Notes from the Tulip House

A Weekend in Pictures

Published by on May 30, 2013 | 1 Response

This past Monday was Memorial Day here in the US of A.  That meant a three day weekend for The Mister.  The weather wasn’t the greatest but it was still a nice relaxing weekend.

the tulip house allium clematis kabobs strawberry and peach shortcake toes

Memorial Day, in case you don’t live in the States, is a day set aside to remember those who lost their lives while serving in our military.  It’s traditional to put out a flag in honor of those lost and it’s also traditional to barbecue.  Despite the dreary gray sky, The Mister and I did cook out on our grill.  And, for dessert I made a yummy delicious strawberry and peach shortcake.  I love peaches!  I love shortcake made with sweet biscuits!  I just macerated sliced fresh peaches and strawberries in about 1/8 cup of sugar for 30 minutes or so,  served them over sweet biscuits, and topped them with lightly sweetened whipped cream.  I followed Betty Crocker’s recipe for Sweet Milk Biscuits, to which I added a couple of tablespoons of sugar.  They are made with oil and take like 5 minutes to throw together.

The Mister and I also managed to watch two movies, Silver Linings Playbook, and Django Unchained.  They were both pretty good.  I normally don’t go out of my way to watch a Quentin Tarantino film, in fact, I usually go out of my way to Not watch one of his films.  But, I knew The Mister wanted to see it and I like Jamie Foxx, and quite frankly it looked interesting, so I figured why not.  It wasn’t bad, however, as usual the gun play and violence was over the top.  Oh Quentin, will you ever grow up?

I also got a pedicure, gotta get those feet ready for summer!  In addition there was lots of playing in the yard and at the playground with Little Bug.  I got a few annuals and did some potting.  The Mister mowed the lawns and cleaned the gutters.  Both my Alliums and my Clematis are blooming and looking lovely!  And that was our weekend.

In other news, I’ve got four more pieces of jewelry photographed and ready to list in my Etsy store.  And, I celebrated a birthday this week so I’m planning to do a giveaway!  Hope to get that posted before the week is over.

 

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Healthy Granola

Published by on May 24, 2013 | Leave a response

I don’t know about you, but I often struggle to find something quick and healthy for breakfast.  I don’t care really care for boxed cereals and I get tired of eating eggs everyday.  I do however enjoy homemade granola.  I have two recipes that I tend to make, the following is the healthier of the two.  It contains no sugar or honey or maple syrup, and no oil or butter!  And yes, it still tastes pretty good!

homemade granola

Homemade Banana Date Granola

As long as you have a food processor or blender, it’s very simple to make.

Banana Date Granola

Ingredients

  •  1 cup whole dates, pitted
  • 2 large bananas
  • 2 tsps. of cinnamon
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 lb. old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 lb. unsweetened coconut (flakes or chips)
  • 1 cup walnut pieces
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • ½ cup dried apricots cut up
  • ½ cup of dried cranberries
  • 1 cup raisins

Granola IngredientsI left out the raisins and walnuts, you can use whatever nuts and dried fruits you prefer.

Directions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
In a blender or food processor, combine dates, bananas, cinnamon and water. Blend until smooth. Add more water a tablespoon at a time if mixture is too thick.  Warning, if you use a food processor, it’s best to add only a little water at first and add the rest once the bananas and dates are pureed.  Otherwise you’re likely to have a watery mess all over your counter when you pulse the machine.  (I always forget this part.)

Banana Date Puree
In a large bowl, mix together oats and date mixture until coated, breaking up very large clusters. Stir in dried coconut.

Coated Oats and Coconut
Bake in a thin layer on a baking sheet (must be done in small batches), stirring occasionally to desired crunchiness. About 1 to 1.5 hours.

Granola on Cookie Sheet
Remove from oven and cool. Stir in nuts and dried fruits. Store in an airtight container.

Healthy Granola Banana Date Granola

A batch of this granola will last me about 5 breakfasts.  It has a subtle sweetness and I love that fact that all the ingredients are good for you!

Bowl of Granola

On the Jewelry front, I have lots of new pieces to add to my store!  I’m afraid I have been dealing with a stiff neck all week so have not had a chance to do any photography.  I do plan to shoot some pieces this weekend and hopefully start adding them to Etsy a little at a time.  I will give a heads up on those shop updates via Facebook!  Happy Memorial Day weekend!  (Oh, and I almost forgot, I will be marking down some older pieces as well!)

 

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Spring Preview Part Deux!

Published by on May 17, 2013 | 2 Responses
Owyhee Jasper Necklace

Owyhee Jasper Necklace

 

Owyhee Necklace
Turquoise Saddle Ring

Turquoise Saddle Ring

 

Turquoise Cuff

Turquoise Cuff

 

Copper Feather Earrings

Copper Feather Earrings

 

Necklaces

Necklaces

 

Necklaces2
Sonoran Rhyolite Ring

Sonoran Rhyolite Ring

 

Ocean Jasper Ring

Ocean Jasper Ring

All of the above, along with several other new pieces will be available for purchase this weekend at the Deposit Historical Society’s Old Time Craft Fair.  If you happen to be in or around the Catskills of Western New York, please stop by!  Saturday May 18th from 10-3 in the village of Deposit, NY.

I will be back home in Chicago next week and should have my Etsy store open by the 22nd.  If you see something you are interested in, feel free to send me a note!

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