delicata squash is not just pretty - it's delicious and you don't even have to peel it! Just chop it up, spoon out the seeds and you're good to cook.<br/><br/>[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="545" caption="Roasted Delicata Salad"]<a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/roasted-delicata-squash-salad-recipe.html"><img alt="" src="http://www.101cookbooks.com/mt-static/images/food/roasted_delicata_salad_recipe.jpg" title="Roasted Delicata Salad" width="545" height="365" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>This photo is from <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/index.html">101cookbooks.com</a> where I got the <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/roasted-delicata-squash-salad-recipe.html">recipe</a>. For our dinner I used a lot more kale, sriracha sauce instead of harissa paste and gorgeous little purple potatoes that I chopped up a little more to get them "thumb size." Besides being a pleasure to look at, this fall salad was scrumptious. Stephane wants it added to the two week rotation which is pretty much his ultimate compliment. <br/><br/>Next week I'm going to focus on menu planning and finally reveal Coco's Halloween Costume. If only I could get FIVE WHOLE MINUTES to finish it!DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-26776299849571578342010-10-17T10:19:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.647-07:00Play Kitchen: After and BeforeWhile we're talking kitchens, look at this sad thing:<br/>[caption id="attachment_406" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="A little sad"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8592.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8592.jpg" alt="" title="old kitchen" width="640" height="853" class="size-full wp-image-406" /></a>[/caption]<br/>[caption id="attachment_407" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Sadder still..."]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8593.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8593.jpg" alt="" title="old kitchen close up" width="640" height="480" class="size-full wp-image-407" /></a>[/caption]<br/>It has been stickered and destickered. Our neighbor's baby used it as a crutch when she was learning to walk. The velcro keeping the oven door closed has given up the ghost not once, not twice but three times. You know I have issues with velcro so that last part is probably no surprise.<br/><br/>Here's how it looked when I first made it, using <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/33246545/build-a-cardboard-play-kitchen">these</a> plans on I bought on Etsy. <br/>[caption id="attachment_412" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Homemade Play Kitchen"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_5533.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_5533.jpg" alt="" title="Homemade Play Kitchen" width="640" height="723" class="size-full wp-image-412" /></a>[/caption]<br/>Wasn't she cute? Don't you want to crib my idea for burners? They're from Joann's in the unpainted wood section, around the corner from the $2 bird houses. <br/><a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_5513.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_5513.jpg" alt="" title="play kitchen burners" width="640" height="853" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-410" /></a><br/><br/>I love the sweet fabric that hides the sink and provides storage. Don't even ask how long that Italian vase lasted. <br/><a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_5517.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_5517.jpg" alt="" title="play kitchen sink up close" width="640" height="480" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-411" /></a><br/><br/>This was simple but NOT easy for me to make to make and I've never been more proud of myself for sticking with it. The cardboard was all free (flat screen TV boxes are best.) I bought the green contact paper at a thrift shop - it's SO cute and I have more - what do I do with it??? <br/><br/>The whole thing cost less than $20 to make and lasted about a year. I mean, it's still standing and gets plenty of <del datetime="2010-10-17T22:02:30+00:00">abuse</del> love so I guess you could say it's still going strong but Grandmama has offered the princess a brand spanking new kitchen and I'm thinking that would be pretty cool. <br/><br/>I guess I'll try my hand and some of this stuff:<br/>[caption id="attachment_415" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="DIY felt Lovely Cookie set and Kitty cups, kitty place mat"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/diy-felt-lovely-cookie-set-and-kitty-cups-kitty-place-mat-pdf-pattern-via-email-f20.jpeg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/diy-felt-lovely-cookie-set-and-kitty-cups-kitty-place-mat-pdf-pattern-via-email-f20.jpeg" alt="" title="DIY felt Lovely Cookie set and Kitty cups, kitty place mat--PDF Pattern via Email--F20" width="430" height="318" class="size-full wp-image-415" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>Or maybe this:<br/>[caption id="attachment_416" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="DIY Felt Curry vegetables and casserole"]<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56629019/diy-felt-curry-vegetables-and-casserole9?ref=v1_other_2"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/diy-felt-curry-vegetables-and-casserole9-in-1-pdf-pattern-and-instructions-via-email-t06-1.jpeg" alt="" title="DIY Felt Curry vegetables and casserole(9 in 1)--PDF Pattern and instructions via Email--T06-1" width="430" height="337" class="size-full wp-image-416" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>Anything to NEVER have to cut through three layers of cardboard again.DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-89390402503413002102010-10-14T16:16:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.629-07:00Nothing about DivaSkyChick Implies Good HousekeeperAnyone who knows me knows that this whole mommy, sewing, cooking, homemaker thing I've been doing for the past few years is SOOO not me. Or at least not pre-mommy me. My gourmet chef / fab decorator / amazing mother of two honor-role and drug free kids/ step sister kept saying during a recent visit that I am becoming her. Kind words and I can only dream of being so together. But when it comes to housekeeping, I don't think I'm exceeding anyone's expectations.<br/>[caption id="attachment_389" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Lovely countertop, n\'est ce pas?"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8472.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8472.jpg" alt="" title="Mess Counterspace" width="640" height="480" class="size-full wp-image-389" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_390" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Our Junk Drawer. I swear I didn\'t stage this. Who would do that to themselves?"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8473.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8473.jpg" alt="" title="Junk Drawer" width="640" height="480" class="size-full wp-image-390" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>Enter Apartment Therapy's Home Cures. Their sister (or daughter) site is <a href="http://http://www.thekitchn.com/">The Kitchn</a> which is plum full of recipes, kitchen tours, product reviews etc. The photography is gorgeous - presentation and design are taken seriously but the content is fun. This is porn for foodies.<br/>[caption id="attachment_393" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="TheKitchn.com "]<a href="http://thekitchn.com"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/the-kitchen-snapshot-21.jpg" alt="" title="the kitchen snapshot 2" width="640" height="489" class="size-full wp-image-393" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>The Kitchn is hosting their semi annual, <a href="http://http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/your-kitchen-needs-a-cure-129570">Fall 2010 Kitchen Cure</a>, which is a follow along program designed to to get your kitchen clean and organized. "The Kitchn Cure has four assignments. Each is designed to motivate you to de-clutter, clean, and make your kitchen a more fun and healthy place to cook. You follow along at home, and we give you tips, encouragement, and community support."<br/><br/>Obviously I need the support. I invite you to check out The Kitchn and join in the Cure with me. And I triple dog dare you to show me photos of YOUR junk drawers.DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-72817567093678831542010-10-09T08:19:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.597-07:00Baby Gifts and Dolly DiapersOne of Coco's best friends became a big sister this week. Never has a three year old girl been more baby crazed than Emma. She's had her own baby doll, Sophie, for ages. She feeds her, diapers her and carries her around in a doll sized sling. This child was ready!<br/><br/>Of course I had to make something for the baby, that's what you do, right? But I had way more fun making a little blanket and dolly diapers for Emma. I guess it has something to do with the new baby being unable to get excited about her gift. Emma will be thrilled and that's what I live for.<br/><br/>For the new baby I made burp cloths. No pattern, just cut a fat quarter in half, cut two pieces of chenille to match, sewed right sides together, pulled right sides out through a two inch hole at one end and then topstitched all around. Easy Peasy.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_359" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Burp Cloths"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8451.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8451.jpg" alt="" title="Burp cloths" width="640" height="479" class="size-full wp-image-359" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>Emma's gift required lace, of course.<br/>[caption id="attachment_360" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Lace trimmed baby blanket"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8453.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_8453.jpg" alt="" title="IMG_8453" width="640" height="426" class="size-full wp-image-360" /></a>[/caption]<br/>[caption id="attachment_365" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Dolly Diapers"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_84541.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_84541.jpg" alt="" title="Dolly Diapers 2" width="640" height="480" class="size-full wp-image-365" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>I made the diapers using this awesome and easy <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/09/19/how-to-make-a-diaper-for-a-childs-doll/">tutorial</a> from the fabulous Cindy at <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip to My Lou</a>. The only thing I changed was to sew the velcro on before putting the pieces together. And while we're talking velcro, can we just agree that one must not use the sticky backed type for sewing? I still don't know how much damage I did to my machine but let's just say I lost two sewing needles in the malay and I'm pretty sure there's some sticky thread up in the works somewhere. I broke two more needles hand sewing the remaining velcro bits and the final, victory needle needs to be tossed. <br/><br/>Now Coco wants diapers for her utterly ignored baby doll and I'm thinking snaps. Anybody know how to do those?<br/><br/>I'm linking up today.<br/><br /> <a href="http://www.alittlelovelyblog.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii23/jmuaina/saturdaysoireebutton-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /> <br/><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/825895175_xmTVA-O.jpg" alt="Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party!" /></a><br /> <br/><a href="http://www.iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com/" /><img border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy62/aftr/crafty.jpg" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.scrappy-gifts.com/"><img alt="BWS tips button" width="125" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/ScrappyDiva2129/ScrappySaturdaysbuttoncopy.jpg" height="125" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/04/sunday-showcase-party-starting-this.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/party.png" /></a>DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-17264235710986010562010-10-09T07:17:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.578-07:00Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Fancy NancyHow do you put those two topics in the same title?<br/><br/>A dear friend of mine recently found out her youngest has<a href="http://www.mda.org/disease/DMD.html"> Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy</a>, an uncommon and fatal degenerative disease that affects mostly boys. Darcy McCain is only four years old.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_350" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Darcy MaCain"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/darcy-mccain.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-350" title="Darcy McCain" src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/darcy-mccain.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="960" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>I can't write about Darcy's prognosis without crying. Some amazing people - friends, neighbors and community members have come together to raise funds to make Darcy's home wheelchair accessible and to contribute toward therapies not funded by Canada's national health insurance. At the end of the month they'll hold an auction of art, gift items, vacation home stays, dinners out, etc. My little contribution from afar is a couple of Fancy Nancy dress up skirts and trinkets in matching drawstring bags. Here's a photo of the first ones I ever made as birthday gifts for Coco's twin friends' fifth birthday.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_351" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Fancy Nancy dress up skirts"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/lululyndi.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-351" title="Fancy Nancy Dress-Up Skirts" src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/lululyndi.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="818" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>I'd be happy to make a skirt for anyone who contributes $50 or more to the cause. They're a huge hit with little girls who love all things twirly, shiny and lacy. <br/><br/>I can't get the pretty Paypal button to work for some reason but you can donate <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YH6VMTVXHNGW8">here.</a><br/>Email me with your receipt to request a skirt!DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-47372538109696849272010-10-08T14:05:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.546-07:00When Sewing Velcro onto Fabric...Let me give you this advice. Do NOT try to sew sticky back velcro onto fabric. <br/><br/>Trust me on this.DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-36244441714413015582010-10-01T12:57:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.533-07:00Quick Share: Summer Squash Couscous with Sultanas, Pistachios and MintFive stars to this amazing dish, again from <a href="http://www.food52.com">Food52.com</a>. <br/>[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="694" caption="Summer Squash Couscous with Sultanas, Pistachios and Mint"]<a href="http://www.food52.com/recipes/5425_summer_squash_couscous_with_sultanas_pistachios_and_mint/1"><img alt="" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/food52_assets/indeximages/7435/large/070610F_325.JPG?1278604507" title="Summer Squash Couscous with Sultanas, Pistachios and Mint" width="694" height="462" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>I used Israeli couscous because we like that better. I didn't chop the zucchini or yellow squash as finely as suggested. Mine were closer to inch and half inch chunks. I also used minced garlic in the dressing, forgetting that you're supposed to discard the garlic before serving. As I'm fairly sensitive to raw garlic, this should be interesting!<br/><br/>Without question, one of our favorites. This is in two week rotation although I'm pretty sure we had it last week, too. I think I used butternut squash last week instead of yellow squash. Slightly hardier, a little taste of fall mixed in. Yum!DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-66910923004298316922010-09-30T08:37:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.519-07:00Buffalo Mozzarella, Balsamic Glazed Plums, Pine Nuts & MintAnother amazing, fabulous, winner of a recipe from <a href="http://www.food52.com">Food52.com</a>. <br/><br/>[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="694" caption="Buffalo Mozzarella with Balsamic Glazed Plums, Pine Nuts and Mint "]<a href="http://www.food52.com/recipes/5101_buffalo_mozzarella_with_balsamic_glazed_plums_pine_nuts_and_mint"><img alt="" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/food52_assets/indeximages/7045/large/062210F_351.JPG?1277395209" title="Buffalo Mozzarella with Balsamic Glazed Plums, Pine Nuts and Mint" width="694" height="462" /></a>[/caption]<br/>I made a version of this appetizer to take to my friend's dinner party last night. It wasn't really a party, just two couples and three kids, but it always feels like a party when we see them. How can you beat good company, happy kids and free flowing wine?<br/><br/>I didn't have pine nuts so I used pistachios. We didn't have buffalo mozzarella so I used fresh. Then I didn't use a well sealed bowl to carry it in the car so I wore the smell of balsamic vinegar all evening. I would suggest avoiding that. <br/><br/>This was a smash success. Super easy, too. I'm thinking about putting the whole thing over pasta as a main course. Think?DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-15535604908932016642010-09-30T03:06:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.509-07:00Line Diet, First WeekOkay, before we start let me just say that I KNOW I'm not fat. I've really wrestled with posting this because I'm sure I'm going to piss some people off. I WAS 160 lbs but I lost most of that 2.5 years ago. This is about those last few pounds that will NOT go away. This is about being in my forties and wishing for my twenties body. This is about a post baby body and the cute, pre-baby wardrobe in boxes, still waiting for me. Anyway, this week ends in defeat.<br/><br/>Friday, September 24 - 126 lbs - Didn't think to take a screen shot.<br/><br/>Saturday, September 25 - 123 lbs<br/>[caption id="attachment_249" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="September 25"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screenshot1.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screenshot1.jpg" alt="Line Diet Sept 25 weigh in" title="Weigh-in Sept 25" width="640" height="255" class="size-full wp-image-249" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>I'm only trying to lose about 8 lbs, the last of the baby weight. I was a skinny girl and even though I'm 44 years old, I'd like to fit into my old jeans. But seriously, the goal eludes me. I've seen drops like this a zillion times. Tomorrow or the next day I'll be 126 again. It's like a magnet. Or a Twilight Zone episode. <br/><br/>Sunday, Sept 26 - 124 lbs<br/>Didn't juice yesterday. It shows.<br/>[caption id="attachment_253" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="September 26"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/snapshot-sept-26.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/snapshot-sept-26.jpg" alt="Line Diet results Sept 26" title="Snapshot Sept 26" width="640" height="271" class="size-full wp-image-253" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>Monday, Sept 27 - 124 lbs<br/>Juiced yesterday, did pretty well and had a fabulous dinner but ate too much of it. I'm guessing I'll be lighter tomorrow if I'm careful today.<br/>[caption id="attachment_260" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="September 27"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screengrab-sept-27.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screengrab-sept-27.jpg" alt="" title="screengrab sept 27" width="640" height="299" class="size-full wp-image-260" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>Tuesday, Sept 28 - 123 lbs<br/>Ate well yesterday. Juiced until noon then mostly had left overs from the <a href="http://divaskychick.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/farro-with-roasted-butternut-squash/">Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash</a> dinner I made the other night. Unfortunately, I'm out of good produce so there won't be juice today. So sad there's only three weeks left at the Farmers Market! Here's my weigh-in:<br/>[caption id="attachment_287" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Sept 28"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screen-grab-sept-28.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screen-grab-sept-28.jpg" alt="" title="Line Diet Sept 28" width="640" height="259" class="size-full wp-image-287" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>Wednesday, Sept 29 - 124 lbs<br/>Ugh. I feel lighter but the scale does not lie. I meant to juice all day today but Coco and I slept in until 9 am (don't be a hater!) and somehow, even though class (Adventures in Storytelling) doesn't start until 12:30, we ended up rushing around trying to get out of the house on time. Oh, and it turns out there's a candy store RIGHT NEXT DOOR to the school. Very <del datetime="2010-09-29T20:35:35+00:00">evil</del> clever, those candy sales people. <br/>[caption id="attachment_298" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Sept 29"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screengrab-sept-29.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screengrab-sept-29.jpg" alt="" title="Line Diet Screen Shot Sept 29" width="640" height="257" class="size-full wp-image-298" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>September 30 - 125 <br/>I am officially over the line. <br/>[caption id="attachment_314" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="September 30 Screen Shot"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screen-grab-sept-30.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/screen-grab-sept-30.jpg" alt="" title="screen grab sept 30" width="640" height="265" class="size-full wp-image-314" /></a>[/caption]<br/>What did I say last week? It's like a Twilight Zone episode. Except that by logging my weight daily, I am forced to accept the truth. I made NO effort to lose weight this week. I only made juice two days out of seven (well today is still possible!) I had a glass of wine most evenings. There was candy involved. Last night was a friend's birthday and there was MUCH wine and PIZZA involved. So I can't feel betrayed by my body. Pretty much the other way around if I'm being honest. <br/><br/>I'm going to call this a learning week. The question is, do I need to reset the goal? What would I have to weigh tomorrow to be back on track? Sigh.DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-52025173961979347952010-09-29T09:44:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.500-07:00I Have to Share: ZipList.comDo you ZipClip? It's a function of <a href="http://www.ziplist.com">ZipList.com</a> and it's awesome. ZipList is an online recipe clipping service that puts all the ingredients into a database so when you're menu planning, you just click on the various recipes in your recipe box and a shopping list is automatically generated. Did I mention it's free?<br/>[caption id="attachment_305" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Recipe Screen Shot from Ziplist.com"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/ziplist-screen-shot.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/ziplist-screen-shot.jpg" alt="" title="ziplist screen shot" width="640" height="520" class="size-full wp-image-305" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>ZipClip is a little button you put on your menu bar. Whenever you come across a recipe you love, click the button and viola, ZipClick sucks up the ingredients list, photo and URL into your own private database. <br/>[caption id="attachment_308" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="ZipClip Screen Shot"]<a href="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/zip-clip-screen-shot.jpg"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/zip-clip-screen-shot.jpg" alt="" title="zip clip screen shot" width="640" height="356" class="size-full wp-image-308" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>I'm not saying it couldn't be better - the software needs work. But even as is, ZipList has revolutionized menu planning and grocery shopping in the Fitch home. If anyone knows of a better online recipe clipping service, let me know!DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-79008647996135116182010-09-27T13:18:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.447-07:00Corduroy Peasant Top and Dancing with the StarsWell the "star" in this case is the Cat in the Hat. Coco hates getting her photo taken but I bribed her with an episode on PBS. She broke into song and started dancing. "Here we go go go go on and Adventure!"<br/>[gallery]<br/><br/>So viola! The the new peasant top in corduroy. This will go really well over a turtleneck sweater when it gets colder. I love the colors and with the fine wale, it was surprisingly easy to work with. The last time I tried corduroy was when I first got my sewing machine and had NO idea what I was doing. I purchased a thick wide wale corduroy skirt at a thrift shop with the plan to upcycle it into a cute dress for Coco. <br/><br/>Well it was awful to cut and worse to sew. I was getting the fluff out of my hair and off the floor for days. And forget about getting the needle through several layers at the hem. It was easier to get the needle though my thumb (which I did.) <br/><br/>Coco took one look at the finished project and started crying. The little <del datetime="2010-09-27T22:05:56+00:00">rat </del>critic was only 2.5 years old... <br/><br/>By the way, I only used half a yard of Patty Young for Michael Miller. With a size T3 it was tight - some of the selvage made it into the seams but I have improved my skills to the point that all the seams are enclosed so that you would never know. Next time I'll buy a full yard and make a skirt with the left overs!<br/><br/>Linking up to:<br/><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" /></a> <br/><br /><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f136/butterflygirlms/Request/CraftomaniacMondayButton.png" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoPARTYbuttonworking.jpg" /></a>DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-25053440192716979812010-09-27T04:24:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.389-07:00Farro with Roasted Butternut SquashDo you know about <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/">101CookBooks.com</a>? Heidi writes and photographs beautifully - she's got a great eye and great taste. All the recipes I've tried have been delicious . I definitely can't say that about Martha Stewart.<br/><br/>[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="654" caption="Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash"]<a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/farro-and-roasted-butternut-squash-recipe.html"><img alt="101cookbooks.com" src="http://www.101cookbooks.com/mt-static/images/food/butternutsquashrecipe_07.jpg" title="Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash" width="654" height="438" /></a>[/caption]<br/><br/>Last night we had Farro and Roasted Butternut Squash. The balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme mixed beautifully with the roasted squash and onions. One thought, though. The recipe did not call for soaking the farro so I didn't. It tasted lovely but I thought the consistency wasn't quite right. Next time I'll give it a soak for twenty minutes and see if that helps.DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-27388836172197750152010-09-24T10:09:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.367-07:00Halloween Skirt... or Pirate Skirt, I guessSo today was our first day of Children's Theater (yet ANOTHER drop off class. Who knew and why didn't anyone tell me this??) Coco proudly sashayed in wearing her new Halloween skirt covered in scary skulls and was promptly told by the one boy in the class, "You're a pirate." <br/>[caption id="attachment_226" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Halloween Skirt"]<a href="http://divaskychick.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/halloween-skirt-or-pirate-skirt-i-guess/dscn0280/" rel="attachment wp-att-226"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/dscn0280.jpg?w=600" alt="Pirate Skirt" title="Halloween Skirt" width="600" height="1024" class="size-large wp-image-226" /></a>[/caption]<br/>"No I'm not, I'm scary!" she replied. "Pirates are scary" the sweet boy explained as he wandered away. "WELL I'M A HOLLAWEENIE!" she yelled after him. Yes you are, my love.<br/><br/>The inspiration was the <a href="http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2008/08/lazy-days-skirt-free-pattern.html">Lazy Days Skirt</a>, of course, but the hem is my own strategy. Next time I'll take photos while I'm putting it together. And there will be a next time, never fear. I'm basically a two hit wonder at this point. I can do a peasant shirt and an elastic skirt and I plan on doing both until my kid gets a job and starts buying her own clothes. Or until I take another sewing class. Magic Eight Ball says, "Cannot predict now."<br/><br/>I'm linking up to:<br/><a href="http://bellabeforeandafter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad234/bellabeforeandafter/SpookBella.jpg" /></a><br/><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/jmrammell/shabbynestbutton.png" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.kojodesigns.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss139/jordanremke/kojo%20buttons/kojobutton-fridayfunfinds-150.jpg" /></a><br/><a href="http://thehillsarelivin.blogspot.com/" title="A Few of My Favorite Things"><img alt="Favorite%2BThings%2BFridaybig%2Bbutton.jpg" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JXoofG01VRc/S6PxWGvCa3I/AAAAAAAABnY/4vI_4pJfxZQ/s1600/Favorite%2BThings%2BFridaybig%2Bbutton.jpg" /></a>DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371058821492721971.post-78408116262814928992010-09-24T04:47:00.000-07:002010-11-04T16:46:24.345-07:00The Line Diet or Steve Ward Diet or Easiest Diet Ever...[caption id="attachment_218" align="alignnone" width="534" caption="The Line Diet"]<a href="http://www.thelinediet.com/"><img src="http://divaskychick.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/sample_graph.png" alt="Steve Ward Diet" title="The Line Diet" width="534" height="305" class="size-full wp-image-218" /></a>[/caption]<br/>Nicole at <a href="http://makingitlovely.com/">Make it Lovely</a> has this great <a href="http://makingitlovely.com/2010/03/01/30-before-thirty/">30 Before 30</a> list that I'm way too old to join in on but I did crib a fantastic idea she cribbed from the internet. It's called the Steve Ward Diet which basically is just a simple graph where you plot your desired weight loss by date. On days when you're above the line you eat nothing but broccoli or lean fish or if you're me, you drink fresh veggie juices all day. On days when you're below the plot line, you eat as you wish. <br/><br/>Nicole's chart is <a href="http://makingitlovely.com/2010/06/21/twenty-pounds-lighter/">here</a> and the original post is <a href="http://kottke.org/09/07/the-steve-ward-diet">here</a>. My contribution to the conversation (besides potential public diet failure) is the awesome online chart I found <a href="http://www.thelinediet.com/">here</a>. This lovely thing does all the work for you. Did I mention it's free?<br/><br/>And here's another contribution: a juice recipe that will keep you going.<br/><br/>One large cucumber, whole<br/>One zucchini whole<br/>Two small apples whole (if they'll fit through the mouth of your juicer)<br/>One lime (sloppily cut off the peel)<br/>Two handfuls of spinach<br/>One small red pepper (deseeded)<br/>One stalk celery<br/>Quarter avocado (peeled)<br/><br/>Put everything except the avocado into the juicer. Soft stuff like spinach will juice better if you sandwich it between the apples. Pour juice into blender, add avocado and a handful of ice. Blend, drink a full glass immediately and put the rest in a sealed container. Drink in three hours. <br/><br/>That should get you through til lunch. On fatty days I'll repeat three more times throughout the day. You'll pee a lot but you feel pretty great. Let me know if you want more recipes. I'll probably post more anyway but I can get more specific if you tell me what you like.DivaSkyChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292812480432173390noreply@blogger.com0