Frugal Luxuries® by Tracey McBride Est. 1993

Homespun Alchemy ™: Creative Re~Use and Garden Magic...Sort of...

2012-01-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

" We're sprouting new ideas all the time...."

-Richard Cook

I was wandering through the Blogosphere...looking for inspirations and happened upon a great site called Sprout People ...they generously offer an abundance of knowledge regarding the basics of "growing everything"...a veritable font of ideas, information and inspiration on the art of growing...thus...I made the decision to take action and cultivated some magic of my own!

Here's how:

~~~~~~

I gathered my sprouting seeds...an old canning jar with lid...a fry~screen bought at the 99~cent store to make the screened lid (so that I could wash and strain the sprouts each day)...along with a pair of scissors and a marker.

Using the canning~jar~lid~insert as a pattern...I traced circles atop the new fry~screen and then cut them out using the scissors. Hint: I cut out as many as I could from the screen at one time and saved them in an envelope for future use...reserving one for this project of course. :)

I tucked the circle of screen inside the lid.

Here's what it looks like.

I measured a tablespoon of mixed sprouting seeds into the jar...

...added about three inches of water and let it soak overnight...the next day I poured off the water and left the jar upside down to drain.

To prop it up for drainage, I snipped about 3 inches from a recycled plastic drinking straw and tucked it underneath the upside down jar (screen side down). After that I rinsed the beans daily, always leaving them upside down once I finished...I think next time I'll lie the jar on its side to get a better yield.

After five days of rinsing and draining!

Sending love and good thoughts to all...as always!
Warmly,
Tracey and Family x0x

~~~~~~

Here's some good advice from the lovely Sprout People:

The Basics of Sprouting

Seed Storage: Keeping your dormant seeds happy.
Soaking: Turning a dormant seed into a nutritional powerhouse.
Rinsing: Water is the key ingredient in sprouts. Use it liberally.
Draining: It is essential that sprouts be drained thoroughly after rinsing. Sitting in a puddle is the most common cause of crop failure.
Air Circulation: If your sprouts can’t breathe while growing - they can die. Don’t put them in a closed cabinet.
Greening: Photosynthesis is cool, and so is Chlorophyll, but not all sprouts are into it, nor is it necessary. Sprouts of all colors are packed with flavor and nutrition!
Cleanliness: Your seed should be clean and your sprouting device should be sterile. Wash your sprouter well between crops. Sterilize when necessary.
Storage: Properly stored, fresh sprouts will keep for up to 6 weeks in your refrigerator but fresher is better. Never refrigerate wet sprouts.
Eat More Sprouts! Grow More Often!

P.S. For the record, I am NOT affiliated with the Sprout People in any way!

Abundant Wishes for a Happy and Blessed New Year to All! xxx000xxx

2012-01-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

Sending love and good thoughts to all for a happy, harmonious, healthy 2012 full of peace, liberty and wisdom.

Love,

Tracey and Family x0x

Image Source

Frugal Luxuries for the Freezer

2011-12-29T20:30:00.000-08:00

Hello my sweet friends! I pray you all enjoyed a lovely holiday!

I've been busy this week catching up on things I put off before the holidays.

Today I thought it was past time to process those cute little pumpkins we gathered (free!) from our local pumpkin patch...in November. I'm embarrassed to tell you they have been looking so autumnal in their woven basket...in my garage...for well over a month! Luckily, the weather has been cool and they stored beautifully.

Thus, today found me in the kitchen making my long~overdue pumpkin pack (to stock the freezer).

Here's how.

I baked the pumpkins in a 350 degree oven for about an hour (until very soft...you can see my fingerprint on the bottom right pumpkin where I touched it to see if it was done...not recommended by the way ;). They were allowed to cool. Next I scooped them out of their peels into a large bowl (the peels just fall right off).

Set~up the cellophane bags...

inside a set of drinking glasses for easy filling and...

Scooped the pumpkin pack into the bags (about 1~1/3 cups per bag)

Once they were all full I...

Cut twine to close the bags for the freezer then...

Tied them closed and set them inside the freezer for future use in pumpkin breads, puddings and pies...finally...

I washed and air dried the pumpkin seeds for the squirrels to enjoy!

~~~~~~~~

I'm off now, to feed my kitties and get ready to call it an evening.

Sending good thoughts and love to all, as always!

Love,

Tracey and Family x0x

P.S. Please call Patricia and me if you get the chance! xxx

Kindling a Simple Christmas

2011-12-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

"That is best which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness."
~George Mason

I'm feeling very simple this Christmas...in a very "use what we have" mood.

A stack of green shopping bags become wrapping paper...garnished with vintage ornaments and simple white ribbon.

Looking around the house, I find a rumpled wad of tulle (leftover from one of Katie's long~ago projects) and cut it into strips. I then tie them...one at a time...onto a simple strand of white lights...while watching Cary Grant and Loretta Young in "The Bishop's Wife".

I finished before the movie so...I folded the remaining tulle piece fan~style and tied it in the center. After cutting the folded outer edges, it sprang to life in it's new incarnation...an ethereal...pom~pom style tree~topper.

I draped the tulle/light garland around a mirror...and tied the tree~topper onto the highest bough...

After setting up an imperfect little tree (its only ornaments, tiny white lights and muted silver dragon~flies suspended from raffia) I relax...knowing that these simple tasks are enough to evoke the spirit of the season...we are happy.

~~~~~~

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and holiday season that's been kindled by kindly, loving hands...and good thoughts.

Happiness, harmony and grace to all during this hallowed and gracious time of year...and always.

With love from,

Tracey and Family x0x

Sharing Frugal Luxuries with "Life and Beauty" Magazine: Holiday Decorating~On Any Budget

2011-12-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

"Happiness is a sort of atmosphere you can live in," notes the writer Adele Rogers St. Johns, and I can think of no festival that encourages us to devote ourselves to creating an attractive, happy atmosphere as much as the winter holidays.

The decorating of houses as part of winter festivals harkens back to antiquity. The creative slight of hand that transforms your ordinary home into a visual celebration of the season can be surprising simple and economical!

~~~~~~

"Life and Beauty" magazine kindly asked for my contributions to an article on easy, budget~friendly holiday decorating and, as always, I'm brimming with an over~abundance of ideas and opinions on this (one of my favorite) subject! If you'd care to take a look simply click the highlighted link below!

Click HERE to read the article and to discover fresh as well as time~honored ideas on how to...

Re~Purpose Household Items for Budget Holiday Decor;

Display Edible Decor;

How to Shop Smart;

Let Nature Inspire You...and more!

Sending out happy thoughts that each of your kind~kindred souls are savoring all the blessings of the season thus far!

As always sending love and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

P.S. Sending a shout~out and special "thank you" to Catherine Ryan, the writer of the article!

Guest Post: The Lovely Luxury of a Foot Massage!

2011-11-10T01:59:00.000-08:00

"Marie Antoinette", Sony Pictures 2006

Amy Wilkins, a writer for FrugalDad.com is guest~posting today and sharing easy steps for creating our own foot scrubs...while enjoying a homespun version of that soothing frugal luxury...the humble foot massage!

~~~~~~

6 Steps for a Great Foot Rub

Are your feet tired? Do they hurt? Foot scrubs are a wonderful way to relax and pamper yourself as well as get rid of rough spots on the feet. It will help your feet feel wonderful. In fact, they’ll thank you for making this product. Your wallet will also thank you, because you will also have saved by doing it yourself! Take these steps for some fresh feet.

1. Collect and/or Buy the Ingredients: {Look about the house and pantry first, before buying anything.} You will need about a cup of sugar, 3 lemons, 3 limes, sweet almond oil, 15 mint leaves and a dash of baking soda. Hints: {You may substitute olive or coconut oil for the almond oil, and essential mint or lavender oils for mint leaves if needs be.} Refuse to pay the whole price by using coupons found in newspapers, magazines and online. Make sure and comparison shop. Make stores live up to their price match policies if they have one. :)

2. Make the Foot Scrub: Put 3 tablespoons of sugar into a blender. Add ¼ cup baking soda to the sugar. Then, add one tablespoon almond oil. Next add the 15 mint leaves. Finally add the lemons and limes. Put the whole lemons and limes in the blender. Blend until crushed. It should look somewhat like oatmeal.

3. Massage massage the scrub into the feet. {Home Reflexology} Take each toe and press firmly, but gently, on the tip of each toe. Hold the pressure on each toe for three seconds. Next find the small round area just behind your little toe on each foot. Press here for 20 seconds. Then move to the ball of your foot. Put pressure here firmly but gently. Lastly, put pressure on the bottom of the foot just below your ankle.

Free Printable Reflexology Foot Chart

4.Bathe the Foot: Using a clean wash cloth and warm water, wash off the foot scrub. Your feet are beginning to feel better, aren’t they? Applying pressure to these points will help your whole body feel better. Scientist do not quite understand why, but they know that it works. Believe me, you will not care at this point!

5. Use a Golf Ball: Take a golf ball and run it under the ball of your foot for twenty seconds. This will help your feet feel even better. Again, think about the pressure points and try to hold the golf ball there. Have you put yourself into heaven yet? Your feet sure do feel better! {This is also a lovely way to give yourself a homemade foot massage while watching your favorite movie or television episode...if you haven't the time or energy for the entire ritual.}

6. Apply Lotion : The last step is to rub some wonderful smelling lotion into your feet. This is the finishing touch. Knowing that you saved even more money by making the foot scrub at home will make you feel even better. The whole process will take only a few minutes. Go and try it now, as you deserve it. Women in particular do not spend enough time taking care of themselves. This is an easy recipe to follow and you will save lots of money over the expensive foot scrubs that you find in stores. Relax for a few minutes.

Amy Wilkins likes to write about home remedies, massage & Buy.com Coupon Codes.

Day Four: Thanksgiving Progressive Dinner~Blog Style~Remains of a Thanksgiving Feast

2011-11-06T08:52:00.001-08:00

Classic Turkey~Noodle Soup!

When I was a child the meals served at our table on the days following Thangsgiving were often turkey based. While I still find it amazing that something so ordinary as turkey can be magically transformed into significantly different dishes such as Turkey Tacos and Arroz con Turkey...

Classic Turkey~Noodle Soup remains my all~time favorite way to use the remains of a Thanksgiving feast!

Of course...it's always a pleasure to share a bowl with family, friends, co~workers and neighbors!

Here's my favorite way to make...

Classic Turkey~Noodle Soup

Make your broth by simmering the turkey bones (i.e., carcass) in water for several hours,you must keep an eye on this so that it doesn't boil down and burn. (Add more water if/when needed.) An easy way to do this is to put it all in a slow~cooker overnight...no pot~watching necessary! HINT: For extra flavor and nutrition I like to add trimmings from carrots, celery, and onions...I also put in about a teaspoon of cider vinegar to extract calcium from the bones. I also add a few pinches of sea salt as well as a clove or two of garlic, unpeeled is okay!

Turkey bones and vegetable scraps inside my slow cooker transform into a delicious, nutritious, economical broth.

Broth is done after several hours on the stove top or overnight in the slow cooker. Allow bones and broth to cool thoroughly before handling. Once it's safe to handle, set a colander inside a larger bowl~~one that's large enough to hold the liquid from your broth. Strain the bones from the broth by pouring it all into the colander. Be careful. Lift the colander from inside the bowl and pull off the good bits of turkey meat to use in your soup. Dice this turkey meat and set aside. Note: Discard the bones and scraps as per your habit~we always make kitty food from the less appealing turkey scraps...the cats love it!

Saute' diced carrots, celery and onion in your soup kettle before adding liquid.

Dice up several carrots, celery and a large onion. Next, dump them all into your soup kettle with a small amount of oil (I use olive oil or coconut oil). Saute' just until the onions are translucent. Sometimes I like to add a clove or two of minced garlic as well.

Carefully pour your cooled, strained broth into the soup kettle atop your sauteed vegetables. If you need more liquid go ahead and add it a cup at a time until all the vegetables are covered.

Add a teaspoon of sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper and a bay leaf. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Hint: Long ago, my friend Gina shared her secret for an even more delicious and nutritious broth...add about a cup of frozen spinach! It sounds strange, but it tastes delicious and immediately boils down to look like parsley and no one ever knows it's there but me (and now you!)...don't let the kids see you do this! ;)

Season your broth to taste...careful not to burn your tongue!

Carefully taste your broth to see if you need more seasonings. It's been my experience that sometimes it tastes not quite right until you add more salt (I find this especially true when you're serving it to those who are used~to eating canned soup flavors). Just add a small amount at a time so as not to over~salt it! If you like, you may omit the extra salt and add a few teaspoons of chicken bouillon (this adds a lot of salt and gives the flavor a bit more punch...sometimes I do this and sometimes it doesn't need it...each broth seems to have its own personality ;).

Add cooked,drained egg noodles.

While soup is simmering, I usually cook my egg noodles according to package directions. Hint: I used about one and a half cups(uncooked) noodles for this batch of soup(pictured below). Strain cooked noodles and set aside.

Hint: I carefully (don't burn your tongue!) taste the soup throughout the simmering process and add flavors as needed.

Once I have the soup to my liking, I turn it off and add the diced turkey meat I set aside earlier along with the cooked egg noodles. Serve at once or put in the refrigerator to serve later!

Classic Turkey~Noodle~Soup from the remains of your Thanksgiving Feast!

Sending good thoughts and love to all!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

All Images

Day One: Thanksgiving Progressive Dinner~Blog Style

2011-11-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

Image: Home Sweet Home Made

Welcome to Day One of our Thanksgiving Progressive Dinner! Day one has some unique ideas for place cards as well as wild rice and intriguing Teriyaki sweet potatoes!

Click HERE to see Diane's lovely post!

Please Join Us for our Upcoming Progressive~Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner... Blog Style!

2011-10-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

My sweet and creative blog friend, Diane,from Home Sweet Homemade has been industriously organizing a wonderful cyber~potluck...featuring a small collection of bloggers from throughout the ethers! She has very graciously invited me to be featured among this lovely group! We plan to post tried~and~true recipes for celebrating the Thanksgiving Holidays as well as a few time~honored ways to made delicious meals from the Remains of our Holiday Feasts! Among those participating are...

Diane from Home Sweet Homemade

Pamela from Be Colorful

Laura from White Spray Paint

Carrie from Project Possessed

We will all be posting more information about this fun project soon!

Sending love and good thoughts to all!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

Memory Food: Easy Holiday Breakfast

2011-09-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

"The earth bringeth forth fruit of itself." ~~Mark 4:28

One morning, as I surreptitiously consumed an entire plate of apple crumble for breakfast, I became inspired to adapt the fruit crisp into a legitimate breakfast dish. :) Peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, even strawberries and apples are all quite delicious in a crisp. However you needn't confine yourself to only one fruit, combining fruit is a delicious, frugal, time~honored way to make use of small amounts of a variety of fruit. Many berries mingle beautifully--blackberry, raspberry, and boysenberry__as do peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums. You are limited only by your resources and/or your imagination. If fresh fruits are not available, you may use drained canned fruit for this recipe.

 Blend 1 cup toasted oats or granola cereal, 1 cup flour (I've been using coconut flour lately, 1/2 cup brown sugar(optional) NOTE: I sometimes omit sugar completely, substituting about 3~5 Tablespoons of honey or a natural sugar substitute such as Xylitol and/or stevia extract.  Top with 1/3 to 1/2 cup melted butter, coconut oil or a mixture of the two.

Wash and prepare fresh fruits as you would for a pie filling.  Spread fruit in pie pan or shallow casserole or baking dish.  Sprinkle topping evenly over fruit and bake for 30 to 40 minutes in a preheated 350degree oven.  

Note:  In the peach crisps in above photos, I used flour I omitted the oats/granola and used coconut flour mixed with a few tablespoons of pumpkin pie spices and my favorite natural sweetener, Xylitol. Oh, and I didn't add anything to the peaches...they were so sweet naturally!

Prep time was under ten minutes...so little time and work for the pleasure of surprising Katie and Rosie with one of their favorite breakfast treats!!! :)))  This is also an easy recipe to prepare ahead if you have visitors for a holiday weekend such as this is!

Sending love, good thoughts and wishes for a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

P.S.  You might remember this recipe from my "Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons" book (page 33)!

Images 

Natural Enchantments tm : Trees Groaning with Fruit

2011-08-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

"Gratitude is the Open Door to Abundance"

There's something almost enchanting about trees groaning with fruit.

...it's the simple goodness of whole foods as well as the untapped potential that becomes the preserved bounty.

Spent a week or so down at my Dad's house...visiting with family from out of state. While down there I raided his lemon and orange trees! Quandry...what to do with all this abundance! After sharing with family and friends, I went right to work slicing and dehydrating slices for use in cooking, craft and beauty projects all the while brainstorming other ways to make good use of this abundance.

Simple hand slicing is quick and easy.


I placed them in single layers and let them dry for several hours.

Dried citrus slices often keep well for a year or more if they are packaged carefully.

In the past I've used them to make these edible wreaths.

And as natural adornments for the holidays.

 This is an orange~y delight!

Fresh and/or dehydrated orange and lemon slices add a wondrous tang to home brewed teas in summer...do the same to warm cider or tea when autumn arrives.

And let's not forget the classic use of lemon and orange zest to flavor recipes!


This image of blood oranges is lovely...my Dad has a blood orange tree but it doesn't bear fruit until winter. :)

Candied orange peels dipped in chocolate are a delicious treat!

 Lemon curd as well!

Classic lemonade...lemon sweetener and water...I love this easy squeezing technique!

An even simpler frugal luxury...chilled water with lemon rounds!

And when we're all done...let's enjoy a soothing foot bath embellished with fresh lemon slices and petals from the garden! 

Images: Here and Here.

Homespun Alchemy ™ ~ Vintage Silver

2011-08-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Culling Comforts and Treasures

"Rich the treasure,
Sweet the pleasure."
~John Dryden

Some of our recently culled treasures.

As you might already know, I've been a long~time collector of vintage silver and silver plate.

These recent additions to my treasure trove were acquired for a song at an estate sale! After snapping a few pictures to share here, I began a bit of research on how to put these lovelies to work. The images below are just a few of the many great ideas I've uncovered.

~~~~~~~

Small Revere~style bowls become charming planters.

A "one and lonely" silver chalice becomes a lovely vase for a single bloom.

Silver pedestal cradles natural sachets and pretty soap in the powder room.

Silver trays are wonderful for corralling small collections.

Bent flatware transform into whimsical hooks...

...and ladles become storage for smaller items.

Silver bowls and pitchers enhance an ordinary buffet's beverage center/bar.

How do you use your vintage silver finds?

Do you prefer a slight tarnish...or a mirror~like shine?

Confession: I'm a tarnish girl...would love to hear your preferences!

We're off now to run a few errands. Wishing a lovely weekend to all of you...my kind and kindred souls!!!

Sending good thoughts, love and happy treasure culling!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

Images 1 & 2
Images 3 ~ 9

The Summer Gift Pantry: Easy Homemade Tea from Farm Stand Bounty

2011-07-30T12:07:00.015-07:00

"Earth was bountiful, and we were surrounded with the blessings of the great mystery." ~~~Luther Standing Bull

~~~~~~

When preserving foods for your Gift Pantry, remember that summer offers us a bounty of fresh fruits and (hopefully) a kitchen garden brimming with delights. However, if you're too busy to garden or haven't any earth to till, you may wish to make use of the gifts of the season via roadside stands, farmers' markets, and "pick~your~own" orchards!

Our favorite farm stand.

We were blessed with bouquets of fresh spearmint from our favorite farm stand (at 50 cents per bunch they are a bargain!). I plucked the leaves from the stems and arranged them in single layers on the racks of our ordinary food dehydrator. (BELOW)

Fresh mint leaves ready to be dehydrated for tea.

Mint leaves fully dried.

I store the dried tea in cleaned and recycled coffee canisters until I'm ready to put together the tea bags for my gift pantry!

For more Gift Pantry ideas click HERE!

You're probably creating similar transformations in your own kitchens...it'd be fun to hear what you're stocking your summer Gift Pantry with!!!

Sending love and good thoughts to all, as always!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

Poetry in Ordinary Things©: Found~Treasures

2011-07-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

"Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects be as if they were not familiar." ~~Shelley

Found~treasure...blackberry vines lying about in my Dad's yard...entwined with the Bougainvillea...true poetry in the ordinary.

Sending love and good thought to all!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

How to Have a Lovely Day...

2011-07-12T13:05:00.001-07:00

source

Gift Pantry: More Gifts in Jars...

2011-07-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

herbed sugar

pie in a jar

rosemary bread...baked in a jar

cupcake paper liners to embellish homemade jam in jars

cocoa mixes in jars

pretty pastel gumdrops in simple recycled jars

rose petal and sea salt bath scrub...in jars

Perhaps this is an obsession...I just can't seem to get jars off my mind these days! Here are some great uses for those jars we can't seem to give up. What are some of the ways use use your recycled and/or thrifted jars?

Sending love and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

Images: Source

Gift Pantry: Homemade Granola

2011-07-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

"Necessity never made a good bargain." ~ Ben Franklin

Working ahead of Need: Christmas in July...

Most people begin preparing for Christmas in December but, as you probably already know, I prepare for Christmas all year round. My Gift and Craft Pantries are often bulging by the time winter arrives, which allows me to spend the bulk of my time during the holidays savoring the joy of organizing gift boxes and baskets, baking and putting the finishing touches on the gifts that I make. Why do I do this? To soothe the budget and to give thoughtful gifts that will impart that unique quality of things make by the human hand. My most recent project is a delicious, simple, budget~friendly granola/trail mix.

I washed and saved the jars from Mike's favorite salsa.

Painted the clean, dry lids with leftover white spray paint.

Then I made up a few batches of homemade granola adapting a basic recipe I found HERE. I didn't have all the ingredients on their list so I simplified by leaving out the wheat germ, oat bran and sesame seeds. Instead I used what I had on hand which were the rolled oats, shelled sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (aka Pepitos), snips of dried cranberry and ginger and substituted raw coconut oil (found at Sprouts or Whole Foods) for the vegetable oil. We like ours very spicy, so I added extra ground cinnamon and put in lots of ground nutmeg also. (Katie LOVES it!) I've already given a few jars away (note the gift bag in the collage!) So, truth be told, these probably won't be lasting until Christmas! That being said, it was so incredibly EASY to make, inexpensive (I bought the rolled oats in bulk for a song) and the whole thing took less than an hour for two batches, that I know I'll be whipping up variations on this recipe anytime I need a deliciously quick, pretty and practical gift! Include some specialty tea or a bag of gourmet coffee beans and you have a lovely hostess gift as well. I know we think alike regarding working ahead of need so I'd sure enjoy hearing what projects you're working on to stock your gift pantries!!! I'm always inspired by what you come up with. More soon my kind friends.

Sending love and good thoughts to all!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

For the Love of a Vessel...or two...or three...or....

2011-06-30T09:04:00.001-07:00

Shakespeare tells us that "the empty vessel makes the loudest sound".

Personally, I can attest to the truth of his timeless wisdom in that my own scattered collection has been shouting at me for months. Their wish? To be reunited. (Photo above is a small portion of our very useful collection.)

While at it...I decided to collect my menagerie of chandelier crystals in a lidless apothecary jar for easy access. (Such a charming jar of positive energies...don't you think?!) While so doing I sought the wind of inspiration and spent far too much time combing the web seeking like~minded souls who've used vessels...both humble and grand...to create their own Order from Chaos! (Please see photos below for my discoveries!)

Sending good thoughts and love to all...as always!

Love,

Tracey and Family x0x

Images: 1 & 2, 3~14

Gratitude...

2011-05-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Was just appreciating those who gave so much...so that we could remain blessed.

Wishing a safe and lovely weekend to all...along with love and good thoughts.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

2011-05-25T14:29:00.002-07:00

I've been germinating.

More soon my kind friends!

Sending love and good thoughts...as always.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Note: Real world duties have been holding my full attention these days. Nothing dramatic...just an abundance of life tasks! I must confess a tendency toward blog/internet addiction...entire afternoons have disappeared from the clocks as I wander through this wonderland called the internet. While that is always pure pleasure, my real world tends to suffer for these "Journey[s] Into the Ethers". Please know you are always in my good thoughts as I strive to find my balance between these two worlds!

Garden of Earthly Delights: Planning and Inspiration

2011-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear friends! Spring and gardening have been on my mind so very much lately. I have been spending far too much time planning and researching ;) ideas for our tiny little garden/patio areas....and ohhh the pretty ideas I've discovered!

Here are a few that have me smitten...

perhaps concrete pavers with grass/sod inserted to make this charming checkerboard pattern? Wish I had room for a little garden shed like this one!

This idea is one for my dad's house...picket fencing is such a charming yet classic way to enclose a garden on a larger piece of property.

I seem to be drawn to board dividers...stepping stones and gravel!

More pavers...love them...plus cabbages in front of a raised bed...we may have room for something like this...pretty...simple...edible...that's not too much to ask.

This garden bed is thrown in for pure fantasy...definitely no room at our house and not really my dad's style...perhaps for those of you with more land than I!?!

More raised beds and gravel (love the square trellis/cage)!

Forgive me for adding just a little more fantasy! The roof on this little shed is charmingly alive!

Now this idea looks much like a fantasy but is really quite practical...vertical gardening to make the most of a small space...using a discarded pallet...brilliant!!!

Another small space gardening idea...for those old canoes or kayaks cluttering the garage...turn it into a vegetable and/or herb garden! So charming and such a creative recycling idea!

Speaking of creative recycling...old chandeliers can be quite easily converted to hanging planters like this...useful for small patio and/or balcony gardens as well!

Oops...how did this gorgeous image get in here???

And for reallly small gardens...how about these tiny succulents planted in hollowed~out wine corks...magnets on the back make them perfect for seed starting in small spaces...and not just the refrigerator...I was thinking of making some of these as vertical seed starters and putting them outside on our metal etege'.

Last and...literally...least are these old thimbles planted with moss...for those of us with especially tiny gardens!

With a storm coming in today...and expected to last throughout the weekend...I suppose I'll be doing more garden research than actual digging this weekend! Wishing a good and happy weekend to you!

Sending love and good thoughts to all, as always.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

Images: Pinterest.com

Illuminated fragments...

2011-03-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hello my darling friends...I've been puttering around trying to continue creating my vision of serenity decorating (see above).
I painted a round black mirror (found it for $12 at a close~out sale)
and hung it on the stair landing...

...created a delicious trail mix for about half the cost by buying my favorite dried fruits and nuts from Trader Joe's and mixing them together...TIP: I use kitchen shears to snip larger pieces of dried fruit, such as ginger or dates, into smaller pieces. Doing this stretches the sweeter elements of the trail mix without adding extra sugar (which I'm always trying to keep at a minimum)...

...also tried my hand at making butter in the food processor from a wonderful recipe I found HERE. It was sooo incredibly easy, and a great way to use up the raw cream before it spoiled! You can also make it with regular whipping cream.

Last...but certainly not least...I whipped up an easy pumpkin spice bread that Rosie had been craving...for her to enjoy for breakfast. I made her take half of it to school (so I wouldn't eat it ;)!

Hope you are having a lovely week and a happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Love and Good Thoughts to All, as always.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

Serenity Series ™ : Creating Peace Amid the Storm

2011-03-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.

~~Anonymous

~~~~~~

Easing Visual Burdens & Clutter Caused by a Creative Life

Hello again my sweet friends. I have missed you all and hope you will forgive my recent quietness. I must confide to you that it became vital to my peace~of~mind that I cast out the chaos that has crept into our home over the past several months! (The "before" images at the bottom of this post will bear this out.)

We live in a small house with lots of things. Because we conduct a multitude of activities in these beloved little spaces the congestion has been known to build! Thus...the clutter caused by living a creative life has resulted in nothing less than a visual burden!

My immediate reaction was to get rid of everything!!! However, thanks in part to my frugal nature and because I work from home (it’s necessary for me to keep more than I would have liked) I found another solution. Install a more uniform neutral palette that would create a soothing, serene backdrop to our busy family’s many creative activities!!!

Stair rails after a multitude of hours and paint coats!

How to begin? I de~cluttered as much as possible then painted the stair rails. Truth be told, I began this project last summer and needed to apply that one last coat of paint...so...I did! In my defense, have you ever painted stair rails? Speaking from recent experience...it takes a very, very, very loooooong time...and as I'm a one woman show it took that much longer! Next, I turned my paint brush to the battered old armoire we found at an estate sale ages ago (for a song) along with an interesting old bench inherited from Mike's mom (first photo). Relatively speaking, these were almost a pleasure to paint after the chair rails!

There's more to show you...and more work in progress! However, like most homes, ours is a living, evolving entity and my current vision of serenity decorating is not yet manifested in full. Even still, I did want to give you all a peek at what's been keeping me so busy! Okay, so, I'm off now to begin work on my "sparest of spare rooms" also known as the "Junk Room"! Is it just me, or have you caught the serenity/de~clutter fever too?

Sending love and good thoughts to all, as always.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x?

P.S. Below are a few rummaged~up "before" shots of the chair rails, armoire and clutter...and,oh...did I mention that there is also a cantilevered balcony upstairs...with even more stair rails/banisters that I painted at the same time(s)!

Kitties and the stair rails before I painted them (the rails, not the kitties)!

All images by me...Tracey McBride...I finally got my camera working properly!

Order from Chaos™ : Creating a Serene Palette

2011-01-20T10:24:00.007-08:00

During my down~time last month I was dreaming of prettily organized shelves, filled with soothing white baskets and uniform boxes...

like this...

and this...

and this!

Of course, these offices look nothing like our tiny office that Mike transformed from a walk~in closet! Even still...after giving it some thought...I realized that what I was attracted to was the serenity of the white palette...the white painted baskets...the white, Ikea Kassett storage boxes & magazine holders. I knew...these were the elements that would help me obtain a bit of order in my tiny, chaotic closet~turned~office.

~~~~~~

Once my energy returned (my enthusiasm, of course, never waned) off Rosie and I went...to visit...

IKEA!

(Ikea Baskets)

We found walls filled with lovely white baskets...the ones I really wanted were very much like a set of baskets I had bought at the flea market for a mere fifty~cents each. The Ikea baskets were priced at $9.99 each so I opted out of buying them.

(Ikea "Kassett" boxes)

We also found a multitude of Kassett boxes in all manner of sizes and price points...we bought a dozen or so magazine holders (the least expensive of the group)...along with several storage boxes...some to hold large files...others to hold smaller things like photos, cd's and dvd's.

~~~~~~

After arriving home, I hunted around the house and found the flea market baskets (below).

(Flea Market Basket BEFORE.)

After a few coats of primer (Kilz) and some white paint leftover from another project the baskets were transformed into near twins of the Ikea baskets I had wanted!

(Flea Market baskets after they were transformed with paint.)

~~~~~~

Please keep in mind that our little closet~office is very much a work in progress. My camera continues to give me a bit of trouble so please forgive the poor image quality...however...I refuse to let that stop me from sharing with you a sneak peak at what we've accomplished so far!

These are the magazine holders (above)...I love love love them! They hide a multitude of sins...

as do the baskets...

and boxes!

I will post more images as the office progresses and the camera allows!

Sending Good thoughts and love to all, as always.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Inspiration Photos: Source

Reflections...

2011-01-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, how are you? Did you miss me?
During these days of silence I have been doing a lot of recharging after a near month of very ill health that threatened to… but blessedly did not… ruin our Christmas. This, of course, was due to the happy fact that I finished my holiday shopping by the end of November (and wrapped them all as well). As I lie about these past three weeks healing I did much reflecting and new ideas rushed to my mind and I can't wait to share them with you. That being said, I was not able to accomplish much recently so there is little to show you of my own work, but I dearly wish to leave you with something lovely to look at... pleasant scenes that made me feel better simply by looking at them.

Isn’t it a miracle how pictures of pretty things and places can stimulate good things in the brain/body? Makes me appreciate the obscure gifts inherent in the multitude of lovely images and ideas that are constantly shared on this wonder we call the Internet...such hidden powers and amazing gifts. We are blessed with an embarrassment of riches.

Sending love and good thoughts to all, as always.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family x0x

Photos: Pinterest.com

Serene...Simple...Holidays...

2010-12-17T12:33:00.001-08:00

Hello my kind friends! I have been thinking sooo much about all of you! It's been a crazy time for us with some family business and business/business that is gobbling up time, focus and energy. This year our holidays are very simple...a small tree...white lights...green wreaths hanging in the kitchen window...lots of serenity...much like these amazing images I found on the charming My Sparrow and Pinterest sites! Today there is rain outside...it's misting down at a steady pace. My hoarded stash of fresh pumpkins are (finally) slow~roasting in the oven! Did I tell you? They were all free...donated to anyone who cared to go by and collect them...courtesy of our local pumpkin~patch. The kind souls (who've been organizing it for decades) do this every year. It's a win~win for all!!!! They need to clear the vestiges of their Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities out of the way in order to make room for the annual Christmas tree lot/mini~carnival! Today, thanks in part to their good will, the smell of fresh pumpkin~spice bread will be perfuming the air of the McBride household! Bad news...my camera has been on the blink as of late...yet...the good news is...after a bit of fiddling...I do believe we've put it on the mend. It's charging as I write this so keep your fingers crossed that I'll be able to take photos of my little pumpkin bread project and share them here with you. In the meantime, I hope you don't mind soothing your eyes with these lovely images! As always, sending good thoughts and love to all. Here's wishing a season brimming with serenity, happiness and harmony to all of you kind and kindred souls!!!

Love and good thoughts from Tracey and Family! x0x

Taking Comfort in "Wren Bay"

2010-12-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

Wren Bay by Clarice Fox~Hughes

~~~~~~

This past February...while mourning the unexpected loss of my oldest brother...my long~time blog friend Clarice emailed me with a few sample snippets of her first novel "Wren Bay". It was a work in progress at the time. Clarice's labor of love.

In a rare quiet moment during a harrowing time, I read her work and was comforted. Reading about Wren Bay transported me across time to a cozy place populated by charming, productive characters.

Immediately, I responded.

~~~~~~

My Dear Friend Clarice,

I LOVE this concept! From what I've read so far you are creating a world that reminds me of a cross between Barbara Macomber (?) and Jan Karon!....I am down at my dad's house and....everyone is now napping so I thought I'd try to get my mind off of the sadness by losing myself a bit on the computer. So, I must say thank you for the lovely story bits you've sent. They were a comfort to read and I just want to jump into their world. It's my (humble) opinion that we need more books like the one you are writing....

Please keep going with this project as it sounds wonderful and comforting and just what the world needs right about now. You know your market (us bloggers) and what we like and need. I think you have a winner.

More soon my friend.

Love and good thoughts from Tracey.

x0x

~~~~~~

Happily, a few months ago I was able to buy the newly published copy of Wren Bay and I am so pleased I did. I've long been a fan of Clarice's creativity and Wren Bay is a fictional form of her inspirational blog Storybook Woods. Generously peppered throughout the book are Clarice's tried~and~true recipes and practical tips. She has taken the subjects she blogs about (fashion, crafting, whole food, self education, up cycling and the like) and weaves them into a charming fictional tale. Like Clarice herself, the main character (Wren) takes the simplest things in life and makes a celebration out of them. As Wren grows and learns new skills and ideas, so do we.

If you'd like to learn more about Wren Bay (or purchase a copy of your very own) just click HERE to make the jump to Clarice's charming blog. Please tell her Tracey says "hello"!

Sending love, comfort and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Thanksgiving Blessings to All...

2010-11-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy these days my kind friends...but I have lots of new things to share with you when things calm down...and hopefully I'll have some fun news to share with you too. In the meantime please know that I am grateful for all of you good souls...you have blessed my life.

Thank you for your loyal friendship.

Love and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Image: Source

Holiday Eye Candy...Frugal Gift Pantry Ideas... & More

2010-11-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

Hello my kind friends, here is some EYE CANDY to inspire and to illustrate the philosophy of frugal luxuries!!!

As always...love and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey & Family x0x

P.S. I discussed some of these with my long~time friend Patricia Raskin on her inspiring & uplifting radio show...Positive Living™ !!!

"Peace on earth to people of good will." ~~The Book of Matthew 5.9

Images: Courtesy of Pinterest.com

Order from Chaos™ : Organizing~Inspiration & Delicious Eye Candy

2010-10-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hello my kind friends! I have been so busy lately with a bit of business and extended family visiting from out of state...thus the quietness of my recent blog postings!!! In spite all the activities... I am keeping the back of my mind open to ideas for my current and upcoming projects! As you may have been able to deduce from these images, home order is on my mind as of late! More specifically, organizing the Gift Pantry and Entertainment/Party Pantry (s) so that I'll be able to ease the stress on time and budget during the upcoming holidays! Hope you enjoy these lovely images as much as I do!!!

Wishing you a happy, safe and festive Hallows' Eve weekend!

Love and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Images: Pinterest

Gift Pantry™ Cocoa Cones & Mini Marshmallows...

2010-10-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Good morning my kind friends! I'm still thinking ahead to the holiday season and working out ideas and strategies that will help me to preserve time and budget during that often hectic time! Thus, I thought I'd write a quick post to share this charmingly simple DIY TUTUORIAL for creating these adorable & affordable (35 cents each) cocoa cones! (There is even a download for the pretty tag!) The cocoa cones were originally made to be given out as wedding favors. However...I thought they would make...

a lovely accompaniment to a larger gift basket...

perhaps include several cocoa cones...along with a nice waffle or pancake mix and homemade or purchased syrup inside a breakfast basket.

Or...include a few with a plate of your homemade cookies...

or prop one inside a charming mug.

Or...give as a token gift along with a holiday card.

Or...make a basket of cocoa cones to keep in your entry and give them out as token gifts when friends come by during the holidays...or...!!!

Truth be told...I'm not sure exactly how I'll use them...but you can bet I'll be making up a batch to keep in my holiday gift pantry!

Hope you're enjoying a happy and harmonious weekend!

Love and good thoughts to all, as always!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Image: Ruffled

Autumnal Delights...

2010-10-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

All right my kind friends...I've uncovered another treasure source to share with you. Rachel Whiting's photography site! Her visuals are phenomenal...each image is one treat after another...after another...and another! Her interiors are wondrous as well...so be sure to click on that link when you visit her HERE!

A lovely, serene weekend to all.

As always, good thoughts and love to all!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x!

Images:Rachel Whiting

It's Never Too Early...More Gift Pantry™ Ideas

2010-10-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Pretty packaging simplified: Solid color paper...twine...sticker in lieu of bows & name tags.

Ordinary soaps (store bought or homemade) become special when you package them with love and...buttons.

Inexpensive match boxes (with matches) become charming gifts when you cover them with scraps of wrapping paper...or...vintage/vintage style papers. They are a perfect accompaniment to gifts such as...

Pine cone & paraffin fire starters (store bought or homemade)...

...as are herb bundle fire~starters composed of dried thyme...rosemary...sage...& pepper held together with paraffin and nestled into recycled egg crates or mini peet pots. Break one off and use in the barbecue to add flavor while you grill...or use in the fireplace to scent the room!

Speaking of herbs...

...use them dried or fresh to create your own tea bags...steep a cup for yourself as you package it for your Gift Pantry!

And what better gift to give along with that lovely, home~grown tea than a home~baked pie...with the pretty pie plate as part of the gift! To learn how to make the perfect pie crust click HERE!

A lovely token gift for the crafter/sewer in your life (or a little one who loves to sort) is a special button jar!

If you have some bits of ticking lying about perhaps stitch~up a simple bag holder for the kitchen! To make fold a rectangle of fabric long ways...sew together...hem bottom and top (leave openings to add a drawstring)...thread ribbons one both sides and gather! This is a project even non~sewers could easily take on. Even more simple...purchase a charming one like this example from HERE !

As you're already stocking your gift pantry you'll want to remember to add packaging supplies as well!

And don't forget the birdies! You can make your own version of this simple bird feeder or... find one HERE!

Ornaments are always lovely when given as token gifts! This sweetheart wreath is composed of buttons threaded together with a light gauge wire...so simple...so charming

As is our classic idea of re~purposing chandelier crystals as tree ornaments (first introduced in Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons, Bantam Books, NY, 2000)

As I mentioned earlier, it's never too early to begin stocking your Gift Pantry! Put on some holiday music...enjoy the frugal luxury of candlelight using your prettiest recycled bottles as candle holders...and start your creations! Caution: Never leave candles unattended and keep away from small hands and flammables, of course!

Love and Good Thoughts to All!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

P.S. Thanks to Terri for reminding me to include the following sources for the muslin tea bags!

SOURCES & OPTIONS FOR MUSLIN TEA BAGS

http://www.giftsintl.com/muslinbag.php This company sells 3x4 inch drawstring muslin bags for 16~cents each (in packs of 24)

http://www.sunburstbottle.com/bags/tea-muslin I also found these HEAT SEAL~ABLE TEA BAGS that look like traditional tea bags for 7 ~cents each. After filling you must seal it closed by pressing with a hot iron. (Sunburst also sells the 3 x4 inch muslin bags for 20~cents each...plus lots of other packaging items that send my creative juices into overdrive! Yet one more option is to MAKE~YOUR~OWN muslin tea bag! This is what I do when I have only a half dozen bags to make. Here's a link for how~to's

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1296694/how_to_make_a_muslin_tea_bag.html

All images borrowed from the wonderful online catalog of: A Decorative Home — Cox & Cox, the difference between house and home. If you're at all familiar with my books you'll recognize that they are most definitely kindred spirits! Please stop by their amazing Site as I know your creative juices and holiday spirit will be ignited!!!

Gift Pantry™ Token Gift Idea via La Table De Nana

2010-09-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

TOKEN GIFT IDEA via La Table De Nana

Images: La Table De Nana

FREEZER~PAPER~FABRIC

Sooo...I was enjoying my morning cup of coffee & doing a bit of blog browsing...as is my habit...when I came across this incredible food blog La Table De Nana ! Not only are her images/photography amazing (so talented) but her recipes looked absolutely delicious and doable. As well, she shares this charmingly simple trick for printing your own fabric using freezer paper!!! Now...I know it's not a new idea...however...the way she used it was just so enchanting (no...really...I actually felt enchanted!) that it made me think this would be a wonderful way to stock the gift pantry with token gifts for the upcoming holidays! To see just how easy it is to do this please stop by La Table De Nana and...prepare to be enchanted!
Love and good thoughts to all. Warmly, Tracey and Family x0x

Kireei - Window Farms

2010-09-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

I just now found this intriguing site, Kireei, and read their post on the subject of Window Farms. Of course...I could not wait to share this innovative, charming and very useful idea with all of you!

What are Window Farms? A hydroponic system to have a real garden in a tiny, yard~less space... but this idea (above) is even more minuscule. All that is necessary is to have a humble window and recycled materials (I spy bleach and water bottles at first glance).

Click on the highlighted text above and you will find more information, links and even a how~to video!

Hope you're enjoying a serene and happy weekend.

Love and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Images: Kireei - Window Farms

Question: What is a Homespun Alchemist (tm) ?

2010-09-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Answer: Kindred Spirits who demonstrate the uncanny abilities to

Make Something From NothingTM

(well...almost nothing!).

Please enjoy this occasional feature in which we highlight Homespun Alchemists.

~~~~~~

Introducing Homespun Alchemist Manuela from...

The Pleasures of Homemaking

Today we're honored to highlight our long~time friend (and fellow Homespun Alchemist) Manuela who created and writes The Pleasures of Homemaking blog. In it she extends charming glimpses into her world of French~style lovely living...all with an eye toward frugality. I highly recommend reading it on a regular basis as she inspires action by way of her generously shared secrets for making something from (almost) nothing!

One of the many transformations she has manifest is to morph this...
into this!

Click HERE to see the full DIY (so simple, quick and easy)!

I found it to be pure magic and, of course, was very compelled to share it here...with all of you kind kindred spirits...where I know it'll be appreciated.

Oh, and a special thanks and appreciation sent out to you, Manuela, for being so generous with your ideas, time and images!!!

Love and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

~~~~~~

Images: Courtesy of Manuela at thepleasuresofhomemaking

Fairy Tale Inspirations...

2010-09-11T23:39:00.001-07:00

I found these charming images on a blog called...

"In My Carport".

Sending good thoughts and love to all!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Is Window Shopping Bad For You?

2010-09-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Our long~time kindred spirit, Liz Pulliam, is a very wise financial expert. (You may remember that she was a kind and generous contributor to our first volume of "Frugal Luxuries".) I respect her knowledge and work very much so you can imagine how honored I was to contribute a few tidbits of my own experiences to her recent article...

Saving money tips for shoppers - Liz Pulliam Weston - MSN Money,

Please show her some KS love and pay her a visit if you find a spare minute or two. I know you will find it worth your while. I'm not exaggerating when I say that her books, articles and blog have saved me countless amounts of time, work and money!!!

Image: Source

Finding Angelic Comfort...

2010-08-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

While wandering through the internet this afternoon...looking for some soothing and serene images to comfort my restlessness...I stumbled upon this enchanting blog titled...

An Angel by My Side.

Signs like angels come in the strangest form...yes...perhaps I'm reading more to it than I should...but I choose to accept these lovely images as serendipitous...if not divine...gifts. Small comforts...little joys...frugal luxuries.

Of course, as always, I'm compelled to share them with you, my good~hearted friends...such kind and kindred souls!

Sending love and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey

x0x

P.S. Please go HERE to visit Rosa and her angelic daughter...Randi...my intuition tells me you will find it enchanting!

Images: Source

Enchanted Memories of Grandma Ruby

2010-08-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Summer 2010 has held more than its share of trials and tribulations. My own injuries, illnesses & allergic reactions were the least of them. The saddest and most difficult to bear was the illness and subsequent loss of Mike's mother, our beloved "Grandma Ruby", on August 13th. In her honor, I share these lovely images of storybook homes and gardens that evoke her memory. Please pray for the repose of her sweet soul.

Sending love, good thoughts and gratitude to you all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Images: Vintage Rose Garden

Frugal Luxuries: Farm~Stand Bounty

2010-08-09T17:02:00.011-07:00

Farm stand bounty...

a quintessential frugal luxury!

We've been visiting Al's farm stand for well over a decade.

I'm still in awe at the creative way he uses newspaper (above) to envelope the strawberries...keeping them safe during their journey home (he added a trio of stemmed strawberries as a present :).

We hope you are enjoying all the frugal luxuries available during this bountiful farm~stand season!

Sending good thoughts and love to all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

~~~~~~

We always stock up on the fresh Roma tomatoes (above, right) whenever they're in season (and so well priced...at five for a dollar!).
If you'd like to learn a VERY SIMPLE SECRET for freezing these fresh tomatoes for future use just click HERE.

Frugal Luxuries...Found

2010-07-21T10:43:00.001-07:00

i'm finding images of frugal luxury all over bloglandia these days...

pops of pretty pink...in a simple white room

an ordinary powder room is transformed into a jewel box with the simple additions of few special mirrors and fresh flowers from the garden...

cupboards brimming with lovely...useful...mismatched china...thrifted...of course

pretty vintage linens and fabric remnants...gently washed and hung to dry in the afternoon breeze...waiting to be folded and put away for future projects...

...perhaps to stock the Gift Pantry tm with pretty bags and aprons like these

...or pillows for bringing a bit of summer color to a simple white room?

Once these joyful tasks are finished it's time to create a relaxing spot for summer sleeps...outdoors...under sunlight...and starshine...

~~~~~~

I discovered these lovely images on the enchanting blog of Selina Lake. Selina is a London stylist with many gorgeous books to her credit...please take a peak at her blog. I have a hunch you will get lost in it...as I did and do!

Love and good thoughts to all.

Warmly,

Tracey

x0x

Images: Source

Homespun Alchemy tm : Create Your Own Vertical Garden

2010-07-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

wonders never cease at Terrain...

this reclaimed pine frame serves as an enchanted herb garden cum wall art: the frame above is planted with rosemary...mint...sage...basil...thyme and fennel

the steel and aluminum frame above is planted with heart fern...plumosa fern...scotch moss...club moss

the woolly pockets above are wonderful for planting vegetables and herbs outdoors and...when the weather grows cold...simply bring the woolly pocket indoors and enjoy a year~round herb garden!

~~~~~~

If you're not yet familiar with Terrain at Styers you're in for a treat! Their online catalog practically bulges with inspiration. I confess to have gotten lost in it...far too many times!

The images above are a perfect example of its enchantment...and while you can simplify your wall garden planting by purchasing these cleverly useful frames...I'm sure you...my creative kindred spirits...will be conjuring up your own, homespun variations of similarly styled earthly delights!

If you'd like to see more visit Terrain !

Love and good thoughts to all!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Images: Source

Soothing...Serenity...of...White

2010-07-06T10:56:00.001-07:00

While relaxing at my father's house this weekend I discovered the serene and inspiring photography of Christine Bauer...and...of course...I couldn't keep all this loveliness to myself! If you'd like to see more visit HERE !

Love and good thoughts from...

Tracey and Family

x0x

Images:Source

Summer Roses...a Pictorial Bouquet for You....and You...and You...

2010-07-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

These are images I've curated onto my Pinterest files...I thought you might enjoy browsing through them as much as I do...as you relax and enjoy a lovely and safe fourth of July holiday weekend.

Sending Love...good thoughts...prayers...blessings to all of you and for our beloved nation...its people...lands...seas...and creatures.

Tracey and Family

x0x

Home Graces...Still Culling Inspiration

2010-06-27T16:51:00.001-07:00

soothing...timeless...blue and white

Image Source: Pinterest

Culling Ideas and Inspiration...

2010-06-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

The early~summer cleaning/de~cluttering/redecorating bugs have bitten me and the old saying..."once begun is half done"...is proving itself to be true! I've been working non stop. What keeps me going are looking forward to little breaks every few hours where I enjoy a glass of tea and allow myself to check emails and browse online to cull inspiration for my current and potential projects. The happy news is that I have been discovering some wonderful resources as well as treasure troves of ideas that not only charm but serve to keep me motivated (i.e. moving:)! The above images are from yet another or my delightful discoveries... a company called Bella Notte Linens. Enchanting...is the word that comes immediately to mind when browsing this lovely site...hope you enjoy it too!

I'm off now...to continue in my quest to create a bit of "Order from Chaos"...more soon my very kind friends!!!

Love and good thoughts from Tracey x0x.

Source

Small Wonders...

2010-06-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

Eco friendly...often sustainable...
these small homes are a wonder to behold!

Tree house home: Ada and Darcy

Shipping container home.

Paul Elkin's cycle home.

Tiny Texas Houses made from recycled materials.

Nano Living Home

Twelve Cubed mini home.

Source: Images 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Mother Nature Network

Lemon ginger jam

2010-06-23T21:35:00.001-07:00

Lemon ginger jam
Originally uploaded by Studer T.V.

Hello dear souls...I found these wonderful food photos on flickr...spent way too much time browsing through them...but had to share! The cheesecloth is charming...now I'm off to find a recipe!

Love and good thoughts.

Warmly,
Tracey

Frugal Luxuries tm : a Paper Curtain

2010-06-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

use as a room divider or curtain...

use pieces to gently drape a lamp (cuts easily with scissors)...

soften a sofa (much nicer than the paper covered lounge a the doctor's office)...

or create some wearable paper art!

So much frugal luxury from a $30 paper curtain...

found it at MollaSpace !

All images MollaSpace.

Homespun Alchemy™ : Easy Ways to Up~Cycle Worn Vintage Silver

2010-06-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Top two images from Daisy Chestnut on Etsy

Bottom image: Frugal Luxuries 2008

Do you remember these spoons from a few years ago? (Idea by way of Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons, Bantam, 2000.) Vintage silverware was easily turned into ornaments and used to adorn the house for the holidays. (The plate had worn off almost entirely...thus the gold spray paint.) Imagine my happy surprise when this morning... while browsing through the ever inspiring Etsy...I happened upon a kindred soul...Daisy Chestnut...who put her own clever spin on this basic concept!! You can see a few of her ideas above but there are lots more images of her creative ways to up~cycle and re~purpose old silver wares here!

Please enjoy a lovely Monday my kind friends. more soon.

Love and good thoughts from...Tracey and family

x0x

Order from Chaos tm : Vintage threads stored in glass jars

2010-06-18T15:19:00.001-07:00

Vintage threads stored in glass jars
Originally uploaded by freudianslipsvintage

...found another kindred soul on flickr and thought you'd enjoy meeting her too!

sending love and good thoughts to all!

warmly,
Tracey and Family
x0x

Earthly Delights: Turquoise bird cages...vine covered shacks and sheds...

2010-06-17T13:41:00.001-07:00

The girls and I were enjoying some verdant visual inspiration from our local nursery and thought we'd share a bit of it with you! I have several more lovely images but Google is being so frustrating...it's giving me a very hard time as I try to upload images. It took me three tries to get these up! I will try later to finish uploading...more soon my kind friends!!!

Love and good thoughts from Tracey and Family

x0x

Edible Delights: Tea Cup Cakes...

2010-06-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

I found this charming idea and delicious recipe (it combines Chocolate and tahini to make a delicious gooey cake) at one of my favorite food sites...La Tartine Gourmande

Please let us know if you enjoy it as much as we do!

Love and good thoughts from...

Tracey and Family

x0x

Molten chocolate cake with tahini and millet
(Makes three cakes baked in tea cups)
You need:
2 extra large eggs
 75 g dark chocolate (70 % cocoa contents)
2 heaped tablespoons tahini (i.e. sesame seed/nut butter) (40 g)
 1/4 cup light Muscovado sugar (30 g)
1 tablespoon millet flour
3 small pieces of milk chocolate
 Pinch of sea salt
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 450F and butter 3 tea cups (of course, you can use other ramekins and dishes you prefer); set aside.
Place the chocolate and nut butter in a bowl and place it over a pot of simmering water. Cook until melted.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Beat until pale and light in color, and the volume of the batter has doubled. 
Fold in gently the millet flour and then chocolate. Divide the batter between the cups (keep 1/3 of the batter). Add pieces of dark, milk or white chocolate and cover with the rest of the batter. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The less time you bake the cakes the more gooey the center will be.

Note from Tracey regarding alternative, simpler, recipe options:  I know, I know, some of these ingredients are a little exotic and may be a bit hard to find. We make this as a gluten free treat and find the specialty ingredients at Whole Foods.  However, if you aren't in the mood to hunt them down, yet LOVE the idea of Tea Cup Cakes (as am I :) you may easily substitute an ordinary cake mix instead...just keep in mind that you'll need about six to eight cups and the cake won't be near as moist.  Another option is to use a brownie recipe or mix as this would make their texture and richness nearer to that of the original recipe.

Warmly,


Tracey  x0x



Image Source

Homespun Alchemy™ alert

2010-06-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

Enchanting Idea from Burgon & Ball: dressing~up grow bags.

Image: Burgon & Ball

I love the ease and the idea of grow bags (see the inset photo) but let's face it, they just are not pretty.  Happily, I was browsing online and discovered this clever solution from the creative souls over at the UK company of  Burgon & Ball and couldn't wait to share it with you!  These woven potting~soil~bag~cover~ups are enchanting and fairly priced at 4.95 (British pounds).  Sadly, the 18.95 (British pounds) overseas shipping charge inflates their cost incredibly. (I'm not quite sure if they even ship to the U.S.)

That being said, the concept itself could be quite easily adapted by artful do~it~yourself~ers like those of us practicing the frugal luxuries philosophy! I immediately thought of a weathered, bamboo roller shade that I'll use to create my own version of this useful and charming idea. You can be sure I'll be keeping your posted.  What do you have on hand that might work?!!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.  More soon my kind friends.

Love and good thoughts from...

Tracey and Family.

x0x

farm~stand season...a frugal luxury

2010-06-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

Keep garden herbs in the refrigerator to add a pretty surprise and extend their freshness.

Frugal luxury

...fresh farm~stand fare

"Keep herbs fresh for two weeks, or longer, by placing them (in bunches) in a water filled glass or jar and refrigerate them (add water as needed). I keep mine in miniature clear~glass milk bottles that I discovered in a Wisconsin junk store years ago. These are lovely looking and the perfect size for this task. To use the herbs simply snip what you need....from the bunch and return to your refrigerator."

EXCERPT ABOVE FROM: Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons; written by Tracey McBride; published by Bantam Books, NY, 2000.

~~~~~~

Hello kind souls...we've been busy helping my dad (raiding all his local farm~stands) and preparing for Rosie's upcoming graduation from high school this month! I've been thinking good thoughts towards you all and have some fun posts in the making! More soon.

Good thoughts and love to all.

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

frugal chariots...book winner...summer reading lists

2010-06-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

"How frugal the chariot the bears the human soul."

~~emily dickenson

c'est la vie home

Please send your good thoughts and congratulations to the lovely Brenda from the inspiring "Coffee Tea Books and Me" blog!!!

Her name was chosen as this month's book winner.

If you've only just started visiting, we offer a book give~away each month (please see sidebar for details). To enter, you need only leave a comment!

~~~~~~

Oh! Last night as I was writing my list for today's potential accomplishments (keyword "potential") I also began jotting a rough summer reading list! I'm including a few re~reads as well, I think Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" is about enough to count as three or four. I'll also be raiding Brenda's list and read some new (to me) fiction...and also watch some of those British mysteries she mentions (thanks Brenda)!!! If you have any favorite reads or movies to recommend for my list they are more than warmly welcome!

I'm off now to start dinner for the beloveds.

More soon my kind friends.

Love and good thoughts from Tracey and Family.

x0x

Blessings Among the Banes: Forced~Tech~Hiatus

2010-05-29T08:24:00.001-07:00

Source: Etsy.com

Hello my kind friends! I wanted to check in and let you know that my blog has been quiet for these past days due to technical difficulties, i.e., my computer was on the blink!! At first the problem was intermittent...working fine then, unexpectedly, the entire computer would shut down/turn off. The next day it started up again and worked well for a short while then...shut off again! (So frustrating, especially when you are in the middle of uploading something! Happily, it's still under warranty.:) After a visit to the tech doctor, and a nice vacation from me, it's feeling much better and back home where it belongs!!!

I'm looking forward to catching up on all your lovely blogs and...hopefully...posting soon on a few "Order from Chaos" projects I took care of while on my forced~tech~hiatus! This was the up~side of a frustrating situation. :)

Wishing a happy and safe holiday weekend to all!

Good thoughts and love from...

Tracey and Family

x0x

a Magic Box...Egg {Cartons} of Creation...more HomeSpun Alchemy™

2010-05-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

Each year...

when seed~starting time begins...

we're faced with the puzzle of where to place them. This year...that problem was blissfully solved in a creative and frugal way...by the simple act of re~purposing one (of three) glass and wood display boxes...all were found at an estate sale for only a few dollars each!

Using a small amount of elbow grease, paint and time it was transformed into an enchantingly useful miniature green house...

a grow box...

an atrium~like magic environment that allowed those tiny little seeds room...light...and love enough to sprout and grow!

~~~~~~

Here's how simple it was.

1.We washed the boxes with a damp cloth of vinegar and water.

2. Next we taped off the glass areas for easier clean~up then we...painted!

3. Once dry...it was lined with brown paper (from a Trader Joe's bag) and our young seedlings were set inside. The box was then set atop a small, south~facing table in our nook! FYI: We used an existing hinge on the arm to keep the lid propped open, thus ensuring proper air circulation (to avoid the development of mold).

Hint: A thrifted, stainless creamer was the perfect solution for making watering our seedlings simple and efficient.

Practical Magic...

and Earthly Delights Sprouting from Recycled Egg Cartons!

I'm always amazed at the ABUNDANCE of

 Mundane Miracles and Frugal Luxuries we are offered daily...

if we but look !!!

Hope you're enjoying the gifts found in the mundane miracles of spring...and life!

Sending good thoughts and love to you all!!!

Warmly,

Tracey and Family

x0x

Naked Umbrellas and Magic Beanstalks!

2010-05-10T07:37:00.001-07:00

Source

A Re~Used Umbrella Frame Transforms Into a...

Charming Garden Bean~Trellis!

Our friend Cindy McNatt at Dirt du Jour is constantly uncovering clever and unique ways to create a frugally luxurious garden! Her most recent find is this ultra creative bean~trellis from a discarded umbrella frame. To find out more click HERE !

More...Order from Chaos™

2010-05-07T10:49:00.001-07:00

Our ongoing quest to create Order from Chaos seems to be never ending! Here is a peek of some of the creative ways we're trying to organize our treasures using what we have on hand.

Images 1 and 2: Re~Purposed Vintage Baskets hold cherished bits of ribbon and lace.

Image 3: Vintage reproduction HAT STAND is transformed into a charming ribbon organizer! (Thanks to my kind friend...Cindy Villareal...for sharing this creatively useful idea with me many years ago!)

We're off now, to work on making some sense of the vintage silver plate we have cluttering about! Have a lovely weekend and a very happy Mother's Day to all of you who nurture offspring of one kind or another!

Love and good thoughts from,
Tracey and Family
x0x

P.S. Any "use what you have" organizing suggestions and/or inspirations are always warmly welcome and...of course...sorely needed!

This Month's Winner Is . . . !

2010-05-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

First...

please accept an enormous

Thank You

along with our warm appreciation for joining in our band of kindred spirits and playing our giveaway games!!! (Another will be posted in a few days!)

Secondly...

we send our warmest Congratulations out to...

Clarice...from Storybook Woods!!!

Her name was chosen as the winner of this month's give~away!

~~~~~~

As promised, here are a few more images captured at our friend LeAnna's wedding shower last Saturday!

This simple cup and saucer was transformed into

a charming bird feeder for the garden! (Above.) Paula's small, raised~bed garden shows us that it doesn't take much space to grow vegetables in your own back yard. This little blue treasure is growing corn, zucchini, tomatoes and more! (Below.)

(That's my darlin' Katie hovering in the background!)