Natural Homemade Living

Covered Turntable  Covered Tray Here's a quick project that can be done in less than ten minutes for under $10.  I found this adhesive backed contact paper at Target for about $6 for a large roll, and couldn't resist.  I see this pattern everywhere lately on pillows, fabric, wallpaper, etc. So I came home and went a little crazy with it. I found an old tray and a turntable that I use in our kitchen for serving, so I covered them both.  It sticks to just about any surface but can also be removed easily...thankfully!  (I had gotten a little carried away so I had to remove it from a few things!)  If you don't want to paint but need a new look, this is a quick, low cost way to change just about anything! ~Simply Angie

Pancakes are pretty much a staple at our house on the weekends and even some weeknights if we need a quick and easy meal.  If you don't have time to make them from scratch (see Tammi's earlier post  for Homemade or Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes), this is a basic pancake mix that can be stored and made as you need them... and is so much tastier than the box mixes! Here's what you need for the mix: 9 c. flour 1 c. powdered milk 1c. sugar 4 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 c baking powder In a large bowl or container with a lid, mix all together, shake well and store.  This will make several batches. To make pancakes: use 1 c. mix 1 egg 3/4 c. water (you can add more depending how thick or thin you want your pancakes) 1 1/2 T. oil Makes about 10 pancakes, depending how big your pancakes are.  I usually double it and freeze some, then reheat them in the toaster. I make it the same way for waffles, except I use my waffle iron instead of a griddle.  It's so nice to ha...

A quick organizing project was on the list before I started my baking for the week. I'm just weird like that, I can't work in the kitchen if I'm not organized. What works best for me when I am organizing is to keep like objects together and the items I use the most frequently are the items easiest to access. A few months ago when I decluttered and organized my kitchen, that was my starting point. Once you make the initial time investment, it is easy to stay organized, not too mention the time you'll save every week! Just think of what you could do with some extra time on your hands! About once a month, I spend 30 minutes or less to touch up all of the kitchen cabinets. I also have to change my cabinets depending on the time of year. When I am canning or making preserves, I change things around so they are handy. Here are a few more ideas include these Simply Kitchen Organizing Tips , Simply Organizing Pans and Lids , Simply Organize Kitchen Bowls Lids . You can find ...

My sister, Angie and I are definitely on the same decorating path right now. For me I love the warm weather and want to take care of my inside "stuff" so I can spend more time in the garden and outside this summer! I especially like a clean look around my fireplace and you might know already that I love love love simple and shabby chic. I found most of my items around the house to put my mantel together because who really needs more stuff?    I started my project with my shabby chic ottoman (previously posted) and I recovered an old, very cool chair for $1 from fabric I found at the thrift store. I know Nate Berkus would be proud of me because my chair is the bright color that pops in the room! My friend, Jill had given my a birdhouse so I painted it a cream color (acrylic paint) and placed it on top of a candleholder that was headed for my garage sale (I painted that with the same cream color paint), draped some old vintage pearls on the candleholder and wrapped a v...

Once again I have started another project. This time it was in my kitchen.  I had one cupboard that always seemed a little awkward to get into and frankly, my kitchen needed a little updating.  Since new countertops and floors aren't in the budget right now, I needed something cheap that was quick and easy to do.  I removed the doors and painted the back wall. I filled the holes and covered the screws with putty.  I used Acrylic paint (the kind that comes in small plastic bottles, sold at craft stores, Wal-Mart, and most discount stores). I couldn't find exactly the right color so I mixed a Tuscan Red with Burnt Siene.  I call it Reddish-Brown!  This project took less than a day and changed the look of my kitchen for about $3.00!  The nice thing about this project, paint is cheap and the cupboard doors can always be put back on if you decide you don't like the look. ~Simply Angie

The warm days remind me of summer, fresh fruit and produce. I decided I would make some fresh peach jam, no canning involved! I am making a small batch to test the recipe. It turned out great! I was happy because I wanted something different to add to my yogurt but my husband wants to use his on ice cream! I used the recipe from the freshpreserving.com . Ingredients : 1 2/3 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pit removed, and chopped (I used frozen Colorado peaches from last summer and I thawed them out first) 2/3 cups white sugar 2 T instant pectin 1 T lemon juice, the directions said bottled lemon juice but I used 1 T from a fresh lemon Stir in chopped peaches, sugar and lemon juice in bowl and let stand 10 minutes. Add pectin gradually, stirring to prevent clumping. Stir 3 minutes.  Ladle jam into clean freezer jars, let stand 30 minutes then  refrigerate or freeze. I used Ball plastic freezer jars, leave 1/2 inch headspace to allow for expansion during freezing. Refrige...

As the weather gets nicer, the more I want to clean out and get things organized. My project a couple weekends ago was to clean out my linen closet.  Did you ever notice that when you start a project like that, you end up involving other areas of the house and closets you weren't originally planning on cleaning out? So what started as cleaning out one closet quickly turned into two. The top picture is my medicine, storage closet. I keep extra bathroom and cleaning supplies here too. The bottom picture is my linen closet. I keep things in storage bags that I don't use often. I have one labeled for guest bedding so when we have company I don't have to go searching for extra bedding and blankets.   Everyone has different spaces and storage needs so I put together a few general organizing tips: De-clutter- I know everyone is probably sick and tired of hearing this, but this is the hard part.  You really have to think of the space you have and what you can realistica...

Does everyone have a junk drawer in their kitchen or is it just me? I'm on a mission to keep the drawer clean - no more junk! The new goal is the junk drawer is not for junk! My purpose for the drawer is items that I want to keep handy because I use them almost every day. Keeping this in mind during the organizing process made it simple and quick. So if you have an extra 30 minutes today, face your junk drawer and organize organize organize! Items in the new drawer : Pencils, Pens Sharpies Permanent markers Label Maker Calculator Scissors Tape Tape Measure To Do List paper My favorite screwdriver Candle wick cutter Hammer Glue stick Love and peace, ~ Simply Tammi

The project that has been looming in my mind for over a year - the shabby chic ottoman. I love love love shabby chic, it's the style that fits me best. Over a year ago I found the most awesome table at one of our local thrift stores for $10. The problem was that it didn't have a top. My husband said he could make a top, well...that just didn't happen. So I finally took it upon myself (and my son-in-law) to start the transformation. I spent many hours shopping yesterday for the perfect material and couldn't really find the perfect material. But then my mom and sister saved the project. My mom had a bedspread that belonged to my sister, the bedspread was headed for the thrift store donation pile until it landed with me. The colors are perfect, the material is quilted, and now I have a shabby chic ottoman. There were so many sites for this project but I wrote my own with the fewest steps possible, also I wanted it to be as inexpensive as possible. This is my supply list:...

This is one of my husband's favorites and it's perfect for a cold, rainy day! It's easy to make and really, really delicious! I used beef rather than veal or lamb but you can choose your favorite meat. Ingredients : 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into small chunks (I use a beef roast - it's cheaper that way) 4 T olive oil (you can use any oil) 1/4 cup white rice flour (this also makes it gluten free) Coarse ground salt and pepper to taste 2 cups stock or broth (you can use chicken or beef) 1 chopped onion, small 2 shallots, chopped 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 4 stalks chopped celery 4 large carrots, sliced 1 T thyme 1 tsp rosemary 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes (you can used canned tomatoes if you want) You can make this in a crock pot but I like to use a large dutch oven pan for mine.  Heat oil in a skillet or the dutch oven pan. Using a gallon size baggie, pour the flour with some salt and pepper into the baggie and place the cut meat in th...

On an earlier blog I posted a similar idea for decorating a wall in my daughters room.  I wanted to show how this idea can be used in other spaces. I am always decorating and moving things around in my house but I always have a hard time finding just the right thing for my fireplace mantel. I have several pictures around the room and because the fireplace is the focal point of the room, I wanted something a little bit different.  I used jute because it goes with the decor of the room. You can use what you have, like yarn, string, rope, etc. I used tacks to hold it up on each side of the fireplace. Look around your house for unusual items, pictures, postcards, etc. to display.  I had a bonnet from my Grandma, a baby shirt that was my Grandpa's, a letter someone wrote and some family pictures. This is a good way to get those family heirlooms out of a closet or drawer and use them for a display. It can be changed seasonally or updated as often as you like. ...

My cupcake baking days have arrived! I am baking more than 200 cupcakes for our upcoming graduation party and only the best tasting cupcakes will be chosen! So if you have a great cupcake recipe please share it! I am making chocolate cupcakes (previously posted) because it is our favorite, really moist and oh so chocolately! Today I made lemon cupcakes and I have a feeling, upon the approval of the graduating princess, these will be chosen. I personally loved loved loved them; they are moist, not too tart but still taste like lemon with a hint of buttery goodness! Ingredients: 1 cup butter, room temperature 2 cups white sugar 3 eggs 2 tsp lemon zest 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 1/2 cups all purpose unbleached flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp sea salt 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (I used our homemade yogurt previously posted) I used my stand mixer and combined the butter and white sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the lemon zest, and vanill...

I made these donuts this weekend and they were delicious, but best eaten the same day. The original recipe is from homejoys.blogspot.com Here's the recipe: 2 T yeast 1/4 c warm water Dissolve the yeast in warm water 1 1/2 c warm milk 1/3 c butter Add milk and softened butter and stir for one minute 1/2 c sugar 2 eggs 1 t salt 1 t nutmeg (I didn't use this) 1/4 t cinnamon Add all ingredients together with above and beat on low speed until smooth 4 1/2 -5 c flour Stir in flour to form a soft dough. Do not knead. Cover and let rise in a warm place for one hour. Punch down turn onto a floured surface and roll 1/2 inch thick. Cut donuts and place on greased baking sheet, let rise until doubled. Bake 350 degrees about 12 minutes. This makes between 10-14 donuts. Glaze while warm with powdered sugar glaze.   The glaze : 3 c powdered sugar  about 1/2 can evaporated milk and a couple tablespoons softened butter. I dipped the donuts...

I heard the other day that the price of Vanilla Beans will be going up so if you haven't made your own vanilla extract before, now is the time!  It's easy and also makes a great gift. What you need: 16 ounce clean glass jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid 16 ounces of vodka 5 vanilla beans Using a sharp knife, slice the vanilla beans open lengthwise to expose the seeds. Put the beans in a jar or bottle and pour in the vodka. Close it, shake the jar a few times and place in a cool dark place.  Let it rest there for 6-8 weeks and shake once or twice a week.  It will get darker over time.  (this batch has been sitting about 4 weeks) Use just as you would the vanilla extract you buy at the store. When you start getting low, add more vodka and shake. Also, whenever you use a vanilla bean, toss it in the jar after you use it.  This will last a long time and should keep forever. ~Simply Angie

Shredded Chicken Sandwiches During the week our evenings can get pretty busy, so I like meals that I can make up ahead of time. Here is an easy chicken recipe that can be made ahead and served two different ways. What you need for meal 1: Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Chicken (whatever is on sale or what you like), I used chicken with the bones and skin on. I like to cook it in my crock pot that way for the extra flavor and then take out the bones and skin after it's cooked. So for this recipe I used half a chicken. I have also made it using about 4-5 chicken breasts and thighs. 3-4 cups chicken stock or water 1/2 onion sliced Seasonings: salt, pepper, celery salt, garlic and a bay leaf (whatever you like) Buns I put my seasoned chicken and about 2 c of water, onion and my bay leaf in the crock pot on high about 4 hours (you may have to adjust this depending on your chicken and crock-pot). I always thaw my chicken first. After it's cooked I take the chicken out a...

Decorating with Your Favorite Photos This is hanging in my daughter's room displaying some of her favorite pictures.  She used jute and pinned each end with a thumbtack, then hung the pictures from it with wooden clothes pins.  It hangs across one wall of her room, but could be used anywhere to display artwork or photos. ~Simply Angie

 As I was getting ready for Easter, I was looking around my house for something a little more "Springy" to put out. I had some glasses and dessert cups that used to be a set...until I broke a couple of them! I didn't want to get rid of them so I decided to make a couple of platters by turning the glasses over and setting plates on top. I was just using them to decorate so I didn't glue them together but if you want to use them for serving, they should be glued.  I used shredded paper and some eggs to make the nests.  Happy Spring Decorating! ~Simply Angie   

If you are looking for a simple, inexpensive DIY project this one is for you! I saw this project on the Nate Berkus Show, by Destiny at A Place for Us Blog and I loved it! She was on the House Proud segment (one of my favorites) and I loved her house and clever ideas. These decorative flowers are made from paper (lunch) bags! She used them as adorable decorations around a fake fireplace. I loved the idea but I was nervous surrounding my real fireplace with paper. So I decided to use mine in the doorway between my kitchen and hallway. My husband noticed them right away (which is unusual) but he thought I bought them! He didn't believe they were paper bags until I showed him (I always like that part)! I think these are a cute idea for party decorations so I am making more using lunch bags in the school colors for our upcoming graduation! Supplies and Instructions : Brown paper bags (lunch bags) Scissors Glue Stick * Decoration for inside of flo...

I'm so excited for Easter! I love holidays because it brings us to a day filled with the blessings of life and love, faith, family, laughter, and of course homemade food! So today is my planning day and I am preparing some of my make ahead items. Today I am making homemade buns, fresh fruit salad, pies, yogurt, and cheesy potatoes. I have reinvented my cheesy potatoes away from the canned soup and sour cream and made them gluten free and still yummy ! You can make them and reheat them in the oven or crock pot if you want. Then on Easter morning, I will only have to bake my ham and sweet potatoes, green beans, and put my deviled eggs together. If I minimize my kitchen time it means more time for the important stuff like spending time with my family! Ingredients : 10 cups frozen, shredded hash browns 2 cups chicken broth or chicken stock (I used gluten-free) 1 cup plain yogurt (I used homemade but you can use your favorite) 1/4 cup melted butter 2 cups shredded cheese (I used...

So I may be teetering on the edge a little but I have to share anyway! I'm planning our Easter family dinner which is no easy task. We have a variety of diets; vegan, gluten-free, organic, "mostly" healthy, and then there are the husbands that request the "give me everything" menu. So I must plan! I still refuse to buy anything in a can and my vegetables and fruit from last summer are almost gone, looks like I miscalculated. Before I get into the planning process too deep, I realized I was out of snacks. This is a bad thing for me so I decided I would try a new recipe for healthy granola bar snacks that you could also use for granola cereal. The original recipe is adapted from Anson Mills, but like always, I had to change it for my taste. This is super simple to put together, its healthy, and it is so delish! Ingredients : 3 1/2 cups steel cut oats 1/2 cups rolled oats 1 cup raw sliced almonds 1 cup raw sunflower seeds * Use your favorite nuts such as...

For many years I've made cornbread from a box but recently I've been experimenting with some different recipes. I didn't like any of them for various reasons (too dry, not sweet enough) so I came up with my own. And you know how it goes around here, if my taste testers like it, you get to see it! Ingredients : 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup all purpose unbleached flour 1 T baking powder 1 tsp sea salt 1/3 cup honey 1/2 cup milk (I used 1%) 1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used homemade yogurt with thick, Greek style texture) 1 egg 1/2 stick butter, melted Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl, add liquid ingredients and stir until mixed but don't stir too much. Pour into a 8x8 greased pan and bake at 375F for about 27-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick - if it comes out clean it's done! Cool on a cooling rack for about 15 minutes. Serve while warm, cut into 9 squares and serve. My husband cuts his piece(s) in half, puts a little butter on them and pours warm maple...

Lately I have been trying out different salad dressing recipes. When I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I had to try it. The original recipe comes from thecountrycook.net . Here's what you need: 1 Packet Good Seasonings Italian Dressing (you will need oil, water, vinegar) Make the dressing according to the directions on the back of the package, then pour into a pint jar or  bowl. (I like to make mine in the jar, it's less clean up and you just shake it to mix). Then to that add: 1/2 tsp. dried Italian Seasoning 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 T mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip) 1/4 c olive oil 2 T white vinegar 1 1/2 T water Give it all a good shake or whisk until combined. This would make a great pasta salad, use on lettuce, a dip for veggies, or anything else you can think of! Store up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. Shake well before using. ~Simply Angie 

We rarely go out to eat and never fast food partially because of the prices (thank you Dave Ramsey) and mostly because I'd rather cook myself so I know exactly what we're eating. I must admit as I walk past the Chinese food section at our local grocery store, my eyes are always drawn to my favorites; sweet and sour chicken, orange chicken, and sesame chicken. So I just stand there for a minute, enjoy the aroma and then keep walking. Last night I experimented with a recipe for sweet and sour chicken, I made it gluten free, and it was simply yummy-licious! Ingredients: 3-4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (I used chicken tenderloins about 8 strips) 1 cup cornstarch 2 eggs beaten 1/4 cup oil (I used peanut oil but you could use canola or the oil of your choice) Sauce : 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup brown sugar (loosely packed) 1/4 cup white sugar (I used organic cane sugar) 4 T ketchup (I used a gluten free brand) 1/3 cup vinegar (I used white vinegar) 1 T soy sauce (I used...