Anyone who has priced hardscaping lately knows how expensive it can be, particularly if you have large areas to cover. I am redoing my whole area that I used last year for veggies. Long story short, the squirrels were a nightmare for me and I don’t plan to go through that experience a second time. …
This DIY Bean Teepee is a fun vegetable garden hack, and gives great support to climbing beans. This year, I changed my vegetable garden into a combined perennial/vegetable border. It’s a long story but basically, the squirrels got the better of my veggies last year and I swore never again. Since I will have flowers …
My husband is English and loves a traditional Shepherd’s pie. This recipe for cheeseburger pie is a take on that dish made into an American version. The dish is simple to do. I make it the way I make shepherd’s pie…a bit of this and a bit of that. Whatever is in the fridge or …
This year has been a series of set backs in my garden. It is almost the end of May and I’m way behind, but finally have some progress to show for all my work. Things that set me back were: My father’s death in February which resulted in two trips to Maine. A very long …
Bakery style muffins are certainly not designed for those on a diet. Those babies are enormous. This recipe for jumbo chocolate muffins gives you the indulgence of those big muffins without the price tag that goes along with them. They make a great breakfast on the go. The jumbo chocolate chip muffins are easy to …
I love recipes that make use of overripe produce that might otherwise be destined for the garbage bin. This sour cream Banana bread is a great recipe for the frugal cooks out there. It makes a great snack and easy breakfast on the go. Sour Cream Banana Bread This banana bread starts as a thick, …
This project for making watermelon play dough is super easy to do. The project takes less than ten minutes to make and the end result smells great. Watermelon season is here and both adults and many kids love to grow them. (and eat them too!) Today we’ll be making red, green, white and black play …
What could be better than a recipe where you put the ingredients in a slow cooker and come home to a great meal at night? Days and days of easy slow cooker recipes! These crock pot meals are as close to set in and forget it as you can get. I love to prepare slow …
I was born in Maine, and one of my fondest memories is the collection of fiddlehead ferns each spring. Even though I have moved away, each year my family boxes up a whole bushel of them and sends them to me by priority mail here in NC. It’s always a special day when that box …
It’s featured recipe time. This one comes from my friend who used to blog at an international recipe site called Molly Mel. Regina is a fabulous cook and many of her recipes are Brazilian in nature. Most are easy to do and look just delicious. Regina submitted this gluten free treat called Pão de Queijo. …
Growing herbs is something that any good cook should consider. This mason jar herb garden fits into the French country look that I have going on in my kitchen as part of a renovation, too. It’s the perfect DIY project for my vegetable gardening summer! I love cottage chic decor projects. They have a rustic appeal …
“Man does not live by bread alone” so the saying goes. But with this list of my favorite bread recipes, one might have to reconsider this. I have to admit it – I love bread. I would find it difficult to eat a grain free diet. To me, there is nothing quite like the smell …
These dip recipes are the perfect way to start any party or gathering. It will soon be time to start thinking about summer parties and barbecues. (I know, I know…will this winter ever end?) But it is never too early to start planning for the next big event. Start your celebrations off right with one …
These baked lamb chops are beautifully tender and have a delicious rosemary cream sauce. The recipe makes a nice main course alternative to pork or beef. I’ve you’ve never tried baked lamb, you are in for a treat. Lamb loin chops are a tender cut of meat and much less expensive than the fancy rack …
Oh the weather outside is frightful, or so the saying goes. Here in Raleigh, we are not known for much cold weather in the winter, but this year has been different in that regard. We have had a couple of days of snow and several weeks of unseasonably cold weather, with temps getting down to …
Caramelized mushrooms are one of my favorite side dishes. Who doesn’t love the delicious taste of these slowly cooked mushrooms that take on a lovely caramel color and a boat load of amazing flavor. This recipe is super easy to make and a must have addition to any side dishes recipe collection. Cooking mushrooms this way …
This recipe is an adaptation of a Julia Child recipe. French cooking at its best. Julia Child was an American chef, author, and television personality. She is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I have lightened up the recipe slightly, (less butter …
There will be no reason to ask your family to have a seat at the table when you serve this delicious mushroom and wild rice stuffed pork roast. They will come running! The wild rice gives the recipe an exotic look and elevates it from a normal week night meal. Keep reading to find out …
New Year is a time for resolutions, and one of them is often finding more healthy recipes. Still managing to stick to my resolve to eat in a more healthy way for the New Year. How about you? Are you still feeling motivated, or have the resolutions gone bye bye? Here are some more of …
This is the month of comfort foods for me. Rich, hearty dishes like this home made corn chowder seem to hit the spot perfectly when the weather is cold and the days are short. This recipe is lovely and creamy. It can even be a meal by itself since it is very filling because it …
Using left over coffee grounds for roses and other plants that like a boost in nitrogen is a natural way to add fertilizer to your garden plants without the use of harsh chemicals. Don’t throw out those used coffee grounds. There are lots of ways to put them use in your garden. ore to the …
This recipe for colorful sauteed Swiss chard is brimming with the flavor of garlic, onions and Chardonnay wine for an easy and refreshing side dish. Swiss chard has a taste that is quite similar to spinach or beet greens, with stems that are slightly sweet and taste almost like bok choy. It is a wonderful addition …
It is getting to the time of the year when cookie exchanges are being planned. They are a fun way to share your new holiday cookie recipes. This peppermint crunch sugar cookie will be a great one to add to your line up of Christmas cookies. I love making cookies this time of the year …
This recipe for stuffed eggplants uses small eggplants that hold the ingredients perfectly. The eggplants are stuffed with ground beef and taste just delicious. Printable Recipe: Stuffed Eggplant with Beef I used Cabot 40% reduced fat cheese for the stuffed but topped them with normal cheddar cheese so it would melt best. Preheat oven to …
Do you like a bit of heat in your recipes? This Thai peanut chicken is for you. It is easy to make and has just the right amount of heat but is not too spicy. This recipe is a great one for those who like chicken dishes with a kick. It has a distinct Thai …
I love to feature photos from some of the fans of my Facebook page. Today I’ll be featuring the lovely butterfly and insect photos of a fan named Tamara. Fans of my Facebook page love to submit photos of their gardens and projects for me to consider for this website and The Facebook page – …