Market Gras: U-Relish Pinto Gumbo

Available through http://www.farmersmarket.com....  Hoosier Style with Sweet corn, tomato and Pinto beans with ample amounts of Gumbo file balance with the jalapeno pepper.   Red Beans and rice is so nice in the slow cooker.  This smoky not spicy flavor gives a Midwestern twist to the dish.  Also available at http://www.farmersmarket.com is Smoked Cajun lentils.

Apothecara: Thyme to relax

On a damp January day, the smell of lavender and calendula fills my home.  Ready to reclaim the mason jars, I was determined to fill the sachets with my home grown lavender and calendula. Recipe: 2 Tablespoons of Epsom Salt 1 Tablespoon Lavender Blossom 1 Tablespoon Calendula Keep the tub clean and use linen drawstring sachets  

Sorting the Seeds of Sunday

Garlic is in the ground as I begin to plan for the 2017 farming. Collecting seed from last years harvest, purchasing some new like Feverfew seeds all in anticipation of the first direct sow of snow peas on Saint Patrick's Day or March 17th. I collect seeds like playing cards with the common theme in…

Cara fully prepared: a Befana Day Pull Along

When I threw down my broom on Befana day, I squeezed in some time for a new Shower Pull Along in honor of the wise woman who followed the star.  In the legend, Befana was the housekeeper to the wise men as they traveled to the Star of Bethlehem on Epiphany. In the Befana spirit…

Softening Christmas

Seek the heartwarming moments of simple suppers.  How often we worry about the decorations inside and out as we anticipate the arrival of guests we have to impress, only to discover that the love manifested by smell creates a magic mist that gilds everything far more than any tinsel or bow.  

A Frugal and Fun Taekwondo Christmas

This season is different, still magical but in a new way.  The martial arts have become a daily practice and a way of life.   The opportunity cost of this choice is to tighten the belt on Christmas.  Video with walk thru forms instead of a fresh pine tree as an example.  Utilizing the Iron Fan rather than buying a…

Holiday Loungewear: Frump free, frugal fashion over forty

Don't be bedazzled by the fuss of the holiday season.  After you have your evening attire for the special occasion it is time to throw away the sweatpants and upgrade your loungewear. Sweater dresses, fleece leggings and flyaway sweater make wash and wear fashion affordable and frump free. Staying in one color theme with graphic…

Apres Ski: The Bunny Slope Edition of Frumpy Free Frugal Fashion over Forty

In my effort to add more tactical pants to my wardrobe, I have discovered the fashion of Apres Ski.  Sweaters, faux fur and feather snowflakes are the star of the show. Staying in a budget of $30 for this frugal yet fashionable look.   The persimmons say there will be snow to shovel and I…